Attorney General Mayes Announces Sentences in Pima County Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Case

PHOENIX - Attorney General Kris Mayes announces the sentencing of three defendants in a Pima County drug trafficking case. Francisco Abril was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison, followed by 3 years on probation upon his release from prison, for his crimes including obtaining approximately 16 pounds of methamphetamine for sale and conducting an illegal enterprise to sell methamphetamine and fentanyl pills in the Tucson area. Abril had a handgun stored in the attic crawlspace above one of his children's bedrooms, and pled guilty to possessing that gun despite being prohibited by law due to prior convictions.

"These sentences serve as a clear message: those who choose to endanger our communities by trafficking dangerous drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine will be held accountable," said Attorney General Mayes. "The defendants showed a reckless disregard for the safety of children and the community, and my office remains committed to fighting drug trafficking to protect all Arizonans."

Gloria Ortiz and David Rivera were also charged and convicted in the case. Ortiz sometimes lived in the home with Abril and their two children; she pled guilty to endangerment of those minors for allowing them to be present in a house with access to fentanyl pills. Ortiz was placed on probation, beginning with intensive probation, for a period of 3 years. During the investigation, David Rivera was observed purchasing drugs from Abril's residence. He pled guilty to attempted possession of 600 fentanyl pills and possession of a weapon by convicted felon. On August 13, 2024, Rivera was sentenced to 6 months in prison followed by 3 years on probation upon his release from prison.

Assistant Attorney General Sabrina Lochner prosecuted this case.