Michael Paul Lacasse, 48, and Venetia Dawn Trischan, 47, residents of Caldwell, Idaho, have been sentenced to 133 and 96 months in federal prison, respectively. The sentencing follows their involvement in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, as confirmed by Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott.
Law enforcement officials in December 2023 uncovered their distribution activities, discovering that Lacasse had been providing customers with a "menu" of controlled substances. He sourced fentanyl from California and Washington, concealing the drugs in his vehicle engine. Trischan supported the operation by weighing, packaging, and keeping records of the deals.
On January 11, 2023, a search warrant execution at their residence revealed five firearms, a suppressor, ammunition, a drug ledger, and $21,000 in cash. The storage unit search unearthed six more firearms, ammunition, and various narcotics including methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. In total, they had plans to distribute significant amounts of these drugs, including 2,919.88 grams of methamphetamine, 1,054.76 grams of heroin, and 2,499.48 grams of cocaine.
The successful charges were credited to the cooperation between the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Meridian Police Department. The legal proceedings were managed by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kane Venecia. Financial support for the prosecution came from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program, linked to the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
This case ties into Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program connecting various law enforcement levels and communities to lessen violent crime and gun-related violence. The program underscores principles such as building community trust, empowering organizations to deter violence, and setting specific enforcement priorities.
For further details about Project Safe Neighborhoods, information can be accessed at Justice.gov/PSN.
