ARCATA, CA – The leader of the largest drug ring bust in Humboldt County Drug Task Force history, Jose Lomeli-Osuna, 69, was given a six-year split-sentence in the Humboldt County jail and 12 years on mandatory supervision in January. Lomeli-Osuna pleaded guilty to five counts of drug trafficking charges and was sentenced due to his age and limited health care resources in the county jail. At the time of the sentencing, he was 69 years old and had several medical conditions including being diabetic, having gallstones and high blood pressure.

The bust that resulted in Lomeli-Osuna’s arrest on Sept. 15, 2022, involved the seizure of 30 pounds of meth, 5.5 pounds of cocaine, three pounds of heroin, two pounds of fentanyl, 150 marijuana plants, 50 pounds of processed marijuana, $115,500, and two revolvers. The drugs, money, and weapons were found in six locations, including multiple apartments, a storage unit, and an auto body shop.

Lomeli-Osuna’s defense attorney, Meagan O’Connell, spoke on his behalf during the sentencing, conveying his regret and explaining the financial motivation behind his crimes. His prior criminal history, including two deportations and previous charges related to substance trafficking, were also taken into account during the sentencing.

Despite the prosecution’s disagreement with the custody cap, Judge Christopher Wilson handed down the sentence, expressing regret that state law prevented him from sending Lomeli-Osuna to prison. Wilson also noted that Lomeli-Osuna’s immigration status would likely result in deportation after his release.

The six-year split-sentence is considered a reasonable amount of time for Lomeli-Osuna to be out of the community, according to Wilson. The case was the result of significant drug trafficking activity, with the amount of meth seized in the bust exceeding the total amount of meth seized in task force operations in the previous year.