Lionel Ornelas, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, California 2019

A Vallejo man has been sentenced to over 15 years in prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy.

Lionel Ornelas, 62, of Vallejo, was sentenced to 15 years and 8 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents, between June 20, 2017, and Dec. 19, 2017, Ornelas conspired with Tony Acosta Alvarez, 29, to distribute and possess methamphetamine. Ornelas had previously been convicted of felony drug offenses in Solano County in 2007, 2008, 2012, and 2013.

On July 26, 2019, Ornelas pleaded guilty and admitted that he was responsible for 1,068 grams of methamphetamine purchased during an undercover operation. In addition, on July 20, 2017, Ornelas sold a .380 handgun to the confidential informant.

Ornelas’ sentence comes on the heels of his co-conspirator, Tony Acosta Alvarez, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison on September 24, 2019.

The case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Solano County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelli L. Taylor prosecuted the case.

The sentencing of Lionel Ornelas serves as a reminder of the consequences of involvement in the illicit drug trade. As law enforcement continues to crack down on these operations, it is essential to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

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