District of Idaho
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Boise Man Sentenced for Role in Conspiracy to Use Cryptocurrency to Launder Drug ProceedsRead the Press Release
BOISE – Michael Robert Osborn, 39, of Boise, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute controlled substances and conspiring to commit money laundering, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, Osborn participated in a lengthy conspiracy to distribute drugs and a conspiracy to commit money laundering. Osborn, who was incarcerated in the Idaho Department of Correction during the criminal activity, was a supervisor of the criminal activity. He utilized a contraband cellular telephone to communicate with other members of the conspiracy to facilitate the crime. Osborn used cryptocurrency to purchase alpha-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (a-PHP), a schedule I controlled substance that is commonly referred to as “bath salts,” on the internet. The drugs were shipped from outside the United States into Idaho where other members of the conspiracy sold the drugs and collected the drug proceeds. Those drug proceeds were converted into Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to conceal the nature and source of the drug proceeds. Osborn would then use the Bitcoin to purchase additional a-PHP for distribution. This scheme continued from October 2019 until March 2021. During the investigation, law enforcement agents seized a digital wallet, pursuant to a court-authorized seizure warrant, that contained the drug proceeds. The wallet contained 7.83777 Bitcoin and was valued at approximately $280,000 at the time of the seizure.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Osborn to 188 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release and ordered the seized Bitcoin to be forfeited. Osborn pleaded guilty to the charges on April 26, 2023. Osborn is the fourth and final defendant to be sentenced in the case.
Codefendant Troy Thomas Wheeler, 48, of Meridian, was sentenced on September 11, 2023, by Judge Nye to 86 months in federal prison for his role in the drug conspiracy. Wheeler, who was also incarcerated in the Idaho Department of Correction during the criminal activity, assisted Osborn in recruiting others and supervising the criminal activity. Wheeler was sentenced to three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Laura Russell, 66, of Mountain Home, who is Osborn’s mother, was sentenced by Judge Nye on June 22, 2023, to 40 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release for her role in the money laundering conspiracy. Russell collected the drug proceeds from others and converted them into Bitcoin knowing that the funds were drug proceeds to conceal the nature and source of the drug proceeds.
Angela Marie Klinkhamer, 44, of Caldwell, was sentenced by Judge Nye on March 16, 2023, to 70 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for her role in both the drug and money laundering conspiracy. Klinkhamer’s role included distributing the drugs to others and collecting the drug proceeds, which she provided to codefendant Russell so they could be converted into Bitcoin to conceal the drug proceeds. Klinkhamer pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit money laundering on November 28, 2022.
“This case reflects our commitment not only to remove drug dealers and their drugs from our streets, but also to seize their proceeds using the money laundering and forfeiture statutes,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Drug traffickers should know it makes no difference whether they hide their illicit proceeds in a suitcase or a cryptocurrency wallet. We will track their money, find where it’s hidden, and seize it.”
“IRS CI special agents are federal law enforcement’s premier financial investigators, and experts at dismantling drug trafficking organizations by unraveling their cryptocurrency schemes,” said Todd Martin, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office. “CI, our law enforcement partners, and the United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work together to target these operations and eliminate this threat from our communities.”
“These sentences exemplify the unwavering commitment that HSI and our law enforcement partners bring to safeguarding our communities from the distribution of controlled substances and the illicit money laundering schemes that fund such criminal activities,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “There are no corners where criminal activities or their proceeds can elude our reach, as demonstrated by the successful prosecution and sentencing of individuals like Michael Robert Osborn and his co-defendants. Our collaborative efforts ensure that justice is served, protecting the well-being of our communities.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, IRS – Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the and the Idaho Department of Correction – Special Investigations Unit, which led to the charges. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Atwood and Erin Blackadar.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Boise Man Sentenced to 7.5 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Use Interstate Facilities to Transmit Information About a MinorRead the Press Release
BOISE – Japheth Shipp, 35, of Boise, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for attempted use of interstate facilities to transmit information about a minor, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, the investigation began in April 2023 when the Boise Police Department (BPD) received a report that Shipp had engaged in inappropriate communications with a 13-year-old. A BPD detective began communicating with Shipp posing as the child. During the electronic communications, Shipp sent explicit images and discussed engaging the child in sexual acts. Shipp was arrested when he traveled to meet the child.
U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also sentenced Shipp to ten years of supervised release. Shipp will be required to register as a sex offender as a result of the conviction.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the investigation by the Boise Police Department, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kassandra McGrady prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) of the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and State and Local Law Enforcement Officials Announce “Don’t Click December” Consumer Protection CampaignRead the Press Release
BOISE – During the holiday season, online criminals increasingly target Idahoans through online scams and fraud schemes. Today, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, along with the FBI, the Idaho State Police, the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Boise Police Department, the Meridian Police Department, and the Garden City Police Department, announced their joint “Don’t Click December” Consumer Protection Campaign. The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, AARP Idaho, and the Better Business Bureau also participated in the announcement.
The campaign advises members of the public to exercise skepticism and caution when receiving unsolicited online, email, pop-up, or text communications from unknown or unverified sources. If there is any doubt about a link, message, or attachment, law enforcement cautions: “don’t click it.”
As part of the campaign, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and their partners will release a public service announcement each week in December leading up to Christmas. In the first PSA, available here, Ada County Prosecuting Attorney Jan Bennetts, Idaho State Police Director Colonel Kedrick Wills, and U.S. Attorney Hurwit introduce “Don’t Click December” and explain some of the ways in which individuals can be targeted.
Three additional PSAs will alert the public to common online fraud schemes that Idaho law enforcement has seen affect Idahoans. These schemes are:
- “Package can’t be delivered” scam: This scam targets individuals through text messages or emails, claiming a package cannot be delivered unless they click the provided link and enter personal information or pay a redelivery fee. Often the scammer wants you to click a link to steal your money and information. Don’t click it. Instead, contact the delivery service or seller directly using a verified number or website.
- “Account subscription” scam: In this scam, you could receive an email or text message indicating a subscription has been renewed for another year. The message encourages you to click a link to verify or to receive a receipt for the subscription. The criminals on the other end could be posing as a subscription service you participate in or as one you do not actively have. If you receive an unsolicited message asking you to click a subscription link, don’t click it. Report as spam and delete any messages about auto-renewals claiming to be from a company where you don’t have a subscription. If the message appears to be from a subscription you actually have, check the email address to verify it is from the service you signed up for.
- “Phantom hacker” scam: In this scam, criminals send unsolicited messages by phone, email, text, or pop-up pretending to be “tech support” and asking you to provide access to your computer so software can be updated to “thwart hackers.” But those reaching out are actually the hackers, and once they gain access to your computer, they can install software to steal your financial information. Sometimes the scammers even pretend to be the government or law enforcement and send messages that your money is still unsafe and needs to be moved to a new “alias” account. If you get such a request, don’t click it. Government entities and legitimate businesses won’t send unsolicited messages to ask for access to your computer.
Unfortunately, these are not the only schemes affecting the public, and new schemes arise all the time. Law enforcement hopes that the “Don’t Click December” Consumer Protection Campaign will raise public awareness and encourage individuals to talk to their friends and relatives about not clicking suspicious links, texts, messages, pop-ups, or attachments.
“We have witnessed many Idahoans lose their hard-earned money or their entire retirement savings to online scams. And, sadly, this type of crime tends to spike during the holiday season,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “But, together, we can reduce the risks by talking with each other about how to avoid such scams, and I’m grateful to our law enforcement partners and the AARP for joining us in the Don’t Click December campaign. We also encourage Idahoans to report any scams as soon as possible so that law enforcement can investigate and we can bring these vicious online criminals to justice.”
“Last year, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received 800,944 complaints about suspected internet crimes. That’s more than 2,000 complaints every single day,” said David Bodily, Supervisory Special Agent of the Salt Lake City FBI’s Boise Resident Agency. “As cyber scams continue to increase in scope and sophistication, it’s important that law enforcement and the public work together to stay ahead of the risks.”
“Online vigilance is crucial in this era of digital interconnectedness,” said Idaho State Police Colonel Kedrick Wills. “Recognizing our shared vulnerability, let's come together to combat online scams and cultivate a cyber threat-free environment. In this endeavor, awareness is our greatest ally.”
“We can all play a part in preventing scammers from targeting their next victim in our communities,” said Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts. “If you do find yourself the victim of a scam, contact local law enforcement. My office works closely with our law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable for victimizing people through scams.”
“Scammers use secrecy, urgency, and fear to manipulate victims. If at any time you are being pressured, told to keep transactions secret, or even lie to loved ones and authorities to complete a transaction, it's very likely a scam. We encourage all scam victims to know they are not alone, and they should call police for help,” said Boise Police Detective Brad Thorne.
“Sophisticated criminal organizations know how to separate consumers from their hard-earned money and they are relentless in their pursuit,” said AARP Idaho state director Lupe Wissel. “Older Idahoans are a prime target for scammers because they have accumulated resources over their lifetime. This new initiative will give Idahoans the tips and resources they need to help protect their assets.”
"At BBB, we've found a simple truth: Investing just a few minutes in choosing a trustworthy business isn't just wise, it's a powerful shield against today's cunning scams. 'Don’t Click December' isn't just a campaign; it's a wake-up call. By being selective and informed, consumers can turn the tables on fraudsters. Remember, a few minutes of smart research today can save you from the headache of a scam tomorrow,” said Dale Dixon, Chief Innovation Officer, Better Business Bureau Great West+Pacific.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners recognize that we all must work to eliminate the stigma individuals may experience if they are victimized. There is no shame to falling victim to an online scheme, which are often designed by professional criminals, sophisticated, and tested repeatedly across the country.
For this reason, the “Don’t Click December” Consumer Protection Campaign also publicizes ways to report scams and incidents of fraud to the FBI and local law enforcement.
To learn more about these and other scams targeting Americans visit FBI.gov, and if you believe you are the victim of a scam, take-action by reporting it to FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov or by contacting your local law enforcement agency.
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Federal Jury Convicts Rexburg Man of Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft for Stealing from a Construction PartnershipRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – A federal jury found Kelly McCandless, 52, of Rexburg, guilty of four counts of wire fraud and four counts of aggravated identity theft after a six-day trial, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. The evidence established that McCandless defrauded his partners in a construction project out of nearly $500,000.
According to court records, in 2017, three individuals formed a partnership with the goal of putting their respective resources and skills together to build a 96-bed student housing property in Rexburg, Idaho. McCandless was one of those three individuals. His contribution was to build the property, using a loan secured by the partnership, at cost. In exchange for his efforts, he would be entitled to 24.5% of the building equity and all future proceeds.
Over the course of the next year, however, and beginning with the very first bank withdrawal, McCandless falsified subcontractor invoices, bank withdrawal requests, and unlawfully used subcontractors’ signatures to withdraw loan proceeds from the bank at a higher amount than what was invoiced to build the project. The bank relied on those documents and wired McCandless the proceeds from the loan. McCandless continued this scheme to the tune of nearly $500,000 and used the money to purchase personal items like a brand-new pickup truck, several snow mobiles, several dirt bikes, toy haulers, a Jeep, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, $5,000 in dental work, vacations, etc.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye accepted the jury’s verdict on November 29, 2023, and scheduled McCandless to be sentenced on March 26, 2024, at 11:00 am at the federal courthouse in Pocatello. McCandless faces a mandatory minimum of two, and up to twenty years in federal prison.
“The defendant defrauded partners who put their trust in him and spent the funds he stole on a lifestyle he could not legitimately afford,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “We will not tolerate this illegal conduct, which truly harms victims and threatens our local economies. I’m grateful for the FBI’s hard work in this case, and we thank the jury for its service.”
“Mr. McCandless betrayed his partners’ trust, and like most fraudsters, he was simply motivated by greed,” said Shohini Sinha, Special Agent in Charge of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Financial fraud has far-reaching consequences, and the FBI and our partners will continue to hold those who engage in these types of schemes accountable.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Morse and John Shirts prosecuted this case.
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Lapwai Man Arrested Following Indictment for Second Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm During a Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – William O. Eyle, 20, of Lapwai, was arrested by the United States Marshals Service on November 27, 2023, in Pendleton, OR, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to a previously unsealed indictment, on October 17, 2023, Eyle was charged in U.S. District Court with one count of murder in the second degree and one count of use of a firearm during a crime of violence after he allegedly killed E.A. by shooting him repeatedly on or about May 12, 2023, on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation.
Eyle’s mother, Jacinta Wheeler, 43, also of Lapwai, was charged in the same indictment with accessory after the fact to murder. Wheeler allegedly cleaned out Eyle’s car, disposed of evidence, and assisted Eyle in leaving the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. Wheeler’s trial is scheduled for March 25, 2024.
If convicted on the murder count, Eyle faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the excellent coordination between tribal, state, and federal partners, including the Nez Perce Tribal Police, Umatilla Tribal Police, Yakama Nation Police, the Moscow Police Department, Oregon State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Marshals Service, which led to the arrest of Eyle.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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COVID-19 Relief Fraudster Convicted of Bank FraudRead the Press Release
BOISE – A federal jury in Boise convicted a Georgia woman today for fraudulently obtaining and misusing a $338,958 Paycheck Protection Program loan that the Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed under the Coronavirus Relief Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Khadijah X. Chapman, 59, of Atlanta, worked with co-conspirators to falsify financial information and submit several fraudulent applications to financial institutions in Boise and elsewhere to steal relief funding. Chapman stole $338,958 from a financial institution in Boise, and submitted several other false and fraudulent applications to the SBA and financial institutions around the country in hopes of stealing more funding. Chapman used the stolen funds for personal expenses, such as purchasing jewelry and paying off credit card bills for herself and family members.
