Media Advisory [printer-friendly version]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2007
Contact: Ramona Sanchez
Public Affairs Officer
(602) 664-5725

Tucson Man Sentenced to 235 Months in
Prison for Interstate Drug Conspiracy

FEB 9 -- TUCSON – Ernest Ron Washington, 43, of Tucson, was sentenced here Thursday to 235 months in prison by United States District Judge David C. Bury. Washington had been found guilty by a federal jury on October 2, 2006 of conspiracy and other narcotic violations.

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officials seized approximately 1,500 pounds of marijuana while it was being transported between Arizona and Ohio. The evidence at trial showed that the defendant recruited drivers to drive rental cars and semi tractor-trailers to transport the drugs to Ohio in 2003 and 2004. On December 14, 2006, Washington’s co-defendant, Mark Simmons, received 25 years for his involvement in the same conspiracy.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Pima County Sheriff’s Department in coordination with Apache County, Arizona Cooperative Enforcement Narcotics Team, St. Charles, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, Foristell, Missouri Police Department, Missouri State Police, Arkansas State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Philadelphia Police Department, New Mexico State Police, Medina County, Ohio Drug Task Force, and DEA Philadelphia.

The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James T. Lacey and Nicolle Krivda,