August 19, 2015

Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Distribution

PHOENIX—Today, Raul Gutierrez-Cisneros, 43, of Phoenix, Ariz., pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

In this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force-led (OCDETF) undercover investigation, Gutierrez-Cisneros engaged in negotiations in February 2015 during which he agreed to sell 60 pounds of methamphetamine. Soon afterward, Gutierrez-Cisneros arranged for two of his associates, one of whom chose to bring a loaded Browning 9mm pistol, to deliver approximately 18 pounds of methamphetamine to a Phoenix hotel. Upon their arrival at the hotel, the FBI arrested all three men and seized the methamphetamine and the pistol.

Gutierrez-Cisneros’s conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a maximum fine of $10,000,000, or both.

Sentencing is set before Judge Susan R. Bolton on Nov. 2, 2015 at 1:30 P.M.

The OCDETF investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution is being handled by Don Pashayan, Assistant U.S. Attorney, and Dominique Park, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Assistant Chief Counsel, District of Arizona, Phoenix.