SEATTLE – A Seattle man was sentenced to 10 years in prison Friday, and several Snohomish County residents face jail terms for involvement with a drug ring that distributed cocaine and heroin in north King and south Snohomish counties, the U.S. Attorney’s office said.
Jose Galindo-Zurita, 35, made numerous drug deals between September 2005 and April 2006, according to investigators.
He was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Nine members of the conspiracy were arrested in early morning raids on June 21. All have pleaded guilty and will be sentenced next year.
Among them are Marcela Rodriguez-Zurita, 33; Rhonda Schweitzer, 48; and Jeffrey David French, 45, all of Edmonds. Two others are Mary Handy, 37, of Stanwood, and Karen Creech, 47, of Shoreline, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Galindo-Zurita also negotiated sales of a large amount of heroin to an undercover detective, according to documents. He also will have to forfeit about $330,000 and a 2006 Silverado to the government.
Galindo-Zurita’s wife and sister-in-law also were sentenced Friday.
His wife, Juana Garcia-Rodriguez, 24, of Gresham, Ore., received an 18-month term for money laundering. She walked into a Renton car dealership with drug proceeds and purchased the Silverado, investigators said.
Jade Medina-Parra, 19, of Seattle also got an 18-month term for her role in the drug operation.
Drug Enforcement Administration agents and the South Snohomish County Narcotics Task Force investigated the case.
In the course of the investigation of this and a related drug ring, officers arrested about 20 people and seized several pounds of drugs, $400,000 cash and 14 vehicles. Two of the vehicles were equipped with hidden compartments, documents said.
Reporter Jim Haley: 425-339-3447 or haley@heraldnet.com.
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