Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Miguel Sotelo, 41, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. to 11 years in prison and a $25,000 fine for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.

According to court documents, in April 2014, Sacramento County Sheriff’s detectives spotted a Honda Accord speeding northbound on Interstate 5 near Twin Cities Road in Sacramento County. Detectives stopped the car and spoke with the passenger, defendant Miguel Sotelo, who stated that the car belonged to his wife who was not present. Shortly afterward, a narcotic detection K9 unit alerted on the rear left wheel well. Officers later found more than 14 pounds of methamphetamine stored in two bags located in the car’s trunk. Officers also found $23,000 in cash.

Based on the amount of methamphetamine and currency found in the car, detectives executed a state search warrant at Sotelo’s business called “Sotelo’s Tree Care.” At the business, officers found about 266 grams of cocaine, a pistol and a digital scale.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant United States Attorney Josh F. Sigal prosecuted the case.

Sotelo has remained in custody since his arrest on April 9, 2014.