The jury convicted Chapman of bank fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 6, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Earlier this year, Daniel Labrum, 42, of South Jordan, Utah, and Eric O’Neil, 58, of Bethel, Connecticut, who were both involved in the same COVID-19 fraud ring as Chapman, pleaded guilty before a federal district judge in Boise. O’Neil is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 7, 2023 and Labrum is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 14, 2023.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit for the District of Idaho, Special Agent in Charge Thomas M. Fattorusso of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) New York, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, Special Agent in Charge Matthew Miraglia of the FBI Buffalo Field Office, Inspector General Gail S. Ennis of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA-OIG), Special Agent in Charge Sharon B. MacDermott of SSA-OIG, and Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Boston Division made the announcement.
IRS-CI, the FBI, SSA-OIG, and USPIS investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Jennifer Bilinkas and Tamara Livshiz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean M. Mazorol of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho.
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COVID-19 Relief Fraudster Convicted of Bank FraudRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Boise, Idaho, convicted a Georgia woman today for fraudulently obtaining and misusing a $338,958 Paycheck Protection Program loan that the Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Khadijah X. Chapman, 59, of Atlanta, worked with co-conspirators to falsify financial information and submit several fraudulent applications to financial institutions in Boise and elsewhere to steal relief funding. Chapman stole $338,958 from a financial institution in Boise and submitted several other false and fraudulent applications to the SBA and financial institutions around the country in hopes of stealing more funding. Chapman used the stolen funds for personal expenses, such as purchasing jewelry and paying off credit card bills for herself and family members.
The jury convicted Chapman of bank fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 6, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Earlier this year, Daniel Labrum and Eric O’Neil, who were both involved in the same COVID-19 fraud ring as Chapman, pleaded guilty before a federal district judge in Boise. They are scheduled to be sentenced later this year.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit for the District of Idaho, Special Agent in Charge Thomas M. Fattorusso of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) New York, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, Special Agent in Charge Matthew Miraglia of the FBI Buffalo Field Office, Inspector General Gail S. Ennis of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA-OIG), Special Agent in Charge Sharon B. MacDermott of SSA-OIG, and Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Boston Division made the announcement.
IRS-CI, the FBI, SSA-OIG, and USPIS investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Jennifer Bilinkas and Tamara Livshiz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, with invaluable assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean M. Mazorol and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho.
Nampa Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Selling over $4.4 Million in Unapproved Steroid-Like DrugsRead the Press Release
BOISE – Michael Terry Little, 52, of Nampa, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for introduction of unapproved new drugs in interstate commerce, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, Little manufactured and sold Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) at a business in Nampa. There, he processed the bulk ingredients he imported from China—encapsulating, bottling, and preparing them for shipment. Little primarily sold SARMs products via a website under the name SARMTECH. Between March 2018 and January 2022, Little sold at least $4,499,197.46 of SARMs products.
SARMs are synthetic chemicals designed to mimic the effects of testosterone and other anabolic steroids. SARMs are “new drugs” under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). Little knew the SARMs products were not FDA approved. To avoid government seizures of SARMs shipped to other countries, Little offered a stealth shipping option for an additional fee that intentionally mispackaged and falsely declared SARMs shipments as vitamins and supplements.
“I commend the investigators and prosecutor who exposed this illegal activity and brought the perpetrator to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Law enforcement will continue to pursue those who put the public at risk by circumventing the law to sell unapproved drugs.”
“Drugs that are produced and distributed outside the FDA’s oversight present the risk of harm to the public health,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert M. Iwanicki, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Los Angeles Field Office. “We remain committed to pursuing and bringing to justice those who attempt to subvert the regulatory functions of the FDA by distributing unapproved products.”
“This investigation illustrates the dangers of circumventing U.S. regulations with unapproved drugs and chemicals coming from China, where the safety of such chemicals can often not be confirmed,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “HSI and our partners are committed to keeping all forms of unapproved products off our streets, especially those that risk public health and safety.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security Office of Export Enforcement, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darci Crane prosecuted the case.
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Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
BOISE – Brendan Manzon, 50, of Boise, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye to 78 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for distribution of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, in October 2021, in Boise, Manzon sold a quarter-pound of methamphetamine to another person in exchange for $1,000. Manzon has an extensive criminal history, including convictions for aggravated battery, trafficking in methamphetamine, and possession of a controlled substance. Manzon pleaded guilty to the charge on September 15, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Idaho State Police, the Boise Police Department, and the Nampa Police Department, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse, who was the HIDTA SAUSA at the time of charging, prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney position.
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Oregon Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Interstate StalkingRead the Press Release
BOISE – Joel Waters, 44, of Wallowa, Oregon, was sentenced to the maximum sentence of 60 months in federal prison for interstate stalking, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. Waters’ victim appeared in court and provided a victim impact statement. “We were all living in fear. We were all hostages in an invisible prison of Joel’s making,” the victim said.
According to court records, between October 7, 2020, and December 24, 2020, Waters traveled between Oregon and Idaho to harass and intimidate the victim who was residing in Boise. Waters took dogs from the victim’s home and car, slashed the tires on the victim’s vehicle, set fire to the victim’s residence in Oregon on two occasions, placed a tracking device on the victim’s vehicle, set fire to the victim’s vehicle, and sent the victim numerous harassing emails. Some of Waters’ acts occurred in violation of a civil protection order that the victim had obtained against Waters in Oregon.
“The defendant’s crimes in this case were horrific, dangerous, and deeply affected the courageous victim,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “I am glad that justice has been served and honored to support the victim as she moves forward with her life.”
“We’re thankful to our investigators as well as our federal partners for ensuring that Joel Waters is held accountable for his crimes,” said BPD Criminal Investigation Division Captain Matt Jones. “The victim in this case was terrorized by Waters for months and while we can’t undo the impact this had on their life, we hope this sentencing brings them some peace.”
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also sentenced Waters to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay a $2,000 fine. Judge Nye sentenced Waters to an additional 30 days in prison for contempt of court as a result of Waters’ behavior in the courtroom at sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Boise Police Department, and the Oregon State Police, which led to charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kassandra McGrady prosecuted this case.
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Florida Man Who Failed to Appear in Idaho for Sentencing in 2019 and Fled to Cuba Now Sentenced to Federal Prison on Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
BOISE – Adrian Acosta Alonso, 34, of Florida, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for access device fraud charges and failing to appear in court, announced U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye imposed the sentence and also ordered Alonso to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
According to court records and statements made in court, in December 2018, Alonso and his codefendants attempted to pry open a gas pump with a crowbar at a gas station in Meridian. They intended to place a device inside the gas pump capable of recording and storing customers’ financial transaction card information, also known as a skimming device.
Alonso and his codefendants fled the scene after an employee called the police. Alonso and his codefendants were arrested in a nearby van and Meridian police officers located access device-making equipment in the van, including skimming devices, chip readers, a financial transaction card reader/encoder, and security seals for gas pumps.
In addition, officers located 55 blank financial transaction cards and 15 counterfeit financial transaction cards embossed in the names of Alonso and his codefendants. On a laptop, officers additionally located spreadsheets containing 423 financial transaction card numbers along with associated financial transaction card holders’ names, personal identification numbers, and expiration dates.
In February 2019, Alonso and his codefendants were federally charged in the District of Idaho with access device fraud charges, and Alonso was released from custody with the condition to appear in court pursuant to the Bail Reform Act. Thereafter, Alonso pleaded guilty in August 2019, and the Court set a sentencing hearing for November 2019. On that date, however, Alonso knowingly and intentionally failed to appear for the sentencing hearing and instead, fled to Cuba where Alonso is also a citizen. Thereafter, in July 2022, Alonso was separately charged with failing to appear at his sentencing.
Alonso was arrested on both cases upon returning to the United States in December 2022. Judge Nye sentenced Alonso to 12 months in federal prison for access device charges and another 12 months in prison for failing to appear at his sentencing in 2019.
Judge Nye previously sentenced co-defendant Yatsel Aleman Santana, 34, of Florida, in February 2023 to 30 months in federal prison after Santana also fled to Cuba to avoid the same access device fraud charges.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the work of the United States Secret Service and the Meridian Police Department, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Mazorol prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit to Co-Sponsor “United Against Hate” Summit in SandpointRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit along with the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, the Boundary County Human Rights Task Force, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, DOJ Community Relations Service, and the FBI, are convening a United Against Hate summit on November 14 at The Heartwood Center in Sandpoint. The event is free and is open to the public.
United Against Hate is an initiative launched by the Department of Justice focused on improving efforts to combat hate crimes and hate incidents through relationship building at the local level. Through this endeavor, the U.S. Attorney’s Office seeks to create and strengthen trust and partnerships among law enforcement, community leaders, and residents. Well‑attended summits have already been held in Coeur d’Alene, Caldwell, Boise, Ketchum, and Pocatello.
“In my view, this initiative is particularly timely for Idaho, as we have experienced a series of troubling hate incidents throughout the state in the past several years,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “As Attorney General Garland has said, this is a moment for an all-hands-on-deck approach to combatting unlawful hate.”
The November 14 event will include remarks from local leaders, presentations from prosecutors about hate crimes laws and reporting mechanisms, and speakers who will share their courageous experiences responding to hate.
“I look forward to meeting community members and hearing different perspectives on how we can work together to unite our community in standing up to unlawful hate,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “And I am deeply honored to partner with our co-sponsors to prioritize this critical mission.”
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California Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Kidnapping Ex-Girlfriend and Transporting Her to IdahoRead the Press Release
BOISE – Emiliano Jaime Ramos, 41, of Lompoc, California, was sentenced to federal prison today for kidnapping his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint and then transporting her to Idaho where she was eventually rescued by police.
According to court records, on December 21, 2022, Ramos approached the victim in the parking lot of the clinic where she worked as a medical assistant in Pismo Beach, California. The victim and Ramos had previously dated, and following their breakup, the victim refused to meet with Ramos and blocked him from her social media accounts and had blocked his phone number. When the victim entered her vehicle to leave, Ramos opened the back passenger door and jumped into the seat behind her. He then reached around the driver’s seat and pressed a handgun into her right side, leading her to believe she was going to be shot. Ramos then ordered her to drive north, and she complied.
Ramos, who was in possession of a large knife in addition to the firearm, compelled the victim to drive from California to Nevada, Oregon, and eventually to Nampa, Idaho, where Ramos checked them into a hotel. Later, when Ramos was fully asleep, the victim grabbed her cell phone, which had been sitting on a nightstand, and turned it on. She quickly sent a text message to 911, before turning the phone off and placing it back on the nightstand. Once the 911 message was received, Nampa police officers were dispatched to the hotel, where they quickly worked to assemble a team of officers to conduct a rescue. During the morning of December 23, 2022, Ramos was arrested by police as he exited the hotel room. During the kidnapping, Ramos sexually assaulted the victim and told her that he intended to kill her in Idaho.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Ramos to 15 years in a federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Ramos pleaded guilty to the crime on August 17, 2023.
“The bravery of the victim in this case is powerful and I salute the law enforcement officers who rescued her and brought the defendant to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “I am also grateful to the victim specialists at the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office and my office who have supported and will continue to support the courageous victim in this case.”
In addition to the Nampa Police Department, U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Idaho State Police Forensic Services, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Lab, Idaho Department of Correction, the Pismo Beach Police Department, and the Santa Maria Police Department, which led to the charges.
Oregon Man Sentenced for Committing Anti-LGBTQI+ AssaultsRead the Press Release
An Oregon man was sentenced today to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release for attempting to run over three people with a car as part of a week-long crime spree targeting the LGBTQI+ community around Boise, Idaho, in October 2022.
“The defendant’s crime spree not only endangered and terrified his victims but damaged an entire community’s sense of safety in their city,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We recognize the very real threats and acts of violence faced by the LGBTQI+ community and are determined to use every tool available to preserve the life, safety and dignity of this community. Nobody should live in fear that their identity will make them a target of random, senseless violence while going about their daily lives. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute those who commit unlawful acts of hate-fueled anti-LGBTQI+ violence while seeking justice for the victims.”
“The defendant’s attacks on LGBTQI+ individuals were terrifying not only for the individual victims, but for our entire community, and that is why hate crimes enforcement is so important,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit for the District of Idaho. “I am grateful to the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Boise Police Department and the FBI for their work in helping us to hold this defendant accountable for his hateful and violent acts.”
“The defendant went on a week-long crime spree to intimidate and harm members of the LGBTQ+ community in Boise,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Today’s sentence shows that the FBI and our law enforcement partners stand together against hate and will work to protect communities everywhere from bias-motivated attacks.”
According to court records, on Oct. 8, 2022, while at the Boise Public Library Main Branch in downtown Boise, Matthew Alan Lehigh, 31, approached a transgender library employee, called her a slur, punched her and threatened to stab her. A member of the library’s security staff intervened, and Lehigh fled into the parking lot. When the security guard attempted to speak to Lehigh in the parking lot, Lehigh got into a car and suddenly accelerated it toward the guard, intending to collide with him. The guard narrowly escaped being struck by jumping behind a concrete barricade at the last moment, and Lehigh fled the scene.
Four days later, while sitting in his car in a public parking lot elsewhere in Boise, Lehigh saw two women walking together towards another vehicle. Assuming that the women were lesbians, Lehigh began shouting threats and slurs at them, then suddenly accelerated his car toward the women, intending to collide with them. The women jumped out of the path of Lehigh’s oncoming car, which struck the other vehicle at significant speed.
On June 15, 2022, Lehigh pleaded guilty to one felony count of violating the Hate Crimes Prevention Act for the vehicular assault on the library security guard, and a second felony violation for the vehicular assault on the two women.
As part of his plea agreement, Lehigh also admitted that he was responsible for three other instances of anti-LGBTQI+ vandalism and violence that occurred in Boise during early October 2022. Specifically, he admitted to setting fire to a rainbow-striped “pride” flag attached to a residential property in North Boise, breaking several windows at a commercial building jointly occupied by an LGBTQI+ community organization and an LGBTQI+-affirming religious congregation and punching a grocery store customer after calling him an anti-LGBTQI+ slur.
