U.S. Attorney’s Office Highlights Success of Drug Distribution Prosecution Efforts in Southern Idaho

BOISE – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced the results of three separate drug distribution cases in Southern Idaho today.

“The case results announced today reflect stellar work by our prosecutors and staff,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit.  “Together with our law enforcement partners, our office is rising to meet the challenge that drug trafficking poses to communities in Idaho.  The partnerships that drive these cases will continue to make our state a terrible place for drug dealers to do business.”

1. Large Scale Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison

In one case, Luis M. Villalobos-Galdamez, 27, an immigrant from El Salvador who was living in California at the time of his arrest, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill to 120 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. 

According to court records, on May 16, 2023, a detective from Deschutes County, Oregon, contacted the Idaho State Police (ISP) regarding a car traveling from California and heading towards the Magic Valley that was suspected of carrying a large quantity of controlled substances.  The detective explained that they were investigating an individual named “Luis” who was believed to be a passenger in the car.  An ongoing Deschutes County investigation showed that Villalobos-Galdamez had previously supplied large quantities of methamphetamine to Deschutes County and possibly Idaho on previous occasions.  Based on this information, ISP detectives quickly worked to locate the car.  After the car passed into Idaho, a traffic stop was conducted.  During a subsequent search, police found 10 pounds of methamphetamine hidden under the spare tire in the trunk.  More drugs were found hidden in the center console and backseat.  In total, 21.46 pounds of methamphetamine was seized from Villalobos-Galdamez.

“This case highlights the importance and effectiveness of partnerships in our criminal justice system.  It takes all of us to ensure we continue fighting to keep drugs out of our communities,” said Deschutes County Sheriff L. Shane Nelson.

Judge Winmill also ordered Villalobos-Galdamez to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.  It is expected that he will be deported to El Salvador upon his release from prison.  Villalobos-Galdamez pleaded guilty to the federal charge in April 2024.

U.S. Attorney Hurwit thanked the Idaho State Police and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon, for their collaboration in this investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Booker.

2. Nampa Man Convicted of Distribution of Methamphetamine Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal Prison

In a separate case, Oswald Charles Reyna, 67, of Nampa, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison following his conviction for distribution of methamphetamine.

According to court records, Reyna sold individuals methamphetamine on July 31, August 7, and August 21, in 2023, at his home in Nampa.  On August 26, 2023, Reyna was contacted by police officers in Fruitland, Idaho while meeting with another individual and a juvenile for an apparent drug deal at 2:00 a.m.  After a positive alert for the presence of the odor of controlled substances emanating from Reyna’s vehicle by a drug detecting K9, investigators searched his vehicle and found approximately five ounces of methamphetamine.  Reyna, who has a 26-year history of trafficking controlled substances pleaded guilty to this fifth drug trafficking offense on May 9, 2024.

“I’m proud of the teamwork that went into this investigation to put a career criminal behind bars,” said Nampa Police Chief Joe Huff.  “We all need to take a stand and speak up when we see unlawful activity happening.  We need to let these criminals know that their illegal activity has no business in our community.”

“Methamphetamine traffickers like Mr. Reyna prey on our communities for their own gain,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division.  “DEA and our partners at the Nampa Police, the Fruitland Police, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office work hard to stop methamphetamine traffickers and ensure they are held accountable for their actions.  Our community is a little safer because of Mr. Reyna’s sentence in this case.”

Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Reyna to pay a $500 fine, to serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence and entered a final order of forfeiture for Reyna’s Nampa home that he used for his drug deals.

U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the work of DEA, the Nampa Police Department Special Investigations Unit, and the Fruitland Police Department, which led to the charges.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse prosecuted this case.

3. Canyon County Man Sentenced to Over 4 Years for Distributing Fentanyl

In another case, Aaron Vincent Fretz, 41, of Nampa, was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl.

According to court records, in August 2023, Fretz sold a total of 5.5 grams of fentanyl and 84.1 grams of methamphetamine to another person on two occasions.

Fretz has a lengthy criminal history, which includes convictions for felony possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl, grand theft, and misdemeanor convictions for driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.

“This case highlights the tireless efforts of the City County Narcotics Unit and our federal law enforcement partners when it comes to combatting the sale of illicit drugs in our community,” said Canyon County Sheriff and National Sheriffs’ Association President Kieran Donahue.  “We must continue the fight against the bad actors who are actively trying to poison our citizens with dangerous drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine.”

“I am proud that as Idahoans, we are united in our efforts of upholding the rule of law and keeping our communities safe,” said Caldwell Police Chief Rex Ingram.  “Through our relentless pursuit of justice by collaborating with our local, state, and federal partners, we can sleep well at night knowing that Idaho is safer with us all working together.”

Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Fretz to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.  Fretz pleaded guilty on May 2, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the work of City County Narcotics Unit for their investigation.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie C. Chong prosecuted the case.

This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program.  HIDTA is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney position.

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