Bakersfield man and Mexican national, Omar Felix-Corrales and Valeria Silvas Villarreal, respectively, were charged with attempting to sell 2 kilograms of heroin in the city. The duo met with an undercover informant at a home improvement store parking lot on July 28, 2017, and were arrested after a pre-arranged signal was given to nearby agents.
According to court documents, the defendants planned to sell the informant the heroin for $56,000. However, agents rushed to the scene and apprehended Felix-Corrales and Villarreal when they received the signal.
At the time of his arrest, Felix-Corrales was found with a loaded 9 mm Berretta pistol tucked into the waistband of his pants. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration, the California Highway Patrol, and the Bakersfield Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian K. Delaney is prosecuting the case. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
However, any sentence would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The charges against Omar Felix-Corrales and Valeria Silvas Villarreal are only allegations, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Bakersfield, California. The case against Felix-Corrales and Villarreal serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat heroin trafficking in the city.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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