A Californian man has been sentenced to over five years in prison following convictions for distributing fentanyl, money laundering, and operating a human smuggling scheme. Andre Jackson, 28, will serve 66 months in federal custody, with subsequent supervised release for four years, according to a statement by U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.
Tacoma's Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo described the crimes during the sentencing, saying that drug dealing is dangerous by nature and noting that, in arranging for people to be smuggled, Jackson was "making money off of vulnerable people." Jackson, based in California, was a significant narcotics distributor in the Kitsap County and Pierce County areas, with one instance reported that he personally delivered 3500 fentanyl pills to an informant working with law enforcement in August of 2021.
Law enforcement's investigations determined Jackson had multiple dealings with a Mexico-based supply source known as “Pacheco.” Conducted from various locations in Washington, Jackson managed drugs and proceeds transfers integral to the illicit operations, moving money through services like Money Gram, CashApp, and Western Union. Caught up wired the drug money, Jackson was observed utilizing numerous public spots across Kitsap and Pierce Counties to carry out transactions.
In addition to narcotics distribution, Jackson also played a part in a wider network facilitating human smuggling across the U.S.-Mexico border. Using social media, he recruited drivers who then smuggled non-citizens into the country, a number of which were ultimately nabbed by authorities.
Jackson's indictment came in November of 2022, with a subsequent guilty plea entered into this February for a slew of conspiracy charges including controlled substance distribution, committing money laundering, and transporting non-citizens for profit. His co-defendants, Jason Baker, Ashley Chico, and John Irias-Mejia received sentences ranging from 18 to 61 months. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hobbs emphasized the severity of Jackson's operations, stating in his sentencing request letter that "Jackson was not just a street dealer or simple courier. He was in direct contact with the DTO leader in Mexico and played a knowing and significant role in transporting drugs from California to Washington, distributing the drugs in this State, and sending the proceeds back to Mexico."
