Ayana R. Bacon, a 25-year-old resident of Box Elder, Montana, has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for her involvement in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. The sentencing took place in Coeur d'Alene.
Court records indicate that Bacon was a passenger in a vehicle stopped in Shoshone County, Idaho, on September 22, 2023. The occupants of the car had acquired a significant quantity of fentanyl pills in Washington and were transporting them to Montana for distribution.
U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford ruled that Bacon will also be subject to three years of supervised release following her prison term. Bacon entered a guilty plea to the charge in August 2024.
"Fentanyl is a deadly threat and, along with our dedicated federal and state law enforcement partners, we are focused on shutting it out of Idaho," stated U.S. Attorney Hurwit. "This means prosecuting those who bring it into Idaho communities as well as those using our highways to take loads to another state. Either way, we will hold you accountable."
David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division, commented on the case: "Fentanyl traffickers prey on the misery of victims of substance use disorder for their own profit. I am gratified that DEA and our partners could hold this defendant accountable for her role in fentanyl trafficking to rural America."
The investigation was conducted with collaboration from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Idaho State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryce Ellsworth prosecuted the case.