Two Salem men get jail on meth charges

http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pb ... /602170330

February 17, 2006

Two Salem men have been sentenced to long prison terms for attempting to distribute methamphetamine in the Medford area, the U.S. Attorney's Office said Thursday.

Gonzolo Hernandez-Vega, an illegal resident, was ordered to spend 20 years in federal prison followed by 10 years of probation for his role in trying to deliver three-quarters of a pound of meth. The meth had a street value of about $40,000, said Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Judith Harper. The charges stem from a Nov. 5, 2004, indictment.

Hernandez-Vega was found guilty by a jury last year of illegal re-entry after deportation, distribution of more than 50 grams of meth, possession with intent to distribute more than 50 or more grams of meth and conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of meth.

Jesus Sifuentes on Thursday was sentence to more than 12 years in federal prison and 10 years probation for distribution of meth after pleading guilty to the single charge.

The case was initially investigated by the Medford Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

-- Dan de Carbonel