Drug Trafficker Involved in High-Speed Chase with Spokane Police Sentenced to Federal Prison

Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Juan Pablo Carrillo-Nava, 46, was sentenced on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian imposed a sentence of 70 months in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) developed information that Carrillo-Nava was a drug runner for a drug trafficking organization based in Mexico and operating in Eastern Washington.

On August 13, 2020, investigators arranged a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from the organization. When agents went to the location where the drug transaction was supposed to take place, Carrillo-Nava had not yet arrived. After an extended period, Agents went to a second location where the drug organization had conducted drug transactions in the past. Agents observed a green Honda Accord Carrillo-Nava had used previously.

Agents requested a Spokane Police Department (SPD) marked patrol unit respond to the second location. An SPD unit responded and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Instead of stopping, Carrillo-Nava sped off into a residential neighborhood, disregarding stop signs, and at times reaching speeds of 75 miles per hour in a 25-mile-per-hour zone.

Carrillo-Nava eventually crashed his vehicle into an oncoming vehicle, which propelled his vehicle into a chain link fence in the front yard of a Spokane home. Carillo-Nava then took off running, pursued by several bystanders. He was taken into custody a short time later by SPD and DEA. Agents executed a search warrant on Carrillo-Nava's vehicle and located $28,200 in cash, almost two pounds of heroin, and more than a ½ pound of methamphetamine.

"Drug trafficking presents a serious danger to families, neighborhoods, and residents in our community. Mr. Carrillo-Nava attempted to avoid arrest by recklessly speeding through neighborhoods, ignoring traffic signs, and disregarding posted speed limits. Even after crashing his vehicle, Mr. Carillo-Nava attempted to escape responsibility by running from police," stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. "Working with our federal, state, local and tribal partners, we will continue to target large-scale drug trafficking organizations, hold their members accountable, and keep our communities safe and strong."

"Our communities are safer when those who disregard the safety of others, through drug trafficking and reckless and violent behavior, are held accountable," said Ron Deist, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DEA Spokane District Office.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force in both Spokane and North Idaho. The Spokane Police Department also participated in the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard.