LaPorte Woman Sentenced to 72 Months in Prison For Controlled Substance Offense

SOUTH BEND - Monica Del Real, 26 years old, of LaPorte, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Del Real was sentenced to 72 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, law enforcement observed Del Real driving in LaPorte County and discovered that she had active warrants for her arrest. Officers performed a traffic stop on her car. During the stop, a drug K9 alerted on the vehicle. Officers searched the car and found 136 grams of pure methamphetamine and 12 grams of fentanyl hidden in a compartment near the gas pedal.

"Monica Del Real thought that she could freely traffic in dangerous narcotics," said U.S. Attorney Mildred. "State and local law enforcement, and their K9 partner, proved her wrong. Thanks to their excellent work, both the drugs and Del Real are off the streets. I thank DEA, Michigan City Police Department, the LaPorte County Drug Task Force, and the LaPorte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan and his office for their partnership."

"Methamphetamine and fentanyl are dangerous drugs and poisons that have driven addiction, death, and violence across northern Indiana. The Drug Enforcement Administration, along with its Indiana law enforcement and prosecution partners, will continue to hold accountable those who disregard the moral values of society by trafficking narcotics. Ms. Del Real is now being held accountable for her criminal actions, which is the appropriate response for anyone wishing to bring pain and suffering to our northern Indiana home," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chip Cooke.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the LaPorte County Drug Task Force, Michigan City Police Department, and the LaPorte County Prosecutor's Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius.