Kern County Man Indicted for Possession of Fentanyl and Heroin with Intent to Distribute

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Jose Luis Santana, 43, of Shafter, charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on Nov. 16, 2021, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant on Santana’s motel room in Bakersfield; they also searched Santana’s vehicle with his consent. As a result, law enforcement seized approximately 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl, 2.5 kilograms of heroin, two firearms, and approximately $5,000 in cash.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Massey is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Santana faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million 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.