Attorney General Mayes Announces Six-Year Prison Sentence for Maricopa County Drug Trafficker

PHOENIX — Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that Cesar Penaloza, who sold large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl to a confidential informant, and then endangered the public when he tried to flee police, has been sentenced to six years in prison.

“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.

Penaloza made three drug sales to a confidential informant between August and October 2025. On August 29, 2025, he sold the informant four pounds of methamphetamine for $4,200. On September 3, 2025, he sold a quarter kilogram of cocaine for $4,500. On October 1, 2025, Penaloza agreed to sell a kilogram of fentanyl powder, a kilogram of cocaine, and ten pounds of methamphetamine for $39,000.

When the informant confirmed the drugs were in Penaloza's vehicle, law enforcement moved in. Rather than stop, Penaloza drove over a curb and sidewalk, striking a parked car. He then accelerated, pushing that vehicle into a second car, before parking and attempting to flee on foot. During the pursuit, Penaloza threw a backpack into a garbage can. Officers arrested him shortly after.

Inside the discarded backpack, officers recovered a kilogram of fentanyl powder and a loaded handgun. Penaloza's vehicle contained $2,000 in cash and four cell phones.

Penaloza pleaded guilty to one count of Sale or Transportation of Dangerous Drugs and one count of Sale or Transportation of Narcotic Drugs. On April 6, 2026, he was sentenced to six calendar years in prison, ordered to pay more than $11,700 in restitution to the victims of his reckless flight, and ordered to pay more than $12,500 in fines and surcharges.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Brett George. A copy of the indictment is available. A copy of Mr. Penaloza's booking photo is available.