District of Idaho
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Acting U.S. Attorney Announces Office Collects Nearly $11.4 MillionRead the Press Release
BOISE – Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., announced today that the office’s Financial Litigation Program collected more than $10.94 million in criminal restitution, fines, and assessments and in civil debts for the fiscal year that ended September 30, 2021. In some cases, the U.S. Attorney’s Office worked in conjunction with litigating components of the U.S. Department of Justice. Of the total collected, approximately $5 million were criminal restitution, fines, and/or assessments, and approximately $5.9 million were civil debts. In addition, the Asset Forfeiture Unit deposited to the Asset Forfeiture Fund approximately $452,963 in proceeds and instruments of crime in criminal and civil forfeiture actions.
“This office’s collection and asset forfeiture attorneys, paralegals, analysts, and fiscal agents is second to none. They come to work every day to recover money for you from those who have hurt victims and attempted to profit from their nefarious deeds,” said Mr. Gonzalez. “We should all be proud of the outstanding work these dedicated public servants have done over the past year. These results show they served this office and the taxpayers of Idaho so very well.”
Victims of crime receive funds collected in criminal restitution cases. In fiscal year 2021, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, through the Financial Litigation Program, collected over $4.6 million in criminal restitution that was or will be distributed to victims of crime. Other criminal collections such as fines go into the Crime Victims Fund. From there, funds are distributed to the Idaho Crime Victims Compensation Program, the Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance, and similar programs across the country. Money recovered from the illegal proceeds of criminal activity through forfeiture is returned to victims, used to offset the costs of operating federal prisons, and shared with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to help fight crime. Other recoveries go back to agency creditors.
During the fiscal year, some notable criminal restitution collections include $3 million from a defendant who committed wire fraud, almost $250,000 from a defendant who embezzled from their employer, $100,000 from a defendant who also embezzled funds, and almost $100,000 from a business for violating the Clean Water Act.
Forfeitures valued at approximately $452,963, included currency, vehicles, and other property related to trafficking in controlled substances, fraud, child exploitation, and other serious crimes. These included $191,841 from a defendant who embezzled from his employer and invested the proceeds in real estate and two $100,000 payments from defendants convicted of drug crimes. In some cases, the United States shared, or will share, seized money and property with local investigating agencies. In victim cases, the U.S. Attorney’s Office works to direct proceeds of forfeiture to crime victims.
As for civil debts and penalties, the Financial Litigation Program collects civil penalties for violations of regulations involving, among other things, controlled substances, environmental protection, damage to federal property, and procurement fraud. It also collects civil debts for defaulted loans.
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Two Chicago Defendants Plead Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
BOISE – Two Chicago women pleaded guilty to bank fraud.
According to court proceedings, Jakara B. Edwards, 23, and Tatyana A. Love, 21, both of Chicago, Illinois, traveled to Idaho with at least two co-defendants in May 2020. On May 6, 2020, Edwards and Love cashed counterfeit checks at different First Interstate Bank branches in the Treasure Valley. The counterfeit checks had the logo and business information for the company accountholder along with a forgery of the account owner’s signature. The checks were payable to Edwards and Love. Edwards and Love presented their Illinois identification cards to cash the counterfeit checks. Edwards and Love knowingly presented the counterfeit checks and provided false information to the bank, intending to defraud the financial institution. In addition to the checks in Idaho, Edwards and Love traveled with other named and unnamed co-conspirators to other states to cash counterfeit checks.
Edwards and Love are scheduled to be sentenced on January 6, 2022 and face a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Co-defendant Abbi L. Sullivan, 21, of Bloomington, Illinois, is scheduled for a change of plea on October 27, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Ada County Sheriff's Office, Boise Police Department, Garden City Police Department, Meridian Police Department, Nampa Police Department, Chicago Police Department, Ellisville Police Department, Fort Atkinson Police Department, Gahanna Police Department, Johnson Creek Police Department, Montgomery Township Police Department, Normal Police Department, Peoria County Sheriff’s Office, Redwood City Police Department, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, Sioux Falls Police Department, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Stockton Police Department, Waltham Police Department, and Wellesley Police Department, which led to charges.
“The loss to these community banks would have been much greater if not for responsive bank employees who reported the crime and the cooperative investigative work by law enforcement agencies across the country,” said Mr. Gonzalez. “Committing fraud against a bank is not a victimless crime, and our office will not hesitate to prosecute individuals caught deceiving people or financial institutions for profit, especially those who travel to Idaho to commit nefarious acts.”
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Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez Encourages Idahoans to Participate in DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day This SaturdayRead the Press Release
BOISE – Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. wants to ensure that Idahoans are aware how to rid their homes of unused and unwanted medications.
With opioid overdose deaths increasing during the pandemic, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is holding its 21st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 23, 2021, at locations across the country, including 29 here in Idaho. The nationwide biannual event aims to addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.
“Prescription medications often end up in the wrong hands, fueling an epidemic that kills more Americans than car accidents,” said Gonzalez. “DEA is providing an actionable way for our communities to step up and help combat this crisis by simply cleaning out their medicine cabinet. I urge Idahoans to do their part by going to a collection site and safely disposing of unused, expired, and dangerous prescriptions. DEA makes it easy for all of us and I thank them for organizing this biannual event.”
According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a majority of people who misused a prescription medication obtained the medicine from a family member or friend. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that last year, more than 93,000 people died of drug overdoses in the United States, marking the largest number of drug-related deaths ever recorded in a year. Opioid-related deaths accounted for 75 percent of all overdose deaths in 2020.
For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or no longer needed—that too often become a gateway to addiction. Working in close partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 7,000 tons of medication from circulation since its inception. These efforts are directly in line with DEA’s priority to combat the rise of overdoses plaguing the United States.
“The United States is in the midst of an opioid epidemic—drug overdoses are up thirty percent over the last year alone and taking more than 250 lives every day,” stated DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “The majority of opioid addictions in America start with prescription pills found in medicine cabinets at home. What’s worse, criminal drug networks are exploiting the opioid crisis by making and falsely marketing deadly, fake pills as legitimate prescriptions, which are now flooding U.S. communities. One thing is clear: prevention starts at home. I urge Americans to do their part to prevent prescription pill misuse: simply take your unneeded medications to a local collection site. It’s simple, free, anonymous, and it can save a life.”
“The DEA Drug Take Back is more important than ever and is a great opportunity for citizens of Idaho to dispose of their unused, unwanted, or expired prescription medications,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “Properly disposing of these medications will prevent them from falling into the hands of our children. Please help keep our citizens and communities safe by taking the time to responsibly dispose of your unwanted prescription pills during National Drug Take Back Day.”
DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is more important than ever before. Last month, DEA issued a Public Safety Alert and launched the One Pill Can Kill public awareness campaign to warn Americans of a surge in deadly, fake prescription pills driven by drug traffickers seeking to exploit the U.S. opioid epidemic and prescription pill misuse. Criminal drug networks are shipping chemicals from China to Mexico where they are converted to dangerous substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine and then pressed into pills. The end result—deadly, fake prescription pills—are what these criminal drug networks make and market to prey on Americans for profit. These fake, deadly pills are widely available and deadlier than ever. Fake pills are designed to appear nearly identical to legitimate prescriptions such as Oxycontin®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, Adderall®, Xanax® and other medicines. Criminal drug networks are selling these pills through social media, e-commerce, the dark web, and existing distribution networks.
Along with the alert came a warning that the only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. Any pills that do not meet this standard are unsafe and potentially deadly. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.
DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted. DEA will also continue to accept vaping devices and cartridges provided lithium batteries are removed.
A location finder and partner toolbox are available at www.DEATakeBack.com for easy reference to nearby collection sites. Beyond DEA’s Take Back Day, there are also opportunities to regularly and safely dispose of unneeded medications at more than 13,000 pharmacies, hospitals, police departments, and businesses working to help clean out medicine cabinets throughout the year.
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Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez Announces More Than $2.2 Million in Grants to Assist Domestic Violence Victims in IdahoRead the Press Release
BOISE – Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. joins law enforcement partners, victim services professionals, advocates, and communities across the country in observing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and announces that Idaho has received $2,255,613 in Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) grants. These OVW grants will help address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking victims throughout the state.
