An Avondale man has been sentenced for his role in distributing methamphetamine in Missouri.
According to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Kansas City, 38-year-old Michael Ayala was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison without parole.
This summer, Ayala pleaded guilty to various charges in connection with distributing meth and money laundering. He is one of eight people who have taken plea deals in the case, which also includes 58-year-old Michael Thompson, of Goodyear, and six people from Missouri.
Ayala admitted to supplying meth to a man, Steve Easton, in Springfield for distribution until Easton's wife was released from state prison and could take over.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the meth arrived by mail and was driven to Missouri from Arizona.
One of the other people charged said Ayala was paid $9,000 per pound of methamphetamine and that he sent shipments every week to 10 days. Authorities said one shipment contained 10 pounds of meth.
