Justin Lyle Izatt, 34, of Twin Falls, Idaho, was sentenced today in federal court in Boise for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced. Pursuant to federal law, U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge was required to impose a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, because Izatt had twice previously been convicted of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a felony drug offense. Izatt had also been convicted of forty-eight other offenses in Idaho, including kidnapping and weapons charges.

Izatt was convicted by a federal jury in Boise on December 16, 2010. During the threeday trial, the jury heard evidence that a search of Izatt’s home revealed 125 grams of methamphetamine hidden in a secret compartment in the ceiling of the garage. The jury also heard evidence of unexplained wealth: over a three-year period, Izatt had purchased items worth tens of thousands of dollars, including vehicles, electronic equipment and motorcycles, when he had no legitimate income.

U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson commended the Twin Falls Police Department for their thorough investigation of this case.