Attorney General Kris Mayes announced on Apr. 7 that Cesar Penaloza, who sold large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl to a confidential informant and attempted to evade police, has been sentenced to six years in prison.
The sentencing highlights ongoing efforts by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office to address drug trafficking and related crimes in the state. The office provides legal and protective services across Arizona, as reported by the official website.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Penaloza made three separate drug sales between August and October 2025. On August 29, he sold four pounds of methamphetamine for $4,200; on September 3, he sold a quarter kilogram of cocaine for $4,500; and on October 1, he agreed to sell one kilogram each of fentanyl powder and cocaine along with ten pounds of methamphetamine for $39,000. When law enforcement intervened after confirming drugs were in his vehicle during the last transaction, Penaloza tried to flee by driving over a curb and sidewalk before abandoning his car and running away. Officers recovered a backpack containing a kilogram of fentanyl powder and a loaded handgun as well as cash and cell phones from his vehicle.
Penaloza pleaded guilty to one count each of Sale or Transportation of Dangerous Drugs and Sale or Transportation of Narcotic Drugs. He was sentenced on April 6 to six calendar years in prison. He was also ordered to pay more than $11,700 in restitution for damages caused during his flight from police as well as over $12,500 in fines.
“Drug traffickers who bring dangerous drugs into our communities should know that law enforcement is watching and we will find you and prosecute you,” said Attorney General Mayes.
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office acts as the state’s primary legal entity with responsibilities that include addressing elder abuse cases through its cold case unit as well as supporting fair housing initiatives according to its official website. Kris Mayes serves as Arizona’s 27th attorney general—the first mother elected to this position—and oversees statewide advocacy efforts including participation in federal lawsuits aimed at accountability measures for social media companies.
