A federal grand jury indicted Ruben Garcia of Turlock and Heriberto Ayala of Delhi on May 1 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and related charges, according to U.S. Attorney Eric Grant.
The indictment alleges that between Nov. 1, 2025, and April 15, 2026, Garcia and Ayala worked together to sell methamphetamine in the Central Valley. Law enforcement agents used a confidential source during the investigation to conduct purchases from both individuals in Turlock and Delhi.
The case was investigated by several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Modesto Police Department, Stockton High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, with support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Campbell is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and up to life imprisonment as well as a fine up to $10 million. The final sentence will be determined by the court after considering statutory factors and federal Sentencing Guidelines. The charges are allegations only; both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California promotes community wellness by addressing justice issues across its diverse region according to its official website. The office maintains locations in Sacramento, Fresno and Bakersfield according to its official website, operates under the Department of Justice according to its official website, covers more than 87,000 square miles across 34 counties according to its official website, enforces federal laws through prosecutions and civil litigation on behalf of the government according to its official website, extends from Oregon border southward through Bakersfield eastward toward Nevada according to its official website, represents the government in all district litigation with branches serving these areas according to its official website.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America.
