Vallejo Drug Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison

SACRAMENTO, CA—United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that Anthony Cavaness, 56, of Vallejo, was sentenced today to 151 months in prison by United States District Judge John A. Mendez. Mr. Cavaness previously entered a guilty plea to a felony charge of distributing crack cocaine.

In imposing sentence, Judge Mendez said the significant prison term was required because the defendant remained a danger to the community given his extensive criminal history and status as a career offender. When prosecuted in federal court, drug traffickers typically receive much harsher sentences. In addition to the longer sentences imposed, unlike state court prisoners who are released early on parole, there is no early release on parole in the federal system.

This case is the product of an extensive investigation by the Vallejo Police Department and the Fairfield FBI Safe Streets Task Force. According to court documents, during February 2009, the defendant distributed crack cocaine in the City of Vallejo and was arrested in possession of crack cocaine.