Jason M. Frierson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada
A Las Vegas man with a history of violent offenses was sentenced to seven years in prison for drug trafficking. United States District Judge Miranda M. Du handed down the sentence to Damien Patillo, 41, who was also given four years of supervised release following his prison term. Patillo was convicted for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
"Public safety is at the forefront of ATF’s mission," stated Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Buenaventura from the San Francisco Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). He added that "the criminal background of the defendant in this case is astounding," emphasizing that removing repeat offenders like Patillo from the streets makes Las Vegas safer.
Anthony Chrysanthis, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Los Angeles Division, highlighted the ongoing threat posed by methamphetamine. "Today’s sentencing serves as a stern warning to drug distributors: When you unleash deadly poison in our communities, we will track you down and ensure you face the full force of the law," he said.
Court documents revealed that on September 12, 2021, Patillo was found with 16 grams of pure methamphetamine intended for distribution. His prior convictions include assaults on six women and numerous domestic violence charges.
After a four-day trial in January 2025, a jury found Patillo guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The case was investigated by both ATF and DEA agents and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Kiebler.
The announcement came from United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada alongside representatives from ATF and DEA.
