Over 28 Pounds of Methamphetamine Concealed in Childs Pillow Pet

Steve Lugo Leon, 24, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge G. Murray Snow to 70 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Leon pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 40 Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl.

Leon’s co-defendant, Rafael Ivan Valenzuela Chairez, 20, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced on the same day by Judge Snow to 18 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Chairez pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine.

During the investigation, DEA agents determined that, on September 15, 2021, Leon arranged to sell fentanyl pills and methamphetamine at the Arizona Mills mall in Tempe, Arizona. Gila River Police Department officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the mall parking lot, but Leon, the driver of a Ford F-150, attempted to flee the scene. He collided with a third-party vehicle, causing it to turn on its side. Chairez, the front-seat passenger, attempted to flee on foot and was apprehended by officers. Leon continued to drive until he crashed the truck into a light pole. Agents located over 28 pounds of methamphetamine and over 9,000 fentanyl pills in the truck bed.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation in this case with assistance from the Gila River Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.