District of Idaho

COEUR D'ALENE - Stephen C. Walker, 23, of Orofino, Idaho, pleaded guilty today to unlawful possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Walker was indicted by a federal grand jury in Coeur d'Alene on June 16, 2015.

According to the plea agreement, Walker admitted that on October 29, 2014, he had a .22 caliber firearm in his back pocket.  The defendant was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous felony conviction for burglary.  The defendant was contacted by police around midnight, in an area that had been subjected to burglaries the night before. 

The charge of unlawful possession of a firearm is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

Sentencing is set for May 10, 2016, before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Coeur d'Alene.

The case was investigated by the Orofino City Police Department, the Nez Perce Tribal Police, FBI and ATF.

The case was prosecuted as part of Idaho’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, which seeks to reduce gun violence in Idaho. 

BOISE – Brooke Ashley Darby, 29, of Fort Worth, Texas, was sentenced today to 28 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for committing wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Darby to pay $15,325.25 in restitution.  Darby pleaded guilty on November 10, 2015.

According to Darby’s plea agreement, she admitted to traveling to Idaho, along with her co-defendant, Charmaine Montgomery, for the purpose of making fraudulent purchases of gift cards and merchandise from retail stores, using stolen credit card numbers encoded onto stock gift cards.  Darby admitted to obtaining the stock debit cards encoded with unauthorized credit card numbers, and making purchases at retail stores on June 23 and June 24, 2015.  In all, Darby admitted that she and Montgomery purchased approximately $13,095.90 in gift cards and merchandise with the fraudulently encoded gift cards.  Upon her arrest, Darby and Montgomery were found in possession of approximately 250 gift cards encoded with unauthorized credit card numbers. 

Montgomery pleaded guilty on December 1, 2015, to committing wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.  Her sentencing is set for February 11, 2016.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Boise Police Department.

 

BOISE- Enrico M. Ponzo, a/k/a Jay Shaw, a longtime fugitive from Boston, Massachusetts, who posed as a rancher while living on the run in Marsing, Idaho, pleaded guilty this afternoon in the U.S. District Court in Boise to unlawful possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. 

According to the plea agreement, Ponzo admitted that on February 8, 2011, he knowingly possessed 33 firearms after having been convicted of felony assault and battery on a public employee.

Ponzo was arrested by the FBI and the U.S. Marshals in Marsing, Idaho, in February 2011, 16 years after he fled Boston.  After his arrest in Idaho, he was returned to Boston to face numerous charges.  In November 2013, following a seven-week-trial, Ponzo was found guilty of racketeering conspiracy, the 1989 attempted murder of Francis P. Salemme, Sr., and the 1994 attempted murder of Joseph Cirame, both of whom were shot and seriously injured.  The jury found Ponzo guilty of murder conspiracy in aid of racketeering, firearm possession in relation to murder conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, conspiracy to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, conspiracy to use extortionate means to collect a debt, use of extortionate means to collect a debt, unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, and attempted witness tampering.  U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton sentenced Ponzo to 28 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

Sentencing in the Idaho case is set for April 14, 2016, before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge.

The charge of unlawful possession of firearms is punishable by up to ten years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task.  The Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force is comprised of federal, state and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Boise Police Department; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Caldwell Police Department; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; and Idaho Department of Probation and Parole.  The Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force assisted the Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force in apprehending Ponzo.  The Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force is comprised of the U.S. Marshals Service, the Ada and Canyon County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Boise and Nampa City Police Departments.

 

COEUR D'ALENE - Paul Jens Suggs, 19, of Moscow, Idaho, pleaded guilty yesterday to interstate communication of threats, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Suggs was indicted by a federal grand jury in Coeur d'Alene on December 15, 2015.

According to the plea agreement, Suggs admitted that in September 2015, he made several posts on Facebook threatening to shoot a man in Moscow and to shoot law enforcement officers in Moscow and Pullman, Washington.  Additionally Suggs posted that he was going to kill the family members of the officers. 

The charge of interstate communications of threats is punishable by up to five years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and up to three years of supervised release.

Sentencing is set for April 5, 2016, before U.S. District Judge Candy W. Dale at the federal courthouse in Coeur d'Alene.

The case was investigated by the Pullman Police Department, Moscow Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

BOISE – Clifford R. Crabtree, 32, of Caldwell, Idaho, was sentenced today in United States District Court to 46 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Crabtree to serve three years of supervised, during which he will be prohibited from associating with gang members.

According to court records and information presented in court, law enforcement officers received information that Crabtree, a documented Southside gang member, was engaged in the sale of methamphetamine.  Officers utilized a confidential human source to purchase methamphetamine from Crabtree on two occasions.  On June 24, 2014, the confidential human source traveled to a residence in Caldwell, Idaho to purchase methamphetamine from Crabtree.  Crabtree introduced the confidential human source to co-defendant Efren Garcia Jr. who was sitting in a parked vehicle a short distance down the road.  Garcia provided methamphetamine to the confidential human source and Crabtree was paid for facilitating the transaction at the direction of Garcia.  The second controlled purchase occurred on August 5, 2014.  During the transaction, Crabtree sold one-quarter ounce of methamphetamine to the confidential human source.  Crabtree and Garcia were indicted by a federal grand jury on April 14, 2015.  Crabtree pleaded guilty on November 12, 2015.  Garcia pleaded guilty on October 29, 2015, and is currently awaiting sentencing.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force.  The Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force is comprised of federal, state and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Boise Police Department; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Caldwell Police Department; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; and Idaho Department of Probation and Parole. 

These cases are being prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes.  The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth.  For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org. 

 

COEUR D'ALENE - Ramon L. Garcia, 31, of Plummer, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday in United States District Court to four months in prison for assault, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Garcia pleaded guilty to the charge on October 20, 2015.

According to the plea agreement, Garcia admitted that he was heavily intoxicated when he pointed a firearm at a man at a party.  Garcia was a Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police Officer and off duty at the time of the June 20, 2014 incident. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe released Garcia from employment after the incident.  At sentencing Garcia took responsibility for his actions and told the court he would no longer use alcohol.  Judge Dale noted that the maximum punishment for a misdemeanor assault was six months in custody and that Garcia had no prior criminal history.  In sentencing Garcia to the Bureau of Prisons, Judge Dale told Garcia he had betrayed the public trust given to him.  In addition to the prison sentence Garcia was ordered to surrender his Idaho POST accreditation and certification. 

The case was investigated by Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

BOISE – Jose Enrique Olvera Jr., 51, of Nampa, Idaho, was sentenced today in United States District Court to 84 months in prison for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and unlawfully possessing a firearm, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Olvera to serve four years of supervised release following his release from prison.  Olvera pleaded guilty to the charges on November 3, 2015.

According to court documents, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Olvera’s residence on June 18, 2014.  During the search, agents found methamphetamine, scales, packaging material, drug ledgers, $2,767, seven firearms, and ammunition.  The firearms included a 20 gauge sawed-off shotgun with an obliterated serial number, other shotguns, rifles, and a handgun.  Olvera was prohibited from possessing the firearms because he was previously convicted of the felony crime of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver in 2003.  Law enforcement agents also determined through the course of their investigation that Olvera was a gang member.

Olvera was charged as a result of an investigation by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, which focused on the “Norteno” Northside gang that is active in Nampa and other parts of the Treasure Valley.  Fourteen individuals were indicted on drug and gun charges as a result of the investigation.  So far, ten defendants have been sentenced.  Guadalupe Serrano, 35, of Caldwell, was sentenced on April 21, 2015, to 75 months in prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and for possessing firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime.  Nicole Danelle Nieto, 31, of Nampa, was sentenced on May 26, 2015, to 41 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.  Jose Manuel Menchaca, 35, of Nampa, was sentenced May 28, 2015, to 60 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.  On June 17, 2015, Brandi Larrea, 31, of Nampa, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine and Tara Noelle Rivera, 30, of Nampa, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.  Johnny Lee Martinez, 33, of Nampa, was sentenced on July 20, 2015, to 57 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.  Michael David Bradshaw, 31, of Nampa, was sentenced on August 6, 2015, to 66 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.  Kenny P. Breedlove, 35, of Porterville, California, was sentenced on October 22, 2015, to 110 months for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.  Guillermo Farias Jr., 29, of Nampa, was sentenced on October 26, 2015, to time served and three years of supervised release for his role in assisting with methamphetamine distribution.  Richard Lobato, 51, of Nampa, was sentenced on December 3, 2015, to 60 months for distribution of methamphetamine.  Isaac Bright, 21, of Caldwell, is scheduled for sentencing on February 3, 2016.  Veronica Cantu, 26, of Nampa, was arrested in Michigan in November and is set for trial in April. One defendant, Ruben Rodriguez, 36, of Nampa, has an outstanding warrant.

These cases are the result of a joint investigation by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force and the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  The Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force is comprised of federal, state and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Boise Police Department; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Caldwell Police Department; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; and Idaho Department of Probation and Parole.  The Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), includes the cooperative law enforcement efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and U.S. Marshals Service.  The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.

