District of Idaho
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Boise Man Sentenced to Prison on Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
BOISE – Jonathan Edward Ball, 35, of Boise, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also sentenced Ball to serve three years of supervised release once he has completed his prison term. A federal grand jury indicted Ball on September 11, 2018.
According to court records, in October 2017, officers arrested Ball on an outstanding parole warrant at a home in Nampa, Idaho. Subsequent investigation revealed that Ball concealed a firearm, magazine, and ammunition inside of the home shortly before officers arrested him. Ball has prior convictions for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and grand theft.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Nampa City Police Department.
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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Blackfoot Woman Sentenced to Prison for Making False Statement to FBI AgentRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Olivia Sabrina Jay, 23, of Blackfoot, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for making a false statement to a federal officer, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. Chief District Judge David C. Nye also ordered that Jay serve three years of supervised release after her release from prison. Jay pleaded guilty to the offense on June 25, 2019.
According to court records, on September 14, 2018, the Fort Hall Police responded to a residence on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation where a person had been run over by a car and suffered severe injuries. Officers contacted Jay, who blamed an intoxicated man for intentionally running over the victim with a car. Jay was later interviewed about the incident by an FBI Special Agent. Jay again said that the intoxicated man targeted and deliberately ran over the victim with a car.
A witness to the incident later told authorities that the intoxicated man was not driving the car, but that Jay was driving the car. Jay then admitted that she had lied to police officers and the FBI. She admitted accidentally running over the victim.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Hall Police Department.
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East Idaho Meth Dealer Sentenced to 210 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
POCATELLO - Steven Tobin, 47, of Blackfoot, Idaho, was sentenced this week in U.S. District Court to 210 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Tobin was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye. Tobin pled guilty to the federal drug offense on November 8, 2018.
According to court records, between May 2016 and August 2017, Tobin conspired to distribute methamphetamine in Idaho. Tobin was the leader and organizer of a drug distribution conspiracy. Tobin imported methamphetamine into Idaho and directed other dealers to distribute it. Between May 2016 and August 2017, Tobin distributed over two hundred pounds of methamphetamine. These activities culminated in a search of Tobin’s residence on June 12, 2017, where officers found 6.7 pounds of methamphetamine, $30,632, and 49 firearms.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Idaho State Police.
The indictment is the result of a joint investigation by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. Program participants include the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and the U.S. Marshals Service.
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Coeur d’Alene Woman Sentenced for Embezzling over a Million DollarsRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – Sue Ann Larson, 63, of Coeur d’Alene, was sentenced to 43 months in federal prison for wire fraud and for making and subscribing a false tax return, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill ordered Larson to pay over $1.4 million in restitution to the victims of her crime and to sell her home, a recreational property, and two classic cars, to meet her restitution obligation. Larson will serve three years supervised release following this prison term. Larson pled guilty to both crimes on February 26, 2019.
According to court records, Larson, a bookkeeper for a local custom cabinet shop, embezzled over $1.2 million between 2009 and February 2018. During that time, Larson also falsified her tax returns, failing to pay $175,000 in taxes.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Coeur d’Alene Police Department.
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Downey Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Sexually Explicit Images of MinorsRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – James Clifford Goodwin, III, 46, of Downey, Idaho, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 120 months in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for possessing sexually explicit images of minors, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. Goodwin was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye. Goodwin pleaded guilty on January 16, 2019.
According to court records, law enforcement agents searched Goodwin’s Downey residence in October 2017. Agents discovered that Goodwin had cell phones and other electronic storage devices. During a forensic search of Goodwin’s phones, agents found 33 images of child pornography. At Goodwin’s change of plea hearing, he admitted to knowingly possessing the images. At the time of the search, Goodwin was on supervised release for a federal felony conviction for possessing child pornography. The terms of his supervised release prohibited him from possessing any electronic storage devices or cell phones.
At sentencing, Judge Nye ordered Goodwin to forfeit the phones used in the commission of the offense. As a result of his conviction, Goodwin will be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls, and was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Chubbuck Man Sentenced to over 19 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Vincent Miera, 53, of Chubbuck, Idaho, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 235 months in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for distributing sexually explicit images of minors, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Miera was also ordered to pay $25,000 in restitution to victims of the offense. Miera was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye. Miera pleaded guilty on May 2, 2019.
According to court records, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Miera’s Chubbuck home in June 2018. Officers previously received information that Miera had downloaded a large amount of child pornography from the internet. At Miera’s home, officers discovered two phones in Miera’s possession. During a forensic search of Miera’s phones, officers found 159 images and 588 videos of child pornography. Miera admitted in court that he distributed the child pornography through a texting application.
At sentencing, Judge Nye also ordered Miera to forfeit the phones used in the commission of the offense. As a result of his conviction, Miera will be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls and the Chubbuck Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Boise Man Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Counterfeit Cellphone SchemeRead the Press Release
BOISE – Artur Pupko, 28, of Boise, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to trafficking in counterfeit goods, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis and Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division announced today. Sentencing for Pupko has been set for December 17, 2019 before U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Boise.
According to court records, Pupko conspired with others to operate a multi-million dollar scheme wherein they sold counterfeit cellphones and cellphone accessories on Amazon.com and eBay.com that were misrepresented as new and genuine Apple and Samsung products. Using at least six different corporate entities, Pupko smuggled counterfeit cellphones and cellphone accessories in bulk from manufacturers in Hong Kong and China, repackaged the products in the Treasure Valley, and then individually resold to consumers online as genuine and new in order to deceive customers. Also as part of his plea, Pupko admitted that, on three different occasions in October through December 2017, his company sold counterfeit Apple and/or Samsung products to law enforcement.
The charge of trafficking in counterfeit goods is punishable by up to ten years in prison, a 5 million dollar fine, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.
This case is the result of a coordinated investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, and United States Postal Inspection Service. Senior Trial Attorney Timothy Flowers with the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christian Nafzger and Katherine Horwitz prosecuted the case.
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Three Canyon County Residents Sentenced for Check Forgery SchemeRead the Press Release
BOISE – This week, Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge sentenced three of five defendants in a long-term check forgery scheme, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. On September 18, 2019, Chul Gibbs, 33, of Canyon County, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for his role in organizing the scheme. Also on September 18, 2019, Tiffany Junge, 29, of Canyon County, was sentenced to 21 months in prison. On September 19, 2019, Alexandra Boyd, 31, of Nampa, was sentenced to 21 months in prison. All defendants sentenced this week will serve three years of supervised release upon their release from custody.
On August 22, 2019, their co-defendant, Jimmy Marley, 49, of Lubbock, Texas, was sentenced to 30 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
The final defendant, Angelina Robles, 46, of Meridian, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 22, 2019 in front of U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Boise.
All defendants except for Robles pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. Robles pleaded guilty to bank fraud only. According to the defendants’ plea agreements, over a substantial portion of 2018, the group stole checks that residents and business had placed in the mail. The defendants then forged the checks so that they were made payable to themselves, often in higher amounts. The defendants then attempted to cash the checks at banks. Over the course of their scheme, the defendants’ collectively caused a loss of approximately $32,000.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Nampa, Caldwell, Boise, and Meridian Police Departments, and the Ada County Sheriff’s Office.
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Spokane Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Robbery on Coeur d’Alene Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – Isiah James Harrington, 19, of Spokane, Washington, pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to attempted robbery, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Sentencing for Harrington has been set for November 21, 2019, before Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye at the federal courthouse in Coeur d’Alene.
According to court records, Harrington became aware that the victim, a Coeur d’Alene tribal member, was carrying a large amount of cash. Harrington and a co-defendant, McKenna Marie Buss, used the Snapchat app to track the victim to a Walmart in Spokane Valley, and then followed the victim’s car to a residence in Plummer, Idaho. After the victim stopped his car, Harrington got out of a vehicle with a gun and pointed it at the victim demanding cash. Harrington and Buss fled the scene, without taking any money, when they observed individuals exiting an adjacent residence to help the victim.
Buss is set for trial on November 18, 2019, at the federal courthouse in Coeur d’Alene.
