Betty Nora Anderson, 65, of Phoenix, has been sentenced to slightly over eight years in prison for drug trafficking and bankruptcy fraud, according to a recent report from the United States Attorney’s Office. United States District Judge Rosemary Márquez imposed a sentence of 100 months in prison, followed by 60 months of supervised release. Anderson’s criminal conduct included conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, possession with the purpose to distribute both narcotics, and fabricating bankruptcy records.
Anderson was detained by US Customs and Border Protection authorities in September after attempting to transport considerable amounts of illegal substances into the US from Mexico in her vehicle, including 4.54 kilos of fentanyl and 13.42 kilograms of methamphetamine. While her case was pending, Anderson managed to evade court supervision twice. Her escape from justice eventually led to pre-trial detention. In a statement released by the United States Attorney’s Office, authorities described the events that led to her arrest and subsequent sentencing.
The story continued when Anderson filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona in March 2023 while still a fugitive. The documents she filed contained fraudulent and deceptive representations, which resulted in the discharge of her debts and deceived her creditors. As part of her penalty, Judge Márquez ordered Anderson to repay $52,358 to her creditors, which represented the total amount of her discharged debt.
The prosecution of Anderson’s case is part of a larger operation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) to dismantle high-level criminal networks that pose a threat to US security. The multi-agency, intelligence-driven approach brings together the resources and skills of federal, state, and local law enforcement. The United States Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations in Nogales, Arizona, investigated Anderson’s enterprise, with Assistant US Attorneys Michael R. Lizano and Micah Schmit directing the prosecution.
Anderson’s case number, CR-22-02124-RM-JR, concludes an extensive investigation and brings an end to her illegal actions. The punishment also highlights the continued efforts of numerous law enforcement authorities to tackle the widespread problem of narcotics trafficking and related crimes. Individuals interested in more information about the case and Anderson’s prosecution can obtain the full report from the United States Attorney’s Office at the supplied link.
