Santa Clara Resident Sentenced To Forty Four Months In Prison For Burglary Of Controlled Substances

SAN FRANCISCO – Jerry Silveira was sentenced on March 12, 2014, forty four months in prison for burglary of controlled substances and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, announced United States Attorney Melinda Haag and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Jay Fitzpatrick.

Silveira, 35, of Santa Clara, was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 13, 2013. He was charged with burglary of controlled substances in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2118(b), possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a), and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a).

Silveira pleaded guilty on November 12, 2013, to burglary of controlled substances and to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. According to the plea agreement, Silveira admitted that on March 1, 2013, he entered the Palo Alto Medical Foundation pharmacy in Palo Alto, Calif. without permission, and stole approximately 5,737 pills from the pharmacy. He also admitted that the replacement value of the stolen pills to the pharmacy is $14,512.

The sentence was handed down by the Honorable William Alsup, United States District Court Judge, following the guilty plea. Judge Alsup also sentenced the defendant to a 3 year period of supervised release, and ordered him to pay ordered to pay $14,512 in restitution to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. The defendant has been in federal custody since his initial appearance on June 24, 2013.

Chinhayi Coleman Cadet is the Assistant U.S. Attorney who is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Elizabeth Garcia. The prosecution is the result of a one month investigation by the Palo Alto Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

(Silveira indictment )