Attempted robbery is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police Department, Benewah County Sheriff’s Office and the Plummer Police Department.
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Two Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for StabbingRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – Jerome Leen-Whitewater, 34, of Post Falls, Idaho, and co-defendant Chauncey Franklin Whitright IV, 40, of Worley, Idaho, were sentenced this week in U.S. District Court for assault resulting in serious bodily injury, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Leen-Whitewater to 63 months in prison and Whitright to 55 months in prison. Both defendants, upon completion of their time, were ordered to serve three years on supervised release.
According to court records, on August 18, 2018, law enforcement officers responded to a stabbing that occurred at a home in Worley. Officers soon learned that the Leen-Whitewater and Whitright had entered the home, separated the residents into different areas, and then physically assaulted the victim. During the assault, Leen-Whitewater used a knife to stab the victim in the stomach, and Whitright punched the victim several times in the face. Officers who arrived at the home provided aid to the victim, who was ultimately transported to a local hospital and treated for his injuries.
The case was investigated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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Horseshoe Bend Woman Indicted for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
BOISE – Lois Soito, 60, of Horseshoe Bend, Idaho, was indicted August 14, 2019, by a federal grand jury on ten counts of wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. The indictment stems from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Boise Police Department. The investigation was prompted by information uncovered by the Saint Alphonsus Health System.
As alleged in the indictment, Soito worked for the Saint Alphonsus Health System (SAHS) for approximately 22 years. From at least 2005 and continuing until January 2019, it is alleged that Soito defrauded SAHS and controlled at least $1,000,000 in unrecovered forfeitable property. The indictment further alleges that she collected and kept miscellaneous checks intended for SAHS rather than depositing them into the appropriate SAHS account. It is further alleged that Soito fraudulently deposited some of the miscellaneous checks she collected into the Employee Support Team bank account. Then, it is alleged, that Soito wrote Employee Support Team checks payable to herself and deposited them into accounts that she controlled. Soito allegedly wrote the checks to include the amount of miscellaneous checks she fraudulently deposited in the Employee Support Team account. For example, on or about June 22, 2018, it is alleged that Soito deposited an Employee Support Team check in the amount of $21,063.56, into her bank account.
It is further alleged in the indictment that Soito collected the cash from the Festival of Trees, under the guise of depositing it into the proper bank account. The indictment further alleges that instead of depositing the cash in the appropriate account, Soito kept the cash and substituted miscellaneous checks for the deposit.
The maximum punishment for wire fraud is 20 years imprisonment, up to 3 years supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Boise Police Department.
An indictment is a means of charging a person with criminal activity. It is not evidence. A person is presumed innocent until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Boise Man Arrested for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Jonathan Schmidt, 40, of Boise, was arrested yesterday for possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Schmidt is charged by federal complaint. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court today at 2:45 PM before U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy W. Dale.
The complaint alleges that between January 29 and August 21, 2019, Schmidt knowingly possessed files of child pornography.
The charge of possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a lifetime of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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 locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
A complaint is only an allegation of criminal conduct and is not evidence of a person with criminal activity. It is not evidence. The person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Rigby Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Joseph Lavern Harris, 32, of Rigby, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court to 300 months in prison, for sexual exploitation of a minor child, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill ordered that Harris serve a lifetime of supervised release, following his prison sentence. Harris pleaded guilty on March 26, 2019.
According to court records, on February 26, 2018, state investigators responded to allegations of child abuse at a residence in Jefferson County, Idaho, where Harris resided. A subsequent investigation discovered that Harris had produced child pornography by sexually abusing a four-year-old child. Investigators obtained a search warrant for Harris’s electronic devices and discovered images of the sexual abuse taken on his phone. In court, Harris admitted that he created the images.
At sentencing, Judge Winmill also ordered Harris to forfeit the cell phone used in the commission of the offense. As a result of his conviction, Harris will be required to register as a sex offender.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls and the Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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 locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Pocatello Man Sentenced to 100 Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Lex Bennett Goodwin, 34, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 100 years in federal prison for producing, transporting, and possessing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also sentenced Goodwin to a lifetime of supervised release, and entered an order forfeiting the electronic devices used to commit the offenses. Goodwin was ordered to pay restitution to the victims of the offenses and will be required to register as a sex offender. Goodwin was convicted by a jury on May 23, 2019, after a four-day trial.
According to court records, the investigation began in September 2017 after Google reported that child pornography had been uploaded to a Google account. An agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) obtained a federal search warrant for the Google account, which revealed that the account belonged to Goodwin. Within the account, the agent located several sexually explicit images of a sixteen-month-old child that Goodwin had produced. The agent obtained additional search warrants authorizing the search and seizure of Goodwin’s electronics, including his cellphone, and a second Google account belonging to Goodwin. Additional files of the sixteen-month-old child that Goodwin had produced were located on his cellphone and in the second Google account. The investigation further revealed that Goodwin had attempted to produce sexually explicit images of a six-year-old child and that he had possessed and transported numerous other files of child pornography.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls and the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with the assistance of the Idaho Department of Correction, Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office, and Pocatello and Rupert Police Departments.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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 locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Post Falls Woman Admits to Hiring HitmanRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – Katrina (Katie) Lynn Danforth, 32, of Post Falls, Idaho, pled guilty this week to two counts of use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder for hire, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Danforth was indicted by a federal grand jury in Coeur d’Alene on December 18, 2018.
According to court records, Danforth admitted that in October 2018 she agreed to pay a “hitman” to murder someone. During October and November 2018, she met in person with the hitman, called him on the phone and mailed him a thank you card with a $2,500 cash down payment. The hitman was actually an undercover police officer and Danforth was arrested. Danforth has remained in custody since her arrest in December 2018.
Sentencing for Danforth is set for December 2, 2019 before U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Coeur d’Alene.
Each count of use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder for hire is punishable by up to ten years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years.
This case was investigated by the North Idaho Violent Crime Task Force (NIVCTF). The NIVCTF is a FBI sponsored task force comprised of law enforcement from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Post Falls Police Department, Idaho Department of Correction, and Homeland Security Investigations.
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U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis Encourages Public Participation in 36th Annual National Night OutRead the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis is encouraging the public to join law enforcement, community leaders and local residents on Tuesday, August 6th to celebrate the 36th annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event taking place in multiple cities across the state.
National Night Out is a community-building and crime prevention campaign that promotes collaborative law enforcement-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Thousands of communities nationwide will participate in neighborhood block parties, festivals, cookouts, safety demonstrations, seminars, and activities that heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support for and participation in local anticrime efforts. Events such as these help to strengthen neighborhood spirit, police-community partnerships, and demonstrate a shared commitment for strong and safe communities.
“For 36 years, National Night Out has united neighborhood residents, law enforcement and community leaders in the common goal of strengthening relationships to help prevent and deter crime in our local communities. I am proud to stand with my colleagues and my neighbors to support safer streets and work together to drive out crime,” said U.S. Attorney Davis. “Participation in events like National Night Out strengthens community spirit and fosters trust between residents and those who are sworn to protect them.”
“Reducing violent crime and promoting safety in American communities is a major focus of the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys across the country,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. “National Night Out is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds, the respect, and the camaraderie between neighbors and law enforcement officers. These relationships make our country stronger and safer.”
National Night Out organizers are expecting over 16,000 communities and 38 million people nationwide to take part in community events on Tuesday.
USA Davis encourages you to be a part of the 38 million neighbors who have strengthened their communities by participating in National Night Out. There are numerous events being held across Idaho. Participating cities include: Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Eagle, Idaho Falls, Lapwai, Meridian, Nampa, Pocatello, and Twin Falls, just to name a few. Visit your local city or police department’s website for more information and to find an event near you.
Please visit the City of Boise website for more information on National Night Out events taking place in more than 40 neighborhoods throughout Boise.
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Soda Springs Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Running Drug Trafficking Organization in Eastern IdahoRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Ryan Fitzgerald Dalley, 44, of Soda Springs, was sentenced last week in U.S. District Court to 17 years in federal prison for continuing criminal enterprise and conspiracy to launder money, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill ordered that Dalley be placed on supervised release for ten years following his prison sentence. Dalley pleaded guilty on June 25, 2018.