Nationwide, OVW announced more than $476 million in grants. The funding supports projects that meaningfully address the needs of underserved and marginalized survivors, improve access to justice, enhance survivor safety, hold accountable those who have caused harm, and provide training and technical assistance to an array of professionals and systems working to address sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking in every state and territory, as well as dozens of tribal communities.
Four OVW awards were granted to four Idaho recipients, including the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, the Bingham Crisis Center, the YWCA of Lewiston and Clarkston, and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. The awards will not only support local domestic violence and sexual assault victims with services, they will also provide funding to bolster the critical work of state and territory domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions.
The Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho encourages Idaho residents to be aware of the serious problem that is physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and other forms of emotional abuse by a current or former intimate partner. “These forms of abuse affect millions of Americans and Idaho is not spared of this trauma,” Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez said. “It is estimated that nearly 20 people, on average, in the U.S. are abused by an intimate partner every minute, or 10 million instances of domestic violence every year. Domestic violence is connected to more than half of homicides with female victims, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Victims need an escape, and these funds provide that life-line,” Gonzalez concluded.
“Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a sobering reminder of the harm domestic violence inflicts across our country, at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic means that for many survivors, abuse may be compounded by being isolated with an abuser, loss of income and stress over the virus itself,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “These OVW grants will provide local organizations with resources to support survivors as they heal, promote victim access to justice, and further local, state and tribal training efforts to best prepare officials to respond to these dangerous calls.”
The OVW grants awarded in Idaho include the State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Grant Program; the Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program; the Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program; and the Training and Technical Assistance Program.
The State Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions grant will allow the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence to facilitate coordinating victim service activities and collaborating with federal, state and local entities engaged in addressing violence against women, provide training to Idaho’s tribal and community domestic and sexual violence organizations, public awareness activities, and public policy. In particular, the Idaho Coalition is focusing on increasing awareness and coordination on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.
Also, the Training and Technical Assistance grant designated the Idaho Coalition as the national technical assistance provider on the prevention and response to teen dating violence and sexual assault in rural communities, focusing on increasing access to victim services for youth from historically marginalized communities who experience higher rates of dating violence and a lack meaningful access to intervention services.
Finally, the Transitional Housing Assistance grant will provide needed transitional housing funds to rural survivors of domestic and sexual assault in collaboration with domestic and sexual violence organizations and culturally specific service providers.
“We are honored to receive these grant awards from the Office on Violence Against Women,” said Kelly Miller, executive director of the Idaho Coalition. “We are committed to increasing access to services for survivors from communities that have been historically marginalized and are invested in creating the societal conditions so violence is no longer a common occurrence and everyone can thrive.”
Additional Idaho OVW grant recipients, the Bingham Crisis Center, the YWCA of Lewiston and Clarkston, and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, were similarly pleased to receive this federal funding, which will be instrumental in furthering their missions to support victims of crime.
Through their domestic abuse and sexual assault programs, the YWCA of Lewiston and Clarkston is dedicated to providing safety and support through advocacy and education while working towards social change and to provide a safe and understanding environment that fosters hope, healing and empowerment. The mission of the Bingham Crisis Center is to work within the community to help eliminate domestic and sexual violence, promote healthy non-violent relationships by providing emergency services, shelter, individual and group treatment, education, and support services to survivors and their families. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s grant funding from OVW’s Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program will support the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of programs and projects within Indian country to assist those victimized by sexual assault. Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez commended the YWCA, the Center, and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe for their commitment to victim services.
To learn more about OVW, please visit www.justice.gov/ovw.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Joins Broad Effort to Observe National Disability Employment Awareness MonthRead the Press Release
BOISE – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho today announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion."
The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
“Our national recovery from the pandemic cannot be completed without the inclusion of all Americans, in particular people with disabilities,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success, and are more important today than ever. We must build an economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities.”
"The U.S. Attorney’s Office is proud to be a part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month," said Gonzalez. "We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities."
Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages — during October and throughout the year — by visiting www.dol.gov/NDEAM.
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Caldwell Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE – A Caldwell man pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to others.
According to court records, Jesus Enrique Morales, 30, of Caldwell, was pulled over on June 9, 2021, for failing to maintain his lane. During the Idaho State Police trooper’s routine license and registration check, he discovered that Morales had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The trooper asked Morales to step out of the vehicle so he could place him under arrest. Morales stepped out of his vehicle and immediately began to argue with the officer about his pending arrest. That argument turned into a physical altercation and after a prolonged fight on the ground, Morales ran towards the freeway in the direction of oncoming traffic. The trooper tased Morales, dragged him off the road to ensure that he would not be struck by any oncoming traffic, and placed him under arrest. As the trooper and other law enforcement officers waited for an ambulance to arrive to check on Morales, a police dog, which was trained and certified to detect the odor of controlled substances, positively alerted to the odor of a controlled substance in Morales’ vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered 345.4 grams of methamphetamine. Morales has admitted that he possessed the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to others.
Morales is scheduled to be sentenced on January 12, 2022 and faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of at least five years and a maximum sentence of forty years in federal prison, a five million dollar fine, and at least four years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the investigation by troopers with Idaho State Police District 3, Meridian, which led to charges. “The community needs to know that methamphetamine is a very dangerous drug. Meth use is associated with numerous serious physical problems: rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and damage to the small blood vessels in the brain, all of which can lead to stroke. Chronic use of the drug can result in inflammation of the heart lining. Overdoses can cause hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), convulsions, and death,” Gonzalez added.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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Two Individuals Sentenced in Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Distribution CaseRead the Press Release
BOISE – A Boise man and an Arizona man were sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy and for possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute it to others.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Derek J. Tuschoff, 36, of Boise, to seven years imprisonment and Robert B. Mahan Jr., 38, of Phoenix, to ten years imprisonment. Both Tuschoff and Mahan were ordered to serve five years of supervised release upon completion of their prison sentences.
According to court records, beginning in January 2019, law enforcement investigated Tuschoff for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in the Treasure Valley. In May 2019, Tuschoff was monitored by law enforcement while he traveled from Boise to Phoenix to meet with individuals that investigators believed were his drug suppliers. Later, in July 2019, Tuschoff met with one of these suppliers, Mahan, at a hotel in Pocatello. After leaving the hotel and while driving back towards Boise, Tuschoff was stopped and arrested by law enforcement officers. Investigators found approximately two pounds of methamphetamine and 234 fentanyl pills in Tuschoff’s car. The following day when law enforcement officers arrested Mahan, they found more methamphetamine, heroin, and 196 fentanyl pills. Law enforcement officers also recovered $37,775 of drug proceeds hidden in Mahan’s car.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Idaho State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration, Boise Police Department, Fort Hall Police Department, and members of the BADGES Task Force that include investigators from the Pocatello Police Department, Chubbuck Police Department, and Bannock County Sheriff's Office.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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Nampa Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE – A Nampa man pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court records, Allen Eugene McLean, 20, of Nampa, sold another person methamphetamine on two different occasions. On June 23, 2020, McLean sold 4.5 grams of methamphetamine and on August 13, 2020, he sold 26.7 grams of methamphetamine. As part of the plea agreement, McLean also admitted that he sold another person fentanyl pills on three occasions. On January 27, 2021, he sold 10 compressed fentanyl pills; on February 2, 2021, he sold 20 compressed fentanyl pills; and on February 8, 2021, he sold 15 compressed fentanyl pills. During the transaction on January 27, 2021, he told the purchaser to be careful when ingesting the pills because the pills were “hot” and had caused seven or eight overdose deaths.
McLean is scheduled to be sentenced on January 10, 2022 and faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of at least five years and a maximum sentence of forty years in federal prison, a five million dollar fine, and at least four years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, which led to charges. The Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Boise Police Department; Caldwell Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; Meridian Police Department; Nampa Police Department; and Idaho Department of Correction.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOISE – Two men were sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for aggravated identity theft.
