Modesto Man Indicted For Possession Of Methamphetamine

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today, charging Juan Carlos Martinez-Vargas, 29, of Modesto, with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.

The according to court documents, on February 9, 2014, Martinez-Vargas was arrested when he was attempting to deliver one pound of methamphetamine to a customer at a Modesto-area motel. A subsequent search of his car and residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 7.5 pounds of methamphetamine.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Modesto Police Department Narcotics Team. Assistant United States Attorney Melanie L. Alsworth is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Martinez-Vargas faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Any sentence, however, would 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.

The charges are only allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.