SPOKANE — Jaime Alberta Garza, 52, of Othello has been sentenced after pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distributed fentanyl. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 78 months – about six and a half years – in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, according to a press release from the office of Vanessa Waldref, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

“Mr. Garza was trafficking a large amount of deadly fentanyl and other illegal narcotics in this small community. By partnering with state law enforcement, we were able to apprehend a dangerous and habitual offender, successfully pursue federal charges, and help make that community safer and stronger today,” said Waldref.

According to court documents and information provided at sentencing, in October of 2022, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office received information that Garza was distributing large amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Othello. A short time later, a search warrant was executed at Garza’s trailer. Law enforcement siezed approximately 5,000 fentanyl pills, several ounces of methamphetamine, digital scales, two firearms and ammunition. 

Law enforcement arrested Garza during a high-risk vehicle stop and executed a search warrant on his Jeep. Investigators located a loaded Colt .45 firearm that was determined to be stolen, .45 caliber ammunition, 50 fentanyl-laced pills, two plastic bags containing methamphetamine and a bag of marijuana. Garza has criminal history which includes prior acts of violence and drug trafficking offenses.

This case was investigated by The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.

“The Drug Enforcement Administration is committed to confronting fentanyl traffickers wherever they may try to sell their misery and death,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Mr. Garza chose to prey on his small community and this sentence holds him accountable for these actions. We appreciate our partnership with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Attorney as we work together to make our community safer.”