Previously convicted undocumented migrant sentenced to 12 years for fentanyl distribution

An undocumented migrant, who has previous convictions in Arizona for drug trafficking, was sentenced last month to 12 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

On March 11, 2024, 54-year-old Faustino Soto-Martinez, a Mexican citizen, possessed and intended to sell 40,000 fentanyl pills, which is approximately 4.2 kilograms, to an undercover agent in Sun City, according to court documents and information discussed during a May 8 hearing.

In 2005, Soto-Martinez was convicted in three different Arizona drug trafficking cases and served concurrent five-year sentences for each.

Following his release, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for possession of methamphetamine for sale.

U.S. District Judge Karissa M. Lanham took Soto-Martinez’s previous convictions into consideration when sentencing him.

“Soto-Martinez’s 12-year sentence reflects his repeated disregard for the law and the devastating effects that fentanyl inflicts on individuals, families and communities across America,” U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine said in an announcement. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office in partnership with the DEA and local law enforcement agencies will continue to fight for Arizonans and dismantle the organizations that distribute these deadly drugs into our communities.”

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