District of Idaho
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Idaho Man Indicted for Federal Hate Crime Against LGBTQ Residents of BoiseRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Boise returned an indictment on Jan. 10, charging an Idaho man with a hate crime.
The indictment alleges that on Oct. 12, 2022, Matthew Alan Lehigh, 31, attempted to cause bodily injury to two people in Boise by driving his car at them. This assault, the indictment alleges, was motivated by the actual and perceived sexual orientation of the victims.
Boise Police apprehended Lehigh, and the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed state charges against Lehigh.
If convicted of the federal charges, Lehigh faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit for the District of Idaho and Special Agent in Charge Dennis W. Rice of the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office made the announcement. The Boise Police Department and FBI Salt Lake City Field Office investigated the 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 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.
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.
Meridian Woman Indicted for Embezzling More Than $1.7 Million from Black Canyon Irrigation DistrictRead the Press Release
BOISE – A federal grand jury in Boise returned an indictment charging Catherine Skidmore, 55, of Meridian, with 25 counts of wire fraud and 24 counts of money laundering, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
As alleged in the indictment, Skidmore was the Secretary-Treasurer of the Black Canyon Irrigation District (BCID) from 2014 to July 2022. BCID is a public, semi-municipal fee-collecting entity controlled by local landowners that served irrigation water supply in western Idaho. As Secretary-Treasurer, it is alleged Skidmore handled fee-collecting, bill payments, management of the investment accounts, and maintained the BCID’s QuickBooks database and ledgers. Skidmore also allegedly had access to, and signature authority over, the BCID’s bank accounts, including the ability to write and deposit checks and transfer funds to and from the accounts.
As further alleged in the indictment, the fees the BCID collected from its members were deposited into an operating account. Reserve funds were held in certificates of deposit and long-term investment accounts, including Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP) accounts with the Idaho State Treasurer. As further alleged in the indictment, Skidmore opened a separate LGIP account on behalf of the BCID without BCID’s knowledge and used that account to facilitate a series of transfers of BCID funds that were ultimately used by her for her personal use and benefit.
As alleged, Skidmore falsely represented to the BCID Board of Directors, Manager, and employees by making entries in the BCID internal accounting records that certain funds were used to pay the BCID expenses when, in fact, Skidmore spent the funds for her personal use. And as alleged, Skidmore also created and caused to be created fictitious invoices to make it appear that the funds Skidmore had stolen were used to pay for legitimate BCID business expenses when, in reality, Skidmore spent the funds to benefit herself.
As further alleged in the indictment, Skidmore fraudulently obtained at least $1,792,000 from her fraudulent scheme.
Skidmore is charged with wire fraud and money laundering. Skidmore is scheduled for trial on March 13, 2023, before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge David C. Nye of the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho. If convicted, she faces a maximum of 20 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 credited the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which led to the charges.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit to Co-Sponsor United Against Hate Event in Treasure ValleyRead the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit along with the College of Idaho, the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, DOJ Community Relations Service, and the FBI are convening a United Against Hate meeting on January 16 at College of Idaho in Caldwell, Idaho. 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-492001348277.
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 Office seeks to create and strengthen trust and partnerships among law enforcement, community leaders, and residents.
“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 January 16 event will include 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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U.S. Attorney Announces Office Collects Approximately $7.3 Million in Fiscal Year 2022Read the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today that the office’s Financial Litigation Program, which is part of the Asset Recovery Division, collected more than $5.6 million in criminal restitution, fines, and assessments and in civil debts for the fiscal year that ended September 30, 2022. In some cases, the U.S. Attorney’s Office worked in conjunction with litigating components of the U.S. Department of Justice. Of the total collected, approximately $3.4 million were criminal restitution, fines, and/or assessments, and approximately $2.17 million were civil debts. In addition, the Asset Forfeiture Unit, the other part of the Asset Recovery Division, deposited to the Asset Forfeiture Fund approximately $1.73 million in proceeds and instruments of crime in criminal and civil forfeiture actions.
“This year’s results show that our Asset Recovery Division is extremely effective at recovering money for victims and recouping the ill-gotten gains of those convicted of federal crimes in Idaho,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “As taxpayers, we should all be proud of the outstanding work these dedicated public servants have done over the past year.”
In fiscal year 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, through the Financial Litigation Program, collected over $3.2 million in criminal restitution that was or will be distributed to victims of crime. Other criminal collections such as fines go into the Crime Victims Fund. From there, funds are distributed to the Idaho Crime Victims Compensation Program, the Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance, and similar programs across the country. Money recovered from the illegal proceeds of criminal activity through forfeiture is returned to victims, used to offset the costs of operating federal prisons, and shared with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to help fight crime. Other recoveries go back to agency creditors.
Some notable criminal restitution collections include approximately $480,000 from a defendant who pled guilty to making a false statement to the United States, almost $384,000 from a defendant who committed a tax fraud offense, approximately $309,000 from a defendant that committed health care fraud and identify theft offenses, and almost $450,000 from defendants that committed fraud offenses.
Forfeitures valued at approximately $1,733,860, included currency, vehicles, and other property related to trafficking in controlled substances, fraud, child exploitation, and other serious crimes. These include $110,000 from a defendant who distributed drugs; $260,000 from a defendant who committed social security fraud; $90,000 from an embezzlement case; $96,688 from a case involving theft of government property; over $790,000 from a health care fraud case; over $90,000 from a COVID loan fraud case; and over $123,000 from a defendant convicted of drug distribution. In some cases, the United States shared, or will share, seized money and property with local investigating agencies. In victim cases, the U.S. Attorney’s Office works to direct proceeds of forfeiture to crime victims.
As for civil debts and penalties, the Financial Litigation Program collects civil penalties for violations of regulations involving, among other things, controlled substances, environmental protection, damage to federal property, and procurement fraud. It also collects civil debts for defaulted loans.
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Spokane Valley Man Sentenced for Involvement in Shooting Death of Coeur d’Alene TeenRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE – Dennen Trey George Fitterer-Usher, 24, of Spokane Valley, Washington, was sentenced this week to more than 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit.
According to court records, in 2021, Fitterer-Usher met Matthew James Holmberg, 20, of Spokane Valley, who was involved in distributing a variety of controlled substances, including fentanyl pills. Holmberg began bringing Fitterer-Usher to drug deals with him as an armed bodyguard.
On May 31, 2021, 18-year-old Gabriel Casper, Vadin Bartlett, 19, and Ashton Creech, 18, met Holmberg and Fitterer-Usher in their car, near Cherry Hill in Coeur d’Alene. Though Casper had arranged to purchase $300 worth of pills, he and the others were armed and arrived at the deal with the intent of robbing Holmberg. As planned, during the transaction, Casper attempted to steal the pills and Fitterer-Usher pulled his firearm and shot Casper six times. While Bartlett and Creech fled from the gun fire, Holmberg sped off with Casper still in the vehicle. Several blocks later, Casper was pushed from the moving car and left to die.
Casper was found lying in the middle of Coeur d’Alene Avenue, in Coeur d’Alene. Despite attempts by civilians and EMS to save him, Casper had been shot six times and ultimately succumbed to his wounds. Local, state, and federal officers began an immediate investigation into Casper’s death. Despite attempts by Fitterer-Usher and Holmberg to conceal the crimes, they were both eventually located and arrested.
“The sentence imposed for this crime—as well as the other multiple prosecutions arising from this investigation—shows that our office and our partners will spare no effort in seeking justice against those who commit violence and distribute drugs in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit.
“We are grateful for all of our state, local, and federal partners who cooperatively worked together to bring to justice Mr. Fitterer-Usher after he so callously shot Gabriel Casper,” said Jacob D. Galvan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “This investigation should be a warning to anyone who believes they can bring harm to our communities by distributing deadly narcotics and using violence. We will bring all of our resources to bear against you and hold you accountable.”
“The shipment of illegal and dangerous narcotics and the violence associated with drug trafficking remains a plague on our streets,” said Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Seattle Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains steadfast in our commitment to work with our partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement to do everything we can to bring these drug dealers to justice and protect communities throughout Idaho and across the country.”
Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill sentenced Fitterer-Usher to 177 months in federal prison. Fitterer-Usher, upon completion of his prison time, was also ordered to serve an additional three years of supervised release.
Holmberg was also charged federally with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He has pleaded guilty to both offenses and is set to be sentenced in front of Judge Winmill on February 6, 2023.
Bartlett and Creech were both prosecuted by the State of Idaho for attempted robbery. Bartlett was sentenced to a suspended sentence of five years fixed followed by seven years indeterminate and was placed on probation after completing a rider. Creech was sentenced to an imposed sentence of four years fixed followed by 11 years indeterminate and is currently serving his time in the Idaho Department of Correction.
As part of their investigation, officers learned that Holmberg had been selling fentanyl-laced pills for several months via social media websites, including SnapChat. Even after his arrest, officers continued to investigate Holmberg’s source of supply. This resulted in the arrest and prosecution of multiple individuals in Washington and Arizona who were involved in obtaining tens of thousands of fentanyl pills from a source in Mexico, via Arizona, and distributing those pills in Washington and North Idaho.
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 these 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). It is difficult to tell the difference between an authentic pill and a counterfeit pill.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty Lake Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Idaho State Police which led to charges. He also commended the work of other agencies who participated and assisted in the investigation of the sources of supply, which resulted in the arrest and conviction of multiple individuals in Washington and Arizona. Agencies who assisted include the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Eastern Washington, Lakewood Police Department, Medford Police Department, Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, Centralia Police Department, Chehalis Police Department, Shoshone County Sherriff’s Office, Washington Department of Corrections, United States Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, DEA Centralia Post of Duty, and certain DEA Task Forces: JNET, Tucson Strike Force, and Phoenix Group 16 DEALERS.
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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Out-Of-State Drug Traffickers Prosecuted in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
BOISE – Three out-of-state individuals were recently prosecuted in federal court for bringing illicit drugs into the Magic Valley area, announced U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit today.
“These prosecutions reflect that the people of Idaho will not tolerate drug traffickers bringing their poisons into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “The strong partnerships we have between federal, state, and local law enforcement are the backbone of our counter-drugs program and will continue to make a positive impact statewide.”
