Arizona-Based Man Sentenced for Role in Multi-State Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy

NORFOLK, VA—Luis Alberto Navarro, 33, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced today to 360 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a cocaine distribution conspiracy. He was also ordered to forfeit $300,000 in cash seized in connection with his arrest in June 2013, along with his interest in a home located in Rio Rico, Arizona, which was affiliated with the conspiracy.

Dana J. Boente, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen.

Navarro pleaded guilty on September 10, 2013. According to court documents, since approximately 2006, Navarro was a member of a large-scale cocaine distribution conspiracy with a far-reaching distribution network that spanned from Virginia to New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Arizona, and other locations. The group concealed the cocaine for distribution and the proceeds from the sale of the drugs by secreting both inside the lining of coolers and inert, hollowed-out fire extinguishers to avoid detection during transportation. Navarro ran the Tucson, Arizona hub of the organization, where he recruited others to assist in the distribution of cocaine. He was held responsible today for his role in the distribution of over 160 kilograms of cocaine.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Tucson Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys V. Kathleen Dougherty and Kevin M. Comstock prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae.