District of Idaho
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Man Indicted for Unlawful Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
POCATELLO - Matthew G. Burgett, 24, of Blackfoot, Idaho, was indicted today by a federal grand jury sitting in Pocatello for the unlawful possession of firearms in violation of 18 U.S.C. Sections 922(g)(4) and 924(a)(2), U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.
The indictment alleges that on or about September 24, 2015, in the District of Idaho, the defendant, Matthew Burgett, having been adjudicated as a mental defective and committed to a mental institution, did knowingly possess two firearms in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(4) and 924(a)(2).
The charge of unlawful possession of a firearm is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and not more than three years of supervised release.
The case is being investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Blackfoot Police Department.
An indictment is a means of charging 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.
Leader of Large-Scale Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
BOISE- Oscar Adan Jaimez-Munoz, 23, a Mexican national residing illegally in California, was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in prison for his leadership role in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking organization, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Visiting United States District Judge Dee Benson also ordered Jaimez-Munoz to serve five years of supervised release following his release from prison, and to forfeit $100,000 in drug proceeds. Jaimez-Munoz pleaded guilty on July 20, 2015.
According to the plea agreement, Jaimez-Munoz was living in California in 2014, when he decided to travel to Idaho and begin distributing high purity methamphetamine in the Treasure Valley. He conspired with co-defendants to import over 4.5 kilograms of pure methamphetamine from California for distribution in the Treasure Valley. He was arrested on January 13, 2015, when he attempted to sell eight pounds of methamphetamine to an undercover officer. Jaimez-Munoz was also in possession of a 9 millimeter pistol. Jaimez-Munoz will be deported to Mexico after serving his prison sentence.
“Mr. Jaimez-Munoz’s sentence demonstrates that those who bring methamphetamine, a highly addictive and dangerous drug, into our communities will be vigorously prosecuted,” said Olson. “We hope this sentence will deter others who choose to profit from peddling this poison in our community. This office will work together with its federal, state and local law enforcement partners to bring drug traffickers to justice.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Boise Police Department, the Meridian Police Department and the Nampa Police Department, as well as the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which includes the cooperative law enforcement efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and U.S. Marshals Service. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
Defendant Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison for Credit Card FraudRead the Press Release
BOISE - Carlos Javier Miranda-Molina, 23, of Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced today in United States District Court to 12 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Visiting U.S. District Judge Dee V. Benson also ordered Miranda-Molina to pay restitution in the amount of $13,301.64. Miranda-Molina pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud and possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices on August 4, 2015.
According to the plea agreement, Miranda-Molina admitted that in March of 2015, he and two co-defendants traveled together from Mexico, through Montana, to Idaho in a vehicle rented in Sonora, Mexico, for the purpose of using counterfeit credit cards to make fraudulent purchases of merchandise and gift cards. In Montana, each defendant engaged in a number of transactions, using credit cards that the defendants knew to be counterfeit, at stores such as Auto Zone, TJ Maxx, Home Depot, Ulta, and others. The defendants jointly and fraudulently obtained merchandise valued at approximately $8,184.01. In Boise, the defendants again engaged in a number of transactions, using credit cards the defendants knew to be counterfeit, at stores such as Lowe’s, Sports Authority, Barnes and Noble, Nordstrom Rack, JC Penney, and others. The defendants fraudulently obtained merchandise valued at approximately $5,117.63. The defendants were arrested in possession of approximately 84 counterfeit credit cards embossed with their names, but encoded with victims’ credit card numbers, as well as merchandise purchased with the counterfeit credit cards, including GoPro Hero 4 Cameras, Samsung Galaxy Nooks, and video game systems.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Boise Police Department.
California Man Sentenced to 110 Months in Prison for Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
BOISE – Kenny P. Breedlove, 35, of Porterville, California, was sentenced yesterday to 110 months for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Visiting U.S. District Judge Dee V. Benson also ordered Breedlove to serve four years of supervised release following his release from prison. Breedlove pleaded guilty to the charge on May 12, 2015.
According to the plea agreement, Nampa police officers stopped a vehicle driven by Breedlove on October 6, 2014. The officer saw that Breedlove was wearing a shoulder holster for a firearm, but there was no firearm in the holster. Breedlove acknowledged the vehicle belonged to him and denied there was a firearm in the vehicle. A police drug-detection dog alerted to the odor of illegal drugs in the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a loaded 9 millimeter Taurus pistol, 337 grams of methamphetamine, and a digital scale. Breedlove admitted that he possessed the pistol in connection with the drug offense.
Breedlove’s case is part of a larger long-term investigation by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force. The investigation focused on the “Norteno” Northside gang, which is active in Nampa and other parts of the Treasure Valley. Fourteen individuals were indicted on drug and gun charges as a result of the investigation. To date, eight defendants have been sentenced. In addition to Breedlove, Michael David Bradshaw, 31, of Nampa, was sentenced on August 6, 2015, to 66 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. Guadalupe Serrano, 35, of Caldwell, was sentenced on April 21, 2015, to 75 months in prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and for possessing firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. Nicole Danelle Nieto, 31, of Nampa, was sentenced on May 26, 2015, to 41 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. Jose Manuel Menchaca, 35, of Nampa, was sentenced May 28, 2015, to 60 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. On June 17, 2015, Brandi Larrea, 31, of Nampa, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine and Tara Noelle Rivera, 30, of Nampa, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. Johnny Lee Martinez, 33, of Nampa, was sentenced on July 20, 2015, to 57 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. Guillermo Farias Jr., 29, of Nampa, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 26, 2015 and Richard Lobato, 51, of Nampa, is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2015. Two others are scheduled for trial including Jose Enrique Olvera Jr., 51, of Nampa, and Isaac Bright, 21, of Caldwell. Two defendants have outstanding warrants, including Ruben Rodriguez, 36, and Veronica Cantu, 26, both of Nampa.
This case and the other related cases are the result of a joint investigation by theTreasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force and the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force is comprised of federal, state and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Boise Police Department; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Caldwell Police Department; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; and Idaho Department of Probation and Parole. The Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), includes the cooperative law enforcement efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and U.S. Marshals Service. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
The case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org.
Plummer Man Admits AssaultRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE - Ramon L. Garcia, 31, of Plummer, Idaho, pleaded guilty on October 20, 2015, to assault, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Garcia was charged by the United States Attorney’s Office on September 9, 2015.
According to the plea agreement, Garcia admitted that on June 20, 2014, he was at a party in Plummer, Idaho, when he pointed a gun at another individual.
The charge of assault is punishable by up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $5,000.
Sentencing is set for January 20, 2016, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy W. Dale at the federal courthouse in Coeur d’Alene.
The case was investigated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Idaho Falls Man Sentenced for Meth DistributionRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Gerardo Botello, 37, of Idaho Falls, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill to 48 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for distribution of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Botello pleaded guilty to the charge on July 16, 2015.
According to the plea agreement and sentencing hearing, on May 23, 2011, an undercover officer met with Botello at his residence in Idaho Falls, Idaho. At that meeting, the undercover officer gave Botello $3200, in exchange for 53.7 grams of actual methamphetamine. At his arrest Botello was also found in possession of several firearms which were forfeited to the government as part of the plea and sentencing.
The case was the result of a joint investigation of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in conjunction with, U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bonneville Country Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho Falls Police Department, and the Idaho State Police. The case was prosecuted jointly by the attorneys from the United States Attorney’s Office and the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office.
The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
Sandpoint Man Given Five Year Prison Sentence for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE - Brent Anthony Stevens, 30, of Sandpoint, Idaho, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for possession of sexually explicit images of minors, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Stevens to pay $3,000 in restitution to two children in images Stevens possessed, and to serve seven years of supervised release upon his release from prison. Stevens pleaded guilty to the charge on March 31, 2015.
According to the plea agreement, between July 22, 2013, and September 12, 2013, investigators with the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) observed that a computer in Sandpoint, Idaho, was making sexually explicit images of minors available on the internet. ICAC investigators were able to determine that the images were being shared from a computer at Stevens’ residence and obtained a search warrant.
Stevens was present during the search warrant’s execution. He admitted to downloading child pornography and told investigators they would find it on his computer. A computer forensic examiner later found child pornography on a computer and a thumb-drive seized from Stevens. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children determined that Stevens’ child pornography collection included images of at least 100 identified minors from multiple states and foreign countries.
The case was investigated through the collaborative effort of the Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office, Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Idaho Attorney General’s Office, United States Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the United States Secret Service. These agencies participate in the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a statewide coalition of local, state and federal law enforcement and prosecution agencies, focused on apprehending and prosecuting individuals who use the Internet to criminally exploit children. For more information about the Idaho ICAC Task Force and a list of all the participating agencies, visit www.icactaskforce.org.
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.”
Rexburg Man Sentenced for Illegally Storing and Disposing of Hazardous WasteRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Max Spatig, 73, of Rexburg, Idaho, the owner of MS Enterprises, was sentenced yesterday to 46 months in prison for knowingly storing and disposing of hazardous waste on a property off the Archer-Lyman Highway near Rexburg, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Senior U.S. District Judge Wiley Y. Daniel, a visiting judge from the District of Colorado, also ordered Spatig to pay $498,652 in restitution, and serve three years supervised release following his release from prison. Spatig was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 11, 2012, and convicted following a two-week jury trial in June.
According to the evidence introduced at trial, on July 8, 2010, a total of 3,478 containers of hazardous waste materials were found on the property outside of Rexburg. Many of the containers were labeled as containing hazardous materials and many were corroded. They had been left outdoors for years. Samples taken from some of the containers confirmed that the contents were hazardous waste due to ignitability and corrosivity characteristics. Ignitable materials catch fire at relatively low temperatures and present a dangerous fire hazard. Corrosive materials cause other materials to dissolve on contact. The contents of the containers were shipped to a hazardous waste disposal facility, incurring a cost to the federal government of $498,652. Neither MS Enterprises nor Spatig had any permits from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that would have covered the operation of a hazardous waste dump.
Spatig had engaged in similar conduct before. In 2005, the State of Idaho cleaned up hazardous waste from another property belonging to Spatig near Menan in Jefferson County, Idaho. The cost of that cleanup was $188,000. Previous to 2005, Spatig engaged in similar conduct in Kaysville, Utah. Because of multiple violations of court-orders prior to trial and offenses committed while on pre-trial release, Spatig has been held in custody since September 11, 2014.
“Mr. Spatig’s conduct of illegally storing hazardous materials has been a longstanding problem and source of environmental danger for various communities with our state,” said Olson. “We are proud of the combined effort of local, state and federal agencies in putting an end to this behavior through the prosecution of Mr. Spatig. This prosecution and sentencing should send a message that we will not tolerate the contamination of our communities through the illegal storage of hazardous waste.”
"Hazardous waste can pose serious threats to human health and the environment, so it’s imperative that companies dispose of it properly," said Scot Adair, Acting Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Idaho. “The defendant stockpiled thousands of gallons of flammable and highly corrosive materials – exposed to the elements – putting the unsuspecting public at serious risk. Today’s sentencing shows that those who repeatedly refuse to comply with our environmental laws will be prosecuted.”
The case was the result of a joint investigation of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, and the Madison County Sheriff’s office. It was prosecuted jointly by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Environmental Crimes Section of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Six Members of Large-Scale Multi-State Methamphetamine Organization Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
BOISE - Jose Luis Corrales Cruz, 58, of Romona, California; Juan Navarette, 20, of Ontario, Oregon; Jorge Sandoval, 22, of Placentia, California, Marco Antonio Tinoco, 26, of Ontario, Oregon; Hernan Arteaga-Solchaga, 23, of Nampa, Idaho; and Ruby Martinez, 41, of Nampa, Idaho were sentenced over the past week to federal prison for their role in a large-scale, multi-state methamphetamine trafficking organization, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Visiting Senior United States District Judge William B. Shubb sentenced Cruz to 72 months imprisonment and ordered $100,000 in cash proceeds to be forfeited. Cruz will be deported to Mexico after serving his prison sentence. Judge Shubb sentenced Juan Navarette to 37 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release. Navarette was also ordered to forfeit $100,000 in cash proceeds.
Earlier this week, Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill sentenced Jorge Sandoval to 87 months imprisonment, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Sandoval was ordered to forfeit $100,000 in cash proceeds. Judge Winmill sentenced Marco Tinoco to 33 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered cash proceeds of $4500 to be forfeited. Yesterday, Judge Winmill sentenced Hernan Arteaga-Solchaga to 30 months imprisonment, with no supervised release to follow. Arteaga-Solchaga will be deported back to Mexico after serving his prison sentence. This morning, Judge Winmill sentenced Ruby Martinez to serve 24 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered her to forfeit $2500 in cash proceeds.
Co-defendant’s Maribel Betancourt, 41, of Meridian, Idaho; Oscar Adan Jaimez-Munoz, 35, of Placentia, California; Ruben Rangel Perez, 34, of Placentia, California, and Andres Navarrette, Jr., 26, of Ontario, Oregon, are set for sentencing later this fall. Francisco Sandoval, 60, of Placentia, California is pending a change of plea hearing, while Horacio Linares, 47, of Anaheim, California and Rafael Sotero Lopez-Vasquez, 43, of Nampa, Idaho are set for jury trial on November 16, 2015. Carmen J. Gomez-Rangel, 49, of Nampa, Idaho, remains a fugitive.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Boise Police Department, the Meridian Police Department and the Nampa Police Department, as well as the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which includes the cooperative law enforcement efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and U.S. Marshals Service. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
Two Defendants from Georgia Sentenced in Credit Card Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOISE –Rakeen Anderson, 32, of Atlanta, Georgia and Jean Estinville, 27, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, were sentenced today in United States District Court for their roles in a credit card scheme that targeted local retailers in October 2014, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.
Rakeen Anderson was sentenced to 18 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Anderson to pay $22,679.54 in restitution, along with the other co-defendants, and to forfeit $49,953.41 in cash proceeds from the offense. He pleaded guilty on May 27, 2015.
Jean Estinville was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Judge Winmill also ordered Estinville to pay restitution in the amount of $22,679.54, along with the other co-defendants, and to forfeit $49,953.41 in cash proceeds from the offense. He pleaded guilty on May 12, 2015.
According to the plea agreements, Anderson and Estinville each admitted traveling to the District of Idaho, along with their co-defendants, for the purpose of making fraudulent purchases of gift cards and prepaid debit cards from retail stores, using stolen credit card numbers encoded onto stock debit cards. Each defendant admitted to obtaining the stock debit cards encoded with unauthorized credit card numbers.
Anderson admitted to traveling to three separate retail stores, and attempted to make a purchase using three different credit card numbers he was not authorized to use. Upon his arrest, officers found four debit cards encoded with unauthorized credit card numbers in his possession.
Estinville admitted to traveling to three separate retail stores, and making 14 total purchases, using six different credit card numbers that he was not authorized to use. Upon his arrest, officers found 55 access devices in his rental vehicle, consisting of various gift cards and pre-paid debit cards, as well as a Citizen EcoDrive watch in his possession that was purchased with an unauthorized credit card number.
Anderson and Estinville were indicted along with Kyandre Banks, 34, of Lilburn, Georgia, Clarence Collins, 34, of Douglasville, Georgia, Charles Moore, 25, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Jonathan Penn, 20, of Suwanee, Georgia, Terrance Barimah, 26, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Brian Treadwell, 25, of Buford, Georgia, Mikki Williams, 25, of Loganville, Georgia, and Rashine Kale, 39, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, on charges relating to a wire fraud and identity theft scheme. Collins, Banks, Estinville, Kale, Moore, Penn, Williams and Treadwell were each charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Anderson was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. Barimah was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and illegal possession of device-making equipment.
Co-defendants Brian Treadwell and Mikki Williams were sentenced on June 16, 2014. Treadwell received 75 months in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Williams received three years of probation and 200 hours of community service for misprision of a felony. Clarence Collins was sentenced on July 6, 2015, to 78 months in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Charles Moore was sentenced on July 7, 2015, to 51 months in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Jonathan Penn was sentenced on July 8, 2015, to 24 months in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Rashine Kale was sentenced on July 22, 2015, to 30 months in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Co-defendant Kyandre Banks is awaiting extradition to the District of Idaho on the warrant issued as a result of the Indictment. Terrance Barimah remains a fugitive.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Boise Police Department.
Marijuana Growers ArrestedRead the Press Release
BOISE – Carlos Avalos-Cervantes, 30, and Martin Diaz-Lara, 26, both Mexican nationals currently living in Walla Walla, Washington, were arrested in the remote mountain area early in the morning on September 23, 2015, on charges of conspiracy and manufacturing with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and illegal aliens in possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Two other individuals, Rogelio Arevalo-Villasenor, 23, a Mexican national living in Caldwell, Idaho, and David Becerra-Saucedo, 41, a Mexican national residing in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, were later arrested on September 24 and September 26 on the conspiracy and manufacture with intent to distribute marijuana charges. A federal complaint formalizing the charges was filed in United States District Court on September 24, 2015.
The complaint alleges that beginning in about April 2015, and extending up until the time of their arrests, Avalos-Cervantes, Arevalo-Villasenor, Becerra-Saucedo, and Diaz-Lara conspired and manufactured several thousand marijuana plants with the intent to distribute the controlled substance. The marijuana plants were found in a remote, timbered canyon in the forest north of Banks, in Boise County, Idaho. The complaint also alleges that Avalos-Cervantes and Diaz-Lara possessed firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, and were further unlawfully in possession of handguns being Mexican nationals who had entered the United States illegally.
“The vast forests, rangelands, and creeks of Idaho will not be used as a hothouse for growing marijuana to sell on the streets of our communities,” said Olson.
"These armed drug traffickers no longer pose a danger to the environment or those who enjoy Idaho's pristine public lands,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis.
The maximum penalty for manufacturing more than 1,000 marijuana plants is not less than 10 years and up to life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. The maximum penalty for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes is not less than five years imprisonment consecutive to any other penalty, and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for illegal alien in possession of a firearm is 10 years imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho has 30 days to present the matter to a grand jury for indictment. A complaint is a means of charging 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.
The arrests and complaints are the result of a joint investigation and cooperative law enforcement efforts of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Nampa Police Department Special Investigations Unit (SIU). Other agencies include Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Boise County Sheriff’s Office, Boise Police Department, Gooding County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho National Guard – Counterdrug Support Office, Meridian Police Department, Milton-Freewater Police Department, Oregon State Police, Power County Sheriff’s Office, Spokane Police Department, United States Forest Service, Valley County Sheriff’s Office, Walla Walla Police Department, Washington State Patrol.
The OCDETF program is a federal multi agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
Caldwell Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE –Marcus Emilio Villarreal, 27, of Caldwell, Idaho, was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Villarreal to serve five years of supervised release following his release from prison. Villarreal pleaded guilty on July 6, 2015.
According to the plea agreement, Villarreal admitted that he began working with others to distribute methamphetamine in approximately October 2013. The coconspirators provided Villarreal with methamphetamine that he would sell before receiving additional methamphetamine. Law enforcement officers seized 123 grams of methamphetamine from a coconspirator in November 2013. Villarreal is a documented gang member and during the court hearing today, Judge Winmill ordered Villarreal to have no contact with gang members upon release from prison.
The case was investigated by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, the Caldwell Police Department, and the Idaho State Police. The Metro Task Force is comprised of federal, state and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Boise Police Department; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Caldwell Police Department; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; and the Idaho Department of Correction.
The case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org.
Three Defendants Arrested in Multi-County Meth DistributionRead the Press Release
BOISE - Diego Alejandro Alcantar-Armenta, 29, and Daniel Valdenegro-Zafiro, 24, of Elko, Nevada, and Jose Antonio Diaz-Juarez, 44, of Grandview, Idaho, were indicted on September 9, 2015, by a federal grand jury in Boise for one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. An initial appearance was held on September 18, 2015, for all of the defendants.
The Indictment alleges that between July 24, 2015, and September 8, 2015, the defendants conspired with each other to distribute methamphetamine in the state of Idaho. On two occasions the defendants are alleged to have possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine in Ada County.
The penalties for the charges vary—depending on the facts for each charge—from not more than twenty years in prison, to not less than five years mandatory minimum up to forty. The maximum fine for each of the charged offenses varies from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000. The number of years of supervised release following any incarceration for the charged offenses varies from three years to four years.
A trial is set for November 16, 2015, before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Boise.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, Owyhee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Elko Combined Narcotic Unit of Elko, Nevada.
The case is being 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, Canyon, and Malheur County.
An indictment is a means of charging 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.
Pocatello Man indicted for Stalking and Using Interstate Communication to Hire Someone to Harm His Ex-WifeRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE - John Kent Davis, 65, of Pocatello, Idaho, was indicted in Coeur d’Alene yesterday on charges of interstate communication of a threat of bodily injury and stalking, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Davis’s arraignment is set for September 17, 2015, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Larry M. Boyle in Pocatello. Davis was arrested in Pocatello on August 17 on a federal complaint charging him with interstate communication of a threat. He has been detained there pending the grand jury proceedings in Coeur d’Alene.
The indictment alleges that on July 29 and August 3, 2015, the defendant used a form of interstate communication to try and hire someone to harm his ex-wife. The individual the defendant hired was actually an undercover FBI agent. The defendant met with the undercover agent telephonically and in person and paid money to the undercover agent while directing the undercover agent to where his ex-wife lived in northern Idaho, and telling him how badly he wanted her hurt. The defendant was also charged with one count of stalking his ex-wife from February 2015, until his arrest on August 17, 2015.
The case is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and North Idaho Violent Crimes Task Force (NIVCTF).
The maximum penalty, upon conviction, for charges of interstate communication of a threat of bodily injury and stalking is up to five years imprison, and a $250,000 fine.
Plummer Man Sentenced for Killing EaglesRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE - Adrian Q. Brown-Sonder, 24, of Plummer, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday to three years of probation and 300 hours of community service for violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Visiting U.S. District Judge Terry J. Hatter, Jr. also ordered Brown-Sonder to pay $4,000 in restitution and to forfeit all hunting permits, tags, stamps and licenses during the term of probation. Brown-Sonder pleaded guilty to the charge on September 15, 2015.
According to the plea agreement, a confidential informant contacted Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police, who in turn contacted the FBI and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and stated that Brown-Sonder killed eagles and other migratory birds. Several witnesses were interviewed and explained that Brown-Sonder admitted to them that he had killed hawks and eagles. A search warrant at the defendant’s residence resulted in the discovery of a large number of eagle and hawk feathers, as well as a wide array of bird skulls and feet. Two bald eagles, two golden eagles, two rough-legged hawks, two red-tailed hawks, and two unspecified dark-morph hawks were identified by a morphology examination. Brown-Sonder is prohibited from hunting and having possession of dangerous weapons during the term of his probation.
The case was investigated by Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW).
Loan Officer Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE - Randy Gard Teall, 67, of Post Falls, Idaho, pleaded guilty today to bank fraud, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Teall was indicted by a federal grand jury in Coeur d'Alene on June 17, 2014.
According to the plea agreement, Teall admitted he was a loan officer at Global Credit Union, a federally insured financial institution in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. With the intent to defraud, Teall executed a scheme to procure loans from Global Credit Union using false promises or statements on loans he approved to individuals with whom he had a business relationship. Teall failed to disclose his personal and business relationship and the borrowers’ true financial worth. Some of Global’s loan funds were used to pay rent to Teall.
The charge of bank fraud is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release.
Sentencing is set for December 15, 2015, before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Coeur d'Alene.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lapwai Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing a ChildRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE - Robert William McAllaster, 50, of Lapwai, Idaho, pleaded guilty today to sexual abuse of a child, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. McAllaster was indicted by a federal grand jury in Coeur d'Alene on March 17, 2015.
According to the plea agreement, between June 25, 2012, and September 30, 2014, on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation, McAllaster sexually abused a child who was over the age of twelve, by causing contact between his penis and the child.
The charge is punishable by up to fifteen years in prison, up to lifetime supervised release following any prison sentence, and a maximum fine of $250,000.00.
Sentencing is set for December 15, 2015, before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Coeur d'Alene.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nez Perce Tribal Police Department, and the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office.
Coeur d’Alene Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE - Keith David Killingsworth, 38, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, pleaded guilty today in federal court to possession of sexually explicit images of minors, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Killingsworth was indicted by a federal grand jury in Coeur d'Alene on February 18, 2015.
According to the plea agreement, between July 2013, and December 2013, investigators with the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) observed that a computer in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, was making sexually explicit images of minors available on the internet. ICAC investigators were able to determine that the images were being shared from a computer at Killingsworth’s residence and obtained a search warrant.
ICAC investigators seized a number of computers from Killingsworth’s residence. A United States Secret Service forensic examiner later found that one of these computers, seized from Killingsworth’s bedroom, contained over 2,000 images and 67 videos, depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Search terms indicated that Killingsworth was looking for child pornography. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children determined that Killingsworth’s child pornography collection included images of minors from multiple states, including Washington, Indiana, New Jersey, Iowa, Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and a number of foreign countries.
The charge of possession of sexually explicit images of minors is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and up to lifetime supervised release.
Sentencing is set for December 15, 2015, before Senior United States District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Coeur d'Alene.
The case was investigated through the collaborative effort of the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, the Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office, Boise Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the United States Secret Service. These agencies participate in the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a statewide coalition of local, state and federal law enforcement and prosecution agencies, focused on apprehending and prosecuting individuals who use the Internet to criminally exploit children. For more information about the Idaho ICAC Task Force and a list of all the participating agencies, visit www.icactaskforce.org.
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.”
Wendell Couple Plead Guilty to Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOISE - Miguel Angel Osuna-Zavala, 42, and his wife Diane Osuna, 43, of Wendell, Idaho, pleaded guilty today to federal firearm and drug charges, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. The couple appeared before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge in Boise to enter their pleas. Miguel Osuna-Zavala pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Diane Osuna pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. They were indicted by a federal grand jury in Boise on March 10, 2015.
According to the plea agreement, on February 2, 2015, a search warrant was executed on the couple’s home in Wendell, Idaho. Inside a safe located in the master bedroom was a package of methamphetamine weighing approximately 65 grams, and a 9mm Sturm Ruger pistol, model P95. The pistol is registered in the name of Diane Osuna. In the house officers also found baggies and a set of digital scales. According to the plea agreements, Diane Osuna would weigh out the drugs for Miguel to sell. Miguel Osuna-Zavala is a Mexican national living illegally in the United States. Diane Osuna is a U.S. citizen.
The charge of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine are punishable by not less than five years, and no more than 40 years, in prison, and a fine of up to $5,000,000. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking is punishable by not less than five years in prison, consecutive to any other prison term, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Sentencing is set for December 9, 2015, before Judge Lodge at the federal courthouse in Boise.
The case was investigated by the Gooding County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The case was prosecuted as part of Idaho’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, which seeks to reduce gun violence in Idaho.
Sex Offender Sentenced to 18 Months for Failing to RegisterRead the Press Release
POCATELLO - Geoffrey Lee Hungerford, 25, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for failing to register as a sex offender, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Hungerford pleaded guilty to the charge on June 24, 2015.
According to court records, Hungerford was convicted in 2011, in Oregon of attempted rape and was required to register as a sex offender. Hungerford last registered a mailing address in Oregon in March 2014. He admitted in court that he failed to register in Idaho in January 2015, after moving to Idaho Falls. When arrested, Hungerford told law enforcement that he knew he had to register, but had forgotten.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Idaho Falls Police Department.
Hungerford was prosecuted for a violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) passed by Congress in 2006. The Act requires sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction where they reside. Violations of SORNA can be prosecuted in federal court.
Utah Man Sentenced for Fraudulently Concealing and Transferring Assets in BankruptcyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Farrell Larson, 67, of Meadow, Utah, was sentenced today to five years of probation and 100 hours of community service for fraudulent transfer and concealment of assets in a bankruptcy, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Larson to pay restitution in the amount of $47,000.
According to the plea agreement, Larson was the president and co-owner of Select Onion and Larson Land Company, LLC, which operated an onion farm and onion processing plant in Ontario, Oregon. Larson Land Company merged with Select Onion and filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the District of Idaho in 2012, with Larson signing as debtor. On April 19, 2012, the Honorable Terry L. Myers, Chief Bankruptcy Judge for the District of Idaho, held that Larson could not utilize cash collateral of Larson Land Company or Select Onion. In his plea agreement, Larson admitted that on April 20 and 23, 2012, he caused a total of $56,000 in cash to be withdrawn from Select Onion bank accounts. The cash represented assets obtained by Select Onion after the filing of bankruptcy. The withdrawals and subsequent transfer of the money was done without the knowledge or authorization of the bankruptcy court or trustee. In his plea agreement, Larson admitted to knowingly concealing assets from the trustee, his creditors, and the bankruptcy court with the intent to defraud.
The case was investigated by the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the Internal Revenue Service, the Office of Inspector General for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Caldwell Gang Member Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison for Distributing DrugsRead the Press Release
BOISE –David Gregory Mendoza, 37, of Caldwell, Idaho, was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Mendoza to serve five years of supervised release following his release from prison. Mendoza pleaded guilty on June 9, 2015.
According to the plea agreement and information presented in court, Mendoza admitted to selling approximately one-eighth of an ounce of methamphetamine on September 29, 2014, to a person who was assisting law enforcement as a confidential informant. Mendoza is a documented gang member and during the court hearing today, Judge Lodge ordered Mendoza to have no contact with gang members upon release from prison.
