MONROE, Wash. — Christopher Frick, a 38-year-old Monroe native with an extensive criminal record, has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for his role in a massive drug trafficking ring and counterfeiting scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.
Frick was one of 34 individuals indicted in the Berrelleza-Verduzco Drug Trafficking Organization, which involved distributing significant quantities of heroin and methamphetamine, as well as military-style firearms intended for Mexico. The investigation into the organization began in 2011, with Frick arranging drug deals even while on GPS ankle bracelet.
According to court records, Frick was also under investigation by the U.S. Secret Service for altering currency. He was caught using a $5 bill as a $50 bill at a local convenience store. During the March 29, 2012 raid of his residence, law enforcement found more than 20 pounds of heroin, over 30 pounds of methamphetamine, over $190,000 in cash, and 31 firearms, including assault rifles.
Frick has 31 prior convictions, including burglary, escape, drug possession, theft, vehicle theft, forgery, and fraud. He was previously convicted on a federal mail theft charge in 1996 and had additional arrests for methamphetamine possession and forgery after his release from prison.
In court, prosecutors requested that Frick receive drug treatment while serving his sentence. Frick was the first defendant to plead guilty and be sentenced in this case, with others scheduled for trial later this year.
The investigation into the organization was an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation, involving multiple federal and state agencies including the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, ATF, and local law enforcement. The prosecution of Frick’s case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Vince Lombardi, Nicholas Brown, and J. Tate London.
Related Federal Cases
- Ballard Drug Kingpin Castillo Sentenced to 30 Years · Washington
- Costello’s Drug Empire Crumbles · Washington
- RCMP Veteran Sentenced to 8 Years for Drug Ring Leadership · Washington
- King County Drug Deal Turned Deadly: Ross & Brikn Jr. Face Federal Charges · Washington
- Tax Fraud Kingpin Colaco Sentenced to Nine Years · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News