Two Eastern Idaho meth traffickers receive long federal prison sentences – Dailyfly

(POCATELLO, ID) – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced sentences for two eastern Idaho methamphetamine traffickers who will collectively serve 21.5 years in federal prison.

Fredy Munoz-Morales, aka Fredi Munoz-Morales, 36, a citizen and national of Mexico, was sentenced to 12.5 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court records, the Teton County Sheriff's Office began investigating Munoz-Morales in April 2023. The investigation ultimately led to the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Victor, Idaho, associated in Munoz-Morales. Approximately seven pounds of methamphetamine along with two firearms were seized during the investigation.

Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Munoz-Morales earlier this week to 150 months in federal prison and ordered him to serve five years of supervised release. Munoz-Morales pleaded guilty to the charge on February 28, 2024.

In a separate case, Gabriel Lopez, 40, of Idaho Falls, was sentenced earlier this week to nine years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court records, the BADGES Task Force began investigating Lopez as a source of supply of methamphetamine to others in August 2023. The investigation ultimately led to the execution of a search warrant at Lopez's residence in Idaho Falls. During the search, law enforcement seized approximately 392.2 grams of methamphetamine and small amounts of cocaine and marijuana.

Judge Nye also ordered Lopez to serve five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Lopez pleaded guilty to the charge on March 28, 2024. A co-defendant, Elizabeth Findlay, 55, of Pocatello, awaits a trial date of July 8, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Hurwit praised the work of the Teton County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration, which led to the charges against him. Muñoz-Morales case and applauded the Idaho State Police, who participated as part of the HIDTA BADGES Task Force, for the Lopez investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Blythe McLane prosecuted both cases.