Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced To Nine Years In Prison
OAKLAND, Calif. – Daniel Barnett was sentenced today to nine years in prison for conspiracy to traffic in 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced.
Barnett pleaded guilty on Sept. 25, 2012, to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to the plea agreement, Barnett admitted to selling crystal methamphetamine, on a total of three occasions, to informants and an undercover agent between Feb. 2, 2012, and Feb.16, 2012. The methamphetamine in two of the sales exceeded 97 percent in purity.
This case was part of Operation Gideon, an undercover sting operation conducted by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with assistance from officers of the Richmond Police Department and Oakland Police Department. Operation Gideon, undertaken by federal law enforcement authorities in 2012 to help combat street crime in Oakland and neighboring cities, has resulted in the federal conviction of more than 60 defendants in the Northern District of California.
“Today’s sentence confirms the commitment of federal law enforcement to join hands with local police in this district,” U.S. Attorney Haag said. “Together, we will continue to work to help make our communities safer for all residents.”
“This lengthy prison sentence will remove a threat to our community who has plagued our neighborhoods with criminal activity,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Riehl. “The success of this investigation is attributed to the excellent undercover work that was conducted and the solid partnership between ATF, local law enforcement, and the United States Attorney’s Office.”
Today’s sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers following a guilty plea to the one-count indictment charging a violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B)(viii). Judge Gonzalez Rogers also sentenced the defendant to a four-year period of supervised release. The defendant, who begins serving his sentence immediately, has been in custody since his arrest by Richmond Police officers on June 12, 2012.
Andrew M. Scoble is the Assistant U.S. Attorney who is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Legal Tech Ponly Tu. The prosecution is the result of the collaboration between ATF, Richmond PD, and Oakland PD.
