Evergreen Reporter

U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger has sentenced Jose’Luis Gabriel Villanueva, 32, of Sanford, to seven years and eight months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The court also ordered Villanueva to forfeit firearms and ammunition used in the commission of the offense. Villanueva entered a guilty plea on May 31, 2024.

According to court documents, law enforcement began monitoring Villanueva’s social media accounts in January 2022. He was seen in photos with large sums of money and suspected illegal narcotics, primarily bottles of promethazine and marijuana. Promethazine is a Schedule V prescription drug commonly used to treat allergies and motion sickness. Over several months, law enforcement observed what appeared to be drug trafficking activity by Villanueva.

On August 17, 2023, law enforcement executed a search at Villanueva’s residence where they located four firearms and ammunition, including one short-barrel rifle; nineteen (16-ounce) bottles of promethazine; one bag of powder cocaine weighing approximately 103 grams; and $6,935 in cash.

Prior to the search, Villanueva had been convicted of several felony offenses including fleeing and eluding law enforcement as well as driving while his license was suspended or revoked. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Gang Enforcement Unit. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence with the aim of making neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in communities; supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence; setting focused strategic enforcement priorities; and measuring results.

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