The Boise Resident Agency of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and the Boise Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Horwitz for the District of Idaho and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
If members of the public have information concerning hate crimes or wish to report a similar crime, they should contact the FBI at (208) 344-7843 or the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (208) 334-1211.
Oregon Man Sentenced for Committing Anti-LGBTQI+ AssaultsRead the Press Release
BOISE – An Oregon man was sentenced today to 37 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release for attempting to run over three people with a car as part of a week-long crime spree targeting the LGBTQI+ community around Boise, Idaho, in October 2022.
According to court records, on Oct. 8, 2022, while at the Boise Public Library Main Branch in downtown Boise, Matthew Alan Lehigh, 31, approached a transgender library employee, called her a slur, punched her, and threatened to stab her. A member of the library’s security staff intervened, and Lehigh fled into the parking lot. When the security guard attempted to speak to Lehigh in the parking lot, Lehigh got into a car and suddenly accelerated it toward the guard, intending to collide with him. The guard narrowly escaped being struck by jumping behind a concrete barricade at the last moment, and Lehigh fled the scene.
Four days later, while sitting in his car in a public parking lot elsewhere in Boise, Lehigh saw two women walking together towards another vehicle. Assuming that the women were lesbians, Lehigh began shouting threats and slurs at them, then suddenly accelerated his car toward the women, intending to collide with them. The women jumped out of the path of Lehigh’s oncoming car, which struck the other vehicle at significant speed.
“The defendant’s crime spree not only endangered and terrified his victims but damaged an entire community’s sense of safety in their city,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We recognize the very real threats and acts of violence faced by the LGBTQI+ community and are determined to use every tool available to preserve the life, safety and dignity of this community. Nobody should live in fear that their identity will make them a target of random, senseless violence while going about their daily lives. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute those who commit unlawful acts of hate-fueled anti-LGBTQI+ violence while seeking justice for the victims.”
“The defendant’s attacks on LGBTQI+ individuals were terrifying not only for the individual victims, but for our entire community, and that is why hate crimes enforcement is so important,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. “I am grateful to the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Boise Police Department, and the FBI for their work in helping us to hold this defendant accountable for his hateful and violent acts.”
“I extend my appreciation to the Boise Police Department, FBI Salt Lake City Office and United States Attorney’s Office for pursuing justice in this case,” said Ada County Prosecuting Attorney, Jan Bennetts. “My office worked in cooperation with the United States Attorney’s Office to determine which office would handle this case. This case underscores to all Idahoans that hate crimes will be taken seriously whether handled at the federal or local level and that we will work together to ensure public safety and justice for the community.”
“The First Amendment clearly protects freedom of speech, but crossing the line into violence is against the law and will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha with the Salt Lake City FBI. “No one should have to live in fear because of who they are, and the men and women of the FBI are committed to protecting the civil rights of all.”
On June 15, 2022, Lehigh pleaded guilty to one felony count of violating the Hate Crimes Prevention Act for the vehicular assault on the library security guard, and a second felony violation for the vehicular assault on the two women.
As part of his plea agreement, Lehigh also admitted that he was responsible for three other instances of anti-LGBTQI+ vandalism and violence that occurred in Boise during early October 2022. Specifically, he admitted to setting fire to a rainbow-striped “pride” flag attached to a residential property in North Boise, breaking several windows at a commercial building jointly occupied by an LGBTQI+ community organization and an LGBTQI+-affirming religious congregation and punching a grocery store customer after calling him an anti-LGBTQI+ slur.
The Boise Resident Agency of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and the Boise Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Horwitz for the District of Idaho and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
If members of the public have information concerning hate crimes or wish to report a similar crime, they should contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at (208) 344-7843 or the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (208) 334-1211.
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Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Abusing A ChildRead the Press Release
BOISE – Chris Hamburg, 63, was sentenced to the maximum sentence of 240 months in federal prison for transporting a child across state lines with the intent to sexually abuse the child, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. Hamburg’s victim appeared in court and gave a victim impact statement. “You stole every bit of peace and contentment, from my childhood...from my entire life. My struggles continue, daily,” the victim said to Hamburg.
According to court records, in approximately 1990, Hamburg began dating the victim’s mother. Hamburg moved into the family’s Washington residence and shortly thereafter began sexually abusing the victim. The victim was approximately eight or nine years old when the abuse began. Hamburg impregnated the victim when she was 11 years old. After the victim gave birth to a son, Hamburg moved the family to Idaho to avoid contact with child protective services. Hamburg continued to sexually abuse the victim and he impregnated her for a second time. When the victim was 13 years old, she gave birth to a second son.
For over a decade, Hamburg moved the family to various cities in Idaho and Utah. Hamburg sexually abused the victim until she was in her early twenties. In 2021, the victim reported the abuse to the FBI and the Boise Police Department. The FBI obtained a federal warrant to collect Hamburg’s DNA. Paternity testing confirmed that Hamburg fathered the victim’s children.
Hamburg was subject to the penalties and federal sentencing guidelines that were in effect at the time that he committed the crimes.
Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also sentenced Hamburg to three years of supervised release. During the sentencing hearing, Judge Winmill said, “I would have a hard time coming up with a case that is more horrific than this one.” Hamburg will be required to register as a sex offender as a result of the conviction.
“In this case, the defendant raped and sexually abused a child for over a decade. What he did to the victim is inhuman,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “The strength that the victim showed in reporting this abuse, however, shows the amazing resiliency of the human spirit. I hope that the sentence in this case provides some solace to her and her family. I thank the FBI and the Boise Police Department for their investigation in this case. Together, we stand ready to do all we can to seek justice for survivors of sexual abuse.”
“Our detectives spent a year and a half seeking justice for the victim in this horrific crime and we feel it’s important to commend her for her bravery in coming forward and for her participation in this process. It is a difficult but worthy endeavor,” said Boise Police Lieutenant Terry Weir. “We remind all victims that it’s never too late to report crimes of this nature. Boise Police officers and our Special Victim’s Unit work closely with victim support services at Faces of Hope Victim Center and we are ready and available to do whatever we can to bring some sense of justice to those who have been victimized.”
“The FBI commends the victim’s courage to report Mr. Hamburg's atrocious crimes. Because of her bravery, he will not have the opportunity to hurt her or another child again,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha. “As a society, we must do all we can to protect our most vulnerable. The FBI and our partners are committed to keeping kids safe and holding those who hurt them accountable.”
Faces of Hope is a triage and support center for victims. Individuals are encouraged to report crime and seek services by calling (208) 577-4400 or visiting facesofhopevictimcenter.org.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Three Men Sentenced for Federal Drug Crimes in North IdahoRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – Jack Joseph Magness, 35, of Spokane, Washington, David Christopher Churchill, 50, of Sandpoint, and Jonathan Robert Chrysler, 26, of Post Falls, were sentenced in separate cases for federal drug crimes involving methamphetamine and clonazepam, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
On October 24, 2023, U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford sentenced Magness to 60 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. After serving his prison sentence, Magness will be placed on supervised release for three years.
According to court records, Magness was arrested by Idaho State Police in Shoshone County, Idaho, on July 16, 2021. During his arrest, Magness hid a small quantity of methamphetamine in his body and smuggled it into the jail. Once in the jail, Magness recovered the methamphetamine and began using it. One of Magness’s cell mates also accessed the smuggled methamphetamine and ultimately overdosed and died after consuming a portion of it.
When officers investigated the death, they located 6 grams of methamphetamine on Magness’s bunk, within the cell. At his change of plea hearing, Magness ultimately admitted to smuggling the methamphetamine in and sharing it with others in the cell.
In a separate case, on October 24, 2023, Judge Brailsford sentenced Churchill to 37 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine. After his prison term, Churchill will be placed on supervised release for three years.
Court records show that Churchill was distributing methamphetamine in the Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint area. Officers learned of Churchill’s activities and began to investigate. On April 13, 2022, Churchill sold four ounces of methamphetamine to another individual. After completing the drug deal, Churchill was arrested.
In a third case, on October 23, 2023, Judge Brailsford sentenced Chrysler to 46 months in federal prison for distribution of a controlled substance to a person under 21. After completing his prison sentences, Chrysler will be placed on supervised release for six years.
According to court records, in May 2022, Chrysler met with a 14-year-old minor near Memorial Field in downtown Coeur d’Alene. During the meeting, Chrysler sold the minor multiple clonazepam pills, a Schedule IV controlled substance. The minor was ultimately rushed to the hospital and received medical care after consuming the pills mixed with alcohol.
“These cases vividly show how illegal drugs threaten lives in North Idaho,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “We are fortunate to work closely with law enforcement at all levels to address this danger, and we will continue to prioritize anti-drug enforcement in North Idaho and throughout Idaho.”
These three cases were successfully prosecuted due to the collaborative efforts of multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies including: the Shoshone County Sherriff’s Office, the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Idaho Narcotics Enforcement Task Force which is comprised of the Idaho State Police, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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U.S. Attorney Hurwit Announces Federal Prison Sentences for Four Eastern Idaho Methamphetamine TraffickersRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced the results of five separate methamphetamine trafficking cases in Eastern Idaho today.
“This series of cases shows my office’s commitment to disrupting the flow of illegal drugs into Idaho,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Through close collaboration with our state, local, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners, we continue to hold accountable those who distribute poison in our communities.”
1. Montana Man to Serve 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing with the Intent to Distribute 2 Pounds of Methamphetamine.
In one case, Benjamin C. Brooks, 46, of Billings, Montana was sentenced to ten years in federal for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Brooks to serve five years of supervised released after the completion of his prison sentence.
According to court records, in July 2021, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Brooks. After smelling the odor of marijuana coming from the car, officers conducted a search and found approximately two pounds of methamphetamine and a firearm.
2. Pocatello Woman to Serve 57 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.
In a separate case, Stacy Lynn Allen, 51, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Chief U.S. District David C. Nye also ordered that Allen serve three years of supervised release upon completion of her prison sentence.
According to court records, in November of 2022, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Allen. Allen had a warrant for arrest and admitted she had marijuana in the car. Law enforcement searched the car and found approximately two pounds of methamphetamine. Allen admitted to intending to distribute the substance.
3. Idaho Falls Drug Dealer Sentenced to 60 Months in Federal Prison.
In a third case, Ben Reed Rubidoux, 44, of Idaho Falls, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Rubidoux serve four years of supervised release upon completion of his prison sentence.
According to court records, in September 2022, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of 10 pills of fentanyl from Rubidoux. In November of 2022, law enforcement found Rubidoux in possession of two firearms and over three grams of methamphetamine. In December 2022, law enforcement found Rubidoux in possession of approximately 39 grams of methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine. Rubidoux admitted that he possessed the methamphetamine with intent to distribute it to another person. Rubidoux entered his guilty plea to the charge on July 27, 2023.
4. Fort Hall Man to Serve 37 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.
In a fourth case, Arriyon Royce Meeks, 43, of Fort Hall, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also sentenced Meeks three years of supervised release. Meeks served an additional six months in jail in Tribal jail on the same charge, for which Judge Nye gave him credit.
According to court records, in August 2021, officers with the Fort Hall Police Department saw Meeks at a residence on Fort Hall, washing a car. Officers knew that Meeks had two active Tribal Court warrants for his arrest and took him into custody. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and found 148 grams of methamphetamine. Meeks admitted that he possessed the methamphetamine with intent to distribute it to another person. Meeks entered his guilty plea to the charge on July 19, 2023.
5. Pocatello Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute and Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.
In another case, Thomas Schooley, 39, of Pocatello, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court records, in January 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle. Schooley was a passenger in the vehicle. Also located in the vehicle was approximately 80 grams of methamphetamine. Schooley admitted he had received a quarter pound of methamphetamine and had been selling it to others. The 80 grams was what was left over from the quarter pound. Schooley is facing a term of imprisonment of at least ten years up to life in federal prison to be followed by at least five years of supervised release. Schooley is scheduled to be sentenced on January 17, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit thanked the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Idaho State Police, the Idaho Falls Police Department, the Fort Hall Police Department, and the Pocatello Police Department, which participated as part of the BAGES Task Force, for their investigations in these cases.
The BADGES Task force is made up of multiple federal, state, and local agencies located in the Bannock County area and focuses on drug trafficking crimes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Blythe McLane is prosecuting the Brooks, Allen, and Schooley cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Paskett prosecuted the Rubidoux case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Haycock prosecuted the Meeks case.
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Post Falls Man Sentenced to 71 Months in Federal Prison for Failure to Register as a Convicted Sex Offender and Possession of a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – Eric Lynn Heartburg, 63, of Post Falls, was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison for failure to register as a convicted sex offender and possession of a stolen firearm, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also sentenced Heartburg to five years of supervised release, which will commence upon completing his prison sentence. Heartburg continues to be required to register as a sex offender.
According to court records, Heartburg was convicted of child molestation in the first degree in Spokane County in 1992. As a result of his conviction, he was required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). However, beginning in August 2020, Heartburg absconded from sex offender registration.
In early 2023, while still an unregistered sex offender, Heartburg moved from Spokane, Washington to Post Falls, Idaho, and into a home with two women and four children. Heartburg lived in that home until he was arrested on February 25, 2023. During a search of Heartburg’s room, law enforcement found a pistol that had been stolen from one of Heartburg’s roommates.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the joint investigation of the Idaho State Police and the U.S. Marshals Service, which led to the charges.
“Cooperation between federal and state partners is critical to ensuring that sex offenders who fail to register are identified and brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit.
