Auburn and Federal Way men sentenced for drug distribution

The men were part of a drug ring with ties to Mexico.

Two members of a drug trafficking ring with ties to Mexico were sentenced for their roles in bringing drugs to Western Washington.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on Sept. 22, two men were sentenced to federal prison for playing a role in offenses involving drugs and a significant number of guns. According to court documents, the drugs were being supplied by a Mexico-based drug-trafficking organization.

Jose Rodolfo Aguilar-Cortes, 23, of Federal Way, was sentenced to five years in prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. According to his sentencing recommendation, in a letter to the presiding judge, Aguilar-Cortes said that when he is released from prison, he plans to dedicate himself to professional soccer.

In his letter, Aguilar-Cortes stated that he would not dedicate himself to professional soccer for fame, but rather to demonstrate that change is possible. He also said that he wants to advise young people in the community so they do not make the same mistakes he did.

According to the DOJ, following prison, Aguilar-Cortes will likely be deported because he is a citizen of Mexico. Documents state that Aguilar-Cortes’ sentencing range was between 60 and 71 months, but his defense and the prosecution both recommended a 60-month sentence.

Alex Ortiz, 21, of Auburn, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. In his sentence recommendation, Ortiz’s defense asked that he serve 12 months and one day in prison, citing his minor role in the drug operation and age as a basis.

His defense cited that Ortiz is the cousin of one of his co-defendants, who ordered Ortiz to receive drugs and money from people with whom Ortiz’s cousin worked. His defense stated that Ortiz did not profit from the criminal enterprise, and he has had good conduct while on electronic home monitoring, aside from his cocaine relapses.

The prosecution recommended that Ortiz receive a 24-month sentence. Ortiz is a citizen of the United States.

According to the DOJ, both Aguilar-Cortes and Ortiz were involved with a drug trafficking ring bringing significant quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to Western Washington for distribution. On March 24, 2024, Aguilar-Cortes was indicted for a seizure of 14 kilos of cocaine in Lewis County.

Aguilar-Cortes was identified as one of the drivers of cars bringing drugs to the Pacific Northwest from California. Over the course of the investigation, total seizures included the recovery of approximately 81 kilograms of methamphetamine, 49 kilograms of fentanyl pills, 15 kilograms of cocaine, and three pounds of marijuana, the DOJ stated.

According to the DOJ, Ortiz served as a stash house operator for the drug ring, and he followed instructions about delivering drugs and receiving cash to and from various drug ring members. When search warrants were executed on May 14, 2024, at the home Ortiz shared with his cousin, investigators seized approximately $5,920 in U.S. currency, eight firearms, 14 rounds of ammunition and six magazines in various rooms throughout the residence.

According to the DOJ, 15 people have been charged for participating in this drug ring.