These cases are being prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes.  The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth.  For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org. 

 

POCATELLO – Raymond Hye Broncho, 40, of Fort Hall, Idaho, was sentenced today to 108 months in prison for assault on an officer with a dangerous weapon and illegal possession of a firearm by a drug user, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Broncho to serve three years of supervised release, and to forfeit the guns involved in the incident.  Broncho pleaded guilty on October 27, 2015.             

According to the plea agreement, on September 20, 2014, Fort Hall Police officers were dispatched to a residence at 144 Lodge Pine on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation for a report of shots being fired.  An officer arrived at the residence and found the door open and the house empty.  Rifle-type spent shell casings were found near the front door.  Additional officers heard yelling outside and saw Broncho holding an assault rifle in front of his body in a tactical position, as though he could raise the barrel and aim and shoot at any moment.  The defendant was saying, “They’re in the trees” and “Watch out, they’re going to get me,” as though he saw other persons who weren’t really there.  The officer ordered Broncho to drop the rifle multiple times, but Broncho ignored the commands.  Eventually, Broncho went back into his house and shut the door.

Other officers assembled in the area and set up a perimeter on the house, surrounding it with officers and trying to negotiate with the defendant.  An officer heard Broncho yell that he had a “head shot” on an officer.  The officer thought it could have been her so she moved to another location and finally was positioned at the corner of a house near the Broncho residence.  While there, five shots rang out and the bullets impacted the ground a few feet from where the officer was standing.  Later investigators found that the second officer’s car had been hit by three bullets from the round of five shots.

The Bannock County and Federal Bureau of Investigations Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams arrived.  While three members of the Bannock County SWAT team were positioned to watch the Broncho residence, Broncho began yelling.  Then the Bannock County Sheriff’s SWAT team members heard a round fired from a deep-sounding rifle and they saw the round hit right in front of the position of the three officers.  Another round was fired which hit the ground five to ten feet in front of the officers’ position. 

The defendant surrendered to police later.  Police took the defendant’s rifle, a SKS, Norinco assault rifle into custody.  Police also found a .22 caliber rifle in the house, which they took into custody. 

Broncho admitted that he possessed the firearms while he was an unlawful user of a controlled substance.  He admitted to police officers that he had been using methamphetamine just before the shooting incident began and a blood test showed methamphetamine in the defendant’s body.

The case was investigated by the Fort Hall Police Department, the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 

BOISE – Elaine Martin, 69, of Meridian, Idaho, the former president and majority stockholder of MarCon, Inc., pleaded guilty to one count of making and subscribing a false tax return before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill today, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Following the entry of her plea, Judge Winmill sentenced her for the tax conviction, and resentenced her for wire fraud, mail fraud, and interstate transportation of property taken by fraud convictions.  Judge Winmill sentenced Martin to 60 months’ imprisonment on the fraud convictions and 24 months’ imprisonment on the tax conviction, those sentences to run concurrently.  Judge Winmill further ordered Martin to pay restitution to the IRS and Idaho Department of Transportation in the amount of $131,400.48, costs of prosecution in the amount of $22,859.60, and a forfeiture money judgment of $3,084,038.05, amounts Martin previously paid. 

Previously, on September 19, 2013, after a 26-day trial, a federal jury convicted Martin of 22 criminal counts, including four counts of filing false individual and corporate tax returns, two counts of conspiracy to defraud the United States, five counts of wire fraud, five counts of mail fraud, one count of false statement, three counts of interstate transportation of property taken by fraud, one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice and one count of obstruction of justice.  On February 24, 2014, Judge Winmill sentenced Martin to 24 months’ imprisonment on the tax, conspiracy, false statements, and obstruction counts, and 84 months’ imprisonment on the wire fraud, mail fraud, and interstate transportation of property taken by fraud counts, with these sentences to run concurrently.  Further, he ordered Martin to pay restitution to the IRS and Idaho Department of Transportation in the amount of $131,400.48, costs of prosecution in the amount of $22,859.60, and a forfeiture money judgment of $3,084,038.05.  On August 7, 2015, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit vacated Martin’s sentence and her tax convictions, and remanded the case for further proceedings, including resentencing on the fraud charges.   

In the plea agreement, Martin admitted that she willfully signed false and fraudulent Form 1120S income tax returns for Marcon, Inc., a construction company that was located in Meridian, Idaho, for tax years 2005 and 2006.  Martin also admitted that she caused these tax returns to be false and fraudulent by keeping the unreported income off of the books, and that she falsely told an IRS Revenue Agent, who was conducting a civil audit of Marcon, that all of Marcon’s gross receipts were deposited into Marcon’s Wells Fargo operating account.  In fact, as Martin well knew at the time, she had and was causing gross receipts from the used material sales to be diverted and secretly deposited into Marcon’s Bank of Cascades account.  Martin purposefully did not provide records for Marcon’s Bank of Cascades account to the individual who prepared her and Marcon’s tax returns for tax years 2005 and 2006.  Martin admitted that the total tax loss was $73,678.

Further, Martin admitted in the plea agreement to her participation in the fraud counts, including the conspiracy to defraud the SBA 8(a) Program, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (“DBE”) Program, by submitting fraudulent tax returns and making false statements concerning her finances that caused Marcon to qualify and/or remain eligible for these programs.  Martin further admitted that her behavior affected the award of contracts pursuant to the 8(a) Program and DBE Programs.  For example, Marcon’s status as an Idaho DBE affected how and what DBE goals were set for particular construction projects, and helped Marcon maintain a virtual monopoly in its geographic region between 2000 and 2006.  Marcon participated in the SBA 8(a) Program pursuant to direct negotiations with the awarding agency, rather than through fair and open competition.  Martin admitted that during the relevant time period, she would not have been awarded the 33 contracts at issue in the case but for the fraud.

As part of the plea agreement that Martin entered into today, she waived her right to further appeal.

The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Today's announcement is part of efforts underway by President Obama's Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF), which was created in November 2009 to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.  With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud.  Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations.  Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed more than 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,700 mortgage fraud defendants.

 

Fazliddin Kurbanov, 33, an Uzbek national, was sentenced today to 25 years in federal prison by Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge of the District of Idaho for conspiring and attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and possessing an unregistered destructive device.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson of the District of Idaho and Special Agent in Charge Eric Barnhart of the FBI’s Salt Lake City Division made the announcement. 

Judge Lodge also sentenced Kurbanov to a term of supervised release of three years and imposed a fine of $250,000.  Kurbanov, who was convicted in August 2015 after a 20-day trial, will also face deportation proceedings at the end of his prison sentence. 

“Fazliddin Kurbanov was sentenced for conspiring and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and procuring bomb-making materials in the interest of executing a terrorist attack on American soil,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “Thankfully, the threat posed by Kurbanov was disrupted by the tireless efforts of the law enforcement community and its partners.  Defending our nation from the threat of terrorism, whether at home or abroad, remains the highest priority of the National Security Division, and we will continue to hold accountable those who seek to harm to our country and our citizens.”

“The lengthy term of imprisonment imposed by the Court ensures that this defendant, who by his words and acts was intent on taking American lives, does not and will not pose any further threat to the safety and security of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Olson.  “The investigation, prosecution, and now sentence in this case demonstrate the cooperative law enforcement effort by federal, state and local agencies to protect our national security and prevent acts of terrorism.  I commend the men and women at every level of law enforcement and prosecution, including the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Ada County and Canyon County Sheriff’s Offices and the Boise City Police Department, who assisted in this effort.”

“The worst of intentions on the part of Mr. Kurbanov, that is the mass killing of Americans, were thwarted by the best of collaboration on the part of the entire law enforcement community,” said Special Agent in Charge Barnhart.

According to evidence presented at trial:

Between the summer of 2012 and his arrest in May 2013, Kurbanov, who was living in Boise, Idaho, communicated by email and Skype with a person or persons operating a website for the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), a designated foreign terrorist organization.  Kurbanov discussed with the website administrator his animosity toward Americans, particularly the military; his desire to build a bomb; possible targets in the United States, including military bases in Idaho and Texas; and his need for instruction on how to construct and remotely detonate a bomb.  Additionally, Kurbanov searched for and later discussed with an FBI confidential human source targets including military bases in the United States, specifically West Point Military Academy in New York.  The website administrator instructed the defendant to obtain a specific anti-virus software to protect the IMU’s website and to obtain and provide any amount of money.  The defendant contacted his brother, who lived overseas, about obtaining the anti-virus software and he sent the software to Kurbanov.  Shortly before his arrest, the defendant caused an Idaho corporation to open, through which he intended to funnel money to the IMU.  

Between at least Nov. 15, 2012, and May 16, 2013, Kurbanov possessed bomb-making components at his Boise apartment, including a hollow hand grenade, a hobby fuse, ammunition containing smokeless powder, tannerite, aluminum powder, potassium nitrate, charcoal, yellow sulfur powder and fertilizer.  He purchased these items during the summer and fall of 2012.  FBI special agents observed the bomb-making components during a court-authorized search of Kurbanov’s apartment in November 2012 and seized many of the same items during a second court-authorized search in May 2013.