According to court records, on December 14, 2022, Brian David Schroeder, 47, of Arizona, pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing large amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute them to others. In September, Schroeder was stopped by sheriff’s deputies while driving on Highway 93 through Jerome, Idaho. After deputies observed a marijuana dispensary container in the car, a search was conducted. Inside the car was approximately 3.25 pounds of fentanyl, 3.15 pounds of methamphetamine, and a loaded 9mm handgun. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid responsible for an increase in overdose deaths in Idaho. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 15, 2023, before Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye.
Incidents of out-of-state individuals transporting drugs into Idaho have become all too common.
Earlier this month, on December 9, 2022, Cortez Williams, 46, of Reno, Nevada, was sentenced to 140 months in federal prison by Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill after he was caught traveling from Nevada to Idaho with the plan to distribute six pounds of methamphetamine to an individual in the Magic Valley. Police found the drugs hidden between the trunk liner and fender of his car. Williams had at least five prior convictions for drug trafficking at the time of his sentencing.
On November 9, 2022, Fabian Panuco Clark, 44, of Yuma County, Arizona, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison by Judge Winmill for attempting to traffic drugs in Idaho. After Clark fled to Idaho to avoid arrest in Arizona, he was located in Twin Falls and found in possession of approximately 900 pills containing fentanyl, over 200 grams of methamphetamine, and a loaded handgun. After being booked into the Twin Falls County Jail, Clark again attempted to bring drugs into Idaho by arranging for another person to drive to Nevada to obtain more methamphetamine. Police were able to interdict this shipment of methamphetamine before it could be brought back to Idaho for distribution.
U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the Idaho State Police, Jerome County Sheriff’s Office, Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, Twin Falls Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Jerome County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and Twin Falls County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, for their work on these cases.
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Two Idaho Men Sentenced to Prison for Crimes Against Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
POCATELLO and BOISE – Walter High Eagle, 51, of Fort Hall, and John Roger March, 60, of Boise, were each sentenced this week in U.S. District Court for separate crimes against federal officers, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
Eagle was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison for assault on an officer and for the use of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. According to court records, on July 17, 2020, Fort Hall Police and special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation had information that Eagle, a convicted felon, was unlawfully in possession of a firearm. Law enforcement sought and obtained a search warrant for Eagle’s residence on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation so they could enter to find the gun. As officers called out “police” and entered Eagle’s residence on the ground level floor, Eagle, on an upper level, began yelling down the stairs at the officers, stating that he had a gun and would shoot. Officers were at the bottom of the stairs and Eagle was standing in close proximity, nearly straight above them at the top of the stairs. Eagle told the officers to leave. They responded by asking him to come outside, and Eagle fired the gun. He then stated that he would shoot officers on the first level through the floor of the second level, where Eagle was located. One of the officers who Eagle shot at was a detective with the Fort Hall Police Department, who, under federal law, is a federal officer while engaged in the performance of her detective duties.
Some hours later, an FBI SWAT team arrived. As the team began to launch tear gas into Eagle’s residence to get him out of the house, Eagle fired a shot at the FBI armored vehicle, nearly striking an FBI Special Agent who was standing near the vehicle.
Eagle admitted knowingly and intentionally assaulting the detective and the agent by firing his gun. On February 16, 2022, Eagle pleaded guilty to the two charges of assault on an officer and to the separate crime of using the firearm while assaulting the officers.
Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill sentenced Eagle to 24 months in federal prison for each of the assault convictions and ten additional years in federal prison for using the firearm in furtherance of the assault. Judge Winmill also ordered Eagle to serve three years of supervised release after he completes his prison sentence.
“The increase in assaults on federal law enforcement officers—and law enforcement in general—is disturbing and will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “We will continue to send to prison those who commit crimes against the brave men and women who dedicate themselves to protecting our communities.”
March was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for threatening a federal officer. According to court records, on January 20, 2021, March stole a rug from a post office in Boise. The next day, three postal inspectors from the United States Postal Inspection Service and a Boise Police officer went to March’s residence in Boise to question him about the theft. March became hostile with law enforcement.
A few moments later, a postal inspector observed March turn his vehicle around and drive back towards the postal inspector. March continued towards the postal inspector until March’s right-side mirror collided with the postal inspector’s government vehicle. Officers arrested March for assault.
The following day, March made a threatening telephone call from the Ada County Jail with intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with the postal inspector’s performance of his official duties. Specifically, during the call, March made threatening statements against the postal inspector.
March was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison by Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye. Judge Nye also ordered March to serve three years of supervised release after he completes his prison sentence.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of the FBI and Fort Hall Police Department, as well as the Boise Police Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service, for their work on these respective cases.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho is committed to prosecuting those who harm or threaten to harm law enforcement and public officials. Additional recent cases involving threats to public servants prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho are linked below:
Twin Falls Man Sentenced for Threatening to Kill a Prosecutor
Middleton Man Sentenced for Threatening an FBI Agent
Nampa Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Violation
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Lapwai Man Convicted by Jury and Sentenced to Federal Prison for Hammer AttackRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE – Qaya Mikel Gordon, 20, of Lapwai, Idaho was sentenced to six years in federal prison for assault with a dangerous weapon, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
After a two-and-a-half-day trial in June 2022, a federal jury found Gordon guilty of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. According to trial testimony and court records, on November 1, 2021, Gordon went into a building where his mother and her then boyfriend were staying and repeatedly struck them both with a hammer. He also hit a six-month-old puppy in the attack. All injured parties required treatment by medical personnel.
After Gordon completes his prison term, he will serve three years of supervised release wherein he will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office. In addition to the prison sentence, Gordon was ordered to pay $11,782.08 in restitution.
The motive for the attack was unclear. At sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye commented that it was a heinous crime and the United States’ requested sentence of six years was appropriate.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit, of the District of Idaho, commended the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Nez Perce Tribal Police, which led to charges.
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U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit to Co-Sponsor United Against Hate Event in North IdahoRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit along with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, DOJ Community Relations Service, and the FBI are convening a United Against Hate meeting on November 17 at the Coeur d’Alene Casino in Worley, Idaho. The event is free and is open to the public. The registration link can be found here: eventbrite.com/e/united-against-hate-tickets-451742934277.
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 Office seeks to create and strengthen trust and partnerships among law enforcement, community leaders, and residents.
“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 17 event will include 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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Burley Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Manuel Curiel Jr., 37, of Burley, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, Curiel was initially arrested on January 21, 2020, after detectives with the Cassia County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at his residence. Detectives observed three-quarters of a pound of methamphetamine and two firearms in the camping trailer where Curiel lived. Text messages showing that Curiel was engaged in the distribution of methamphetamine were later located on Curiel’s cell phone.
On June 15, 2022, a federal jury sitting in Pocatello convicted Curiel of one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Curiel was sentenced to ten years and one month in federal prison by Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye. Judge Nye also ordered Curiel to serve five years of supervised release after he completes his prison sentence.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit, of the District of Idaho, commended the cooperative efforts of the Cassia County Sheriff’s Office and Idaho State Police, which led to the charges.
This case was handled by the U.S. Attorney Office’s specially deputized Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA), funded by the Eastern Idaho Partnership (EIP) and the State of Idaho. The EIP is a coalition of local city and county officials in eastern Idaho as well as the Idaho Department of Correction.
The EIP SAUSA program allows law enforcement to utilize the federal criminal justice system – through the EIP SAUSA – to prosecute, convict, and sentence violent, armed criminals and drug traffickers. These criminals often receive stiffer penalties than they might in state courts.
This program was created in January 2016. Since that time, approximately 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 9,123 months (approximately 760.25 years) in federal prison, representing an average prison sentence of 55.3 months (4.60 years). Defendants indicted for drug trafficking offenses serve, on average, approximately 60.71 months (5.05 years) in federal prison.
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United States Attorney Josh Hurwit Announces November 2022 Election Complaints ProgramRead the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today that multiple Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) from around Idaho have been appointed to lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. These AUSAs will be responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
“The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy,” U.S. Attorney Hurwit stated. “We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. We will be prepared to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election. Our office can be reached at (208) 334-1211.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The Salt Lake City FBI field office, which covers Idaho, can be reached by the public at (801) 579-1400.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can also be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at (800 ) 253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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Federal Jury Convicts Oregon Man of Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
BOISE – After a four-day trial, a federal jury sitting in Boise found Brett Michael Malone, 30, of Adrian, Oregon, guilty of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye presided over the trial, which began on October 24, and concluded with a guilty verdict on October 27. Following the jury’s verdict, Malone admitted a sentencing enhancement for committing the enticement crime while having a duty under state law to register as a sex offender. In 2013, Malone was convicted of rape in the third degree in Malheur County, Oregon.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Malone used Facebook to communicate with a 15-year-old girl in Idaho. During the communications, Malone sent the victim sexually explicit images and videos and enticed her to meet him for sexual contact. The victim’s mom located messages between Malone and the victim on the victim’s cellphone and reported the messages to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). HSI assumed the victim’s online identity and began communicating with Malone in an undercover capacity. During the communications, Malone continued to engage in sexually explicit conversation with the undercover agent posing as the victim and arranged to meet the victim for sexual contact. When Malone traveled to meet the victim, he was apprehended by law enforcement.
“Law enforcement did a great job in this case of responding quickly and effectively to a parent’s concern,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Because of that, this offender is unable to victimize anyone else.”
The charge of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor carries a minimum of ten years and up to life in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and at least five years and up to lifetime of supervised release. The sentencing enhancement carries a minimum of ten years in prison to run consecutively to the enticement count. Malone will be required to register as a sex offender as a result of the conviction.
Sentencing is set for February 6, 2023, before Judge Nye at the federal courthouse in Boise.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit, of the District of Idaho commended the cooperative efforts of HSI, Idaho State Police, and Boise Police Department, which led to charges.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. 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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U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit Convenes Domestic Violence Awareness Month EventRead the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit convened with over 50 representatives from victim advocacy groups, domestic violence organizations, tribal communities, and law enforcement agencies throughout Idaho to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month yesterday. U.S. Attorney Hurwit and other federal prosecutors from his office presented training on federal tools to prosecute domestic violence offenders and to reduce their ability to reoffend, including by prosecuting offenders who are prohibited from possessing firearms.
