A Tacoma man, Ronnie Griffin, 66, was sentenced to 75 months in prison for his involvement in a drug distribution ring linked to the Aryan Family prison gang. The sentencing took place in U.S. District Court in Tacoma, as announced by U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.
Griffin's role included acting as a redistributor and confidant for his stepson, Jesse Bailey, the leader of the drug ring. Wiretapped phone calls revealed their discussions about distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl pills. Griffin is also documented as a member of the Peckerwoods prison gang.
Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo addressed Griffin at the sentencing hearing, stating, “You have a terrible history, there’s no doubt about it.”
The investigation into the drug trafficking ring spanned two years and resulted in significant seizures: approximately 223 pounds of methamphetamine, 830,000 fentanyl pills, various quantities of other drugs including cocaine and heroin, $338,000 in suspected drug proceeds, and 48 firearms from conspiracy members. During arrests in March 2023, law enforcement seized additional drugs and firearms from Griffin's residence.
Prosecutors sought a ten-year sentence due to Griffin's extensive criminal history involving theft, obstructing public servants, possession of stolen property and drugs among other offenses. They noted that previous shorter sentences had not deterred his criminal behavior.
Judge Estudillo remarked on Griffin's repeated appearances before judges and expressed concern over his continued criminal activities despite age-related expectations: “It is kind of scary someone in their 50’s doing something someone in their 30’s would do."
Griffin pleaded guilty on August 1, 2024 to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and has been detained since March 2023.
He is the sixth member of this drug ring to be sentenced; others have received up to 13 years while less culpable individuals received between 20-50 months. Jesse James Bailey pleaded guilty last month with sentencing set for February 28th next year.
This case forms part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aiming at dismantling high-level drug traffickers through collaborative efforts across federal state local agencies led by prosecutors using intelligence-driven approaches against criminal networks.
The FBI led this investigation alongside DEA Homeland Security Investigations Washington State Department Corrections with assistance from Tacoma Police Department Pierce County Sheriff’s Office Thurston County Narcotics Task Force among others contributing throughout its course including Washington State Patrol Customs Border Protection Air Marine Lewis County Sheriff Lakewood Police US Postal Inspection Service USPIS
Assistant United States Attorneys Max Shiner Zach Dillon are prosecuting this case