Kurbanov’s activities were closely monitored by federal agents during the investigation and no terrorist attack occurred. 

During the sentencing hearing, an explosives expert provided evidence that the bomb-making components Kurbanov possessed were capable of causing significant harm.  Prosecutors argued that these capabilities, coupled with Kurbanov’s many statements of hatred toward Americans and desire to kill them, warranted the lengthy sentence.

Kurbanov still faces a separate one-count indictment returned in May 2013 in federal court in Utah alleging that from about Jan. 14, 2013, continuing through Jan. 24, 2013, he taught and demonstrated how to make explosive devices, and distributed information relating to the manufacture and use of an explosive or weapon of mass destruction.  His alleged intent was that the teaching, demonstration and information be used for and in furtherance of an activity that would constitute a federal crime of violence.  The Utah indictment was returned in May 2013, at the same time as the Idaho indictment.

The Idaho case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force with assistance from the Boise Police Department, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Ada County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office and the Canyon County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Lucoff and Heather Patricco of the District of Idaho and Trial Attorney Larry Schneider of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.  

COEUR D’ALENE – Robert Ryan Johnson, Jr., 36, of Lapwai, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday to 18 months in prison for strangulation, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  The court also ordered Johnson to serve three years of supervised release following his sentence and complete a one year anger management counseling course.  He pleaded guilty to the charge on October 20, 2015. 

According to the plea agreement, in March 2014, Johnson got into an argument with his intimate or dating partner.  Johnson admitted that during the argument he grabbed the victim by the neck and strangled or attempted to strangler her. 

“The strangulation statute and the Violence Against Women Act are useful tools to fight domestic violence crimes that endanger women and children in Native American communities,” said Olson.  “This violence tears apart families, damages children, and may even have lethal consequences.”

The case was investigated by the Nez Perce Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted in federal court because the crime occurred on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation and the defendant is an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe. 

BOISE – Fazliddin Kurbanov, 33, an Uzbek national, was sentenced today to 25 years in federal prison by Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge of the District of Idaho for conspiring and attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and possessing an unregistered destructive device.   

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson of the District of Idaho and Special Agent in Charge Eric Barnhart of the FBI’s Salt Lake City Division made the announcement. 

Judge Lodge also sentenced Kurbanov to a term of supervised release of three years and imposed a fine of $250,000.  Kurbanov, who was convicted in August 2015 after a 20-day trial, will also face deportation proceedings at the end of his prison sentence. 

“Fazliddin Kurbanov was sentenced for conspiring and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and procuring bomb-making materials in the interest of executing a terrorist attack on American soil,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “Thankfully, the threat posed by Kurbanov was disrupted by the tireless efforts of the law enforcement community and its partners.  Defending our nation from the threat of terrorism, whether at home or abroad, remains the highest priority of the National Security Division, and we will continue to hold accountable those who seek to harm to our country and our citizens.”

“The lengthy term of imprisonment imposed by the Court ensures that this defendant, who by his words and acts was intent on taking American lives, does not and will not pose any further threat to the safety and security of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Olson.  “The investigation, prosecution, and now sentence in this case demonstrate the cooperative law enforcement effort by federal, state and local agencies to protect our national security and prevent acts of terrorism.  I commend the men and women at every level of law enforcement and prosecution, including the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Ada County and Canyon County Sheriff’s Offices and the Boise City Police Department, who assisted in this effort.”

“The worst of intentions on the part of Mr. Kurbanov, that is the mass killing of Americans, were thwarted by the best of collaboration on the part of the entire law enforcement community,” said Special Agent in Charge Barnhart.

According to evidence presented at trial:

Between the summer of 2012 and his arrest in May 2013, Kurbanov, who was living in Boise, Idaho, communicated by email and Skype with a person or persons operating a website for the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), a designated foreign terrorist organization.  Kurbanov discussed with the website administrator his animosity toward Americans, particularly the military; his desire to build a bomb; possible targets in the United States, including military bases in Idaho and Texas; and his need for instruction on how to construct and remotely detonate a bomb.  Additionally, Kurbanov searched for and later discussed with an FBI confidential human source targets including military bases in the United States, specifically West Point Military Academy in New York.  The website administrator instructed the defendant to obtain a specific anti-virus software to protect the IMU’s website and to obtain and provide any amount of money.  The defendant contacted his brother, who lived overseas, about obtaining the anti-virus software and he sent the software to Kurbanov.  Shortly before his arrest, the defendant caused an Idaho corporation to open, through which he intended to funnel money to the IMU.   

Between at least Nov. 15, 2012, and May 16, 2013, Kurbanov possessed bomb-making components at his Boise apartment, including a hollow hand grenade, a hobby fuse, ammunition containing smokeless powder, tannerite, aluminum powder, potassium nitrate, charcoal, yellow sulfur powder and fertilizer.  He purchased these items during the summer and fall of 2012.  FBI special agents observed the bomb-making components during a court-authorized search of Kurbanov’s apartment in November 2012 and seized many of the same items during a second court-authorized search in May 2013.

Kurbanov’s activities were closely monitored by federal agents during the investigation and no terrorist attack occurred. 

During the sentencing hearing, an explosives expert provided evidence that the bomb-making components Kurbanov possessed were capable of causing significant harm.  Prosecutors argued that these capabilities, coupled with Kurbanov’s many statements of hatred toward Americans and desire to kill them, warranted the lengthy sentence.

Kurbanov still faces a separate one-count indictment returned in May 2013 in federal court in Utah alleging that from about Jan. 14, 2013, continuing through Jan. 24, 2013, he taught and demonstrated how to make explosive devices, and distributed information relating to the manufacture and use of an explosive or weapon of mass destruction.  His alleged intent was that the teaching, demonstration and information be used for and in furtherance of an activity that would constitute a federal crime of violence.  The Utah indictment was returned in May 2013, at the same time as the Idaho indictment.

The Idaho case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force with assistance from the Boise Police Department, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Ada County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office and the Canyon County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Lucoff and Heather Patricco of the District of Idaho and Trial Attorney Larry Schneider of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. 

 

BOISE - Jennifer R. Ransom, 41, of Meridian, Idaho, was sentenced today in United States District Court to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release—the first six months of which is home confinement--for the crime of securities fraud, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Senior United States District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Ransom to forfeit $580,780 and pay $116,138 in restitution to victim-investors.  Ransom pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud on April 21, 2015.

According to the plea agreement, Ransom was the Senior Vice President of Administration of Alternate Energy Holdings, Inc. (“AEHI”).  AEHI was a development stage company headquartered in Eagle, Idaho, that planned to construct and operate a nuclear power plant in Payette County, Idaho. 

According to the plea agreement, Ransom joined AEHI in late 2007.  Prior to joining AEHI, Ransom took and passed the Series 63 examination, one of the tests required to become a licensed Securities Agent, and knew it was wrongful and unlawful to engage in conduct that was designed to defraud or deceive investors by artificially controlling or fraudulently affecting the price of securities.  Notwithstanding, she agreed with her co-defendant, Donald L. Gillispie, the former President and CEO of AEHI, and other “nominees” to a scheme to defraud or deceive AEHI investors. 

According to the plea agreement, the scheme involved Gillispie and Ransom recruiting nominees to make purchases of AEHI stock on the market for the express purpose of artificially inflating the market price of AEHI stock.  Ransom personally helped recruit one of the nominees.  Without investors’ knowledge, Gillispie and Ransom provided AEHI funds, obtained almost exclusively from investors, to two of the nominees to fund their market purchases of AEHI stock.

According to the plea agreement, investors who purchased AEHI stock directly from AEHI, through Private Placement Memoranda (PPM), were offered a price discounted from the market price that nominees were attempting to inflate.  However, PPM investors could only purchase restricted AEHI stock, which they could not sell for six months to one year.  On September 9, 2009 through September 11, 2009, Ransom assisted a nominee in making purchases of AEHI stock on the market.  The purpose of these purchases was to artificially increase the market price of AEHI stock, which was trading above the PPM price.  During the next two months, private investors bought approximately $516,885 worth of AEHI restricted stock at the lower PPM price.

According to the plea agreement, Ransom received shares of AEHI stock as executive compensation.  From June of 2010 through September of 2010, a period during which attempts were being made to artificially inflate the market price of AEHI stock, Ransom sold approximately 1,000,000 of her shares and received approximately $675,326 in return, of which approximately $580,780 was the proceeds of securities fraud.

“This sentence sends the clear message that those who take actions to intentionally mislead stock purchasers for their own personal gain will be held accountable,” said Olson.  “Our securities markets require, and investor decisions rely on, fair dealing, not deception.  Ms. Ransom’s intentional decision to disregard her obligations as a corporate vice president warrants her prosecution and punishment in this case.”

In May of 2015, Ms. Ransom’s co-defendant, Donald Gillispie, failed to appear for two scheduled arraignment hearings.  He remains a fugitive and is being pursued by the United States Marshals Service.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Today's announcement is part of efforts underway by President Obama's Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF), which was created in November 2009 to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.  With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud.  Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations.  Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed more than 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,700 mortgage fraud defendants.

