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Woman pleads guilty to shipping meth
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Posted on Sep 27 2019
A woman who, along with two other persons, was indicted over the shipment of a package to her post office box that contained 110.03 grams of methamphetamine or “ice,” pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday.
Elaine Francisco Demei, 26, pleaded guilty to the indictment that charged her with conspiracy to possess over 50 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
The offense carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, plus a maximum fine of $10 million.
Demei will be sentenced on Jan. 17, 2020 at 9am.
U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona allowed Demei to remain on release under the same terms and conditions that was previously ordered because it was reported by the U.S. Probation Office that she has been compliant.
According to the factual basis of the plea agreement, between Feb. 15 and 21, 2018, in the District of the NMI and elsewhere, Vince Koki Leon Guerrero and Evelyn Chon Tydingco agreed to possess over 50 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to others on Saipan.
Demei knew of their agreement and joined in.
On Feb. 21, 2018, Demei picked up a package sent to her post office box, knowing it contained at least 50 grams of methamphetamine. She then gave it to Leon Guerrero and Tydingco.
The methamphetamine had a net weight of 110.03 grams and an approximate purity level of 100%. Court documents did not say where the “ice” came from.
Mark Hanson is the court-appointed counsel for the defendant. Assistant U.S. attorney Garth Backe appeared for the U.S. government.
Demei’s co-defendants, Leon Guerrero and Tydingco, have already pleaded not guilty and are also released on their own recognizance.
According to the indictment filed last Aug. 1, between Feb. 15 to 21, 2018, Leon Guerrero, Tydingco, and Demei conspired, along with other persons, to possess over 50 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
