FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Lauren Horwood
April 5, 2012	PHONE: (916) 554-2706
www.usdoj.gov/usao/cae	usacae.edcapress@usdoj.gov
Docket #:

            FRESNO, Calif.-- United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that a federal grand jury returned a single count indictment today charging Jose Palacio-Alcaraz, 32, of Riverside, California, with possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. 

            The indictment alleges that on March 23, 2012, Palacio-Alcaraz possessed over 500 grams of methamphetamine which he intended to distribute to another person or persons.  According to court documents, a traffic stop and subsequent search revealed approximately 3 ½ pounds of methamphetamine concealed in the vehicle Palacio-Alcaraz was driving. 

            This case is the product of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the California Highway Patrol.  Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Rooney is  prosecuting the case. 

                        The maximum statutory penalty for trafficking of five hundred or more grams of methamphetamine is life imprisonment.  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 defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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