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Press Release

Violent Gang Member Sentenced To 20 Years For Methamphetamine Trafficking With A Firearm

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of California

SAN DIEGO – Daniel Vazcones, aka “D-Boy”, a longtime member of the violent Logan Heights criminal street gang was sentenced today in federal court to 20 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine while in possession of a firearm.

Vazcones pled guilty in September to drug- and weapons-related charges. At sentencing, and in court records, he admitted to distributing methamphetamine while in possession of a .40-caliber Glock semi-automatic handgun.

During the hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Conover argued for a significant sentence, noting that Vazcones was a “dangerous violent gang member” who since his arrest had made multiple threats to kill police officers and others involved in his prosecution.

This case highlights an emphasis on the federal prosecution of cases involving violent gang members in the Southern District of California. This case was the result of a long-term investigation conducted by the Violent Crime Task Force - Gang Group, a group of federal, state, and local law enforcement agents led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“We are absolutely committed to making our neighborhoods safe from violent gang activity and drug trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy. “We will not allow our neighborhoods to become headquarters for drug-pushing, gun-toting gangsters.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Birnbaum stated, “Today's sentencing should send a message to all gang members that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue gang activity and hold gang members accountable for their criminal activities.”


DEFENDANTS   Case Number:
Daniel Vazcones Age: 31 El Cajon, California
 
CHARGES

Count 1:       Distribution of Methamphetamine-21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
Maximum Penalties: Up to life in prison; 10 year mandatory minimum.

Count 2:       Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime-18 U.S.C. § 924(c)
Mandatory 5 years’ imprisonment consecutive to drug trafficking sentence

 
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Updated July 23, 2015