According to court records, Atilla Ferenc Orban, a/k/a David Babos, 37, and Hakim Slafti Hannaoui, 33, admitted that they conspired to commit access device fraud. As part of the scheme, the defendants attached electronic devices known as “skimmers” to ATMs. Once installed, the skimmers captured the information stored on the magnetic strips of payment cards inserted into the ATMs. The defendants retrieved the information captured by the skimmers and used equipment to encode the fraudulently obtained payment card information onto the magnetic strips of physical cards. They then used the re-encoded cards to unlawfully acquire money and other goods.
Senior U.S. District Bill R. Wilson presided over the sentencings. Orban and Hannaoui pleaded guilty to the charges on August 24, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the U.S. Secret Service, Idaho State Police, Boise Police Department, Caldwell Police Department, Nampa Police Department, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Vancouver Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which led to charges.
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Caldwell Man Sentenced for the Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BOISE – A Caldwell man was sentenced to 34 months in federal prison for the unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court records, Alejandro T. Batriz, 37, of Caldwell, was the front passenger in a car traveling on Ash Street in Caldwell. Caldwell Police officers attempted a traffic stop, but the car fled. Caldwell Police blocked the car in the drive of the West Valley Medical center and the car struck a police vehicle. Batriz exited the front passenger seat and ran on foot. While running from police, Batriz reached into his front pocket and dropped a Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number—along with a black backpack that contained 9mm ammunition—in a gutter. The firearm was loaded with one round of ammunition in the chamber. After a foot pursuit, Caldwell Police apprehended Batriz and discovered a loaded magazine containing 9mm ammunition in his pocket. Caldwell Police also recovered a loaded magazine containing 9mm ammunition approximately 50 feet from the car.
Senior U.S. District Bill R. Wilson also ordered Batriz to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Batriz pleaded guilty to the charge on July 12, 2021.
Batriz is prohibited from possessing firearms as a result of a prior felony conviction for Second Degree Robbery in California Superior Court in 2016.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the U.S. Marshals Service and the Caldwell Police Department, which led to the charges.
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Boise Return Preparer Indicted for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOISE – A federal grand jury in Boise returned an indictment on September 15, 2021, charging a Boise man with aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns.
The indictment alleges that, Andres Sanchez, 32, of Boise, assisted individuals in the preparation of federal income tax returns. While assisting individuals in the preparation of their 2014, 2015, or 2016 U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, Sanchez allegedly included dependents which he knew the taxpayers were not entitled to claim on their Forms 1040.
Sanchez is charged with eight counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of a false and fraudulent return. Sanchez appeared in court this week and entered not guilty pleas to all charges. Trial is scheduled for December 6, 2021 at the federal courthouse in Boise before Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill.
If convicted, Sanchez faces a maximum of three years in federal prison and a fine of up to $100,000 on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and credited the investigative work of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, which led to charges.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Idaho Prison Inmate Sentenced to 20 Years for Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a ChildRead the Press Release
BOISE – An inmate in the Idaho Department of Correction, serving prison sentences for rape and lewd conduct with a minor under sixteen, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for attempted coercion and enticement of a child.
According to court records, Cole Alexander Pipkin, 30, originally of Kellogg, used a prison e-mail account to send messages to an adult woman living in Idaho between February and May 2019. In the messages, Pipkin attempted to persuade, induce, and entice three children, ages 8, 7, and 5, to engage in sexual activity with him upon his release from prison. In the e-mails, Pipkin promised the adult money and other incentives to persuade the adult to permit him to have sexual contact with the children. Pipkin’s e-mails graphically described the sexual acts he wanted to commit with the children, requested that the adult send him sexually explicit images of children, and included messages intended for the children referencing sexual acts.
Pipkin is a repeat sex offender, currently serving state prison terms for a 2009 conviction for rape from Shoshone County, and a 2010 conviction for lewd conduct with a minor under sixteen from Kootenai County. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye ordered Pipkin’s federal sentence to run consecutively to the state sentences. Judge Nye also ordered that Pipkin be placed on lifetime supervised release upon completion of his federal term of imprisonment. Pipkin will be required to register as a sex offender upon release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Idaho Department of Correction, which led to charges. “We have aggressively pursued those who thrive on exploiting and victimizing the innocent. Together with our local, state, and federal partners throughout Idaho, we will continue to do everything in our power to protect our nation’s greatest asset - our children!”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Boise Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
BOISE – A Boise woman was sentenced to eight months in federal prison for theft of government funds.
According to court records, Lavella A. Williams, 54, of Boise, was a joint account holder on the bank account where her mother-in-law’s social security benefits were deposited. After her mother-in-law passed away, Williams and her former husband continued to spend the benefits. Williams knew the social security payments were not hers and that she was not entitled to the money. Between April 2016 and June 2019, over $55,000 of social security benefits were deposited and spent.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Williams to pay $55,422 in restitution to the Social Security Administration and to serve three years of supervised release following her prison sentence. Williams pleaded guilty to the charge on June 28, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, the Ada County Sheriff's Office, and the Nampa Police Department, which led to charges.
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Wyoming Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Idaho ChildRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – A Wyoming man pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor child.
According to court records, James Colton Giannell, 23, of Sheridan, Wyoming, admitted that he asked Andrew John Jemmett, over the Internet, to produce child pornography for him in April 2019, while Jemmett was in Idaho. Jemmett used an eight-year-old child to create pornographic videos that he sold online to Giannell for $150. The videos were produced in a public restroom in Pocatello. Jemmett later used Snapchat to share the videos with Giannell. Law enforcement interviewed Giannell following his arrest and after waiving his Miranda rights, Giannell admitted to requesting and paying for the videos to be produced.
Giannell was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pocatello on August 25, 2020. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 4, 2022 and faces a minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to a lifetime of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls, the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Pocatello Police Department, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, which led to charges.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Kamiah Man Pleads Guilty to Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE - A Kamiah man pleaded guilty to second degree murder.
According to court records, on October 30, 2020, Travis Dewayne Ellenwood, 44, of Kamiah, went out to a local bar in Kamiah with the victim, Bessie Blackeagle. During the early morning hours of October 31, they returned home to their residence where an argument ensued. During the argument, Ellenwood repeatedly struck Blackeagle and at one point strangled her until she could not breath. Though it is unknown the exact time that Blackeagle was beaten and strangled, Ellenwood eventually called 911 at approximately 5:30 p.m. and reported that Blackeagle was not breathing. Law enforcement and medical personnel responded to their residence and found Blackeagle was dead.
Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy W. Dale took Ellenwood’s plea and set the case for sentencing in front of Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at a future date. Ellenwood faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and credited the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nez Perce Tribal Police, and Idaho County Sheriff's Office, which led to charges.
“My thoughts today are with Ms. Blackeagle’s loved ones who have lost forever a family member and a friend,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez. “This office and our partners at the FBI, Nez Perce Tribal Police, and Idaho County Sheriff's Office will steadfastly pursue justice on behalf of victims of domestic violence and their families."
Mr. Gonzalez also encourages those experiencing domestic violence or those who know of someone in need of help to reach out, “everyone deserves a relationship free from domestic violence,” he added. If you or a loved one need assistance, please reach out to the free and confidential National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE, texting “START” to 88788, or visiting their website at www.thehotline.org.
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Three Individuals Sentenced in Southeast Idaho Methamphetamine Distribution CaseRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Jesse Kirby, 45, Trevor Van Horn, 31, and Debra Trujillo, 63, all of Idaho Falls, were sentenced to federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill sentenced Kirby to 110 months imprisonment, Van Horn to 100 months imprisonment, and Trujillo to 96 months imprisonment. Kirby, Van Horn, and Trujillo were ordered to serve an additional five years of supervised release upon completion of their sentences.
According to court records, from October 2019 through January 2020, law enforcement investigated multiple individuals for distributing methamphetamine in southeast Idaho. Through the use of surveillance, undercover officers, controlled purchases, and search warrants, law enforcement found evidence that Robert Winterholler, 36, Trujillo, Van Horn, and Kirby were actively engaged in the distribution of methamphetamine in southeast Idaho, and each was in possession of large quantities of methamphetamine. During the investigation, law enforcement recovered more than seven pounds of methamphetamine. In addition, law enforcement recovered drug ledgers, heroin, fentanyl, marijuana, and multiple firearms.
