Indian National Indicted for Possessing Methamphetamine in Bakersfield

FRESNO, Calif. - A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Darmanjot Singh, 29, an Indian national residing in Ontario, California, charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Singh engaged in a high-speed pursuit with law enforcement officers that ended when Singh crashed his car. A search of Singh's car resulted in the discovery of two packages containing approximately 5 pounds of methamphetamine.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Bakersfield Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Singh 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.