The case was investigated by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force. The Metro Task Force is comprised of federal, state and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Boise Police Department; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Caldwell Police Department; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; and the Idaho Department of Correction.
The case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org.
Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register and Assault on an OfficerRead the Press Release
POCATELLO - Ronald Lee Chaney, 34, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, pleaded guilty yesterday to failing to register as a sex offender and assault on an officer, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Chaney was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pocatello on August 27, 2013.
According to the plea agreement, Chaney was convicted in May 2002, of sexual abuse of a child under the age of sixteen years in Idaho. As a result of the conviction, the defendant was required to register and update his registration under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). SORNA requires that sex offenders register and keep current their registration in each jurisdiction where they reside.
Chaney’s last registered address, according to the plea agreement, was a half-way house in Arkansas in May 2013. On July 1, 2013, the defendant and another fugitive sex offender travelled by bus from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Pocatello, Idaho, where Chaney resided until he was arrested on August 7, 2013. In an attempt to avoid arrest Chaney jumped from a third story window and forcibly assaulted and impeded a Pocatello police detective who was assisting the United States Marshals Service apprehend Chaney. The Pocatello police detective’s report indicates that Chaney punched him on the forehead during the encounter, and also that the defendant placed his hands around the detective’s neck and squeezed.
The crime of failure to register as a sex offender is punishable by up to ten years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and up to a life term of supervised release. Assault of an officer is punishable by up to eight years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
Sentencing is set for November 17, 2015, before U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.
The case was investigated by the Idaho Sex Offender Watch Task Force (ISOW) and the United States Marshals Service (USMS).
Ronald Lee Chaney was prosecuted for a violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) passed by Congress in 2006. The Act requires sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction where they reside. Violations of SORNA can be prosecuted in federal court.
Blackfoot Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Dude Galloway, 44, of Blackfoot, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday to time served—17 months—in prison for assaulting a federal officer, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Galloway to serve three years of supervised release. Galloway pleaded guilty on March 16, 2015.
According to the plea agreement, on March 18, 2014, Galloway was arrested by the Fort Hall Police Department on an active arrest warrant and was transported by Fort Hall police officers to the Fort Hall Correctional Center. While at the jail, corrections officers attempted to get the defendant to change into jail-issued clothing. While doing so, the defendant struck a Fort Hall corrections officer in the face with his hands. Under the specific federal law that Galloway pled guilty to violating, Fort Hall corrections and police officers are considered “federal officers.”
The case was investigated by the Fort Hall Police Department.
Another Guilty Plea in Norteno InvestigationRead the Press Release
BOISE – Richard Lobato, 51, of Nampa, Idaho, pleaded guilty today in United States District Court to distributing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Lobato was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 15, 2014.
According to the plea agreement, Lobato admitted that he distributed methamphetamine to a confidential informant on two occasions. On October 9, 2013, Lobato and another person sold approximately one-quarter of an ounce of methamphetamine to the informant. On October 23, 2013, Lobato sold another one-quarter of an ounce of methamphetamine to the informant.
The charge of distributing methamphetamine is punishable by a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and up to forty years, a maximum fine of $5 million, and a minimum term of four years supervised release. Lobato is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2015, by Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Boise.
Lobato was charged as a result of an investigation by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, which focused on the “Norteno” Northside gang that is active in Nampa and other parts of the Treasure Valley. Fourteen individuals were indicted on drug and gun charges as a result of the investigation. To date, seven defendants have been sentenced. Michael David Bradshaw, 31, of Nampa, was sentenced on August 6, 2015, to 66 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. Guadalupe Serrano, 35, of Caldwell, was sentenced on April 21, 2015, to 75 months in prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and for possessing firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. Nicole Danelle Nieto, 31, of Nampa, was sentenced on May 26, 2015, to 41 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. Jose Manuel Menchaca, 35, of Nampa, was sentenced May 28, 2015, to 60 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. On June 17, 2015, Brandi Larrea, 31, of Nampa, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine and Tara Noelle Rivera, 30, of Nampa, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. Johnny Lee Martinez, 33, of Nampa, was sentenced on July 20, 2015, to 57 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. Two others have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Kenny P. Breedlove, 35, of California, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 15, 2015, and Guillermo Farias Jr., 29, of Nampa, is scheduled to be sentenced on September 15, 2015. Lobato was the tenth defendant to plead guilty. Two others are scheduled for trial including Jose Enrique Olvera Jr., 51, of Nampa, and Isaac Bright, 21, of Caldwell. Two defendants have outstanding warrants, including Ruben Rodriguez, 36, and Veronica Cantu, 26, both of Nampa.
These cases are the result of a joint investigation by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force and the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force is comprised of federal, state and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Boise Police Department; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Caldwell Police Department; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; and Idaho Department of Probation and Parole. The Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), includes the cooperative law enforcement efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and U.S. Marshals Service. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
These cases are being prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org.
Idaho Falls/St. Anthony Woman Sentenced for Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Lois Davis, 60, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and formerly of St. Anthony, Idaho, was sentenced today to 46 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Davis so pay $2,000,500 in restitution and serve 100 hours of community service. Davis was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 15, 2014.
Davis owned and operated Rouge River Financial and Y4 Ranch, based primarily in St. Anthony, Idaho. Davis held herself out as a person engaged in the business of investing and investment products, and with access to investment transactions from which she would receive substantial commissions. From August 2007, to July 2010, Davis devised and orchestrated an investment scheme whereby she enticed investors to send money to her based upon Davis’ materially false representations that the investors would be entitled to a portion of a commission that Davis would earn on a financial transaction. Davis sometimes referred to these investment opportunities as a “comm-buy.” For most investors she provided, or caused to be provided, a Sales and Purchase Agreement, which falsely represented to investors that they would receive up to ten times their initial investment.
Davis willfully failed to disclose material facts relevant to potential investors, including: that during the time frame of the scheme she had not received a commission of the kind described in the Sales and Purchase Agreements; she had no legitimate basis to expect to receive a commission in the future; prior investors had not received the promised returns; and that investor funds would be used for Davis’ personal expenses. Additionally, Davis often represented or implied that she was connected to, licensed by, or working with government agencies, such as the “Fed,” “Federal Secretary of State,” and the “Treasury Department,” which was not true.
To at least one investor victim, Davis provided a fraudulent copy of her bank balance, showing assets of over $19 million, when in fact the accounts contained less than $100. She also emailed, or caused to be emailed, a fraudulent recommendation letter from a purported “Gary DuPont” falsely claiming that Davis had earned over $100 million in commissions and made 396 people millionaires.
During the time period described, Davis received from investors approximately $2.1 million, she refunded to investors approximately $330,000, and kept approximately $1.8 million in fraudulently obtained funds. During the time frame of the scheme, Davis did not earn a commission of the type described in the Sales and Purchase Agreements. Instead, she spent investors’ funds on personal items, such as vehicles, horses, and tack, and on gifts to her family and her church.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Rigby Men Plead Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Carlos Beltran-Vega, 56, and Francisco Vega, 40, both of Rigby, Idaho, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.
According to the plea agreement, on February 16, 2015, law enforcement received information that the defendants had a large amount of methamphetamine in a cooler at a hotel in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Officers conducted surveillance on the hotel room and observed the defendants exit the hotel room and get into a vehicle. The two men had possession of a red cooler when they went from the hotel room into the vehicle. A short time later the vehicle was stopped, and a canine alerted to the presence of drugs in the cooler, where methamphetamine was found. A subsequent search of the hotel room revealed a larger amount of methamphetamine.
The charge is punishable by up to twenty years imprisonment, a term of supervised release of at least three years, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 23, 2015, in Pocatello before Chief United States District Judge B. Lynn Winmill.
The case is the result of a joint investigation of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which included the cooperative law enforcement efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Idaho Falls Police Department, and Bonneville County Sheriff’s Department, and Nampa Police Department. Other federal agencies participating in the OCEDTF program include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and U.S. Marshals Service. The OCDETF program is a federal, multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
Pocatello Man Sentenced for Fort Hall Casino TheftRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Cory Hugues, 44, of Pocatello, Idaho, pleaded guilty today in United States District Court to theft of funds by an employee from a gaming establishment on Indian lands, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Hugues was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 24, 2015.
According to the plea agreement, Hugues was employed at the Fort Hall Sage Hill Casino as a uniformed security guard. On January 27, 2015, he was in the cash room at the casino with another employee. The other employee, a banker, counted the money in the safe. It was then Hugues’ duty to spin the dial on the safe to ensure it was locked. Hugues did a partial spin, which appeared to lock the safe, but did not actually do so.
Surveillance video showed Hugues returning to the cash room later, opening the safe and reaching into it. He made a movement toward his left pocket area, then shut the safe, spun the dial and left the cash room.
A cash count the following day showed $2,600 missing from the safe. Hugues was interviewed on a later date by law enforcement and he ultimately confessed to taking the $2,600 from the casino safe and using it to pay bills.
The charge of theft by an employee of a gaming establishment on Indian lands is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Hugues is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1, 2015, before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.
The case was investigated by the Fort Hall Police Department and the Pocatello Police Department.
Multi-Agency Cooperation Nets Drugs, Stolen Vehicles and Guns in North IdahoRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – This week, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement officers made several separate arrests leading to the seizure of methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, cash, firearms, and stolen vehicles, in northern Idaho. Three of those arrested, Blair Ty Murphy, 40, of Lewiston, Idaho, Darin Taylor, 55, of Post Falls, Idaho, and Hugo Chavez Acevedo, 34, of Pullman, Washington, were arrested on federal charges. The defendants were indicted on August 18, 2015, by a federal grand jury sitting in Coeur d’Alene.
In separate indictments, the defendants stand charged as follows:
Blair Ty Murphy: conspiracy to distribute, possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of methamphetamine. The charges are punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to forty years in prison, a maximum fine of $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release.