Winterholler, the remaining defendant, pleaded guilty on May 12, 2021, and is currently scheduled to be sentenced on October 20, 2021 before Judge Winmill at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez praised the collective work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Idaho State Police, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Falls Police Department, Pocatello Police Department, Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, and Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, which led to charges. Mr. Gonzalez added, “these talented investigators working under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) banner made this case possible and our streets safer. OCDETF is an independent component of the U.S. Department of Justice. Established in 1982, OCDETF is the centerpiece of Attorney General Merrick Garland’s strategy to combat transnational organized crime and to reduce the availability of illicit narcotics in the nation by using a prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach to enforcement. OCDETF leverages the resources and expertise of its partners in concentrated, coordinated, long-term enterprise investigations of transnational organized crime, money laundering, and major drug trafficking networks. This case proves that multi-jurisdictional, cooperative law enforcement works, and works well in Idaho.”
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Idaho Falls Man Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Brian Rogers, 43, of Idaho Falls, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Rogers was originally indicted by a federal grand jury on October 15, 2020 and pleaded guilty to the offense on June 30, 2021.
According to court records, on July 21, 2020, officers from Idaho Department of Correction Probation and Parole, with the assistance of the Idaho Falls Police Department, conducted a parole compliance search of Rogers’ Idaho Falls residence. During the search, officers located a quarter of a pound of methamphetamine along with evidence Rogers was selling methamphetamine. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated a firearm that was also located at the residence.
Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Rogers to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Rogers must also serve a sentence in the State of Idaho based on a parole violation.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez recognized the cooperative efforts of the Idaho Department of Correction Probation and Parole, Idaho Falls Police Department, and ATF, which led to charges. Mr. Gonzalez added, “Idaho is best served when local, state, and federal law enforcement cooperatively work together. This prosecution task force model, strongly supported by eastern Idaho communities and leaders, reduces violent crime. That is the purpose of Idaho’s reinvigorated Project Safe Neighborhoods program and the Eastern Idaho Partnership Special Assistant U.S. Attorney program. My office is pleased to join the communities of southeast Idaho and the State of Idaho in this important endeavor.”
This case was handled by the U.S. Attorney Office’s specially deputized Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA), funded by the Eastern Idaho Partnership (EIP) and the State of Idaho. The EIP is a coalition of local city and county officials in eastern Idaho as well as the Idaho Department of Correction.
The EIP SAUSA program allows law enforcement to utilize the federal criminal justice system – through the EIP SAUSA – to prosecute, convict, and sentence violent, armed criminals and drug traffickers. These criminals often receive stiffer penalties than they might in state courts.
This program was created in January 2016. Since that time, approximately 181 defendants have been indicted by the EIP SAUSA. Of these defendants, 133 have been indicted on drug trafficking charges. The defendants indicted under the program have been sentenced to 7,549 months (approximately 629 years) in federal prison, representing an average prison sentence of 53.53 months (4.46 years). Defendants indicted for drug trafficking offenses serve, on average, approximately 58.92 months (4.91 years) in federal prison.
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Kamiah Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for SuffocationRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE – Stephen Jason Dahlin, 52, of, Kamiah, was sentenced to three years in federal prison for suffocation, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered that Dahlin serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Dahlin was indicted by a grand jury on November 10, 2020 and pleaded guilty to the charge on June 9, 2021.
According to court records, on October 24, 2020, Dahlin got into a fight with his wife and forced her face into a cushion until she could not breathe. Dahlin’s wife sought medical help and Dahlin fled the area. The Federal Bureau of Investigation sought and obtained search warrants for Dahlin’s residence, resulting in the discovery of evidence which corroborated the victim’s account of her attack, and to track Dahlin’s phone, which ultimately led to his arrest in Arizona.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nez Perce Tribal Police, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, and the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office, which led to charges.
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Federal Jury Convicts Rigby Man of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – After a five-day jury trial, a federal jury sitting in Pocatello found Tel James Boam, 39, of Rigby, guilty of sixteen counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a child and one count of possession of child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill presided over the trial, which began on September 7, and concluded with guilty verdicts on the afternoon of September 20, 2021.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, the investigation began in September 2019, after an individual reported finding videos of a nude minor on Boam’s iPhone. A detective with the Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office obtained a search warrant for Boam’s iCloud account. An agent with Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls searched Boam’s iCloud account and found that Boam had attempted to produce, by surreptitious recording, 36 sexually explicit videos of a fourteen-year-old child, and that Boam had possessed those videos. Testimony provided that the videos were produced with a spy camera that Boam purchased using his credit card.
Each of the sixteen counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor is punishable by 15 to 30 years in federal prison. The charge of possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. Each charge is also punishable by a fine of up to $250,000, and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.
Sentencing is set for December 14, 2021, before Judge Winmill at the federal courthouse in Pocatello. The federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez praised the initial reporting party for promptly reporting the crime and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for quickly following up. “Their timely response, and that of Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls, made this case.” Mr. Gonzalez said. “I commend these investigators and our Assistant U.S. Attorneys and staff for aggressively pursuing this defendant, and I thank the jury for holding him accountable. As a community, we need to be watchful and report our suspicions to law enforcement,” he concluded.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Pocatello Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Andrew John Jemmett, 21, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for producing child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Jemmett to serve the remainder of his life on supervised release, following his prison sentence. Jemmett pleaded guilty to the charge on November 4, 2020.
According to court records, in January 2020, law enforcement in Las Vegas, Nevada, arrested Jemmett for possession of child pornography. The arrest stemmed from Jemmett’s significant other finding child pornography on Jemmett’s phone.
A later investigation found that Jemmett produced that child pornography with an eight-year-old minor child. Jemmett sold the videos he created online on at least one occasion. Jemmett produced the videos in a public restroom in Pocatello. Jemmett admitted to producing the videos and sending them to another individual for money.
As a result of his conviction, Jemmett will be required to register as a sex offender.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the cooperative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls, the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and Pocatello Police Department, which led to charges.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Larry Junior Hillbroom, of Hope, Idaho, Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – Larry Junior Hillbroom, 37, of Hope, Idaho, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Chief Magistrate Judge Candy W. Dale took Hillbroom’s plea and set the case for sentencing on February 8, 2022.
According to court records, in 2015 and 2016, Hillbroom conspired with others to smuggle methamphetamine through international airports between North Idaho and the Pacific Islands of Guam and Palau. Hillbroom and others used several different methods to smuggle the drugs, including shampoo containers and carrying the substance on their person. Once in Guam or Palau, Hillbroom would coordinate with locals to sell the methamphetamine. Law enforcement officers learned of the conspiracy and were able to investigate and ultimately arrest Hillbroom and his coconspirators.
Hillbroom was originally charged with Morgan Kenney, Zachary Craig Carlson, and Sean Robert Wathen, all of Hope, Idaho. Kenney and Carlson previously pleaded guilty and have been sentenced to federal prison. Wathen has plead not guilty to the conspiracy and is currently set for trial in November 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the cooperative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bonner County Sheriff's Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Coeur d'Alene Police Department, Idaho State Police, U.S. Border Patrol, and the U.S. Marshals Service, which led to charges.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Caldwell Man Sentenced to over 24 Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Conrad James Hull, 30, was sentenced to 292 months in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Hull to serve 25 years of supervised release following his prison sentence. As a result of his conviction, Hull will be required to register as a sex offender. Hull pleaded guilty to the charges on June 28, 2021.
According to court records, in October 2020, the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received a Cybertip from Kik Messenger. According to the Cybertip, child pornography had been uploaded to a Kik account that was later identified as belonging to Hull.
A state magistrate judge issued a search warrant for Hull’s residence in Caldwell. Law enforcement executed the search warrant and seized a cellphone belonging to Hull. A forensic examination of the cellphone revealed several files of child pornography, including files depicting a 5-year-old child and a 7-year-old child that Hull admitted producing. Hull told law enforcement that he used his cellphone to take explicit images of the two children so that he would have more files to trade on Kik. Hull admitted to distributing the images of the two children to obtain additional files of child pornography.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez commended the cooperative efforts of the ICAC Task Force, Caldwell Police Department, and the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office, which led to charges.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Boise Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
BOISE – Adrian Ray Dealy, 43, was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Dealy to serve ten years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Dealy pleaded guilty to the charges on May 11, 2021.
