Alison J. Ramsdell U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a San Diego man has been sentenced to federal prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The sentencing, carried out by U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte, took place on March 12, 2025.
Leobardo Vega, aged 32, received a sentence of six years and six months in federal prison. Following his prison term, he will be subject to five years of supervised release and must pay a $1,000 fine along with a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Vega was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2023 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He entered a guilty plea on December 4, 2024.
The case originated from an incident on September 30, 2022, when Vega was stopped during a traffic stop on Interstate 90 near Murdo, South Dakota. Law enforcement discovered 20 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in the vehicle. Vega confessed that he was transporting the drugs from California to Minnesota for further distribution.
The investigation was conducted by the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Following his sentencing, Vega was immediately taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service.