Darin Kyle Taylor: possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine. The charges are punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to forty years in prison, a maximum fine of $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release.
Hugo Chavez Acevedo: possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. The methamphetamine charge is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to forty years in prison, a maximum fine of $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release. The heroin charge is punishable by up to twenty years in prison, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release.
The defendants were arraigned yesterday in U.S. District Court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mikel H. Williams where they entered not guilty pleas, and the cases were set for jury trial in Coeur d’Alene on October 20, 2015.
Representatives of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Idaho State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Nez Perce Tribal Police, and Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office participated in the investigation and arrests.
U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson, commended those involved in these investigations stating, “This collaborative effort by federal, tribal, and state authorities has disrupted the flow of dangerous drugs that compromise the safety and well-being of our families and communities.”
An indictment is a means of charging 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.
Sagle Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Sex Offender Registration and Notification ActRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE - Jeremy Arthur Bolish, 48, of Missoula, Montana, pleaded guilty today to failure to register as a convicted sex offender , U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Bolish was indicted by a federal grand jury in Coeur d'Alene on May 19, 2015.
According to the plea agreement, in April 2008, Bolish was convicted of sexual intercourse without consent in Montana. Because of this crime, Bolish was required to register and update his registration pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Bolish admitted that by August 2014, he moved from Montana to Idaho and did not register or update his sex offender registration as required by SORNA. Bolish was arrested in May 2015, and has been in federal custody since.
The charge of failure to register as a convicted sex offender is punishable by up to ten years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five years and up to life.
Sentencing is set for November 16, 2015, before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Coeur d'Alene.
The case was investigated by U.S. Marshals Service and the Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office.
Jeremy Arthur Bolish was prosecuted for a violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) passed by Congress in 2006. The Act requires sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction where they reside. Violations of SORNA can be prosecuted in federal court.
Pocatello Man arrested for Using Interstate Communication to Hire Someone to Harm His Ex-WifeRead the Press Release
POCATELLO - John Kent Davis, 65, of Pocatello, Idaho, was arraigned today by United States Magistrate Judge Larry M. Boyle on charges of interstate communication of a threat of bodily injury, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. A federal complaint was filed in United States District Court on August 13, 2015. Davis was arrested at his home on August 17, 2015, in Pocatello without incident.
The complaint alleges that on July 29 and August 3, 2015, the defendant used a form of interstate communication to try and hire someone to harm his ex-wife. The individual the defendant hired was actually an undercover FBI agent. The defendant met with the undercover agent telephonically and in person and paid money to the undercover agent while directing the undercover agent to where his ex-wife lived in northern Idaho, and telling him how badly he wanted her hurt.
The case is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and North Idaho Violent Crimes Task Force (NIVCTF).
A complaint is a means of charging 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.
The maximum penalty, upon conviction, for charges of interstate communication of a threat of bodily injury is up to five years imprison, and a $250,000 fine.
Kamiah Man Admits to Threat with GunRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE - Norton Wesley Blackeagle, Jr., 33, of Kamiah, Idaho, pleaded guilty today to assault with a dangerous weapon, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Blackeagle was indicted by a federal grand jury in Coeur d'Alene on March 17, 2015.
According to the plea agreement, Blackeagle admitted that on August 12, 2014, he went into a home located on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation and pointed a pistol at the male occupant of the home and threatened to shoot him.
The charge of assault with a dangerous weapon is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and up to three years of supervised release.
Sentencing is set for November 16, 2015, before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Coeur d'Alene.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Nez Perce Tribal Police.
Preston Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
POCATELLO - D. Gregory Schvaneveldt, 40, of Preston, Idaho, pleaded guilty yesterday to receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Schvaneveldt was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pocatello on November 25, 2014.
According to the plea agreement, an undercover special agent with Homeland Security Investigations was able to download 48 images and four videos of child pornography from Schvaneveldt’s shared computer files, after Schvaneveldt shared the password protecting the files with the agent during an online chat. This led to a federal search warrant for Schvaneveldt’s residence, where law enforcement agents seized two computers, an external hard drive, and related equipment. On the computers and external hard drive, law enforcement agents discovered approximately 1,638 images and 409 video files of suspected child pornography. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children identified victims in 502 of the images and in 57 documented “Series” of child pornography.
When interviewed by law enforcement, Schvaneveldt admitted that there was child pornography on the computers in his residence and “hundreds” of images on the external hard drive. He stated that he had found child pornography on the Internet about a year prior and admitted saving images of child pornography from the Interne to his computer. He also admitted to receiving child pornography through an online chat function.
The charge of receipt of child pornography is punishable by not less than five, and up to 20, years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and up to a life term of supervised release.
Sentencing is set for October 27, 2015, before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) 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.”
Felon Convicted in Federal Court of Unlawfully Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
POCATELLO - Frank Lewis White, 55, of Great Falls, Montana, was convicted yesterday by a federal jury in Pocatello of unlawful possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.
During the three-day trial, the jury heard evidence that when White was pulled over and arrested on October 4, 2014, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, for outstanding warrants, he had under his seat a loaded handgun. Upon being instructed to exit his car, White told officers the gun was under his seat. According to trial testimony, the gun had been in White’s car since the day before, when White had driven another individual to a pawn shop to retrieve the gun.
White faces up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and up to three years of supervised release.
Sentencing is set for November 2, 2015, before U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.
The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Idaho Falls Police Department, and the Ada County Sheriff’s Office Laboratory.
The case was prosecuted as part of Idaho’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, which seeks to reduce gun violence in Idaho.
Federal Jury Convicts Kurbanov on Terrorism ChargesRead the Press Release
BOISE – A federal jury in the District of Idaho returned guilty verdicts today against Fazliddin Kurbanov, 33, on charges that he conspired and attempted to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and possessed an unregistered destructive device. The jury found the defendant not guilty on two other charges.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Carlin and U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson of the District of Idaho made the announcement.
Kurbanov’s conviction followed a 20-day trial before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Edward J. Lodge of the District of Idaho. The jury deliberated two days before reaching its verdict.
“Fazliddin Kurbanov conspired to provide material support to the Islamic Movement of Uzebekistan and procured bomb-making materials in the interest of perpetrating a terrorist attack on American soil,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the law enforcement community and its partners, the threat posed by Kurbanov was disrupted and he will now be held accountable for his crimes. The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism and we will continue to pursue justice against those who provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations and seek to do harm to our country and our citizens.”
“Today’s verdict sends the clear message that where individuals intend to pursue acts of terrorism against the United States – whether in Boise, Idaho, or any other community – they will be brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Olson. “Protecting our communities from terrorist activity is the number one priority of this office and of the entire Department of Justice. I commend the men and women at every level of law enforcement, including the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Ada County and Canyon County Sheriff’s Offices and the Boise City Police Department, who assisted in this effort.”
“The investigation and subsequent trial of Fazliddin Kurbanov represent over three years of unrelenting effort by the FBI Southern Idaho Joint Terrorism Task Force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho, the Department of Homeland Security, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Boise Police Department, and others. I commend the sustained dedication and commitment of all those involved in this endeavor, which have now resulted in the conviction of Mr. Kurbanov for multiple federal terrorism crimes. The Treasure Valley is a safer place as a result of this investigation and prosecution. Protecting the security of our Nation and its citizens is the FBI’s highest priority,” said Eric Barnhart, Special Agent in Charge, Salt Lake City Division.
According to evidence presented at trial:
Between the summer of 2012 and his arrest in May 2013, Kurbanov, an Uzbek national living in Boise, communicated by email and Skype with a person or persons operating a website for the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Kurbanov discussed with the website administrator his animosity toward Americans, particularly the military; his desire to build a bomb; possible targets in the United States, including military bases in Idaho and Texas – and his need for instruction on how to construct and remotely detonate a bomb. Additionally, Kurbanov searched for and later discussed with an FBI Confidential Human Source targets including military bases in the United States, specifically West Point Military Academy in New York. The website administrator asked the defendant to obtain a specific anti-virus software to protect the IMU’s website and to obtain and provide any amount of money. The defendant contacted his brother, who lived in Kyrgyzstan, about obtaining the anti-virus software and he sent the software to Kurbanov. Shortly before his arrest, the defendant caused an Idaho corporation to open, through which he intended to funnel money to the IMU.
Between at least November 15, 2012, and May 16, 2013, Kurbanov possessed bomb-making components at his Boise apartment, including a hollow hand grenade, a hobby fuse, ammunition containing smokeless powder, tannerite, aluminum powder, potassium nitrate, charcoal, yellow sulfur powder and fertilizer. He purchased these items during the summer and fall of 2012. FBI special agents observed the bomb-making components during a court-authorized search of Kurbanov’s apartment in November 2012 and seized many of the same items during a second court-authorized search in May 2013.
Kurbanov’s activities were closely monitored by federal agents during the investigation and no terrorist attack occurred.
Sentencing is set for November 10, 2015. Kurbanov faces a maximum of 15 years in prison on each of the conspiracy and attempt counts, and 10 years in prison for possession of an unregistered destructive device.
In addition, Kurbanov faces a separate one-count indictment in federal court in Utah alleging that from about January 14, 2013, continuing through January 24, 2013, he taught and demonstrated how to make explosive devices, and distributed information relating to the manufacture and use of an explosive or weapon of mass destruction. His alleged intent was that the teaching, demonstration and information be used for, and in furtherance of, an activity that would constitute a federal crime of violence. The Utah indictment was returned in May 2013, at the same time as the Idaho indictment.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force with assistance from the Boise Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Ada County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office and the Canyon County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Lucoff and Heather Patricco of the District of Idaho and Trial Attorney Larry Schneider of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Federal Jury Convicts Kurbanov on Terrorism ChargesRead the Press Release
Idaho Man Found Guilty of Conspiracy and Attempt to Provide Material Support and Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device
A federal jury in the District of Idaho returned guilty verdicts today against Fazliddin Kurbanov, 33, on charges that he conspired and attempted to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and possessed an unregistered destructive device. The jury found the defendant not guilty on two other charges.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson of the District of Idaho and Special Agent in Charge Eric Barnhart of the FBI’s Salt Lake City Division made the announcement.
