Bakersfield Man Pleads Guilty To Using An Interstate Facility To Aid Racketeering

FRESNO, Calif. —Martin Barragan, 38, of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty today to use of an interstate facility to aid racketeering, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.

According to court documents, from June 1, 2012, to November 30, 2012, Barragan conspired with others to manufacture and distribute more than 900 marijuana plants. Barragan used a cellphone to manage his marijuana grow operation and business.

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.

Barragan is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Lawrence J. O'Neill on September 15, 2014. Barragan faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, 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.