A man, aged 37, has been arrested twice by officers in Puyallup and is now facing numerous federal charges tied to drug offenses, possession of firearms, and money laundering. Dennis Aguilar Huisa, who previously resided in a Des Moines hotel in Washington, is charged in the U.S. District Court in Seattle with several serious offenses. These include four counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, a single count of money laundering, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Court documents indicate he entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment.
Huisa’s initial arrest occurred on August 15, 2023, when Puyallup police found him stationary by the roadside with approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills in his vehicle. His second arrest took place on September 7, 2024, following a report of an unresponsive nine-month-old infant. Hospital tests later revealed the presence of fentanyl, amphetamine, and oxycodone in the child’s system, though the child survived and was temporarily placed with Child Protective Services. Subsequent searches of Huisa and his truck reportedly uncovered fentanyl powder, 115 fentanyl pills, and $16,000 in cash.
Further investigation led to a search warrant being executed at Huisa’s motel room in Des Moines on November 1. Authorities allegedly discovered packets of fentanyl powder prepared for sale, methamphetamine, cocaine, two kilograms of fentanyl powder, and an illegal firearm in his truck. He has been held in state custody since these discoveries, and federal charges were imposed on March 12, followed by a grand jury indictment on March 26, leading to his transfer to federal custody.
Under the current charges, firearm possession in connection with drug trafficking and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances carry minimum sentences of five and ten years, respectively, with potential for life imprisonment. Money laundering is subject to a maximum 20-year sentence. A defense attorney, Peter Camiel, has been appointed to represent Huisa, but has not provided any comments on the case thus far.
The Legal and Community Impact
The arrest and subsequent charges against Dennis Aguilar Huisa underscore significant concerns related to drug trafficking and public safety within the community. Residents may feel heightened awareness and anxiety regarding the potential risks posed by illegal substances and firearms circulating in their neighborhoods. This case highlights the critical role law enforcement plays in addressing these threats and the importance of vigilant community surveillance.
From a legal perspective, the case demonstrates the stringent penalties that accompany drug-related offenses, reflecting the justice system’s efforts to deter such activities. The involvement of federal authorities signifies the severity and complexity of the charges, potentially serving as a warning to others engaged in similar illegal activities. For the community, such incidents may prompt increased cooperation with law enforcement and advocacy for more robust preventative measures against drug-related crimes.