YAKIMA, WA — Three individuals connected to a drug trafficking organization led by a convicted murderer from inside the Spokane County Jail have been sentenced to federal prison, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, Eastern District of Washington.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Alexandro Aguilar, 33, to 30 years in federal prison. Aguilar, who was previously convicted of murder in state court, orchestrated the trafficking operation while incarcerated. His associates, Kassandra M. Montelongo, 27, and Luis Lara, 25, were each sentenced to 10 years in prison on related drug trafficking charges.
Court records show that in August 2022, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office deputies identified Aguilar as actively directing drug activities from jail. Montelongo operated on the outside as Aguilar’s agent, while Lara and another man, Jose Garcia, were also involved.
From December 2022 through January 2023, investigators conducted controlled drug buys in Spokane Valley, acquiring 7,700 fentanyl pills, over 7 pounds of methamphetamine, and cocaine. On June 7, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Montelongo’s residence in Sunnyside, Washington, where agents recovered approximately 11 pounds of methamphetamine, drug packaging materials, firearms including an AR-15 style rifle, two pistols, high-capacity magazines, bulk ammunition, and cash.
Jose Garcia was previously sentenced to 10 years in prison on January 24, 2025, for one count of methamphetamine distribution.
“Drug trafficking continues to devastate families and communities across Eastern Washington,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. “Our office will continue to pursue those who profit off addiction and violence.”
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office, added, “Mr. Aguilar ran the conspiracy from behind bars, and I am thankful for the work of our investigators and local partners putting an end to it.”
The case was investigated by the FBI Spokane Regional Safe Streets Task Force and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nowles H. Heinrich and Patrick J. Cashman.