WAYNESBORO - The head of a Waynesboro drug ring who had nearly $38,000 and a pound of methamphetamine seized from his apartment in 2016 was given a 25-year prison sentence Wednesday.
Guadalupe Chavez-Loya, 42, pleaded guilty in September to possession with intent to distribute more than 200 grams of methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory-minimum of 20 years behind bars.
In September 2016, authorities raided the apartment of Chavez-Loya in the 700 block of King Avenue after being tipped off to his operation by an informant, according to the two prosecutors who handled the case, Chief Prosecutor Phil Figura of the Virginia Office of the Attorney General and Waynesboro Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Shannon Sherrill.
Authorities confiscated a pound of meth from the home and just under $38,000, according to Sherrill. The operation moved more than 35 pounds of meth during a six-month period, a press release said.
Two of Chavez-Loya's lower-level dealers were John C. Dorondo, 36, of Staunton, and Stephanie G. Lotts, 38, of Crimora. Both previously pleaded guilty to racketeering charges.
Dorondo was sentenced to 30 years in prison with 24 years suspended, giving him six years to serve. However, his sentence was run consecutive to a three-year drug sentence he received in Augusta County, giving him nine years total. The county charges were connected to the Waynesboro drug case.
Lotts was sentenced to 30 years with 22 years suspended, leaving her eight years behind bars.
“My top priority as Attorney General is keeping Virginians and their families safe, and anyone who is distributing dangerous and deadly drugs like methamphetamine poses a significant risk to our communities,” said Attorney General Herring. “My team and I take these cases very seriously and will continue to work with our local and federal partners to hold these criminals accountable and keep Virginia safe.”