News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2005

Florida Woman Convicted of Running Methamphetamine Lab

NOV 3--Mark R. Trouville, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Miami Field Division and R. Alexander Acosta, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, announced that a jury in Fort Pierce, Florida, convicted Melissa Marie Hoffpauir, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, of attempted manufacture of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine; possession of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine; and possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to the evidence presented at trial, on July 5, 2005, a search warrant was executed at Hoffpauir's Port St. Lucie residence. DEA Special Agents and officers from the Port St. Lucie Police Department observed what appeared to be a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory. An expanded search warrant was obtained, that permitted the search of a FEMA trailer parked next to Hoffpauir's residence. During the search that followed, the DEA discovered in the house and the FEMA trailer all the tools normally found in a methamphetamine laboratory, as well as the various precursor chemicals, including pseudoephedrine. Agents also seized nearly 8 grams of pure methamphetamine - crystal methamphetamine.

U.S. Attorney Acosta commended the DEA Miami Field Division for their diligence in the investigation of this case. Mr. Acosta also commended the critical assistance provided by members of the Port St. Lucie Police Department in the initial investigation of this case.

Hoffpauir faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years on the charges of attempted manufacture of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute. She also faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment on the charge of possession of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine.