Man Convicted in Gwinnett County of Trafficking Methamphetamine; Sentenced to 25 Years

Jose Luis Sandoval has been found guilty of trafficking methamphetamine by a Gwinnett County jury and sentenced to 30 years, with 25 years to be served in prison.

The verdict was delivered on Friday afternoon, March 28, 2025.

“Dangerous drugs like this are not tolerated in Gwinnett County,” said Gwinnett District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson. “We are pleased with this result. Thank you to the jury for this verdict and to our team for closing this case.”

Sandoval was arrested on June 26, 2023, after being stopped by a Gwinnett County Sheriff’s deputy for a traffic violation. He admitted to driving without a license.

A K-9 unit alerted to the presence of drugs, leading to the discovery of 17.5 kilograms (over 38.5 pounds) of methamphetamine and $18,070 in cash inside the SUV Sandoval was driving.

During an interview with DEA agents, Sandoval admitted to knowingly transporting approximately 20 kilograms of methamphetamine to Alabama on behalf of a Mexican drug trafficking organization.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Brian Trepanier and Managing Assistant District Attorney Ryan Smith, both from the DA’s Drug and Gang Task Force. Investigators John Wilbanks, David Brucz, Yayoi Huggins, and Doug Loomis, victim witness advocate Sussy Key, and interpreter Flori Sanches-Benitez assisted with the case. The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration were also instrumental in the investigation and prosecution.