A 19-year-old Jerome woman convicted of dealing drugs in Blaine County will be given a chance to change her life at a state correctional facility for rehabilitation.
Angelica Castrejon-Luna, who pleaded guilty in April to felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, was sentenced to the "rider program" on Monday in Blaine County 5th District Court. Under the program, defendants are sentenced to 180 days at the North Idaho Correctional Institution in Cottonwood for treatment and rehabilitation.
"We're looking at someone who needs help at this point," said Josh Taylor, a deputy attorney with the Idaho Attorney General's Office, which recommended the rider program as part of a plea agreement with Castrejon-Luna.
Prosecution of the case was transferred to the attorney general's office to avoid conflict of interest because Castrejon-Luna was a victim in another Blaine County criminal case.
Castrejon-Luna was arrested by the Blaine County Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Bellevue Marshal's Office on Dec. 14, 2007, at the High Country Motel in Bellevue.
"She told them that she came to deliver meth," Taylor said. "She told them that she had delivered meth from Twin Falls to here before. She admitted she's a gang member."
Castrejon-Luna spent seven days in jail before being released on bond.
"From the time she got out of jail she has been extraordinarily motivated to change her life," said Hailey attorney Douglas Werth, who was appointed public defender. "She's had a very challenging life. She's cooperated, she's acknowledged her wrongdoing, she wants to get beyond drug use and gang affiliation."
Castrejon-Luna briefly addressed the court.
"Since the day of my arrest, I've learned a lot about responsibility and the direction I need to take," she said.
Werth asked for probation. Judge Robert J. Elgee was sympathetic but didn't agree.
"You don't have much in the way of a criminal record, but you've had a very difficult life and it's probably no surprise to you to end up where you did," Elgee said. "It sounds like you do want to change your life, but that's not something you can do on your own. "You need help and you need treatment. I don't think you're a good candidate for probation. I don't think you're a good candidate for prison.
"I think the rider program will help you a lot. You can look at this as the worst thing that ever happened to you, or you can look at this as the best thing that ever happened to you. You're probably looking at this as the worst thing that ever happened to you but it is an opportunity for you to learn and come back with new tools."
Elgee also sentenced Castrejon-Luna to a five-year suspended prison sentence. He can reinstate the sentence if Castrejon-Luna fails at the rider program or at probation after she serves her 180-day sentence.
Angelica Castrejon-Luna
