LOS ANGELES – Efrain Chavez, a Palm Springs man with a long history of crime and self-proclaimed leader of the Barrio San Rafael street gang, was sentenced to 260 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine.
Chavez, 37, whose street moniker is “Chino,” pleaded guilty in November to five counts of distributing methamphetamine. During the sales, he handed over a total of 2.88 kilograms (about 6.3 pounds) of methamphetamine in five transactions in 2019, which took place in parking lots in Cathedral City, Palm Springs, and Colton.
When he was arrested in this case in November 2019, Chavez was found in possession of another 2.2 kilograms (nearly 5 pounds) of methamphetamine. His arrest came while he was on probation for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, highlighting his disregard for the law and lack of deterrence from previous sentences.
Prosecutors noted in a sentencing memorandum that Chavez has a criminal history spanning 19 years, including five prior felony convictions. His previous sentences, ranging from two to five years, have done little to deter him from becoming a career offender.
Assistant United States Attorney Eli A. Alcaraz of the Riverside Branch Office prosecuted the case, with Homeland Security Investigations leading the investigation under the umbrella of the Riverside County Gang Impact Team, which includes representatives of the Palm Springs Police Department.
Chavez will serve his 22-year sentence followed by 10 years of supervised release once he completes his prison term. The investigation and prosecution of Chavez demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement and the justice system to targeting and holding accountable those who engage in serious drug trafficking activities.
Chavez’s case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of methamphetamine addiction and the importance of continued efforts to disrupt and dismantle the supply chain of this deadly substance.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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