Jonathan Jose Espinoza, 19, of Federal Way, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine Tuesday. Espinoza faces a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones on July 16, 2010, for his role in a drug trafficking ring.

Espinoza was a member of a drug trafficking group transporting cocaine north from Mexico and Southern California, then sending the profits from the drugs sales back south, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

In July 2009, while the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the drug trafficking ring, Espinoza’s brother was pulled over in Cowlitz County while driving Espinoza’s Chevy Tahoe. The man was driving with a suspended license and consequently Espinoza’s vehicle was impounded and searched, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. DEA agents found $238,045 cash hidden in a secret compartment of the Tahoe.

During the time Espinoza’s vehicle was impounded, he called several times attempting to retrieve the Tahoe. During recorded telephone calls, Espinoza and other members of the drug trafficking ring discussed the seizure of the vehicle, drug dealing and drug debts, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

On Sept. 22, 2009, DEA agents arrested several members of the drug ring. They also seized more than 5 kilos of cocaine, crack, methamphetamine and cash. Six defendants have already pled guilty. Two are fugitives.

The jury hearing Espinoza’s case ordered his Tahoe to be forfeited to the government. The cash seized from the vehicle was also forfeited to the U.S. government.