Judge sentences Samantha Venegas to 15 years for drug trafficking

Judge Stephanie Boyd sentenced Samantha Venegas to 15 years in prison and ordered a $2,000 fine after the court found her guilty in a trafficking case involving more than 400 grams, the record shows.

Venegas previously entered a plea of no contest on March 26, and counsel argued for deferred adjudication and placement in an intensive supervision or drug court program. Defense counsel told the court, "I suggest to the court as a proper resolution of this case because she's still relatively young, deferred adjudication, 10 years, ISF treatment, and she asked you to put her into drug court," characterizing the defendant's request for rehabilitation.

Judge Boyd rejected probation on the record, citing Venegas's criminal history and prior revocations. "It doesn't appear that you would be a good candidate for probation," the judge said. "The court is gonna find you guilty. The court will sentence you to 15 years in the prison. There's a $2,000 fine. Time and the money will run concurrently." The judge recommended placement in a therapeutic community program for treatment while incarcerated.

During the hearing the court discussed the amount of drugs and the police reports demonstrating the defendant's status in the investigation; the judge referred to the police report's characterization of the defendant as a seller and noted the trafficking weight found by investigators.

Because Venegas entered a plea agreement and waived appeal rights as part of that deal, the court advised she did not have the court's permission to appeal the sentence.