Two Polk County Men Charged For Methamphetamine Trafficking

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the return of an indictment charging Isarael Sanchez-Pineda, a/k/a “El Cuñado” (47, Frostproof), and Margarito Garcia (47, Frostproof) with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Each faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison for the conspiracy charge. The possession charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 40 years’ imprisonment. The indictment also notifies both individuals that the United States intends to forfeit any traceable proceeds of the offense and any property used to facilitate the crimes.

According to court documents, Sanchez-Pineda and Garcia conspired with each other and others to distribute methamphetamine. They allegedly sold more than 50 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential source and, prior to his arrest, Sanchez-Pineda had also agreed to sell an additional pound of methamphetamine.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless,  and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Meth Task Force. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.