A Sunnyside man described as a mid-level manager for a Mexican drug operation was sentenced to slightly more than 13 years in federal prison.
Brian Jesus Zazueta, 23, pleaded guilty in June to possessing more than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. In return for the plea, charges of possessing more than 400 grams of fentanyl and 100 or more grams of heroin with intent to distribute were dismissed.
Zazueta was sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Spokane.
Authorities said Zazueta was the son of Adolfo Zazueta-Bueno, a member of the Sinaloa Cartel, and served as his father’s “eyes and ears” in the United States, managing a drug-trafficking operation in Eastern Washington. The father is considered a fugitive from justice in the Eastern Washington federal court system, court documents noted.
“The adage for the last decade is that there is not a drug case here . . . that does not involve ‘Bueno dope’,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard wrote in a sentencing memo.
Zazueta was born in the United States but raised in Sinaloa, allowing him to easily travel to and from Mexico, she said.
Prosecutors recommended a 15-year sentence, while defense attorney Amy Rubin asked for 10 years. Rubin said that Zazueta’s time in custody awaiting trial allowed him to see the consequences of drug use in the region, as he’s seen people come into jail repeatedly on drug-related offenses, despite promises to get off drugs.
“He is not only disgusted by his own contribution, but is ashamed,” Rubin wrote.
Zazueto entered the drug business as a way to be closer to his father, who Rubin said was not a major part of his son’s life until his son became a teenager.
In addition to the 13 years, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice also ordered Zazueta to serve five years on community release when he leaves prison.
