A federal grand jury has indicted James Cargill, 44, of Vacaville on charges related to drug and firearm possession. Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez announced the four-count indictment, which includes two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
Court documents reveal that Cargill was initially arrested in January 2025 for possessing over 500 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded semi-automatic pistol. Due to prior felony convictions for burglary, evading police officers, and firearm possession, Cargill is prohibited from owning firearms or ammunition. Following his release from custody, he was arrested again in May 2025 for similar offenses involving methamphetamine and another loaded semi-automatic pistol.
The investigation involved the Vacaville Police Department, Fairfield Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Campbell is leading the prosecution.
If convicted, Cargill could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and potentially life imprisonment along with a $10 million fine. The court will determine any sentence based on statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines. It is important to note that these charges are allegations at this stage; Cargill is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
