California man indicted for distribution of methamphetamine

A two-count indictment was filed charging a California man with crimes related to methamphetamine, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Jose Vega-Farias, 27, of Strathmore, California, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of attempted possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Count 1 of the indictment alleges that from as early as approximately February 25, 2015, to on or about March 3, 2015, Vega-Farias and others conspired to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine by shipping a parcel via U.S. Postal Service Express Mail from California to Ohio.  Jose Vega-Farias accepted delivery of the parcel in Massillon, Ohio, and opened the package. Count 2 alleges that on or about March 3, 2015, Vega-Farias attempted to possess 887.5 grams of methamphetamine.

If convicted, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samuel A. Yannucci.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.