PORTLAND — A Peru woman accused of selling roughly five pounds of methamphetamine while having a gun admitted Thursday to three federal felonies.
Mandy Shorey, 43, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Each of the first two crimes is punishable by 10 years to life in prison; the third crime, from five years to life in prison.
Friends, members of her family and people she met during substance abuse rehabilitation filled several benches of the gallery.
In an unusual move, Judge Nancy Torresen allowed Shorey to remain free pending her sentencing, citing exceptional circumstances.
Her attorney, Cory McKenna, said Shorey was suffering from two medical issues — a bulging disc in her spine and torn biceps in both arms — that might require surgery.
McKenna said she has been working full time in a warehouse for the past six months.
She also has been diagnosed with anxiety and depression for which she takes medication and receives counseling.
McKenna said Shorey has maintained ties with the sober community since completing rehabilitation.
Torresen noted that two drug tests have shown drugs in Shorey’s system since she has been on supervised release.
Shorely admitted to one of the positive tests, but claimed the second, for cocaine use, was a surprise to her because she hadn’t used the drug.
Torresen checked with a probation supervisor, who said it was possible to test positive for a drug through contact with someone who has used that drug.
She cautioned Shorey not to run afoul of her terms of release before sentencing or she could be facing additional charges with consecutive sentences.
“Stay on the right side of the law and don’t come near the edge,” Torresen said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Noah Falk said Shorey had sold two pounds of methamphetamine to an undercover officer on Nov. 10, 2022, for $14,000.
During the exchange, she had a gun tucked into the back of her waistband, Falk said.
That officer had made drug buys from Shorey that year, in July and September, Falk said.
Shorey had been supplied by a dealer from Massachusetts.
On Jan. 26, 2023, Shorey sold two pounds of the same drug to the same undercover officer, this time for $16,000.
A short time later, officers with the Portland Police Department stopped Shorey’s vehicle, Falk said.
Police recovered a gun during the course of the traffic stop. The undercover officer identified it as the same gun Shorey had with her during the Nov. 10, 2022, sale, Falk said.
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