Hector Aguirre, a 28-year-old resident of Caldwell, has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison. He faced charges for the unlawful possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott.
Court records indicate that Aguirre was approached by officers during a traffic stop in June 2023. It was discovered during the stop that Aguirre had absconded from supervision with Idaho's Department of Correction’s Probation and Parole. A search of his vehicle revealed a loaded firearm and 66 fentanyl pills. Aguirre had been prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous drug-related felony convictions, and the investigation identified him as a Norteño gang member.
Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott praised the efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Caldwell Police Department, which led to the charges being filed. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kane Venecia was responsible for prosecuting the case.
Prosecution in this case was carried out by a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney from the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, funded by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.
The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence in communities across the country. This initiative brings together various levels of law enforcement and community participants, focusing on fostering trust and legitimacy, supporting violence prevention organizations, and prioritizing strategic enforcement. More details on Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found at Justice.gov/PSN.