Woman Convicted of Methamphetamine Distribution

HONOLULU – After a six-day trial in United States District Court, a federal jury today found Malia Elena Arciero, age 33, guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of distribution of some quantity of methamphetamine. Arciero faces up to life in prison with a mandatory minimum ten-year term of imprisonment on the first three counts and up to 20 years imprisonment on the fourth count when she is sentenced on May 4, 2015, before Chief U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway.

United States Attorney Florence T. Nakakuni said that according to the evidence presented at trial, on April 30, 2013, Arciero had approximately one pound, four ounces of methamphetamine in her vehicle, one pound of which she was then in the process of delivering to one of her customers. Earlier in April, Arciero had provided a methamphetamine sample, which was later distributed by another person on April 20, and also supplied two ounces of methamphetamine on April 24, which was then sold by another person.

The investigation which resulted in the charges in the case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Kawahara prosecuted this case.