Bakersfield Man Sentenced To Over 14 Years In Prison For His Conviction In A Large Methamphetamine Conspiracy

Fresno, California –Miguel Marquez, 30, of Bakersfield, was sentenced today to 14 years and eight months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced. U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill also ordered Marquez to forfeit over $30,000.

According to court documents, an investigation indicated that on October 22, 2014, Marquez would be receiving a shipment of crystal methamphetamine from his source of supply. On that day, task force agents set up surveillance at Marquez’s residence. Agents observed Marquez meet with two individuals who drove to Marquez’s residence from the Los Angeles area to deliver the suspected narcotics. Agents arrested Marquez and the two individuals identified as Luis Alfonso Mendivil, 23, of Riverside, and Jonathen Leyva, 28, of Rialto. Subsequent searches resulted in the seizure of $30,630 from Mendivil and Leyva’s vehicle, approximately 2.6 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine from inside Marquez’s home, and a firearm. In addition to the crystal meth seized from Marquez’s residence, officers also located a stash location just outside of Marquez’s home where officers seized a stolen loaded machine pistol and approximately 1.9 kilograms of additional crystal methamphetamine.

Mendivil and Leyva pleaded guilty to use of an interstate facility to aid racketeering, and were sentenced to five years in prison.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Delaney is prosecuting the case.