Lucresia Stone-Rojas of San Diego has been sentenced to 86 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Todd Robinson. The sentencing follows her guilty plea for charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm on November 12, 2023, and possession with intent to distribute heroin on December 27, 2023.
The case began when police stopped Stone-Rojas after license plate readers detected a stolen Porsche near North Second Street and East Main Street in El Cajon. During the stop, authorities recovered a loaded 9mm Walther firearm and an additional ammunition magazine. Due to multiple prior felony convictions, Stone-Rojas was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition and was subsequently charged with unlawful possession.
Stone-Rojas was arrested again by federal investigators on December 27, 2023. She possessed sealed packages addressed to inmates within the California Department of Corrections. A search revealed two Bibles containing approximately 23 grams of heroin hidden in their spines, intended for delivery to two different California prisons.
“Smuggling drugs into our prisons endangers both the inmates and the correctional staff. It will not be tolerated,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden. “Hopefully this case will serve as a warning to anyone who would be willing to abuse the tools of faith and rehabilitation to perpetuate addiction and despair.”
Kenneth R. Cooper, ATF Los Angeles Field Division Special Agent in Charge, commented: “Multi-convicted felons who possess firearms will be held accountable as we work to keep our communities safe and firearms out of the hands of prohibited people.” He emphasized that the ATF will continue collaborating with local and state law enforcement agencies against violent criminals possessing firearms illegally.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian Clark also stated: “Drug distribution, no matter where it occurs, threatens the safety of our community and will not be tolerated.”
The investigation involved several agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and El Cajon Police Department. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce gun violence and other violent crimes through collaboration between law enforcement at all levels.