BOISE – Richard David Pena, 47, of Caldwell, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boise to 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for unlawful possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson. U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb also ordered Pena to forfeit the six weapons in his possession. Pena pled guilty to the charge on April 25, 2011.

According to court documents, on or about September 11, 2010, during a traffic stop in Caldwell, Idaho, Pena was found to be under the influence of alcohol and in possession of six firearms located in the bed of the pickup truck he was driving. Pena admitted to law enforcement officers that he knowingly possessed the firearms. Pena is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior conviction for burglary in Cassia County, Idaho, a felony offense punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Ada County Sheriff's Office.

The case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southeast Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit: www.treasurevalleypartners.org.