According to officials, a Santa Maria gang member and convicted felon who was involved in drug offenses and unlawful ammunition possession received street justice in the shape of a 15-year jail sentence. Rodolfo Uriarte, 41, was sentenced today after entering a guilty plea on February 28 to five felonies, including possession of ammunition as a felon and prohibited person, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The United States Attorney’s Office claims that a violent felon has been incarcerated for a long period of time. United States Attorney Martin Estrada stated, “A violent felon was apprehended and has now received a lengthy prison term thanks to the diligent efforts of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners.” “Working together, we can make our streets safer by removing repeated offenders from our communities.”
After an inquiry into his narcotics and firearm trafficking activities, Uriarte—who was a member of the Santa Maria Northwest street gang—was apprehended. Law enforcement made two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Uriarte, according to court filings. About 110 grams were used in the first, which took place in October 2023, and a “ghost gun” that was likewise filled with nine-millimeter ammo was used in the second, which took place on November 6, 2023.
Uriarte was arrested by Santa Maria Police after a traffic stop in a different October incident. Methamphetamine and a sizable stockpile of ammunition, including shots discovered inside a rifle case, AR-15 magazines, and a bag, were located in the stolen gray Lexus sedan he drove. The confiscated contraband, which contained about 86.3 grams of methamphetamine, further cemented his destiny.
Over the previous 20 years, Uriarte has been convicted of a number of felonies, including domestic abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, and second-degree robbery. He was prohibited from lawfully owning ammunition due to the compounded legal violations, which were heightened by a restraining order imposed by Santa Barbara County Superior Court in June 2022. The FBI, Santa Maria Police Department, and San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office collaborated to investigate Uriarte’s actions, and Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas J. Magaa and Stephanie L. Orrick spearheaded the prosecution. The U.S. Attorney’s Office website has further information about the case, which is available here.
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