Fresno, California - A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Julio Perez, 32; Rafael Legorreta, 34, both of Bakersfield; and Francisco Rivera, 29 of Palmdale, charging them with conspiracy to distribute heroin and possession with intent to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.

According to court documents, on December 2, 2014, law enforcement officers conducted an authorized search of Perez’s home, and found Perez, Legorreta, and Rivera in the locked basement of the residence with approximately 12 lbs. of heroin, packaging material, zip lock bags, digital scales, metal strainers, a blender, drug paraphernalia, and other items.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Gang Suppression Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Delaney is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.