Three Eastern Idaho men sentenced to prison for trafficking meth and fentanyl

The following is a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office (Idaho).

POCATELLO – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced the results of two separate cases in Eastern Idaho in which three defendants were sentenced to federal prison for trafficking controlled substances.

“Reducing the trafficking of fentanyl and methamphetamine is a top priority for us in eastern Idaho and across the state,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “I am grateful to our law enforcement partners who investigated these cases and helped dismantle these trafficking operations. We will continue to support this important work and ensure that drug traffickers face the justice they deserve. »

Last month, Jonathan Joseph Monaco, 43, of Pocatello, was sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl. Earlier this week, in the same case, Eric Charles Weimer, 46, also of Pocatello, was sentenced to 6.5 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl.

According to court records, on February 4, 2023, Monaco and his wife (co-defendant Helen Monaco, 38, sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison) were traveling from California to Idaho – where they resided – when their vehicle was stopped by law enforcement in Washoe County, Nevada. Law enforcement initially found 65 grams of methamphetamine in the vehicle, along with fentanyl, marijuana and a digital scale. Monaco and his wife were arrested and booked into the Washoe County Jail. While incarcerated, law enforcement obtained a search warrant to search the vehicle again and found an additional 4,000 fentanyl pills and more than two pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a gap behind the spare tire.

Investigators gathered additional evidence that Monaco, his wife, and co-defendant Weimer all worked together to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl in southeast Idaho and elsewhere. According to court records, on February 5, 2023, Weimer was traveling from Idaho to Montana when his vehicle was stopped by Montana law enforcement. Law enforcement found 453 grams of methamphetamine in the vehicle as well as 87 grams of fentanyl.

“Illicit drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine are not only dangerous, but also cause profound and painful harm to individuals, families and communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the FBI in Salt Lake City. “These cases are indicative of the success that can be achieved when agencies work together to put drug dealers out of business and into prison.” We will not tolerate the trafficking of illicit drugs in our communities.

U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered that Monaco and Weimer be placed on supervised release for five years following their prison terms.

In another case, on June 12, 2024, Jason Lou Gneiting, 45, of Idaho Falls, was sentenced to 7.5 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine. According to court records, on May 23, 2022, following a year-long narcotics investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Gneiting's home and recovered more than 15 pounds of methamphetamine.

U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered that Gneiting be placed on supervised release for five years following his prison term.

“The impacts of drug trafficking harm everyone, devastating communities by fueling violence, addiction and crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations. ) in the Pacific Northwest. “Our federal, state and local law enforcement partnerships allow us to prevent drug traffickers from endangering people throughout Idaho.”

The Monaco and Weimer case was investigated by the FBI, Idaho State Police, BADGES/HIDTA Task Force, Washoe County Sheriff's Office and Nevada and the Montana Highway Patrol. Gneiting's case was investigated by the Bonneville County Sheriff's Office, Idaho Falls Police Department, Idaho Falls Homeland Security Investigations and state police from Idaho. Assistant United States Attorney Justin Paskett prosecuted both cases.