Defendant Sentenced to 22 Years and 4 Months for Trafficking 60 Pounds of Methamphetamine While Armed

On October 19, 2026, the Honorable Judge Smalling sentenced Jose Maria Carranza to 22 years and 4 months in state prison for trafficking 60 pounds of methamphetamine while armed with two loaded firearms.

The convictions stem from a November 9, 2022, traffic stop after Deputy Negrete stopped Carranza for tailgating another vehicle. During the stop, Carranza was found transporting approximately 60 pounds of methamphetamine. A loaded firearm was discovered beneath the driver’s seat, and a second loaded firearm was found in the trunk alongside the methamphetamine.

Carranza has two prior strike convictions. In 2003, he was convicted of being a gang member in possession of a firearm. In 2010, he was convicted of solicitation to commit murder for the benefit of a gang.

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office sincerely thanks Deputy Negrete and K9 Rango for their dedication, diligence, and outstanding work on this investigation. Their efforts were instrumental in bringing this case to a successful conclusion and helping protect our community from dangerous drugs and firearms. The Office also recognizes Deputy District Attorney Jocelyn Weisbrich for her commitment to pursuing justice and her work in prosecuting this case. We are grateful to our law enforcement partners and prosecution team for their professionalism, persistence, and continued commitment to public safety.

“Sixty pounds of methamphetamine and two loaded firearms are a recipe for violence and devastation in our community. We will not tolerate drug traffickers who put lives at risk and bring this level of danger onto our streets. This defendant’s lengthy prison sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and our commitment to holding dangerous offenders accountable. If you traffic deadly drugs while armed, you will face the full force of the law,” said District Attorney Ron Freitas.