FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Lauren Horwood
February 10, 2011	PHONE: (916) 554-2706
www.usdoj.gov/usao/cae	usacae.edcapress@usdoj.gov

FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today charging Gerardo Norzagaray-Pereda, 31, of Mexico, and Armando Sanchez-Ornelas, 23, of Phoenix, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine.

The indictment alleges that on January 26, 2011, the defendants conspired with others to distribute heroin and methamphetamine. A total of 24 pounds of heroin and 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine were seized from a vehicle occupied by the defendants after a traffic stop on Highway 99 in Fresno County.

This case is the product of a joint investigation by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Elana Landau is prosecuting the case.    
If convicted, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life in prison and a fine of up to $4 million. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

The charges are only allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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