Ceres man pleads not guilty in meth case

A 30-year-old Ceres man on Friday pleaded not guilty in federal court to charges of methamphetamine distribution, according to the U.S. attorney's office in Sacramento.

A federal grand jury on Thursday indicted Jose Barrera on four counts of distributing meth and possessing an illegal firearm.

The indictment alleges that on Aug. 30 and Dec. 12, Barrera distributed five grams or more of meth. The indictment further claims he distributed 50 grams or more of meth Dec. 14.

If convicted, Barrera faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10 million fine.