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

The following is a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office (Idaho). | Photos and video: Governor Brad Little

BOISE – A major investigation by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) has resulted in federal drug trafficking charges against 10 Magic Valley defendants, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced this week. An additional ten defendants were charged in Idaho state courts for their actions in connection with the conspiracy.

“This investigation is the result of outstanding partnerships and teamwork between local law enforcement in the Magic Valley, the Idaho State Police and the DEA,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “I am grateful for the trust they have placed in my office to work hand-in-hand with them to keep their communities safe.”

According to the indictments, the defendants possessed large quantities of methamphetamine and distributed it throughout the Magic Valley area. During these investigations and arrests, federal and state law enforcement officers seized over 30 pounds of methamphetamine.

According to court documents, several of these individuals allegedly traveled to Arizona and California to obtain methamphetamine, which they brought back to Idaho for distribution.

As part of this OCDETF investigation, the following individuals were charged with federal drug violations:

• Oscar Alejandro Perez-Gomez, 32, of Jerome, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, five counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;

• Patrick Delacruz, 40, of Jerome, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;

• Leonardo Espinoza-Romero, 31, of Jerome, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;

• Daniel D. Thomas, 47, of Jerome, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine;

• Artemio Morgan Hurtado, Jr., 34, of Shoshone, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and using a communication facility to commit or facilitate a felony;

• Luis Enrique Gonzalez, 40, of Jerome, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;

• Jesus Arturo Torres-Herrera, 36, of Twin Falls, was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;

• Raquel May, 28, of Twin Falls, was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;

• Robert Troglia, 52, of Jerome, was charged with one count of distribution of methamphetamine;

• Liliana Morales-Caliz, 34, of Jerome, was charged with four counts of distribution of methamphetamine;

The investigation also included nine other defendants who were charged in state criminal cases with possession of controlled substances, trafficking in methamphetamine and other crimes.

Federal drug distribution penalties provide for mandatory minimum sentences depending on the amount and type of drugs distributed. Maximum penalties range from up to 20 years to life in federal prison.

“DEA stands with our partners at the Idaho State Police and law enforcement agencies across the state to stop and hold criminals accountable,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Seattle Field Division. “The Magic Valley is safer today thanks to our cooperation.”

“We are proud that the state of Idaho is working so well with our federal partners to protect the public,” said Governor Brad Little. “The goal of our Operation Esto Perpetua initiative is to equip law enforcement with the training and tools they need to keep Idaho safe. Today’s announcement of federal charges against drug traffickers shows that what Idaho is doing is working.”

“The successful investigation and prosecution of this case was the result of tireless dedication, collaboration and teamwork,” said Colonel Bill Gardiner, Director of ISP. “Collaborating with numerous local jurisdictions and federal agencies has enabled resources to be leveraged, information to be shared and criminals to be brought to justice. These combined efforts are critical to ongoing efforts to protect communities from the devastating effects of drug trafficking and should provide residents with a sense of security and protection.”

The cases were investigated primarily by the Idaho State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

In addition to the work of these agencies, U.S. Attorney Hurwit thanked the following agencies for their assistance in the investigation and arrest of the above individuals: Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office, Twin Falls Police Department, Twin Falls County Prosecutor's Office, Jerome County Sheriff's Office, Police Department Jerome, Jerome County Prosecutor's Office, Cassia County Sheriff's Office, Cassia County Prosecutor's Office, Minidoka County Sheriff's Office, Minidoka County Prosecutor's Office and Blaine County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Booker and Francis Zebari are prosecuting these cases.

U.S. Attorney Hurwit thanked all law enforcement and prosecutors for their hard work and strong teamwork to ensure justice.

An indictment is simply an allegation or series of allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.