Joshua D. Hurwit U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho
U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced the sentencing of two women in separate fentanyl distribution cases in eastern Idaho. The defendants received sentences of 6.5 years and over 4 years in federal prison, respectively.
“These cases again demonstrate our unwavering commitment to tackling fentanyl trafficking and keeping this poison out of our communities, including tribal lands,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “I am grateful to the law enforcement partners and our prosecutors and staff who make these successes possible.”
In one case, Rebecca Marie Lavatta, aged 33 from Idaho Falls, was sentenced on January 28, 2025, to 78 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Court records indicate that on May 17, 2023, following a year-long investigation by the Idaho Falls Police Department, Idaho State Police, and Pocatello Police Department, Lavatta was located in Pocatello and arrested on outstanding warrants. A search of her vehicle revealed two loaded handguns, suboxone, and a heat-sealed clear bag containing 5,000 fentanyl pills.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Lavatta to serve five years of supervised release following her prison sentence. Lavatta pleaded guilty to the charge in July 2024.
In a separate case involving Kristen Nichole Meyer, aged 28 from Idaho Falls, she was sentenced on January 29, 2025, to 57 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court records from August 18, 2023, Fort Hall Police officers responded to a report near the Fort Hall Casino regarding a couple appearing to fight. Officers found Kristen Meyer with her husband Andrew Meyer near their car where fentanyl pills were visible. Bingham County Sheriff’s deputies searched the car discovering over 12,000 fentanyl pills along with other drugs; both admitted selling them. Andrew Meyer's sentencing is set for March 17, 2025.
Chief Judge Nye ordered Meyer to serve three years of supervised release after her prison term ends. She pleaded guilty in September 2024.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit acknowledged the efforts of several police departments: Idaho Falls Police Department; Idaho State Police; Pocatello Police Department for their work on Lavatta's case; Fort Hall Police Department; Bingham County Sheriff’s Office for their involvement in Meyer's investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Paskett prosecuted Lavatta's case while Assistant U.S Attorney Jack Haycock handled Meyer's prosecution.
