Vallejo Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years for Distributing Methamphetamine

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- James Manuel Estrella was sentenced Feb 7, 2012, to 135 months in prison for possessing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and ordered to forfeit $16,970, announced Acting Special Agent in Charge Scot Thomasson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Estrella pled guilty on November 22, 2011, to one count of possession of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to deliver it to another person.  According to the plea agreement Estrella admitted that between November 2010 and August 2011, he distributed and possessed with intent to distribute a total of 488.6 grams of methamphetamine.  

In August 2011, ATF served a search warrant at Estrella's residence and seized firearms, U.S. Currency, and methamphetamine.  In the plea agreement Estrella admitted he possessed two loaded semi-automatic Glock Pistols, 279 grams of methamphetamine which was intended for distribution, and $16,970 which was proceeds from distribution of methamphetamine. 

"We focus on guns the tools of the trade that make trafficking in illegal drugs a feasible and violent threat to public safety," said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Scot Thomasson.

The sentence was handed down by Judge Richard Seeborg.  Derek Owens is the Assistant U.S. Attorney who prosecuted the case.  The prosecution is the result of a long term investigation with the assistance of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Special Services Unit, Contra Costa Sheriff's Office, and Vallejo Police Department.

ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating firearms trafficking.  More information on ATF can be found at www.atf.gov.

Contact: Helen Dunkel, Special Agent, PIO
Office: (925) 557-2815
Cell: (925) 202-8135
[email protected]

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

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