LOS ANGELES– A West Covina man has been charged in federal court with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine after authorities found over one-half kilogram of methamphetamine in his residence.
Edwin Francisco Reyes, 44, was charged with the drug trafficking offense in a criminal complaint filed Wednesday in United States District Court.
According to the affidavit in support of the complaint, Reyes was arrested by the Chino Police Department on March 2 after they executed a search warrant at the home he shared with his wife and four children. During the search, officers with the Chino Police Department seized 532 grams – or nearly 19 ounces – of methamphetamine.
Reyes, who admitted being a convicted felon, also was in possession of 28 firearms, including six handguns, two bolt-action rifles and two AR-style rifles, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit alleges that Reyes admitted being involved in a drug trafficking ring as a runner who delivered drugs to buyers in exchange for cash. On the day the search warrant was executed, according to the affidavit, Reyes admitted picking up five pounds of methamphetamine to deliver to Ontario.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Reyes, who is currently in state custody, is expected to be handed over to federal authorities next week.
If he is convicted of the charge of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, Reyes would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
The ongoing federal investigation is being led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant United States Attorney Peter Hardin of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting the case.