According to court records, Dalley admitted that from September 2013 to October 2017, he acted as an organizer, supervisor or manager over at least five other individuals who conspired to distribute methamphetamine in Idaho and other states. He further admitted that he received substantial income from the sales of methamphetamine and laundered $100,000 in drug proceeds.
“Idaho has a methamphetamine problem that permeates every community,” said U.S. Attorney Davis. “My office is dedicated to working with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure that individuals like Mr. Dalley, who repeatedly attempt to enrich themselves through the suffering of others, receive justice and are removed from society.”
“Mr. Dalley’s drug trafficking organization flooded Eastern Idaho with hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine,” said Idaho State Police Detective Lee Edgley. “This organization operated in Idaho, Utah, Montana, and Arizona. The Idaho State Police will continue to work with local and federal law enforcement to bring to justice those individuals and organizations who seek to profit from selling dangerous controlled substances that tear at the very fabric of our community.”
At sentencing, Judge Winmill noted that he has presided over a significant share of the drug sentencings in federal court in Pocatello for the past 24 years and he believes that Dalley’s drug trafficking organization is “one of, if not the largest, drug trafficking operation in Eastern Idaho.”
Judge Winmill also ordered Dalley to pay a $1,500 fine and forfeit $88,623 in seized U.S. currency and at least $25,000 of unrecovered cash proceeds and/or facilitating property.
The case was investigated by the Idaho State Police, Pocatello Police Department, Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, The BADGES Drug Task Force, and the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).
The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. Program participants include the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and the U.S. Marshals Service.
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Pocatello Man Sentenced to Prison on Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Adam W. Harper, 33, of Pocatello, was sentenced yesterday to 27 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill ordered that upon completion of his sentence, Harper will serve an additional three years of supervised release. A federal grand jury indicted Harper on January 23, 2019.
According to court records, on December 14, 2018, law enforcement officers stopped Harper in Pocatello going the wrong way down a one-way street. After observing drug paraphernalia in the center console, officers searched Harper’s vehicle. In it, they found a .40 caliber handgun. Harper later admitted to possessing the firearm. Two prior felony convictions prohibited Harper from possessing the firearm. One felony resulted from a previous attempt to remove a firearm from a law enforcement officer.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pocatello Police Department, and the Bannock County Sherriff’s Office.
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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Caldwell Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Brien J. Sanders, 40, of Caldwell, was sentenced yesterday in United States District Court to 78 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge ordered that Sanders be placed on supervised release for five years following his prison sentence. Sanders pleaded guilty on April 3, 2019.
According to court records, in April 2018, an FBI agent downloaded 27 videos depicting child pornography that were made available by Sanders’ computer via a peer-to-peer network. A federal magistrate judge issued a search warrant for Sanders’ residence in Caldwell. Based on this information, agents with the FBI and the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) served the warrant. A forensic examination of Sanders’ computers and hard drives revealed approximately 600 videos and 350 images depicting child pornography. Sanders admitted to agents that he possessed child pornography on his computers and hard drives. He admitted he obtained the child pornography through a peer-to-peer network.
Judge Lodge also ordered Sanders to forfeit the computers and hard drives used in the offense, to pay a total of $21,000 to victims depicted in the images he possessed, and to pay a $5,100 special assessment. As a result of his conviction, Sanders will be required to register as a sex offender.
The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Idaho ICAC Task Force, and was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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 locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab
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Rigby Woman Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Possessing Sexually Explicit Images of MinorsRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Elizabeth Dawn Evans, 28, of Rigby, Idaho, was sentenced last Friday in U.S. District Court to 15 years in prison for possessing sexually explicit images of minors, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill ordered that Evans be placed on supervised release for ten years following her prison sentence. Evans pleaded guilty on March 6, 2019.
According to court records, on February 26, 2018, state investigators responded to allegations of child abuse at a residence in Jefferson County, Idaho, where Evans resided. A subsequent investigation discovered that Evans’ boyfriend had produced child pornography using a minor child. Investigators obtained a search warrant for Evans’ electronic devices and discovered images of the sexual abuse taken on her phone. In court, Evans admitted that she took and possessed the images.
At sentencing, Judge Winmill also ordered Evans to forfeit the cell phone used in the commission of the offense. As a result of her conviction, Evans will be required to register as a sex offender.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls and the Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Meridian Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Coercion and Enticement of MinorRead the Press Release
BOISE – Vincent Paul Ingolia, 45, of Meridian, was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court to 120 months in federal prison for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill ordered that Ingolia be placed on supervised release for five years following his prison sentence. Ingolia pleaded guilty on April 10, 2019.
According to court records, on March 15, 2018, Ingolia posted an advertisement on Craigslist seeking a young girl for sexual activity. An agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) responded to the advertisement, posing as a 13-year-old girl. During e-mail communications, Ingolia offered to pay the minor in exchange for sexual contact, and made numerous statements intended to entice and persuade the 13-year-old into meeting and engaging in sexual contact with him. Ingolia arrived at a gas station in Boise to meet with the 13-year-old. Once he arrived, Ingolia told the officer he believed he was speaking to law enforcement and fled the area.
During a subsequent investigation to identify Ingolia, HSI agents discovered Ingolia had posted at least ten other Craigslist advertisements seeking young girls for “porn productions,” or to exchange sex for money. In August of 2018, HSI agents served a search warrant at Ingolia’s residence in Meridian. Ingolia was present and admitted to agents that he was the individual speaking to the undercover officer, and that he believed he was speaking to a 13-year-old girl. He admitted traveling to the gas station to meet the minor for sex, but then realized “it was a sting,” so he left. He also admitted to previously communicating with other minors on Craigslist advertisements, during which he discussed meeting for sexual contact and offered money for sex, but denied ever meeting or having sexual contact with any minor.
At sentencing, Judge Winmill also ordered Ingolia to forfeit the cellular phone he used in the commission of the offense. As a result of his conviction, Ingolia will be required to register as a sex offender.
The investigation was part of “Operation Unsportsmanlike Conduct,” a joint state and federal undercover operation conducted in Ada County, Idaho in March of 2018 to identify individuals predisposed to meet minors for sexual contact. Participating agencies included U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the United States Marshal’s Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Garden City Police Department, the Boise Police Department, the Nampa Police Department, the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho State Police, the Idaho Attorney General’s Office Special Investigation Unit, the Idaho Criminal Intelligence Center, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is pleased with the results of the joint operation,” said U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis. “Project Safe Childhood (PSC) has been and is an important priority of the Department of Justice. Working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement, we seek to protect children by diligently investigating and prosecuting online sexual offenses involving minors. This operation helped safeguard children.”
“HSI and our law enforcement partners are dedicated to protecting children from predators who seek to take advantage of their innocence,” said Brad Bench, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Seattle. “The sexual abuse of a child is an appalling crime and HSI is steadfast in our commitment to find and remove these criminals from our communities.”
“The sentencing of the final defendant brings to a close this very successful operation,” Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said. “I’m pleased with the outcome and proud of the cooperation exhibited by so many law enforcement agencies. Young Idahoans are safer as a result.”
Ingolia is the last of ten defendants charged in federal court as a result of Operation Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Previously, the following defendants were sentenced in federal court as a result of Operation Unsportsmanlike Conduct:
- Bruce Froman, 41, of Meridian, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge to 120 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for attempted coercion and enticement on August 14, 2018.
- Steven Walker, 49, of Boise, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for attempted use of interstate facilities to transmit information about a minor on September 4, 2018.
- Jason Kitley, 48, of Eagle, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for attempted use of interstate facilities to transmit information about a minor on September 24, 2018.
- Anthony Magana, 31, of Boise, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for attempted use of interstate facilities to transmit information about a minor on October 11, 2018.
- Gary Baker, 49, of Caldwell, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for attempted use of interstate facilities to transmit information about a minor on November 1, 2018.
- Omar Luna, 28, of Boise, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for attempted use of interstate facilities to transmit information about a minor on November 1, 2018.
- Jerry Moore, 43, of Weiser, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye to 180 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for attempted sexual exploitation of children on November 19, 2018.
