A federal judge has sentenced an auto trimmer to 10 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl out of an auto upholstery shop in Gardena, California.
Trimmer Hector Valle, 50, and co-defendant Efren Sanchez, 54, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl and being felons in possession of a firearm and ammunition, according to federal prosecutors.
Both men were also indicted on charges related to methamphetamine distribution. Valle faced additional charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
During searches of three locations in 2023, authorities seized more than 14.3 kilograms of fentanyl, approximately 424 grams of methamphetamine, about 675 grams of cocaine, six firearms, 117 rounds of ammunition, and roughly $21,700 in cash, prosecutors said.
Investigators also recovered multiple packages of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine concealed inside a vending machine at the Stichin’ Time auto upholstery shop, where Valle worked.
In a letter to U.S. District Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani, Valle requested home detention and placement in an outpatient rehabilitation program, citing ongoing health issues, My News LA reported.
It provided “hope to me that when the inevitable day comes of my passing I will not die in a cold cell by myself or in a bed surrounded by strangers, but rather I would be surrounded by my loved ones,” Valle wrote.
The judge denied that request and imposed the 10-year federal prison sentence.
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