Four Sacramento men indicted in federal fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking case
The four men sold controlled substances to a confidential source and an undercover DEA agent
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Four Sacramento men have been indicted by a federal grand jury on allegations they distributed fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine during an undercover narcotics investigation that spanned the first half of this year, federal prosecutors announced Friday.
The 10-count indictment charges Balentin Quintero, 27; Francisco Chavez, 39; Steven Ortega, 44; and Tavarius Montgomery, 41, with various drug trafficking offenses following an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California, investigators allege the four men sold controlled substances to a confidential source and an undercover DEA agent on eight occasions between January and June 2026.
Quintero is charged with one count of distributing cocaine and four counts of distributing fentanyl. Chavez faces one cocaine distribution count, two methamphetamine distribution counts and three fentanyl distribution counts. Ortega is charged with one fentanyl distribution count and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. Montgomery is charged with two counts of distributing fentanyl.
Federal prosecutors outlined two transactions in the indictment. On May 1, authorities allege Chavez arranged to sell one ounce of fentanyl to an undercover agent.
After meeting with Ortega to obtain the drugs, Chavez allegedly completed the sale for $900. In a separate transaction on June 8, prosecutors allege Quintero agreed to sell three ounces of fentanyl to a confidential source. Chavez allegedly obtained the fentanyl from Montgomery, delivered it to Quintero, and Quintero sold it for $3,300.
The indictment also alleges Ortega was found in possession of multiple firearms on July 14 despite being prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior Sacramento County felony convictions, including convictions for drug distribution, being a felon in possession of a firearm, battery causing serious bodily injury and assault with a deadly weapon.
If convicted, Chavez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life in prison on the methamphetamine distribution charges. Quintero, Chavez and Montgomery each face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison if convicted on certain fentanyl charges. Ortega faces up to 20 years in prison on the fentanyl charge and up to 15 years for the firearm offense.