“This investigation was a great collaborative effort with the Idaho State Police and our agency,” said United States Marshal Brent Bunn for the District of Idaho. “It was sparked by proactive police work by the state police. It is our duty to protect the public and ensure out-of-state convicted sex offenders obey the law by registering and updating their sex offender registration in Idaho.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit also thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and the Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for their assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Johnson prosecuted the case.
Heartburg 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.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Nurse Practitioner Pleads Guilty to $6.1 Million Health Care Fraud Conspiracy in IdahoRead the Press Release
BOISE – Kristen Bolling, 40, of Sheridan, Wyoming, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud in Idaho, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, from April 2017 through October 2019, Bolling conspired to commit health care fraud. Bolling accepted pre-filled medical orders from companies, signing the orders without seeing the patients or making a medical necessity determination and returning the signed orders to the companies in exchange for compensation. During this time, Bolling was licensed and practiced as a nurse practitioner in Idaho. She was also licensed in Wyoming, Colorado, and Washington.
Bolling was recruited to work for multiple companies to generate fraudulent medical orders for durable medical equipment (DME), including braces, and cancer genomic testing (CGx). Bolling received kickbacks of approximately $15-$30 per “consult” performed, with the expectation that a “consult” would result in a signed medical order. During the conspiracy, Bolling received at least $204,007 in kickbacks for fraudulent medical orders. The medical orders that Bolling signed, and which the companies sold, were used to fraudulently bill Medicare resulting in payments of over $6.1 million for DME and CGx tests that were not medically necessary and for which the medical orders were procured through the payment of kickbacks and bribes.
“Ensuring the integrity of Medicare and other federal health care programs is a priority for my office,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “It’s about protecting taxpayer funds and, ultimately, patient well-being. We will continue to hold accountable anyone who engages in illegal kickback schemes like the one uncovered through this investigation.”
“By engaging in kickback arrangements, this defendant knowingly put personal profit before legitimate patient needs. This illegal behavior undermines the integrity of federal healthcare programs and costs taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Steven Ryan, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).
Bolling is scheduled to be sentenced on January 9, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the work of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darci Crane is prosecuting the case.
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Salmon Man Sentenced for Lemhi County ArsonRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Dennis Caffero-Hopkins, 24, of Salmon, was sentenced to three years of probation for causing a fire on public lands, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Raymond Patricco also sentenced Caffero-Hopkins to pay the full restitution requested for the loss of salvage logs to the Forest Service valued at $6,435 and fire suppression by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which cost $1,128.97. Caffero-Hopkins pleaded guilty on August 14, 2023.
According to court records, on October 8, 2021, Caffero-Hopkins started a fire on BLM public lands in Lemhi County, Idaho, near Stormy Peak Road. The fire burned logs, set up as a log deck, on United States federal land under the administration of the BLM.
Investigation into the fire determined that Caffero-Hopkins was responsible for setting the logs on fire after a local citizen reported Caffero-Hopkins’ involvement. Further, Caffero-Hopkins, after waiving his Miranda rights, admitted that he used oil and a rag to start the log deck on fire.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the investigation by the Bureau of Land Management in Idaho Falls, which led to the charge.
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Pocatello Woman Sentenced to over 15 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of FentanylRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Hailey M. Card, 32, of Pocatello, was sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. The fentanyl distributed by Card was consumed by a Pocatello man who died from a fentanyl overdose.
According to court records, on January 15, 2022, officers with the Pocatello Police Department responded to a report regarding the unattended death of a Pocatello man (K.A.). Upon arrival, the officers discovered drug paraphernalia and other items indicating an opiate overdose. Interviews with residents revealed that K.A. had left the home around 11:30 p.m. on January 14, 2022, to go to the store and get gasoline, returned around midnight in a normal state and went to his basement bedroom. At around 2:30 a.m., a family member found K.A. deceased.
A subsequent investigation uncovered cellphone records, text messages, Facebook Messenger exchanges, and witness statements that showed that in early morning of January 15, 2022, Card sold the fentanyl that K.A. returned home and consumed. An autopsy performed on January 18, 2022, at the Ada County Coroner's Office, confirmed that K.A. died from acute fentanyl intoxication.
“The battle against fentanyl requires all of us to work together,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “In this case, we had exceptional cooperation between law enforcement and the coroner’s offices that allowed us to obtain the evidence we needed to obtain justice and to protect others from the tragic fate of the deceased in this case.”
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Card to 188 months in federal prison. Card, upon completion of her prison sentence, was also ordered to serve an additional three years of supervised release. Card pleaded guilty to the charge on July 20, 2023.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for severe pain management and prescribed in the form of transdermal patches or lozenges. While prescription fentanyl can be diverted for misuse, most cases of fentanyl-related overdoses in the U.S. are linked to illegally made fentanyl that is sold through illicit drug markets for its heroin-like effect.
Idaho in general has seen a massive influx of counterfeit pills in the last several years. The pills are mass-produced by criminal drug networks and falsely marketed as legitimate prescription pills. The pills are made to look like prescription opioids such as oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and alprazolam (Xanax); or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall).
Counterfeit pills are becoming more and more common place. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its law enforcement partners seized nationally more than 59.6 million fentanyl pills and approximately 13,000 pounds of fentanyl powder during 2022. Despite law enforcement efforts to educate the public and stop the flow of these illegal drugs, the number of overdose deaths related to these pills continues to rise. For more information regarding this concerning trend please visit: https://odp.idaho.gov/opioid-use-and-overdose-workgroup/.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the Pocatello Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Idaho State Police, and the Bannock County Coroner’s Office, which led to charges. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Paskett
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Pocatello Man Sentenced to over 44 Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Hector Aguayo, 31, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 530 months in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also sentenced Aguayo to 15 years of supervised release, which will commence upon completing his prison sentence. Aguayo also will be required to register as a sex offender. Aguayo pleaded guilty on May 4, 2023.
According to court records, law enforcement seized Aguayo’s iPad after a concerned citizen reported it contained child pornography. A search of the iPad identified 550 images and 198 videos of child pornography.
Upon reviewing the images and videos, law enforcement discovered that Aguayo had produced child pornography with a prepubescent handicapped child. Videos show Aguayo raping the child. He later distributed the videos of this child on an internet messaging application.
“This sentence shows our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society, our children,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Disabled children especially need our protection, and I am proud of our law enforcement partners whose tireless efforts led to a successful prosecution.”
“HSI special agents won’t ever relent when it comes to protecting children and arresting individuals who prey on our most vulnerable,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Child sex abuse is one of the most serious crimes HSI investigates due to the lasting psychological and physical damage it can inflict on victims. We are proud to work closely with our law enforcement partners to make communities safer.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls, the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Idaho Falls Police Department, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pocatello Police Department, which led to the charges. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Shirts.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Former Police Sergeant Indicted for Sexually Abusing WomenRead the Press Release
BOISE – An indictment was unsealed today in the District of Idaho charging a former Caldwell Police Department sergeant with civil rights violations involving the sexual abuse of women and exchanging favorable police treatment for sexual acts.
According to court documents, Ryan A. Bendawald, 41, of Franklin, Tennessee, allegedly abused his position as a law enforcement officer by sexually victimizing women in Caldwell. From at least 2017 until 2021, Bendawald allegedly engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with at least seven women he encountered in the course of his law enforcement duties. Bendawald is also alleged to have exchanged and offered to exchange favorable police treatment for sex and sexual favors.
Bendawald is charged with two felony counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, five felony counts of federal program bribery, and one misdemeanor count of deprivation of rights under color of law. If convicted on all counts, Bendawald faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Joshua D. Hurwit for the District of Idaho, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge Shohini S. Sinha of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Boise Resident Agency is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Jordan Dickson and Kathryn E. Fifield of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine L. Horwitz for the District of Idaho are prosecuting the case.
Individuals may report any relevant information to the FBI Boise Field Office at (208) 344-4875.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Former Police Sergeant Indicted for Sexually Abusing WomenRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today in the District of Idaho charging a former Caldwell Police Department sergeant with civil rights violations involving the sexual abuse of women and exchanging favorable police treatment for sexual acts.
According to court documents, Ryan A. Bendawald, 41, of Franklin, Tennessee, allegedly abused his position as a law enforcement officer by sexually victimizing women in Idaho. From at least 2017 until 2021, Bendawald allegedly engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with at least seven women he encountered in the course of his law enforcement duties. Bendawald is also alleged to have exchanged and offered to exchange favorable police treatment for sex and sexual favors.
Bendawald is charged with two felony counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, five felony counts of federal program bribery, and one misdemeanor count of deprivation of rights under color of law. If convicted on all counts, Bendawald faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Joshua D. Hurwit for the District of Idaho, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge Shohini S. Sinha of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Boise Resident Agency is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Jordan Dickson and Kathryn E. Fifield of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine L. Horwitz for the District of Idaho are prosecuting the case.
Individuals may report any relevant information to the FBI Boise Field Office at (208) 344-4875.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Meridian Women Sentenced to 41 Months in Federal Prison for Embezzling More Than $1.7 Million from Black Canyon Irrigation DistrictRead the Press Release
BOISE – Catherine Skidmore, 56, of Meridian, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for a wire fraud and money laundering scheme in which she embezzled from the Black Canyon Irrigation District (BCID), announced U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. In imposing the sentence, U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Skidmore to pay restitution in the amount of $1,792,207.59 and to serve three years of supervised release following her prison sentence.
According to court records, Skidmore was employed as the Secretary-Treasurer of the BCID from approximately January 2014 through July 2022. As the Secretary-Treasurer of the BCID, Skidmore, among other things, handled fee collecting, bill payments, management of the investment accounts, and maintained the BCID’s QuickBooks database and ledgers. As the BCID Secretary-Treasurer, Skidmore had access to, and signature authority over, BCID’s bank accounts, including the ability to write and deposit checks and transfer funds to and from the accounts. Skidmore’s authority over and access to the BCID’s financial accounts, including the BCID’s savings account at a bank, and a Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP) account administered by the Idaho State Treasurer.
Beginning in May 2019 and continuing to July 2022, Skidmore knowingly devised a scheme and artifice to defraud the BCID by embezzling more than $1.7 million through the use of an elaborate series of transfers between the BCID’s various financial accounts. To implement the scheme, in May 2019, using a falsified form containing the forged signature of a member of the board of directors, Skidmore opened a second LGIP account with the Idaho State Treasurer without the knowledge or authorization of the BCID or its Board of Directors. From June 2019 through July 2022, Skidmore authorized and directed the authorization of transfers from the original LGIP account to the unauthorized second LGIP account without disclosing the nature of those transfers to the BCID or its Board of Directors. Skidmore then caused approximately $1,792,000 to be transferred from the unauthorized LGIP account to the ICCU savings account through a series of 25 separate interstate wire transfers, all without the knowledge of the BCID.
Once the funds were transferred to the BCID’s savings account, Skidmore withdrew the funds, mostly in the form of cashier’s checks. Skidmore then used the funds for her personal benefit. For example, Skidmore obtained the following cashier’s checks in excess of $10,000:
Date Cashier’s Check Issued
Amount
6/21/2019
$70,657.50
6/28/2019
$27,768.25
12/20/2019
$150,000
1/22/2020
$140,000
1/22/2020
$13,500
2/11/2020
$144,400
12/3/2020
$25,000
12/23/2020
$15,000
12/23/2020
$15,000
2/11/2021
$11,231
4/19/2021
$56,000
7/8/2021
$25,000
8/13/2021
$90,000
9/16/2021
$270,000
11/3/2021
$26,300
11/3/2021
$30,000
11/3/2021
$75,000
12/15/2021
$25,000
To conceal the embezzlement, Skidmore made false entries in the BCID internal accounting records that represented certain funds were used to pay the BCID expenses when, in fact, Skidmore used the funds for her personal use and benefit. She also created and caused to be created fictitious invoices to make it appear that the funds she had stolen were used to pay for legitimate BCID business expenses when, in reality, she used the funds for her personal use and benefit.
Skidmore used the proceeds for her personal benefit including, but not limited to, paying credit card bills for herself and others, real property taxes, home improvements, and making mortgage payments. She also used the funds to purchase real property, solar panels, and vehicles, and to fund an investment account.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the FBI for its investigation, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Mazorol and Brittney Campbell prosecuted the case.
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Pocatello Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
POCATELLO –Trenton Powell, 43, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child and receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also sentenced Powell to 15 years of supervised release, which will commence upon completing his prison sentence. Powell will also be required to register as a sex offender. A restitution hearing will be set at a later date to determine any restitution owed to the victim by Powell. Powell was convicted of the eight counts by a federal jury on May 2, 2023.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Powell sexually abused the first victim for six years while living in Pocatello. Powell photographed the abuse with his iPhone. Years after the abuse ended, another of Powell’s victims reported the abuse to police. Police later seized Powell’s iPhone. After the phone was forensically examined, police recovered images of Powell sexually abusing the first victim. Both victims testified during the trial and confirmed that Powell was the man who molested them.
“This sentence underscores our commitment to protecting our children from exploitation and abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “This case is a testament to the dedicated efforts of our law enforcement partners and serves as a stark warning to those who would consider victimizing innocent children.”
“This investigation highlights the strength one voice can have against a child predator, even after years have passed.” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Because of one victim’s courage, HSI and our partners were able to deliver justice to ensure this man can never again victimize the innocent.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls, the Idaho Falls Police Department, and the Pocatello Police Department, which led to the charges. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Shirts and Justin Paskett.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Two Nez Perce County Men Sentenced for Federal Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE – Shane Bohn, 35, and Matthew Durham, 24, both of Lewiston, were sentenced in separate cases to federal prison for unlawful possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. Bohn received a sentence of 42 months and Durham received a sentence of 15 months. After completing their sentences, the defendants will be placed on supervised release for four and three years, respectively. The defendants were also ordered to forfeit their firearms.
