Mexican man pleads guilty to role in illegal pot grow in Sequoia National Forest

FRESNO, Calif. — A Mexican national pleaded guilty Monday to federal drug and firearms charges stemming from his role in a large-scale marijuana cultivation operation in the Sequoia National Forest, following a joint probe by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Forest Service, and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.

Uriel Silva-Garcia, 24, of Turicato, Michoacán, Mexico, pleaded guilty to conspiring to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and possessing firearms in furtherance of a large-scale cultivation operation located near Little Poso Creek in the Sequoia National Forest.

According to court documents, Silva-Garcia was paid to plant and tend about 8,596 marijuana plants on public land. To facilitate the cultivation activities, Silva possessed a loaded rifle and handgun. The cultivation caused extensive damage to the land and natural resources. Native trees and plants were cut down and steep hillsides were terraced to plant the marijuana. Pesticides, including Malathion, fertilizer, water lines, trash, clothing and camping equipment were scattered throughout the site. Silva has agreed to reimburse the U.S. Forest Service for the cleanup costs.

Silva’s co-defendant Antonio Garcia-Villa, 46, pleaded guilty Oct. 26. Both defendants are scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 19, 2016, by Senior U.S. District Judge Anthony W. Ishii. The men face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for the drug conspiracy and a mandatory minimum consecutive term of five years in prison for the firearm charge.

The actual sentences, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory sentencing factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The men also face deportation to Mexico upon completion of any prison term imposed.

Assistant United States Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.