Plummer Woman Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute Meth

COEUR D’ALENE – Vanessa Louise Wagner, 30, of Plummer, Idaho, was sentenced today to 90 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Wagner to forfeit $5,600. She pleaded guilty to the charge on July 22, 2013.

According to court documents, Wagner admitted that between December 4, 2012, and January 8, 2013, she conspired with Gibson to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Wagner admitted that she knew the substance was methamphetamine and she knowingly distributed it.

Charles Edward Gibson, 43, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced on October 22 to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to the plea agreement, Gibson admitted that between December 4, 2012, and January 8, 2013, he distributed to an undercover officer and received payment for at least 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. It was later determined the street value of the methamphetamine was at least $35,000. Gibson was ordered to forfeit $35,000, which represents the proceeds derived from the criminal conduct.

“Vanessa Wagner and Charles Gibson will each serve lengthy federal prison sentences as punishment for bringing methamphetamine into our communities,” said Olson.  “Methamphetamine is highly addictive and brings great tragedy to those who use it. We will
continue to aggressively prosecute those who seek to profit from his horrific and illegal substance. I commend the cooperative law enforcement effort that brought this case to a successful conclusion.”

“Methamphetamine is an insidious, addictive drug that ruins lives and threatens our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Matthew G. Barnes. “This investigation is another fine example of the outstanding partnerships that have been forged between agencies who are committed to the keeping our communities safe.”

The case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Idaho State Police, Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police and Plummer Police Department.