James Cargill, 45, of Vacaville, was sentenced to 15 years in prison today by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez in Sacramento. The sentencing follows Cargill's conviction for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced the sentencing, which stems from two separate arrests in 2025. On January 21, 2025, police officers found Cargill with over a pound of methamphetamine. After being released on parole, he was arrested again on May 9, 2025, when officers discovered him in possession of nearly half a pound of methamphetamine and a loaded Glock 20 semi-automatic pistol.
Cargill pleaded guilty to the charges on February 10, 2026. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the Vacaville Police Department, the Fairfield Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Campbell prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime.