United States District Court

District of Arizona

U.S. Pretrial Services

MEMORANDUM

DATE: April 14, 2017

TO: The Honorable Lynnette C. Kimmins

United States Magistrate Judge

FROM: Miguel Angel Pride

U.S. Pretrial Services Officer

SUBJECT: Veronica Guadalupe Saldivar

4:15-cr-02062-JAS-LCK-1

UPDATE REGARDING COUNSELING

The defendant was arrested and charged with violation of 21 U.S.C. 846 & 841, Conspiracy to Possess 

with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Methamphetamine. The defendant had an initial appearance on 

October 23, 2015, before the Honorable Jacqueline M. Rateau and was ordered released on special 

conditions of release to include Pretrial Services’ supervision and mental health treatment. On June 20, 

2016, the defendant was referred for a competency evaluation. It was determined her cognitive capacity 

was estimated to be in a low average level which would be quite a decline from someone who was 

operating in an estimated above average level in high school. However, the results of the cognitive 

assessment suggest that she is able to understand and reason and participate competently in the legal 

proceedings. On April 13, 2017, defense counsel requested and the Court ordered the defendant 

participate in a second competency exam and a status conference is set for July 13, 2017. The defendant 

is scheduled for jury trial on August 22, 2017, before the Honorable James A. Soto.

When the defendant was released she was receiving family counseling through La Frontera and was referred to 

Correctional Healthcare Companies (CHC) for mental health treatment. On March 28, 2016, the counselor at 

CHC informed Pretrial Services the defendant was not appropriate for their program as the defendant 

questioned the format of the class. The counselor was made aware of the defendant’s health issues and the 

multiple prescriptions she is taking and it was indicated it would be better that the defendant continue with 

counseling at La Frontera at that time and that the defendant could be re-evaluated at a later date. Pretrial 

Services confirmed she was receiving counseling through La Frontera. However, on November 10, 2016, 

Pretrial Services referred her again to CHC for an evaluation and counseling. 

During the months of November and December 2016, and January through March 2017, her attendance in 

counseling began to diminish. Pretrial Services contacted her counselors at La Frontera and Correctional 

Healthcare Companies who informed the defendant has several medical problems and has a difficult time 

staying awake in class or making sense of the conversation in group. Pretrial Services met with the defendant 

multiple times in the office and at her home to evaluate her situation. Pretrial Services conducted a home visit 

on January 12, 2017, and noticed the defendant’s speech was slurred, she was not making sense with the 

In accordance with Local Rule 57.1, Pretrial Services Reports are made available to Defense Counsel and the 

Government. The Pretrial Reports are not public record, are not to be reproduced or disclosed to any other 

party and shall remain confidential as provided in Title 18§3153(c)(1).

In accordance with Local Rule 57.1, Pretrial Services Reports are made available to Defense Counsel and the 

Government. The Pretrial Reports are not public record, are not to be reproduced or disclosed to any other 

party and shall remain confidential as provided in Title 18§3153(c)(1).

Case 4:15-cr-02062-JAS-LCK Document 61 Filed 04/19/17 Page 1 of 2
Page 2

RE: Veronica Guadalupe Saldivar

April 14, 2017

conversation at hand, and she seemed drowsy and at times dowsed off. Pretrial Services had collateral contact 

with her mother at the home visit who confirmed this behavior has become more prevalent due to her health 

issues and medication. The defendant’s elderly mother states she worries about her and now has to driver her to 

medical appointments as she is unable to drive due to her health issues. The defendant’s mother further stated 

she herself is utilizing a walker to walk and also has to drive the defendant’s two children to and back from 

school. After this visit Pretrial Services made defense counsel aware of her behavior and the concerns Pretrial 

Services had regarding her health problems.

1000791

On April 13, 2017, Pretrial Services was able to obtain medical records from her Certified Family Nurse 

Practitioner and her Neurologist which confirmed her medical issues and her problem to stay awake or focused

for long periods of time. The defendant has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, rectal carcinoma, a pineal cyst,

Syncope most likely vasovagal and pseudoseizures. The defendant is taking the following medication for these 

ailments as well as for her mental health needs: Montelukast Sod 10 mg, Topiramate 100 mg, Clonazepam .5 

mg, Vitamin D2, Lyrica 150 mg, Furosemide 20 mg, Ferrous Sulfate 325 mg, Escitalopram 20 mg, and Linzess 

290 mg. It should be noted she continues to visit with her doctors on a regular basis.

Pretrial Services spoke with her counselor at La Frontera on April 10, 2017, and at this time her counseling has 

been put on hold given her health issues and transportation issues and not being able to drive. Pretrial Services 

has staffed the defendant’s issues with her counselor at Correctional Healthcare Companies on March 27, 2017,

and it was decided to also put her counseling on hold given the aforementioned issues. The defendant ability to 

attend counseling will be re-assessed once her health issues improve. Pretrial Services wanted to make the 

Court aware why the defendant’s mental health counseling has been placed on hold at this time. 

Should the Court have any questions, please contact this officer at 520-205-4362 or on their cellular telephone

at 520-631-7710.

Miguel Pride

U.S. Pretrial Services Officer

Sonya Marquez

Supervisor, U.S. Pretrial Services

cc: 

Case 4:15-cr-02062-JAS-LCK Document 61 Filed 04/19/17 Page 2 of 2