Fresno Man Tossed 3 Pounds of Meth into Mendota Prison Yard, Faces 20 Years in Prison
A brazen daylight heist at the Federal Correctional Institution Mendota ended with a 33-year-old Fresno man in handcuffs and a serious charge of possessing methamphetamine. According to a U.S. Department of Justice press release, Garrett Scott Wheelen, 33, of Fresno, was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 1, 2024, for throwing four packages containing over 3 pounds of methamphetamine into the prison’s recreation yard.
Wheelen reportedly arrived at the prison wearing a facemask, baseball cap, and hoodie to conceal his identity, before running to the prison fence and tossing the packages into the yard. He was quickly apprehended after attempting to flee the scene. None of the inmates who were in the recreation yard at the time claimed the packages, which weighed a substantial 3 pounds.
The investigation into Wheelen’s actions is an ongoing collaboration between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mendota Police Department, and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple is prosecuting the case, which carries a serious statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Wheelen’s actions have sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about the ease with which contraband can be smuggled into correctional facilities. The investigation into this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining the security and integrity of our nation’s prisons.
As the case moves forward, it remains to be seen whether Wheelen will be held accountable for his actions. The charges against him are only allegations at this point, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The public will be watching closely as this case unfolds, eager for justice to be served in the face of such brazen and serious crimes.
Related Federal Cases
- Meth, Guns & A Lifetime of Crime: Fresno Man Faces Life Behind Bars · California
- 90 Pounds of Meth: Cali Man Faces Decades in Texas · Texas
- 7 Nabbed in NM Meth Bust Totalling 52 Pounds · Alabama
- 30 Pounds of Meth Lands California Man 10 Years · Kansas
- Fresno Man Gets 15+ Years in Meth Trafficking Conspiracy · Colorado
Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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