U.S. Attorney Susan T. Lehr | U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney Susan Lehr has announced the sentencing of Valentin Mendoza Jr., a 44-year-old resident of San Bernardino, California. Mendoza was sentenced on November 21, 2024, in a federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska. He faced charges for possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a methamphetamine mixture. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis handed down a sentence of 70 months' imprisonment. It is noted that there is no parole available in the federal system. Following his release from prison, Mendoza will serve a four-year term of supervised release.
The incident leading to Mendoza's arrest occurred on February 3, 2023. A Seward County Sheriff's Deputy stopped a vehicle traveling eastbound on Interstate 80 in Seward County, Nebraska, for following too closely. The driver was identified as Mendoza. During the traffic stop process, the deputy engaged Mendoza in conversation about his travel plans. Mendoza stated he was traveling from San Bernardino to Minnesota but could not specify which city he intended to visit. He claimed he was going to attend a party and was transporting DJ equipment for it, which was scheduled for the next day. According to Mendoza, he had left California the previous day and drove through the night. He also mentioned that a friend had rented the vehicle and was driving separately to meet him in Minnesota.
The deputy suspected criminal activity during this interaction with Mendoza. After issuing written and verbal warnings for traffic violations, the deputy requested permission to ask further questions, which Mendoza granted. When asked about any drugs or weapons in the vehicle, Mendoza denied their presence and consented to a search.
Upon searching the vehicle, authorities discovered 14 wrapped packages containing methamphetamine concealed inside its door panels.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency.
