Jonathan Ponce has been sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, international money laundering, and money laundering conspiracy. The sentence was delivered by Senior U.S. District Judge Edward M. Chen.
Ponce, a 34-year-old U.S. citizen who previously lived in Mexico and the South Bay, faced initial charges on August 21, 2019, with an indictment following on August 29, 2019, for drug-related offenses. A separate indictment on June 24, 2021, addressed the money laundering charges.
On November 14, 2024, Ponce admitted guilt to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, five counts of international money laundering, and one count of money laundering conspiracy. Court documents reveal that Ponce was involved in approximately 13 drug transactions involving around 14 pounds of methamphetamine and 1.6 pounds of heroin. He also laundered over $30,000 from illegal activities by sending proceeds to Mexico using false information through money services businesses.
Following his arrest, Ponce remained in custody and was remanded after sentencing. Judge Chen also imposed a five-year supervised release period following the completion of his prison term.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aimed at identifying and dismantling high-level drug traffickers and criminal organizations threatening the United States through a collaborative approach involving various law enforcement agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Yeh prosecuted the case following an investigation conducted by the DEA.
