Date: 11-13-2024

Case Style:

United States of America v. Zechariah Scott Chadwick; Nathan Gamble; Ivan Cortez-Monarrez

Case Number: 1:24-CR-65

Judge: Amanda K. Brailsford

Court: The United States District Court for the District of Idaho (Ada County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: The States United Attorney’s Office for Boise

Defendant's Attorney:

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Description:

Boise, Idaho criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with Drug Trafficking
Three Drug Traffickers Each Sentenced to Ten or More Years in Federal Prison

“These defendants are facing the consequences of engaging in drug trafficking in Idaho,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Anyone else thinking of trafficking drugs in Idaho should pay attention. Our strong law enforcement partnerships will continue to detect drug trafficking in Idaho and our prosecutors will continue to ensure that justice is served.”

Ihe FBI-led Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force began investigating reports that Ivan Cortez-Monarrez was working with a Mexican cartel to distribute drugs from Arizona into the Treasure Valley. In the summer of 2023, law enforcement conducted an operation that resulted in obtaining approximately 6 pounds of methamphetamine and three firearms from Cortez-Monarrez. Cortez-Monarrez had previously been removed from the United States in January 2021 but was found illegally living in Idaho at the time he committed the offenses.

Cortez-Monarrez pleaded guilty to the charge in August 2024. Because Cortez-Monarrez is a Mexican citizen who was illegally present in the United States, he will be deported after serving his prison sentence.

“Like other drug traffickers, Cortez-Monarrez had no regard for the harm he caused the people of the Treasure Valley,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI. “His sentencing is an example of what can be achieved when law enforcement at all levels works together. Illicit drugs have caused too much pain and devastation in our communities, and the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force is actively working to keep Idahoans safe."

“This case highlights the ongoing efforts by Mexican drug cartels to infiltrate communities across the United States and poison our citizens with illicit drugs,” said Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue. “Thankfully, our strong partnerships in the Treasure Valley among our state, local, and federal partners allow us to fight this type of criminality head-on. I’m thankful for the dedicated work of the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force and U.S. Attorney Hurwit’s office for putting this defendant in prison. I’m hopeful it sends a message to other criminals that we will stop at nothing to find you and hold you accountable for your actions.”

U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the work of the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force for its efforts in this case. The Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Caldwell Police Department, the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Idaho Department of Correction. In addition, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF) and Explosives and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) assisted in this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Manweiler prosecuted this case.

Outcome:

Defendants were found guilty and sentenced to

Zechariah Scott Chadwick was sentenced to 14.5 years in federal prison

Nathan Gamble was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison

Ivan Cortez-Monarrez was sentenced to 123 months and 11 days in federal prison

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

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