Attorney General Kris Mayes has delivered a decisive blow to a drug trafficking network in Pima County, culminating in the sentencing of three individuals connected to the sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Among them, Francisco Abril will face 4.5 years behind bars, with an additional probation period of 3 years. According to the press release by the Arizona Attorney General's Office, Abril's offenses included the acquisition of roughly 16 pounds of methamphetamine for the purpose of selling, running an illegal enterprise, and possession of a firearm that he was prohibited from having due to previous convictions.
In a statement by the Attorney General's Office, Mayes stated, "These sentences serve as a clear message: those who choose to endanger our communities by trafficking dangerous drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine will be held accountable." This crackdown comes after authorities discovered a handgun in the attic space above one of Abril's children's bedrooms, escalating the severity of his crimes due to the endangerment it posed.
Gloria Ortiz and David Rivera also faced the legal repercussions of their involvement. Ortiz, who at times resided in the same home as Abril and their two children, admitted to a charge of endangerment for allowing minors access to a residence with fentanyl pills. She received a probation sentence that starts with intensive probation, spanning a total of 3 years. Rivera, who was spotted purchasing drugs from Abril's home, pled guilty to attempted possession of 600 fentanyl pills and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. On August 13, he was sentenced to 6 months in prison followed by 3 years of probation.
The task of prosecuting this case was in the hands of Assistant Attorney General Sabrina Lochner. With such cases, the aim is not just to punish but to dismantle networks that threaten the collective safety of the community. "The defendants showed a reckless disregard for the safety of children and the community," Mayes asserted in the release, underscoring a steadfast commitment to eradicating the perilous trade of illicit substances across Arizona.
