Woman is Northside Gang Associate

BOISE – Tiffany Ann Stapleton, 30, of Nampa, Idaho, was sentenced today to 36 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Stapleton to serve three years of supervised release following her prison term and fined her $2,000. She pleaded guilty to the charge in February 23, 2012.

According to court documents, Stapleton admitted that between October 26, 2010, and January 27, 2011, she conspired and agreed with other persons to possess and distribute methamphetamine. Specifically, on October 27, 2010, she drove a third party to complete a drug transaction of 2.4 grams of methamphetamine, and on January 27, 2011, she sold 1.2 grams of methamphetamine for $130.

The Northside, or “Norteno,” street gang is active in the Treasure Valley. Stapleton and ten other gang members and associates were indicted in October and November last year for a number of drug trafficking and firearm offenses.

The case was investigated by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force and is being 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.