Las Vegas has seen its share of crime, but one fewer violent offender is on the streets today. Damien Patillo, who has a hefty rap sheet including attacks on women and multiple domestic violence convictions, was sentenced to seven years in prison by United States District Judge Miranda M. Du. His crime this time? Intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada.
During the sentencing, Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Buenaventura, representing the San Francisco Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, pointed out that public safety is the prime mission of the ATF. "Protecting the public from violent offenders is our duty as law enforcement," Buenaventura explained, astounded by the defendant's criminal background which, having brutally attacked six different women, includes 38 convictions. In the same vein, Anthony Chrysanthis, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Division, reinforced the notion that drug dealers will face the full weight of the law, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
It was on or about September 12, 2021, that Patillo, now 41 years of age, was found in possession of 16 grams of pure methamphetamine with the aim of distributing it within the Las Vegas Community. Following a four-day jury trial in January 2025, Patillo was convicted of one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, shedding light on the persistent challenge of drug trafficking in the region, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The combined efforts of the Firearms and Explosives and Drug Enforcement Administration led to this critical outcome. "When you unleash deadly poison in our communities, we will track you down and ensure you face the full force of the law," Chrysanthis said, addressing drug distributors as a stern warning, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office. He was referring to the dangerous impact methamphetamine has on public health and safety. United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada, along with the aforementioned agents, announced the sentencing which was the result of hard-working federal law enforcement combining forces. Assistant United States Attorney David Kiebler prosecuted the case.