The event was part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s effort to bring together advocates, survivors, victim service providers, justice professionals, police and first responders, and communities across the U.S. in observing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Domestic violence is more prevalent than many realize. Approximately one in four women and one in seven men will experience severe domestic violence in their lifetimes. The rates are disproportionately higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, women of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities. The devastating consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime. Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides an opportunity to spread awareness about domestic violence and encourage everyone to play a role in ending gender-based violence.
“Our office is committed to prosecuting domestic violence crimes and supporting victims and survivors in Idaho,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “We want the community to know we are here to assist in these matters. But prosecution alone cannot fully address the underlying root problems that can lead to domestic abuse. That is why I am so grateful to the attendees at our event for sharing their stories and inspiring collaboration between law enforcement, advocates, and providers of social services.”
All attendees joined in a conversation about how to support domestic violence survivors and to break the cycles of abuse that too often affect generations of families and communities. The attendees collectively agreed that further communicating about domestic violence trends, as well about related issues, such as substance abuse and human trafficking, would be of benefit to their communities.
If you or someone you know is experiencing or has experienced domestic violence, you are not alone and there are many services available to help, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), the National Center for Victims of Crime www.victimsofcrime.org and the National Coalition against Domestic Violence https://ncadv.org/
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Twin Falls Man Sentenced for Threatening to Kill a ProsecutorRead the Press Release
BOISE - Nathanael Michael West, 25, of Twin Falls, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 84 months in federal prison for three counts of mailing threatening communications, U.S. Attorney Joshua D. Hurwit announced today.
In imposing his sentence, U.S. Chief District Judge David C. Nye recognized that while West did not carry out his threats, the harm he caused was “very real.” Chief Judge Nye also ordered West serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. West pleaded guilty to the charge on July 26, 2022.
According to court records, West admitted that on three dates between July and August 2021, he knowingly sent threatening letters through the United States Postal Service to three prosecutors in the state of Idaho. Two of the prosecutors had previously prosecuted West. In profane and graphic terms, West wrote that he would torture and murder the prosecutors.
After the prosecutors received the various letters, law enforcement officers interviewed West. After law enforcement advised him of his Miranda rights, West admitted to sending the letters. West sent the letter from the Idaho Department of Correction, where he is currently housed for other criminal acts. The 84-month sentence imposed for mailing threatening communications will begin after he has served his existing state sentence and a prior sentence for similar conduct.
“Threats against public officials, including law enforcement agents and prosecutors, is a growing problem, and it is unacceptable,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “It is our privilege to seek justice for the victims in this case who, through their work, do so much to protect our communities throughout Idaho.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho is committed to prosecuting cases involving threats to public servants. In August 2022, Erik Ehrlin, 33, of Greenleaf, Idaho was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release for unlawful possession of a firearm and assaulting a federal officer.
According to court records, Ehrlin was investigated for vandalism on U.S. Government Property in the Mann Creak Area starting in March 2021 by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). The vandalism included markings of “SAI,” which refers to the Sovereign Alliance of Idaho. The vandalism also included threats to federal employees. During a later encounter with law enforcement, Ehrlin struck the USFS agent with his pickup truck as he attempted to flee. In Ehrlin’s campsite, law enforcement officers located a semi-automatic rifle. In Ehrlin’s truck, law enforcement located body armor, eight loaded high-capacity magazines, a 9mm handgun with four additional loaded magazines, handcuffs, a red and blue siren, and a “POLICE” patch. On Ehrlin’s person, law enforcement located a Boise Police badge. Ehrlin is not a police officer. Investigators found ammunition in Ehrlin’s possession that contained writing on it, stating “DIE McLean,” “FUCK FEDS,” and “FUK BLM.” Ehrlin was previously convicted of sexual abuse in the first degree in Oregon and cannot lawfully possess firearms.
Additional recent cases involving threats to public servants prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys office for the District of Idaho:
Middleton Man Sentenced for Threatening an FBI Agent
Nampa Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Violation
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Washington Man Sentenced for Involvement in Sandpoint Teen's DeathRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – Antoinne James Holmes, 23, of Cusick, Washington, was sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury and death, announced U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill sentenced Holmes to 151 months in prison and ordered that he pay $3,270 in restitution. Holmes, upon completion of his prison time, was also ordered to serve an additional three years of supervised release.
On August 28, 2020, 16-year-old G.D. was found unconscious in his bedroom at his father’s home in Sandpoint, Idaho. He died, despite attempts to revive him by family and medical personnel. The coroner determined G.D. died of a fentanyl overdose; a toxicology report and autopsy showed that G.D. had a lethal dose of fentanyl in his system at the time of his death.
The case was investigated by the Sandpoint Police Department, Idaho State Police, and the DEA Drug Task Force in Coeur d’Alene. Officers began an immediate investigation into the death and learned G.D. had met with Holmes during the early morning hours of August 28, 2022, near Old Town, Idaho. Holmes sold G.D. pills containing fentanyl. It was one of these pills that eventually killed G.D. Based upon the evidence it appears that G.D. immediately lost consciousness after consuming the pill.
“This tragic case illustrates that fentanyl can be an instant killer,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “We must do all we can to rid our communities of this poison, and I know our federal, state, and local partners are dedicated to this mission. Prevention is also critical, and so we must all spread the word about this extremely addictive and deadly drug. This is truly about saving lives.”
“Unfortunately, this is another tragic example that One Pill Can Kill,” said Jacob D. Galvan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division. “We will continue to work with all our state, local, and federal partners to hold accountable individuals like Mr. Holmes and ensure we keep our communities safe and healthy.”
As part of their investigation, officers learned that Holmes had been selling fentanyl-laced pills for several months prior to G.D.’s death. Idaho and other states have 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).
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.
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 10.2 million fentanyl pills and approximately 980 pounds of fentanyl powder during the period of May 23, 2022 through Sept 8, 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://www.dea.gov/onepill.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit, of the District of Idaho, commended the cooperative efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.
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Methamphetamine Distributor Sentenced to over 7 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOISE – Steven John Gallardo, 43, of Boise, Idaho was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, between March and July 2021, Gallardo was involved in the distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine in the Boise area. On three occasions, Gallardo sold methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement officer. In July 2021, officers obtained a search warrant for Gallardo’s residence. Inside they found more methamphetamine, multiple firearms, and $11,129 in drug proceeds.
Following Gallardo’s arrest, he informed officers that he had been selling methamphetamine to supplement his income for over a year because he did not want to work a seven-dollar-an-hour job. He further stated that he was selling approximately one pound of methamphetamine every one to two weeks prior to his arrest.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also sentenced Gallardo to five years of supervised release, which will commence upon completion of his prison sentence. Gallardo pleaded guilty to the crime on July 26, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Joshua D. Hurwit, of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Nampa Police Department, Meridian Police Department, Boise Police Department, and Ada County Sheriff’s Office, which led to charges.
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U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit Announces Launch of Idaho COVID-19 Fraud Task ForceRead the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announces the formation of the District of Idaho’s COVID‑19 Fraud Task Force and highlights the District of Idaho’s ongoing efforts to combat pandemic‑related fraud. Those efforts have included complementary actions by the Criminal, Civil, and Asset Recovery Divisions, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
“The Task Force represents a continuation of my office’s commitment to combatting pandemic‑related fraud,” stated U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “It brings together a broad group of law enforcement agencies with prosecutors who will work jointly to hold accountable criminals who unjustly enriched themselves at the expense of taxpayers by defrauding economic aid programs.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is pleased to announce that the following agencies are part of the Task Force:
- U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General
- Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation
- U.S. Department of Treasury, Inspector General for Tax Administration
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General
- Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service
- U.S. Secret Service, Boise Resident Agency and Spokane Resident Office
“Those that commit fraud against SBA’s programs will be brought to justice and held accountable,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge Weston King. “OIG remains committed to rooting out bad actors and protecting the integrity of SBA programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing justice served.”
“Investigating claims of COVID-19 relief fraud remains a top priority for IRS Criminal Investigation,” said Andy Tsui, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge, Denver Field Office. “IRS-CI has investigated over 800 cases of COVID-19 related fraud and we will continue to hold accountable those that steal funds intended to help American workers, families and small businesses.”
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration joined the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Idaho to identify and investigate fraud, waste, and abuse of COVID-19 related government assistance programs,” said Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration J. Russell George. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate those who endeavor to corrupt these programs through the misuse of IRS systems and fraudulent IRS documents in furtherance of their schemes.”
The Task Force will identify, investigate, and prosecute those whose defrauded economic aid programs intended to help individuals and small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID‑19 pandemic. That includes programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), Coronavirus Farm Assistance Program (CFAP), Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), and Unemployment Insurance (UI). To fraudulently obtain these funds, criminals have created businesses, committed identity theft, and inflated the size and scope of actual businesses.
Case Examples
In conjunction with today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Hurwit also announced that Nicholas Jones, 36, of Boise, was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison for wire fraud and filing falsified campaign finance disclosures related to his run for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020. Jones was also ordered to pay a $100,000 fine, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office has already received a separate restitution payment of over $90,000 from Jones.
Jones, a small business owner, applied for and received COVID-19 relief funds, including PPP and EIDL funds, totaling $753,600. Despite certifying that these funds would only be used for business-related expenditures, Jones used a significant portion of the funds for personal expenses, including car payments, life insurance policies, and his mortgage. He also purchased a significant amount of stocks and investments with the relief funds.
In addition, Jones ran as a candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in 2020. He used a portion of COVID-19 relief funds he received for campaign purposes. In addition to paying for political advertising, he used PPP funds to pay his restaurant employees not to work for the restaurant, but to work for his congressional campaign, including by making phone calls and hanging campaign flyers.
In imposing his sentence, Chief United States District Judge David C. Nye said that Jones had to bear the consequences of his conduct, which included misusing “money that was significant and no longer available for its intended purpose.”
Other examples of cases that the COVID-19 Fraud Task Force investigated and that led to charges include:
- Douglas Wold, 50, of Meridian, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering in December 2021. During the early months of the pandemic, Wold committed wire fraud by submitting fraudulent payroll requests to his employer. He also committed mail fraud with respect to a COVID-19 testing program by issuing fraudulent invoices to his employer Fry Foods in the name of his business, Hala Lallo Health, when, in fact, the testing was provided by another entity and at a greatly lower cost. Wold deposited the funds he received into a bank account he controlled and did not pay the health provider that actually conducted the testing. Wold committed money laundering by transferring $69,116.48 in proceeds from his frauds for the purchase of a speedboat and trailer, which the Government has since recovered.