 

BOISE – Walter Terry, 56, of Seattle, Washington, pleaded guilty today to distributing 50 kilograms or more of marijuana, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Terry waived his right to be indicted by a grand jury and agreed to be charged in federal court in the District of Idaho.

According to court documents, Terry began advertising marijuana for sale over the internet in 2011.  Terry admitted to distributing approximately 146 kilograms of marijuana throughout the United States, including Idaho, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Texas.  An undercover DEA Special Agent contacted Terry in January 2013, and Terry agreed to mail marijuana to the undercover agent.  Between January 2013, and March 2014, Terry sent six shipments of marijuana to Idaho.  In May 2014, Terry agreed to sell the undercover agent five pounds of marijuana.  Terry met the undercover agent in Seattle and was arrested after providing the undercover agent with the five pounds of marijuana.  Terry told DEA agents that he began his marijuana distribution operation in 2010 or 2011.  Terry stated that after the State of Washington legalized medicinal marijuana, his business was negatively affected and he began advertising his marijuana distribution business on websites to out-of-state customers.  Terry consented to a search of his residence in Seattle, and law enforcement seized approximately 15 pounds of marijuana and $30,000 in drug proceeds.  Terry also admitted to a forfeiture allegation, in which he has agreed to forfeit at least $500,000 in cash proceeds and forfeit his personal residence in Seattle.

Distributing 50 kilograms or more of marijuana is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. 

Sentencing is set for April 26, 2016, before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Boise.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Seattle Police Department, King County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Postal Inspectors.   

 

BOISE - Yinet Quintana Isalgue, 28, of Homestead, Florida, was sentenced today in United States District Court to 33 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Quintana Isalgue to pay $97,496 in restitution and to complete 100 hours of community service.  Quintana Isalgue pleaded guilty to the charges on July 21, 2015.

According to the plea agreement, Quintana Isalgue traveled from Florida to Idaho, to commit credit card fraud.  On January 9, 2015, law enforcement officers in Boise and Meridian, Idaho, received multiple reports from loss prevention officers at different retail stores identifying Quintana Isalgue through witness and surveillance evidence as attempting credit card fraud.

The next day, Quintana Isalgue was contacted by law enforcement officers when they executed a search warrant on the hotel room where she was staying.  Inside the room in Quintana Isalgue’s purse and wallet, officers found 17 counterfeit credit cards, two counterfeit driver’s licenses, and 35 gift cards.  The counterfeit credit cards were embossed with real account numbers and a fake name.  The two counterfeit driver’s licenses had names matching those on the credit cards, but using Quintana Isalgue’s picture and actual birthdate.  Some of the gift cards found in her purse were identified as the gift cards Quintana Isalgue fraudulently purchased earlier in the day. 

Based upon video surveillance, loyalty card records, GPS, and credit card records, law enforcement officers discovered that Quintana Isalgue made similar fraudulent purchases in Oregon and Washington.  She admitted $97,496.11 in actual fraudulent purchases, and an additional $19,288.24 in attempted purchases, for a total of $116,784.35.  The fraudulent purchases and attempts occurred between November 28, 2014, and January 9, 2015.  She also admitted that she knowingly and fraudulently used the credit card number of a real person.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Boise Police Department, and Meridian Police Department.

 

BOISE – Indalecio Cuevas-Figueroa, 34, of Nampa, Idaho, pleaded guilty today to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and unlawful possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Cuevas-Figueroa was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 14, 2015.

According to court documents, in 2013 and 2014, Nampa Police detectives made several “controlled buys” of methamphetamine from Cuevas-Figueroa.  During one of the controlled buys, Cuevas-Figueroa also sold a Browning 9mm semi-automatic pistol.  Cuevas-Figueroa is prohibited from possessing a firearm because he is a Mexican national residing unlawfully in the United States.  On October 15, 2014, defendant Cuevas-Figueroa sold approximately 108.3 grams of methamphetamine.  Resulting lab tests showed that this was 96.8% pure.  The total amount of actual methamphetamine attributable to Cuevas-Figueroa is approximately 131 grams.

Possession of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute is punishable by a minimum term of 10 years up to life in prison, and a $10,000,000 fine.  Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine

The case was investigated by the City County Narcotics Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

 

BOISE – Jeffrey Southern, 47 of Meridian, Idaho, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in prison for unlawfully possessing three firearms, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Southern to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.  Southern pleaded guilty to the charge on August 26, 2015.

According to court documents, law enforcement reported to a residence in Meridian to investigate a dispute over a custodial exchange.  During the investigation, Southern admitted to officers that he was a felon and owned some firearms.  Law enforcement went into Southern’s residence and located three firearms.  Southern had a prior felony conviction for assault out of California and had been sentenced to ten years of prison in that case.  Because of his prior felony conviction, Southern was prohibited from possessing firearms.               

The case was investigated by the Meridian Police Department and the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force.  The Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force is comprised of federal, state and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Boise Police Department; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Caldwell Police Department; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; and Idaho Department of Probation and Parole. 

The case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office, the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes.  The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth.  For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org. 

 

BOISE – Austin Serb, 22, of Boise, Idaho, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for distributing tens of thousands of oxycodone pills and heroin in a large scale drug trafficking conspiracy.  Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Serb to serve three years of supervised release, 200 hours of community service, and to forfeit $1,000,000 in drug proceeds.  At his sentencing hearing, Judge Lodge determined that Serb was a manager and supervisor of an extensive criminal organization.  Serb pleaded guilty on February 13, 2015, and admitted that he conspired to distribute oxycodone and heroin from September 1, 2012, to March 10, 2014.

Others who have been sentenced are:

• Ajellon Dedeaux, 27, of Rancho Cordova, California, was sentence on May 26, 2015, to 12 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for distributing oxycodone.  He was also ordered to forfeit $1,750,000 in cash proceeds.

• Andrew Colwell, 24, of Boise, Idaho, was sentenced on May 28, 2015, to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.  Colwell was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, and to forfeit $440,000 in cash proceeds.

•Tyler Goodwin, 28, of Shelton, Washington, was sentenced on November 17, 2014, to 10 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for distributing oxycodone.  He was also ordered to forfeit $3,000 in cash proceeds.

•Jordan Grainger, 24, of Meridian, Idaho, was sentenced on November 24, 2014, to 48 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and heroin.  He was also ordered to forfeit $100,000 in cash proceeds.

•Kevin Daniels, 19, of Boise, Idaho, was sentenced on November 25, 2014, to three years of probation for distributing oxycodone.  He was also ordered to forfeit $7,500 in cash proceeds.

 •Ellen McDaniel, 44, of Boise, Idaho, was sentenced on November 25, 2014, to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, and 80 hours of community service for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.  She was also ordered to forfeit $20,000 in cash proceeds.

 •Jeffery Manchester Jr., 28, of Renton, Washington, was sentenced on December 18, 2014, to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, and 100 hours of community service for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and heroin.  He was also ordered to forfeit $32,000 in cash proceeds.

 •Jared Hicks, 22, of Caldwell, Idaho, was sentenced on January 13, 2015, to 18 months in prison followed by three years of supervise release, and 100 hours of community service for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.  He was also ordered to forfeit $40,000 in cash proceeds.

 •Kekai Wachi, 20, of Boise, Idaho, was sentenced on January 13, 2015, to 21 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, and 100 hours of community service for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.  She was also ordered to forfeit $60,000 in cash proceeds.

•Christopher Deleongurro Snyder, 24, of Boise, Idaho, was sentenced on January 14, 2015, to 87 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.  He was also ordered to forfeit $1,000,000 in cash proceeds.

•Jordan Baptista, 19, of Boise, Idaho was sentenced on March 9, 2015, was sentenced to three years of probation.  He was also ordered to forfeit $75,000 in cash proceeds.

•Travis Fraser, 19, of Boise, Idaho, was sentenced on April 6, 2015, to 12 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and heroin, followed by three years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to forfeit $40,000 in cash proceeds.

• James Acarregui, 29, of Boise, Idaho, was sentenced on April 6, 2015, to three years in prison for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, followed by five years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to forfeit $125,000 in cash proceeds.

“Prescription drug abuse is a growing and significant community health problem,” said Olson.  “Where individuals choose to unlawfully distribute prescription medications and other illegal drugs, we will work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to investigate, prosecute and convict those responsible.”

“Shutting down the leadership of this interstate prescription drug network represents an important victory in the opioid struggle facing our communities,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Boise Police Department as an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation.  OCDETF partners include the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and U.S. Marshals Service.

The case was initiated and investigated by the Boise Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) led Tactical Diversion Squad which is comprised of law enforcement personnel from the DEA, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Boise Police Department, Idaho State Police, Meridian Police Department, Nampa Police Department and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

 

POCATELLO – Uriel Jose Ortega, 26, of Twin Falls, Idaho, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill to 22 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Ortega pleaded guilty to the charge on June 1, 2015, but later tried unsuccessfully to withdraw his guilty plea.

