Marin County Man Sentenced To 142 Months In Prison For Trafficking Methamphetamine

SAN FRANCISCO – Jesse James Starr, was sentenced on November 25, 2013, to nearly 12 years in prison for trafficking methamphetamine, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced.

Starr, 40, of San Rafael, pleaded guilty on August 30, 2013, to a violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). According to the plea agreement, Starr admitted that he possessed three ounces of methamphetamine in March of 2013, and almost four ounces of methamphetamine in August of 2012. Starr also admitted that, in March of 2013, he fled from police and crashed his car during the pursuit. Starr’s criminal history, as well as his history of leading police in high speed pursuits, contributed to the length of his sentence.

“This case shows the importance my office places on the community’s safety,” United States Attorney Melinda Haag said. “It also shows the importance of the partnership between federal and state law enforcement. The Marin County Major Crimes Task Force identified Starr as a dangerous, repeat offender, and my office worked with the Task Force to prosecute this case.”

Marin County District Attorney Edward S. Berberian, Jr., similarly called Starr’s prosecution “an excellent example of state and federal authorities working together to remove a dangerous narcotics distributor from the streets,” and thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its efforts in prosecuting the case.

The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Charles R. Breyer, United States District Court Judge. Judge Breyer also sentenced Starr to 5 years of supervised release. Starr was in custody at the time of sentencing and will begin serving his sentence immediately.

The prosecution is the result of a joint investigation by the Marin County Major Crimes Task Force, led by Marin County Deputy Sheriff Mike Dobbins, and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, led by Special Agent Geoff Kolanowski.

(Starr indictment )