- Jeff C. Vogt, of Caldwell, fraudulently obtained $250,000 in CFAP funds based on his false claim that he produced 22,480,000 pounds of dry onions that were shipped but not sold between January 15, 2020 and April 15, 2020. A civil complaint was filed against Vogt alleging violations of the False Claims Act and common law fraud. After Vogt failed to respond, a default judgment for $761,665 was entered against him.
- Lawrence Sikutwa, 43, of Boise, was charged with bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering charges in an indictment filed in October 2022. The charges arise from a scheme to defraud two banks by obtaining $337,976 in PPP loans and then allegedly using the loan proceeds for personal and other non-business related expenses. According to court documents, the loan applications were allegedly fraudulent because, among other things, they contained false representations and certifications about the businesses’ average monthly payroll, the number of employees, and the intended use of the funds for business-related expenses, including payroll.
- Khadijah Chapman, 58, of Atlanta, Georgia; Daniel Labrum, 41, of South Jordan, Utah; and Eric O’Neil, 57, of Bethel, Connecticut, were charged in three separate indictments filed in July 2022 with bank fraud for fraudulently obtaining PPP loans from a financial institution located in Boise. According to court documents, the defendants, along with others, allegedly falsified information and submitted fraudulent documents to collectively obtain over $2.4 million in relief funding guaranteed by the SBA for small businesses struggling with the economic impact of COVID-19.
Citizens and others who suspect fraud or other criminal wrongdoing related to the pandemic should report it to the COVID-19 Pandemic Fraud Hotline at www.pandemicoversight.gov/contact/about-hotline. Idahoans are also encouraged to report COVID-19 fraud directly to the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (208) 334-1211.
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 Congressional Candidate Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Falsification of RecordsRead the Press Release
A former U.S. Congressional candidate was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for his scheme to use COVID-19 relief funds for personal expenditures and filing a false report with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) by concealing thousands of dollars of in-kind contributions by employees.
Nicholas Jones, 36, of Boise, Idaho, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and falsification of records on June 1. In addition to the prison sentence, Jones was also ordered to pay a $100,000 fine and $90,564.84 in restitution.
According to court documents, Jones was a small business owner who applied for and received $753,600 in COVID-19 relief funds, primarily from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Despite certifying that the funds would only be used for business-related expenditures, Jones used a significant portion of these funds for personal expenses, including car payments, life insurance policies, and political advertisements.
According to court documents, in 2020, Jones ran as a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives and told employees of his small business that they could continue to be paid their normal wages if they worked on his congressional campaign. Employees reported to work on behalf of Jones’s congressional campaign and were paid thousands of dollars in wages through Jones’s small business including, in part, with funds Jones had received as part of a PPP loan. After losing the primary election, Jones caused his campaign committee to file a campaign finance report with the FEC that omitted any in-kind contributions from any entity or individual other than Jones, including the thousands of dollars of in-kind contributions to his campaign in the form of employee time and work.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit for the District of Idaho, and Special Agent in Charge Dennis Rice of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Rosaleen O’Gara and Nicole Lockhart of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit for the District of Idaho prosecuted the case.
Boise Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Zane Beckman, 29, of Boise, was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison for producing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, the investigation began in April of 2020, when the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (“ICAC”) Task Force received a report that Beckman had communicated online with a 10-year-old child in Texas and solicited explicit images from her. In August of 2020, ICAC, and other members of law enforcement, executed a federal search warrant at Beckman’s Boise residence and seized his electronic devices. On his cellphone, ICAC located explicit images of a 4-year-old child and an 8-year-old child that Beckman had produced at his Boise residence. ICAC also located evidence that Beckman had communicated online with other minors and had solicited, and received, explicit images from them. ICAC located hundreds of other images of child pornography on Beckman’s cellphone and other electronic devices.
Chief United States District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Beckman to serve a lifetime term supervised release following his prison sentence, to forfeit the electronic devices that were used to commit the offense, and to pay $69,053.12 in restitution to the victims in the images he produced and possessed. Beckman also paid $68,000 in lieu of forfeiture of his residence. As a result of the conviction, Beckman will be required to register as a sex offender.
“This sentence sends the message that significant time in federal prison awaits those who produce, distribute, or possess child pornography,” U.S. Attorney Hurwit said. “We will continue to vigorously pursue anyone involved in these crimes. And this case highlights the importance of the partnership between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in rooting out this evil and protecting our children.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit, of the District of Idaho commended the cooperative efforts of the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Boise Police Department, and Garland Police Department in Texas which led to charges.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Pocatello Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Discharging a Firearm During a RobberyRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – A Pocatello man was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for the discharge of a firearm during a robbery that occurred on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation on June 23, 2021. According to court records, Jose Acosta, Jr., 41, entered a camping trailer and demanded money from a female occupant. The victim refused and fought with Acosta. During the struggle, Acosta fired a pump-action .22 caliber rifle multiple times. The female victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital. Acosta fled the scene after the shooting and was arrested the next day after an extensive manhunt.
On October 4, 2022, Acosta was sentenced to a mandatory term of ten years in federal prison by Senior District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill. Acosta was also ordered to serve a term of five years of supervised release once his sentence is completed.
U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, of the District of Idaho, made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Fort Hall Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bingham County Sherriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the other assisting local agencies which led to charges.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case was handled by the U.S. Attorney Office’s specially deputized Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA), funded by the Eastern Idaho Partnership (EIP) and the State of Idaho. The EIP is a coalition of local city and county officials in eastern Idaho as well as the Idaho Department of Correction.
The EIP SAUSA program allows law enforcement to utilize the federal criminal justice system – through the EIP SAUSA – to prosecute, convict, and sentence violent, armed criminals and drug traffickers. These criminals often receive stiffer penalties than they might in state courts.
This program was created in January 2016. Since that time, approximately 199 defendants have been indicted by the EIP SAUSA. Of these defendants, 27 have been indicted on firearms-related charges. The defendants indicted under the program have been sentenced to 8,892 months (approximately 741 years) in federal prison, representing an average prison sentence of 54.55 months (4.54 years). Defendants indicted for firearms-related offenses serve, on average, approximately 41.68 months (3.5 years) in federal prison.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho Takes Part in Department of Justice’s Comprehensive Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
BOISE – The Justice Department announced today the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“Our Office is strongly committed to investigating and prosecuting elder fraud in Idaho,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. “We will not hesitate to use our resources to track down those who prey upon older Americans through online or other scams, even when the criminals are not in Idaho.”
During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged.
This past August, a federal grand jury in Boise returned an indictment against James Dougherty, 42, and Jessica Dougherty, 41, that charged conspiracy to commit wire fraud, seven counts of wire fraud, and bank fraud. As alleged in the indictment, James and Jessica Dougherty devised a scheme to defraud an elderly individual residing in Idaho. As further alleged in the indictment, the elderly individual ostensibly signed a power of attorney, will, and trust in favor of James and Jessica Dougherty, which James and Jessica Dougherty then used to access the elderly individual’s money and property for their own personal use and benefit, including transferring the elderly individual’s home into their own names.
As part of the District of Idaho’s elder fraud efforts, it engages with the community and industry to raise awareness about scams and exploitation and preventing victimization, including regularly meeting with local law enforcement and financial institutions about elder fraud scams in Idaho. The District of Idaho’s Elder Justice Coordinator, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean M. Mazorol, will continue to work with state and local law enforcement partners and stakeholders to effectively educate elders and prevent elder abuse, but also to investigate and prosecute when necessary.
The Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
The Department announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mountain Time. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit also invited Idahoans to contact his Office directly at (208) 334-1211 and ask for Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Mazorol to report incidents of fraud directed at older Americans.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Nampa Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
BOISE – Isaac Bright, 29, of Nampa, Idaho, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, on January 29, 2022, a police officer with the Wilder Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Bright. Bright failed to stop, resulting in a high-speed pursuit. Bright was eventually arrested after discharging a firearm at a Wilder Police Officer. When Bright was arrested, he possessed a 9mm caliber pistol. At the time of the arrest, Bright was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2016 conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm.
Bright is scheduled to be sentenced on January 11, 2023. He faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit, of the District of Idaho, made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Wilder Police Department and the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, which led to charges. The Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Boise Police Department; Caldwell Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; Meridian Police Department; Nampa Police Department; and Idaho Department of Correction.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit www.treasurevalleypartners.org.
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U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit Announces New Reporting Method for Environmental Violations & Environmental Justice ConcernsRead the Press Release
Josh Hurwit, United States Attorney for the District of Idaho, announced today the creation of a new method for members of the public to report information about environmental violations and issues of environmental justice. U.S. Attorney Hurwit encourages residents to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at [email protected] when also contacting local, state, or federal agency hotlines or websites to report environmental health or safety concerns. The public is also welcome to contact the Office at (208) 334-1211.
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
The Office is creating this public reporting method under the Department of Justice’s Comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy, which seeks to provide the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards to all our citizens, and to ensure that everyone has equal access to a healthy environment in which to live, learn, play, and work.
“Idaho’s unique natural beauty and valuable natural resources bring us together and support Idaho’s incredible quality of life,” Hurwit explained. “The strength of our environment supports many important industries and activities that make Idaho so special, from ranching and farming to backpacking, hunting, and boating. Protecting our lands, our air, and our waters is an investment we must make for future generations.”
Notifying the U.S. Attorney’s Office about environmental justice concerns helps us protect the community from harmful violations of federal law. The Office’s public reporting procedures are in addition to other methods of reporting environmental concerns to the federal government, such as the online portal maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations. To learn more about Environmental Justice and reporting procedures, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-id/Environmental%20Justice.
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Boise Man Sentenced to over 14.5 Years in Prison for Federal Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BOISE – A Boise man was sentenced to 175 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and the unlawful possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced.
According to court records, on November 12, 2021, law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Anthony James Wylie, 32, of Boise, for a traffic infraction. Wylie failed to pull over and led law enforcement on a high-speed chase. During the pursuit, Wylie threw a case from his vehicle containing hundreds of fentanyl pills and over $1,500. Wylie abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot. Inside the vehicle, investigators located a .32 caliber handgun. Wylie was eventually located and arrested hiding in a nearby residence. Investigators also recovered over two pounds of methamphetamine that Wylie possessed during the chase.
