– Drug distribution and money laundering scheme
– Human smuggling and drug distribution scheme.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Tacoma – A 28-year-old man from California has been handed a 66-month prison sentence for his involvement in the distribution of fentanyl, money laundering, and orchestrating the smuggling of individuals across the U.S.-Mexico border. The sentencing, which took place in U.S. District Court in Tacoma, was announced by U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Andre Jackson was described as a significant distributor of narcotics in Kitsap County and Pierce County.
During the sentencing hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo highlighted the dangers associated with drug dealing and human smuggling, stating that Jackson was profiting from vulnerable individuals.
Drug Distribution and Money Laundering
According to court records, Jackson was in communication with a Mexican-based supplier known as “Pacheco.” Under Pacheco’s instructions, Jackson coordinated the transportation of drugs from California to Washington State, as well as the laundering of drug profits back to Mexico. Jackson personally delivered drugs from California to Washington on several occasions. In one instance, he supplied 3500 fentanyl pills to an individual cooperating with law enforcement at the Tacoma Mall. Later the same day, he made a smaller drug delivery to a co-defendant in a Bremerton grocery store parking lot.
An investigation revealed that Jackson wired drug proceeds from various locations in Bremerton and Silverdale, Washington, to individuals in Mexico. Over the course of several months, he used services such as Money Gram, CashApp, and Western Union to send funds to contacts in Mexico.
Human Smuggling
Aside from drug-related activities, law enforcement also uncovered Jackson’s involvement in smuggling non-citizens across the U.S.-Mexican border. Utilising social media platforms, Jackson recruited drivers to transport individuals across the border or pick them up near the border and drive them further north. Several recruited drivers were apprehended by law enforcement with non-citizens in their vehicles.
Jackson was indicted and arrested in November 2022. In February 2024, he pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and conspiracy to transport certain non-citizens for profit. Co-defendants in the case, including Jason Baker, Ashley Chico, and John Irias-Mejia, received sentences ranging from 18 to 61 months.
Prosecution and Sentencing
Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hobbs requested a 6-year prison sentence for Jackson, citing his significant role in the distribution of fentanyl pills and other drugs. Hobbs emphasised the dangers posed by controlled substances, particularly fentanyl, and highlighted Jackson’s direct involvement with the Mexican DTO leader in transporting drugs from California to Washington, distributing them within the state, and sending profits back to Mexico.
The investigation and prosecution of the case were conducted by HSI, with Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hobbs leading the prosecution.
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1. Drug distribution money laundering human smuggling scheme California man sentenced Western District Washington
2. California man sentenced drug distribution money laundering human smuggling Western District Washington.
