A Mexican national with a history of drug trafficking convictions has been sentenced to 70 months in prison. Francisco Capado-Gonzales, 39, was sentenced for his third conviction related to drug distribution, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Capado-Gonzales has been in custody since his arrest on October 19, 2023, in SeaTac, Washington. Judge Kymberly K. Evanson delivered the sentence due to the significant quantity of drugs involved.
Court records reveal that in the fall of 2023, Capado-Gonzalez approached someone he believed was a potential customer but who was actually collaborating with law enforcement. He and his co-conspirators claimed they could supply large amounts of methamphetamine. On October 19, law enforcement intervened at a SeaTac motel where the transaction was supposed to occur. Capado-Gonzalez attempted to escape into nearby woods but was apprehended.
The grand jury indicted Capado-Gonzales on November 1, 2023, and he pleaded guilty on September 6, 2024. This marks his third conviction for drug-related offenses; he previously faced charges in Las Vegas in 2007 and again in 2013 for heroin and cocaine possession.
Prosecutors sought an 84-month sentence citing methamphetamine's role in overdose deaths. They noted that "In 2023, 58% of all overdose deaths in King County involved methamphetamine." They also highlighted Capado-Gonzalez's leadership role in distributing substantial quantities of drugs: at least 44 pounds of methamphetamine mixture, along with significant amounts of heroin and cocaine.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation leading to this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda McDowell and Michael Harder are prosecuting the case.