Feds: Two pounds of meth seized in search of East Bay hotel

OAKLAND — Federal drug trafficking charges have been filed against a man who was allegedly selling methamphetamine out of a Hayward hotel, court records show.

Joseph Daniel Sandoval, whose name is also spelled “Sandaval” in court records, was charged with possession with intent to distribute meth, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Tuesday. The charge carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine, with up to a lifetime of federal probation.

According to court records, the Alameda County Sheriffs Office’s gang suppression unit began investigating Sandoval in July, after receiving a tip he was involved in drug trafficking. They ran a GPS search of his phone, which led authorities to the Quality Inn, at 24997 Mission Boulevard in Hayward.

Sandoval had arrest warrants for a parole violation and a burglary, so authorities set up surveillance outside of the hotel with plans to arrest Sandoval. First, they contacted his girlfriend, who confirmed they’d been staying there for weeks.

After Sandoval was arrested, police searched him and the hotel room. They found a total of roughly two pounds of meth, a little more than $3,000 in cash, a stun gun, scales, and other evidence related to alleged drug trafficking, according to the complaint.

Sandoval’s next court hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, where Judge K. A. Westmore will determine whether to keep him in custody as he awaits trial.