Douglas woman charged for marijuana smuggling attempt


Published/Last Modified on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 3:06 PM MDT


BISBEE — A Douglas woman was recently arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana after an attempt to smuggle drugs into the U.S.


Monica Aguirre Martinez, 33, was allegedly accompanied by her sister and seven of their children, ages two to 14, in the car where the marijuana was found by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials.

She made her initial appearance in Tucson federal court Monday. She is set for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, according to a press release.

Martinez, a U.S. citizen, applied for admission into the U.S. through the Douglas port of entry Sunday. She was the owner and driver of a 1999 Ford Expedition.

Officers discovered about 21 pounds of marijuana concealed in a compartment under the center console.

She admitted she was to be paid $1,000 to smuggle the marijuana into the U.S.

A conviction for possession with intent to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine or both.  In determining an actual sentence, the judge will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges.  The judge, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.

A criminal complaint is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt.  An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation in this case was conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Douglas, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The prosecution is being handled by Anne E. Mosher, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.

Copyright © 2012 Douglas Dispatch

Comments

    Also a MOM with money problems wrote on May 16, 2008 10:35 PM:

    " I am a mother too, but for a $1,000.00, I guess she was not thinking of the kids. How dumb can this person be? Typical person trying to make some money. Go get a job!! Just like all other working moms. "

    good business wrote on May 15, 2008 5:40 PM:

    " imagine 14 kids, a lot of money on welfare, and still crossing drigs. man we have to work hard to feed all those welfare people "

    ex-resident wrote on May 14, 2008 7:57 PM:

    " Nothing has changed in Douglas, its still important for people to want material things, like the nice car, clothes, money & showing off, but not WORKING for it, get a job!! oh and get off welfare like half the town! I worked there as a teen, and until I moved, it always made me sick to see trafficers on welfare and making money! while hard working Douglas citizens earned their keep!!! "

    Enforcer wrote on May 13, 2008 8:45 PM:

    " I'm glad that they are actually prosecuting her. I feel bad for the kids. Good job Customs personel. "

    Tony wrote on May 13, 2008 7:30 PM:

    " Cheap easy money, her admittance is enough to convict her. I feel sorry for her kids, having to do without a mom while she serves federal time. "

Write a Comment

Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All readers comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. They review submitted comments periodically during the day for offensive or off-topic content before posting. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. The Douglas Dispatch is not liable for messages from third parties.

DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity.
* Comments unrelated to the story.
* Personal Information (phone numbers, addresses, etc.)

Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in douglasdispatch.com's reader comments represent the individual's own views and not necessarily those of the Douglas Dispatch. The Douglas Dispatch does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than authorized Douglas Dispatch spokespersons.

Your thoughtful contribution to the online discussion is appreciated.

(optional)
   









Contact Us

Email the Editor
530 11th Street (85607)
P.O. Drawer H
Douglas, AZ 85608
tel: 520.364.3424
fax: 520.364.6750