Kristopher K. Converse, 26, of Pocatello, Idaho, was sentenced today to seven and half years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.

U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Converse to serve four years of supervised release following his prison term. Converse pleaded guilty to the charge in November 2010.

On various dates between October 21, 2009 and February 13, 2010, Converse, along with others in Idaho Falls and Pocatello, participated in the distribution of in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine. Converse, in particular, was responsible for the distribution of two ounces, or in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine.

Converse's co-defendant, Ashlee C. Tinno, 32, of Firth, Idaho, pleaded guilty on December 14, 2010, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a term of imprisonment of five to 40 years, a term of supervised release of not more than four years, and a maximum fine of up to $3 million.

Co-defendant Jeffrey D. Lee, 43, of Fort Hall, Idaho, also pleaded guilty on December 14, to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Lee has a prior felony conviction, which prohibits him from possessing firearms. The charge is punishable by up to ten years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release for not more than three years.

Sentencing for Tinno and Lee is set for March 1, 2011, before Judge Winmill in Pocatello.

The case was investigated by the Idaho State Police, Pocatello Police Department, Idaho Falls Police Department, and Bonneville County Sheriff's Office.