A California man has been sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation that brought large quantities of the drug into Florida.
Jacob Paul Arjona, 32, from Bakersfield, California, received a sentence of 17 years and 7 months after pleading guilty in December 2024 to charges of conspiring to distribute and distributing methamphetamine. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven.
Court records show that Arjona worked with others to bring over 500 kilograms of methamphetamine into the Middle District of Florida. On October 11, 2023, law enforcement observed Arjona delivering 50 pounds of methamphetamine to Mario Espino at a residence in Holiday, Florida. Deputies from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office stopped a rideshare vehicle carrying Arjona as it left the location and seized more than $110,000 believed to be proceeds from drug sales during a search.
Espino pleaded guilty on February 24, 2025. He was sentenced to 22 years and 6 months for his involvement in the conspiracy.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan prosecuted the case.