According to the plea agreement and sentencing hearing, on July 10, 2014, Ortega was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by the Idaho State Police in Bonneville County, Idaho. The two were traveling from Idaho to Montana. In the vehicle, officers subsequently found in excess of 1.3 kilograms of actual methamphetamine as well as numerous firearms. Further investigation determined that Ortega had been distributing large amounts of methamphetamine to Montana from Idaho for an extended period of time. The court also found that Ortega had threatened witnesses and a law enforcement officer during the investigation.

The case was the result of an investigation by the Idaho State Police and the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Montana. The case was prosecuted jointly by the attorneys from the United States Attorney’s Office in Idaho and the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office, with assistance from the United States Attorney’s Office in Montana.

POCATELLO – Tony Saiz, Sr., 52, of Fort Hall, Idaho, appeared in U.S. District Court today to answer a federal indictment charging him with distribution of marijuana, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Saiz pleaded not guilty.  A jury trial is scheduled before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill on February 16, 2016.  Saiz was indicted by the federal grand jury in Pocatello on November 24, 2015.

The indictment alleges that on five dates in May 2015, Saiz distributed marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D).

The charge of distribution of marijuana is punishable by up to five years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and at least two years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the Fort Hall Police Department, the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, the Blackfoot Police Department K-9 Unit, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

An indictment is a means of charging a person with criminal activity.  It is not evidence.  The person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

COEUR D'ALENE - Roberta Jean Peone, 43, of Desmet, Idaho, was sentenced today in United States District Court to time served — 100 days — for conspiracy to commit theft from the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and for making counterfeit checks, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian, a visiting judge from the Eastern District of Washington assigned to hear some Idaho cases, also ordered Peone to serve three years of supervised release, with the first 120 days to be spent in a residential re-entry center, and to pay $20,772.32 in restitution.  Peone pleaded guilty to the charge on September 15, 2015.

According to the plea agreement, Peone admitted that she and her codefendant, agreed to, and did, manufacture counterfeit checks and steal from a federally recognized tribal organization.  Defendant Peone created the counterfeit checks using check making software on her laptop and check stock.  After creating the checks, Peone and her codefendant recruited others to cash some of the counterfeit checks.  Many of the checks were cashed at the Coeur d’Alene Casino, a federally recognized tribal organization.  The recruits split the proceeds from the counterfeit checks with Peone and her codefendant.  The total loss due to the counterfeit checks created by Peone and her codefendant was $20,772.32.

The case was investigated by Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 

COEUR D'ALENE - Darin Kyle Taylor, 55, of Post Falls, Idaho, pleaded guilty today in two related cases to use of interstate facilities in the commission of murder for hire, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  On August 18, 2015, Taylor was indicted for the federal drug charge.  On December 4, 2015, Taylor waived his right to be indicted grand jury and agreed to be charged with murder for hire in federal court. 

According to the plea agreements, on June 17 and June 30, 2015, the Idaho State Police worked with a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine from Taylor at his Post Falls, residence.  On July 1, 2015, Idaho State Police detectives served a search warrant at Taylor’s residence and seized methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, cash, and firearms. 

On August 19, 2015, the day after Taylor was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug charges, Taylor met with a confidential informant working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Taylor solicited this ATF confidential informant to murder another person promising to pay cash.  Taylor was arrested on the federal drug charge shortly after his conversation and has been in federal custody since.     

The murder for hire charge is punishable by up to ten years in prison, supervised release up to three years, and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The methamphetamine charge is punishable by not less than five years and no more than forty years in prison, supervised release of not less than four years, and a maximum fine of $5,000,000. 

Sentencing is set for March 1, 2016, before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Coeur d'Alene.

The cases were investigated by the Idaho State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.    

 

COEUR D'ALENE - Karl Erik Erickson, 33, of Palmer, Alaska, was sentenced today in United States District Court to 48 months in prison followed by three years supervised release for his robbery of a Ponderay credit union, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  U.S. District Judge Stanley Bastian, a visiting judge from the Eastern District of Washington assigned to hear some Idaho cases, also ordered Erickson to pay $3,410 in restitution.  Erickson pleaded guilty to the charge on September 15, 2015.

According to court documents, Erickson admitted that in July 2015, he went into the Horizon Credit Union in Ponderay, Idaho, and told the teller it was a robbery.  He demanded money and took $3,410, and then fled the credit union.  Erickson was arrested three days later.  Erickson had one prior robbery. 

The case was investigated by Bonner County Sheriff’s Department, Idaho State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

COEUR D'ALENE - Robert William McAllaster, 50, of Lapwai, Idaho, was sentenced today to 180 months in prison for sexual abuse of a child, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian, a visiting judge from the Eastern District of Washington assigned to hear some Idaho cases, also ordered McAllaster to serve 15 years of supervised release upon his release from prison.  McAllaster pleaded guilty to the charge on September 15, 2015. 

According to the plea agreement, between June 25, 2012, and September 30, 2014, on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation, McAllaster sexually abused a child who was over the age of twelve, by causing contact between his penis and the child.   

“Crimes against children are some of the most heinous our office prosecutes,” said Olson.  “Today’s sentence should serve notice to others who abuse children.  You will be investigated, you will be prosecuted, and justice will be served.” 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nez Perce Tribal Police Department, and the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office. 

BOISE - Rafael Perez, 31, of Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for wire fraud and possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Perez to pay restitution in the amount of $13,301.64.  Perez pleaded guilty on August 11, 2015.

According to the plea agreement, Perez admitted that in March 2015, he and two co-defendants traveled together from Mexico, through Montana, to Idaho in a vehicle rented in Sonora, Mexico, for the purpose of using counterfeit credit cards to make fraudulent purchases of merchandise and gift cards.  In Montana, each defendant engaged in a number of transactions, using credit cards that the defendants knew to be counterfeit, at stores such as Auto Zone, TJ Maxx, Home Depot, Ulta, and others.  The defendants jointly and fraudulently obtained merchandise valued at approximately $8,184.01 in Montana.  In Boise, the defendants again engaged in a number of transactions, using credit cards the defendants knew to be counterfeit, at stores such as Lowe’s, Sports Authority, Barnes and Noble, Nordstrom Rack, JC Penney, and others.  The defendants fraudulently obtained merchandise valued at approximately $5,117.63 in Boise.  The defendants were arrested in possession of approximately 84 counterfeit credit cards embossed with their names, but encoded with victims’ credit card numbers, as well as merchandise purchased with the counterfeit credit cards, including GoPro Hero 4 Cameras, Samsung Galaxy Nooks, and video game systems. 

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Boise Police Department.

 

COEUR D'ALENE - Keith David Killingsworth, 38, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, was sentenced today to 75 months in prison for possession of sexually explicit images of minors, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian, a visiting judge from the Eastern District of Washington assigned to hear some Idaho cases, also ordered Killingsworth to pay $1,500 in restitution to a child in the images he possessed, and to serve 15 years of supervised release upon his release from prison.  Killingsworth pleaded guilty to the charge on September 15, 2015.        

According to the plea agreement, between July 2013, and December 2013, investigators with the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) observed that a computer in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, was making sexually explicit images of minors available on the internet.  ICAC investigators were able to determine that the images were being shared from a computer at Killingsworth’s residence and obtained a search warrant. 

ICAC investigators seized a number of computers from Killingsworth’s residence.  A United States Secret Service forensic examiner later found that one of these computers, seized from Killingsworth’s bedroom, contained over 2,000 images and 67 videos, depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Search terms indicated that Killingsworth was looking for child pornography.  The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children determined that Killingsworth’s child pornography collection included images of minors from multiple states, including Washington, Indiana, New Jersey, Iowa, Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and a number of foreign countries.    

The case was investigated through the collaborative effort of the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, the Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office, Boise Police Department, and the United States Secret Service.  These agencies participate in the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a statewide coalition of local, state and federal law enforcement and prosecution agencies, focused on apprehending and prosecuting individuals who use the Internet to criminally exploit children.  For more information about the Idaho ICAC Task Force and a list of all the participating agencies, visit www.icacidaho.org.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.  For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

 

BOISE - Alejandro Hidalgo, 26, Dilcia Martinez-Marquez, 25, Enrique Matos-Herrera, 29, Luis Mejias-Fiz, 25, and Jose Salazar-Quintana, 29, of Amarillo, Texas, and Eslay Monzon, 42, of Homestead, Florida, were indicted by a federal grand jury on December 8, 2015, for their participation in a pre-paid debit card retail fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Hidalgo, Matos-Herrera, Mejias-Fiz, Monzon, and Salazar-Quintana are each charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.  Martinez-Marquez is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.  The Defendants were arraigned on December 10, 2015, and trial has been set for February 2, 2016, before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge. 

The Indictment charges the defendants with devising a scheme to defraud retail stores in Idaho by materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises.  The indictment alleges that the defendants traveled to Idaho for the purpose of executing their scheme, rented hotel rooms, and traveled to numerous retail stores in the Boise area on October 14 and 15, 2015.  Additionally, the indictment alleges that the defendants made purchases of merchandise and gift cards using pre-paid debit cards that they had re-encoded with unauthorized debit card account numbers belonging to unknowing card holders.  

