Drug charges bring Nobriga 4 months in jail

LIHU‘E — A repeat drug offender got a harsher sentence on two cases Thursday in 5th Circuit Court.

Chief Judge Randal Valenciano said there were two felony charges and that it would be a harsher sentence, but that they would be carried out concurrently.

Lacilee Napua Nobriga was sentenced to 120 days of jail in addition to time served. She must also take part in chemical dependency assessments and other programs that are determined appropriate.

Nobriga, 26, of Anahola, was arrested on Nov. 14 for third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, drug paraphernalia, and resisting an order to stop.

She was also being sentenced in another case of drug paraphernalia, promotion of a controlled substance, and first-degree contraband.

Second Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Samuel Jajich said Nobriga has a minimal prior record and is remorseful, but that she has not performed well in court ordered programs. He recommended the 120 days sentence with probation and drug rehabilitation.

She pleaded no contest to third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug on Jan. 26. She could have been sentenced for up to 20 years with an extended sentence on two or more felony charges.

The state agreed to drop other charges of drug paraphernalia and drug possession, contraband and resisting an order.

Defense attorney Rosa Flores said that the two cases have taken seven years to come to this point. After spending much of her young life in addiction, Flores said that Nobriga has taken steps toward sobriety and looks forward to completing her GED.

Flores said that this last arrest was a wake up call where felony charges brought the reality of consequences to light.

The attorney in the second case, State Deputy Public Defender Christian Enright, said Nobriga is taking the process seriously.

A co-defendant, Tiphany Nicole Boissiere, 35, of Anahola, rejected a plea deal and is awaiting jury trial.