A Merced man was sentenced Monday to more than 15 years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute following a high-speed chase, prosecutors said.

Richard Charles Thomas Jr., 42, received a sentence of 15 years and eight months from U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

According to court documents, Thomas fled from law enforcement during a traffic stop on Aug. 25, 2020, leading officers on a dangerous pursuit through residential areas of Merced.

He reportedly reached speeds of 100 mph, ran stop signs, drove on the wrong side of the road, and threw a bag from his vehicle before abandoning the moving car and fleeing on foot.

Officers recovered the bag, which contained several thousand dollars in cash and nearly two pounds of methamphetamine with a purity level of 99%.

The case was investigated by the Merced Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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