According to court records, Dealy has a previous federal conviction for possession of sexually explicit images of minors. When Dealy was released from federal prison in 2013, he began serving a term of supervised release under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office. As part of his supervision terms, Dealy’s cellphone was equipped with software that monitored his cellphone activity.
In February 2020, Dealy’s probation officer learned he was using his cellphone to communicate with minors using a livestream video application. The probation officer referred the investigation to a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). In reviewing information that had been created by the monitoring software on Dealy’s cellphone, the HSI special agent located evidence that Dealy had communicated, or attempted to communicate, with seven minor children and asked them to send him explicit images of themselves or undress for the camera.
Judge Winmill also ordered Dealy to forfeit the cellphone that was used to commit the offense. As a result of the conviction, Dealy will be required to register as a sex offender.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez commended the cooperative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Probation Office, which led to charges.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Boise Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE – Michael Henry Cunningham, 36, of Boise, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Cunningham was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boise on April 13, 2021.
According to court records, on November 18, 2020, Cunningham, sold five grams of actual methamphetamine to another individual in a parking lot in Boise.
Sentencing is set for December 1, 2021, before Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye at the federal courthouse in Boise. Cunningham faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of at least five years and up to forty years in federal prison, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release. The federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the efforts of the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, which led to charges. The Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Boise Police Department; Caldwell Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; Meridian Police Department; Nampa Police Department; and Idaho Department of Correction, Bureau of Probation and Parole.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit www.treasurevalleypartners.org.
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Boise Man Sentenced to 28 Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Joseph Anthony Lee, 38, of Boise, was sentenced to 336 months in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. today. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Lee to serve 15 years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Lee pleaded guilty to the charges on March 22, 2021.
According to court records, the investigation began after a thirteen-year-old female reported that Lee had been sexually abusing her for several years. Following the victim’s disclosure, the Boise Police Department (BPD) obtained a search warrant for Lee’s residence. BPD executed the search warrant on January 23, 2020. BPD contacted Lee and seized his cellphone. After obtaining a search warrant for Lee’s cellphone, BPD located explicit images and videos that Lee had produced of himself sexually abusing the victim. BPD also located numerous files of child pornography depicting other children.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez commended the investigators from Boise Police Department and the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office for aggressively pursuing this defendant and holding him accountable. “As parents, colleagues, teachers, and caregivers, we must be vigilant in reporting these types of crimes to law enforcement. Please help us prevent child abuse,” he concluded.
At sentencing, Judge Winmill also ordered Lee to pay restitution of $18,000 to victims in the images he possessed. As a result of conviction, Lee will be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Boise Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE – Jason Lee Gentry, 44, of Boise, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Gentry was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boise on April 14, 2021.
According to court records, Gentry, while on probation after a conviction for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, sold another person methamphetamine on four different occasions. On December 2, 2020, he sold 10.45 grams of methamphetamine; on December 7, 2020, he sold 27.45 grams of methamphetamine; on February 2, 2021, he sold 28.05 grams of methamphetamine; and on February 10, 2021, he sold 28.05 grams of methamphetamine. On March 24, 2021, Idaho Department of Correction Probation and Parole officers conducted a search of Gentry’s home. When officers entered the premises, they discovered 30 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and plastic packaging materials commonly used to weigh and package drugs for distribution.
Gentry faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of at least five years and a maximum sentence of forty years in federal prison, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for December 8, 2021 before Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Boise.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez applauded the efforts of the Idaho State Police, Boise Police Department, and Idaho Department of Correction Probation and Parole, which led to the charges.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant United States Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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Kuna Man Sentenced to Prison After Receiving Drugs in the Mail That He Intended to DistributeRead the Press Release
BOISE – Daniel Jake Keller, 36, of Kuna, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Keller to serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Keller was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boise on March 10, 2021. He pleaded guilty to the charge on June 8, 2021.
According to court records, the United States Postal Inspection Service searched a mail parcel on February 24, 2021. The parcel, which was addressed to Keller, contained approximately 65 grams of methamphetamine. The next day, Keller was arrested after he arrived at the post office and took possession of the parcel that contained methamphetamine. In response to questioning from investigators, Keller admitted that he knew the parcel contained methamphetamine and that he intended to sell some of it to others. Postal Inspectors obtained a search warrant for Keller’s residence. During the search, investigators found six more grams of methamphetamine and a 9mm handgun. As part of the sentence, Chief Judge Nye ordered Keller to forfeit the handgun and ammunition.
“The U.S. Mail is not a delivery service for drug traffickers,” said Mr. Gonzalez. “Let this sentence send a message: if you attempt to unlawfully use the mails to make a quick buck, federal and state law enforcement will hold you accountable.”
“The United States Postal Inspection Service is committed to our mission of ensuring the safety of United States Postal Service employees and customers and the integrity of the U.S. Mail,” said Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Seattle Division. “The proliferation of methamphetamine in our communities is a significant law enforcement and public health threat. Our agency has and will continue to work with our federal and local law enforcement partners to vigorously pursue those who attempt to use the U.S. Mail to distribute dangerous narcotics and hold those responsible to account.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the efforts of the United States Postal Inspection Service; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which led to the charges.
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Caldwell Woman Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE – Jessica Renae Green, 26, of Caldwell, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison based upon her June 2021 guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Green was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boise on March 10, 2021.
According to court records, Green sold four and a half grams of heroin to another person on March 3, 2021. After the transaction, law enforcement officers discovered there was a large quantity of drugs in the house where the transaction occurred. Based on both Green and her co-defendant’s parole status, law enforcement officers were able to gain access to the house where the suspected drugs were located. When officers entered the premises, they discovered 25 pounds of methamphetamine, three and a half pounds of heroin, one pound of cocaine, several thousand fentanyl pills, over $10,000, a digital scale, and plastic packaging materials commonly used to weigh and package drugs for distribution.
Green has a prior conviction for possession of a controlled substance in 2017. After serving her prison sentence, Green will be on supervised release for five years.
Co-defendant James Donavan Conour, 43, of Homedale, was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 10, 2021, and charged with distribution of methamphetamine and possession of controlled substances with the intent to distribute. Conour is currently scheduled for trial on November 15, 2021, at the federal courthouse in Boise.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the cooperative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; Idaho Department of Correction Probation and Parole; and the City-County Narcotics Unit, which led to the charges.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant United States Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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Middleton Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Colton Dune Turner, 20, of Middleton, was sentenced to twelve years in federal prison for distribution and possession of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Turner to serve 25 years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Turner pleaded guilty to the charges on April 13, 2021.
According to court records, the investigation began after the online platform MeWe reported that three MeWe accounts had been used to distribute child pornography in July, August, and September 2019. An investigator with the Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (CCPA) investigated the reports and determined that the accounts belonged to Turner. The CCPA investigator obtained search warrants for the MeWe accounts, and located 218 images of child pornography, including images depicting prepubescent minors, toddlers, and infants. The CCPA investigator also located evidence showing that Turner used the accounts to distribute child pornography, including explicit images of an eight-year-old child that he had taken with his cellphone.
The CCPA investigator obtained a search warrant for Turner’s residence in Middleton and his cellphone. The CCPA, and other members of law enforcement, served the search warrant on November 13, 2019, and seized Turner’s cellphone. A forensic examination of the cellphone revealed over 600 images of child pornography, including the explicit images that Turner had taken of the eight-year-old child.
At sentencing, Judge Nye also ordered Turner to pay restitution of $57,000 to victims in the images he possessed. As a result of conviction, Turner will be required to register as a sex offender.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the cooperative efforts of the Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Middleton Police Department, which led to charges. “This is a particularly egregious case involving an adult using an online platform to exploit dozens of children,” said Mr. Gonzalez. “I commend these investigators for aggressively pursuing this defendant and holding him accountable. We continue to urge parents, teachers, caregivers, young people, and businesses to be vigilant in reporting these types of crimes to law enforcement,” he concluded.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Pocatello Man Sentenced to over 4 Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Jeffrey A. McKie, 41, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison followed by ten years of supervised release, for possessing sexually explicit images of minors, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. McKie was also ordered to pay $19,000 in restitution to victims of the offense. McKie was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye. McKie pleaded guilty on March 11, 2021.