According to court records, Bohn was found in possession of a firearm on November 30, 2022, after having been convicted of felony aggravated assault in Nez Perce County. Durham was found in possession of a firearm on December 29, 2022, after having been convicted of a felony drug charge in Nez Perce County.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the investigations by the North Idaho Violent Crimes Task Force and the work of Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) April Smith. Smith is the Chief Deputy Prosecutor for Nez Perce County and is sworn as a SAUSA to file cases in federal court.
“I greatly appreciate SAUSA Smith and Elected Prosecutor Coleman’s commitment to keeping guns out of the hands of convicted felons,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “These sentencings demonstrate the advantages of the SAUSA program and the excellent working relationship between my office and the Nez Perce County Prosecutor’s Office.”
“Working jointly with the U.S. Attorney’s Office has provided another way to protect our community. I want to thank their office for partnering with us and I want to recognize North Idaho Violent Crimes Task Force Officer Cody Bloomsburg for his hard work in investigating both of these cases,” said Elected Prosecutor Coleman.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Former AFGE Local Union President Pleads Guilty to Stealing Union FundsRead the Press Release
BOISE – Tamlyn Leigh Ulin-Gilson, 56, of Reedsport, Oregon, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for stealing from the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local Union 1273, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, Ulin-Gilson served as president of AFGE Local Union 1273 from January 2019 to April 24, 2021. AFGE 1273 is a federal labor organization that represents approximately 1,1000 medical support staff employed at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Healthcare System in Boise and affiliated clinics. Prior to serving as president, Ulin-Gilson served as the vice president and secretary‑treasurer for AFGE 1273.
With the resignation of the other executive board members, Ulin-Gilson had exclusive and unchecked control of AFGE 1273’s bank account beginning in February 2020. She abused her authority by fraudulently misusing at least $42,674.45 of AFGE 1273’s funds on unauthorized, personal expenses. Ulin-Gilson spent at least $34,632.60 at casinos in Idaho and Nevada during this time, and also spent $7,037.35 on personal insurance premiums, and caused $1,004.50 in bank fees from the transactions.
Ulin-Gilson is scheduled to be sentenced on January 17, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the investigation by the Department of Labor Office of Labor Management Standards, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darci Crane is prosecuting the case.
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Boise Man Sentenced to 15 years for Three Attempted Sex Crimes Against ChildrenRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Mohammad Ali Alizadah Nawai, 45, of Boise was sentenced to federal prison for three attempted sex crimes, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill sentenced Nawai to 180 months in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. The crimes reflect Nawai’s attempted transfer of obscene matters to a child under 16 years of age, the attempted production of child pornography, and the attempted persuasion of a child to meet for sexual intercourse. Nawai was convicted during a trial presided over by Judge Winmill, which began on June 20, and concluded with guilty verdicts on June 23.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Nawai communicated with an undercover detective posing as a 13-year-old child on an online dating program. The detective was posing as a child to detect and investigate online offenders seeking children. Nawai, after being told the apparent child’s age, requested that the child produce sexually explicit content. Nawai further sent the apparent child obscene materials, which included bestiality and images he represented as child pornography. Nawai also made arrangements to meet the child for sexual intercourse. He travelled from Boise to Rupert on June 23, 2021, where members of the Rupert Police Department promptly arrested him.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit thanked the Rupert Police Department for its efforts, which led to the charges. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Robins and John Shirts.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Boise Tax Return Preparer Convicted by Jury of Filing False Tax Returns Sentenced to One Year in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
BOISE – Andres Sanchez, 34, of Boise, was sentenced to one year in federal prison for willfully aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false or fraudulent tax returns on behalf of several clients, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
Sanchez was convicted of six counts after a four-day jury trial in U.S. District Court before the Honorable B. Lynn Winmill. The federal jury was unable to reach a verdict on one remaining count.
During the trial, the jury heard evidence that Sanchez worked as a paid tax return preparer in Boise. For tax returns filed for tax years 2014, 2015, and 2016, the jury heard evidence that Sanchez counseled his clients to include ineligible dependents on their tax returns to increase tax refunds. The ineligible dependents resulted in dependency exemptions and refundable tax credits for Sanchez’s clients, including the child tax credit, additional child tax credit, and earned income credit. The ineligible dependents resulted in significant refunds in many cases where Sanchez’s clients would have otherwise owed taxes.
After Sanchez completes his prison term, he will serve one year of supervised release wherein he will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office. In addition to the prison sentence, Sanchez was ordered to pay $38,119 in restitution.
“Prosecuting tax cheats is about ensuring fairness for the rest of Idahoans who follow the law,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “We will continue to hold accountable anyone who prepares false tax returns and undermines the integrity of our tax system.”
“Tax return preparer fraud remains a top priority for IRS Criminal Investigation and we will continue to identify, investigate and recommend the prosecution of abusive return preparers,” said Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge, Denver Field Office. “I applaud the efforts of our special agents working these cases for promoting voluntary compliance with our tax laws, and reinforcing the message that tax preparers who file false information on tax returns will be prosecuted.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the investigative work of the IRS Criminal Investigation, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Mazorol and Darci Crane prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit Announces Update on the Success of the District of Idaho’s COVID-19 Fraud Task ForceRead the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today results of the work of the District of Idaho’s COVID-19 Fraud Task Force that was formed last September. In the past 12 months, the Task Force has built a team consisting of federal prosecutors and 11 federal agencies focused on prosecuting cases related to pandemic-related programs including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), Unemployment Insurance (UI), and Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The Task Force has now charged a dozen defendants criminally and obtained civil judgments against three defendants. The amount of fraud associated with the cases is over $7 million.
“Credit goes to the prosecutors and investigators who are sparing no effort to identify COVID fraud, to hold the perpetrators accountable, and to return stolen funds to the taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “While I am proud of the successes we have had so far, the Task Force is still in its early phases. We will not rest until we have done everything in our power to seek justice against those who took advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to line their pockets through fraud.”
“OIG will leverage partnerships and collaborate across the law enforcement spectrum to bring fraudsters to justice,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge Weston King. “These judicial outcomes demonstrate the consequences for these wrongful acts are significant. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration will continue to aggressively pursue those who misuse IRS online systems to further fraudulent schemes and those who fraudulently obtain relief from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and its Paycheck Protection Program,” said Special Agent in Charge Rod Ammari of the TIGTA Western Field Division. “We appreciate the efforts of our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure this criminal activity is held to account.”
The following are cases recently prosecuted by the District of Idaho’s COVID Fraud Task Force:
Lawrence Sikutwa, 43, of Boise, was sentenced to 30 months followed by 5 years of supervised release on September 25, 2023, for bank fraud and money laundering. According to court documents, between April 2020 and February 2021, Sikutwa submitted three fraudulent PPP loan applications and, as a result, obtained approximately $347,000 in fraudulent loan proceeds. Sikutwa used the identities of two individuals known to him to submit two of the PPP loan applications. All three of the loan applications Sikutwa submitted contained false certifications about the dates the companies were opened, the number of employees and amount of payroll, and that the loan proceeds would be used for business related expenses. Sikutwa also submitted false and fraudulent documents with the loan applications in an effort to substantiate the information contained on the applications. After receiving the loan proceeds, Sikutwa caused more than $190,000 to be transferred offshore. Other proceeds were transferred to various individuals and appeared to be used for personal expenses.
Valentin Lapatskiy, 34, of Meridian, was sentenced to 15 months followed by 2 years of supervised release on September 26, 2023, for wire fraud. Lapatskiy fraudulently obtained $300,000 in EIDLs by making materially false and fraudulent representations to the SBA in applications for two businesses. Lapatskiy falsely claimed in an application that his purported company Valdi Homes INC opened in November 2017 and he became the owner in February 2018. He also made false representations about a purported limousine company in his wife’s name. In both applications, Lapatskiy falsely claimed gross revenues, cost of goods sold, and employees for 2019.
Anubor Bagbi, 63, of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and bank fraud and is set for sentencing on December 7, 2023. While investigating Bagbi for opening fraudulent business accounts and trying to cash stolen and/or counterfeit business checks, it was discovered that he previously used some of the same accounts, business names, and identities to fraudulently apply for, obtain, and spend PPP and EIDL funds. Beginning in April 2020 and continuing, Bagbi caused losses of $664,828 in PPP and EIDL funds, by submitting false and fraudulent applications.
Craig Marlow, 40, of Blackfoot, Idaho, was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 13, 2023, on wire fraud charges for allegedly obtaining more than $900,000 in fraudulent EIDL program proceeds. According to allegations in the indictment, between May 2020 and July 2021, Marlow used identities of individuals known to him—primarily family members—to illegally obtain EIDLs disbursed by the SBA. He also submitted at least two fraudulent applications using his own identity. As alleged in the indictment, Marlow submitted the applications using shell entities and provided false statements in the applications, including false statements about the gross revenue, monthly revenue, cost of goods, cost of operations, and number of employees for the entities in whose names the applications were submitted. Marlow allegedly submitted, and caused to be submitted, ten fraudulent loan applications and obtained $926,700. An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Patricia Pischel, 38, of Star, Idaho, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and is set for sentencing on November 15, 2023. Pischel fraudulently obtained $219,409 in PPP and EIDL funds. Pischel made materially false and fraudulent misrepresentations about three businesses and, in reliance on those misstatements, she obtained approximately five PPP loans and EIDLs. Pischel’s misrepresentations included the number of employees, monthly payroll, and wage information included in purported IRS Forms W-3.
Nels Anderson, 58, of Holbrook, Idaho, was sentenced to 6 months followed by 3 years of supervised release for a false claim. Anderson was charged for submitting a CFAP 2 application that contained a materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent livestock claim. When asked for additional documentation, Anderson submitted fraudulent invoices. Anderson did not receive the CFAP 2, but the intended loss was $114,557.19.
Jimmy Winebrenner, 79, of Post Falls, Idaho, pleaded guilty to using or trafficking in unauthorized access devices, and is set for sentencing on November 14, 2023. Between May and August 2020, Winebrenner received at least 16 unemployment benefits cards in the mail from various state agencies in names other than his own. Between July and August 2020, Winebrenner obtained $81,180 in unemployment benefits from state agencies.
Daniel Labrum, 42, of South Jordan, Utah, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and is set for sentencing on November 16, 2023. Labrum’s scheme included submitting six PPP loan applications to financial institutions, one of which was based in Boise, on behalf of several businesses. The applications contained false information about the businesses concerning, among other things, the number of employees and their monthly payroll, certifications about the businesses and the intended use of the PPP funds. In total, the applications sought approximately $1,914,571 in PPP loans.
Eric O’Neil, 58, of Bethel, Connecticut, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and is set for sentencing on December 7, 2023. O’Neil submitted two PPP loan applications to financial institutions, one of which was based in Boise, on behalf of his company. The applications contained false information about his business concerning, among other things, the number of employees and its monthly payroll, certifications about the business and the intended use of the PPP funds. In total, the two applications sought approximately $777,501 in PPP loans.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit thanked the members of the COVID Fraud Task Force for their efforts. The federal law enforcement agencies participating are (i) the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, (ii) the U.S. Department of Treasury, Inspector General for Tax Administration, (iii) the U.S. Secret Service, (iv) the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, (v) the Federal Bureau of Investigation, (vi) the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, (vii) the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, (viii) the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, (ix) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, (x) the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and (xi) the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darci Crane, Brittney Campbell, and Sean Mazorol are prosecuting these cases with the assistance of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit to Co-Sponsor “United Against Hate” Summit in PocatelloRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit along with Idaho State University, the Shoshone Bannock Tribes, the Family Services Alliance, the City of Pocatello, and the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office are convening a United Against Hate summit on September 26 at Idaho State University in Pocatello. The event is free and is open to the public. The registration link can be found here: www.eventbrite.com/e/united-against-hate-tickets-707962393577.
United Against Hate is an initiative launched by the Department of Justice focused on improving efforts to combat hate crimes and hate incidents through relationship building at the local level. Through this endeavor, the U.S. Attorney’s Office seeks to create and strengthen trust and partnerships among law enforcement, community leaders, and residents. Well‑attended summits have already been held in Coeur d’Alene, Caldwell, Boise, and Ketchum.
“In my view, this initiative is particularly timely for Idaho, as we have experienced a series of troubling hate incidents throughout the state in the past several years,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “As Attorney General Garland has said, this is a moment for an all-hands-on-deck approach to combatting unlawful hate.”
The September 26 event will include remarks from local leaders, presentations from prosecutors about hate crimes laws and reporting mechanisms, and speakers who will share their courageous experiences responding to hate.
“I look forward to meeting community members and hearing different perspectives on how we can work together to unite our community in standing up to unlawful hate,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “And I am deeply honored to partner with our co-sponsors to prioritize this critical mission.”
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Three Southern Idaho Drug Traffickers Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho Josh Hurwit announced the results of three separate drug trafficking cases in Southern Idaho today involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, and firearms.
“In each of these three cases, the defendant chose to distribute significant quantities of dangerous drugs in the Treasure Valley. As a result, each defendant is now heading to federal prison for a significant period of time,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Anyone else thinking of dealing drugs like fentanyl or methamphetamine in Idaho should think twice because, along with the DEA and our local law enforcement partners, we will spare no effort to hold you accountable and keep Idahoans safe.”
On September 14, 2023, Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Bradley Don Oakes, 39, of Nampa, to 188 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release and a $1,000 fine. According to court records, Oakes sold a combined 139.9 grams of methamphetamine to law enforcement on two occasions in late 2022. On January 3, 2023, Oakes was pulled over on Interstate 84 for a traffic violation and found to be in possession of a .38 special revolver, a stolen 9mm semi-automatic pistol, 223.6 grams of methamphetamine, 2,315 grams of marijuana, 4 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 14 grams of hashish, and six tabs of LSD.