- Robert Williams, 39, of Boise, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for attempted use of interstate facilities to transmit information about a minor on December 17, 2018.
- Chancey Bailey, 33, of Carlin, Nevada, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill to five years of probation and six months of home confinement, for attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor on July 9, 2019.
The cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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 locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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74-Year-Old Lapwai Man Sentenced to 46 Months for AssaultRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE – Otto Mark Homan, 74, of Lapwai, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday to 46 months in federal prison for assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Homan to serve three years supervised release after he is finished serving his prison term. Homan was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, 2018.
According to court records, Homan walked to his neighbor’s house. He attacked the victim with a hammer/axe by hitting him once in the head. Homan then left. Homan, who was intoxicated at the time, mistakenly believed the victim had stolen his television. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries and spent over three months in various medical care facilities.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Nez Perce Tribal Police.
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Baker City, Oregon Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Attempted Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual ConductRead the Press Release
BOISE – Shawn Thomas Conaway, 45, of Baker City, Oregon, was sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court to 60 months in federal prison for attempted travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill ordered that Conaway be placed on supervised release for five years following his prison sentence. Conaway pleaded guilty on March 5, 2019.
According to court records, on November 3, 2018, a detective with the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force posted an advertisement on Craigslist indicating a man and a woman had an interest in a sexual encounter in exchange for drugs. Conaway responded to the advertisement and communicated with the detective. The detective posed as a 19-year-old male, and as the male’s 15-year-old girlfriend. Conaway proposed having sexual contact with the 15-year-old, and offered to bring “weed and ADHD stuff” for the minor to use.
Conaway drove from Baker City to a specified location in Caldwell, Idaho, to meet the minor. Officers arrested Conaway and discovered a bag of marijuana and a prescription bottle containing amphetamine/dextroamphetamine. Conaway admitted traveling across the Oregon/Idaho border in an attempt to meet and have sexual contact with the 15-year-old in exchange for marijuana and ADHD medication.
At sentencing, Judge Winmill also ordered Conaway to forfeit the cellular phone he used in the commission of the offense. As a result of his conviction, Conaway will be required to register as a sex offender.
The investigation was part of “Operation Grand Canyon,” a joint state and federal undercover operation conducted in Canyon County, Idaho in November of 2018 to identify individuals predisposed to meet minors for sexual contact. Participating agencies included U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Idaho ICAC Task Force, the United States Marshal’s Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, the Caldwell Police Department, the Idaho State Police, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho Attorney General’s Office Special Investigation Unit, the Idaho Criminal Intelligence Center, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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 locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Idaho Falls Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Possessing Sexually Explicit Images of MinorsRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Stanley G. Gallegos, 62, of Idaho Falls, was sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court to 135 months in prison followed by 5 years supervised release, for possessing sexually explicit images of minors, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Gallegos to pay $150,600.80 in restitution and a $50,000 fine. Gallegos pleaded guilty on January 2, 2019.
According to court records, in March 2017, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Gallegos’s home in Idaho Falls. Agents discovered Gallegos had a laptop computer connected to a private home network and multiple hard drives. During a forensic search of Gallegos’s devices and hard drives, agents found over 62,000 images and videos of child pornography.
At sentencing, Judge Nye also ordered Gallegos to forfeit the computer, hard drives, and network equipment used in the commission of the offense. As a result of his conviction, Gallegos will be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, and was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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 locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Coeur d’Alene Couple Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – Christine Ruth Turner, 43, and her husband, Joshua A. Turner, 40, both of Coeur d’Alene, were sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge sentenced Christine Turner to 71 months in prison and Joshua Turner to 60 months in prison. Judge Lodge also ordered that each serve five years of supervised release after serving their prison sentences.
According to court records, the Turners worked together to sell pounds of methamphetamine in the Coeur d’Alene area. The Turners purchased the methamphetamine in Spokane and transported it back to Idaho to sell. Investigators discovered the conspiracy and were able to make several controlled purchases of methamphetamine from the Turners. On September 7, 2018, officers pulled over a vehicle containing Christine Turner and located 889.07 grams of pure methamphetamine. Josh Turner was arrested later that same day at his home, where officers found an additional 135 grams of pure methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Idaho State Police, and the Coeur d’Alene Police Department.
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Kuna Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
BOISE – David William Fischer, 33, of Kuna, was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison for possession of over five grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of firearms, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also sentenced Fischer to eight years of supervised release once he has completed his prison term.
According to court records, on September 26, 2017, the U.S. Marshals Service’s Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force (GIFT) and Anti-Crime Team in Our Neighborhoods (ACTION) were executing an arrest warrant for Fischer when officers discovered him in the Red Lion Hotel in downtown Boise. After a forty-five minute standoff, Fischer, a felon, was arrested without incident and found in possession of two handguns and approximately 42 grams of methamphetamine. After a two-day trial earlier this year, Fischer was found guilty on all charged counts. Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm in order to further a drug trafficking crime or federal crime of violence.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service’s GIFT, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Garden City Police Department and the Ada County Sheriff’s Office.
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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Garden City Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Gun and Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
BOISE – Rebecca Friday Spinler, 39, of Garden City, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also sentenced Spinler to five years of supervised release once she has completed her prison term.
According to court records, on June 26, 2018, Garden City Police officers arrested Spinler after stopping her vehicle in Garden City. Spinler was found illegally possessing a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol, almost 75 grams of methamphetamine, 10 grams of heroin, and drug paraphernalia. In court, Spinler admitted possessing the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to another person. She also admitted possessing the pistol in furtherance of her drug offense. Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm in order to further a drug trafficking crime or federal crime of violence.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Garden City Police Department.
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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Two Drug Traffickers Sentenced for Distribution Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
BOISE – Vaudencia Ceballos Hamilton, 55, of Hesperia, California, and Matthew Lee Sedillo, 30, of Eagle, Idaho, were sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl resulting in death, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge Nye sentenced Hamilton to 240 months in prison and ordered that she pay a $100,000 fine. On the same day, Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge sentenced Sedillo to 121 months in prison. Both defendants, upon completion of their prison time, were ordered to serve an additional three years of supervised release.
According to court records, on August 14, 2017, Dominico Stewart of Nampa, Idaho, was found dead in an alleyway. A toxicology report showed that Stewart had a lethal dose of methamphetamine and fentanyl in his system. The coroner determined that Stewart died of a methamphetamine overdose.
Investigators learned that, just before his death, Stewart had met with Ryan Curtis, a methamphetamine dealer living in Nampa. Curtis had begun distributing what he called “China White”, a common street name for either pure heroin or a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. Curtis gave Stewart a sample of “China White” and asked that Stewart try the substance while Curtis was present so that Stewart understood how potent the drug was.
Shortly after Stewart ingested the substance, he collapsed. Instead of calling emergency services or seeking help for Stewart, Curtis tried to revive Stewart on his own through several different methods, including injecting Stewart with methamphetamine. Ultimately, Stewart died. Curtis did not notify law enforcement of the death, but attempted to conceal his role in Stewart’s death by dumping Stewart’s body in an alleyway in Nampa.
The investigation into Stewart’s death lead them not only to Ryan Curtis, but ultimately to a drug trafficking organization that was distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Treasure Valley. Matthew Sedillo, Herman Sedillo, and Vaudencia Hamilton were all part of a trafficking organization that distributed the drugs that caused Dominico Stewart’s death. Matthew Sedillo worked with his father, Herman Sedillo to transport controlled substances from their source of supply in California, Vaudencia Hamilton. Once in Idaho, they distributed the drugs to others, including Ryan Curtis. As a result of the investigation, officers were able to seize 852.6 grams of methamphetamine and 957.8 grams of fentanyl.
These cases were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Nampa Police Department.
These indictments are the result of a joint investigation by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. Program participants include the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and the U.S. Marshals Service.
These cases were prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Board. The Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Board is a collaboration of local law enforcement drug task forces and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada and Canyon County.
