by | Published
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - A 44-year-old San Antonio man has been sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison after investigators determined he was selling fentanyl-laced pills in Schertz and advertising illegal drugs through social media.
Daniel Mendoza Jr., 44, received a 200-month federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, according to U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons of the Western District of Texas.
The case began in 2025 when investigators with the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation into Mendoza's suspected drug trafficking activities.
According to federal court documents, Mendoza used social media to advertise illegal drugs, including posts promoting "cocaine, bars, and perk 30s."
Investigators determined that Mendoza completed multiple sales of illicit pills containing fentanyl and fluorofentanyl in Schertz.
The substances included fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, and fluorofentanyl, a related synthetic opioid.
The investigation was conducted by the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Mendoza was arrested Jan. 14, 2026, following the investigation.
During a search of his residence, investigators discovered additional controlled substances stored in his kitchen, including fentanyl, cocaine and alprazolam.
Authorities also recovered a .40-caliber pistol and a magazine containing 10 rounds of ammunition from a bedside table.
According to federal prosecutors, Mendoza had an extensive criminal history and was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior felony conviction.
The discovery of the firearm later resulted in an additional federal charge.
A federal grand jury initially indicted Mendoza on Jan. 7, 2026, on four drug-related counts:
Two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
Two counts of possession with intent to distribute fluorofentanyl
On March 4, prosecutors filed a superseding indictment adding a third count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Mendoza pleaded guilty May 28 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
He was subsequently sentenced to 200 months in federal prison, equivalent to 16 years and eight months.
The announcement did not specify whether Mendoza will receive credit for time already served.
Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray credited investigators with the department's Special Investigations Bureau and federal law enforcement partners for their work on the case.
"Fentanyl is poison, and those who peddle it in our neighborhoods are trading in human lives," Ray said.
"Make no mistake: here in Guadalupe County, we will pursue narcotics dealers aggressively and without apology, because the safety of our citizens is not negotiable."
Ray also thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Marie Walker for their cooperation in the investigation and prosecution.
"I am very proud of the Investigators in our Special Investigations Bureau, whose skill and persistence made this case," Ray said. "When good people work together, our communities are safer for it."
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Marie Walker prosecuted Mendoza in federal court.
