×

Drug case terms ‘fair deal’ — judge

WAILUKU – A Kihei man who was twice arrested with crystal methamphetamine was sentenced Thursday to a five-year prison term.

Jason R. Jones, 42, had agreed to the prison term when he pleaded no contest to third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, a reduced charge of third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and possessing drug paraphernalia.

One charge was for his arrest in the early-morning hours of Nov. 4, 2011, when he was a passenger in a stolen truck that was stopped by police in Kihei. A smoking pipe containing methamphetamine residue was found in his pants’ pocket, according to court records.

In another case, police detectives were doing surveillance of a Kahului residence Sept. 21, 2010, when they reported that Jones drove up and helped another man load two power washers onto a red Dodge truck. When the vehicle was stopped, Jones appeared fidgety, according to court records, and police found a total of 11.61 grams of crystal methamphetamine in a backpack in the vehicle.

“For a drug user, it’s a very substantial quantity,” 2nd Circuit Judge Peter Cahill said.

He said Jones had received a “fair deal,” noting that he had faced a methamphetamine trafficking charge based on the amount of drugs found.

“I’m guilty to what’s on paper here,” Jones said in court. “I have tried to change my ways now that I have a new life.”

While his cases were pending, Jones was twice arrested for violating conditions of his bail, including by testing positive for ice use, said Deputy Prosecutor Timothy Tate.

Based on Jones’ track record while released on bail as well as his prior convictions, “he poses a danger to the community,” Tate said.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
     
Support Local Journalism on Maui

Only $99/year

Subscribe Today