CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- A Poplar Bluff, Mo., woman was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison Tuesday afternoon for possessing more than a pound of methamphetamine with intentions of distributing it.
Angela Marie Hays, 32, of the 1500 block of Coolidge Street was sentenced to 120 months on one felony count of possession, with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine by U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh Jr., according to special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Willis.
Upon her release from prison, Willis said, Hays will be placed on a mandatory five-year term of supervised release.
"She was also ordered to forfeit her interest in the $4,945.00 in United States currency, which was seized and named in the forfeiture allegations of the indictment," Willis said.
With her earlier plea, Hays admitted on Oct. 17, officers made contact with her regarding the license plate, which had been illegally altered, on her Pontiac Grand Prix.
According to earlier reports, investigators with the Butler County Sheriff's Department and the Department of Revenue contacted Hays on Main Street in front of the Dollar General Store.
A records check of Hays reportedly indicated her driver's license was suspended, and she was on probation for possession of a controlled substance.
The officers, according to the plea agreement signed by Hays, noticed the woman was exhibiting some common signs of drug abuse, specifically open sores on her face and arms, as well as bruising to both of her arms. That reportedly is consistent with intravenous drug use.
Hays reportedly told the officers she was on probation through Stoddard County for possession of methamphetamine and had served time in prison for it.
"She stated she was in group therapy for drug use and was doing good," the plea agreement further said. "She admitted, when asked, that she had used within the last month."
Hays reportedly agreed to empty her pockets.
No drugs or paraphernalia were found, but Hays reportedly was in possession of $4,945.
The money reportedly was separated into five stacks, which were rubber-banded together and appeared to be separated out by denomination.
"When asked where she had gotten the money, Hays said that she had recently sold a Lincoln car for $5,000, and this was what was left," the plea agreement said.
The Department of Revenue investigator checked the state's database, which indicated Hays never had owned a Lincoln.
"When confronted with this information, Hays stated that she had never registered the vehicle," the plea agreement said.
Based upon the circumstances, the officers reportedly believed Hays was involved in narcotics activities and requested a drug dog do a walk around of Hays' car after the woman denied them permission to search it.
"The dog alerted to the odor of illegal drugs coming from the driver's door of the vehicle, and officers conducted a search," the plea agreement said.
Inside, the officers reportedly found a number of items, including a small amount of suspected marijuana, a set of digital scales, a number of small plastic bags and a gun, which resembled a real firearm.
The officers also reportedly found a backpack, which contained 710 grams (24.85 ounces) of a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine at a Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab.
"Upon the officers finding the methamphetamine, Hays blurted out: 'I'm going to prison,' and dropped her head," the plea agreement said.
After being told of her rights, Hays reportedly told the officers the methamphetamine was hers and that she "does odd jobs here and there and sells methamphetamine to make ends meet."