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South African Mother and Daughter Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding California Employment Disability DepartmentRead the Press Release
BOISE – Gloudina Robbertse, 50, of Meridian, Idaho, was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison for filing false claims for disability benefits with the California Employment Disability Department (CEDD), U.S. Attorney Bart Davis announced today. Her daughter, Chantelle Robbertse, 24, a co-defendant in the case, was sentenced to 24 months for her role in the fraud scheme. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Gloudina and Chantelle Robbertse to pay $475,350.28 in restitution to the CEDD.
According to court records, while living in California, Gloudina and Chantelle Robbertse devised and executed a scheme to defraud the CEDD. They continued the scheme when they moved to Idaho in April 2017. Gloudina and Chantelle Robbertse filed false disability claims using the identity of real persons without their knowledge. Once the claims were approved by the CEDD, a debit card was issued in the name of the claimants being impersonated. Gloudina and Chantelle Robbertse used commercial mailboxes set up in California and Idaho to receive the debit cards. Thereafter, Gloudina and Chantelle withdrew money from the debit cards at banks in Idaho and California for their own personal financial gain.
“Identity theft disrupts lives, creates financial havoc and causes undue emotional stress for victims,” said Davis. “Those who callously defraud individuals will be prosecuted and punished. I commend the diligent efforts of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for stopping these identity thieves in their tracks. The Court’s restitution order ensures any assets will go toward repairing the financial harm caused to the victims in this case.”
“It is widely believed that fraud cases are victimless crimes, but that could not be farther from the truth,” said Brad Bench, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Seattle. “These individuals stole money that was intended for people in need, some of which solely rely on government programs for life’s necessities. When someone’s identity is stolen it can take several years to correct the issue. Often times this leaves victims without the ability to obtain funds they desperately need, from programs meant to assist them, all while struggling to prove their own financial responsibility. Ultimately, victims and taxpayers bare the largest burden when crimes like this occur. HSI’s mission to bring these criminals to justice is instrumental to protecting the public and keeping these government programs intact.”
Gloudina Robbertse pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft on December 6, 2018. On that same day, Chantelle Robbertse pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations.
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Sham Investment Advisor Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOISE - Rick Guyon, a/k/a, Richard Guyon, a/k/a Rick Garrison, a/k/a Mark Thomas, 59, of Pocatello, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday in United States District Court, to 120 months in prison, for wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered the defendant to pay $1,956,400 in restitution to the victims and to serve three years of supervised release after he is released from prison. Guyon pleaded guilty to the wire fraud offense on June 28, 2018.
According to court records, from 2015 through 2017, Guyon devised a scheme to defraud individual investors. The scheme involved soliciting $1,956,400 from investors based on false and fraudulent representations about Guyon’s education, employment history, and financial condition, false and fraudulent representations that the money would be invested in financial markets, and that he would not collect any commissions on the investments. Once Guyon obtained the money, he spent it on personal expenses. To cover up what he had done, Guyon provided investors with false and fraudulent monthly account statements showing positive returns on investments.
According to court records, Guyon’s scheme to defraud investors (i) resulted in an actual loss of between $1,500,000 and $3,500,000; (ii) resulted in a substantial financial hardship to investor-victim R.F., who personally lost approximately $1,281,783 and (iii) involved the defendant acting as an organizer and leader of at least three other participants in the scheme.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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Fort Hall Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Colin Reese Diggie, 36, of Fort Hall, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court to 25 years in prison, for second degree murder, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Chief U.S. District Court Judge David C. Nye also sentenced Diggie to pay $7,725 in restitution and ordered him to serve five years of supervised release after he is released from prison. Diggie pleaded guilty on January 16, 2019.
According to court records, on the evening of January 10, 2017, at around 6:30 or 7:00 p.m., Diggie returned with his girlfriend, the victim, to her home in Fort Hall. At some point after returning to his girlfriend’s home, Diggie stabbed and killed her.
At approximately 10:30 p.m., the girlfriend’s neighbors heard a knock on their door. Upon opening their door, they saw Diggie covered in blood, holding his hands, with a look of shock. He said something unintelligible about someone having killed his girlfriend and pointed next door to the girlfriend’s house. The neighbors called 911 and officers were dispatched to that location.
Fort Hall Police Department officers initially responded to the girlfriend’s residence. Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrived later. At the house, they found the girlfriend’s body. Her body was eventually transferred to the Ada County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy. A forensic pathologist performed an autopsy and confirmed the cause of death was a result of the multiple stab wounds.
DNA testing conducted at the FBI Laboratory confirmed that multiple items with the girlfriend’s blood on them taken from the crime scene also had the defendant’s DNA present. Additionally, the FBI Lab also confirmed that the defendant’s bloody fingerprint was found at the crime scene.
On December 12, 2017, a federal grand jury sitting in Pocatello returned an indictment charging Diggie with second degree murder for killing his girlfriend.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Fort Hall Police Department.
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Owner of Income Tax Preparation Business Sentenced to Prison for Preparing Falsified Income Tax Returns for ClientsRead the Press Release
BOISE – David Lee Brannum, 56, now of Washougal, Washington, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison for preparing false income tax returns for clients of his business, “Dave’s Tax Service,” U.S. Attorney Bart Davis announced today. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered that Brannum pay $101,550 in restitution to the IRS and placed Brannum on one year of supervised release after his prison sentence ends.
According to court records, in January 2019, Brannum pleaded guilty to one count of assisting, advising, and counseling clients to submit materially false federal income tax returns to the IRS. According to the plea agreement filed in this case, from 2003 through 2015, Brannum operated his tax preparation business in Idaho and Nevada and submitted hundreds of federal income tax returns. Brannum often claimed false and fraudulent itemized deductions for his clients, which had the effect of decreasing their tax liability and generating improper refunds. Specifically, Brannum inflated the amounts of his clients’ charitable contributions and entered amounts for unreimbursed employee expenses that were not substantiated, that he inflated, or that he knew were not allowable.
This case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigations Division.
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Arsonist Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Burning Four Emmett Police CarsRead the Press Release
BOISE – Darrel Rich, 69, of Emmett, Idaho, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 60 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for damage by fire to vehicles owned by an institution receiving federal funding and damage by fire to vehicles used in interstate commerce, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. The 60-month sentence will run partially consecutive to Rich’s 6-year fixed prison sentence in Gem County for his July 2017 unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and felony driving under the influence. Rich pleaded guilty to the federal arson offenses on February 11, 2019.
According to court records, on July 25, 2017, after police had visited Rich’s residence in Emmett, Rich had telephone communications with his sister wherein he stated that the police needed to “back off now or somebody is going to get hurt” and that if she “call[ed] the cops on me again. . . we’re done.”
According to court records, on July 26, 2017, at approximately 12:04 a.m., Rich drove his Chevrolet Impala to the Emmett Police Department and parked it on First Street across from the Emmett Police Department unsecured back parking lot. Rich exited the car, opened the trunk and retrieved a gasoline canister, walked to the rear of four police cruisers parked in the back parking lot, and poured gasoline from the canister behind each of them. Rich then lit something on fire, threw it toward the police cruisers, and they ignited. In lighting the police cruisers on fire, Rich acted maliciously and without justification or excuse.
According to court records, the four police cruisers were used in local and interstate police activity, including patrolling interstate streets and transporting out-of-state violators of the law. Also, from 2014 through 2017, the Emmett Police Department received federal financial assistance in the form of subsidies for bulletproof vests.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Idaho State Police, the Gem County Sheriff’s Office, and the Emmett Police Department.
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Post Falls Men Sentenced for Ties to Firearm used to Kill Coeur d’Alene Police Sergeant Greg MooreRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – Nicholace Cane Thomas, 23, and Donald Eugene Shuck, 33, both of Post Falls, were sentenced for theft of a firearm that was later used by Johnathan Renfro to murder Coeur d’Alene Police Sergeant Greg Moore, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge sentenced Thomas to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a stolen firearm. Judge Lodge sentenced Shuck to 200 hours of community service and 5 years of probation for accessory after the fact.
