Attorney General Mayes Announces Sentences in Pima County Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Case

Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today the sentencing of three individuals involved in a Pima County drug trafficking case.Photo byTingey Injury Law FirmonUnsplash

PHOENIX – Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today the sentencing of three defendants in a Pima County drug trafficking case involving the distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Tucson area.

Francisco Abril was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison, followed by three years of probation, for obtaining approximately 16 pounds of methamphetamine for sale and running an illegal enterprise to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl pills.

According to court documents, Abril had a handgun stored in the attic crawlspace above one of his children’s bedrooms, despite being legally prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions. He pled guilty to these charges, including illegal possession of the firearm.

"These sentences serve as a clear message: those who choose to endanger our communities by trafficking dangerous drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine will be held accountable,” Mayes said in a statement.

“The defendants showed a reckless disregard for the safety of children and the community, and my office remains committed to fighting drug trafficking to protect all Arizonans."

Gloria Ortiz and David Rivera were also sentenced in connection with the case. Ortiz pled guilty to endangerment for allowing the minors to reside in a house where they had access to fentanyl pills, according to court documents.

Ortiz was placed on intensive probation for three years.

Rivera, who was observed during the investigation purchasing drugs from Abril’s residence, pled guilty to attempted possession of 600 fentanyl pills and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

On August 13, 2024, Rivera was sentenced to six months in prison, followed by three years of probation, according to court documents.