Wylie has lengthy criminal history that includes convictions for grand theft, possession of a controlled substance, and the unlawful possession of a firearm. Wylie was on federal supervision at the time of the instant offense.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Wylie to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Wylie pleaded guilty to the charges on July 1, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nampa Police Department for their work on the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Former Caldwell Police Department Lieutenant Convicted of Falsifying Records, Witness Tampering, and Destruction of RecordsRead the Press Release
BOISE – A federal jury convicted a former Caldwell Police Department Lieutenant of falsifying a record or document in a federal investigation, witness tampering by harassment, and destroying a record to impair its use in an official proceeding. The jury found Hoadley not guilty of willful deprivation of rights under color of law.
Joseph Alan Hoadley, 42, of Caldwell, was convicted after a five-day jury trial in U.S. District Court before the Honorable Scott W. Skavdahl, U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Wyoming. He faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on each of the three charges. Sentencing is scheduled for December of 2022.
During the trial, the jury heard evidence that Hoadley, while employed as a Lieutenant with the Caldwell Police Department, used force against B.H. in Caldwell in 2017 while he was detained and handcuffed. Hoadley falsified a subsequent police report detailing his actions during the incident. In 2021, knowing that he was the target of an FBI investigation, Hoadley harassed and intimidated C.H. with the intent to dissuade him from cooperating with the FBI investigation. In April of 2022, after being indicted by a federal grand jury, Hoadley destroyed data on his city‑issued laptop and cellphone one day before turning them over to the acting Caldwell Police Chief, who had placed Hoadley on administrative leave because of the charges.
“The safety of our communities and our ability to uphold the rule of law depend on the honesty and integrity of law enforcement officers,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. “And so we will never waiver in prosecuting violations of the law, even when a police officer is the offender. I am proud of our prosecutors and staff for their work on this difficult case. I also commend the FBI for its thorough and fair investigation. Finally, I want to recognize the current and former Caldwell Police officers who testified under extremely difficult circumstances.”
A press conference will be held at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boise at noon on Monday, September 26, 2022.
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Blackfoot Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Andrew Ray Young, 35, of Blackfoot was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for coercing a minor to engage in sexual activity and producing and receiving child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, the investigation began in December 2020, after an individual reported finding sexually explicit Snapchat messages between a 14-year-old child and Young. A detective with the Bonneville County Sherriff’s Office obtained a search warrant for Young’s home and electronic devices. A search of Young’s phone found that Young was having sexual conversations with the child for over eight months. During that time, he had the child produce numerous sexually explicit images and videos. This included 38 files recovered from Young’s phone. The child testified at trial that the Defendant met her online. Through a process of grooming, he convinced her to produce the images and videos.
Visiting Wyoming Chief U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl also sentenced Young to 25 years of supervised release, which will commence upon completing his prison sentence. Young will also be required to register as a sex offender. Young was convicted by a federal jury sitting in Pocatello on June 22, 2022.
“Protecting the most vulnerable members of our society, our children, has never been more urgent,” said Hurwit. “I thank our federal and local partners for their teamwork and dedication in this case. We will continue our efforts to ensure the safety of Idaho’s children.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Rexburg, Idaho Falls, and Blackfoot Police Departments, and the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force, which led to charges.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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North Idaho Woman Sentenced for Embezzling over 3.6 Million Dollars in Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE – Trina Welch, 49, of Osburn, Idaho was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for committing wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, Welch, was employed by Kasco of Idaho, LLC as a bookkeeper from 2012 until 2019. Kasco is a construction and telecommunication company that does work in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Alaska. Beginning in at least 2013 and continuing until the day she was terminated on July 3, 2019, Welch used her position as a bookkeeper to engage in a scheme and plan to defraud Kasco and obtain money and property for herself. Welch conducted the scheme by issuing 341 fraudulent checks to purchase properties, vehicles, and travel for herself, her family, and her friends.
In January of 2022, Welch pleaded guilty to the charge of wire fraud, admitting that in 2017 alone she took over $930,000 just to pay her Bank of America credit cards. As part of the plea agreement, Welch admitted writing the 341 fraudulent checks, and agreed to pay restitution and forfeit her interest in any of the properties she bought with the money. However, she contested that the entire amount of the checks represented a loss to Kasco. After a two-day hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye found that Welch’s scheme caused a $3,673,934.00 loss to Kasco.
Chief Judge Nye also ordered Welch to forfeit her interest in six different properties she bought with Kasco funds, and to pay restitution in the amount of $3,678,237.73.
Welch was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshal Service after the hearing to begin her prison sentence. After prison, Welch will serve 3 years of supervised release wherein she will be required to report to a U.S. Probation Officer.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit, of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rathdrum Police Department which led to charges.
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Rupert Man Convicted of Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Ryan Arthur Burton, 43, of Rupert was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, Burton was arrested April 10, 2021, after deputies with the Cassia County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a possible domestic violence incident in the City of Burley. Deputies contacted the Defendant and found that he was in possession of a loaded firearm. Defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction. Defendant was originally indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2021. Defendant entered a guilty plea on May 5, 2022.
Burton was sentenced by the Honorable B. Lynn Winmill, District Court Judge, to federal prison on September 14, 2022 and was ordered to complete three years of supervised release after his prison sentence is finished.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit, of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Cassia County Sheriff's Office, which led to charges.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and\measuring the results.
This case was handled by the U.S. Attorney Office’s specially deputized Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA), funded by the Eastern Idaho Partnership (EIP) and the State of Idaho. The EIP is a coalition of local city and county officials in eastern Idaho as well as the Idaho Department of Correction.
The EIP SAUSA program allows law enforcement to utilize the federal criminal justice system – through the EIP SAUSA – to prosecute, convict, and sentence violent, armed criminals and drug traffickers. These criminals often receive stiffer penalties than they might in state courts.
This program was created in January 2016. Since that time, approximately 199 defendants have been indicted by the EIP SAUSA. Of these defendants, 26 have been indicted for unlawful possession of a firearm. The defendants indicted under the program have been sentenced to 8,650 months (approximately 721 years) in federal prison, representing an average prison sentence of 53.7 months (4.47 years). Defendants indicted for unlawfully possessing a firearm serve, on average, approximately 40.7 months (3.4 years) in federal prison.
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U.S. Attorney Hurwit Appoints Leadership TeamRead the Press Release
BOISE – United States Attorney Josh Hurwit announced the appointment of the following individuals to the U.S. Attorney’s Office leadership team today: First Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin D. Whatcott, Executive U.S. Attorney Kate Horwitz, Civil Chief Nick Woychick, Deputy Criminal Chief Chris Atwood, Deputy Criminal Chief Kevin Maloney, Coeur d’Alene Branch Manager Traci Whelan, Pocatello Branch Manager Jack Haycock, and Senior Litigation Counsels Joanne Rodriguez and Syrena Hargrove.
“I have worked alongside each of these talented public servants for many years now,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “They bring a diverse set of backgrounds and experience to our collective mission of upholding the rule of law in Idaho. I could not be more excited to continue to work with each of them in their leadership capacities for the benefit of our great state.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit appointed Justin D. Whatcott as First Assistant U.S. Attorney. Whatcott has served as Criminal Chief since March of 2020 and was appointed as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in September of 2010. Whatcott, a native of Post Falls, Idaho, previously served as a state prosecutor in Latah, Blaine, and Ada Counties, as well as for the Idaho Attorney General’s Office. He is a graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit appointed Kate Horwitz as Executive U.S. Attorney. Horwitz has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Idaho since 2016. Horwitz previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Oklahoma and clerked for the Honorable Robin Cauthron, U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma, and for The Honorable Mary Beck Briscoe and The Honorable Robert Bacharach on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit appointed Nick Woychick as Civil Chief, a position he has held since 2018, and previously held from 2005 to 2010. Woychick has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney since 1995 and was the Senior Litigation Counsel from 2010 to 2014. Woychick previously externed with the Idaho Supreme Court, clerked for the Honorable Harold L. Ryan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, and worked as a litigation associate at Hawley Troxell Ennis & Hawley in Boise.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit appointed Chris Atwood as Deputy Criminal Chief, a position he has held since 2019. Atwood has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney since 2015 and previously served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney sponsored by the Treasure Valley Partnership to address gang crimes. Atwood, a native of Blackfoot, Idaho, previously served as an Ada County Deputy Prosecutor, as a District Court law clerk in Ada County, and is a graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit appointed Kevin Maloney as Deputy Criminal Chief. Maloney has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney since 2002 and supervised the Asset Forfeiture Unit from 2017 to 2022. Maloney previously served as an Ada County Deputy Prosecutor and as legislative counsel for the Idaho Prosecuting Attorney’s Association.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit appointed Traci Whelan as Coeur d’Alene Branch Manager, a position she has held since 2003. Whelan has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney since 1998, previously served as a Kootenai County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, and has over 30 years of prosecution experience.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit appointed Jack Haycock as Pocatello Branch Manager, a position he has held since 1999. Haycock has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney since 1991, and previously served as a Deputy Attorney General for the Idaho Attorney General’s Office, as an Ada County Deputy Prosecutor, and as a Judge Advocate General in the United States Air Force.
In addition to these appointments, U.S. Attorney Hurwit re-appointed Joanne Rodriguez as Senior Litigation Counsel, a position she has held since 2018. Rodriguez will retire from the U.S. Attorney’s office at the end of September after almost 40 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. Rodriguez previously was a Deputy District Attorney in Palm Springs, California, for 5 years. She graduated from the University of California at Davis.
“Ms. Rodriguez was one of my first mentors when I joined our office, and I have relied on her wise counsel throughout my career here,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “She has had a distinguished career in public service, and while we will miss her in our office, we wish her all the best in her retirement.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit appointed Syrena C. Hargrove as Senior Litigation Counsel, a change that will take effect on October 1, 2022. Hargrove has served as Appellate Chief since September of 2010 and will retain that position. She was appointed as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in March of 2008. Hargrove previously served as Civil Chief, as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Boise, as an associate for Bredhoff & Kaiser, and as a law clerk for the Honorable Stephen S. Trott and the late T.G. Nelson, both of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Honorable B. Lynn Winmill of the United States District Court for the District of Idaho. She is a graduate of Harvard Law School.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho was created in 1863 when Idaho became a territory. For 159 years it has been responsible for enforcing federal criminal laws and representing the United States and its departments and agencies in civil actions. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho includes the main office in Boise and branch offices in Coeur d’Alene and Pocatello.