According to court records, McKie admitted that on October 19, 2020, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with the assistance of the Pocatello Police Department and the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, served a search warrant at his residence. McKie was suspected of possessing child pornography after the Pocatello Police Department received a tip from his neighbor. In an interview, McKie confessed to looking at child pornography frequently. In total, on McKie’s electronic devices, over 7,000 images and videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct were found. McKie admitted in court that he possessed the child pornography.
At sentencing, Judge Nye also ordered McKie to forfeit the devices used in the commission of the offense. As a result of his conviction, McKie will be required to register as a sex offender.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the cooperative efforts of HSI, the Idaho ICAC Task Force, and the Pocatello Police Department, which led to charges.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Garden City Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE – James Thomas McNiff, 31, of Garden City, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. McNiff was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boise on February 10, 2021.
According to court records, McNiff, a known Norteno (Northside) gang associate, sold methamphetamine to another person in a parking lot in Meridian. McNiff sold 12.65 grams of a substance that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratory later confirmed was actual methamphetamine.
McNiff faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of at least five years and a maximum sentence of forty years in federal prison, a five million dollar fine, and at least four years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for November 16, 2021, before Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye at the federal courthouse in Boise.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez applauded the efforts of the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force which led to the charges. The Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Boise Police Department, Caldwell Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; Meridian Police Department; Nampa Police Department; and Idaho Department of Correction, Bureau of Probation and Parole. The DEA forensic laboratory was credited with analyzing the methamphetamine.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit www.treasurevalleypartners.org.
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Ontario Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE – Oliver “Juice” Yardley, 45, of Ontario, Oregon, pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Yardley was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boise on April 13, 2021.
According to court records, on August 26, 2019, Yardley and his wife, Ashley Cates Yardley, 33, sold approximately two ounces of methamphetamine to another person in a parking lot in Fruitland, Idaho. Ashely Yardley was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boise on September 10, 2020. On July 30, 2021, she was sentenced to five years in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye.
Sentencing for Oliver Yardley is set for November 10, 2021, before Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Boise. He faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of at least five years and up to life in federal prison, a $10 million fine, and at least four years of supervised release. The federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the efforts of the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, which led to charges. The Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Boise Police Department; Caldwell Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; Meridian Police Department; Nampa Police Department; and Idaho Department of Correction, Bureau of Probation and Parole. “The ‘Metro’ task force is a model for multijurisdictional cooperative law enforcement investigations,” Gonzalez added.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit www.treasurevalleypartners.org.
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Two Men Plead Guilty to Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOISE – Atilla Ferenc Orban, 37, and Hakim Slaft Hannaoui, 33, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Orban and Hannaoui were indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2021.
According to court records, Orban and Hannaoui admitted that they conspired to commit access device fraud. As part of the scheme, Orban and Hannaoui attached electronic devices known as “skimmers” to ATMs. Once installed, the skimmers captured the information stored on the magnetic strips of payment cards inserted into the ATMs. Orban and Hannaoui retrieved the information captured by the skimmers and used equipment to encode the fraudulently obtained payment card information onto the magnetic strips of physical cards. They then used the re-encoded cards to unlawfully acquire money and other goods.
Sentencings for both men are set for November 9, 2021, before U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Boise. Both men face a mandatory term of two years in federal prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to one year of supervised release. The federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the cooperative efforts of the U.S. Secret Service, Idaho State Police, Boise Police Department, Caldwell Police Department, Nampa Police Department, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Vancouver Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which led to charges. “This investigation and prosecution demonstrate the high level of competence and excellence in law enforcement displayed by those who serve at all levels of federal, state and local law enforcement in Idaho and Washington,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez. “As criminals and their enterprises have evolved in technical sophistication, our investigative agencies have met the challenge, for which they should be commended and the citizenry proud.”
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Idaho Falls Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Matthew Gary Leander III, 39, of Idaho Falls, entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Leander was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 27, 2019. Sentencing is set for November 9, 2021, before Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.
According to court records, Idaho State Police officers attempted a traffic stop on the van Leander was driving after observing a suspected drug transaction. Leander failed to yield and led police on a chase through a residential neighborhood. The pursuit ended when Leander collided with a fence in a commercial area near downtown Idaho Falls. Leander then ran away on foot and was later apprehended. Police found a large amount of methamphetamine and other indicators of drug sales in the van Leander had been driving.
Leander faces a minimum term of five years and a maximum term of forty years in federal prison, a fine of $5 million, and at least four years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez recognized and commended the cooperative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Idaho State Police-District 6, and the Idaho Falls Police Department, which led to charges.
This case was handled by the U.S. Attorney Office’s specially deputized Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA), funded by the Eastern Idaho Partnership (EIP) and the State of Idaho. The EIP is a coalition of local city and county officials in eastern Idaho as well as the Idaho Department of Correction.
The EIP SAUSA program allows law enforcement to utilize the federal criminal justice system – through the EIP SAUSA – to prosecute, convict, and sentence violent, armed criminals and drug traffickers. These criminals often receive stiffer penalties than they might in state courts.
This program was created in January 2016. Since that time, approximately 174 defendants have been indicted by the EIP SAUSA. Of these defendants, 127 have been indicted on drug trafficking charges. The defendants indicted under the program have been sentenced to 7,468 months (approximately 622 years) in federal prison, representing an average prison sentence of 53.72 months (4.47 years). Defendants indicted for drug trafficking offenses serve, on average, approximately 60.33 months (5.02 years) in federal prison.
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Idaho Falls Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BOISE – Kim Jarod Kouros Firouzbakhsh, 35, of Idaho Falls, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 27 months in federal prison for the unlawful possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Firouzbakhsh to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
According to court records, on May 2, 2020, Nampa police officers responded to a report of domestic violence. Officers identified Firouzbakhsh as a suspect and discovered a firearm in his pants pocket. Firouzbakhsh is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony drug conviction and was on parole at the time of the offense. Firouzbakhsh pleaded guilty to the firearms charge on March 16, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez praised the joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Nampa Police Department, which led to charges. “It is illegal for convicted felons to possess firearms. Repeat offenders caught with illegal weapons in Idaho will face federal prosecution,” said Mr. Gonzalez. “The Nampa Police Department and departments throughout Idaho are working closely with ATF to hold repeat offenders accountable for their continued criminal actions. We will continue to work together to make cases to keep our community safe from criminal offenders,” he concluded.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Idaho Falls Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Trafficking LSDRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – John Morgan McComas, 25, of Idaho Falls, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for trafficking lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. McComas was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 28, 2020.
According to court records, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at McComas’ Idaho Falls residence in April 2019. During the search, law enforcement located indicia of drugs sales, a large amount of LSD, firearms, and a book entitled “How to Be a Drug Dealer.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez highlighted the cooperative efforts of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office and the Idaho Falls Police Department, which led to charges.
This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney Office’s specially deputized Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA), funded by the Eastern Idaho Partnership (EIP) and the State of Idaho. The EIP is a coalition of local city and county officials in eastern Idaho as well as the Idaho Department of Correction.
The EIP SAUSA program allows law enforcement to utilize the federal criminal justice system – through the EIP SAUSA – to prosecute, convict, and sentence violent, armed criminals and drug traffickers. These criminals often receive stiffer penalties than they might in state courts.
This program was created in January 2016. Since that time, approximately 174 defendants have been indicted by the EIP SAUSA. Of these defendants, 127 have been indicted on drug trafficking charges. Collectively, the defendants indicted under the program have been sentenced to 7,468 months (approximately 622 years) in federal prison, representing an average prison sentence of 53.72 months (4.47 years). Defendants indicted for drug trafficking offenses serve, on average, approximately 60.33 months (5.02 years) in federal prison.
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Federal Jury Convicts Fort Hall Man of MurderRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – After a four-day jury trial, a federal jury sitting in Pocatello found Justin Beasley, 27, of Fort Hall, Idaho, guilty of second degree murder, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye presided over the trial, which began on August 2nd, and concluded with guilty verdicts on the afternoon of August 5th.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on February 3, 2018, Austin Pevo, 23, was dropped off by his mother at a residence on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation for work cutting firewood. Testimony at trial showed that Beasley and others were at the residence at that time. Beasley and Pevo had an argument and Beasley stabbed Pevo twice in the chest with a knife. Beasley and two other men took Pevo’s body to an isolated area in Arbon Valley.