According to court records, during the early morning of April 24, 2015, Shuck and Thomas burglarized cars in the Post Falls area. Thomas stole a firearm from a vehicle and showed it to Shuck, who then drove them from the area. Thomas later traded the firearm to a third party for methamphetamine. Twelve days after the theft, on May 5, 2015, Coeur d’Alene Police Sergeant Greg Moore was shot and killed with the stolen firearm by Johnathan Renfro. During the subsequent murder investigation, officers tracked the firearm used by Renfro to Thomas and Shuck.
The State of Idaho charged and convicted Renfro for murdering Sergeant Moore. Renfo was sentenced to death in 2017.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Idaho State Police, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Post Falls Police Department, and Idaho Probation and Parole.
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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Boise Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Attempting to Entice Minor on Dating WebsiteRead the Press Release
BOISE - Mark William Sharp, 42, of Boise, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court to 60 months in prison followed by 5 years supervised release for attempted use of interstate facilities to transmit information about a minor, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. As a result of his conviction, Sharp will be required to register as a sex offender. Sharp was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge David C. Nye. Sharp pleaded guilty on March 11, 2019.
According to court records, in November 2018, Sharp posted an advertisement on a dating website seeking sexual contact. In the ad, Sharp wrote that “age and status” did not matter. A detective with the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force, posing as a 14 year-old girl, responded to the ad. During online communications with the detective, Sharp sent messages attempting to entice the person he believed to be a 14 year-old girl to meet him for sex. Sharp also asked the 14 year-old to send him a picture of herself in underwear. Later, the detective agreed to meet Sharp for sex, giving him an address to meet at. Sharp arrived at the location and was arrested.
The case was investigated by the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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 locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Federal Jury Convicts Pocatello Man of Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today that a federal jury sitting in Pocatello returned guilty verdicts against Lex Bennett Goodwin, 34, on five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, transportation of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Goodwin was also convicted of a sentencing enhancement for committing the crimes while he was already required to register as a sex offender. The trial began on May 20, 2019 and concluded Thursday evening when the jury returned their verdicts. The case was tried before Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye.
According to court records, the investigation began in September 2017 after Google reported that child pornography had been uploaded to a Google account. An agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) obtained a federal search warrant for the Google account, which revealed that the account belonged to Goodwin. Within the account, the agent located several sexually explicit images of a sixteen-month-old child that Goodwin had produced. The agent obtained additional search warrants authorizing the search and seizure of Goodwin’s electronics, including his cellphone, and a second Google account belonging to Goodwin. Additional files of the sixteen-month-old child that Goodwin had produced were located on his cellphone and in the second Google account. The investigation further revealed that Goodwin had attempted to produce sexually explicit images of a six-year-old child and that he had possessed and transported numerous other files of child pornography.
Each of the five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor is punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison. The charge of transportation of child pornography is punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Each charge is also punishable by a fine of up to $250,000, and five years to a lifetime of supervised release. The sentencing enhancement carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison to be served consecutively to the other counts.
Sentencing is set for August 12, 2019, before Judge Nye at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls and the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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 locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Twin Falls Man Sentenced to Nearly 30 Years in Federal Prison for Gun and Drug Charges and Shooting at Shoshone Police OfficerRead the Press Release
BOISE – Jesus Javier Malagon, 32, of Twin Falls, has been sentenced to 355 months in prison on federal drug and gun charges, as well as shooting at a Shoshone City police officer, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. In February of this year, a Boise jury found Malagon guilty of the charges after a weeklong trial. He was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the Federal Courthouse in Boise. In addition to nearly thirty years in prison, Malagon was sentenced to 4 years of supervised release.
The case stemmed from a January 30, 2018, traffic stop of Malagon by a Shoshone City police officer. At the time of the stop, Malagon possessed a large quantity of marijuana, a digital scale, drug packaging items and two loaded handguns. Malagon fled from the officer at a high-speed. The officer pursued. Malagon eventually crashed his vehicle, resulting in significant injuries to himself. When the officer approached Malagon after the crash, Malagon shot a 9-millimeter handgun at the officer. The officer, who was not injured, immediately returned fire, striking Malagon multiple times. Malagon suffered non-life threatening injuries from the shooting. During a subsequent search of Malagon’s vehicle, investigators found the 9-millimeter handgun, a .38-caliber revolver, multiple pounds of marijuana, and other items showing that Malagon was distributing marijuana. Malagon had previously been convicted of manufacturing marijuana, a felony, and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Shoshone City Police Department, Gooding County Sheriff’s Office, and the Critical Incident Task Force, which includes the Idaho State Police, Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, and Twin Falls City Police Department.
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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Ten Members of the Aryan Knights Prison Gang Indicted on RICO Charges in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
BOISE – A federal grand jury indicted ten members of an Idaho prison gang called the Aryan Knights on RICO (the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act) charges, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. The indictment results from an FBI investigation of the Aryan Knights at the request of the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC).
As alleged in the indictment, the Aryan Knights, or “AK,” was formed in the mid-1990s in the Idaho prison system. It is a prison gang that operates within IDOC prison facilities and also outside of IDOC facilities. It was founded to organize criminal activity for a select group of white inmates within IDOC custody. The AK has white supremacist and white separatist ideologies. Since its founding, the AK has expanded and is now believed to have over 100 members, both inside and outside of IDOC custody. The AK has used violence and the threat of violence to target non‑white inmates and other targeted inmates. The AK also has used drug trafficking, extortion, and gambling to generate revenue, which was shared among members. The AK has a leadership structure and an evolving code of conduct.
As alleged in the indictment, the AK arranged to smuggle large quantities of illicit drugs into prison over the years, generating revenue and laundering the proceeds through an outside business. The AK increased and maintained its reputation for violence within IDOC through repeated acts of violence.
The Indictment has three counts. In Count One, nine of the defendants were charged with conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. They are:
- James Ramsey, age 38;
- Christopher Foss, age 30;
- Harlan Hale, age 53;
- Steven Bowman, age 36;
- Jeremy Brown, age 40;
- Nicholas Sites, age 34;
- Buck Pickens, age 30;
- Lucas Johnson, age 30; and
- Michael McNabb, age 34.
In Count Two, Ramsey and Hale also were charged with attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering for the June 2016 stabbing of an AK member who had come into conflict with Ramsey, the AK’s overall leader at the time.
In Count Three, Bowman and Mark Woodland, age 48, were charged with attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering for the February 2017 beating and stabbing of an inmate associated with a rival prison gang.
All defendants, except for Johnson, are currently in IDOC custody. Johnson, a former IDOC inmate, was arrested yesterday.
As charged in the Indictment for Ramsey, Foss, Hale, Bowman, Sites, Pickens, and Johnson, the charge of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise is punishable by up to life imprisonment.
As charged in the Indictment for Brown and McNabb, the charge of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise is punishable by up to twenty years imprisonment.
As charged in the Indictment, the charge of attempted murder in aid of racketeering is punishable by up to ten years imprisonment.
As charged in the Indictment, the charge of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering is punishable by up to twenty years imprisonment.
“This Indictment is the result of remarkable collaboration between state and federal investigators,” said Davis. “It shows the commitment of law enforcement at all levels in Idaho to root out crime wherever it occurs.”
“The defendants in this case didn’t let prison walls deter their acts of brazen violence and crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Haertel of the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office. “The FBI is committed to fighting organized crime wherever it takes place and will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to make that happen.”
“This Indictment will help make our correctional facilities and communities safer,” said IDOC Director Josh Tewalt. “When people in our custody choose to further their criminal activities while incarcerated, it poses a significant danger to our correctional professionals, the vast majority of people in our custody working hard to turn their lives around, and even reaches into our communities.”
The investigation was prompted by information uncovered by the IDOC’s Special Investigations Unit. Because of the depth and scale of the conspiracy, the department requested the assistance of the U.S. Attorney Office for the District of Idaho and the FBI.
In addition to the FBI, IDOC’s Special Investigations Unit, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office participated in the investigation.
An indictment is a means of charging a person with criminal activity. It is not evidence. A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Challis Man Admits Damaging a Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Archaeological Site; Ordered to Pay RestitutionRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Alan M. Thorkelson, 38, of Challis, Idaho, pleaded guilty last month to the unauthorized excavation of the Devil Canyon Archaeological Site in Challis, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Thorkelson was sentenced on April 29, 2019, by U.S. District Judge David C. Nye to pay $2,000 in restitution. At his sentencing hearing, Thorkelson apologized to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes for the damaged site.
