FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 12, 2012

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Cristobal Valencia, 40, of Dinuba, with distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez is prosecuting the case.

According to the indictment, on December 11, 2011, Valencia distributed methamphetamine to another person. On March 8, 2012, Valencia delivered approximately four pounds of methamphetamine to another person. On June 28, 2012, Valencia delivered approximately two pounds of methamphetamine to another person and was in possession of another 29 pounds of methamphetamine that was hidden in the roof rack of his minivan.

If convicted, Valencia faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $20 million fine. The actual sentence, if convicted, 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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