Federal Jury Finds Nevada Man Guilty Of Conspiring To Distribute And Possessing With The Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Noel Alfredo Garcia (34, Las Vegas, Nevada) guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Garcia faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Garcia was indicted on March 12, 2024.

According to evidence presented at trial, Garcia conspired with his co-defendant, Jesus Villapudua, to transport nearly 30 pounds of methamphetamine from Victorville, California, to Lakeland, Florida for distribution. Villapudua coordinated the shipment and enlisted Garcia to transport the methamphetamine. Phone records showed Garcia in constant communication with Villapudua leading up to, and for the duration of the transportation. Ultimately, on January 29, 2024, the Florida Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on Garcia and the methamphetamine was in the trunk of his vehicle. Prior to this delivery, Garcia made multiple other trips across the United States to transport narcotics and the proceeds of narcotics sales.

Villapudua previously pleaded guilty to the same offenses on May 23, 2024.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Florida Highway Patrol, with assistance from the Bradenton Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jeff Chang and Samantha Newman.