PHOENIX, Ariz. – In a major blow to the city’s underworld, Keivin Crosswell-Cervantes, 27, of Mexico, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for his role in a large-scale fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking operation.
Crosswell-Cervantes pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine back on May 2, 2023. He was sentenced by United States District Judge Steven P. Logan on April 29, 2024.
This sentencing marks the final chapter in the case against Crosswell-Cervantes and his two co-conspirators, Carlos Alberto Castro-Ruiz and Alexander Ortega-Islas. Both Castro-Ruiz and Ortega-Islas pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine and received sentences of 11 years and three months and 12 years in prison, respectively.
The three defendants admitted to delivering approximately 400,000 blue fentanyl pills, 20,000 multi-colored fentanyl pills, and 25 pounds of methamphetamine to undercover officers on September 22, 2022. Law enforcement also seized multiple firearms, including an AK-47-style pistol and two .45 caliber semi-automatic pistols.
The investigation into Crosswell-Cervantes and his co-conspirators was led by Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). Assistant United States Attorney Matthew G. Eltringham handled the prosecution.
Crosswell-Cervantes’ sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking operations in our communities. As the Grimy Times continues to expose the dark underbelly of crime in our nation, we will remain vigilant in our pursuit of justice for the victims of these heinous crimes.
Related Federal Cases
- Trucker Nailen Faces Life Behind Bars in Fentanyl Trafficking · Ohio
- Marijuana Kingpin Carlos Correa Sentenced to Life Behind Bars · Arizona
- 72-Year-Old Trafficker Rojas Admits to Heroin Run · New Mexico
- Dr. Jerrold Rosenberg Sentenced in Fentanyl Kickback Scam · Rhode Island
- Sinaloa Cartel’s Ohio Pipeline: 12 Charged in Fentanyl Ring · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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