According to court records, in October 2017, Thorkelson was caught by law enforcement digging at a Shoshone-Bannock tribal cultural site that was being monitored due to previous graffiti issues.
“These archeological resources are of particular significance to tribal communities. The looting of these resources is especially harmful,” said Mary D’Aversa, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Idaho Falls District Manager. “We aggressively pursue those individuals who commit these violations of law.”
“My office is dedicated to protecting archaeological resources on public and tribal lands,” U.S. Attorney Davis said. “I commend the BLM and the Custer County Sheriff’s Office for their work on this important case.”
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act protects archaeological resources on public and Indian lands. It provides felony-level penalties for unauthorized excavation, removal, damage, alteration or defacement of any archaeological resource, which is defined as material remains of past human life or activities that are at least 100 years old.
This case was investigated by the BLM with the assistance of the Custer County Sheriff’s Office. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes fully supported its prosecution.
If you have questions or would like more information regarding regulations pertaining to cultural resources, please contact the BLM Idaho Falls District Office at (208) 524-7500.
Lori Isenberg Sentenced in Wire Fraud and Federal Program Theft Case Involving over $570,000Read the Press Release
Coeur d’Alene – Laurecene (Lori) Barnes Isenberg, 65, of Coeur d’Alene, was sentenced on April 30, 2019 to 60 months in prison for wire fraud and theft from a federal program, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced.
Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge sentenced Isenberg to 60 months in federal prison and ordered Isenberg to pay $579,495.75 in restitution as well as a $20,000 fine. After her prison term is up Isenberg will serve three years on supervised release during which time she will report to a federal probation officer.
During Isenberg’s sentencing, victim impact statements were made by the North Idaho Housing Coalition President and the Idaho Housing and Finance Association Program Manager. Both outlined how Isenberg’s theft from the nonprofit prohibited the nonprofit Coalition from helping low income families find affordable housing. Additionally it was noted that nonprofits are overseen by a volunteer board who rely on honest employees to fulfill the mission of the organization. They explained how sophisticated Isenberg’s scheme was.
According to court records, Isenberg admitted to stealing $579,495.75 from the North Idaho Housing Coalition which was funded in part with grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development administered through the Idaho Housing and Finance Association. Isenberg was the executive director when she engaged in a scheme to submit false invoices and expenses for payment. These invoices were often submitted in the names of companies she set up in her daughter’s names.
On May 1, 2019, Isenberg’s remaining two daughters, Tracy Tesch, 34, of Rathdrum, Idaho and April Barnes, 42, of Coeur d’Alene, were sentenced by Judge Lodge for conspiracy to commit program theft. Tesch was sentenced to three years’ probation and ordered to pay $15,356.75 in restitution. Barnes was sentenced to one month of home detention, three years’ probation, and ordered to pay $11,585.92 in restitution. Judge Lodge also ordered both to complete 100 hours of community service.
In total, four of Isenberg’s daughters pled guilty to conspiracy to commit program theft in connection with Isenberg’s offense. Collectively, the four daughters were ordered to pay over $58,000 in restitution.
Judge Lodge noted “Isenberg’s crime affected many needy people”.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Coeur d’Alene City Police Department.
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U.S. Attorney Encourages Public to Participate in DEA’s Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis will join the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on April 27th for its 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The biannual event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at thousands of collection sites around the country, including 45 here in Idaho. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
Idahoans know that opioid abuse is at a crisis level, nationally. Our state is no different, as we, also, experience all-too-frequent drug overdose deaths. “The widespread prevalence of unused prescription medication is a significant contributor to the problem,” stated U.S. Attorney Davis. “Prescription Drug Take Back Day is an opportunity to get rid of a substantial part of the pain pill supply available for abuse. I urge everyone to do their part to fight drug abuse by going to a collection site and safely disposing of unused, expired, and dangerous prescription medication.”
Last October Americans turned in 457 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 6,000 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,800 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 16 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 11 million pounds—more than 5,400 tons—of pills. The disposal service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. (The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches.)
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose. Some painkiller abusers move on to heroin: Four out of five new heroin users started with painkillers.
Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards. This initiative addresses the public safety and public health issues that surround medications languishing in home cabinets, becoming highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.
For more information or to locate a collection site near you, go the DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day web site at www.DEATakeBack.com where you can search by zip code, city, or state.
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Last IDOC Correctional Officer Sentenced for Crimes Stemming from FBI StingRead the Press Release
BOISE - Former Idaho Department of Correction (“IDOC”) correctional officer Erik Thompson was sentenced yesterday for firearms offenses he committed as part of an FBI sting operation that uncovered corruption by IDOC correctional officers, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill sentenced Erik Thompson, 39, to 97 months in prison. Thompson will be placed on supervised release for three years after release from prison.
The FBI initiated the sting operation in this case at IDOC’s request to weed out corruption among IDOC correctional officers. The FBI was able to locate corrupt prison guards by using undercover agents who invited the guards to commit crimes outside of IDOC’s facilities. The defendants believed that the undercover agents they were assisting were large‑scale drug traffickers. The guards provided security and completed other tasks for the undercover agents during staged deliveries of drug loads and drug money. Thompson and co‑defendant Richard McCollough carried firearms with them during the staged drug operations. No drugs were in the sole possession of the defendants, and no drugs or other contraband were brought into any IDOC facility as part of these operations.
Thompson pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Co-defendant McCollough also pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. McCollough also was sentenced to 97 months in prison by Judge Winmill.
Co-defendants Timothy Landon and Robert Wallin each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to aid and abet drug trafficking. Landon was sentenced to 41 months in prison. Wallin was sentenced to 37 months in prison. All defendants will be placed on supervised release for three years after release from prison.
In addition to the FBI, the Boise Police Department, the Meridian Police Department, IDOC’s Special Investigations Unit, and the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office participated in this investigation.
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Justice Department Awards $8.4 Million to Support Native American Crime Victims in Ten StatesRead the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis joined the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) this week in announcing more than $8.4 million in grant awards to support crime victims in Native American communities in 10 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Michigan, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah and Washington. The group of 17 awards is the fifth in a series of grants being made by OVC to American Indian and Alaska Native communities. OVC has now awarded more than $34 million of nearly $100 million to support tribal victim service programs.
The awards—63 in total so far—will fund critical crime victim services, such as counseling, transitional housing, emergency services and transportation. The grants are supported by the Crime Victims Fund, a repository of federal criminal fines, fees and special assessments. The fund includes zero tax dollars.
Two tribes in the District of Idaho, the Coeur d’Alene and the Shoshone-Bannock, were awarded grants totaling $1,127,748. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe received $478,504 to expand victim-centered services through a tribal healing and recovery program. Funding will support staff training, program and office supplies, transportation for victims, outreach and emergency assistance. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes received $649,244 to address four critical needs in existing programming, including shelter renovations to ensure safety and accessibility, trauma-informed case management, satellite victim service offices and expansion of services to vulnerable adults. Funding will support a case manager, domestic violence shelter and office space, program and office supplies, and emergency assistance.
“American Indian and Alaska Native communities face extensive public safety challenges, but through creative approaches that combine traditional methods with innovative solutions, they are demonstrating their determination to meet the needs of victims in their communities,” said OJP’s Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth. “These grants, part of historic levels of funding awarded by the Department of Justice to American Indian and Alaska Native communities, will provide significant resources to bring critical services to those who suffer the effects of crime and violence.”
According to OJP’s Bureau of Justice Statistics, American Indians and Alaska Natives experience violent crime at rates far greater than the general population.
“The Department of Justice and my office are committed to reducing violent crime and improving public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Bart Davis. “This increase in resources, together with aggressive federal and tribal investigations, shows how seriously the entire Department of Justice take these issues.”
“American Indian and Alaska Native crime victims continue to face challenges in accessing vital services and resources needed to help survivors address their trauma and navigate a complex system,” said OVC Director Darlene Hutchinson. “The Justice Department has made it a priority to partner with tribes to help victims and their families rebuild their lives in the aftermath of violence.”
