United States Drug Enforcement Administration

FRESNO, Calif. - A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today charging Ignacio Ramos Beltran, 49, of Salinas, with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine and possessing cocaine with intent to distribute it, Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Special Agent in Charge Bruce C. Balzano and United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.

The indictment alleges that Beltran conspired with other individuals to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and possessed cocaine with intent to distribute. According to court records, on March 5, 2013, a Kern County Sheriff’s deputy stopped Beltran’s vehicle for speeding on Interstate 5 near Panama Lane and discovered him in possession of approximately 20 pounds of cocaine.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Kern County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen A. Servatius is prosecuting the case.

On May 23, 2013, Beltran made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer L. Thurston in Bakersfield. Arraignment is set for June 5, 2013, at 01:30 p.m. in Fresno before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary S. Austin.

If convicted, Beltran faces 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine, and a five to life term of supervised release. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory sentencing factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.