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San Diego Man Sentenced for Distributing Methamphetamine Near School
San Diego, CA – In a shocking turn of events, Manuel Joseph Mariscal, a 49-year-old man from San Diego, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine near a school.
According to sources, Mariscal was a member of a local gang and was involved in the distribution of methamphetamine, a Ruger Mini Thirty CAL. 7.62 x 39 rifle, and several rounds of ammunition from his residence, which was located just 852 feet away from Zamorano Elementary School in San Diego.
The investigation, led by the East County Regional Gang Task Force, revealed that Mariscal was involved in the distribution of methamphetamine through controlled purchases in June 2022. Additional evidence, including heroin and a firearm silencer, was discovered during a state search warrant executed on his residence on June 21, 2023.
Mariscal, a serial offender with four previous convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm, entered a guilty plea on September 17, 2024. He is currently facing state charges for the additional contraband seized in connection to the search warrant execution on his residence in San Diego County Superior Court, Dkt. No. CD301145.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndzie M. Carter. Investigating agencies include the East County Regional Gang Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, National City Police Department, and San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.
The charges against Mariscal include Distribution of Methamphetamine Near a School, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Felon in Possession of Ammunition. The maximum penalty for each charge is 80 years in prison and a $10 million fine, 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, respectively.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of gang activity and the importance of community policing. It also highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies to keeping our schools and communities safe.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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