Yesterday morning, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the sentencing of Carlos Pacheco, a notorious fentanyl dealer, to 17.25 years in prison. Pacheco’s conviction stems from a series of offenses committed throughout 2021, underscoring the relentless efforts of law enforcement and the judicial system to combat drug trafficking.
“Fentanyl is a poison, and if you spread it in our communities, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent allowed by law,” stated County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “By taking a tough-on-crime approach now, we can stop this scourge before it overwhelms our neighborhoods.”
Pacheco’s criminal activities included:
January 1, 2021: Pacheco was stopped by military police at Luke Air Force Base. He had a backpack containing over 1,000 fentanyl pills and $2,000 in cash, along with an AR-15 rifle. A scuffle with the police allowed him to escape temporarily.
July 25, 2021: Pacheco was found asleep at the wheel on an interstate off-ramp in Phoenix by a DPS Trooper. Upon being awakened, he fled the scene, evading capture.
December 21, 2021: Phoenix Police caught Pacheco selling fentanyl in a hotel parking lot. In an attempt to escape, he dropped off his girlfriend with a backpack containing 1,500 fentanyl pills and $2,700. Following a prolonged chase, he was arrested with an additional $7,060 found in his vehicle.
At the time of these offenses, Pacheco was a prohibited possessor, legally barred from owning or possessing firearms.
After three separate trials, Pacheco was convicted on multiple charges:
- Sale or Transportation of Narcotic Drugs (Class Two Felony)
- Misconduct Involving Weapons (Class Four Felony)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Class Six Felony)
- Unlawful Flight from Law Enforcement (Class Five Felony)
- Possession of Narcotic Drugs for Sale (Class Two Felony)
- Money Laundering in the Second Degree (Class Three Felony)
This sentencing marks a significant victory in the fight against the distribution of dangerous narcotics and highlights the county’s commitment to eradicating drug-related crimes from its communities. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office continues to prioritize the prosecution of those who pose a severe threat to public safety, ensuring that justice is served for the residents of Phoenix and beyond.
