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Fresno Man Caught in Heroin Conspiracy
Rafael Guzman, a 42-year-old Fresno man, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, according to Acting United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert.
Guzman, a major player in the heroin trade, was indicted on April 9, 2015, along with six other defendants, including the now infamous former deputy chief of the Fresno Police Department, Keith Foster. The indictment alleged that Guzman and Foster conspired to acquire and distribute heroin from December 23, 2014, to February 2, 2015.
The investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, has been ongoing since 2015. Assistant United States Attorneys Melanie L. Alsworth and Duce W. Rice are handling the prosecution of Guzman, who is set to be sentenced by United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii on August 15, 2016.
Guzman faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. However, the actual sentence will be determined by the discretion of the court after considering any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Co-defendant Sarah Ybarra previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute marijuana and was sentenced to a one-year prison term. It is worth noting that the charges against all the remaining defendants, including Foster, are allegations only; they are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The heroin conspiracy case is a stark reminder of the depth of corruption within law enforcement agencies. The fact that a former police chief was involved in such a serious crime raises serious questions about the integrity of the Fresno Police Department.
The investigation and prosecution of Guzman and his co-conspirators are a testament to the dedication and commitment of the law enforcement agencies involved. We will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
As the Grimy Times continues to investigate this story, we urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Together, we can work towards a safer and more just community.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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