United States Attorney Joe Stecher and the Tri-City Federal Drug Task Force, Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff's Department, Nebraska State Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation announce the following information for the attention of the media:

Event Triggering this Release: On February 22, 2008, a Grand Island woman was sentenced to eight years and one month, (97 months total), in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Trisha Thomas was held responsible for the distribution of between eighteen ounces and three pounds of methamphetamine in the Grand Island area over a 21-month time period. During that time period, Thomas sold small amounts of methamphetamine on two occasions to a confidential informant. Thomas was ordered to pay $300.00 restitution to the Tri-City Task Force for Task Force funds used in those two buys.

Following the prison term, Thomas was serve five years on supervised release. She was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.

Name of Defendant: Trisha Deanne Thomas
AKA:
Age: 35
City of residence: Grand Island
Crime(s) Charged and Potential Penalty (A CHARGE is merely an accusation and every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty): Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. The possible penalty is not less than five nor more than 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Following any prison term, there would be a term of supervised release of not less than four years. There is also a $100 special assessment.

Specific Location of Alleged Crime: Grand Island
Location of Arrest: Grand Island
Alleged Dollar Loss/Type and Quantity of Drug: Thomas was held responsible for the distribution of at least 500 grams (approximately 18 ounces) but less than 1.5 kilograms (approximately three pounds) of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.
Others Charged in Same Scheme: none
Relevant Dates:
Date of Alleged Crime: Between on or about October 1, 2005, and July 1, 2007.
Federal Arrest Date: July 26, 2007
Date Complaint Issued:
Indictment Returned Date: July 18, 2007
Initial Appearance Date: July 30, 2007
Plea or Trial and Date(s): Pled guilty on December 7, 2007
Sentencing Date: February 22, 2008
Next Court Hearing Type and Date: none
Assigned Magistrate Judge: The Honorable David L. Piester
Held without Bond, or Released from Custody: held without bond from July 26, 2007 until October 25, 2007; released from custody on October 25, 2007 and remained on release until February 5, 2008
In Continuous Custody Since: February 5, 2008
Assigned District Court Judge: The Honorable Richard G. Kopf
Initials of Assigned AUSA/Preparer of THIS Release: SEF