Pevo’s family reported him missing and the Fort Hall Police Department investigated but was unable to locate any information on Pevo’s whereabouts.
A witness to the events of February 3, 2018, came forward to the Fort Hall Police in August 2019, and reported that Pevo had died on that date and three men who had been at the house removed his body. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant at the residence and found evidence that Pevo had died there. One of the men who helped hide the body admitted to his involvement and took FBI agents to the location of Pevo’s remains in Arbon Valley. The agents recovered Pevo’s remains along with clothing and other personal items. DNA testing showed that the remains were those of Pevo.
Beasley was indicted by a federal grand jury on the charge of second degree murder of Austin Pevo on September 24, 2019.
Beasley is scheduled to be sentenced on October 26, 2021 and faces up to life in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez said, “Prosecuting violent crimes in Indian Country is a priority for my office, and I hope this conviction brings some amount of closure and justice to the victim’s family.” He also praised the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Hall Police Department for their exemplary and thorough investigation of this crime. “Their complementary partnership resulted in the successful outcome of this senseless murder. This office and our law enforcement partners are committed to prosecuting aggressively cases involving violent acts committed against Native Americans residing on reservation lands within Idaho,” Mr. Gonzalez added.
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Former Federal Contractor Sentenced for Receiving Converted Government MoneyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Susan Mittleider, 55, of Kuna, Idaho, was sentenced in U.S. District Court for unlawfully receiving converted government money, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy W. Dale ordered Mittleider to serve one year of probation and pay restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
According to court records, in 2016, Mittleider completed a Social Security application for her half-brother who has been incarcerated at the South Dakota Department of Corrections since 1994, and is ineligible for parole until 2024. The No Social Security Benefits for Prisoners Act, however, generally prohibits the SSA from making social security payments to prisoners.
As a result, SSA incorrectly paid $19,180 in benefits to Mittleider’s half-brother before SSA realized the error. SSA then notified Mittleider and her half-brother via letter that the funds were incorrectly paid and that the funds needed to be returned to SSA. Mittleider and her half-brother, however, never attempted to return the funds or appeal SSA’s decision. Instead, even after receiving the letter, Mittleider directly received a portion of the funds that SSA had incorrectly paid to her half-brother and used the funds for her own benefit.
During the time that Mittleider applied for–and received–SSA benefits for her half-brother, she was employed as a federal contractor. As a result of this incident, her employment as a federal contractor was terminated.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the cooperative efforts of the Department of Justice–Office of Inspector General and the Social Security Administration–Office of Inspector General, which led to charges.
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Boise Woman Pleads Guilty to Importation of Bath SaltsRead the Press Release
BOISE – Jennifer Niemann, 34, of Boise, pleaded guilty to importation of a controlled substance, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Niemann was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boise on April 14, 2021.
According to court records, the United States Customs and Border Protection intercepted a parcel at the International Mail Facility in San Francisco, California. The parcel contained α-PHP, a bath salt analogue. The package was addressed to Jennifer Niemann in Boise, Idaho and originated from the Netherlands. As a part of a Homeland Security Investigations-led inquiry, agents and United States Postal Inspectors interviewed Niemann on July 1, 2019, Niemann admitted to using Bitcoin to purchase the α-PHP online.
Niemann faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, a one million dollar fine, and at least three years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for October 20, 2021, before Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye at the federal courthouse in Boise.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the efforts of the United States Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, which led to the charges.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant United States Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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Nampa Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOISE – Steven L. Lantz, 43, of Nampa, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Lantz to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
According to court records, on January 21, 2020, law enforcement used a confidential informant to arrange the purchase of approximately two ounces of methamphetamine from Lantz. Lantz met the informant in Meridian and entered the informant’s vehicle. Lantz and the informant then drove to Boise, where Lantz obtained methamphetamine and sold it to the informant. Lantz pleaded guilty to the charge on May 12, 2021.
Lantz has a lengthy criminal history that includes convictions for domestic violence and robbery. At the time of this offense, Lantz was out on parole for the robbery conviction. Lantz has also been documented as a member of the Aryan Knights prison gang.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez applauded the efforts of the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, which led to charges. The Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Boise Police Department; Caldwell Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; Meridian Police Department; Nampa Police Department; and Idaho Department of Correction, Bureau of Probation and Parole.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit www.treasurevalleypartners.org.
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Idaho Falls Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Kevin Ralph Nixon, 54, of Idaho Falls, entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., today. Nixon was originally indicted by a federal grand jury on August 27, 2019. Sentencing is set for November 8, 2021, before Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.
According to court records, Nixon was arrested after a vehicle, in which he was a passenger, was involved in a pursuit with Idaho State Police that ended in a collision in a commercial area near downtown Idaho Falls. The driver of the vehicle ran away. Nixon stayed at the vehicle and was contacted by police. Nixon was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and admitted he was involved in a drug trafficking transaction that was observed by law enforcement earlier in the day.
Nixon is facing a maximum term of twenty years in federal prison, a fine of $1 million, and at least three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the cooperative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Idaho State Police-District 6, and the Idaho Falls Police Department, which led to charges.
This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney Office’s specially deputized Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA), Blythe H. McLane, funded by the Eastern Idaho Partnership (EIP) and the State of Idaho. The EIP is a coalition of local city and county officials in eastern Idaho as well as the Idaho Department of Correction.
The EIP SAUSA program allows law enforcement to utilize the federal criminal justice system – through the EIP SAUSA – to prosecute, convict, and sentence violent, armed criminals and drug traffickers. These criminals often receive stiffer penalties than they might in state courts.
This program was created in January 2016. Since that time, approximately 172 defendants have been indicted by the EIP SAUSA. Of these defendants, 125 have been indicted on drug trafficking charges. Collectively, the defendants indicted under the program have been sentenced to 7,408 months (approximately 617 years) in federal prison, representing an average prison sentence of 53.3 months (4.4 years). Defendants indicted for drug trafficking offenses serve, on average, approximately 58.69 months (4.8 years) in federal prison.
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Boise Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
BOISE – Jordan Michael Drake, 34, of Boise, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Drake to serve ten years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Drake was convicted by a jury on April 8, 2021, following a three-day trial.
According to the testimony and evidence presented at trial, Drake communicated online with an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old girl. During the communications, Drake attempted to persuade, induce, and entice the minor into engaging in sexual activity with him and requested the minor’s address so that he could meet the minor for sexual activity. Drake traveled to an address where he believed the minor resided, where law enforcement officers arrested him.
At sentencing, Judge Nye ordered Drake to forfeit the cellphone he used in the commission of the offense. As a result of the conviction, Drake will be required to register as a sex offender.
The investigation was part of “Operation Butterball,” a joint state and federal undercover operation conducted in Ada County in November 2019 to identify individuals predisposed to meet minors for sexual contact.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the cooperative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Idaho Attorney General’s Office, Idaho State Police, Meridian Police Department, United States Postal Inspection Service, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Rupert Police Department, Jerome County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office, which led to charges.
This case was investigated by the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Meridian Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
BOISE – Scott Koritansky, 55, of Meridian, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for income tax evasion, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered that Koritansky serve three years of supervised release after his term of incarceration and pay $356,676 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Koritansky had previously pleaded guilty to one count of income tax evasion. According to court records, from 2004 through 2010, Koritansky earned combined income totaling over $500,000 but did not pay any taxes those years. The IRS conducted an investigation and notified Koritansky that he owed tax for calendar years 2004 through 2010. Koritansky took numerous steps to conceal his income and evade his tax obligations. For example, Koritansky never maintained his own bank account but deposited his business income into the accounts of others and directed them to make purchases on his behalf and to pay his own personal expenses using funds in the bank accounts of these third parties. The expenditures included rent payments, private school tuition payments, and checks made out to cash.
“Tax evasion schemes make victims of all taxpayers, with millions of dollars in losses every year,” Gonzalez said. “That is why our office is working with IRS-Criminal Investigation and our law enforcement partners to hold fully accountable those who refuse to play by the rules.”
