California Man Sentenced For Distributing Over 50 Pounds Of Methamphetamine

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Jacob Paul Arjona (32, Bakersfield, CA) to 17 years and 7 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and distributing methamphetamine. Arjona pleaded guilty in December 2024.

According to court records, Arjona conspired with others to have more than 500 kilograms of methamphetamine brought to the Middle District of Florida. On October 11, 2023, officers observed Arjona deliver 50 pounds of methamphetamine to his co-defendant, Mario Espino, at a residence in Holiday, Florida. Deputies from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office stopped a rideshare vehicle in which Arjona was a passenger as it left the home in Holiday. During a search of the vehicle, deputies seized over $110,000 in drug proceeds. 

Espino pleaded guilty on February 24, 2025. He was sentenced to 22 years and 6 months for his role in the conspiracy. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan.