Corrections Officer Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking
RICHLAND, Wash.– United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Leticia Rodriguez,44, to 60 months in federal prison after her guilty plea to Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine, 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl, and 5 Kilograms or More of Cocaine. Rodriguez also will serve 5 years of federal supervision after she is released from federal custody.
According to information disclosed in court documents and proceedings, Rodriguez was part of a large drug trafficking organization that involved a legitimate landscaping business to cover up the organizations drug trafficking activities. Investigators developed information that Rodriguez would act a courier for cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine as well large amounts of money between Eastern Washington, Arizona and California. She was arrested at the Walla Walla State Penitentiary, where she worked as a corrections officer.
“This case demonstrates how corrosive drug trafficking, and specifically fentanyl, has become in society. This makes DEA and our federal, state and local partners’ obligation to confront its corrupting influence on our communities even more vital,” said Ronald A. Deist, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DEA Spokane District Office.
Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, stated, “Ms. Rodriguez violated the trust of the public she had been sworn to serve. Her criminal conduct undermines the respect many of our law enforcement officials earn on a day-today basis. Our community must remain confident that no one is above the law.”
This case was investigated by the DEA Drug Task Force, USCBP, Walla Walla Federal Penitentiary, Walla Walla Police Department, Metro Drug Task Force, and the Milton-Freewater Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.
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