Valentin Mendoza Jr., a 44-year-old resident of San Bernardino, California, has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The sentencing took place on November 21, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis presided over the case and handed down the sentence.
According to United States Attorney Susan Lehr, Mendoza was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a methamphetamine mixture. Following his prison term, Mendoza will be subject to four years of supervised release. It is important to note that there is no parole available in the federal system.
The incident leading to Mendoza's arrest occurred on February 3, 2023. A Seward County Sheriff's Deputy stopped a vehicle on Interstate 80 in Seward County, Nebraska, for following too closely. The driver was identified as Mendoza. During the traffic stop, Mendoza claimed he was traveling from San Bernardino to Minnesota for a party and transporting DJ equipment.
Mendoza's inconsistent account of his travel plans raised suspicions with the deputy. After issuing warnings for traffic violations, the deputy asked further questions and received consent from Mendoza to search the vehicle.
The search revealed 14 wrapped packages containing methamphetamine concealed inside the door panels of the vehicle. The investigation into this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Agency.