Posted on: Tuesday, November 23, 2004

Navy petty officer gets seven years for drug lab

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

A Pearl Harbor petty officer pleaded guilty yesterday to operating an ice lab in Navy housing and to other drug-related charges, and was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Theresa A. Moss pleaded guilty to wrongful use, manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine at a court-martial hearing at Pearl Harbor. In addition to the prison time, Moss will forfeit all pay and allowances, receive a reduction in rank to E-1, and will be dishonorably discharged, a Navy spokesman said.

Under terms of a pre-trial agreement, Moss could be released in as little as three years, the spokesman said.

Moss admitted her involvement in an alleged drug manufacturing and distribution ring at her Navy home at Radford Terrace. Federal and state agents used a search warrant in July and recovered ingredients and equipment for making crystal meth, or ice.

Jimmy Yasay, Moss' civilian husband, and civilian Faleu Liilii were indicted by a federal grand jury and their cases will be handled in federal court.

Moss' guilty plea ends a once-promising 12-year career in the Navy.

Last year, Moss was named Sailor of the Year of the Personnel Support Detachment, where she was assigned at Pearl Harbor. She also received the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal five times and two Good Conduct Medals.

Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8025.