"Taxpayers want to know that everyone is doing their part and paying their fair share of taxes," said IRS–Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui. "Koritansky took active steps to evade his tax obligations and by committing this crime, he will be labeled a convicted felon who will serve time in prison."
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the cooperative efforts of IRS–Criminal Investigation and Idaho State Tax Commission, which led to charges.
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Boise Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Firearms CrimesRead the Press Release
BOISE – Charles R. Jorgensen, 43, of Boise, was sentenced to 140 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Jorgensen to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
According to court records, Jorgensen was arrested at a residence in Boise during a probation search. He was found to be in possession of a backpack that contained 333.4 grams of methamphetamine, 2.38 grams of heroin, two 9mm pistols, 39 rounds of ammunition, and $20,485. Jorgensen was interviewed after his arrest and admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine to others, the $20,485 was proceeds from his prior drug sales, and that he knew he was prohibited from possessing the firearms. Jorgensen pleaded guilty to the charges on March 11, 2020.
Jorgensen has previously been arrested 39 times and convicted of offenses including aggravated assault, domestic battery, possession of a controlled substance, grand theft, and eluding a police officer. At the time of this offense, Jorgensen was on out on parole for two separate offenses: grand theft and possession of a controlled substance.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the cooperative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boise Police Department, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, and Idaho Department of Correction, which led to charges.
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Fort Hall Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
POCATELLO - Montey Curtis Moon, 46, of Fort Hall, Idaho, pleaded guilty on July 19, 2021, to Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., announced today. Moon was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pocatello on February 10, 2021. Sentencing is set for October 12, 2021, before U.S. District Judge David C. Nye at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.
According to court records, Moon admitted that he was convicted of Rape, in Bannock County, Idaho in 1996. As result of his conviction, he was required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
On multiple occasions in 2018, Moon was informed of his requirement to register or update his sex offender registration while residing on the Fort Hall Reservation. After those warnings, Moon lived on the Fort Hall Reservation from August 21, 2020, until October 8, 2020. While residing there, the Defendant did not register with the Idaho Sex Offender Registry. When interviewed, Moon admitted he knew he had to register and failed to.
The charge of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and at least five years and up to life of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the cooperative efforts of the Fort Hall Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service, which led to the charges.
Moon was prosecuted for a violation of SORNA passed by Congress in 2006. The Act requires sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction where they reside. Violations of SORNA can be prosecuted in federal court.
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Idaho Man Sentenced for the Unlawful Possession of Firearms and SilencersRead the Press Release
BOISE -Travis Richard Hampton, 41, of Glenns Ferry, Idaho, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 46 months in federal prison based upon his April 2021 guilty plea for the unlawful possession of firearms and the possession of unregistered silencers, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., announced today. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Hampton to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Hampton pleaded guilty to the charges on April 22, 2021.
According to court records, on January 5, 2021, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Hampton’s vehicle in Gooding County, Idaho. Hampton was the driver and he was accompanied by one passenger. A search of the vehicle was conducted pursuant to a search warrant and seven firearms were located, along with other dangerous items. It was determined that four of these firearms were jointly possessed by Hampton and the passenger, and which they intended to sell together. Hampton is prohibited from possessing firearms as a result of a prior felony conviction for Injury to Child in Elmore County, Idaho in 2008.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also executed a search warrant at Hampton’s residence in Elmore County, Idaho. There, agents located two additional firearms, four non-commercially manufactured silencers with no serial numbers, and other dangerous items. None of the silencers were registered to Hampton under the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as is required by law.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the cooperative efforts of the ATF, the Twin Falls Police Department, the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, and the Idaho State Police, which led to charges.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Nampa Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE - Cainen Bleu Johnson, 43, of Nampa, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting United States Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., announced today. Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boise on April 14, 2021.
According to court records, Johnson was pulled over on a routine traffic stop on February 16, 2021. During the traffic stop Johnson became visibly agitated, refused to give his driver’s license to law enforcement, put his vehicle in drive, and fled the scene. After a high-speed chase, law enforcement officers were able to safely perform a pursuit intervention technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the vehicle and apprehended Johnson after a brief standoff. A subsequent search of Johnson’s vehicle uncovered 399.09 grams of methamphetamine that he admitted he intended to distribute to others, along with 5.5 grams of heroin, and 1.3 grams of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Johnson also possessed a digital scale and plastic packaging materials commonly used to weigh and package methamphetamine for distribution.
Johnson faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of at least ten years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for October 5, 2021, before Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye at the federal courthouse in Boise.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the efforts of the Nampa Police Department which led to the charges.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant United States Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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Garden City Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Six Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOISE – Darin Lee Meeks, 50, of Garden City, was sentenced to six years in federal prison based upon his March 2021 guilty plea to distribution of methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Meeks was indicted on the charge by a federal grand jury on June 10, 2020.
According to court records, Meeks is a known associate of the Severely Violent Criminals (SVC) and Aryan Knights (AK) prison gangs. On August 13, 2018, Meeks arranged for an ounce of methamphetamine to be distributed at a park in Nampa. Unknown to Meeks at the time, the buyer was a confidential informant who was working at the direction of the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force. Later, on November 15, 2019, Meeks again arranged and personally distributed an ounce of methamphetamine to a confidential informant.
Meeks has an extensive criminal history involving crimes of violence and drugs including felony convictions for aggravated assault in 2003, burglary in 1997, and possession of controlled substances in 2010. After serving his prison sentence, Meeks will be on supervised release with the United States Probation Office for four years.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez credited the cooperative efforts of the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Boise Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Caldwell Police Department; Nampa Police Department; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; and Idaho Department of Correction Probation and Parole, which led to charges.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit www.treasurevalleypartners.org.
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Burley Man Ordered to Pay over $79,000 in Restitution for Causing Five Fires on BLM LandRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Scott Halford, 50, of Burley, was sentenced in U.S. District Court for causing a fire, other than a campfire or the industrial flaring of gas, to be ignited by any source, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy W. Dale ordered Halford to serve six months of home confinement, five years of probation, and pay $79,800.68 in restitution.
According to court records, Halford started five fires in the Milner Recreation Area on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land west of Burley. The fires burned hundreds of acres of grass and brush. Investigation into the fires determined Halford was in the vicinity of all five fires based on surveillance photographs and witness statements. Halford was photographed driving towards or away from the origin area of two fires within minutes of the fires being reported. Halford admitted in court that he caused the fires.
“This is a reminder that the public has a major role to play in fire safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez. “Everyone must remain vigilant, especially during our extended fire season. We are surrounded by public lands, many acres of which are arid. Cheatgrass is everywhere. It is a fuel that creates dangerous fire conditions, especially in summer. Even lawfully minded citizens need to be careful of setting accidental fires,” he added before crediting the cooperative efforts of the BLM and the Cassia County Sheriff's Office, which led to charges.
Over the last three years, a total of more than 1,900 human-caused wildfires have burned more than 500,000 acres in Idaho according to National Interagency Fire Center statistics. So far in 2021, more than 300 human-caused wildfires have burned more than 8,800 acres of land in the state.
Federal and state land management agencies in Idaho are urging the public to take all precautions to prevent human-caused wildfires, and property owners to take steps to reduce the risk of wildfire to their homes and land, in the face of extreme statewide conditions outlined by the National Interagency Fire Center.
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Methamphetamine Possession with Intent to Distribute Nets 10-Year Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE – Denvil Alan Baldwin, 46, of, Spokane Valley, Washington, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison based upon his March 2021 guilty plea to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. announced today. Baldwin was indicted on the charge by a grand jury on January 30, 2020.
Court records reflect that on January 8, 2020, Baldwin was found with 70 grams of methamphetamine in his car. A search warrant was issued for a trailer he was living in on the Coeur d’Alene Indian reservation. Another 740 grams of methamphetamine was found in the trailer. In pleading guilty, Baldwin admitted he possessed the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to others.
After serving his prison sentence, Baldwin will be on supervised release with the United States Probation Office for five years.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez commented that “drug traffickers operating on a reservation will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” He went on to credit the cooperative efforts of the Benewah County Sheriff’s Office, the Narcotics Division of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Coeur d'Alene Tribal Police Department, which led to charges.
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