Two California natives sentenced in multistate oxycodone trafficking operation

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Two California natives were sentenced in federal court today for oxycodone trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Julia Joseph, 45, and Mario O. Garcia, 42 both of Van Nuys, California, participated in a drug trafficking operation in which large quantities of prescription painkillers were shipped across state lines from California into Marshall County, West Virginia for redistribution and sale. They each pled guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Oxycodone.”

Garcia was sentenced today to 37 months in prison. Joseph was sentenced today to probation for 3 years.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McWilliams prosecuted Garcia and Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Bernard prosecuted Joseph on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the Drug Enforcement Administration - Los Angeles Field Division Tactical Diversion Squad, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.