A Valley Springs man was levelled with a grand jury indictment for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it and for being a felon in possession of firearms.

The announcement came Monday from United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott. According to a release from the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office, the case against Braon Russell Sturgil, 31, was the result of a joint investigation by the Calaveras sheriff's department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is part of the Project SAF Neighborhoods initiative, a joint effort between federal, state and local law enforcement authorities to reduce firearms and violent crime.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez, who is prosecuting the case, the indictment resulted from Sturgil's arrest on Dec. 1, 2008 after a traffic stop in which deputies recovered more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm. Another firearm was recovered from the defendant's residence after a search warrant.

"Armed drug dealers are not welcome in our communities," said ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen C. Herkins. "ATF and the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office are committed to reducing violent crime and keeping our neighborhoods safe."

"I appreciate the efforts of federal law enforcement agencies working with our local agencies to take this case to the federal level," added Calaveras Sheriff Dennis Downum. "Methamphetamine distribution and usage in Calaveras County impacts all of our citizens in the county."

If convicted, Sturgil faces a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison. However, the actual sentence will be determined by the court after consideration of federal sentencing guidelines, which take into account a number of variables, and any applicable statutory sentencing factors.

"We in the law enforcement community see the ties between drugs and other crimes, such as theft and violence," Downum said. "I think this sends a clear message that if individuals choose to engage in this type of illicit activity, we intend to use all resources available to remove them from our community."

The charges in the indictment are only allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.