OAKLAND, CA – In a shocking case of reckless endangerment, Maxfer Palma, a 29-year-old Honduran national, has been convicted of multiple drug trafficking offenses. The conviction comes after a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar.
The jury found Palma guilty of one count each of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on premises where children were present or resided, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The evidence presented at trial revealed that Palma possessed a black backpack containing over 400 grams of methamphetamine, over 200 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl, various other controlled substances, and digital scales. The backpack was hidden in a laundry hamper in Palma’s bedroom closet, and a firearm and a magazine loaded with ammunition were also found in the same backpack.
In addition, Palma was found to possess a green backpack containing four bricks of methamphetamine weighing over 1,700 grams, which was hidden in a dog crate with a small dog in the living room of his apartment. Multiple children, including two minors who appeared to be under the age of 10, were present in the apartment at the time of the search.
According to United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, Palma’s actions showed a ‘callous disregard for human life.’ The U.S. Attorney praised the jury for bringing Palma to account for his inexcusable actions.
Palma faces 10 years to life in prison and a $10 million fine for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A)(viii). He also faces five to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B)(vi). Additionally, he is subject to a mandatory consecutive sentence of five years in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), and a mandatory consecutive sentence of no more than 20 years for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on premises where children are present or reside in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 860a.
Palma is currently in federal custody and is scheduled for sentencing on July 17, 2026, before Judge Tigar.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Buszin and Emily Dahlke.
The evidence presented at trial, including text messages from Palma’s phone, showed that he trafficked fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other narcotics in East Oakland and the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco over a seven-month period spanning 2022 and 2023.
Palma was acquitted of one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on April 22, 2023, in connection with an incident in the Tenderloin neighborhood.
As the U.S. Attorney’s office continues to aggressively prosecute dealers who poison our communities with these dangerous substances, Palma’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drug trafficking.
Related Federal Cases
- Erick Anaya, Meth Trafficking, South Dakota 2021 · South Dakota
- Jason Roon, Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking, Tennessee 2023 · Kansas
- Erin House, Trafficking in Methamphetamine Fentanyl Cocaine, Ohio 2023 · Wisconsin
- Ke-Shawn Rivers, Fentanyl Trafficking, California 2023 · California
- Maurice Tutt, Conspired to Distribute Fentanyl, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, California 2023 · California
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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