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Middleton Man Sentenced for Threatening an FBI AgentRead the Press Release
BOISE – A federal judge sentenced a Middleton, Idaho man to three years of supervised probation for threatening an FBI Agent, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, of the District of Idaho, announced today.
According to court records, Jerald Reutzel, 48, of Middleton, Idaho, contacted a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent through text messaging in November of 2020. In the text message, Reutzel falsely accused the FBI agent of failing to investigate a local crime, referred to the agent with profane slurs, and threatened to assault the agent. Reutzel sent the threat on account of the FBI agent’s performance of his official duties and intended to threaten the FBI Special Agent. Reutzel was interviewed by law enforcement, where he admitted to sending the text message, acknowledged the message was threatening, but denied intending to carry out the threat.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also gave Reutzel credit for serving 136 days in custody, and ordered he pay a $500 fine and a $100 special assessment.
“At the U.S. Attorney’s Office, one of our most solemn obligations is to support our law enforcement partners. Law enforcement agents protect the American people from violent crime, terrorism, and other threats to their safety, often at great personal sacrifice and risk,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Our office will not tolerate threats of violence against these public servants at any level.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit made the announcement and commended the combined efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, which led to charges.
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Arizona Man Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl in Eastern IdahoRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Gabriel Lopez, 46, of Tucson, Arizona was sentenced to five years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, Lopez was arrested on July 19, 2021, after detectives with the BADGES Task Force conducted an investigation and found a bag containing 1,694 pills that tested positive for fentanyl in Lopez’s vehicle during a traffic stop. The approximate street value of the pills seized is $34,000-$42,500. Lopez admitted to police that he knew that the pills contained fentanyl.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often disguised as oxycodone, blue pills stamped with “M 30.” Most fentanyl is produced in Mexico by drug cartels. Inconsistent dosages in illicitly manufactured pills containing fentanyl have contributed to a dramatic increase in overdoses across the county. Approximately 42% of fentanyl pills seized by law enforcement have a lethal dose of fentanyl in them.
“Fentanyl is a deadly poison causing incalculable harm across country, and unfortunately Idaho is not exempt from this crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “We must band together to raise awareness, and our Office is grateful to work with dedicated law enforcement partners to take this drug off of our streets and to remove from our communities those who peddle it.”
“These are important cases as the drug trade and illicit drug use takes a deadly toll on our communities,” said Oregon-Idaho High Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Lieutenant Clint Skinner. “Over the past three years, we have seen an increase of fentanyl in Idaho; it is addictive and dangerous. Law enforcement agencies will continue working together to interrupt the supply while community support is needed to address demand for the drug. A five-year sentence taking almost 1,700 pills off our streets is a success. We thank all the agencies involved.”
U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Lopez to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Lopez pleaded guilty to the charge on April 28, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit, of the District of Idaho, commended the cooperative efforts of the BADGES Task Force which led to charges.
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. 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.
This case was handled by the U.S. Attorney Office’s specially deputized Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA), funded by the Eastern Idaho Partnership (EIP) and the State of Idaho. The EIP is a coalition of local city and county officials in eastern Idaho as well as the Idaho Department of Correction.
The EIP SAUSA program allows law enforcement to utilize the federal criminal justice system – through the EIP SAUSA – to prosecute, convict, and sentence violent, armed criminals and drug traffickers. These criminals often receive stiffer penalties than they might in state courts.
This program was created in January 2016. Since that time, approximately 199 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 8,469 months (approximately 706 years) in federal prison, representing an average prison sentence of 54 months (4.5 years). Defendants indicted for drug trafficking offenses serve, on average, approximately 58.2 months (4.85 years) in federal prison.
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Oregon Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Gregory Boris, 27, of Ontario, Oregon, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for distribution of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, on November 22, 2019, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), along with state and local law enforcement, conducted an undercover internet-based child exploitation operation in Ada County. During the operation, Boris began communicating with an undercover detective posing as a 13-year-old girl. During the communications, Boris engaged in sexually explicit conversation with the purported 13-year-old and requested sexually explicit images. Boris also distributed images and videos of child pornography to the purported 13-year-old. HSI and local law enforcement later executed a search warrant at Boris’ Ontario residence and seized the cellphone he used to communicate with the undercover detective, as well as his laptop. A forensic examination revealed child pornography on the laptop.
Chief United States District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Boris to serve 20 years of supervised release following his prison sentence, to forfeit the electronic devices that were used to commit the offense, and to pay $27,000 in restitution to the victims in the images he possessed. As a result of the conviction, Boris will be required to register as a sex offender.
“There is no higher calling for law enforcement than to protect children, and this case shows how we work effectively across state lines and with our state and local partners to remove child predators from our communities,” U.S. Attorney Hurwit said. “We will continue to devote the resources necessary to make our Project Safe Childhood program one of the best in the country.”
“The conduct that Mr. Boris chose to engage in has no place in our society, and I’m thankful for the successful partnerships our agents have developed with law enforcement agencies in Idaho and Oregon to pursue child predators wherever they may lurk,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “This sentence is a valuable piece in protecting our communities, and a reminder that our combined vigilance is necessary to further defend children from exploitation.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit, of the District of Idaho commended the cooperative efforts of HSI, Idaho State Police, Rupert Police Department, Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, and Malheur County District Attorney’s Office which led to charges.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Twin Falls Man Sentenced to over 11 Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Domingo Zapata, 28, of Twins Falls, was sentenced to 136 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, in May of 2021, an undercover agent with Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) learned that Zapata was a member of an internet group dedicated to the posting and sharing of child pornography. On six occasions, the undercover agent saw Zapata post child pornography within the group, including videos depicting prepubescent children engaged in sexual act with adults. Pursuant to a search warrant authorized by a federal judge, HSI obtained the contents of Zapata’s internet account. Within the account, HSI located over 600 images of child pornography. HSI later obtained a search warrant to examine Zapata’s cellphone and located child pornography on the cellphone.
“This case shows our unyielding resolve to identify, arrest, and prosecute those involved in distributing child pornography,” said U.S Attorney Josh Hurwit. “I am grateful for the work of the ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task Force, which finds offenders who prey on the most vulnerable members of our society. ICAC’s success in protecting Idaho’s children arises from cooperation between local, state, and federal partners, and particularly in this case HSI, Twin Falls Police Department, and Twin Falls Prosecutor’s Office. This office and our law enforcement partners will continue our critical work to protect Idaho’s children.”
“Today’s sentence of over 11 years will ensure Mr. Zapata can no longer pilfer vile images that re-victimize children every time the ‘send’ button was pressed,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “HSI is a proud participant in the ICAC taskforce as this growing threat can only be addressed through a team approach.”
Chief United States District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Zapata to serve 10 years of supervised release following his prison sentence, to forfeit the cellphone that was used to commit the offense, and to pay $33,000 in restitution to the victims in the images he possessed. As a result of the conviction, Zapata will be required to register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit, of the District of Idaho, commended the cooperative efforts of HSI, Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Twin Falls Police Department, and Twin Falls Prosecutor’s Office which led to charges.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Fort Hall Man Sentenced to 38 months Imprisonment for AssaultRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – A Fort Hall man was sentenced to 38 months in federal prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on January 7, 2022, Evaristo Antonio Aguilar, 28, and the victim went to his residence on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. Once inside the house, Aguilar, who had been using heroin, barricaded the door so the victim could not leave the residence. Aguilar then hit the victim on the leg and in the face with a dog leash. Aguilar slammed the victim’s face into a mirror and hit and kicked the victim over the next few hours, with the victim drifting in and out of consciousness. Late in the evening Aguilar dragged the victim down the hallway toward the bedroom and told her it was time to go to bed. At around 10:00 pm Aguilar fell asleep, and the victim managed to leave the house and call police from a cell phone in her car. Responding officers stated that the victim’s face was swollen, with black and bruised eyes and blood on the victim’s mouth and nose. The victim was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with a collapsed lung, broken ribs, broken bones in her face and hand and extensive bruising over her body. The victim has since recovered.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Aguilar to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, of the District of Idaho, made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Hall Police Department which led to the charges.
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Statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Regarding Reproductive RightsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department tonight issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland following the U.S. District Court of the District of Idaho’s decision to issue a preliminary injunction blocking the enforcement of Idaho’s ban on abortion as applied to medical care required by the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). The law, Idaho Code § 18-622, prohibits abortion even when abortion is the medically necessary treatment to stabilize a patient’s emergency medical condition.
On Aug. 2, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit challenging the law on the grounds that it is preempted by EMTALA. It is set to go into effect on Thurs., Aug. 25.
“Today’s decision by the District Court for the District of Idaho ensures that women in the State of Idaho can obtain the emergency medical treatment to which they are entitled under federal law. This includes abortion when that is the necessary treatment. As the District Court ruled, a state law that attempts to prevent a hospital from fulfilling its obligations under EMTALA violates federal law and the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.
“The Department of Justice will continue to use every tool at its disposal to defend the reproductive rights protected by federal law.
“The Department disagrees with yesterday’s decision by the District Court for the Northern District of Texas, which preliminarily enjoins the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ July 11, 2022 guidance on EMTALA and Secretary Becerra’s accompanying letter as applied to the plaintiffs in that litigation. We are considering appropriate next steps.”
The Justice Department is committed to protecting access to reproductive services. Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs, the Justice Department established the Reproductive Rights Task Force, chaired by Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. The Task Force is charged with protecting access to reproductive freedom under federal law. For additional information on the work of the Task Force visit www.justice.gov/reproductive-rights.
U.S. Attorney Announces Sentences in Two Drug Distribution CasesRead the Press Release
BOISE – Two men were sentenced to federal prison in separate drug distribution cases this week, announced Josh Hurwit, the United States Attorney for the District of Idaho.
Danny Eugene Smith, 28, of Twin Falls, Idaho, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 121 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl pills in the Magic Valley. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Smith to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
According to court records, between 2020 and 2021, Smith distributed large quantities of fentanyl pills in the Magic Valley. On three occasions, Smith sold another person fentanyl pills at a store parking lot in Twin Falls. In October 2021, police officers obtained a search warrant for Smith’s residence. Inside they found 5,578 fentanyl pills along with a 9mm handgun and large quantities of cash. In total, investigators seized $123,505 of drug proceeds from Smith’s residence. Officers also seized two vehicles which Smith had purchased with drug proceeds.
