Gregory Thomas, Marijuana Possession, Texas 2013
Gregory Thomas, a Pilot, Pleads Guilty to Marijuana Possession in Texas
A 50-year-old pilot from California, Gregory Thomas, pleaded guilty to a felony drug charge in a Lubbock, Texas, courtroom.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Thomas and his passenger, Dorothea Cangelosi, belly landed their Beechcraft plane at the Yoakum County Airport in Plains, Texas.
The plane, which had a commercial airline pilot, Cangelosi, and a charter pilot, Thomas, on board, encountered engine problems and crashed.
Following the crash, authorities discovered 151 individual packages of marijuana weighing approximately 72.8 kilograms or 160 pounds.
Thomas and Cangelosi each pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana and aiding and abetting.
The maximum statutory penalty for the offense is 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña announced the guilty plea, stating that Thomas and Cangelosi will remain on bond pending sentencing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Yoakum County Sheriff's Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Cunningham prosecuted the case.
The sentencing date will be set after a presentence investigation report is completed.
Mandatory Facts:
- Defendant: Gregory Thomas
- Criminal Charges: Possession with intent to distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana and aiding and abetting
- City and State: Lubbock, Texas
- Date: April 30, 2013
- Sentence: Guilty plea, pending sentencing
- Maximum Penalty: 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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