FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 10, 2008
PATRICIA SUE HOPKINS PLEADS GUILTY IN U.S. FEDERAL COURT
Bill Mercer, United States Attorney for the District of Montana, announced today that during a federal court session in Billings on March 7, 2008, before Chief U.S. District Judge Richard F. Cebull, PATRICIA SUE HOPKINS, a 47-year-old resident of Billings, pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. Sentencing is set for June 5, 2008. She is currently detained.
In an Offer of Proof filed by the United States, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:
On March 14, 2004, an investigation of HOPKINS and Carey Jackson began regarding the purchasing of pseudoephedrine and other products commonly used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.
During the investigation, security tapes from both Wal-Marts in Billings were viewed regarding the purchases. Jackson and HOPKINS were identified as two of the individuals making purchases.
Between March of 2004 and September of 2004, several purchases of pseudoephedrine and other products commonly used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine were made by Jackson, HOPKINS, and other yet to be identified individuals from both Wal-Marts.
On September 08, 2004, a search warrant was served at a residence in Billings Heights. During the search, a red phosphorus methamphetamine laboratory was found and dismantled. Chemicals in different stages of production were also discovered during the search of the house and a shed. Numerous controlled substances and listed chemicals were recovered from the property.
Jackson and HOPKINS were interviewed at the residence and again on a later date. Both HOPKINS and Jackson admitted to producing methamphetamine over the previous year. Jackson admitted to making approximately 9 grams of methamphetamine a week for the last year. HOPKINS admitted to cooking methamphetamine about seven times in the previous year and assisting Jackson on numerous methamphetamine cooks for the previous year.
Jackson pled guilty to federal charges and is awaiting sentencing.
HOPKINS faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison and could be sentenced to 40 years, a $2,000,000 fine and 4 years supervised release.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheila R. Kolar prosecuted the case for the United States.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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A copy of the Offer of Proof can be obtained by contacting Sally Frank at (406) 247-4638.
