Efren Alexander Aviles-Pacheco, a 29-year-old from Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced the sentencing in Boise. Senior U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Aviles-Pacheco to serve 10 years of supervised release and indicated that deportation to Mexico is likely after his sentence.
Aviles-Pacheco was arrested on November 22, 2022, in Nampa with significant quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, cash, and a handgun. He pleaded guilty on August 5, 2024. Previously convicted of similar charges in Idaho in 2019, he served a prison term and was deported but returned to resume drug trafficking activities.
Judge Winmill highlighted the severity of the case by noting Aviles-Pacheco's potential responsibility for two overdose deaths linked to drugs he provided. "If ever there was a case that screamed out for a long prison sentence, this is the case," stated Judge Winmill.
The Aviles-Pacheco family has been involved in various drug trafficking crimes. His father received a 20-year sentence for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; his mother received time served and supervised release for transporting drugs; his grandfather and grandmother were sentenced for drug distribution; his uncle also faced federal prison time; and his sister was recently indicted on drug distribution charges.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commented on the significance of dismantling such criminal networks: “Through his repeated involvement in this longstanding drug trafficking operation in Oregon, this defendant has earned every day of his 15-year sentence.” David F. Reames from the DEA Seattle Field Division emphasized the importance of holding repeat offenders accountable: “Repeat offenders like Mr. Aviles-Pacheco richly deserve long prison terms.”
The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies including the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Nampa Police Department under an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative aimed at disrupting high-level criminal organizations.