Salvador Vega Rendon Jr., 33, of Turlock, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for drug possession with intent to distribute and multiple firearm charges. He was arrested after crashing his vehicle on November 29, 2020, while intoxicated and trying to remove an ice chest, suitcases, and bags from the scene, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Authorities found over 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, 7,000 fentanyl pills, cocaine, heroin, LSD, marijuana, firearms—including some modified to automatic—and body armor in his possession. The U.S. Attorney’s Office reported these items were linked to drug trafficking activities.
U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley sentenced Rendon, who was found with a large amount of drugs and three automatic firearms connected to the drug trade. The case was part of a joint operation by the DEA, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, and California Highway Patrol. Prosecutors Kimberly A. Sanchez and Michael G. Tierney handled the case in court, as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
