Isreal Puck Washington, Heroin Trafficking, California 2013

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Isreal ‘Puck’ Washington, 43, of Sacramento, was sentenced to 34 years in prison today for leading a major drug trafficking ring, according to U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert.

Washington and his gang distributed thousands of doses of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine between 2006 and 2013 in Sacramento. They used various businesses as fronts, including Wet Ways Auto Body and Paint Shop, where they conducted drug deals.

In 2012, an undercover operative purchased drugs from Washington’s organization, which included co-defendants Deyonte Spears, 29, of Oakland, and local residents Tyrone Weathersby, 48; Anthony Joaquin Sanchez, 32; and Myron Meadows, 45. On May 21, 2013, DEA agents seized over three pounds of heroin and a stolen firearm during raids on stash pads controlled by Washington.

Washington’s sentence reflects the scope of his crime and its impact on the community. ‘This type of behavior terrorizes a community and rips at its sense of security,’ said DEA Special Agent in Charge John J. Martin.

Sentence lengths for co-defendants ranged from 10 years to three years, reflecting their roles in the drug ring. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program aimed at dismantling major drug trafficking organizations.

Washington’s sentence is significant, as federal court sentences for drug traffickers are typically harsher than those in state courts, with no early release on parole available in the federal system.