FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Lauren Horwood
April 23, 2012	PHONE: (916) 554-2706
www.usdoj.gov/usao/cae	usacae.edcapress@usdoj.gov
Docket #: 1:11-cr-230-LJO

FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that Larry Escobedo, 48, of Modesto, California entered a guilty plea to marijuana cultivation and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, on June 13, 2011, Modesto police officers served a search warrant at Escobedo’s residence. They found over 300 marijuana plants, seven firearms, and a silencer. Escobedo has two prior convictions for possessing controlled substances for sale.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Modesto Police Department. The investigation and prosecution are part of Project SAFE Neighborhoods, a cooperative effort of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies aimed at combating firearms and violent offenses. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez is prosecuting the case.

Sentencing has been scheduled for July 23, 2012 before United States District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill. Escobedo faces a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison and a $4.25 million fine. 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.

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