Kurbanov’s conviction followed a 20-day trial before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Edward J. Lodge of the District of Idaho. The jury deliberated two before reaching its verdict.
“Fazliddin Kurbanov conspired to provide material support to the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and procured bomb-making materials in the interest of perpetrating a terrorist attack on American soil,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the law enforcement community and its partners, the threat posed by Kurbanov was disrupted and he will now be held accountable for his crimes. The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism and we will continue to pursue justice against those who provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations and seek to do harm to our country and our citizens.”
“Today’s verdict sends the clear message that where individuals intend to pursue acts of terrorism against the United States – whether in Boise, Idaho, or any other community – they will be brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Olson. “Protecting our communities from terrorist activity is the number one priority of this office and of the entire Department of Justice. I commend the men and women at every level of law enforcement, including the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Ada County and Canyon County Sheriff’s Offices and the Boise City Police Department, who assisted in this effort.”
“The investigation and subsequent trial of Fazliddin Kurbanov represent over three years of unrelenting effort by the FBI Southern Idaho Joint Terrorism Task Force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho, the Department of Homeland Security, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Boise Police Department, and others,” said Special Agent in Charge Barnhart. “I commend the sustained dedication and commitment of all those involved in this endeavor, which have now resulted in the conviction of Kurbanov for multiple federal terrorism crimes. The Treasure Valley is a safer place as a result of this investigation and prosecution. Protecting the security of our nation and its citizens is the FBI’s highest priority.”
According to evidence presented at trial:
Between the summer of 2012 and his arrest in May 2013, Kurbanov, an Uzbek national living in Boise, communicated by email and Skype with a person or persons operating a website for the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Kurbanov discussed with the website administrator his animosity toward Americans, particularly the military; his desire to build a bomb; possible targets in the United States, including military bases in Idaho and Texas – and his need for instruction on how to construct and remotely detonate a bomb. Additionally, Kurbanov searched for and later discussed with an FBI confidential human source targets including military bases in the United States, specifically West Point Military Academy in New York. The website administrator asked the defendant to obtain a specific anti-virus software to protect the IMU’s website and to obtain and provide any amount of money. The defendant contacted his brother, who lived in Kyrgyzstan, about obtaining the anti-virus software and he sent the software to Kurbanov. Shortly before his arrest, the defendant caused an Idaho corporation to open, through which he intended to funnel money to the IMU.
Between at least Nov. 15, 2012, and May 16, 2013, Kurbanov possessed bomb-making components at his Boise apartment, including a hollow hand grenade, a hobby fuse, ammunition containing smokeless powder, tannerite, aluminum powder, potassium nitrate, charcoal, yellow sulfur powder and fertilizer. He purchased these items during the summer and fall of 2012. FBI special agents observed the bomb-making components during a court-authorized search of Kurbanov’s apartment in November 2012 and seized many of the same items during a second court-authorized search in May 2013.
Kurbanov’s activities were closely monitored by federal agents during the investigation and no terrorist attack occurred.
Sentencing is set for Nov. 10, 2015. Kurbanov faces a maximum of 15 years in prison on each of the conspiracy and attempt counts, and 10 years in prison for possession of an unregistered destructive device.
In addition, Kurbanov faces a separate one-count indictment in federal court in Utah alleging that from about Jan. 14, 2013, continuing through Jan. 24, 2013, he taught and demonstrated how to make explosive devices, and distributed information relating to the manufacture and use of an explosive or weapon of mass destruction. His alleged intent was that the teaching, demonstration and information be used for, and in furtherance of, an activity that would constitute a federal crime of violence. The Utah indictment was returned in May 2013, at the same time as the Idaho indictment.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force with assistance from the Boise Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Ada County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office and the Canyon County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Lucoff and Heather Patricco of the District of Idaho and Trial Attorney Larry Schneider of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Two Caldwell Men Admit to Unlawfully Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
BOISE – Gustavo Collado Rodriguez, 19, and David Angel Prieto, 22, both of Caldwell, Idaho, pleaded guilty today in United States District Court to unlawfully possessing firearms, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.
According to information presented in court, police officers responded to a residence in Caldwell, Idaho, after a person called 911 for help. The person told officers that two men came to the residence and one of the men pointed a handgun at an occupant of the home. Police officers followed footprints in the snow to a nearby shed. Inside the shed, officers found Rodriguez and Prieto along with a sawed-off 12 gauge shotgun and a 9 millimeter pistol with a high capacity magazine loaded with hollow point ammunition. Rodriguez is prohibited from possessing firearms because he is an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. Prieto is prohibited from possessing firearms because he was previously convicted of the felony crime of possession of a controlled substance. As part of the plea agreements, Rodriguez and Prieto agreed to forfeit the firearms involved in the offense.
The charge of unlawfully possessing firearms is punishable by up 10 years of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000. Rodriguez and Prieto are scheduled for sentencing on November 4, 2015 by U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Boise.
The case was investigated by the Caldwell Police Department and the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force. The Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force is comprised of federal, state and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Boise Police Department; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Caldwell Police Department; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; and Idaho Department of Probation and Parole.
The case is being prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office, the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org.
Third Defendant Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Possession of Counterfeit Credit CardsRead the Press Release
BOISE – Rafael Perez, 31, of Guaymas, Mexico, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of wire fraud and one count of possession of fifteen or more counterfeit credit cards, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.
According to the plea agreement, Perez and his co-defendants, Javier Miranda-Molina and Irving Gonzalez-Bocanegra, were present and traveling together in Boise on March 31, 2015, for the purpose of using counterfeit credit cards to make fraudulent purchases of merchandise and gift cards. The defendants engaged in a number of transactions, at a variety of stores, using credit cards the defendants knew to be counterfeit. The defendants fraudulently obtained merchandise valued at approximately $5,117.63.
Prior to arriving in Boise, on March 29 and 30, 2015, the defendants engaged in similar fraudulent transactions in Montana and obtained merchandise valued at approximately $8,184.01.
When arrested in Boise, the defendants were working together to package and ship a variety of merchandise purchased with counterfeit credit cards, such as GoPro Hero 4 Cameras, Samsung Galaxy Nooks, and video game systems. They had in their joint possession a number of counterfeit credit cards. These included: approximately eighty-four counterfeit credit cards taped into the pages of a magazine; three counterfeit credit cards recovered from the trash, and three counterfeit credit cards found in the driver’s side door pocket of their rental car. Each of these counterfeit cards contained one of the defendant’s names embossed on the front of the card and a real but unauthorized account number encoded to the magnetic strip on the back of the card. Perez agreed to the forfeiture of, and to abandon any interest in, all credit cards, gift cards, merchandise, and other items seized at his arrest.
The defendants were charged with wire fraud because all of the described transactions resulted in wire communications that were foreseeable to the defendants, in particular, interstate transmissions by wire of information from the point of sale terminals in the stores to the credit card payment processers and to the account-issuing banks located in different states.
“This case demonstrates how federal and local law enforcement cooperate with Idaho businesses to protect business integrity and consumer confidence from the costs and victimization imposed by fraud,” said Olson.
Wire fraud is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to twenty years, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and a special assessment of $100. Possession of 15 or more counterfeit and unauthorized access devices is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to ten years, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and a special assessment of $100.
Perez’s sentencing is set before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Boise on October 29, 2015.
Co-defendant Javier Miranda-Molina, 22 of Sonora, Mexico, pleaded guilty on August 4, 2015 and is set for a sentencing hearing on October 14, 2015. Co-defendant Irving Gonzalez-Bocanegra, 25, of Hermosillo, Mexico pleaded guilty on August 6, 2015 and is set for sentencing on October 27, 2015.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Boise Police Department.
Second of Three Co-Defendants Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Possession of Counterfeit Credit CardsRead the Press Release
BOISE – Irving Gonzalez-Bocanegra, 25, of Hermosillo, Mexico, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of wire fraud and one count of possession of fifteen or more counterfeit credit cards, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.
According to the plea agreement, Gonzalez-Bocanegra and his co-defendants, Javier Miranda-Molina and Rafael Perez, were present and traveling together in Boise on March 31, 2015, for the purpose of using counterfeit credit cards to make fraudulent purchases of merchandise and gift cards. The defendants engaged in a number of transactions, at a variety of stores, using credit cards the defendants knew to be counterfeit. The defendants fraudulently obtained merchandise valued at approximately $5,117.63.
Prior to arriving in Boise, on March 29 and 30, 2015, the defendants engaged in similar fraudulent transactions in Montana and obtained merchandise valued at approximately $8,184.01.
When arrested in Boise, the defendants were working together to package and ship a variety of merchandise purchased with counterfeit credit cards, such as GoPro Hero 4 Cameras, Samsung Galaxy Nooks, and video game systems. They had in their joint possession a number of counterfeit credit cards. These included: approximately eighty-four counterfeit credit cards taped into the pages of a magazine; three counterfeit credit cards recovered from the trash, and three counterfeit credit cards found in the driver’s side door pocket of their rental car. Each of these counterfeit cards contained one of the defendant’s names embossed on the front of the card and a real but unauthorized account number encoded to the magnetic strip on the back of the card. Gonzalez-Bocanegra agreed to the forfeiture of, and to abandon any interest in, all credit cards, gift cards, merchandise, and other items seized at his arrest.
The defendants were charged with wire fraud because all of the described transactions resulted in wire communications that were foreseeable to the defendants, in particular, interstate transmissions by wire of information from the point of sale terminals in the stores to the credit card payment processers and to the account-issuing banks located in different states.
“This case demonstrates how federal and local law enforcement cooperate with Idaho businesses to protect business integrity and consumer confidence from the costs and victimization imposed by fraud,” said Olson.
