SEATTLE – Alejandro Antonio Castillo, 51, of Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, is facing federal charges after a months-long investigation revealed he was allegedly running a marijuana distribution operation targeting local middle and high school students. Castillo was arrested this morning and charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana, two counts of distribution of marijuana, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
The case began in March 2013 when a concerned parent reported students were routinely purchasing marijuana from Castillo’s home, located just a block north of Ballard High School. Seattle Police Department (SPD) surveillance and subsequent undercover operations confirmed the allegations. Detectives observed a steady stream of teens – some appearing to come directly from Whitman Middle School and Ballard High – visiting the residence, briefly entering the back door, and departing with what appeared to be plastic bags containing marijuana.
On April 5, 2013, authorities witnessed a particularly disturbing scene: 18 teenagers, ranging in age from 14 to 18, approached the Castillo residence within a three-hour period. Undercover officers later confirmed the supply, purchasing both marijuana and marijuana-infused brownies on four separate occasions. U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan was blunt: “The Department of Justice priorities on marijuana are very clear – and one of the highest priorities is preventing the distribution of marijuana to minors.” She added that the proximity to schools elevates the severity of the crime.
A search warrant executed on April 24, 2013, uncovered a significant stash within the home: approximately 1,200 grams of suspected marijuana, including 99 marijuana cigarettes and nine trays of marijuana brownies. The raid also revealed an arsenal of firearms – four shotguns, one rifle, and six handguns – alongside $4,755 in U.S. currency. Interestingly, police reports indicate the home had been the target of a prior home invasion, during which Castillo reportedly exchanged gunfire with the would-be robbers.
The timing of the federal charges is noteworthy. King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg explained a legal gap following the passage of I-502, Washington’s marijuana legalization initiative, initially complicated state prosecution. “We appreciate federal prosecutors stepping in to handle this serious case of dealing marijuana to minors,” Satterberg stated. If convicted, Castillo faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each charge.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Seattle Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Special Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hobbs, a Senior Deputy King County Prosecutor specially designated to handle federal gun and drug cases, is prosecuting the case. Castillo is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle at 2:00 PM today.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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