Old Town National City Gang Member Sentenced to 10 years for Distributing Methamphetamine Near School

Press Release

SAN DIEGO - Manuel Joseph Mariscal, an Old Town National City criminal street gang member known by the moniker "Pony," was sentenced today in federal court to 120 months in prison.

In June of 2022, task force officers from the East County Regional Gang Task Force conducted two controlled purchases involving the distribution of methamphetamine, a Ruger Mini Thirty CAL. 7.62 x 39 rifle and several rounds of ammunition from Mariscal. The distribution occurred at Mariscal's residence located just 852 feet away from Zamorano Elementary School in San Diego.

On June 21, 2023, a state search warrant was executed on Mariscal's residence, wherein additional methamphetamine, a firearm, ammunition, a firearm silencer, a firearm laser sign with gun mount parts, heroin and a composition book with pay and own information common in the drug trafficking business were discovered. On that date, Mariscal was arrested on the federal charges stemming from the June 2022 controlled purchases.

In addition to the federal charges, Mariscal is currently facing state charges for the additional contraband seized in connection to the search warrant execution on his residence in San Diego County Superior Court, Dkt. No. CD301145, charging Mariscal with child abuse, possession for sale of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a possessor of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a felon, and a prohibited person owning firearm/ammunition.

Mariscal, a serial offender marking his fourth conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, entered a guilty plea on this federal case on September 17, 2024.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndzie M. Carter.

DEFENDANT Case Number 23cr1470-JLS

Manuel Jospeh Mariscal Age: 49 San Diego, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Distribution of Methamphetamine Near a School - Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841(a)(1) and 860

Maximum penalty: Eighty years in prison and $10 million fine

Felon in Possession of a Firearm - Title 18, U.S.C., Section 922(g)(1)

Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine

Felon in Possession of Ammunition- Title 18, U.S.C., Section 922(g)(1)

Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

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East County Regional Gang Task Force

Federal Bureau of Investigation

San Diego County Sheriff's Office

National City Police Department

San Diego County District Attorney's Office

*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Updated April 25, 2025