Drug Dealer Sentenced to 60 Months in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Sales

Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Aaron Matthew Pangelinan, age 50, was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment by the U.S. District Court of Guam.  Pangelinan was convicted of Distribution of More than Five Grams of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).  The Court also ordered four years of supervised release following imprisonment and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  In addition, defendants convicted of a federal drug offense may no longer qualify for certain federal benefits. 

From December 2, 2019, to October 7, 2020, Pangelinan distributed methamphetamine hydrochloride from his Ordot, Chalan Pago residence.  On four occasions, law enforcement conducted undercover purchases of methamphetamine from Pangelinan at an outdoor patio of his residence. The drug purity levels ranged from 93% to 99% pure methamphetamine based upon laboratory testing.  Pangelinan was previously convicted of a drug trafficking offense in Kitsap County Superior Court in the State of Washington on June 5, 2009.  He served 14 months in a state prison for that offense.

“Unfortunately, this defendant’s first conviction was not a deterrence from additional criminal conduct,” stated United States Attorney Anderson.  “Repeat offenders are subject to substantial penalties in federal court, as demonstrated here.  The sentence imposed by the Court will help promote respect for the law and protection for our communities.”

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Los Angeles Field Division-Guam Resident Office and prosecuted by Marivic P. David, Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Guam.