Michele Beckwith Acting U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California
Jose Manuel Ontiveros Verdugo, a 39-year-old resident of Stockton, has admitted to his involvement in a conspiracy to possess and distribute methamphetamine. This development was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.
Court documents reveal that from July to December 2019, Verdugo collaborated with co-defendants and others in distributing methamphetamine within Stockton and across the nation. The investigation involved an undercover source purchasing 11 pounds of methamphetamine and half a pound of heroin from the drug trafficking organization linked to Verdugo. Authorities intercepted shipments intended for Nebraska and Pennsylvania, amounting to 50 pounds and 21 pounds of methamphetamine respectively.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation with support from several agencies including the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Customs and Border Protection, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, San Joaquin County Probation, Stockton Police Department, and Tracy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella is handling the prosecution.
Charges are still pending against other individuals implicated in this case: Jorge Omar Arredondo Garcia (46) from Lodi; Gregorio Ontiveros Verdugo (41) from Morada; Alberto Navarro Zapata (50) from Stockton; and Wilfredo Reyes (48) from Manteca. These charges remain allegations until proven otherwise beyond reasonable doubt.
Verdugo's sentencing is set for June 16, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd. He faces a potential life sentence along with a $10 million fine. However, the final decision will be influenced by statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case falls under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces initiative which targets high-level criminal organizations through coordinated efforts among various agencies.
For further details on OCDETF's operations, visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