Oakes was deemed to be a career offender under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines due to two prior felony convictions for crimes of violence. In 2004, Oakes was convicted in California for assault with a firearm on a person. In 2013, also in California, Oakes was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon upon a peace officer. Additionally, Oakes was previously convicted of attempted possession of a controlled substance, possession of a stolen vehicle, violation of a domestic violence protection order, and possession of methamphetamine. At the time of his current federal offense, he was on felony probation out of Canyon County. Oakes pleaded guilty to the charges on June 14, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Boise Police Department, the Nampa Police Department, and the Idaho State Police, which led to the charges in the Oakes case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Nafzger prosecuted this case.
In a separate case, Jason Lee Elsberry, 40, of Caldwell, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford to six and a half years in federal prison to be followed by four years of supervised release for the possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Elsberry pleaded guilty to the charge on May 23, 2023.
According to court records, on March 8, 2022, law enforcement officers responded to a car fire in Boise. When officers arrived on scene, they conducted an ID verification and discovered Elsberry had two outstanding arrest warrants. While placing Elsberry in handcuffs, he dropped a small ziploc bag that officers believed, based on their training and experience, to be consistent with a controlled substance. A subsequent field test identified the substance as fentanyl and a search of Elsberry’s vehicle uncovered approximately 3,000 fentanyl pills, in the center console. Elsberry admitted that he possessed those pills with the intent to distribute them to other persons. He also admitted that he sold between one and five boats a day (a boat is a street term for 1,000 fentanyl pills), that he received approximately 10,000 pills per week and about a kilogram of fentanyl powder every two weeks.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the investigation by the Boise Police Department, which led to the charges in the Elsberry case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse prosecuted this case.
In another case, Eric Moore, 40, of Boise, was sentenced by Judge Brailsford to 41 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for the possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Moore pleaded guilty to the charge on March 31, 2023
According to court records, between April and June 2022, Moore distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine to an undercover officer in the Treasure Valley on five separate occasions. When Moore was arrested for these offenses, he possessed 60 grams of fentanyl pills.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of Drug Enforcement Administration, Boise Police Department, and the Boise Area Narcotics Drugs Interdiction Taskforce, which led to the charges in the Moore case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Blackadar prosecuted the case.
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Eastern Idaho Attorney Indicted for Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Robin Dwain Dunn, 68, of Rigby, was indicted on September 13, 2023, by a federal grand jury sitting in Boise on one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, two counts of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, and one count of distribution of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
The indictment alleges that from June 2022 to February 19, 2023, Dunn conspired with others to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine in eastern Idaho, and that in October and November of 2022, Dunn knowingly and intentionally possessed fentanyl and methamphetamine, intending to distribute it to others. The indictment also alleges that Dunn distributed fentanyl in November of 2022.
Federal agents with DEA, supported by detectives from Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Idaho Falls Police Department, arrested Dunn on September 14, 2023. Dunn is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy W. Dale on September 18, 2023, to be arraigned on the charges.
The charges in this case are each punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Idaho Falls Police Department, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Idaho State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francis Zebari and Christopher Atwood are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Idaho Falls Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Che Tayen Miles, 39, of Idaho Falls, was sentenced to federal prison for receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Miles to 136 months in federal prison followed by 8 years of supervised release.
According to court records, between July and September of 2022, the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force found that Nathan Mark Law, 49, of Idaho Falls, had downloaded thousands of images of child pornography also known as, “child sexual abuse material” (CSAM) over the internet. Investigators executed a search warrant of Law’s residence where they discovered CSAM on Law’s electronic devices. Law admitted he downloaded and uploaded images of CSAM and shared CSAM images with Miles. On December 21, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at Miles’s residence and seized his electronic devices. Miles admitted he downloaded CSAM and that he received CSAM from Law. Upon searching Miles’s electronic devices investigators discovered thousands of CSAM images that Miles downloaded from the internet as well as CSAM images that Miles received from Law.
On June 26, 2023, Law pleaded guilty to attempted sexual exploitation of a minor child. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief Judge Nye on October 8, 2023, and faces a minimum of 15 and up to 30 years in federal prison and up to a lifetime of supervised release.
“We are grateful that justice will be served in these cases. But our collaborative work to guard Idaho’s children continues,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Together with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, my office is committed to tracking down and aggressively pursue anyone in Idaho who creates, possesses, or shares child pornography.”
“This sentence is appropriate for someone who perpetuated child victimization by downloading and sharing thousands of images of exploited children,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “HSI partnerships with the ICAC Taskforce and Idaho law enforcement are integral in keeping our communities safe from child predators.”
These cases were investigated by the Idaho ICAC Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the Idaho Falls Police Department, and the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Paskett is prosecuting these cases.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Boise Man Pleads Guilty to Preparing and Filing False Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
BOISE — Keveny Rosier, a former Boise-area man, pleaded guilty to preparing and filing false income tax returns on behalf of his clients, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Keveny Rosier, 45, operated a tax preparation business in Boise, Idaho and prepared tax returns for clients for the 2016 and 2017 tax years. On returns he prepared, Rosier routinely falsely inflated clients’ itemized deductions and Schedule C business expenses, falsely claimed fuel tax credits, and falsely inflated income to maximize the Earned Income Tax Credit. In total, Rosier’s conduct resulted in a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $143,000.
Rosier is scheduled to be sentenced on November 28, 2023, and faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
As part of the plea agreement with the Government, Rosier agreed to pay outstanding restitution to the IRS in the amount of $63,890.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the investigative work of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittney Campbell is prosecuting this case.
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Blackfoot Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Federal Prison Following Convictions for Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Joseph Hornof, 41, of Blackfoot, was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison for two counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
Hornof was convicted of all three charges by a federal jury sitting in Pocatello after a three-day trial in January 2023. Hornof faced a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence due to a prior sex offense against a child from 2009 in Bannock County.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Hornof, used the Kik messenger application to communicate with an undercover officer in North Carolina. Hornof shared videos and images of child pornography with the officer. Hornof then directed the officer to join a social media group called “pedophilia” that Hornof administered. In that group, Hornof distributed 24 videos of child pornography to other members of the group. Law enforcement later served a search warrant at Hornof’s residence in Blackfoot. After seizing his laptop and cellphone, officers discovered additional images of child pornography on the devices.
U.S. Chief District Judge David C. Nye also sentenced Hornof to 15 years of supervised release, which will commence upon completion of his prison sentence. Hornof was ordered to pay $8,000 in restitution to the victims in the images that he possessed and distributed.
“While it is comforting to know that this defendant has been removed from our community, our work to protect Idaho’s children continues,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Along with our law enforcement partners, we will spare no effort in tracking down and holding accountable anyone who peddles child pornography in Idaho.”
“There is constant work involved in keeping children safe from predators whether online or in person, and this 24 year sentence helps to do just that,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “HSI highly values our partnerships with the ICAC taskforce as well as the law enforcement agencies involved in making this arrest, as investigations of this type are only successful with our collective expertise.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the Idaho Falls Police Department, Idaho ICAC Task Force, Boone North Carolina Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Blackadar and John Shirts prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Boise Man Sentenced to over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Travis Borup, 29, of Boise, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, between March 3 and March 12, 2022, the Boise Police Department (BPD) became aware that Borup was making files of child pornography available for sharing via a peer-to-peer network. BPD obtained a federal search warrant for Borup’s residence and, along with members of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, executed the search warrant and interviewed Borup. Borup admitted to using his cellphone to view child pornography for the past several years.
“This case demonstrates that those who possess child pornography in Idaho will be brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. “I am grateful for the strong partnership my office has with the Boise Police Department and the ICAC Task Force at the Idaho Attorney General’s Office, who every day conduct thorough investigations to find offenders and to protect Idaho’s children.”
“I am grateful for our partnerships with the Attorney General’s ICAC Task Force and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said BPD Captain Matt Jones. “This investigation is an outstanding example of the collaborative efforts law enforcement agencies make in order to protect our most vulnerable victims.”
U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also sentenced Borup to 7 years of supervised release, which will commence upon completing his prison sentence, and entered an order forfeiting the cellphone that was used to commit the offense. Borup will be required to register as a sex offender as a result of the conviction.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the Boise Police Department and the ICAC Task Force, which led to the charge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kassandra McGrady prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Three Fentanyl, Fluorofentanyl, and Methamphetamine Traffickers Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho Josh Hurwit announced the results of three separate drug trafficking cases in Southern Idaho today involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, and fluorofentanyl. Fluorofentanyl is an analogue of fentanyl.
“These cases show the unwavering commitment of my office and our law enforcement partners to remove drug traffickers from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “In each of these cases, the defendant possessed firearms, which exacerbates the danger to the public of illicit drug distribution. There should be no confusion on the streets: drug trafficking and unlawfully possessing firearms means a long stay in federal prison.”
On August 29, 2023, Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill sentenced Joseph Castro, 38, of Seattle, Washington, to 188 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. According to court records, in September 2022, Boise Police arrested Castro in connection with a narcotics investigation. While searching his backpack after arrest, officers located 2.8 pounds of fentanyl in powder and pill form, four firearms, one of which was stolen, and numerous rounds of ammunition. Castro pleaded guilty to the charge on June 5, 2023. Castro has an extensive criminal history, including convictions for burglary, domestic violence, battery, felon in possession of a weapon, and possession of a controlled substance.
Photo of fentanyl and firearms seized in Castro case showing “LV” and “300” imprinted on the brick of fentanyl powder.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the Boise Police Department, Boise Area Narcotics Drugs Interdiction Taskforce, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, which led to the charge in the Castro case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Blackadar prosecuted this case.
In a separate case, Koty Dillon Cooley, 32, of Boise, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford to nine years in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for the possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Cooley’s sentence was enhanced because he possessed a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking offense.
According to court records, Cooley was pulled over for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, officers obtained probable cause to search the vehicle for controlled substances. During the search, they found over 400 grams of methamphetamine, over 140 grams of fentanyl, a digital scale, a revolver, two loaded shotgun magazines, a loaded Glock magazine, a plastic container with 67 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, and approximately $3,612 in illicit drug proceeds.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the investigations by the Idaho State Police, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, which led to the charges in the Cooley case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse prosecuted this case.
In another case, Angelica Campos, 36, of Nampa, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fluorofentanyl.
According to court records, on October 18, 2022, U.S. Probation was attempting to serve a warrant. Officers contacted Campos outside of her residence. During a search of her purse, officers found 103 fluorofentanyl pills, 3.1 grams of methamphetamine, $885 in cash, and 35 Alprazolam (Xanax) pills. Officers also searched her vehicle and found a loaded .22 long rifle mini revolver, 48 rounds of .22 ammunition, a ledger with drug sales and prices, and drug paraphernalia.
Photo of evidence seized in the Campos case.
At the time she committed this offense, Campos was on supervised release with U.S. Probation because she was previously convicted in federal court for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also sentenced Campos to 30 months in prison for violating her supervised release. That sentence was ordered concurrently to the 60-month sentence for the new drug crime. Judge Winmill also ordered Campos to serve three years of supervised release following her prison sentence. Campos pleaded guilty to the charge on May 30, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of U.S. Probation and the Caldwell Police Department, which led to the charge in the Campos case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Manweiler prosecuted this case.
The Campos 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.
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Oregon Man Pleads Guilty to Interstate StalkingRead the Press Release
BOISE – Joel Waters, 44, of Wallowa, Oregon, pleaded guilty to interstate stalking, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, between October 7 and December 24, 2020, Waters traveled between Oregon and Idaho to harass and intimidate the victim who was residing in Boise. Waters took dogs from the victim’s home and car, slashed the tires on the victim’s vehicle, set fire to the victim’s residence in Oregon on two occasions, placed a tracking device on the victim’s vehicle, set fire to the victim’s vehicle, and sent the victim numerous harassing emails. Some of Waters’ acts occurred in violation of a civil protection order that the victim had obtained against Waters in Oregon.
Waters is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye on November 8, 2023, and faces a minimum of one year and up to five years in federal prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Boise Police Department, and the Oregon State Police, which led to the charge.
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Idaho Diesel Parts Companies and Owner Agree to Pay $1 Million After Pleading Guilty to Selling and Installing Illegal Defeat DevicesRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Diesel performance parts retailers GDP Tuning LLC and Custom Auto of Rexburg LLC, doing business as “Gorilla Performance,” as well as the companies’ owner Barry Pierce, pleaded guilty to criminal charges today in federal court in Pocatello, and agreed to pay a total of $1 million in criminal fines, announced U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit today. The companies also agreed to implement compliance programs and to not manufacture, sell or install any device that defeats a vehicle’s emissions controls.
GDP Tuning pleaded guilty to an information charging it with conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act (CAA). Gorilla Performance and Pierce pleaded guilty to an information charging them with violating the CAA by tampering with the monitoring device of an emissions control system of a diesel truck. Under the plea agreement, the companies and Pierce agree to pay a $1 million criminal fine. Pierce also faces up to 2 years in federal prison.
“The defendants in this case purposefully violated laws that protect air quality and the overall quality of life for Idahoans, especially vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly and those who suffer from respiratory conditions,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. “My office will continue to partner with law enforcement agencies to prosecute those who seek illegal profits at the expense the public’s health and our shared environment.”
“Tampering with vehicles’ on-board diagnostic devices isn’t just a violation of federal law – it’s a major health hazard,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “People are harmed as a direct consequence of the many air pollutants that would be removed by emissions controls systems absent the illegal tampering. We have made progress in curbing harmful emissions, but that progress is undermined by sellers and distributors of defeat devices. We are committed to enforcing the Clean Air Act and holding accountable businesses and individuals that violate federal law.”
