Diego Castillo-Pedraza, a 35-year-old resident of Reading, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his involvement in methamphetamine trafficking. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Joseph F. Leeson Jr., following Castillo-Pedraza's conviction on charges related to drug distribution.
The investigation began in July 2019 when FBI agents intercepted a package containing approximately six pounds of pure methamphetamine sent from California to a residence in Reading. This interception occurred during a wiretap investigation that later identified Castillo-Pedraza as the orchestrator behind the shipment.
In March 2021, Berks County Detectives executed a search warrant at the same Reading residence and discovered about two pounds of methamphetamine in a bedroom safe. Fingerprint analysis linked Castillo-Pedraza to the exterior packaging of the drugs.
Castillo-Pedraza faced an indictment in April 2023 for possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. A jury convicted him on September 19, 2024, after a three-day trial where evidence showed he managed operations involving large quantities of methamphetamine and directed others to assist him.
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero stated, "For several years, Castillo-Pedraza profited by selling methamphetamine, a highly addictive and dangerous drug that’s plagued communities nationwide, including Reading." She emphasized that while his incarceration cannot undo past harm, it contributes to making the city safer.
Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia, commented on the broader implications: “We have seen the devastating impact methamphetamine has across our country, and there is no place for it in our cities.” He noted that this sentencing resulted from extensive investigations by law enforcement agencies dedicated to removing such threats from communities.
The case was part of efforts under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program and involved collaboration between the FBI and Berks County Detectives. Assistant United States Attorney Justin Ashenfelter is prosecuting the case.