Today, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced the sentencing of three individuals involved in separate drug distribution cases in southern Idaho. These cases highlight the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.
“These defendants are facing the consequences of engaging in drug trafficking in Idaho,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Anyone else thinking of trafficking drugs in Idaho should pay attention. Our strong law enforcement partnerships will continue to detect drug trafficking in Idaho and our prosecutors will continue to ensure that justice is served.”
In one case, Zechariah Scott Chadwick, 37, from Poulsbo, Washington, was sentenced to 14.5 years for possessing fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute. On January 17, 2024, Chadwick crashed his vehicle on US Highway 93 in Twin Falls County while under the influence of drugs. Deputies found large quantities of fentanyl pills and methamphetamine along with a loaded handgun during their search.
Chadwick's criminal history includes convictions for theft and violence-related offenses. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill ordered Chadwick to serve five years of supervised release following his prison term.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit thanked local law enforcement agencies for their collaboration on this case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Booker.
In another case, Nathan Gamble, 47, from Boise received a ten-year sentence for distributing methamphetamine as part of a larger organization operating between eastern Oregon and western Idaho.
Gamble's criminal record includes prior convictions related to methamphetamine trafficking in both Oregon and Idaho. He pleaded guilty in August 2024 and will also serve five years of supervised release after his prison sentence.
U.S District Judge Amanda K Brailsford presided over Gamble's sentencing while Assistant U S Attorney David Morse prosecuted this case which involved multiple law enforcement agencies working together through an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation.
Lastly Ivan Cortez-Monarrez aged forty-one hailing from Sinaloa Mexico was sentenced over ten years imprisonment due involvement with Mexican cartel smuggling operations into Treasure Valley area distributing six pounds worth Methamphetamines alongside unlawful possession firearms despite previous deportation back January twenty twenty-one before returning illegally again
During sentencing Judge Brailsford emphasized lack any connections either state or country further commenting destruction caused lives community result actions taken place
Following completion time served deportation process begin accordance federal regulations
Special Agent Charge Shohini Sinha Salt Lake City FBI stated "Like other traffickers Cortez Monarrez had no regard harm caused people Treasure Valley His sentencing example achieved when levels work together Illicit drugs have caused too much pain devastation communities actively working keep safe"
Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue added "This highlights ongoing efforts cartels infiltrate across United States poison citizens illicit Thankfully partnerships allow fight head-on I'm thankful dedicated work put defendant prison hopeful sends message criminals stop nothing find hold accountable actions"
The Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force led investigation involving numerous agencies including Federal Bureau Investigation Caldwell Police Department Canyon County Sheriff's Office Idaho Department Correction assisted Bureau Alcohol Tobacco Firearms Explosives Immigration Customs Enforcement Special Assistant Prosecutor Kelsey Manweiler handled prosecution role created specifically address gang crimes within southwest region via Treasure Partnership State initiative targeting organized crime networks leveraging combined resources against threats posed nationally internationally alike