Mangilao Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Drug Crime

Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Jeffrey B. Baldonado, age 38 from Mangilao, Guam, was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment by the District Court of Guam.  He was charged with Attempted Possession of More than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).  The Court also ordered three years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  In addition, defendants convicted of a federal drug offense may no longer qualify for certain federal benefits. 

On July 18, 2019, a United States Postal Service package was intercepted by law enforcement.  It contained 1,783 grams of methamphetamine with a purity of 97 percent.  On July 24, the package was delivered to a residence in Mangilao.  Baldonado accepted delivery.  He later admitted being paid to receive and deliver the package to the intended recipient, James Damaso. Baldonado also admitted he was instructed by Damaso to get rid of the package after “sham” was discovered.  Damaso recruited Baldonado by offering him $5,000 for each drug package received.

“While Baldonado had a lesser role in this offense than Damaso, this case shows that any involvement in federal drug crimes can result in substantial penalties,” stated U.S. Attorney Anderson.  “Baldonado’s reduced sentence was due to his testimony at trial against Damaso.  Offenders are encouraged to admit their criminal activity and cooperate with law enforcement at the earliest opportunity.”

“HSI will continue to bring our investigative capabilities to those who conspire to distribute narcotics,” said Special Agent in Charge John F. Tobon. “This sentence holds Baldonado accountable for his crime and serves as a warning that we partners will work diligently to keep this highly addictive drug out of our community.”

This investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations with the support of the United States Postal Inspection Service.  The case was prosecuted by Laura C. Sambataro and Rosetta L. San Nicolas, Assistant United States Attorneys in the District of Guam.