FRANCISCO RUBIO-PEREZ, 27, of Pasco, Washington, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. In his plea agreement RUBIO-PEREZ admits he drove from Pasco to deliver several pounds of Methamphetamine to a distributor in the parking lot of a Jack-in-the-Box Restaurant in Tumwater, Washington. Due to the large amount of highly pure meth or “Ice”, RUBIO-PEREZ faces up to life in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ronald B. Leighton on February 8, 2008.

According to records filed in the case, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Grays Harbor Drug Task Force became aware of RUBIO-PEREZ’s drug activities as they investigated other methamphetamine dealers in Thurston, Lewis, and Grays Harbor Counties. The investigation of the drug distribution ring began in 2005. The investigation revealed that the organization smuggled the drugs up from California and maintained a network of stash houses. The organization used violence or the threat of violence to further the drug conspiracy. Following his arrest in March of 2007, one of the mid level dealers agreed to call his supplier, RUBIO-PEREZ, and request a drug delivery. On March 15, 2007, RUBIO-PEREZ was arrested with another man outside the Tumwater Jack-in-the-Box restaurant. Hidden inside the door panels of the sedan the men were driving was 4.5 pounds of highly pure crystal methamphetamine.

RUBIO-PEREZ was illegally in the United States and will likely be deported following his prison term.

The case was investigated by the DEA and Grays Harbor Drug Task Force.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mike Dion and Matthew Diggs.

For additional information please contact Emily Langlie, Public Affairs Officer for the United States Attorney’s Office, at (206) 553-4110.

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