A Phoenix man is headed to state prison for six years after pleading guilty to selling fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine, wrapping up a months-long investigation that featured undercover buys and a failed attempt to bolt during a traffic stop.
Guilty plea and sentence
According to KTAR, Cesar Penaloza pleaded guilty to one count of selling or transporting dangerous drugs and one count of selling or transporting narcotic drugs, as outlined by the Arizona Attorney General's Office. A Maricopa County judge sentenced him to six years in state prison, and the plea deal also tacks on financial penalties. Prosecutors said the agreement resolves a state case that focused on multiple bulk sales to a confidential informant.
Prosecutors say he moved drugs in bulk
Prosecutors told the court that Penaloza sold four pounds of methamphetamine to an informant on Aug. 19 and about 0.25 kilograms of cocaine on Sept. 3, the Arizona Attorney General's Office said. He also allegedly agreed to a larger deal that included one kilogram of fentanyl powder, one kilogram of cocaine and 10 pounds of methamphetamine for $39,000.
When officers moved in and stopped his vehicle in October, Penaloza "attempted to flee" by jumping a curb and hitting parked cars before being taken into custody, according to details from prosecutors reported by KTAR.
Attorney general: traffickers are on notice
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has repeatedly said her office is putting fentanyl and meth traffickers at the top of its priority list, warning that "law enforcement is watching." In a recent press release, Mayes added, "My office will keep prosecuting those who transport dangerous drugs into Arizona communities," according to the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
Statewide context
State data show fentanyl and methamphetamine are a leading focus for drug enforcement across Arizona. The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission reports in its 2024 EDGE study that fentanyl and meth have made up a large share of drug-related arrests and prosecutions in recent fiscal years, placing Penaloza's case squarely within a broader statewide push.
Legal note
As part of his sentence, prosecutors say Penaloza was ordered to pay more than $11,700 in restitution and over $12,500 in fines and surcharges. He will serve the six-year term under state statutes covering the sale and transport of dangerous and narcotic drugs, and additional supervised release terms and penalties may be detailed in further court filings.
