Stockton’s Alphonso Jimenez Pleads Guilty to Major Drug and Gun Charges

Fresno, Calif. — In a chilling turn of events, Alphonso Jimenez, 31, of Stockton, has pleaded guilty to federal charges that include possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, as well as using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. The U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced the grim news.

According to court documents, Jimenez’s drug empire was exposed in 2021 when local and federal law enforcement joined forces to investigate his activities alongside co-defendant Erik D. Mendoza-Contreras, 33.

During their investigation, confidential sources purchased several pounds of narcotics from Mendoza and Jimenez. The plot thickened on Feb. 23, 2022, when Jimenez delivered a massive 28 pounds of meth to Mendoza for further distribution. At Jimenez’s home, authorities discovered over 31 kilograms of meth, over 28 kilograms of cocaine, over 6 kilograms of heroin, 350 grams of counterfeit M-30 pills laced with fentanyl, nearly $300,000 in cash, and a firearm.

This case is the result of a joint effort by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the San Joaquin County Metropolitan Narcotics Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is leading the prosecution.

While charges are still pending against Mendoza, who remains innocent until proven guilty, Jimenez faces a grim future. He is set to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on May 30, 2023, where he could face a mandatory minimum of 15 years up to life in prison. The actual sentence will be decided based on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and any applicable factors.