Felon in Possession Receives Decades in Prison

LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles man pleaded guilty and was sentenced to prison followed by supervised release after being charged with firearm- and drug-related charges.

Vincent Castaneda, 37, was sentenced last week to more than 21 years in prison and five years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to count three of the indictment, distribution of methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C 841 (a)(1), (b)(1)(A)(viii).

During three separate law enforcement controlled purchases in March 2017, Castaneda sold a 9 mm pistol, two AR-type rifles, and an AR-type pistol. In addition, in another law enforcement controlled purchase on June 20, 2017, Castaneda sold approximately 870 grams of methamphetamine. During his arrest that day, Castaneda possessed about 38 grams of methamphetamine. The search of his residence and adjoining garage, law enforcement seized additional methamphetamine, a firearm and ammunition.

Castaneda is a convicted felon for a previous offense and is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

Castaneda was originally charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, 18 U.S.C. 922 (g), possession and intent to distribute methamphetamine, 21 U.S.C 841(a), engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license, 18 U.S.C. 922 (a), and distribution of methamphetamine 21 U.S.C 841 (a).

This joint investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Group 44. The prosecutor who handled this case was Assistant United States Attorney Claire Kelly.

ATF recognizes the role firearms play in violent crimes and focuses on armed violent offenders and career criminals, narcotics traffickers, violent gang activity, and domestic and international arms traffickers.

ATF targets, investigates and recommends prosecution of these offenders to reduce the level of violent crime and to enhance public safety. ATF also strives to increase state and local awareness of available federal prosecution under federal statutes.