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth, provides federal leadership, grants and resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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Caldwell Man Sentenced for Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
BOISE – Roberto Joe Miguel Serpa, 39, of Caldwell, was sentenced this week for his role in two federal drug crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis. Serpa was sentenced on April 16, 2019 to 126 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Serpa was sentenced by U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill.
On May 8, 2018, Serpa, and five others were indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. Serpa was later charged with an additional count for possessing with the intent to distribute over fifty grams of pure methamphetamine, which carried a ten-year mandatory minimum sentence. On January 11, 2019, Serpa entered guilty pleas to both charges. The other five codefendants also pleaded guilty and were sentenced. Jose Luis Gonzales, 40, of Twin Falls, pleaded guilty to distributing over fifty grams of pure methamphetamine. He was sentenced on February 26, 2019 to ten years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. David Lee Martell, 47, of Nampa, pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Martell was sentenced on February 27, 2019 to 54 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Russell Anthony Antonucci, 50, of Boise, was sentenced on January 31, 2019 to 42 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Daniel Allen Gonzales, 45, of Boise, was sentenced on April 16, 2019 to over 11 months and given credit for time served for using a telephone to facilitate a drug distribution offense. Edouard Gribkoff, 37, of Ontario, Oregon, was sentenced on April 10, 2019 to over 8 months in prison and given credit for time served for possessing heroin.
According to court records, the investigation began when investigators received authorization to intercept the communications of Serpa and others regarding drug distribution. Those intercepted communications showed that Serpa and others were conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. Serpa was arrested in April 2018, after Gonzales sold Serpa approximately three ounces of methamphetamine, which Serpa intended to distribute to others. When Serpa was arrested, investigators found approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine, 47 grams of heroin, 12 grams of fentanyl, a digital scale, drug packaging materials, $1,951 in drug proceeds, and a Taurus 9mm pistol. During the investigation, law enforcement agents seized and forfeited over $5,000 in drug proceeds.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Nampa Police Department.
The indictment is the result of a joint investigation by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. Program participants include the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and the U.S. Marshals Service.
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Boise Nurse Sentenced for Obtaining Controlled Substances by FraudRead the Press Release
BOISE - Jennifer L. Fanopoulos, 41, of Boise, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday to 3 years of probation for obtaining controlled substances by fraud, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Fanopoulos was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge. Fanopoulos pleaded guilty on October 25, 2018.
According to court records, Fanopoulos was employed as a registered nurse at a hospital in Boise. As part of her employment, Fanopoulos had access to the Pyxis system at the hospital. The Pyxis system automated and monitored the distribution, management, and control of prescription medications, including Schedule II controlled substances. Fanopoulos’ ability to access the Pyxis system required the use of a unique username and her fingerprint. On at least twenty-eight occasions, Fanopoulos knowingly and intentionally accessed a Pyxis machine and removed fentanyl 100mcg/2mL vials by falsifying and manipulating information in the system.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) led Tactical Diversion Squad which is comprised of law enforcement from the DEA, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
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Justice Department Observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with Events Throughout the CountryRead the Press Release
BOISE – In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 7-13, 2019, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho is participating in a community awareness project, Evening of Awareness, hosted by the Advocates Against Family Violence. The public event will be held at Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell on Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. The Evening of Awareness is a free family event that will offer victim services related booths, nonprofit information booths, food trucks, speakers and entertainment. The event will close with a candlelight vigil.
“Victims of crime deserve justice. This Department works every day to help them recover and to find, prosecute, and convict those who have done them harm,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “During this National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we pause to remember the millions of Americans who have been victims of crime and we thank public servants who have served them in especially heroic ways. This week the men and women of the Department recommit ourselves once again to ensuring that crime victims continue to have a voice in our legal system, to securing justice for them, and to preventing other Americans from suffering what they have endured.”
“I encourage the public to take a moment to remember and support the victims of crime,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho Bart M. Davis. “And with first-hand knowledge, I want to thank all those who work with victims. Thank you for all your heroic efforts to help the victims of crime become survivors.”
Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorneys’ offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys’ offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 7-13, with the theme: Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.
The U.S. Department of Justice will host the Office for Victims of Crime’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 12, 2019, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime-fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/. You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Victim Witness Unit in Idaho at (208) 334-1211.
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Spokane Man Sent to Prison for Traveling to Idaho to Have Sex with MinorRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – Jesse Lauren Van Orsow, 29, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced yesterday in federal court to 37 months in prison for travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Van Orsow was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David C. Nye at the federal courthouse in Coeur d’Alene. Van Orsow pleaded guilty on August 21, 2018.
According court records, in August 2017, Van Orsow exchanged email and text messages with an undercover police officer posing online as a thirteen-year-old female. In these messages, Van Orsow wrote that he wanted to have sex with the minor. On August 25, 2017, Van Orsow traveled from Spokane to Idaho to have sex with the person he believed to be a thirteen year-old female. Officers arrested Van Orsow when he arrived in Idaho.
Following his 37-month prison sentence, Judge Nye ordered Van Orsow to serve seven years on supervised release.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, and Washington Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Lewiston Pharmacy Tech Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – Marcella Moore, 44, of Lewiston, Idaho was sentenced to federal prison earlier today for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, announced U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Moore to 54 months in prison followed by three years supervised release. Judge Nye also ordered Moore to pay over $30,000 in restitution to Owl Pharmacy.
According to court records, Moore was employed as a pharmacy technician at Owl Pharmacy in Lewiston. In August 2017, Moore began stealing prescription controlled substances while working at the pharmacy. Moore stole almost 60,000 pills over the next eleven months until she was arrested. These pills included over 45,000 pills of hydrocodone, 1,880 pills of oxycodone and 1,600 pills of Lorazepam. Moore then distributed many of the pills to others who then sold them in the area.
“Medical professionals hold a position of trust over the prescription drugs that they handle and dispense,” said Davis. “When those professionals violate that trust by illegally diverting prescription drugs into our communities, federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement stand ready to bring them to justice.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis said, “Opioid abuse is devastating our communities and we must respond aggressively against those that are profiting from fueling the crisis.”
The pharmacy worked closely with the Bureau of Indian Affairs Drug Division, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lewiston Police Department and others to catch Moore and stop her criminal conduct.
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Texas Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison in Idaho for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – John Alan Mahler, 37, of College Station, Texas, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 22 years in prison followed by 15 years supervised release, for sexual exploitation of a child, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Mahler was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill. Mahler pleaded guilty on January 8, 2019.
According to court records, between June and October 2017, Mahler communicated with a 15-year old minor child from Idaho. He used a variety of internet-based communication platforms, including Google Hangouts and Kik Messenger. During the online communications, Mahler sent numerous messages attempting to persuade, induce, and entice the minor child to engage in sexual activity. During the course of the communications, Mahler engaged in video calls with the minor child and instructed the child to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Additionally, during the video calls, Mahler exposed his genitalia to the minor child.
At sentencing, Judge Winmill ordered Mahler to forfeit the laptop computer and cell phones used in the commission of the offense. As a result of his conviction, Mahler will be required to register as a sex offender.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls and the Pocatello Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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 locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Unlawful Firearm Possessor Sentenced to 40 MonthsRead the Press Release
BOISE – Pedro Colis, 24, of Hailey, Idaho, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 40 months in prison, followed by 3 years’ supervised release, for unlawful possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Colis was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Edward J. Lodge.
According to court records, on April 14, 2018, Colis was driving his vehicle in Lincoln County. Colis had two handguns placed on the passenger seat. While driving, Colis attempted to move the two handguns from the front seat to the rear seat floorboard with one hand. As Colis attempted to move the firearms, one went off. A bullet struck Colis in his upper leg. He was treated at a local hospital, where he was interviewed by law enforcement. Colis admitted to possessing the two handguns. A records check confirmed that Colis was previously convicted of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver in 2013. Due to this conviction, Colis was a prohibited possessor of firearms at the time he shot himself.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the City of Shoshone Police Department.
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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