Press Release
Two More Defendants Sentenced For Conspiring To Distribute Methamphetamine In The Treasure Valley
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Idaho
BOISE – U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced today that Darin James Bangham, 40, of Star, Idaho, and co-defendant, Ashley Marie Armstrong, 27, of Kuna, Idaho, were sentenced this week for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill sentenced Bangham this morning to 87 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty to the charge on October 21, 2013. Judge Winmill also ordered Bangham to forfeit $100,000 in proceeds of the offense and $18,400 in seized currency.
Armstrong was sentenced on Monday to 51 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. She pleaded guilty to the charge on October 16. Armstrong was also ordered to forfeit her interest in the seized $18,400, as well as $10,000 in proceeds of the offense.
According to court proceedings, Bangham and Armstrong conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in the Treasure Valley. The government argued at sentencing that this conspiracy was responsible for the distribution of approximately 130 pounds of high purity methamphetamine between October 2012 and April 2013.
Two co-defendants from Eagle, Idaho, were sentenced in December 2013 to serve lengthy prison sentences: Samantha Jo Tackitt was sentenced to 151 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; Michael Scott Longhi was sentenced to 188 months in prison. Tackitt and Longhi were each ordered to forfeit $18,400 of seized currency and $100,000 in cash proceeds to the United States.
The remaining defendant, Ausencio Gonzalez Tovar, 48, of Eagle, will be sentenced on February 3, 2014, for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Meridian Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
Updated December 15, 2014
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