FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Monday, November 5, 2012
Docket #: 1:12-cr-055 LJO

FRESNO, Calif. — U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill sentenced Jonathan Vega, 25, of Fresno, to 19 years and seven months in prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute it, announced United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez prosecuted the case.

According to court documents, on February 7, 2012, police officers were conducting surveillance of a meeting between a potential methamphetamine buyer and Vega, who had about three pounds of methamphetamine. When Vega saw the police officers, he tried to flee and struck several police vehicles and a parked car. Vega made several attempts to move his vehicle forward and backward, but was blocked in by police vehicles. When officers approached his vehicle, they saw two small children in the back seat. Vega admitted that he was paid to deliver the methamphetamine.

In sentencing Vega, Judge O’Neill cited to Vega’s lengthy criminal history of reckless behavior, and told Vega that he was “lawless.” Judge O’Neill said, “This is a person who should not be in civilized society because he is not civilized. He is a danger.”

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