United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SACRAMENTO, CA - Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Anthony D. Williams and United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Roberto Ceja Sandoval, 44, of Berkeley, with possessing cocaine and methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Court documents allege that Sandoval was arrested in a vehicle in which approximately 10 packages containing powder cocaine and approximately five one-pound packages of a substance containing methamphetamine were located in hidden compartments.

This case is the product of a joint investigation by the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Todd A. Pickles is prosecuting the case.

Sandoval’s arraignment is set for May 5, 2011, and he has been detained in federal custody.

If convicted, Sandoval faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

The charges are only allegations and Sandoval is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.