Investigation leads to Idaho arrests in large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy

The pursuing is simply a news merchandise from nan U.S. Attorney’s Office (Idaho). | Photos and video: Gov. Brad Little

BOISE – A large-scale Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation has resulted successful nan national indictments of 10 Magic Valley defendants connected supplier trafficking charges, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced this week. An further 10 defendants person been charged successful Idaho authorities courts for their actions connected to nan conspiracy.

“This investigation is nan consequence of outstanding partnerships and teamwork betwixt section rule enforcement successful nan Magic Valley, nan Idaho State Police, and nan DEA,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “I americium grateful for nan spot they person placed successful my agency to activity hand-in-hand pinch them to support their communities safe.”

According to nan indictments, nan defendants possessed and distributed ample quantities of methamphetamine passim nan Magic Valley area. During these investigations and arrests, national and authorities rule enforcement officers seized complete 30 pounds of methamphetamine.

According to tribunal records, it is alleged that respective of these individuals traveled to Arizona and California to get methamphetamine that they brought backmost to Idaho for distribution.

As portion of this OCDETF investigation, nan pursuing individuals person been charged pinch national supplier violations:

• Oscar Alejandro Perez-Gomez, 32, of Jerome, was indicted for conspiracy to administer methamphetamine, 5 counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and 1 count of possession pinch intent to administer methamphetamine;

• Patrick Delacruz, 40, of Jerome, was indicted for conspiracy to administer methamphetamine and possession pinch intent to administer methamphetamine;

• Leonardo Espinoza-Romero, 31, of Jerome, was indicted for conspiracy to administer methamphetamine;

• Daniel D. Thomas, 47, of Jerome, was indicted for conspiracy to administer methamphetamine and possession pinch intent to administer methamphetamine and cocaine;

• Artemio Morgan Hurtado, Jr., 34, of Shoshone, was indicted for conspiracy to administer methamphetamine and nan usage of a connection installation to perpetrate aliases facilitate a felony;

• Luis Enrique Gonzalez, 40, of Jerome, was indicted for conspiracy to administer methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession pinch intent to administer methamphetamine;

• Jesus Arturo Torres-Herrera, 36, of Twin Falls, was indicted connected 1 count of possession pinch intent to administer methamphetamine;

• Raquel May, 28, of Twin Falls was indicted connected 1 count of possession pinch intent to administer methamphetamine;

• Robert Troglia, 52, of Jerome, was indicted connected 1 count of distribution of methamphetamine;

• Liliana Morales-Caliz, 34, of Jerome, was indicted for 4 counts of distribution of methamphetamine;

The investigation besides included 9 different defendants who were charged successful authorities prosecutions for possession of controlled substances, trafficking successful methamphetamine, and different crimes.

Federal supplier distribution charges transportation mandatory minimum situation sentences depending connected nan magnitude and type of narcotics distributed. Maximum situation sentences scope from up to 20 years to life successful national prison.

“DEA stands pinch our partners successful nan Idaho State Police and rule enforcement astir nan authorities to extremity criminals and clasp them accountable,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent successful Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “The Magic Valley is safer coming because of our cooperative efforts.”

“We are proud nan State of Idaho useful truthful good pinch our national partners to protect nan public,” said Governor Brad Little. “The extremity of our Operation Esto Perpetua inaugural is to equip rule enforcement pinch nan training and devices they request to support Idaho safe. Today’s announcement astir nan national indictment of supplier traffickers demonstrates what Idaho is doing is working.”

“The successful investigation and prosecution of this lawsuit was nan consequence of relentless dedication, collaboration, and teamwork,” said Colonel Bill Gardiner, Director of ISP. “By moving pinch galore section jurisdictions and national agencies, resources were leveraged, intelligence was shared, and criminals were brought to justice. These unified efforts are important to ongoing efforts to support communities safe from nan devastating impacts of supplier trafficking and should springiness residents a consciousness of information and protection.”

The cases were chiefly investigated by nan Idaho State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration.

In summation to nan activity of these agencies, U.S. Attorney Hurwit thanked nan pursuing agencies for assisting successful nan investigations and arrests of nan above-named individuals: Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, Twin Falls Police Department, Twin Falls County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Jerome County Sheriff’s Office, Jerome Police Department, Jerome County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Cassia County Sheriff’s Office, Cassia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office, Minidoka County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and nan Blaine County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Booker and Francis Zebari are prosecuting these cases.

U.S. Attorney Hurwit expressed his gratitude to each nan rule enforcement agencies and prosecutors for their difficult activity and nan beardown teamwork that is achieving justice.

An indictment is simply an allegation aliases a group of allegations and nan defendants are presumed guiltless unless and until proven blameworthy beyond a reasonable doubt.