Wire fraud is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to twenty years, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and a special assessment of $100. Possession of 15 or more counterfeit and unauthorized access devices is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to ten years, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and a special assessment of $100.
Gonzalez-Bocanegra’s sentencing is set before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Boise on October 27, 2015.
Co-defendant Rafael Perez, 31, of Guaymas, Mexico, is set for a plea hearing on August 11, 2015. Co-defendant Javier Miranda-Molina, 22 of Sonora, Mexico, pleaded guilty on August 4, 2015 and is set for a sentencing hearing on October 14, 2015.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Boise Police Department.
Nampa Woman Sentenced to 90 Months in Prison for Using Interstate Commerce Facilities to Hire Someone to Kill Her HusbandRead the Press Release
BOISE – Monique Christine Martinez, 33, of Nampa, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday to 90 months in prison for use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Martinez to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of her prison sentence, and ordered that she have no contact with documented gang members or possess gang paraphernalia. Martinez pleaded guilty to the charge on May 12, 2015.
According to court documents, Martinez contacted an individual by Facebook in California in order to hire someone to kill her current boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend. Several days later, Martinez changed her mind and decided to hire a hit man to kill her husband. On October 17, 2014, Martinez met with an undercover FBI employee, whom she believed was a hit man. Martinez advised the undercover employee that she wanted her husband dead and provided $350 in U.S. currency and promised additional payment later in the week. She provided the undercover employee with a hand written note, which contained her husband’s name, the address of his employment and the address of his mother’s home, where he was recently living. Martinez showed the undercover employee photographs of her husband on her smartphone, provided his work schedule, described his tattoos, and described the vehicle he drove. Martinez suggested that the best time to kill her husband was either as he got off work or when he was leaving his gym. Martinez was arrested on October 22, 2014, at her residence in Nampa.
The case was investigated by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force. The Metro Task Force is comprised of federal, state and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Boise Police Department; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Caldwell Police Department; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; and the Idaho Department of Correction.
Nampa Man Sentenced for Selling MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE – Michael Bradshaw, 31, of Nampa, Idaho, was sentenced today to 66 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Bradshaw to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term, during which Bradshaw may not have contact with documented gang members. Bradshaw pleaded guilty to the charge on May 26, 2015.
According to the plea agreement, Bradshaw admitted to selling methamphetamine to a police informant on September 16, 2013, and on October 9, 2013, in Nampa, Idaho.
This case and other related cases are the result of an investigation by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, which focused on the “Norteno” Northside gang that is active in Nampa and other parts of the Treasure Valley. Fourteen individuals were indicted on drug and gun charges as a result of the investigation. In addition to Bradshaw, six other defendants have been sentenced. Guadalupe Serrano, 35, of Caldwell, was sentenced on April 21, 2015, to 75 months in prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and for possessing firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. Nicole Danelle Nieto, 31, of Nampa, was sentenced on May 26, 2015, to 41 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. Jose Manuel Menchaca, 35, of Nampa, was sentenced May 28, 2015, to 60 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. On June 17, 2015, Brandi Larrea, 31, of Nampa, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine and Tara Noelle Rivera, 30, of Nampa, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. Johnny Lee Martinez, 33, of Nampa, was sentenced on July 20, 2015, to 57 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. Two others have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Kenny P. Breedlove, 35, from California, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 15, 2015, and Guillermo Farias Jr., 29, from Nampa, is scheduled to be sentenced on August 20, 2015. Three others are scheduled for trial including Richard Lobato, 51, Jose Enrique Olvera Jr., 51, both from Nampa, and Isaac Bright, 21, from Caldwell. Two other defendants have outstanding warrants, including Ruben Rodriguez, 36, and Veronica Cantu, 26, both from Nampa.
These cases are the result of a joint investigation by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force and the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force is comprised of federal, state and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Boise Police Department; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Caldwell Police Department; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; and Idaho Department of Probation and Parole. The Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), includes the cooperative law enforcement efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and U.S. Marshals Service. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
These cases are being prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership, the Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org.
McCall Woman Sentenced for Shipping a Loaded Gun in MailRead the Press Release
BOISE – Tami Dee Bachart, 47, of McCall, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday to one year of probation for mailing injurious articles and causing a firearm to be present in a federal facility, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. As part of her sentence, Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill ordered Bachart to serve 200 hours of community service, pay $3,397.28 in restitution and pay a $1,000 fine. Bachart pleaded guilty to the crimes on May 12, 2015.
According to the plea agreement, on December 2, 2014, Bachart deposited a package containing a handgun and ammunition into the mail at the United States Postal Service in McCall, Idaho. The package was addressed to a location in Windsor, Connecticut. The U.S. Postal Service transported the package for delivery. While in route to Connecticut, the package arrived at a processing and distribution center in Springfield, Massachusetts. When a U.S. Postal Service employee picked up the package for further distribution, the handgun, which was a loaded Ruger Blackhawk .357 revolver, discharged while in the hands of the employee. The employee was not seriously injured, but sought medical attention due to ringing ears and stinging hands. When the police officers opened the package, they discovered the loaded revolver with additional ammunition and other items. U.S. Postal Inspectors and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives contacted the intended recipient in Connecticut who confirmed Bachart mailed the package. A U.S. Postal Inspector and a Police Officer with McCall Police Department later interviewed Bachart who admitted to sending the package containing the revolver. Bachart denied knowing the firearm was loaded and stated she did not intend to hurt anyone.
During sentencing, Judge Winmill noted that Bachart did not intend to hurt anyone and made a mistake. However, he cautioned her about the tragic loss of life that could have occurred. Federal law prohibits the mailing of concealable firearms, except under limited circumstances as prescribed in the U.S. Postal Service regulations. Federal law also prohibits the mailing of ammunition.
This case was investigated by United States Postal Service Inspection Service in Boise, Idaho, Springfield, Massachusetts, and Windsor, Connecticut; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; McCall Police Department; and Springfield Police Department.
Idaho Summit on Prescription Drug Diversion Set for September 9 in BoiseRead the Press Release
BOISE - U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson today announced that the Treasure Valley’s hospital community, the State of Idaho health professional licensing boards, private law firms, law enforcement agencies and other organizations are partnering to host the Idaho Summit on Prescription Drug Diversion on Wednesday, September 9, 2015, at Washington Group Plaza.
“Prescription drug abuse and prescription drug diversion have created a national public health and public safety crisis. Idaho is not immune,” said Olson. “Prescription drug addiction can lead directly to heroin use and addiction, and to accidental death. Prescription drug abuse is responsible for impaired driving and property crimes as addicts seek means to fuel their addiction. Fortunately, Idaho’s health care leaders and federal and local law enforcement are committed to educating providers and the community about the dangers associated with prescription drug diversion.”
Olson said that her office in the last few years has prosecuted an increasing number of defendants who have illegally obtained, diverted or sold prescription drugs. Nationally, a Center for Diseases Control analysis found that one in twenty people in the United States ages 12 and older used prescription painkillers non-medically in 2010. Prescription painkiller overdoses killed nearly 15,000 people in 2008, triple the number from 1999. Moreover, according to the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than half of those 12 and over who used prescription painkillers non-medically for the first time obtained them from a family member or friend who had been prescribed the painkiller by a health care provider. The statistics are also alarming in Idaho. There were 456 drug-induced deaths in Idaho from 2007-2009. Of those, 262 involved narcotics, with 68 deaths from Hydrocodone and 43 from Oxycodone prescriptions alone.
The four-hour summit will involve presentations from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boise Police Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office on how prescriptions are diverted to street sales, the community impact, the law enforcement response, and criteria for prosecution of cases. Medical professionals and regulators will provide tools for health care providers and health care organizations to identify diversion and diversion risks. They will also discuss medical standards in Idaho for safely prescribing prescription drugs.
“This conference is intended to provide medical providers of all specialties with critical information on simple steps they can take every day to help stop the flow of these prescription drugs from would-be patients while at the same time learning how these government agencies work to protect our community,” said Terrence S. Jones, partner at Quane Jones McColl, PLLC, and one of the event organizers.
“Our objective is not only to slow the flow of diverted prescription drugs, but also to open a dialogue and promote understanding between the medical community and law enforcement about each other’s practices and concerns,” said Olson. “This is a community health care and public safety problem and I am pleased that so many members of Idaho’s law enforcement and health care community are committed to finding community solutions.”
The Summit sponsors are: the Idaho Boards of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing, the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses, the Idaho Office of Drug Policy, the Idaho Medical Association, Boise State University, Idaho State University, the Drug Enforcement Administration, C.N.A. Professional Insurance, West Valley Medical Center, St. Luke’s Health Systems, Independent Doctors of Idaho, the Boise City Police Department, St. Alphonsus Hospital, Garrett Richardson, PLLC, and Quane Jones McColl, PLLC. The Summit will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Washington Group Plaza Main Auditorium. Interested providers can enroll online at http://usaoidtraining.org/idahodrugsummit.
Fort Hall Man Indicted for MurderRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Joaquin Broncho, 18, of Fort Hall, Idaho, has been indicted in the August 29, 2014, stabbing death of Joey Runninghorse, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.
Broncho, also known as Joaquin Dancing Thunder Bluehorse, was indicted on a charge of second degree murder by the federal grand jury in Pocatello on July 28, 2015. Broncho was arraigned today in U.S. District Court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mikel H. Williams where Broncho entered a not guilty plea, and the case was set for jury trial in Pocatello on September 21, 2015.
Broncho is alleged to have stabbed the victim Joey Runninghorse with a knife on the Shoshone Bannock Indian Reservation. Broncho was previously charged as a juvenile in this case, but his case was transferred to adult court by Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill.
Second degree murder is punishable by up to life imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Fort Hall Police Department.
An indictment is a means of charging 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.
First of Three Co-Defendants Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Possession of Counterfeit Credit CardsRead the Press Release
BOISE – Javier Miranda-Molina, 22 of Sonora, Mexico, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of wire fraud and one count of possession of fifteen or more counterfeit credit cards, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.
