Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced the sentencing of two men in separate fentanyl trafficking cases in eastern Idaho.
David Erik Traversa, 32, from Utah, received a sentence of 156 months in federal prison for possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. Court records reveal that in May 2024, officers conducted a traffic stop leading to the arrest of an individual carrying approximately 200 fentanyl pills. A search warrant was issued for two hotel rooms linked to the case. Officers found Traversa overdosing in one room and discovered more fentanyl pills and drug paraphernalia. After receiving treatment at a hospital, a drawstring bag containing 576 fentanyl pills was found attached to his genitals. The total weight of the seized fentanyl was 84.42 grams. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered five years of supervised release following Traversa's prison term.
In another case, Casey Steven Evans, 38, from Pocatello, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for similar charges. In May 2024, law enforcement stopped Evans' blue Range Rover and found probable cause to search it. Officers discovered a black metal safe containing small blue circular fentanyl pills and two loaded handguns during the search. The safe held 107.94 grams of fentanyl. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also imposed five years of supervised release after Evans' imprisonment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott praised the efforts of the BADGES Task Force, which includes multiple law enforcement agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration and local police departments. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoie Laggis prosecuted these cases.
The investigations were part of the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, which is supported by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). This program provides resources for multiagency drug enforcement initiatives like the BADGES Task Force.
These cases were managed by specially deputized Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys funded by the Eastern Idaho Partnership (EIP) and State of Idaho, allowing law enforcement to utilize federal criminal justice systems for prosecuting violent criminals and drug traffickers who often face harsher penalties than state courts provide.
Since its inception in January 2016, about 190 defendants have been indicted under this program with sentences totaling approximately 921 years in federal prison.