Joshua D. Hurwit U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho
Ayana R. Bacon, a 25-year-old from Box Elder, Montana, has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for her involvement in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford.
Court records indicate that Bacon was traveling as a passenger in a vehicle stopped in Shoshone County, Idaho on September 22, 2023. The occupants of the vehicle had obtained a significant amount of fentanyl pills in Washington and were transporting them to Montana for distribution.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Brailsford ordered Bacon to serve three years of supervised release after completing her sentence. Bacon entered a guilty plea to the charge in August 2024.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commented on the case saying, “Fentanyl is a deadly threat and, along with our dedicated federal and state law enforcement partners, we are focused on shutting it out of Idaho.” He added that efforts will continue against those bringing fentanyl into Idaho communities or using its highways for transportation purposes.
David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge at the DEA Seattle Field Division, remarked on the outcome: “Fentanyl traffickers prey on the misery of victims of substance use disorder for their own profit,” expressing satisfaction that DEA and partner agencies could hold Bacon accountable for her role.
The investigation was carried out with collaboration between the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Idaho State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryce Ellsworth led the prosecution.
