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Man, 63, gets 46 mos. for selling ‘ice’ near NMC
U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona on Thursday slapped a 46-month prison term on Le Xiang Chen, 63, for selling methamphetamine or “ice” near the Northern Marianas College.
After completing his prison term, Chen will be placed on six years of supervised release. He was given credit for time served.
During his supervised release, Chen will be turned over to immigration official for removal proceedings.
Chen will also be required to perform 100 hours of community service, pay a $100 court assessment fee, and forfeit $750 representing the sum of money equal to the proceeds derived from the offense.
Assistant U.S. attorney Ross Naughton recommended a 37-month prison term. Court-appointed counsel Bruce Berline recommended a 12-month imprisonment with credit for time served.
Chen was one of seven persons arrested in February by local and federal law enforcements for alleged distribution of “ice.”
In May, Chen pleaded guilty to distribution of “ice” near a school.
According to the plea agreement, on Nov. 8, 2012, Chen sold 2.8 grams of “ice” to a confidential source for the Drug Enforcement Administration in exchange for $750. The sale took place in Chen’s residence in Finasisu, which is within 1,000 feet of NMC.
