SACRAMENTO -  A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Fayth Shamariah Jones, 22, of Bakersfield; Jonte Deon Scott Jr., 23, of Port Richey, Florida; and Donald Conferlete Carney Jr., 22, of Tarpon Springs, Florida, charging all three defendants with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to court documents, the defendants were traveling north on State Route 99 in Merced County when law enforcement officers attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver began driving at speeds reaching up to 120 miles per hour. After approximately 10 minutes, the officers cornered the vehicle in a cul-de-sac. A search of the vehicle revealed more than 24 kilograms of methamphetamine.

This case is the product of an investigation by the California Highway Patrol, the Merced Area Gang/Narcotics Enforcement Team (MAGNET), Homeland Security Investigations, and the Merced District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael W. Redding is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.