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud are punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.  Aggravated identity theft is punishable by a mandatory two years in prison, to be served consecutively to the sentence imposed for the underlying felony. 

The case was investigated by the Meridian Police Department and the United States Secret Service.                                                                                             

An indictment is a means of charging a person with criminal activity.  It is not evidence.  The person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

POCATELLO – Carlos Beltran-Vega, 58, a Mexican national most currently living in Rigby, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill to 135 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Beltran-Vega pleaded guilty to the charge on August 26, 2015. 

According to the plea agreement and sentencing hearing, On February 16, 2015, law enforcement received information that Beltran-Vega , along with co-Defendants, had a large amount of methamphetamine in a cooler at a hotel in Idaho Falls, Idaho.  Officers conducted surveillance on the hotel room and observed Beltran-Vega, along with another man exit the hotel room and get into a vehicle.  The two men had possession of a red cooler when they went from the hotel room into the vehicle.  A short time later the vehicle was stopped, and a canine alerted to the presence of drugs in the cooler.  Methamphetamine was found in the cooler.  A subsequent search of the hotel room revealed a larger amount of methamphetamine.

The case was the result of a joint investigation of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, in conjunction with, the Bonneville Country Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho Falls Police Department, and the Nampa Police Department.  The case was prosecuted jointly by the attorneys from the United States Attorney’s Office and the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office.  The remaining defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on December 21.

The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.

POCATELLO - Justin Dixson, 42, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, pleaded guilty yesterday to sexual exploitation of a minor child, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Dixson was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pocatello on May 27, 2015.

According to the plea agreement, Dixson admitted that between July 2014, and February 2015, law enforcement agents were able to download 27 files of child pornography from his computer.  Additional images of child pornography were located on Dixson’s computer hardware when his residence was searched pursuant to a search warrant in April 2015.  Among those images were images of a minor child being sexually abused by Dixson, and Dixson admitted to taking pictures of the abuse.  In total, law enforcement discovered approximately 1,712 suspected images and videos of child pornography on the defendant’s computer.  The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported that of these, 438 images and 29 videos depicted children previously identified to law enforcement as victims of sexual abuse and exploitation.

The charge of sexual exploitation of a minor child is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and up to life supervised release.

Sentencing is set for March 2, 2016, before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.

The case was investigated by Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), Idaho Falls Police, U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS).

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.  For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

 

POCATELLO – Charles Eugene Allhands, 52, of Fort Hall, Idaho, pleaded guilty yesterday in United States District Court to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Allhands was indicted on October 27, 2015.

According to the plea agreement, on March 8, 2015, Allhands sold methamphetamine to an individual at Allhands’ residence on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. 

The charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release.

Allhands is scheduled to be sentenced on March 2, 2016, before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.

The case was investigated by the Fort Hall Police Department, the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 

BOISE – Virginia Burcham, 43, of Caldwell, Idaho, was sentenced on December 7, 2015, to four years of probation and 200 hours of community service for misappropriating postal funds, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald E. Bush also ordered Burcham to pay full restitution to the United States Postal Service in the amount of $6,397.07.  Burcham pleaded guilty on September 29, 2015.

According to the plea agreement, Burcham was responsible for accepting, depositing, and recording various types of customer payments made at the Greenleaf Post Office.  She knowingly and intentionally misappropriated for her own use certain postal funds that came into her possession, care, and control as part of her employment.     Specifically, Burcham failed to report certain postage meter sales, bulk mail sales, P.O. Box rental payments, and stamp sales.  Burcham then took these unreported postal funds and used them for her personal purposes.         

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General.

 

POCATELLO – Duncan Tendoy, 51, of Fort Hall, Idaho, appeared U.S. District Court today and pleaded not guilty to a charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  A jury trial is scheduled before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill on February 16, 2016.  Tendoy was indicted by the federal grand jury in Pocatello on November 24, 2015.             

The indictment alleges that on August 9, 2015, Tendoy possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). 

The charge of distribution of methamphetamine is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, a maximum fine of $2,000,000, and at least six years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the Fort Hall Police Department and the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office.

An indictment is a means of charging a person with criminal activity.  It is not evidence. The person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

BOISE - Miguel Angel Osuna-Zavala, 42, and his wife Diane Osuna, 44, of Wendell, Idaho, were sentenced today to the Federal Bureau of Prisons for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge sentenced Miguel Angel Osuna-Zavala to 84 months in prison and ordered him to serve four years of supervised release following incarceration.  Diane Osuna was sentenced to 60 months in prison and ordered to serve five years of supervised release following incarceration.  Both defendants pleaded guilty on September 9, 2015.

According to court proceedings, on February 2, 2015, a search warrant was executed on the couple’s home in Wendell, Idaho.  Inside a safe located in the master bedroom, which both defendants had access to, were a package of methamphetamine weighing approximately 65 grams, and a 9mm Sturm Ruger pistol, model P95.  The pistol is registered in the name of Diane Osuna.  Miguel Angel Osuna-Zavala also claimed the firearm was his.  The officers also found baggies and a set of digital scales in the house.  Other guns were found in the residence, as well, According to court documents, Diane Osuna would weigh out the drugs for Miguel to sell.  Miguel Angel Osuna-Zavala is a Mexican national living illegally in the United States and may be subject to deportation after his prison term is completed.  Diane Osuna is a U.S. citizen. 

The case was investigated by the Gooding County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.  The case was prosecuted as part of Idaho’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, which seeks to reduce gun violence in Idaho. 

 

BOISE – United States Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced today that her office's Financial Litigation Unit collected more than $4.9 million in civil debts and in criminal fines, assessments, and restitution for the fiscal year that ended September 30, 2015.  U.S. Attorney Olson stated that the Financial Litigation Unit collected $2,504,945 in criminal fines, assessments, and restitution, and $2,427,383 in civil debts.  In addition, the Asset Forfeiture Unit collected approximately $2.3 million representing proceeds and instruments of crime in both criminal and civil forfeitures.  

“The more than $7.2 million our staff collected through civil debts, asset forfeiture, fines, assessments and restitution exceeds the U.S. Attorney's Office's annual operational budget,” said Olson.  “Our collection and asset forfeiture staffs of attorneys, paralegals, analysts and fiscal agents ensure that those who owe the federal government money as a result of litigation in this district or as a result of longtime debt, such as student loans, make appropriate payments.  They also ensure that those who have profited from committing crimes in the District of Idaho are deprived of the proceeds and tools of their crimes.  This year, all of these dedicated individuals have done outstanding work and served this office, taxpayers and the federal government well.”

The Financial Litigation Unit 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 student loans and defaulted federally financed mortgages, working with debtors to arrange viable payment plans.  During fiscal year 2015, the office collected over $2.4 million in civil debt.  Of that, the office collected $1.5 million from EPA violations concerning release of hazardous substances.  This includes payments from Hecla Mining Company, P4 Production, and Clearwater Paper Corp.

In addition, the U.S. Attorney’s Office collected approximately $70,333 in defaulted student loans and $293,000 in fire suppression costs for human-caused fires.

From convicted criminals, the U.S. Attorney's Office collects fines, assessments, restitution, and asset forfeitures.  Victims of crime receive funds collected in criminal restitution cases.  In fiscal year 2015, the U.S. Attorney's Office collected over $2.5 million in criminal restitution that was distributed to victims of crime.  Other criminal collections such as fines go into the Crime Victims Fund.  From there, funds are distributed to the Idaho Crime Victims Compensation Program, the Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance, and similar programs across the country.  Money recovered from the illegal proceeds of criminal activity through forfeiture is returned to victims, used to offset the costs of operating federal prisons, and shared with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to help fight crime.  Other recoveries go back to agency creditors.  

During the fiscal year, some notable criminal fine collections include: the collection of Randal Watson’s criminal fine of $25,000 associated with a drug offense; the collection of $50,000 from Owyhee Construction related to a fine for EPA clean-up costs; and the collection of $100,000 from Jeremy DeLuca as payment of a criminal fine related to misbranding of products at bodybuilding.com in 2008-2009.  In addition, funds were collected for crime victims, such as $25,500 from Melody Redondo related to mortgage fraud; $12,275 from Richard Zaranek related to embezzlement from a school district; and $17,452 from Robert Holloway related to bank robbery.  Through the Treasury Offset program, the office collected $11,586 from Aaron Hymas related to mortgage fraud.

Notable recoveries of the proceeds of crime through asset forfeiture include two drug cases involving the illegal trafficking and sale of analogues (synthetic marijuana) and drug paraphernalia in Boise, Nampa, Twin Falls and Pocatello.  Approximately $1.3 million in drug trafficking proceeds were recovered in these cases.                

 

BOISE – Richard Lobato, 51, of Nampa, Idaho, was sentenced today in United States District Court to 60 months for distributing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Lobato to serve four years of supervised release following his prison term.  Lobato was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 15, 2014, and entered a guilty plea on September 1, 2015.

