Pubdate: Fri, 08 Jul 2005
Source: Pacific Daily News (US GU)
Copyright: 2005 Pacific Daily News
Contact: http://www.guampdn.com/customerservice/contactus.html
Website: http://www.guampdn.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1122
Author: David V. Crisostomo
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

OFFICER SEEKS HELP FOR ADDICTION

Most Recent Use of Ice Was in May 05

A police officer who is facing federal criminal drug trafficking
charges has admitted to a history of methamphetamine, or ice, abuse
and is seeking counseling services for the addiction.

Guam Police Department Officer Jason Coburian Ortiola, 25, of Dededo
is facing federal criminal charges for allegedly selling the drug
"ice" and for carrying his department-issued firearm while allegedly
distributing the drug.

Ortiola, who joined the police force last year and is now on
administrative leave with pay, was indicted June 8 on charges of
distribution of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or ice, and carrying a
firearm during a drug trafficking offense, which makes it a federal
case. Ortiola was wearing his uniform during the alleged crime,
according to the police department.

According to court documents, Ortiola met with the U.S. Probation
Office on June 21 for supervision orientation, which is part of his
release conditions. During that meeting, Ortiola "admitted to a
history of methamphetamine abuse for approximately six years, with his
most recent use in May 2005," said U.S. Probation Officer John W. San
Nicolas II in court documents.

"Mr. Ortiola requested the assistance of counseling services to assist
him with dealing with issues related to substance abuse and stress he
is currently experiencing in relation to the case," San Nicolas said.

The Probation Office recommended to the U.S. District Court of Guam
that Ortiola be allowed to participate in inpatient or outpatient
substance abuse therapy and counseling. Magistrate Judge Joaquin V.E.
Manibusan signed off on a request that modifies Ortiola's conditions
of release, which allows him to participate in such programs.
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