Federal Jury Convicts Florida Man on Methamphetamine and Gun Charges

BOISE – Michael Angelo Sapp, 40, of Nampa, Idaho, and formerly of Florida, was found guilty last Friday following a three-day jury trial in federal court on charges that he possessed over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and unlawful possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. 

According to evidence presented at trial, Sapp was involved in a high speed chase the night of December 23, 2014.  Meridian police officers attempted to stop him after he was reported as an intoxicated driver who hit a pole at the McDonald’s drive thru located at 195 E. Central in Meridian.  During the chase that followed, Sapp reached speeds of 90 miles per hour, drove in the wrong lane and ran several red lights.  Officers finally stopped him near Meridian and Chinden roads.  The jury found that he possessed with the intent to distribute 174 grams of pure methamphetamine, which was found in his vehicle.  The jury also found him guilty of possessing a .380 semi-automatic pistol.  Sapp had previously been convicted in the state of Florida of grand theft firearm, burglary, grand theft of more $10,000, grand theft of $300-500, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, pawnbroker transaction fraud, dealing in stolen property by trafficking, fraud upon secondary metals recyclers, grand theft of a firearm, and grand theft.  At the time of his arrest, he was wanted on felony warrants out of the state of Florida.

Sentencing is set for February 3, 2016, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Edward J. Lodge.  Sapp faces a minimum sentence of ten years, and up to life on the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charge, and up to ten years on the unlawful possession of a firearm charge.

The case was investigated by the Meridian Police Department, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The case is being prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Board.  The Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Board is a collaboration of local law enforcement drug task forces and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, and Malheur County.