Armed Drug Dealer From East Bay Sentenced To Over Eight Years In Prison

OAKLAND – Ricky Keith Barnette was sentenced today to one hundred months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Brian J. Stretch and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett.

Barnette, 34, of Antioch, pleaded guilty on November 10, 2016, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1).  According to his plea agreement, Barnette admitted that on January 8, 2016, he was driving a stolen BMW in Antioch, Calif., while in possession of more than 167 grams of methamphetamine for sale and a stolen 9mm Ruger LC9 pistol loaded with eight rounds of ammunition.  Officers from the Antioch Police Department attempted to pull Barnette over but he drove onto the off-ramp of Highway 4 and sped westbound in the eastbound lanes of the highway.  While driving the wrong direction on the highway, Barnette collided head-on with another vehicle and caused great bodily injury to the other driver. 

Barnette was charged in an information with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  Pursuant to his plea agreement, Barnette pleaded guilty to the charge.

The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Jon S. Tigar, U.S. District Judge.  In addition to the prison term, Judge Tigar also ordered Barnette to serve a five-year period of supervised release and ordered him to forfeit the firearm and $1,760, that Barnette admitted was the proceeds of his drug trafficking.  Barnette is in custody and will begin serving the sentence immediately.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Garth Hire is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Vanessa Quant.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Antioch Police Department, and the Contra Costa County Safe Streets Task Force.