Description: Honolulu, Hawaii criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with conspiracy and attempted possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

During at least June 15, 2023 to June 28, 2023, Luis Miguel Castro Alavez, 31, of Mexico, conspired with persons in Hawaii, California, and Mexico to distribute methamphetamine in Hawaii. Castro Alavez flew from California to Hilo, stayed in a vacation rental, and waited for a shipment of methamphetamine to arrive in the mail from his co-conspirators in California. On June 28, the landlord of the vacation rental, upon partially opening the parcel after its arrival, discovered suspected drugs and contacted Hawaii County Police, who arrested Castro Alavez later that day. Prior to the arrival of the parcel, Castro Alavez wired payments from Hilo to his co-conspirators in Mexico and mailed cash packed into chocolate boxes to his co-conspirators in California.

Both counts carry a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and a maximum of life in prison. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This conviction is the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Hawaii County Police Department. Assistant U.S.

Attorneys Michael F. Albanese and Gregg Paris Yates prosecuted the case.

21:846=CD.F CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, 21 U.S.C. § 846, 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(A)
(1)
21:841A=CD.F CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE - SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE, Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(l), 84l(b)(l)(A), and 846
(2)

Outcome: 10/18/2023 70 EP: Further Jury Trial - Day 5, as to Defendant Luis Miguel Castro Alavez.

Defendant present, in custody.

Spanish Interpreters present: Cristina Arsuaga and Neribel Chardon.

12 jurors, 2 alternates present.

Court instructs the Jurors.

No objections to the form, manner or order in which the instructions were read.

Closing arguments by the parties.

2 alternates excused.

Baliff sworn.

Parties have reviewed and approved exhibits used for deliberations.

12:15pm-jurors retire to deliberate.

Court approves the payment of lunch for the jurors during deliberations.

Defendant agrees to waive his presence for jury questions addressed out of the courtroom.

Defendant remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Defendant Luis Miguel Castro Alavez present, in custody.

2:20pm-Court reconvenes to accept the verdict.

Defendant Luis Miguel Castro Alavez found guilty as to Counts 1 and 2 of Indictment.

Jury polled.

Sentencing date set for 2/7/2024 at 10:00am before the Honorable Susan Oki Mollway.

All Trial exhibits returned to counsel.

Defendant remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Jury Trial - Day 5 as to Luis Miguel Castro Alavez held on 10/18/2023.
Sentencing is set for 2/7/2024 10:00 AM in Aha Nonoi before JUDGE SUSAN OKI MOLLWAY.
(Reporter-Debra Read)
(JUDGE SUSAN OKI MOLLWAY)
(jni) (Entered: 10/18/2023)
10/18/2023 71 JURY VERDICT as to Luis Miguel Castro Alavez (1) Guilty on Count 1, 2.
(jni) (Entered: 10/18/2023)

Defendant was found guilty by a jury.

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

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