Chavez Naranjo gets 3-plus years for meth crimes

SOUTH BEND -- Deputies from the Pacific County Drug Task Force (DTF) learned that Jose Chavez Naranjo, 25, of South Bend, was involved in the sale of methamphetamine.

With the assistance of a confidential informant, deputies arranged for a meeting with Chavez Naranjo and were able to purchase what was later tested by the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab to be methamphetamine. The deputies conducted two additional controlled purchases of methamphetamine using a confidential informant and subsequently obtained a search warrant for Chavez Naranjo's South Bend residence and vehicle.

Chavez Naranjo was subsequently charged with these offenses and entered a guilty plea last Friday to three counts of delivery of methamphetamine and one count of possession of methamphetamine.

"The Drug Task Forces, with the assistance of the Raymond Police Department, did an excellent job building their case and ensuring that it was clear Mr. Chavez Naranjo was selling methamphetamine," said Pacific County Prosecutor Mark McClain, who added, "while he had no criminal history, the 40-month prison sentence was warranted for those who deal drugs and I was pleased that Judge [Michael] Sullivan followed our recommended sentence."

Chavez Naranjo was also ordered to complete drug treatment while on the Department of Corrections supervision following his release from prison.