According to the plea agreement, Lobato admitted that he distributed methamphetamine to a confidential informant on two occasions.  On October 9, 2013, Lobato and co-conspirator Michael Bradshaw sold approximately one-quarter of an ounce of methamphetamine to the informant.  On October 23, 2013, Lobato sold another one-quarter of an ounce of methamphetamine to the informant. 

This case and other related cases are the result of an investigation by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, which focused on the “Norteno” Northside gang that is active in Nampa and other parts of the Treasure Valley.  Fourteen individuals were indicted on drug and gun charges as a result of the investigation.  In addition to Lobato, nine other defendants have been sentenced.  Guadalupe Serrano, 35, of Caldwell, was sentenced on April 21, 2015, to 75 months in prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and for possessing firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime.  Nicole Danelle Nieto, 31, of Nampa, was sentenced on May 26, 2015, to 41 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.  Jose Manuel Menchaca, 35, of Nampa, was sentenced May 28, 2015, to 60 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.  On June 17, 2015, Brandi Larrea, 31, of Nampa, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine and Tara Noelle Rivera, 30, of Nampa, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.  Johnny Lee Martinez, 33, of Nampa, was sentenced on July 20, 2015, to 57 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.  Michael Bradshaw, 31, of Nampa, was sentenced on August 6, 2015, to 66 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.  Kenny P. Breedlove, 35, from California, was sentenced on October 15, 2015, to 110 months in prison. Guillermo Farias Jr., 29, from Nampa, was sentenced on October 26, 2015, to three years of supervised probation.  Two other defendants, Jose Enrique Olvera Jr., 51, from Nampa, and Isaac Bright, 21 from Caldwell, are scheduled for sentencing on January 20, 2016.  Veronica Cantu, 26, of Nampa, was arrested in Michigan last week and has an initial appearance scheduled for December 10, 2015.  One defendant, Ruben Rodriguez, 36, of Nampa, has an outstanding warrant.

These cases are the result of a joint investigation by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force and the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  The Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force is comprised of federal, state and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Boise Police Department; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Caldwell Police Department; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; and Idaho Department of Probation and Parole.  The Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), includes the cooperative law enforcement efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and U.S. Marshals Service.  The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.

These cases are being prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership, the Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes.  The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth.  For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org. 

 

BOISE – Brenon Lawrence, 28, of Kuna, Idaho, was sentenced today to 77 months in prison for possession and distribution of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Lawrence to pay a $500 fine and serve five years of supervised release following his incarceration.  Lawrence pleaded guilty on July 21, 2015.

According to court proceedings, Lawrence was arrested in Boise, Idaho, on December 9, 2014.  Boise police officers went to the Boise residence where Lawrence was then residing to arrest him on a state parole warrant.  As he and a female friend left the residence to get into a vehicle, the officers approached him.  Lawrence dropped a backpack as he ran back toward the residence.  Inside the backpack officers found a loaded 9 mm semi-automatic pistol, a folding knife, an expandable baton, small plastic baggies containing 14.5 grams of meth.  Lawrence admitted he had he been “jocky-boxing” in Boise the night before and had stolen the gun from a car to get money.   

The case was investigated by the Boise Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

 

BOISE – Brenon Lawrence, 28, of Kuna, Idaho, was sentenced today to 77 months in prison for possession and distribution of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Lawrence to pay a $500 fine and serve five years of supervised release following his incarceration.  Lawrence pleaded guilty on July 21, 2015.

According to court proceedings, Lawrence was arrested in Boise, Idaho, on December 9, 2014.  Boise police officers went to the Boise residence where Lawrence was then residing to arrest him on a state parole warrant.  As he and a female friend left the residence to get into a vehicle, the officers approached him.  Lawrence dropped a backpack as he ran back toward the residence.  Inside the backpack officers found a loaded 9 mm semi-automatic pistol, a folding knife, an expandable baton, small plastic baggies containing 14.5 grams of meth.  Lawrence admitted he had he been “jocky-boxing” in Boise the night before and had stolen the gun from a car to get money.   

The case was investigated by the Boise Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

 

BOISE – Ronald Eugene Bohm, 50, from California, pleaded guilty today in United States District Court to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a machinegun, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Bohm was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 11, 2015. 

According to the plea agreement, on July 26, 2015, Meridian Police Officers searched Bohm’s residence in Meridian, Idaho.  In the master bedroom closet, officers found approximately 63 grams of methamphetamine and $1,122.  Officers also located a digital scale in the master bedroom.  Police officers found numerous firearms and firearm components in the residence including a drop in auto sear, which is a combination of parts designed to convert a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic machine gun.  Other firearms located in the residence include two AR-15 semiautomatic rifles, five AR-15 receivers, a .22 caliber rifle with a shortened barrel, and a 7.62X54 millimeter rifle with a shortened barrel.  The government is seeking forfeiture of the firearms and firearm components.   

The charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute is punishable by a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and up to forty years, a maximum fine of $5 million, and a minimum term of four years supervised release.  Bohm’s possession of an unregistered machinegun is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.  Bohm is scheduled to be sentenced on February 11, 2016, by Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Boise.  The co-defendant, Constance Bohm, is scheduled for trial on January 25, 2016.

This case was investigated by the Meridian Police Department and the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force.  The Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force is comprised of federal, state and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Boise Police Department; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Caldwell Police Department; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; and Idaho Department of Probation and Parole. 

The case is being prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes.  The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth.  For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org. 

 

BOISE – Alejandro Vela, 33 of Buhl, Idaho, was sentenced today to 188 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Vela to serve four years of supervised release following his release from prison.  Vela pleaded guilty on August 6, 2015.         

According to the plea agreement, Alejandro Vela sold methamphetamine to an informant on July 31, 2014.  His wife and codefendant, Esmirna Vela, was present during the transaction.  On September 3, 2015, Alejandro Vela agreed to distribute additional methamphetamine to the informant; however, Esmirna Vela showed up instead and sold an ounce of methamphetamine to the informant.  Esmirna Vela pleaded guilty and was sentenced on November 20, 2015, by U.S. District Court Judge Dee V. Benson to 13 months in prison for the offense.  She was sentenced to three years of supervised release following her term of imprisonment, but she will likely be deported.

The case was investigated by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force.  The Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force is comprised of federal, state and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Boise Police Department; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Caldwell Police Department; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; and Idaho Department of Probation and Parole. 

The case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office, the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes.  The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth.  For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org. 

BOISE – Alexander Christian Gruber, 20, of Boise, Idaho, was sentenced today to 36 months in prison for possession and distribution of methamphetamine, and unlawful possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Gruber to serve three years of supervised release.  Gruber pleaded guilty on September 15, 2015.

According to court proceedings, Gruber was arrested in Boise, Idaho, on January 20, 2015.  Boise police officers arrested Gruber after he sold Dilaudid pills and a sawed-off shotgun to an undercover agent.  Earlier in January 2015, Gruber offered to sell cocaine to a confidential informant, but it turned out to be methamphetamine.  At the time Gruber possessed and sold the short-barrel shotgun, he was a prohibited as a convicted felon from possessing any firearm.  The weapon made from the shotgun was not registered as required.  Gruber admitted he possessed the methamphetamine with intent to distribute it.  He also admitted that he sold the firearm, and possessed other firearms.

“These penalties handed down by the federal court for possession of meth with intent to distribute it and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon are appropriate despite the young age of the defendant,” said Olson.  “While special consideration is given by the courts to young defendants like Gruber, the penalties are appropriate because of society’s concerns about persons who traffic in harmful drugs and use firearms.”  

The case was investigated by the Boise Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

 

POCATELLO – Monte G. Hoffman, 51, of Pocatello, Idaho, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and destruction of government property, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Hoffman to serve eight years of supervised release, perform 200 hours of community service, and to pay $1,275 in restitution to the United States Probation Office.  Hoffman was found guilty by a federal jury in Pocatello on September 2, 2015. 

Evidence at trial showed that, on December 6, 2012, Hoffman was observed leaving a location in Pocatello known for drug activity.  He was stopped by the police and found to be in possession of methamphetamine packaged for sale, as well as items used to distribute methamphetamine.  Additionally, on March 8, 2015, while on pretrial release awaiting trial, Hoffman destroyed his electronic monitor and fled Idaho to Odessa, Texas, where he was subsequently arrested by the United States Marshals Service. 

The case was the result of an investigation by the Idaho State Police and the United States Marshals Service.

 

POCATELLO – Cory Hugues, 44, of Pocatello, Idaho, was sentenced today to three weekends in jail for theft of funds by an employee from a gaming establishment on Indian lands, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Hugues to pay $2,600 in restitution and serve three years of probation.  Hugues pleaded guilty to the charge on August 26, 2015. 

According to the plea agreement, Hugues was employed at the Fort Hall Sage Hill Casino as a uniformed security guard.  On January 27, 2015, he was in the cash room at the casino with another employee.  The other employee, a banker, counted the money in the safe.  It was then Hugues’ duty to spin the dial on the safe to ensure it was locked.  Hugues did a partial spin, which appeared to lock the safe, but did not actually do so.          Surveillance video showed Hugues returning to the cash room later, opening the safe and reaching into it.  He made a movement toward his left pocket area, then shut the safe, spun the dial and left the cash room.  A cash count the following day showed $2,600 missing from the safe.  Hugues was interviewed on a later date by law enforcement and he ultimately confessed to taking the $2,600 from the casino safe and using it to pay bills.

