U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit has announced the sentencing outcomes in two separate fentanyl distribution cases in eastern Idaho. Rebecca Marie Lavatta and Kristen Nichole Meyer have been sentenced to 6.5 years and over 4 years in federal prison, respectively.
“These cases again demonstrate our unwavering commitment to tackling fentanyl trafficking and keeping this poison out of our communities, including tribal lands,” stated U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “I am grateful to the law enforcement partners and our prosecutors and staff who make these successes possible.”
Lavatta, aged 33 from Idaho Falls, was sentenced on January 28, 2025, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Court records indicate that after a year-long investigation, authorities arrested her on May 17, 2023, in Pocatello. The arrest followed the discovery of two loaded handguns, suboxone, and a heat-sealed bag containing 5,000 fentanyl pills in her vehicle by detectives from the Idaho Falls Police Department, Idaho State Police, and Pocatello Police Department. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also imposed five years of supervised release following her imprisonment. Lavatta pleaded guilty to the charges in July 2024.
In another case involving Kristen Nichole Meyer from Idaho Falls, she received a sentence on January 29, 2025, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl as well. According to court records dated August 18, 2023, Fort Hall Police officers responded to an incident near the Fort Hall Casino where they found Meyer along with her husband Andrew Meyer near their car with visible fentanyl pills inside it. Bingham County Sheriff’s deputies discovered over 12,000 fentanyl pills along with other drugs upon searching the vehicle; both Meyers admitted selling these substances. Andrew Meyer's sentencing is scheduled for March 17, 2025.
Chief Judge Nye ordered three years of supervised release following Meyer's imprisonment term; she had entered a guilty plea in September 2024.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit praised various law enforcement agencies for their contributions: "I commend the Idaho Falls Police Department," he said regarding Lavatta's case alongside acknowledgments directed towards state police entities involved while recognizing Fort Hall Police Department plus Bingham County Sheriff's Office concerning Meyer's situation—Assistant U.S Attorneys Justin Paskett prosecuted Lavatta's matter whereas Jack Haycock handled proceedings relatedly against Ms.Meyer.