United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BANGOR, Maine - Special Agent in Charge John J. Arvanitis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England and United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Elizabeth Mikotowicz, a/k/a “Beth,” 27, - and Steven Orosco, a/k/a “Pablo,” 23 - , both of Bangor, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute MDPV, a chemical compound commonly referred to as “bath salts” or “monkey dust.”

According to court records, the members of the conspiracy illegally distributed MDPV in Penobscot County and elsewhere between April and December 2011.  The defendants obtained MDPV from other members of the conspiracy and traded, sold or otherwise distributed it using cellular telephones and other means of communication.

The defendants face up to 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, or both.  They will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.

Defendants are two of 14 defendants charged by criminal complaint as part of the conspiracy.  A criminal complaint is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Co-defendants Alan Ketchen, a/k/a “AJ,” Daniel Hines, Adam Hathorn, and Tina Keaton, a/k/a “Fumble,” all of Bangor; Jessica Bryden, of Greenbush, Maine; and Matthew Tardiff, of Old Town, Maine; previously pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge and await sentencing.