Yuma man facing minimum eight years with plea deal in drug case

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - A Yuma man charged with murder has taken a guilty plea in a separate drug case.

36-year-old Fernando Malta pled guilty Tuesday to possession of a narcotic drug.

Under the plea agreement, Malta faces a presumptive sentence of ten years, a minimum of eight years and a maximum of 12 years in prison.

His sentencing is scheduled for March 10

Malta was arrested for the murder of 29-year-old Eric Cruz from Somerton.

Malta being held at the Yuma County Jail on a bond of more than $1 million.