PELOZA RECEIVES 25 YEARS FOR TRAFFICKING DRUGS IN ANDERSON COUNTY

Leonel Penaloza pled guilty today in Anderson County General Sessions Court before the Honorable John C. Hayes. Penaloza received 25 years for Trafficking Cocaine in excess of 400 grams and 25 years for Trafficking Methamphetamines in excess of 400 grams. The sentences are to be served concurrently and are non-parolable. 

Penaloza was arrested following an I-85 traffic stop on October 20, 2006 in Anderson County. Anderson County Sheriff’s officers located a hidden compartment in the gas tank of Penaloza’s vehicle. Hidden inside the gas tank the officers found approximately 20 pounds of cocaine and one pound of methamphetamine. 

“Drug smugglers are constantly looking for new ways to get drugs into communities and into the hands of buyers. The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office is to be commended for preventing this from happening in this case. Their diligence and work helped my office to prepare an excellent case against Mr. Penaloza. Hopefully, this will prove to be a deterrent to others attempting to bring drugs into our communities. Keeping our communities and our children safe is always a top priority.” Solicitor Chrissy Adams.