A Greenbrier County woman responsible for a clandestine drug laboratory plead guilty to conspiracy to manufacture a controlled substance on Wednesday, July 14.
In February 2020, Nina Deamer was indicted on two charges; operating a clandestine drug laboratory and conspiracy to manufacture a controlled substance, specifically methamphetamine.
“The state would expect to show that on the 14th day of October of 2019, Ms. Deamer, along with an individual named in the indictment … conspired to manufacture … the controlled substance of methamphetamine, Schedule II, a controlled substance in West Virginia,” explained Prosecuting Attorney Patrick Via. “… They operated a clandestine drug laboratory.”
However, a plea deal struck was struck — Deamer entered a guilty plea to count 2, conspiracy, while the state moved to drop count 1, spelling out one possible sentence.
“It tells you the worst thing that could happen to you as a result of entering this plea of guilty,” said Greenbrier County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Dent. “That is that you could be incarcerated in the penitentiary of this state for an indeterminate period of not less than one year no more than five years or fined not more than $10,000, or … both.”
However, this sentence is contingent on Deamer not completing a pretrial diversion program, which could either see all the charges dropped or the imposition of a sentence, depending on her adherence to its rules.
“It [The plea deal] indicates that upon the acceptance of this plea, the parties are requesting that the court delay any finding or adjudication of guilt and allow you to participate in a diversion program,” Dent said. “Upon finding that you have unsuccessfully discharged from the diversion agreement, then the state makes a known recommendation regarding sentencing.”
During the hearing, Deamer did not refute Via’s position on the facts of the case and explained why she wanted to participate in the diversion program — in order to avoid a felon label.
“Oh, yes, I do [understand],” said Deamer. “I wouldn’t be able to go to nursing school like I’m planning on doing if I’ve got that on my record.”
Dent accepted the deal.
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