Man sentenced to over 12 years in prison for drug trafficking in Tri-Cities
RICHLAND, Wash. — A Kennewick man has been sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for drug trafficking in the Tri-Cities.
On May 22, United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced 37-year-old Jose Oliva to over 12 years in federal prison after his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Oliva also will serve 5 years of federal supervision after he is released from federal custody.
"Removing dangerous narcotics from our community is critical to protecting our families and building stronger and safer neighborhoods. I am grateful for the joint efforts of state, local, and federal law enforcement to identify Mr. Oliva’s drug trafficking activities and to prevent him from further distributing this poison in our community," Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington said. "I also commend Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter for her leadership of federal drug prosecutions in the Tri-Cities that benefit the public safety of Eastern Washington."
According to information disclosed in court documents and during court proceedings, the DEA Tri-Cities Resident Office in collaboration with Tri-City Metro Drug Task Force, identified Oliva as a supplier and part of a drug trafficking organization operating in the Tri-Cities area. Oliva was brokering pound-level quantities of methamphetamine for the organization, which were routinely distributed in Eastern Washington.
In July 2022, Oliva agreed to meet a confidential source to deliver a pound of methamphetamine, as well as fentanyl-laced pills. After confirming Oliva’s presence at the arranged meeting location, agents attempted to arrest him.
Oliva immediately fled on foot while in possession of a loaded gun and distribution quantities of fentanyl-laced pills, which he attempted to discard while running away from law enforcement. Oliva did not escape and was arrested shortly after.
"We are grateful for working with all of our partners in this investigation. Our efforts removed an individual from our communities who distributed deadly narcotics and possessed a dangerous firearm," Jacob D. Galvan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division said. “We will continue in any way we can to keep our communities safe and healthy."
This case was investigated by the DEA Tri-Cities Resident Office, the Tri-City METRO Drug Task Force, United States Border Patrol, Richland Police Department, Kennewick Police Department, Pasco Police Department, West Richland Police Department, and the Benton County Sherriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter prosecuted this case.
