Bell, California Man Charged With Trafficking Drugs Between Los Angeles Area And Modesto

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Victor Avalos Ballesteros, 24, resident of Bell, California, charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced. 

The indictment charging alleges that Ballesteros possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine on February 10, 2014 within the County of Madera, California.  According to court documents, Ballesteros was transporting approximately 3.8 kilograms of methamphetamine from the Los Angeles area to Modesto.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Madera Narcotic Enforcement Task Force (MADNET).  Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick R. Delahunty and Kimberly A. Sanchez are prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Ballesteros faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.