“Nearly a decade after EPA began cracking down on illegal defeat devices that violate the Clean Air Act, there is no excuse for companies to be continuing to cheat on vehicle emissions and putting the health of the environment and our communities at risk,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “EPA will continue to pursue criminal charges against companies like Gorilla Diesel, which broke the law brazenly and repeatedly, until this egregious criminal activity comes to a stop once and for all.”
According to court documents, GDP Tuning conspired with its owner Barry Pierce and others to violate the CAA by purchasing and selling tens of thousands of tuning devices and accompanying software which, when used together, tampered with vehicles’ on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems. OBDs normally detect any removal and malfunction of a vehicle’s emissions control equipment and record a diagnostic trouble code which will illuminate a vehicles “check engine light.” If the malfunction is not remedied, some vehicles can go into “limp mode,” where the maximum speed is limited to 5 mph as an incentive to have the vehicle repaired.
GDP Tuning bought and sold devices and software that allowed customers to reprogram or “tune” a vehicle’s OBD. This reprogramming tampers with emissions monitoring built into the diagnostic system and allows removal of the vehicle’s emissions control equipment without detection by the OBD. Removing a vehicle’s emissions controls is typically referred to as a “delete” and is accompanied by a “delete tune.”
In addition to GDP Tuning’s national wholesale operation, Gorilla Performance and Pierce operated a retail shop and auto repair facility in Rexburg, where customers’ trucks were deleted and tuned.
Diesel exhaust contains a variety of air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide and non-methane hydrocarbons, among other hazardous air pollutants. Factory-standard emissions control equipment dramatically reduces these emissions.
Deleting a diesel truck causes its emissions to increase dramatically. For a fully deleted truck with all emissions equipment removed, EPA testing has quantified the increased emissions as follows: NOx increased 310 times, non-methane hydrocarbons increased 1,400 times, carbon monoxide increased 120 times and PM increased 40 times. EPA’s Air Enforcement Division released a report in November 2020 finding that more than 500,000 diesel pickup trucks in the United States – approximately 15% of U.S. diesel trucks that were originally certified with emissions controls – have been illegally deleted.
Diesel emissions contain multiple hazardous compounds that harm human health and the environment. Diesel emissions have been found to cause and worsen respiratory ailments such as asthma and lung cancer. One study found that 21,000 American deaths annually are attributable to diesel particulate matter. Additionally, exposure to polluted air in utero has been associated with a host of problems with lifelong ramifications including low birth weight, preterm birth, autism, asthma and brain and memory disorders.
The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill on Nov. 8. Though the corporate defendants agreed to pay $1 million in criminal fines under the plea agreements, they face a maximum fine per count of $500,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain derived from the offense, and Pierce faces up to 2 years in prison. The defendants’ sentences will be determined at the discretion of the court after application of statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which consider a number of variables.
The criminal case stemmed from an investigation by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division. U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, Senior Trial Attorney Cassandra Barnum of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section, and EPA Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel Karla Perrin are prosecuting the case.
Stopping the manufacture, sale, and installation of illegal delete devices is a priority for EPA. To learn more, visit: epa.gov/enforcement/national-compliance-initiative-stopping-aftermarket-defeat-devices-vehicles-and-engines.
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Idaho Diesel Parts Companies and Owner Agree to Pay $1 Million After Pleading Guilty to Selling and Installing Illegal Defeat DevicesRead the Press Release
Diesel performance parts retailers GDP Tuning LLC and Custom Auto of Rexburg LLC, dba Gorilla Performance, as well as the companies’ owner Barry Pierce, pleaded guilty to criminal charges today in federal court in Pocatello, Idaho, and agreed to pay a total of $1 million in criminal fines. The companies also agreed to implement compliance programs and to not manufacture, sell or install any device that defeats a vehicle’s emissions controls.
GDP Tuning pleaded guilty to an information charging it with conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act (CAA). Gorilla Performance and Pierce pleaded guilty to an information charging them with violating the CAA by tampering with the monitoring device of an emissions control system of a diesel truck. Under the plea agreement, the companies and Pierce agree to pay a $1 million criminal fine.
“Tampering with vehicles’ on-board diagnostic devices isn’t just a violation of federal law – it’s a major health hazard,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “People are harmed as a direct consequence of the many air pollutants that would be removed by emissions controls systems absent the illegal tampering. We have made progress in curbing harmful emissions, but that progress is undermined by sellers and distributors of defeat devices. We are committed to enforcing the Clean Air Act and holding accountable businesses and individuals that violate federal law.”
“Nearly a decade after EPA began cracking down on illegal defeat devices that violate the Clean Air Act, there is no excuse for companies to be continuing to cheat on vehicle emissions and putting the health of the environment and our communities at risk,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “EPA will continue to pursue criminal charges against companies like Gorilla Diesel, which broke the law brazenly and repeatedly, until this egregious criminal activity comes to a stop once and for all.”
“The defendants in this case purposefully violated laws that protect air quality and the overall quality of life for Idahoans, especially vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly and those who suffer from respiratory conditions,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit for the District of Idaho. “My office will continue to partner with law enforcement agencies to prosecute those who seek illegal profits at the expense the public’s health and our shared environment.”
According to court documents, GDP Tuning conspired with Pierce and others to violate the CAA by purchasing and selling tens of thousands of tuning devices and accompanying software which, when used together, tampered with vehicles’ on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems. OBDs normally detect any removal and malfunction of a vehicle’s emissions control equipment and record a diagnostic trouble code which will illuminate a vehicles “check engine light.” If the malfunction is not remedied, some vehicles can go into “limp mode,” where the maximum speed is limited to 5 mph as an incentive to have the vehicle repaired.
GDP Tuning bought and sold devices and software that allowed customers to reprogram or “tune” a vehicle’s OBD. This reprogramming tampers with emissions monitoring built into the diagnostic system and allows removal of the vehicle’s emissions control equipment without detection by the OBD. Removing a vehicle’s emissions controls is typically referred to as a “delete” and is accompanied by a “delete tune.”
In addition to GDP Tuning’s national wholesale operation, Gorilla Performance and Pierce operated a retail shop and auto repair facility in Rexburg, Idaho, where customers’ trucks were deleted and tuned.
Diesel exhaust contains a variety of air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide and non-methane hydrocarbons, among other hazardous air pollutants. Factory-standard emissions control equipment dramatically reduces these emissions.
Deleting a diesel truck causes its emissions to increase dramatically. For a fully deleted truck with all emissions equipment removed, EPA testing has quantified the increased emissions as follows: NOx increased 310 times, non-methane hydrocarbons increased 1,400 times, carbon monoxide increased 120 times and PM increased 40 times. EPA’s Air Enforcement Division released a report in November 2020 finding that more than 500,000 diesel pickup trucks in the United States – approximately 15% of U.S. diesel trucks that were originally certified with emissions controls – have been illegally deleted.
Diesel emissions contain multiple hazardous compounds that harm human health and the environment. Diesel emissions have been found to cause and worsen respiratory ailments such as asthma and lung cancer. One study found that 21,000 American deaths annually are attributable to diesel particulate matter. Additionally, exposure to polluted air in utero has been associated with a host of problems with lifelong ramifications including low birth weight, preterm birth, autism, asthma and brain and memory disorders.
Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 8 before U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill for the District of Idaho. Though the corporate defendants agreed to pay $1 million in criminal fines under the plea agreements, they face a maximum fine per count of $500,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain derived from the offense, and Pierce faces up to two years in prison. The defendants’ sentences will be determined at the discretion of the court after application of statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which consider a number of variables.
The criminal case stemmed from an investigation by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division. U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit for the District of Idaho, Senior Trial Attorney Cassandra Barnum of the Environment and Natural Resources' Environmental Crimes Section and EPA Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel Karla Perrin are prosecuting the case.
Stopping the manufacture, sale and installation of illegal delete devices is a priority for EPA. To learn more, visit www.epa.gov/enforcement/national-compliance-initiative-stopping-aftermarket-defeat-devices-vehicles-and-engines.
Local Task Forces Crack Down on Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Distribution NetworksRead the Press Release
BOISE – Two multi-faceted, large-scale Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigations have resulted in the federal indictments of 25 defendants on drug trafficking and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. Seventeen indictments were issued over the last several months by federal grand juries sitting in Idaho along with an additional indictment in the District of Oregon.
According to the indictments, the defendants distributed large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl throughout Southwestern Idaho and Eastern Oregon. Many of the individuals are alleged to have been in possession of firearms at the time they distributed the narcotics. During the course of these investigations and arrests, law enforcement seized approximately 98 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 21,000 fentanyl pills, 531 grams of fentanyl powder, 38 firearms, 3 bullet-proof vests, and $121,615 in U.S. currency. According to court records, it is alleged that several of these individuals are associated with local street gangs with ties to the Jalisco Nuevo Generation Cartel.
As part of these two OCDETF investigations, the following individuals have been charged with federal drug and gun violations:
- Sergio Cisneros-Guzman a/k/a Salamon Hernandez-Medina, residing in Nampa, Idaho, was indicted on seven counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premise;
- Efren Avilez-Lopez, residing in Ontario, Oregon, was indicted for distributing 25 pounds of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 21 pounds of methamphetamine;
- Maria Medina-Zeveda, residing in Ontario, Oregon, was indicted for distributing 35 pounds of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 21 pounds of methamphetamine;
- Efren Alexander Avilez-Pacheco, residing in Ontario, Oregon, was indicted on possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime. Avilez-Pacheco, a Mexican national, is also facing violations of terms of his supervised release stemming from a 2019 federal drug trafficking conviction and his subsequent deportation to Mexico;
- Owenn Mitchell, of Salem, Oregon, was indicted on two counts of aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine;
- Zach Vitale, of Idaho Falls, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl;
- Cheyanne Juarez, of Ontario, Oregon, was indicted on one count of distribution of methamphetamine;
- Jason Castillo, of Nampa, was indicted on one count of distribution of methamphetamine;
- Shaunda Buffi, of Caldwell, was indicted on one count of distribution of methamphetamine;
- Robert Glenn, of Nampa, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
- Anthony Lopez, of Caldwell, was indicted on one count of unlawful possession of a firearm;
- Megan Mackey, of Caldwell, was indicted on one count of distribution of methamphetamine;
- Breana Rojas, of Caldwell, was indicted on one count of distribution of methamphetamine;
- Rigoverto Hernandez, of Caldwell, was indicted on one count of aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl;
- Bonifacio Nichiolas-Ruiz, of Caldwell, was indicted on one count of distribution of methamphetamine;
- Andrew Walthall, of Kuna, was indicted on one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl;
- Jose Pedraza, of Meridian, was indicted on one count of distribution of methamphetamine;
- Sonya Trujillo, of Boise, was indicted on one count of aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine; and
- Michael McClain, of Boise, was indicted on one count of distribution of methamphetamine;
In addition to these indictments, Tracy Nunes, of Payette, was indicted on two counts of distribution of methamphetamine by a grand jury in the District of Oregon.
The OCDETF investigations also included several other defendants who were charged earlier with federal drug and gun violations:
- Isaac Bright pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and, on February 14, 2023, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison. Bright was a documented member of Latin Kings gang with an extensive criminal history.
- Jordan Khan pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and, on March 14, 2023, was sentenced to 98 months in federal prison.
- Paul Almaraz pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine and is set for sentencing on September 25, 2023.
- Robert Chase pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and is set for sentencing on August 31, 2023.
- Cesar Javier Avila-Molina pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and is set for sentencing on November 1, 2023.
Drug distribution charges carry mandatory minimum prison sentences depending on the amount and type of drugs distributed. Maximum prison sentences range from up to 20 years to life in prison. Unlawful possession of a firearm carries a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
“It is important for the public to know that federal, state, and local law enforcement are proactively working to dismantle drug trafficking enterprises in the Treasure Valley and elsewhere in Idaho,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “The results of these investigations is a testament to the extremely strong partnerships we have in Idaho, which include working with partners in Oregon and elsewhere as needed. These cases send a strong message that Idaho is not open for the drug business.”
“These cases are a prime example of what law enforcement can accomplish when we pool our resources and work together,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI. “There is no doubt that potentially countless number of lives were saved in the Treasure Valley because of the dismantling of these drug trafficking organizations. The FBI is committed to keeping all Idahoans safe.”
“The Jalisco Cartel is one of the main cartels responsible for the influx of methamphetamine and fentanyl into our communities,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Matthew Gomm, who oversees operations in Idaho. “The relationships these cartels have with our local street gangs allow deadly and dangerous drugs to reach their last mile of distribution. These indictments are a testament to DEA’s unwavering commitment to make our communities safe and healthy through collaboration with our local, state, and federal partners.”
“It is my hope the announcement of these indictments will help bring some clarity to the enormity of the dangers our citizens and law enforcement face on a daily basis by the increased criminality of Transcontinental Criminal Organizations (TCO’s) in our communities,” said Canyon County Sheriff, Kieran Donahue. “The danger of an unprecedented supply and distribution of deadly drugs like “street” fentanyl is real, NOT imagined. I applaud the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho for their commitment to prosecute cases of this magnitude and for the support of our FBI Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime and Gang Task Force and the investigators assigned to that team. We cannot, and will not, defeat these criminal organizations without strong collaboration and the force-multiplier approach of law enforcement partners.”
“The City of Caldwell and the Treasure Valley are a safer place now due to the collaborative efforts and relentless pursuit of justice exemplified by our brave men and women who defend the United States Constitution and enforce the rule of law,” said Caldwell Police Chief Rex Ingram. “I am proud of their unwavering selfless sacrifice and dedication to keeping Idaho safe.”
“Today’s announcement represents a significant step towards a safer society,” said Lieutenant Colonel Sheldon Kelley, Deputy Director Chief of Operations at the Idaho State Police. “The synergistic endeavors of the U.S. Attorney, law enforcement, and many community partners highlight the extraordinary results that arise from collaborative and unwavering teamwork. Together, we are resolute in our mission to secure our communities and eradicate drug and firearm-related criminal pursuits.”
