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News brief: Centralia auto business drug case will bring 10 years or more for Valle Vega

By Sharyn  L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

Donato Valle Vega faces a minimum of 10 years in federal prison following his conviction in connection with pounds of drugs seized from the attic of a Centralia car lot.

A jury found Valle Vega guilty on Friday of in U.S. District Court in Tacoma of one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and a second similar count related to methamphetamine, according to Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Thomas.

“The jury deliberated about four and half hours,” Thomas said.

Federal agents descended upon Emmanuel Auto Sales on Harrison Avenue in September 2010 after Valle Vega admitted hiding drugs at his business.

He was charged by indictment the same month.

Thomas said the offense brings a sentence of at least 10 years and as much as life in prison.

A forfeiture hearing is scheduled for Jan. 4 and sentencing is set for Jan. 25 in front of Judge Ronald B. Leighton, according to Thomas.
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For background, read “Centralia auto business arrest followed discovery of almost 10 pounds of cocaine” from Wednesday September 29, 2010, here [1]