Anchorage, Alaska –U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that Gema G. Thomas, 52, a resident of Juneau, Alaska, was charged by information on a single count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and a single criminal forfeiture allegation. Thomas was arraigned in Federal District Court in Juneau before Magistrate Judge Leslie C. Longenbaugh.

According to the information, Thomas conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine between the dates of July 3, 2012, to July 7, 2012, in Juneau, Alaska and the United States is seeking forfeiture of all property and inventory of a Bridal Gowns, Formal Wear, and Tuxedo Rentals business owned by Thomas as property constituting and derived from proceeds from drug distribution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack S. Schmidt, who is prosecuting the case, indicated that the law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Thomas is currently detained pending trial.

Ms. Loeffler commends the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service and Juneau Police Department Drug Metro Unit who conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Return to Top