Bakersfield Man Sentenced to over 21 years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

FRESNO, Calif. — David Garcia, 39, of Bakersfield, was sentenced Monday by Chief U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to 21 years and 10 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, on Oct. 17, 2022, law enforcement officers stopped an SUV for traffic violations. Garcia, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, had an active parole warrant for his arrest. Garcia is also a documented former member of the Varrio Fillmore Trece Sureño criminal street gang. A search of Garcia’s SUV revealed a Glock 29, 9 mm semi-automatic handgun loaded with eight rounds. This firearm was later determined to be stolen. Garcia’s criminal history dates back approximately 20 years. Garcia is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of a prior felony conviction in 2016 for robbery.

Garcia pleaded guilty on Feb. 24, 2025.

In a black backpack on the front passenger seat, officers found one plastic bag containing 343.5 grams of methamphetamine, one plastic bag containing 11.2 grams of cocaine, and one plastic bag containing 8.5 grams of a mixture containing cocaine and methamphetamine. Officers also discovered three digital scales and a box of sandwich bags.

The Bakersfield Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Karp prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.