Rupert Man Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Distributing Meth in the Magic Valley

POCATELLO – Eulalio Loya, 56, of Rupert, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday in United States District Court to 48 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Loya to serve three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to the charge on November 5, 2012.

According to the plea agreement, on February 16, 2012, Loya arranged to distribute a quarter pound of methamphetamine in Fort Hall, Idaho, and subsequently met and sold the individual in excess of 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.

Co-defendant Jose Tapia-Lopez, 29, a Mexican national, was sentenced on January 28 to 168 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Idaho State Police, with assistance by the Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office and Cassia County Sheriff’s Office.