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Hawaii News

Husband of ex-airline worker admits role in meth distribution

The husband of a former Delta Air Lines employee who admitted using her security credentials to smuggle drug money has also pleaded guilty to his role in a meth trafficking ring that operated between California and Hawaii.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Loo said Fale­fia Fua­matu pleaded guilty Friday to a conspiracy charge involving distribution and possession of meth­am­pheta­mine. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 16.

According to an indictment, he flew from Hono­lulu to Los Angeles at least twice to deliver nearly $1 million in drug proceeds.

His wife, Sifa­tu­tupu Fua­matu, pleaded guilty last week. She admitted using a swipe card to bypass security to carry the money through Hono­lulu Airport. She would meet her husband at the gate, and they would fly together.

The government said the Fua­ma­tus were part of an operation that distributed about 400 pounds of meth­am­pheta­mine from October 2008 to March 2012.

Federal prosecutor Jonathan Loo said the Fua­ma­tus transported $954,000 on Sept. 18, 2011, and $554,000 on Nov. 5, 2011. Loo said Fale­fia Fua­matu was paid $6,000 per trip for being a money courier.

Walter Dominguez of California, accused of supplying the meth­am­pheta­mine, and five others are scheduled to stand trial on conspiracy charges in September.

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