A Tukwila man with a long history of violent crime and drug distribution has been sentenced to a decade in federal prison for his central role in a sprawling drug trafficking network tied to an Aryan prison gang. The sentence marks the culmination of a two-year investigation that exposed the scale of narcotics flooding communities in Washington and Arizona, and highlighted the persistent overlap between white supremacist prison gangs and organized drug trade.

Anthony Escoto, 52, described by federal prosecutors as a “prolific drug distributor,” pleaded guilty earlier this year to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On August 25, Chief US District Judge David G. Estudillo sentenced him to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release, underscoring the devastation such networks inflict on individuals and entire communities.

Escoto’s conviction stemmed from a broad investigation into drug trafficking organizations associated with the Aryan Family and Omerta prison gangs. The two groups, long known for their role in controlling narcotics distribution inside and outside of prison walls, were the focus of federal and local law enforcement agencies beginning in 2021.

Wiretaps captured Escoto arranging pound quantities of methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl pills for redistribution across Washington state. On multiple occasions, investigators intercepted calls where Escoto discussed large shipments........

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