Two men from Western Washington have been sentenced in U.S. District Court in Seattle for their roles in a drug trafficking group with connections to Mexico, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller.
Jose Rodolfo Aguilar Cortes, 23, of Federal Way, received a five-year prison sentence. Alex Ortiz, 21, of Auburn, was sentenced to 20 months in prison. At Ortiz’s sentencing, U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson stated: “This is a serious offense involving dangerous drugs and a significant number of guns.”
Court records indicate that both individuals were involved with a group distributing large amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine throughout Western Washington. Cortes was indicted after authorities seized 14 kilograms of cocaine on March 24, 2024, in Lewis County. He was identified as one of the drivers transporting drugs from California to the northwest region.
The investigation led to the seizure of about 81 kilograms of methamphetamine, 49 kilograms of fentanyl pills, 15 kilograms of cocaine, and three pounds of marijuana overall. After serving his prison term and four years of supervised release, Cortes—who is a citizen of Mexico—is expected to be deported.
Ortiz operated as the stash house manager for the organization and lived with his cousin who is also facing charges related to this case. He followed instructions regarding drug deliveries and cash transactions within the network. During searches at Ortiz’s residence on May 14, 2024, investigators found approximately $5,920 in cash along with eight firearms and various ammunition and magazines distributed throughout the home. Ortiz will serve five years on supervised release following his prison sentence; Judge Evanson recommended he participate in a residential drug treatment program while incarcerated.
A total of fifteen people have been charged as part of this drug ring; two others have pleaded guilty and received five-year sentences.
The prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at identifying and dismantling major criminal organizations using coordinated efforts among law enforcement agencies nationwide. More information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The investigation included participation from multiple agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI, Seattle Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Oregon State Police, Portland Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles Strike Force Unit, U.S. Customs and Border Protection as well as Centralia Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Casey Conzatti and Elyne Vaught are prosecuting the case.
