A National City man who was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for smuggling methamphetamine will be released in 2026, according to a federal prison agency.
David “Woody” Valencia, 45, received the second longest sentence among 10 people who were indicted in 2016 in U.S. District Court in San Diego.
Judge Michael Anello imposed an 84-month term for his three guilty pleas to conspiracy to import methamphetamine and heroin. Additionally, Anello imposed a consecutive 5-year term for Valencia pleading guilty to carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
Court records say Valencia drove his vehicle that contained methamphetamine in a San Diego Chargers bag on Nov. 15, 2015, and also carried a Glock handgun with him at the time. His handgun and ammunition were forfeited to the U.S. government along with $4,475 in cash that was seized.
Valencia was the only South Bay resident who was charged in the scheme and he was arrested on June 3, 2016. He received credit for serving almost two years in jail. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons website said Valencia is serving his term at a medium security prison in Fairton, New Jersey, and that his release is expected on June 9, 2026.
