Monterey County Man Sentenced To More Than Six Years In Prison For Possession With Intent To Distribute Fentanyl And Firearms Offenses

SAN JOSE – Mario Jose Villagrana was sentenced today to 80 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and manufacturing firearms without a license.  Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila handed down the sentence.

Villagrana, 30, who previously resided in Pacific Grove, was charged in a three-count information on Nov. 7, 2022.  On Feb. 10, 2025, he pleaded guilty to possessing multiple firearms, manufacturing firearms, and possessing with intent to distribute approximately 1.45 kilograms of fentanyl.  

According to court documents, on Feb. 15, 2022, law enforcement searched Villagrana’s residence and found eight firearms, numerous firearm magazines and ammunition, tools to manufacture firearms, 13,439 “M30” pills containing fentanyl, and $23,105.  The firearms that law enforcement recovered included assault rifles, ghost guns, and a Glock pistol, converted to fire ammunition fully automatically, with an extended 30-round magazine.  Villagrana, who had multiple prior felonies, was on state parole at the time he committed these offenses.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Davila also sentenced the defendant to a four-year period of supervised release and ordered him to pay a $300 special assessment.  Villagrana was immediately remanded back into custody to begin serving his sentence.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Topper made the announcement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal C. Hong prosecuted the case with the assistance of Sahib Kaur.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DEA, ATF, and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.