Fentanyl Kingpin Bradley Woolard Gets 20 Years in Federal Prison

SEATTLE – Bradley Woolard, 42, of Arlington, Washington, is headed to federal prison for two decades after being convicted of leading a large-scale fentanyl trafficking operation that flooded Snohomish, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties with deadly counterfeit pills. U.S. Attorney Nick Brown announced the sentencing today, marking a significant blow to the region’s drug supply.

Woolard was convicted on a staggering 28 counts, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering itself, illegal gun possession, and possession of drugs with intent to distribute. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour, also includes five years of supervised release following his incarceration. Co-defendants Anthony Pelayo, 34, of Marysville, received 15 years and a $150,000 fine, while Jerome Isham, 40, of Everett, was sentenced to 10 years.

“Mr. Woolard ignored the destruction his drug trafficking caused in our community, instead being driven by the enormous profits he could generate off the addiction and misery of others,” stated U.S. Attorney Brown. “Even after his arrest he tried to impose his will, threatening violence against others in the case, and acting as if he is above the law.” The investigation revealed a chilling disregard for human life, fueled by greed and a blatant disregard for the law.

The case, which began in the summer of 2018, exposed a sophisticated operation utilizing the dark web to source fentanyl and furanyl fentanyl powder directly from China. Woolard, a self-taught pill maker, initially established a pill press operation capable of churning out over 2.5 million potentially lethal pills. A July 28, 2018 raid on Woolard’s home uncovered over 12,000 counterfeit 30mg oxycodone pills—which tested positive for the dangerous analogue, furanyl fentanyl—along with a hidden arsenal. Law enforcement seized more than $1 million in cash and gold, stashed in elaborate hiding places throughout his five-acre compound, including behind drywall and beneath a dishwasher.

The operation didn’t stop at pills and money. Investigators discovered a hidden room stocked with 29 firearms, ranging from handguns to assault rifles, complete with four silencers and thousands of rounds of ammunition. In 2017, Woolard handed the pill press operation over to Pelayo, but continued to orchestrate the fentanyl orders from China and assist with distribution. Remarkably, Woolard continued to run his drug empire even while indulging in lavish, $30,000-$50,000 monthly “treatment” stays at spa resorts in Costa Rica and Mexico, bankrolled by the profits of his illicit enterprise.

“This complex investigation, which involved aspects of the mysterious dark web, is an example of the innovation and cooperative law enforcement effort necessary to effectively reduce violent crime and overdoses in our cities,” said Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent-in-Charge DEA Seattle Field Division. “This new digital age of trafficking fake pills, potentially laced with fentanyl, signals a renewed sense of urgency and analytical approach to bring to bear all the resources of government and community to tackle the scourge of drug trafficking and gun violence.” Woolard was also ordered to pay a $250,000 fine.