⏱ 2 min read
David Joseph Yama, a 42-year-old Fresno County man, has pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl and alprazolam (Xanax) with intent to distribute, as well as gun crimes, just days before his trial was set to begin. The plea comes after a series of incidents, including a traffic stop in September 2020, where officers found a large amount of cash, ammunition, and over 200 fentanyl pills in Yama’s vehicle. Yama, who has five prior felony convictions, is prohibited from possessing firearms.
In January 2021, Yama was stopped again, and officers recovered more alprazolam pills, ammunition, a loaded ghost gun, and a silencer. The investigation also uncovered a clandestine drug lab in Yama’s trailer, where officers seized pill-making equipment and residue that tested positive for fentanyl and other controlled substances.
The case is the result of a multi-agency investigation, including the DEA, ATF, and local law enforcement. Yama’s guilty plea vacated his trial, which was scheduled to begin on July 27, 2026. He is now scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Troy.
The guilty plea marks a significant victory in the fight against fentanyl trafficking in California. Fentanyl is a highly addictive and deadly opioid that has been linked to thousands of overdose deaths in the United States. Yama’s conviction sends a strong message to those involved in the illicit drug trade that law enforcement is committed to holding them accountable.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Drug Trafficking
- Defendant: California
- Location: CA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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