United States Drug Enforcement Administration

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment today against Ruben Gonzalo Duran-Sanchez, 42, and Daniel Delgado, 27, both Mexican nationals, charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Chris Nielsen announced. Delgado is also charged with assault on a federal officer.

According to court documents, on Sept. 26, 2018, the defendants were arrested when they went to Shafter to sell 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine to a confidential source. Sanchez was arrested without incident and was found to possess a stolen and loaded Sig Sauer .380 pistol. Delgado resisted arrest and in his attempt to flee, rammed into a California Highway Patrol vehicle and a DEA undercover vehicle, injuring an officer. A high-speed car chase ensued, resulting in Delgado driving his vehicle off the road and into a vineyard where he then attempted to flee on foot. A law enforcement canine was utilized to locate and assist in the apprehension of Delgado. Delgado was found to possess a loaded and stolen 9 mm Berretta with obliterated serial number. Approximately 13 pounds of methamphetamine were recovered from the defendants.

This case is part of an investigation by the DEA, the Bakersfield Police Department and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian K. Delaney is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, both defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would 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; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.