HAGATÑA, GUAM – Timothy Jerome Concepcion, 23, of Mangilao, Guam, is headed to federal prison for 15 years after being sentenced on February 6, 2023, for trafficking methamphetamine and illegally possessing firearms. The District Court of Guam handed down the 180-month sentence, a result of Concepcion’s conviction on charges of 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 bust began on April 4, 2022, when a Guam Police Department officer pulled Concepcion over for speeding in Asan. Inside the vehicle, alongside an adult woman and a 14-year-old minor, officers discovered a deadly arsenal: a .357 caliber revolver tucked into the driver’s side door and a .380 caliber pistol wedged between the seats. A subsequent search revealed the real payload – 390.8 grams of methamphetamine, packaged into 14 clear baggies, along with an electronic scale and a glass pipe. Concepcion, confronted with the evidence, reportedly claimed the meth was his, but distanced himself from the guns.
But the traffic stop was just the tip of the iceberg. Investigators uncovered evidence that, from March 29, 2022, through April 4, 2022, Concepcion was running a meth distribution operation out of a room at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort. A co-conspirator was handling the money, while Concepcion allegedly supplied the drugs, and buyers often used the hotel room to consume the narcotics. Throughout this illicit activity, Concepcion carried the firearms, openly stating their purpose was for protection. One of the recovered firearms had its serial number deliberately obliterated, hindering its tracing.
“Concepcion armed himself to facilitate his illegal drug trafficking,” stated U.S. 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.” Concepcion’s sentence requires him to serve the five-year mandatory term for the firearm charge after completing the ten-year mandatory term for the drug charge. He will also face five years of supervised release and pay a $200 special assessment fee.
Federal authorities are sending a clear message: arming yourself while dealing drugs carries a severe penalty. John F. Tobon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Honolulu, noted that those who distribute methamphetamine are often armed and dangerous. Jonathan T. McPherson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Seattle Field Division, echoed that sentiment, stating, “Hopefully this sentence sends a message to would-be drug dealers that this behavior will not be tolerated.”
The investigation was a collaborative effort between Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Guam Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rosetta L. San Nicolas prosecuted the case. Defendants convicted of federal drug offenses may also be ineligible for certain federal benefits, further compounding the consequences of their actions.
Related Federal Cases
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- Francisco C. Arias, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Guam 2024 · Illinois
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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