Brian James Whitaker, 35, of Nampa, Idaho, was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Whitaker will be required to serve four years of supervised release following his prison term. He pleaded guilty to the charge in February 2011.

According to the plea agreement, Whitaker sold approximately one-half ounce of methamphetamine to another individual on March 22, 2010. In imposing sentence, U.S. District Judge David O. Carter considered the extent and severity of Whitaker's criminal history, including Whitaker's prior conviction for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to deliver it.

The case was investigated by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force and 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 comprises a group of elected officials in southeast Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org.