Benito Lopez, a resident of San Diego, has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute and unlawful firearm possession. Lopez acknowledged that nearly $60,000 seized from his home were proceeds from drug dealings and agreed to forfeit the money to the United States.
Court documents reveal that officers from the San Diego Police Department’s Gang Suppression Unit observed Lopez conducting suspected hand-to-hand transactions with occupants of three different vehicles within an hour. A traffic stop on Lopez’s vehicle uncovered multiple bags containing golf-ball-sized amounts of cocaine. At the time, Lopez was on parole for a state drug trafficking conviction and subject to search conditions.
A parole search of Lopez’s residence led investigators to discover two additional kilograms of cocaine, digital scales, empty plastic baggies, a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson firearm, and $59,246.00 in cash. In his plea agreement, Lopez admitted he intended to distribute the cocaine found at his residence and confirmed that the cash was earned through drug sales. He also confessed to knowingly possessing the loaded firearm despite prior felony convictions.
Lopez faces charges under 21 U.S.C. §841(a)(1) for possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, carrying a maximum penalty of forty years in prison with a minimum five-year sentence and a $5 million fine. Additionally, he is charged under 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(1) as a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries up to fifteen years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The investigation involved the Drug Enforcement Administration and San Diego Police Department as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing gun violence and other violent crimes by fostering trust within communities and supporting community-based organizations.
