SAN FRANCISCO - Arnoldo Sanchez Farias was sentenced on Tuesday to 25 years in prison for methamphetamine trafficking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime, announced U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag.
Sanchez Farais, most recently of Richmond, Calif., pleaded guilty on May 7, 2013, to one count of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A)(viii), and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C § 924(c).
According to the plea agreement, on August 9, 2011, Sanchez Farias had nearly 50 pounds of methamphetamine, packaged in individual one-pound bags, hidden in a tool chest in his apartment in Richmond, Calif., as well as seven firearms. Among the weapons were three 9mm pistols, a.357 magnum revolver, two shotguns, and an SKS assault rifle. The weapons were located in Sanchez Farias’ bedroom, including a loaded pistol on his bedside table. Sanchez Farias admitted possessing these weapons in the event a rival drug dealer, drug customer, supplier, or other person sought to rob or harm him.
Sanchez Farias was indicted by the Grand Jury on September 8, 2011.
The sentence was handed down by The Honorable Richard Seeborg, U.S. District Court Judge. Judge Seeborg also sentenced Sanchez Farias to a 10-year period of supervised release and ordered that he forfeit the firearms and approximately $16,000 in cash that agents and officers found with the methamphetamine and the weapons. The defendant has been in custody since August 9, 2011 and will begin serving the sentence immediately.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Barry with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney David Countryman and Erica Doerr. The prosecution is the result of a joint investigation by the California Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement, the West Contra Costa Narcotics Enforcement Team, and ICE Homeland Security Investigations.
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Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
