A Wisconsin woman is facing the consequences after a federal jury delivered a guilty verdict against her for methamphetamine trafficking. Identified as Shue Moua, age 35, the conviction was for one count of possession with intent to distribute the drug, U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger announced.
The case, which unfolded in a three-day trial before Judge John R. Tunheim, saw Moua convicted yesterday. As per the evidence brought to light, Moua's involvement became apparent after a Carlton County Sheriff’s Office deputy pulled her over due to erratic driving on March 2, 2023. Her admission of possessing an expired driver's license, along with her lack of a valid license or insurance coverage, raised red flags.
Moua's behavior, inclusive of her bloodshot eyes and slurry speech, prompted the officers to administer field sobriety tests, which she ultimately failed. Although she initially consented to a vehicle search, Moua withdrew her permission, a move that led to her arrest on suspicion of impaired driving. Officers didn't have to look far to find incriminating evidence; a search of her person revealed $634 in cash. The law's further intervention showed approximately two pounds of methamphetamine and unused plastic baggies during an inventory of her Ford Taurus before it was impounded.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew D. Evans and Michael P. McBride were the prosecutors on this case, which stemmed from an investigation in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office. A sentencing hearing for Moua is expected yet to be scheduled, where she will learn her fate.
