Hagatña, Guam – Timothy Jerome Concepcion, 23, of Mangilao, Guam, is headed for a long stretch behind bars. On February 6, 2023, the District Court of Guam sentenced Concepcion to 180 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and a firearm violation. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the charges: Conspiracy to Distribute Fifty or More Grams of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), and Using and Carrying a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A). The law dictates the five-year mandatory term for the firearm charge will be served after the 10-year mandatory term for the drug charge.
The bust went down on April 4, 2022, when a Guam Police Department officer pulled Concepcion over for speeding in Asan. Inside the vehicle, along with an adult woman and a 14-year-old minor, officers discovered a deadly combination: a .357 caliber revolver hidden in the driver’s side door and a .380 caliber pistol wedged between the passenger seat and center console. But the guns weren’t the only contraband. A subsequent search unearthed 14 baggies containing 390.8 grams of methamphetamine, an electronic scale, and a glass pipe. Concepcion, caught red-handed, reportedly told officers, “the dope is mine, but I don’t know about the guns.” He doubled down, admitting, “It’s not her dope. It’s mine. I use it.” Officers also found $2,565.00 in cash on his person. One of the recovered firearms had its serial number deliberately obliterated.
The investigation quickly revealed a larger operation. From March 29, 2022, through his arrest, Concepcion had been using a room at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort as a base for his drug dealing. A co-conspirator was collecting the cash from the sales. The hotel room wasn’t just a distribution point; it was a shooting gallery, with buyers frequently using drugs with Concepcion present. Throughout this illicit activity, Concepcion carried the firearms, openly stating their purpose was for protection.
“Concepcion armed himself to facilitate his illegal drug trafficking,” stated United States Attorney Shawn N. Anderson. “Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon occurrence. Combating violent crime, particularly that associated with drugs, is a high priority for the Department of Justice. The enhanced sentence in this matter demonstrates the consequences awaiting those who engage in this activity.” The sentence isn’t just about punishment; it’s a warning to others considering similar ventures.
Federal investigators echoed Anderson’s sentiments. John F. Tobon, Special Agent in Charge, HSI Honolulu, stated, “As shown by the facts in this case, people who distribute methamphetamine tend to be armed and ruthless.” Jonathan T. McPherson, ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge, added, “The use of firearms by a drug trafficker makes a dangerous situation even worse. Hopefully this sentence sends a message to would-be drug dealers that this behavior will not be tolerated. We will continue to investigate the illegal use of firearms, especially when they are tied to the drug trade.”
The investigation was a joint effort, led by Homeland Security Investigations, with crucial support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Guam Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Rosetta L. San Nicolas prosecuted the case. Concepcion will also face five years of supervised release and a $200 special assessment fee. Furthermore, a federal drug conviction often disqualifies individuals from receiving certain federal benefits. This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks and repercussions of drug trafficking on Guam and beyond.
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Key Facts
- State: Guam
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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