Nicole McLaughlin, Methamphetamine Possession, Maine 2022

BANGOR, Maine: A massive methamphetamine seizure in Caswell has led to a 10-year minimum and lifetime maximum prison sentence for a local woman.

Nicole McLaughlin, 41, pleaded guilty to possession of more than 500 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and possession of firearms by an unlawful user of controlled substances in U.S. District Court in Bangor.

The charges stem from a car accident in Presque Isle on May 5, 2022. Responding officers discovered methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a handgun in her vehicle. Agents with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated further and found a large safe containing approximately 92 pounds of methamphetamine, four handguns, including one with an obliterated serial number, and documents bearing her name.

McLaughlin faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment and a $10 million fine on the drug charge, and up to 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on the firearm charge.

The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case, with assistance from the Presque Isle Police Department and the Maine State Police. U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee thanked the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office for the consultation and coordination it provided.

A federal district court judge will determine McLaughlin’s sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. McLaughlin will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.

The massive seizure and subsequent charges highlight the ongoing struggle against methamphetamine trafficking in Maine. As authorities continue to crack down on these operations, residents can expect a safer and more secure community.

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