Repeat Philadelphia offender sentenced to prison following arrest in Arlington County with over two kilograms of cocaine
Alexandria, Virginia – A 43-years-old Philadelphia man, Antonio Ortiz, was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, following multiple past convictions for serious drug offenses.
According to court documents, Ortiz was involved in a cocaine deal spanning September and October of 2024. He arranged the sale of two kilograms of cocaine and agreed to travel to Arlington County, Virginia, to complete the transaction. On October 15, 2024, law enforcement officers arrested Ortiz upon his arrival at the agreed meeting spot in Arlington.
Authorities searched his rental car and recovered 2,005.3 grams of cocaine from the trunk. Following the arrest, law enforcement in Philadelphia searched Ortiz’s residence, where they uncovered an additional 3,022.3 grams of cocaine.
Long Criminal History and Repeat Drug Offenses
Ortiz is no stranger to the criminal justice system. His criminal record dates back over two decades. He was previously convicted in 2002 and 2003 for cocaine distribution. In 2004, he was convicted of aggravated assault and carrying a firearm without a license after shooting someone during an argument.
Despite these convictions, Ortiz continued his involvement in drug trafficking. In 2011, he was again convicted, this time for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine—while still on parole from the 2004 assault conviction.
What makes this case even more troubling is that Ortiz was on supervised release for the 2011 drug conviction at the time of his most recent arrest in October 2024.
Authorities Respond to the Sentencing
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, made the sentencing announcement alongside Ibrar A. Mian, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division, and Charles “Andy” Penn, Arlington County Chief of Police.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Alito and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hahn.
This investigation was part of the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking (HIDTA) Northern Virginia Drug Initiative, a program that works to dismantle drug trafficking and money laundering organizations, reduce drug-related crime and violence, and monitor emerging drug trends in the region.