In a separate case, Heriberto Xavior Valencia, 24, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 120 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Valencia to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
According to court records, Valencia drove to Boise, on October 20, 2021, to sell another person a half pound of methamphetamine in exchange for $1,650. Less than three weeks after that sale, on November 5, 2021, investigators obtained information that Valencia was on his way back to Boise to sell additional controlled substances. With an arrest warrant in hand, investigators approached Valencia’s vehicle at a hotel parking lot in Boise. Investigators executed the arrest warrant and searched the vehicle. In the vehicle they found approximately one and one quarter pounds of methamphetamine, one quarter pound of heroin, over 1,000 fentanyl pills, a jar of marijuana, and a loaded Glock pistol attached to a magnetic strip under the steering column of the vehicle, which Valencia was prohibited from possessing. In addition to the firearm and controlled substances, investigators found two children in the vehicle that had traveled with Valencia and two women from Phoenix to Boise.
“These significant prison sentences send a clear message to drug traffickers that they will be held responsible if they choose to distribute dangerous drugs to the people of Idaho,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit.
The Smith case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Idaho State Police, Twin Falls Police Department, Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office, and Cassia County Sheriff’s Office, which led to charges.
The Valencia case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force consisting of officers from the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Boise Police Department, Meridian Police Department, and Nampa Police Department, which led to the charges.
The Smith 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 prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The Valencia case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant United States Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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Hagerman Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Edward Vance, 64, of Hagerman, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, Vance has a prior federal conviction for possession of child pornography. While Vance was on supervised release for that conviction, Vance’s probation officer located child pornography on his electronic devices. Vance’s probation officer referred the investigation to the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (“ICAC”) Task Force. ICAC obtained a federal search warrant to examine Vance’s electronic devices and located thousands of images and videos of child pornography.
Chief United States District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Vance to serve a lifetime term of supervised release following his prison sentence and to forfeit the electronic devices that were used to commit the offense. As a result of the conviction, Vance will be required to register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the ICAC Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, and United States Probation which led to charges.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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U.S. Attorney Announces Sentences in Two Firearms CasesRead the Press Release
BOISE – Two men from southern Idaho were sentenced to federal prison in separate firearms cases this week, announced Josh Hurwit, the United States Attorney for the District of Idaho.
Scott Arlis Thomas, 48, of Caldwell, Idaho, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 120 months in federal prison for the unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition, and silencers. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Thomas to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Thomas has a lengthy criminal history that includes three drug trafficking convictions and a prior conviction for unlawfully possessing a firearm. Due to his criminal history, Thomas is not able to lawfully possess firearms. According to court records, on July 24, 2020, law enforcement conducted a search of Thomas’s shop in Caldwell, Idaho. Inside, officers located four firearms and four silencers. Officers also located marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, and methamphetamine. The silencers were not registered to Thomas, as required by the National Firearms Act.
In a separate case, Juan Jose Sanchez, 31, of Nampa, Idaho, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 96 months in federal prison for the unlawful possession of a firearm. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Sanchez to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Sanchez also has a lengthy criminal history that includes convictions for aggravated battery, possession of heroin, burglary, and the unlawful possession of a firearm. Due to his criminal history, Sanchez is not able to lawfully possess firearms. According to court records, on February 19, 2021, Sanchez possessed a firearm while at another individual’s residence in Nampa, Idaho. Sanchez shot that individual in the leg during an altercation, fled the residence, and discarded the firearm. Law enforcement responded, investigated, and eventually located and arrested Sanchez.
“I am pleased with the successful prosecution of these repeat offenders who posed a risk to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. “It is imperative that we work to reduce violent crime by aggressively pursuing those who unlawfully possess firearms. The cooperative efforts of the federal, state, and local agencies that work together to combat these crimes make a real difference.”
The Thomas case was investigated by the FBI Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, the Payette County Sheriff’s Office, the Caldwell Police Department, the Idaho State Police, and the Idaho Department of Correction.
The Sanchez case was investigated by the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, FBI’s Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
These cases were prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Boise Police Department; Caldwell Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; Meridian Police Department; Nampa Police Department; and Idaho Department of Correction.
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Hope Man Sentenced to 138 months Imprisonment for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – Sean Robert Wathen, 50, was sentenced in United States District Court for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill sentenced Wathen to 138 months in prison and ordered him to serve an additional five years of supervised release.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Wathen worked with Larry Junior Hillbroom and others to acquire and smuggle methamphetamine through international airports between North Idaho and the Pacific Islands of Guam and Palau. Wathen acquired pounds of methamphetamine for Hillbroom over several months in 2015. Hillbroom and others would then use several different methods to smuggle the drugs to Guam and Palau, including by placing them in shampoo containers and carrying the substance on their person. Once in Guam or Palau, Hillbroom would coordinate with local individuals to sell the methamphetamine.
Wathen was originally charged with Morgan Kenney, 36, Zachary Craig Carlson, 31, and Larry Junior Hillbroom, 37, all of Hope, Idaho. Kenney, Carlson, and Hillbroom previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced to imprisonment. Morgan Kenny was sentenced to 52 months, Zachary Craig Carlson was sentenced to 37 months, and Larry Junior Hillbroom was sentenced to 96 months.
U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, of the District of Idaho, made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Coeur d’ Alene Police Department, Idaho State Police, U.S. Border Patrol, and the U.S. Marshals Service, which led to the charges and convictions.
“Whether illegal drugs are being pushed into Idaho or sent as far away as Palau and Guam, we will spare no effort to track down drug traffickers and hold them accountable,” said Hurwit. “I’m proud of the impressive work by the dedicated attorneys and staff of our office and our partner federal agents and local detectives, who work tirelessly together to maximize all of our combined resources to bring to justice those who traffic drugs in our communities."
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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Nampa Man Sentenced to 10.5 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE – A Nampa man was sentenced to 126 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court records, on June 9, 2021, Jason Paul Janes, 45, of Nampa, Idaho, distributed more than two pounds of methamphetamine for $3,800 to another person.
Janes has criminal history spanning nearly three decades, and includes convictions for burglary, forgery, and possession of a controlled substance.
U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl, from the District of Wyoming, sitting by designation, also ordered Janes to pay a $250 fine and to serve 5 years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Janes pleaded guilty to the charge on February 16, 2022
U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the efforts of Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force, which led to charges.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit www.treasurevalleypartners.org.
This case was investigated by Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Boise Police Department; Caldwell Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; Meridian Police Department; Nampa Police Department; and Idaho Department of Correction.
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Wilder Man Sentenced to more than 10 years for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin, Cocaine, and FentanylRead the Press Release
BOISE - A Wilder man was sentenced to 124 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl.
According to court records, James Donavan Conour, 44, of Wilder, sold another person one pound of methamphetamine in exchange for $3,000 on January 21, 2021. Three months later, law enforcement officers learned that Conour was distributing controlled substances from a residence in Caldwell, Idaho. Law enforcement officers executed a search of the residence and found 25 pounds of methamphetamine, one and a half pounds of heroin, one pound of cocaine, 20 grams of psilocybin (commonly referred to as mushrooms), and several thousand fentanyl pills. Law enforcement officers also found tools commonly used by drug traffickers to repackage their controlled substances for sale such as a digital scale and empty zip loc baggies. In addition to the seized controlled substances, law enforcement officers also seized $10,395 in illicit drug proceeds and a Jaguar model XF used to transport controlled substances.
Conour has a criminal history spanning over 30 years with prior state convictions for aggravated assault, robbery, theft, injury to child, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, and witness intimidation.
U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl, from the District of Wyoming, sitting by designation, also ordered Conour to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Conour pled guilty to the charge on November 3, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, of the District of Idaho, made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; Idaho Department of Correction Probation and Parole; and the City-County Narcotics Unit, which led to the charges.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant United States Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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Caldwell Man Sentenced to 5.5 years for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE B A Caldwell man was sentenced to 66 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court records, Shawn Simpson, 56, of Caldwell, Idaho, was found slumped over in the driver’s seat of his vehicle. During the wellness check, Caldwell police officers observed that Simpson was acting erratically. While attempting to assess whether Simpson would need medical attention, another officer deployed their K-9, which is trained to detect odors of controlled substances. The K-9 positively alerted to the presence of controlled substances in the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 120 grams of methamphetamine, two digital scales, and over $700 in cash.
Simpson has a criminal history spanning 27 years with prior state convictions for petit theft, forgery, disorderly conduct, multiple convictions of possession of controlled substances with intent to deliver and multiple convictions of possession of controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl, from the District of Wyoming, sitting by designation, also ordered Simpson to pay a $500 fine and to serve 5 years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Simpson pleaded guilty to the charge on February 8, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, of the District of Idaho, made the announcement and commended the investigation by the Caldwell Police Department, which led to the charges.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant United States Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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Boise Man Sentenced to over 4 Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Justin Yount, 51, of Boise, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography.
According to court records, the investigation began after a citizen witness reported to the Boise Police Department (“BPD”) that she had observed child pornography on Yount’s laptop computer. The witness turned the laptop over to BPD, who obtained a search warrant for Yount’s Boise residence and seized additional electronic devices. During a forensic examination of the devices, BPD located over one thousand files of child pornography. During an interview with BPD, Yount admitted to viewing child pornography.
United States District Judge Scott Skavdahl, from the District of Wyoming, sitting by designation, also ordered Yount to serve 15 years of supervised release following his prison sentence, to forfeit the electronic devices that were used to commit the offense, and to pay $15,000 in restitution to the victims in the images he possessed. As a result of the conviction, Yount will be required to register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Joshua Hurwit, of the District of Idaho, made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Boise Police Department and the Intermountain West’s Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory which led to charges.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Five Defendants Convicted in Relation to Multi-Million Dollar Counterfeit Cellphone SchemeRead the Press Release
BOISE – a Federal jury in Idaho convicted five defendants yesterday for their roles in operating a $41 million dollar scheme wherein they sold counterfeit cellphones and cellphone accessories on Amazon.com and eBay.com which they misrepresented as new and genuine Apple and Samsung products.
