In a shocking case of brazen disregard for the law, 31-year-old Jacob Harding-Abeyta of Vallejo, California, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and to possession of cocaine for sale. This reckless behavior has put the community at risk, and Harding-Abeyta’s actions will not go unpunished.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, on October 7, 2020, a parole search of Harding-Abeyta’s residence uncovered a loaded .45-caliber Springfield XDS firearm in his bedroom. This is a stark reminder of the dangers of straw purchases and the ease with which firearms can fall into the wrong hands. Harding-Abeyta, a convicted felon with a history of violence, including a 2014 attempted murder conviction in Solano County, is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. The fact that he ignored this law is a serious concern for law enforcement and the community.
The search of Harding-Abeyta’s residence also yielded 39 grams of powder cocaine, a digital scale, plastic baggies, and other drug paraphernalia. A subsequent investigation revealed that he was selling cocaine and other illicit substances, further exacerbating the problem of drug trafficking in the area.
In a disturbing twist, Harding-Abeyta also admitted to attempting to suborn perjury of a witness during a prior evidentiary hearing in this case. This egregious act of obstruction of justice is a clear indication of his disregard for the law and his willingness to go to any lengths to avoid accountability.
This case is the result of an ongoing investigation by the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Haddy Abouzeid, Jason Hitt, and Adrian T. Kinsella are prosecuting the case.
Harding-Abeyta is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on September 10, 2024. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearm charge and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million for the drug charge. The actual sentence will be determined by the court after consideration of applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in our communities. The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN, focusing on fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations, and setting strategic enforcement priorities.
In conclusion, Jacob Harding-Abeyta’s guilty plea is a significant victory for law enforcement and the community. It serves as a reminder that those who disregard the law will be held accountable, and their actions will have consequences. We urge the court to take a strong stance and impose the maximum sentence for this reckless behavior.”
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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