Monica Del Real, a 26-year-old resident of LaPorte, Indiana, was sentenced on Apr. 14 to six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and fentanyl, according to United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Del Real received a sentence of 72 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The sentencing took place before United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty.
Court documents show that law enforcement observed Del Real driving in LaPorte County and determined she had active warrants for her arrest. After conducting a traffic stop, officers used a drug K9 that alerted on the vehicle. A search led officers to discover 136 grams of pure methamphetamine and 12 grams of fentanyl hidden near the gas pedal.
“Monica Del Real thought that she could freely traffic in dangerous narcotics,” said U.S. Attorney Mildred. “State and local law enforcement, and their K9 partner, proved her wrong. Thanks to their excellent work, both the drugs and Del Real are off the streets. I thank DEA, Michigan City Police Department, the LaPorte County Drug Task Force, and the LaPorte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan and his office for their partnership.”
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chip Cooke said: “Methamphetamine and fentanyl are dangerous drugs and poisons that have driven addiction, death, and violence across northern Indiana. The Drug Enforcement Administration, along with its Indiana law enforcement and prosecution partners, will continue to hold accountable those who disregard the moral values of society by trafficking narcotics. Ms. Del Real is now being held accountable for her criminal actions, which is the appropriate response for anyone wishing to bring pain and suffering to our northern Indiana home.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from local agencies including the LaPorte County Drug Task Force, Michigan City Police Department, and the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office.
