Four Sentenced For Meth Distribution

POCATELLO – Co-defendants Antonio Tamez, 39, of American Falls, Idaho, Jesse Short, 33, and Imelda Ramos, 36, both of Pocatello, Idaho, and Dominga Tamez, 68, of American Falls, Idaho, were sentenced today in United States District Court for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.

U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge sentenced Antonio Tamez to 88 months, followed by five years of supervised release and 100 hours of community service; Jesse Short to 36 months, followed by four years of supervised release; Imelda Ramos to 24 months, followed by three years of supervised release and 80 hours of community service; and Dominga Tamez to 12 months, followed by three years of supervised release. The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges on January 22, 2014.

According to the plea agreements, on May 14, 2013, Antonio Tamez arranged by phone to deliver methamphetamine to an undercover officer. Tamez then met with the undercover officer in Heyburn, Idaho, where the defendant distributed in excess of fifty grams of actual methamphetamine. On May 3, 2013, Jesse Short arranged by phone with a confidential informant, who was working on the behest of law enforcement, to deliver methamphetamine. Short then met with the informant in Pocatello, Idaho, where he delivered in excess of five grams of actual methamphetamine to the informant. On May 3, 2013, Imelda Ramos traveled with a co-defendant to Pocatello, Idaho, with methamphetamine. There Ramos delivered to an informant in excess of fifty grams of actual methamphetamine. On May 21, 2013, Dominga Tamez drove co-defendants to deliver methamphetamine to a location in Heyburn, Idaho. At that location the co-defendants delivered methamphetamine to an undercover officer. In a post arrest interview Tamez admitted she knew she was driving the co-defendants to deliver methamphetamine.

Co-defendant Federico Cervera, 58, of Blackfoot, Idaho, is set for sentencing on May 12, 2014. He pleaded guilty on January 22, 2014, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He faces 10 years to life in prison, a maximum fine of $10 million, and at least five years of supervised release.

The case is the result of a joint investigation led by the Idaho State Police with assistance from the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, Pocatello Police Department, Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office, Cassia County Sheriff’s Office, Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, Blackfoot Police Department, American Falls Police Department, and Power County Sheriff’s Office.