“These cases are another great example of local law enforcement working with our federal partners on a common goal,” said Nampa Police Department Interim Chief Curt Shankel. “We work to make our state, city, and neighborhoods safe, and to get these dealers off our streets. Thank you to the United States Attorney’s Office for their dedication to these cases.”
“The Ontario Police Department, in partnership with the High Desert Drug Task Force, is committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to disrupt and dismantle illegal trafficking and use of drugs in and around the city of Ontario,” said Police Chief Michael Iwai.
The cases were primarily investigated by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, which is led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. In addition to the work of the Metro Violent Crimes Task Force and the DEA, U.S. Attorney Hurwit thanked the following agencies for assisting in the investigations and arrests of the above named individuals: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Caldwell Police Department, City and County Narcotics Unit, the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, the Nampa Police Department, the Gem County Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho State Police, Idaho Department of Correction, the Owyhee County Sheriff’s Office, the Owyhee County Prosecutors Office, the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the Malheur County Sherriff’s Office, the Ontario Police Department, the Oregon State Police, and the High Desert Drug Task Force in Oregon.
Both the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force and the High Desert Task Force focus on local violent crime and gang activity and are comprised of federal, state, and local agencies. These cases are being prosecuted by several Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the Districts of Idaho and Oregon, and 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.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit expressed his gratitude to all the law enforcement agencies and prosecutors for supporting the individual prosecutors and task force investigators who are achieving justice through their hard work.
An indictment is merely an allegation or a set of allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
These indictments are part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Anyone with information about violent crime or illegal activity can call (208) 344-7843.
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California Man Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping Ex-Girlfriend and Transporting Her to IdahoRead the Press Release
BOISE – Emiliano Jaime Ramos, 41, of Lompoc, California, pleaded guilty to kidnapping his ex-girlfriend and transporting her from California to Idaho where she was eventually rescued by Nampa police, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, on December 21, 2022, the victim left work at a clinic in California, where she was employed as a medical assistant. Upon walking to her vehicle, she was approached by Ramos who had been waiting for her in the parking lot. The victim and Ramos had previously dated, and following their breakup, the victim refused to meet with Ramos and blocked him from her social media accounts and had blocked his phone number. When the victim entered her vehicle to leave, Ramos opened the back passenger door and jumped into the seat behind her. He then reached around the driver’s seat and pressed a handgun into her right side, leading her to believe she was going to be shot. Ramos then ordered her to drive north, and she complied.
Ramos, who was in possession of a large knife in addition to the firearm, compelled the victim to drive from California to Nevada, Oregon, and eventually to Nampa, Idaho, where Ramos checked them into a hotel. Later, when Ramos was fully asleep, the victim grabbed her cell phone, which had been sitting on a nightstand, and turned it on. She quickly sent a text message to 911, before turning the phone off and placing it back on the nightstand. Once the 911 message was received, Nampa police officers were dispatched to the hotel, where they quickly worked to assemble a team of officers to conduct a rescue. During the morning of December 23, 2022, Ramos was arrested by police as he exited the hotel room. It was later learned that during the kidnapping, Ramos sexually assaulted the victim and told her that he intended to kill her in Idaho.
Ramos is scheduled to be sentenced on November 7, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. Chief U.S. District Court Judge David C. Nye will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“It is humbling for my office to be able to seek justice in this disturbing kidnapping and sexual assault case,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “The victim in this case showed remarkable bravery, and I am also grateful for the quick response of the Nampa Police Department. The public should rest assured that, along with our law enforcement partners, we will aggressively pursue, and hold accountable, those who use firearms to commit federal offenses in Idaho.”
“This is the result of great teamwork, starting with Nampa’s 911 Dispatchers and ending with the successful prosecution,” said Nampa Police Department Interim Police Chief Curt Shankel. “We commend the bravery of the victim in this case and we’re proud of the investigation completed by all agencies involved. For those who find themselves in an emergency, who aren’t able to speak freely, texting to 911 is an excellent option in our region of Idaho.”
In addition to the Nampa Police Department, U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Idaho State Police Forensic Services, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Lab, Idaho Department of Correction, the Pismo Beach Police Department, and the Santa Maria Police Department, which led to the charges.
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California Man Sentenced to 26 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine and Guns in Eastern IdahoRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Ramon Morales Jr., 41, of Compton, California, was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison for importing and distributing methamphetamine in Eastern Idaho in exchange for firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit today.
According to court records, Morales was initially arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol when he was caught attempting to smuggle two pounds of methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico at the San Ysidro Port of Entry on April 7, 2021.
While Morales was pending those charges, he supplied large amounts of methamphetamine, along with other drugs, to local drug distributors Lynne Marie Boswell, 52, of Pocatello, and Jenny June Manzanares, 40, of Rexburg.
In exchange for methamphetamine, Boswell and Manzanares obtained firearms on Morales’s behalf by using a network of straw purchasers. A straw purchaser is an individual who knowingly purchases firearms intending to provide them to someone else in violation of federal law. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) estimates at least 250 firearms were trafficked through this illegal drug trafficking organization. Firearms purchased by these straw purchasers have been recovered at crime scenes in Idaho and states across the region.
On July 27, 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), ATF, and local agency task force officers learned that Morales arranged to purchase 12 firearms from a gun store in Idaho Falls using a straw purchaser. Investigators were able to intercept the firearms during the transaction. After further investigation, law enforcement seized 15 pounds of methamphetamine and arrested Jonathan Ramirez-Gutierrez, 29, of Los Angeles, for drug trafficking. There was evidence Morales directed Ramirez-Gutierrez to transport the methamphetamine to Idaho and to return to California with firearms.
On August 14, 2023, Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill sentenced Morales to over 26 years in federal prison. In January 2023, Judge Winmill sentenced Boswell to over 15 years in federal prison for her role in the drug and gun trafficking conspiracy. In March 2023, Manzanares was sentenced to 10 years for her role in the offense. In August 2022, Ramirez-Gutierrez was sentenced to over 8 years in federal prison.
“This series of cases, and the resulting sentences, reflect success in our ongoing battle to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs and illegally-obtained firearms into and out of Idaho,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “I am grateful for the work of our many law enforcement partners in this investigation, which led to dismantling a very dangerous criminal operation.”
Specifically, U.S. Attorney Hurwit thanked the following law enforcement agencies for their collaboration on this investigation: the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), Idaho State Police, Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, Pocatello Police Department, Fort Hall Police Department, Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, and the Idaho Falls Police Department. Many of these agencies are members of the BADGES Task Force.
The BADGES Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. The BADGES Task Force is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) which is composed of members from the Idaho State Police, Pocatello Police Department, Bannock County Sheriff’s Department, Chubbuck Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Blythe H. McLane prosecuted these cases, including during her prior role as the U.S. Attorney Office’s specially-deputized Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA), funded by the Eastern Idaho Partnership (EIP) and the State of Idaho.
The EIP is a coalition of local city and county officials in eastern Idaho as well as the Idaho Department of Correction. The EIP SAUSA program allows law enforcement to utilize the federal criminal justice system – through the EIP SAUSA – to prosecute, convict, and sentence violent, armed criminals and drug traffickers. These criminals often receive stiffer penalties than they might in state courts.
This program was created in January 2016. Since that time, approximately 200 defendants have been indicted by the EIP SAUSA. Of these defendants, 146 have been indicted on drug trafficking charges. The defendants indicted under the program have been sentenced to 10,525 months (approximately 877 years) in federal prison, representing an average prison sentence of 57.6 months (4.8 years). Defendants indicted for drug trafficking offenses serve, on average, approximately 64 months (5.33 years) in federal prison.
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Idaho Falls Man Indicted for Possession with the Intent to Distribute over 70,000 Pills Containing FentanylRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Jason Scott Hurley, 44, of Idaho Falls, was indicted on July 25, 2023, by a federal grand jury sitting in Pocatello on three counts of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
The indictment alleges that on three separate occasions in June of 2023, Hurley knowingly and intentionally possessed four-hundred grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. According to court records, it is alleged that investigators seized over 70,000 pills from Hurley and storage units he controlled.
On August 2, 2023, Hurley appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy W. Dale and entered a not guilty plea. A jury trial is scheduled for October 10, 2023, before Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the Pocatello courthouse.
The charge of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl in the amount of four‑hundred grams or more is punishable by at least ten years and up to life in prison, a maximum fine of $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release.
This case is being investigated by the Idaho Falls Police Department, with assistance from the Bonneville County Sherriff’s Office, the Idaho State Police (District 5), the Chubbuck Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Paskett is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Idaho Man Indicted on Federal Charges for Shooting Power Stations at the Hells Canyon and Brownlee DamsRead the Press Release
BOISE — U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today that a federal grand jury in Boise returned an indictment charging Randy Scott Vail, 58, of Meridian, Idaho with two counts of destruction of an energy facility, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1366(a).
The indictment alleges that on June 8, 2023, and continuing into June 9, 2023, Vail used a rifle to shoot at the Hells Canyon Dam hydroelectric power station and the Brownlee Dam hydroelectric power station, causing damage to both. The damage resulted in significant interruption and impairment of a function of the facilities. The dams are owned and operated by Idaho Power Company and produce, transmit, store, and distribute electricity to Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.
If convicted, Vail faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge would determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, and the Meridian Police Department, which led to the charges. U.S. Attorney Hurwit also thanked the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Adams County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the Washington County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for their collaboration in the prosecution of the defendant.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Caldwell Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Richard Alan Stansell, 53, of Caldwell, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison for possession child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, in October 2021, the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force began investigating CyberTip reports from Google, Instagram, and Facebook. According to the reports, several online accounts had been used to upload child pornography. ICAC’s investigation revealed that the accounts belonged to Stansell. ICAC also learned that the Idaho State Police had an active investigation involving Stansell. As part of that investigation, Stansell had communicated online with two undercover detectives posing as 13-year-old females. During the online communications, Stansell engaged in sexually explicit conversation with the purported children and sent them pictures of his penis and other pornographic images.
ICAC obtained a federal search warrant to seize and search Stansell’s electronic devices. In May 2022, ICAC, and other members of law enforcement, executed the search warrant and seized Stansell’s cellphone. A forensic examination of the cellphone revealed numerous images and videos of child pornography and evidence that Stansell had traded files of child pornography with other individuals online. Investigators also located evidence that Stansell had been communicating with juveniles. During an interview, Stansell admitted to receiving, viewing, and distributing images of child pornography. Stansell also admitted to chatting online with underage girls and to receiving explicit images from them.
“The defendant’s illegal and harmful conduct in this case is deserving of the significant sentence imposed,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Other offenders tempted to produce, obtain, or share child pornography should know that they cannot hide. Our office and our law enforcement partners, including the ICAC Task Force, are laser-focused on prosecuting to the fullest extent anyone who would victimize children, and our collaborative efforts in these critical investigations are second to none.”
“I am proud of the work done by our office in cooperation with the U.S. Attorney, Idaho State Police, and the Caldwell Police Department. The ICAC unit has been instrumental in protecting children by putting offenders away. Furthermore, I want to thank the law enforcement professionals in the state and U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit for the diligent work that resulted in the conviction of Mr. Stansell,” Idaho Attorney General Labrador said.
U.S. District Judge Amanda Brailsford also sentenced Stansell to 16 years of supervised release, which will start upon completion of his prison sentence, and entered an order forfeiting the cellphone that was used to commit the offense. Stansell was ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to the victims in the images that he possessed. Stansell will also be required to register as a sex offender as a result of the conviction and pay a $5,100 special assessment to the Court.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the ICAC Task Force, the Idaho Attorney General’s Office, the Idaho State Police, and the Caldwell Police Department, which led to the charges.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Oklahoma Man Sentenced to 28 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Kobe Jace Mahoney, 22, of Seminole, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 336 months in federal prison for sexually exploiting a child by producing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, in November 2021 investigators learned that Mahoney traveled from Twin Falls, Idaho to Elko, Nevada, to meet a 13-year-old child. Mahoney admitted that he met the child on the Snapchat messaging application. He admitted that he had sexual intercourse with the child in Elko and used his cellphone to make a recording of the acts. Mahoney further admitted that he had engaged in sexual acts with approximately 24 different minor females with ages ranging from 11 to 17 years old in eight different states between August and November 2021. Mahoney claimed he exclusively used the Snapchat messaging application to meet the minor females.
Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Mahoney’s cellphone. Two videos of the sexual acts between Mahoney and the child in Elko were found on the cellphone and were created in the fall of 2021. Messages between Mahoney and the child were also found. The child informed Mahoney that was she was underage prior to his travel from Idaho to Nevada to meet her. Mahoney was previously convicted of rape in Garvin County, Oklahoma.
“Our collective efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of our society, our children, have never been more urgent,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “I thank our federal and local partners for all that they did in this case, and I look forward to working with them to ensure the safety of Idaho’s children.”
“Mahoney is a child predator who will spend the next 28 years behind bars in a federal prison and children across the country are safer because of it,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations operations in the Pacific Northwest. “This sentence is another example of the successful partnerships that exist between HSI and Idaho law enforcement. We are especially appreciative of the work conducted by the Twin Falls Police Department, as the results of this investigation not only lead to a lengthy prison sentence, it has assisted in identifying additional victims of child exploitation.”
U.S. District Judge Amanda Brailsford also sentenced Mahoney to a lifetime of supervised release, which will commence upon completing his prison sentence. Mahoney will also be required to register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit thanked Homeland Security Investigations in Boise and Reno, the Twin Falls Police Department, the Twin Falls County Prosecutor’s Office, the Elko County Sheriff’s Office, and the Elko County Prosecutor’s Office for their collaboration and hard work on this case. Law enforcement have identified and interviewed five minor victims in this investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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