The case was investigated by the Fort Hall Police Department and the Pocatello Police Department.

BOISE - Irving Gonzalez-Bocanegra, 25, of Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for wire fraud and possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Gonzalez-Bocanegra to pay restitution in the amount of $13,301.64.  Gonzalez-Bocanegra pleaded guilty on August 6, 2015.

According to the plea agreement, Gonzalez-Bocanegra admitted that in March 2015, he and two co-defendants traveled together from Mexico, through Montana, to Idaho in a vehicle rented in Sonora, Mexico, for the purpose of using counterfeit credit cards to make fraudulent purchases of merchandise and gift cards.  In Montana, each defendant engaged in a number of transactions, using credit cards that the defendants knew to be counterfeit, at stores such as Auto Zone, TJ Maxx, Home Depot, Ulta, and others.  The defendants jointly and fraudulently obtained merchandise valued at approximately $8,184.01 in Montana.  In Boise, the defendants again engaged in a number of transactions, using credit cards the defendants knew to be counterfeit, at stores such as Lowe’s, Sports Authority, Barnes and Noble, Nordstrom Rack, JC Penney, and others.  The defendants fraudulently obtained merchandise valued at approximately $5,117.63 in Boise.  The defendants were arrested in possession of approximately 84 counterfeit credit cards embossed with their names, but encoded with victims’ credit card numbers, as well as merchandise purchased with the counterfeit credit cards, including GoPro Hero 4 Cameras, Samsung Galaxy Nooks, and video game systems. 

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Boise Police Department.

BOISE – Robert Iracheta, 27, of Vale, Oregon, was sentenced today to180 months in prison for possession and distribution of methamphetamine, and for unlawful possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Iracheta to serve five years of supervised release following his release from prison.  Iracheta pleaded guilty on August 27, 2015.

According to court proceedings, Iracheta was arrested in Payette, Idaho, on March 18, 2015.  When the officers searched the home he shared with his girlfriend and infant child they found a locked safe containing seven plastic baggies with 148.58 grams of actual methamphetamine, a Lorcin .22 caliber pistol, and $2,760 in cash, as well as paraphernalia.  Iracheta admitted he possessed the methamphetamine with intent to distribute it.  These items were forfeited by Iracheta as part of his sentence.

“Severe federal prison sentences are reserved for those who traffic in addictive illegal drugs and use firearms to further their unlawful conduct,” said Olson.  “With our state and federal law enforcement partners, we will vigilantly pursue those who pose this specific danger to our communities.” 

The case was investigated by the High Desert Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

 

BOISE –Vicente Rene Ramirez, Jr., also known as Little Gangster, 33, of Jerome, Idaho, was sentenced today to 144 months in prison for unlawful possession of a handgun and possession of a sawed-off shotgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Ramirez to serve five years of supervised release following his release from prison.  Ramirez pleaded guilty on August 27, 2015.

According to court proceedings, Ramirez was found to be in possession of a sawed-off shotgun and a .22 revolver on February 11, 2015, in Jerome County.  Ramirez, who had previously been convicted of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, was prohibited from possessing any firearm.  When questioned by law enforcement, Ramirez stated that he was a proud Norteno gang member who always carried a sawed-off shotgun.  Ramirez admitted that he worked as “muscle” for a local drug dealer.

The case was investigated by the Jerome County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

BOISE – Michael Angelo Sapp, 40, of Nampa, Idaho, and formerly of Florida, was found guilty last Friday following a three-day jury trial in federal court on charges that he possessed over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and unlawful possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. 

According to evidence presented at trial, Sapp was involved in a high speed chase the night of December 23, 2014.  Meridian police officers attempted to stop him after he was reported as an intoxicated driver who hit a pole at the McDonald’s drive thru located at 195 E. Central in Meridian.  During the chase that followed, Sapp reached speeds of 90 miles per hour, drove in the wrong lane and ran several red lights.  Officers finally stopped him near Meridian and Chinden roads.  The jury found that he possessed with the intent to distribute 174 grams of pure methamphetamine, which was found in his vehicle.  The jury also found him guilty of possessing a .380 semi-automatic pistol.  Sapp had previously been convicted in the state of Florida of grand theft firearm, burglary, grand theft of more $10,000, grand theft of $300-500, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, pawnbroker transaction fraud, dealing in stolen property by trafficking, fraud upon secondary metals recyclers, grand theft of a firearm, and grand theft.  At the time of his arrest, he was wanted on felony warrants out of the state of Florida.

Sentencing is set for February 3, 2016, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Edward J. Lodge.  Sapp faces a minimum sentence of ten years, and up to life on the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charge, and up to ten years on the unlawful possession of a firearm charge.

The case was investigated by the Meridian Police Department, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The case is being prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Board.  The Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Board is a collaboration of local law enforcement drug task forces and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, and Malheur County.

 

BOISE – Richard Pena Jr., 39 of Boise, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday to 63 months in prison for unlawful possession of a handgun, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Visiting Judge Dee V. Benson also ordered Pena to serve three years of supervised release following his release from prison.  Pena pleaded guilty on August 6, 2015.

According to the plea agreement, on December 4, 2014, a police officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in Caldwell, Idaho.  Police officers discovered that Pena, who was a passenger in that vehicle, had an active warrant for his arrest.  Police officers arrested Pena and searched his person and the vehicle.  During the search, police officers found a yellow crystal substance wrapped in tinfoil and a syringe in Pena’s pocket, and a backpack behind the passenger seat containing Pena’s driver’s license and a loaded 9 millimeter handgun.  Pena is prohibited from possessing firearms because he was previously convicted of the felony crime of aggravated battery.  Pena agreed to forfeit the firearm involved in the offense.  

The case was investigated by the Caldwell Police Department and the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force.  The Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force is comprised of federal, state and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Boise Police Department; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Caldwell Police Department; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; and Idaho Department of Probation and Parole. 

The case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office, the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes.  The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth.  For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org. 

 

COEUR D'ALENE - Thomas Wade Callen, 52, of Sandpoint, Idaho, was sentenced today in United States District Court to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for unlawful possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Callen to serve 12 months in prison for violating his supervised release in a previous case.  Callen pleaded guilty to the charge on August 18, 2015.

According to court documents, Callen admitted that although he knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his previous felony convictions, he still was in possession of five firearms.  Callen explained that he was teaching his girlfriend’s children gun safety when he possessed the firearms.  Judge Lodge reminded Callen that as a felon he cannot possess firearms for any reason.  The firearms Callen possessed will be forfeited.

The case was investigated by North Idaho Violent Crimes Task Force (NIVCTF).

The case was prosecuted as part of Idaho’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, which seeks to reduce gun violence in Idaho. 

COEUR D'ALENE - Daniel Wayne Winslow, 32, of Clarkston, Washington, pleaded guilty today to theft from a tribal organization, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Winslow was charged by the U.S. Attorney on October 29, 2015.

According to the plea agreement, Winslow admitted that he was a cashier at the Nez Perce Express, which is owned by the Nez Perce Tribal Enterprises, an organization of the Nez Perce Tribe, a federally recognized Indian Tribe.  During the defendant’s employment, he would sell cigarettes to customers and take cash in payment.  The defendant then used his cash register to void the sale and converted the money the customer paid for the cigarettes to his own use.  This practice of voiding the sales allowed the defendant to show a balanced cash drawer at the end of his shift.  An audit revealed the defendant has stolen approximately $199,000 of tribal funds over several years during his employment at the Nez Perce Express.

The charge of theft from a tribal organization is punishable by up to five years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and up to three years of supervised release.

Sentencing is set for January 26, 2016, before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Coeur d'Alene.

The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Nez Perce Tribal Police.

Today's announcement is part of efforts underway by President Obama's Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF), which was created in November 2009 to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.  With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud.  Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations.  Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed more than 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,700 mortgage fraud defendants.

 

COEUR D'ALENE - Nicole Lynn Abraham, 30, of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, pleaded guilty today to possession of stolen mail, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Abraham was indicted by a federal grand jury in Coeur d'Alene on March 17, 2015.

According to the plea agreement, in June 2014, Kootenai Tribal Police executed a search warrant at a residence where the defendant was residing.  During the search, a Kootenai Tribal Officer seized a suitcase containing mail stolen from individuals in Idaho, Washington and Montana.  Abraham was arrested and later made bond.

A week later, Spokane police confronted Abraham who was a passenger in a stolen vehicle where more stolen mail and items taken during a home burglary were found.  Abraham was arrested. 

The charge of possession of stolen mail is punishable by up to five years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and up to three years of supervised release.

Sentencing is set for January 26, 2016, before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Coeur d'Alene.

The case was investigated by Kootenai Tribal Police, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Spokane Police Department.