Hilo Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Over 2 Pounds of Methamphetamine

A Hilo man who pleaded guilty to possession of more than two pounds of methamphetamine in federal court was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.

On Aug. 16, 44-year-old Cory Young appeared by video conference from the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu for sentencing before US District Judge Derrick Watson. Watson handed down a 15-year sentence for possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Young will also be placed on five years of supervised release following his sentence due to 13 prior felony convictions.

“The investigation and prosecution was the result of a combined effort by members of the Hawai‘i Police Department’s South Hilo Patrol and Area I Criminal Investigation Section, US Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Hawai‘i County Prosecutors, and the US Attorney’s Office,” stated Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen. “Our Office will continue to promote and encourage coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to hold offenders accountable for the distribution of illegal narcotics such as methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl in our community.”

Young was first arrested on Jan. 22, 2020, after a Hawaiʻi Police officer made contact with him on Highway 11 in Hilo. According to the federal complaint, Young appeared to be blocking traffic at a left turn lane on the highway.

The officer parked behind Young and activated his emergency lights. As the officer approached the driverʻs side he found the 44-year-old asleep in the driverʻs seat with his head slumped forward. The vehicle was still running.

Young was arrested that night for having a revoked license. The next day, authorities executed a search warrant on Youngʻs vehicle where they discovered more than two pounds of methamphetamine, a digital scale, drug ledger and notes, a .22 caliber revolver and ammunition, and over a $1,000 in US currency.

A complaint against Young was filed in federal court in May 2020. He pleaded guilty to the charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute in January 2021.