POCATELLO – Don Ellingford, 46, of Shelley, Idaho, was sentenced today to 124 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill in Pocatello, following his conviction in February 2011 for possession and distribution of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Ellingsford will also be required to serve five years on supervised release following his prison term.

During the three-day trial in February, the jury was presented with evidence and heard testimony that Ellingford sold methamphetamine to a police informant at his Shelley residence on two occasions in 2008.

In imposing Ellingford's sentence, Judge Winmill noted the defendant's extensive criminal record, including six previous felony convictions, five of which were drug related. Judge Winmill stated that he hoped the sentence would persuade Ellingford to stay away from drugs and criminal activity after he is released from prison.

“This sentence demonstrates that those who would poison our communities with methamphetamine will serve long sentences in federal prisons,” said Olson. “State and federal law enforcement officers throughout Idaho will work together to ensure that drug traffickers are caught, prosecuted and convicted.”

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