LIHUE — A Lihue woman was sentenced to a year in jail and felony probation for two convictions involving drugs and weapons Thursday in 5th Circuit Court. In her statement to the court, Farah Teresa Mongeau, 36, said she was
LIHUE — A Lihue woman was sentenced to a year in jail and felony probation for two convictions involving drugs and weapons Thursday in 5th Circuit Court.
In her statement to the court, Farah Teresa Mongeau, 36, said she was at a point where she felt she had no future, and then after using methamphetamine for just one year her life was totally out of control.
“I realize now the impact that I had on the community, my family and my children,” Mongeau said. “I regret my actions more than I could ever express to you today.”
Chief Judge Randal Valenciano said the defendant is a classic example of someone who was doing well, and her talent was demonstrated by getting into a top law school even though she left with just one credit left, he said. The drugs derailed her life and it took priority over her career, her children and family.
Valenciano denied a motion to defer acceptance of the no contest plea and to order less jail time. The possession of two firearms in the commission of the crimes was a factor in sentencing, he said, and the community is concerned of an apparent increase of firearms present in island drug activity.
Mongeau pleaded no contest to the charges in June. She has been in custody since March at Kauai Community Correctional Center and will get credit for time served.
Court-appointed defense attorney Caren Dennemeyer said Mongeau is at rock bottom and is dealing with changes in her life that include her two young children moving to the Mainland to live with their father.
“She messed up but she is using this opportunity to work herself out of the hole,” Dennemyer said.
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Timothy Tobin said Mongeau’s pre-sentence report has one of the most detailed drug histories he has seen. He acknowledged that she had a difficult upbringing and asked for some jail time with a conditional release to an in-patient rehab facility.
Valenciano ordered the defendant to attend Kauai drug court as part of probation and to undergo a substance abuse evaluation.