According to the plea agreement, Miranda-Molina and his co-defendants, Irving Gonzalez-Bocanegra and Rafael Perez, were present and traveling together in Boise on March 31, 2015, for the purpose of using counterfeit credit cards to make fraudulent purchases of merchandise and gift cards. The defendants engaged in a number of transactions, at a variety of stores, using credit cards the defendants knew to be counterfeit. The defendants fraudulently obtained merchandise valued at approximately $5,117.63.
Prior to arriving in Boise, on March 29 and 30, 2015, the defendants engaged in similar fraudulent transactions in Montana and obtained merchandise valued at approximately $8,184.01.
When arrested in Boise, the defendants were working together to package and ship a variety of merchandise purchased with counterfeit credit cards, such as GoPro Hero 4 Cameras, Samsung Galaxy Nooks, and video game systems. They had in their joint possession a number of counterfeit credit cards. These included: approximately eighty-four counterfeit credit cards taped into the pages of a magazine; three counterfeit credit cards recovered from the trash, and three counterfeit credit cards found in the driver’s side door pocket of their rental car. Each of these counterfeit cards contained one of the defendant’s names embossed on the front of the card and a real but unauthorized account number encoded to the magnetic strip on the back of the card. Miranda-Molina agreed to the forfeiture of, and to abandon any interest in, all credit cards, gift cards, merchandise, and other items seized at his arrest.
The defendants were charged with wire fraud because all of the described transactions resulted in wire communications that were foreseeable to the defendants, in particular, interstate transmissions by wire of information from the point of sale terminals in the stores to the credit card payment processers and to the account-issuing banks located in different states.
“This case demonstrates how federal and local law enforcement cooperate with Idaho businesses to protect business integrity and consumer confidence from the costs and victimization imposed by fraud.” said Olson.
Wire fraud is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to twenty years, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and a special assessment of $100. Possession of 15 or more counterfeit and unauthorized access devices is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to ten years, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and a special assessment of $100.
Miranda-Molina’s sentencing is set before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Boise on October 14, 2015, at 3:30.
The co-defendants Irving Gonzalez-Bocanegra, 25, of Hermosillo, Mexico, and Rafael Perez, 31, of Guaymas, Mexico, are set for plea hearings respectively on August 6 and 11, 2015.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Boise Police Department.
Boise Man Pleads Guilty to Transfer of Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
BOISE – Kenton Lloyd Flook, 45, of Boise pleaded guilty today in United States District Court to two counts of transfer of obscene material to a minor, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.
According to the plea agreement, Flook admitted that he communicated with a 14 year old minor from Erie, Pennsylvania, using the online messaging services Omegle, KiK, and Skype between January and March, 2014. During the course of the communications, Flook sent the victim sexually explicit images of himself, and engaged in live sexual acts, using the online messaging services. As part of his plea, Flook admitted that he had knowledge that the victim was under the age of 16, and that the victim resided in Erie, Pennsylvania. Sentencing is set for November 3, 2015, before U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge.
Transfer of obscene images to a minor is punishable by up to10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, and a $100 special assessment. As part of his plea, Flook also agreed to forfeit an Iphone and an Ipad used in the commission of the charged offenses.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Erie, Pennsylvania Resident Agency and Salt Lake City Resident Agency, as well as the Erie, Pennsylvania Police Department. The case was initiated by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and transferred to the District of Idaho for purposes of sentencing pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 20.
Defendant Sentenced to Twenty-Four Years for Murder on Nez Perce ReservationRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE - Raymond Antoine Scott, Jr., 39, of Lapwai, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday in United States District Court to 288 months in prison for second degree murder in the death of William Reich on the Nez Perce Reservation, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Scott to serve five years of supervised release. Scott pleaded guilty to the charge on May 4, 2015.
According to the plea agreement and statements during court, Scott admitted that he intentionally and with malice killed William Reich on July 9, 2013. Scott admitted to using a hatchet or similar object to strike Reich in the head. The case was handled by the United States Attorney’s Office because it happened on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation and both Scott and Mr. Reich were tribal members.
Olson said that Scott earned every day of his twenty-four year sentence. “This defendant’s criminal history demonstrates that he has injured and harmed people both on and off the reservation,” said Olson. “The victim in this case, William Reich, was a kind man who deserved a far better fate. There is nothing that my office can do to lessen the pain for the family of Mr. Reich or his community. However they can rest assured that Raymond Scott, Jr. will not be able to harm other members of the community for many years to come. I appreciate the collaborative efforts of the tribal, state and local law enforcement agencies in bringing this defendant to justice.”
The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Nez Perce Tribal Police and the Idaho State Police.
Four Defendants Arrested in Multi-County Meth DistributionRead the Press Release
BOISE - Miguel Angel Dorantes, 18, Alberto Lopez, 18, Elizabeth Baeza, 18, Sobeida Galaviz, 24, all of Hailey, Idaho, and Leonel Angel, 20, of Compton, California, were indicted on July 14, 2015, by a federal grand jury in Boise for one count of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute, eleven counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamines, and eight counts of distributing a controlled substance near a school, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. An initial appearance was held on July 21, 2015, for four of the defendants. Defendant Dorantes has not yet been found or arrested.
The Indictment alleges that between March 23 and May 28, 2015, the defendants were involved in possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute it in Blaine County, Lincoln County, and Jerome County. Four of the drug transactions are alleged to have occurred within 1,000 feet of Hailey Elementary School in Hailey, Idaho, and four of the transactions are alleged to have occurred within 1,000 feet of Heritage Academy in Jerome, Idaho.
The penalties for the charges vary—depending on the facts for each charge—from not more than five years in prison, to not less than ten years mandatory minimum up to life. Distributing controlled substances within 1,000 of a school doubles the penalty for the amount of controlled substance distributed. The maximum fine for each of the charged offenses varies from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000. The number of years of supervised release following any incarceration for the charged offenses varies from three years to five years.
A trial is set for September 28, 2015, before U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Boise.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Idaho State Police, Blaine County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Jerome County Sheriff’s Office, Twin Falls Police Department, and Hailey Police Department.
An indictment is a means of charging 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.
Tampa, Florida Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOISE – Yinet Quintana Isalgue, 27, of Tampa, Florida, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Quintana Isalgue was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 11, 2015.
As described in the factual basis of the plea agreement, read in court during the plea hearing, Quintana Isalgue travelled from Florida to Idaho to commit credit card fraud. On January 9, 2015, law enforcement in Boise and Meridian, Idaho, received multiple reports from loss prevention officers at different retail stores identifying Quintana Isalgue through witness and surveillance evidence, as attempting credit card fraud.
The next day, Quintana Isalgue was contacted by law enforcement when they executed a search warrant signed by a State of Idaho Magistrate Judge on the hotel room where she was staying. Inside the room in Quintana Isalgue’s purse and wallet, law enforcement found 17 counterfeit credit cards, 2 counterfeit driver’s licenses, and 35 gift cards. The counterfeit credit cards were embossed with real account numbers and a fake name. The two counterfeit driver’s licenses had names matching those on the credit cards, but using Quintana Isalgue’s picture and actual birthdate. Some of the gift cards found in her purse were identified as the gift cards Quintana Isalgue fraudulently purchased earlier in the day.
Based upon video surveillance, loyalty card records, GPS, and credit card records, law enforcement discovered that Quintana Isalgue made similar fraudulent purchases in Oregon and Washington. She admitted $97,496.11 in actual fraudulent purchases, and an additional $19,288.24 in attempted purchases, for a total of $116,784.35, between November 28, 2014, and January 9, 2015. She also admitted that she knowingly and fraudulently used the credit card number of a real person.
Wire fraud is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to twenty years, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and a special assessment of $100. Aggravated identity theft is punishable by a mandatory term of imprisonment of two years consecutive to the underlying wire fraud.
Sentencing is set before U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Boise on November 3, 2015.
“This case demonstrates how vigilant cooperation between federal and local law enforcement, and local businesses, protects Idaho consumers from credit card fraud and other violations of financial security,” said Olson.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Boise Police Department, and the Meridian Police Department.
Nampa Gang Member Sentenced for Selling MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE – Johnny Lee Martinez, 33, of Nampa, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday to 57 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Martinez to serve four years of supervised release following his prison term, during which Martinez may not have contact with documented gang members. Martinez pleaded guilty to the charge on May 5, 2015.
According to the plea agreement, Martinez admitted to selling methamphetamine to a police informant on October 24, 2013, and on February 12, 2014, in Nampa, Idaho.
This case and other related cases are the result of an investigation by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, which focused on the “Norteno” Northside gang that is active in Nampa and other parts of the Treasure Valley. Fourteen individuals were indicted on drug and gun charges as a result of the investigation. In addition to Martinez, five other defendants have been sentenced. Guadalupe Serrano, 35, of Caldwell, was sentenced on April 21, 2015, to 75 months in prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and for possessing firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. Nicole Danelle Nieto, 31, of Nampa, was sentenced on May 26, 2015, to 41 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. Jose Manuel Menchaca, 35, of Nampa, was sentenced May 28, 2015, to 60 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. On June 17, 2015, Brandi Larrea, 31, of Nampa, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine and Tara Noelle Rivera, 30, of Nampa, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. Three others have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing including Guillermo Farias Jr., 29, and Michael Bradshaw, 31, both from Nampa, and Kenny P. Breedlove, 35, from California. Three others are scheduled for trial including Richard Lobato, 51, Jose Enrique Olvera Jr., 51, both from Nampa, and Isaac Bright, 21, from Caldwell. Two other defendants have outstanding warrants, including Ruben Rodriguez, 36, and Veronica Cantu, 26, both from Nampa.
These cases are the result of a joint investigation by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force and the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force is comprised of federal, state and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Boise Police Department; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Caldwell Police Department; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; and Idaho Department of Probation and Parole. The Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), includes the cooperative law enforcement efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and U.S. Marshals Service. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
These cases are being prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership, the Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org.