Michele Beckwith Acting U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California
Manuel Greenhalgh, a 32-year-old Sacramento resident, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison for possessing heroin with the intent to distribute it. The sentencing was handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.
Greenhalgh is one of eight federal defendants facing charges due to their involvement in a multi-agency operation focused on drug traffickers dealing in cocaine and heroin. In May 2020, during a wiretap operation, Greenhalgh was recorded discussing obtaining heroin from Mexico and the challenges of transporting drugs across the border. Authorities observed Greenhalgh meeting with a co-defendant and subsequently stopped his vehicle. He was found in possession of 1,986.6 grams of heroin intended for distribution.
Albert Gurley, a co-defendant, has been sentenced to seven years for similar charges. Meanwhile, other co-defendants, including Delanious Ward, Agustin Gonzalez, Craig Hunter, David Byrd, and Kevin Yancy, have pleaded guilty to various charges related to drug trafficking and are awaiting sentencing.
Jorge Mejia-Nolasco faces pending charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, and possession charges related to both drugs. It is crucial to note that these are merely allegations, with the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and others. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron L. Desmond and Emily G. Sauvageau.
This prosecution is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative. This initiative focuses on coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts to identify and dismantle significant drug trafficking and criminal organizations. The Sacramento Strike Force specifically targets activities within the Eastern District of California, aiming to disrupt the flow of narcotics, firearms, and illicit funds into the area and beyond.