Pavel Babichenko, Piotr Babichenko, Timofey Babichenko, David Bibikov, and Mikhail Iyerusalimets were convicted of a total of 24 counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit trademarked goods, wire fraud, mail fraud and trafficking in counterfeit goods, all in connection with the online sale of these counterfeit cellphones and accessories. Two defendants, Kristina Babichenko and Anna Iyerusalimets, were found not guilty. The convicted defendants face up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on the wire fraud and mail fraud counts. They face up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a $5,000,000 fine on the trafficking in counterfeit goods counts. Sentencing is scheduled for November 2 and 3, 2022 before U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill, who presided over the trial.
During the nine-week trial, the jury heard evidence that the defendants obtained counterfeit cellphones and cellphone accessories in bulk from manufacturers in China, repackaged them in the Treasure Valley area of Idaho, and then individually resold them to consumers on Amazon and eBay as genuine and new. The defendants continued to sell these items despite receiving numerous notices from U.S. Customs and Border Protection that they were importing counterfeit items. The defendants also repeatedly ignored cease-and-desist letters from companies like Apple, Inc. and Samsung Electronics America. When companies like Amazon identified the defendants as sellers of counterfeit products and suspended their selling privileges, the defendants would submit fake invoices and plans of actions to regain access to Amazon’s platform and convince the company to release proceeds of the scheme. This pattern lasted for approximately a decade, with the defendants changing company names and tactics when confronted about their infringing behavior.
“By trafficking in counterfeit cellphones, chargers, and batteries, the defendants led an organized criminal conspiracy that violated intellectual property rights, cheated the American consumer, and endangered the safety of the public for their own financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with its federal law enforcement partners to identify, arrest, and prosecute those who defraud businesses and consumers in an attempt to line their own pockets. I want to thank the FBI and HSI special agents and analysts for their tireless work on this investigation and prosecution.”
“These individuals scammed the public into buying fake electronic goods, endangering people with counterfeit products while diminishing trust in respected brands,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “The dedicated work of HSI agents through federal partnerships with the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS-CI, U.S. Marshals Service, combined with our Idaho law enforcement partners the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Boise Police Department, and the Meridian Police Department led to the disruption of this fraudulent transnational scheme.”
“The verdicts demonstrate the FBI’s unwavering commitment to combatting transnational organized crime which pose the greatest threat to the national and economic security of the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennis Rice of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Our strong partnerships in Idaho and around the world are instrumental in dismantling these groups which seek to profit vast sums of money defrauding the American people and businesses.”
U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the joint investigation led by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, along with IRS-CI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Marshals Service. These federal agencies were joined in the investigation by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Boise Police Department, and the Meridian Police Department.
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Lewiston Man Sentenced to over 10 Years for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – A Lewiston man was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to evidence presented in court, and in court documents, Ricky Dale Faulkner, 57, was arrested when task force officers executed a search warrant at his residence and seized over one pound of methamphetamine, cash, and a handgun. Faulkner’s cell phone was also seized and data on the phone showed that Faulkner was distributing methamphetamine to people in the Lewiston, Idaho, and Clarkson, Washington, area.
Senior Ninth Circuit Judge Richard C. Tallman, sitting as a U.S. District Court judge, also ordered Faulkner to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Faulkner pleaded guilty to the charge on April 8, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit made the announcement and commended the cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, North Idaho Violent Crime Task Force, Quad Cities Drug Task Force, and the Nez Perce County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Quad Cities Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional group of law enforcement officers working together to target drug trafficking in Lewiston and Moscow, Idaho, and Clarkston and Pullman, Washington. Task force members include the Lewiston Police Department, Clarkston Police Department, Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office, Moscow Police Department, Latah County Sheriff’s Office, Asotin County Sheriff’s Office, Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, and Washington State Police. The Quad Cities Drug Task Force worked collaboratively with the North Idaho Violent Crime Task Force in this and other cases.
The North Idaho Violent Crime Task Force (NIVCTF) is an FBI led task force with law enforcement officers from Lewiston Police Department, Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office, Grangeville Police Department, Nez Perce Tribe Police Department, and Idaho State Police. The mission of the NIVCTF is to identify and target for prosecution criminal enterprise groups and individuals responsible for crimes of violence and the manufacture and distribution of illegal narcotics.
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Idaho Man Sentenced for Misusing National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment FundsRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Steven L. Young, an Idaho man already incarcerated in Utah on unrelated charges, was ordered to repay $63,192.96 and sentenced to 15 months (which he has already served), and three years of supervised release for theft of government funds. Young also settled a parallel civil matter after admitting to violating the False Claims Act.
According to court records, Young was licensed as a physician assistant in Utah. He applied for and received a $50,000 payment as part of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program (NHSCLR), a program intended to recruit and retain healthcare professionals in eligible communities of need. As part of the program, healthcare professionals can receive award money to help them repay qualifying student loans.
Young received a NHSCLR payment on September 30, 2016. Prior to receiving the payment, he agreed to certain terms as part of his participation in the program. Young knowingly violated the terms of his agreement when he surrendered his medical license on June 28, 2016 and was fired from his job. Although he agreed to use the loan money to repay his eligible student loans, Young spent the money on ineligible expenses.
Young pleaded guilty to theft of government funds on March 30, 2022. At sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye ordered Young to repay the $50,000 loan and $13,192.96 in accrued interest. The loan accrues interest if the obligations and requirements of the NHSCLR program are not met and the loan is not repaid.
U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, of the District of Idaho, made the announcement and commended the efforts of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the Health Resources and Services Administration, which led to charges.
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Declo Man Sentenced to 135 Months in Prison for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Melvin Misael Alcaraz-Valdez, of Declo, Idaho, was sentenced to federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Alcaraz-Valdez to 135 months. Alcaraz-Valdez, upon completion of his time, was ordered to serve an additional five years of supervised release.
According to court records, in March 2020 through March of 2021, law enforcement investigated multiple individuals for distributing methamphetamine in the Minidoka and Cassia County area. Through the use of surveillance, undercover officers, controlled purchases, and search warrants, law enforcement found that Alcaraz-Valdez was actively engaged in the distribution of methamphetamine and was in possession of large quantities of methamphetamine. During the investigation law enforcement recovered more than four (4) pounds of methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Idaho State Police, Cassia County Sheriff’s Office, Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office, Nampa Police Department, and Ada County Sheriff’s Department, which led to the charges.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Genesee Man Sentenced to over 8 Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – Bradley Loewen, 51, of Genesee, was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography.
According to court records, the investigation began after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) determined that a Kik Messenger account, later identified as belonging to Loewen, had been used to distribute child pornography. The FBI obtained a federal search warrant for Loewen’s Kik Messenger account and located over 600 images of child pornography.
The FBI subsequently obtained a federal search warrant for Loewen’s Genesee residence and seized his cellphone. During an examination of the cellphone, the FBI located evidence that Kik Messenger had been installed on the cellphone but had been deleted shortly before the cellphone was seized. During an interview, Loewen admitted to using Kik Messenger to trade files of child pornography and to engage in sexual conversations about children.
Senior Ninth Circuit Judge Richard Tallman, sitting as a U.S. District Court judge, also ordered Loewen to serve 15 years of supervised release following his prison sentence, to forfeit the cellphone that was used to commit the offense, and to pay $9,000 in restitution to the victims in the images he possessed. As a result of the conviction, Loewen will be required to register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the FBI, the Idaho State Police, the Latah County Sheriff’s Office, and the Moscow Police Department which led to charges.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Bellevue Man Sentenced to 48 Months for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOISE – On Friday, July 1, 2022, Dakota James Hoffman, 29, of Bellevue, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced.
According to court records, Hoffman distributed oxycodone pills to a man with the initials A.K. who overdosed on fentanyl on April 2, 2020. A review of A.K.’s digital communications revealed that Hoffman had distributed oxycodone pills to A.K. approximately two weeks prior to the overdose. A subsequent investigation revealed that the oxycodone pills contained fentanyl. Additional investigation into Hoffman uncovered a separate incident where he distributed a fake oxycodone pill containing fentanyl to another individual that resulted in a non-fatal overdose. For his distribution, Hoffman was charged with distributing fentanyl, and he pleaded guilty on March 1, 2022.
U.S. District Judge Billy Roy Wilson of the Eastern District of Arkansas, sitting by designation, imposed the sentence and ordered Hoffman to serve three years of supervised release to follow his incarceration. Hoffman was further ordered to pay restitution to the family of A.K.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Blaine County Sheriff’s office, and the Bellevue Marshals Office. Their investigation of this matter led to the successful prosecution of this case.
“Fentanyl is unlike any other drug threat we have faced,” Hurwit said. “No part of our nation has been able to escape from the spread of this poison. We must continue to speak out to make sure all Idahoans know about the threat of fentanyl-related overdose and poisoning. And we will hold accountable those who risk the lives of others by distributing this deadly drug.”
Only two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a potentially lethal dose, and it’s particularly dangerous for someone who does not have a tolerance to opioids.
According to the CDC, 107,375 people in the United States died of drug overdoses and drug poisonings in the 12-month period ending in January 2022. Such deaths are now the leading cause of death for adults aged 18-45, and a staggering 67 percent of those deaths involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Some of these deaths were attributed to fentanyl mixed with other illicit drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin, with many users unaware they were actually taking fentanyl.
For more information about fentanyl and counterfeit pills, visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill.
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Nampa Man Sentenced to 10 years for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE - A Nampa man was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court records, Gilbert Garza, 27, of Nampa, fled from Idaho Department of Correction Probation and Parole officers who were lawfully visiting his home as part of his parole. With the Meridian Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team’s assistance, law enforcement officers found Garza in a vacant apartment nearby. After arresting Garza, officers lawfully searched his home and found a stolen handgun, approximately one quarter pound of methamphetamine, 62.9 grams of cocaine, approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills, and $3,360 in cash. Law enforcement officers also found a digital scale and a large quantity of small baggies that are commonly used for weighing and packaging drugs for distribution.
Garza has a criminal history spanning 14 years. His prior state convictions include unlawful possession of a financial transaction card, aggravated assault, delivery of a controlled substance, and petit theft.
U.S. District Judge Billy Roy Wilson, from the Eastern District of Arkansas, sitting by designation, ordered Garza to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Garza pleaded guilty to the charge on March 10, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the investigation by the Idaho Department of Correction and the Meridian City Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant United States Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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