A tip from an unlikely source not only led to the seizure of 95 grams of methamphetamine from the island’s streets in October 2018 but has also resulted in the conviction of one of the individuals implicated in the case.
The tip came from an elementary school student reporting suspicious activity happening in the home by the student’s own parents.
Patrick Padua took a deal with the government Monday afternoon, pleading guilty to possession of a scheduled two controlled substance and child abuse.
Superior Court Judge Anita Sukola noted that the deal is a bifurcated plea agreement as the charge of child abuse is deferred.
The plea agreement calls for cooperation by Padua who will be called to testify against co-actors in the case in exchange for the deal.
The deal stipulates that Padua will be sentenced to 3 years incarceration with all but 1 year suspended and credit for time served.
However, because Ethan Sahagon, a co-actor in the case, is on the run, the sentence can not be handed down until resolution has been reached with all the defendants.
According to Padua’s attorney, he has already served nine months in prison and was also an inpatient at Light House recovery and the time spent at the facilities will count towards his sentence.
The plea deal dismisses the remaining charges of two counts of possession with intent to distribute and possession of less than one ounce marijuana.
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