Justin D. Whatcott Acting United States Attorney for the District of Idaho | Department of Justice
Tobias Leary, a 44-year-old resident of Caldwell, has been sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine and unlawfully possessing a firearm. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford, who also ordered Leary to serve five years of supervised release after completing his prison term.
Court records show that Leary, identified as a gang member, distributed methamphetamine from his property. In July 2024, the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force executed a search warrant at his residence and found methamphetamine, fentanyl, and several firearms. Judge Brailsford highlighted the risks associated with the combination of guns, drugs, and gangs during sentencing. Leary’s criminal history includes a previous federal felony conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm.
“For twenty years, the Metro Task Force has successfully dismantled gangs, removing dangerous criminals, along with their drugs and firearms, from our streets,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott. “This is yet another example of their outstanding work to protect the Treasure Valley from the violence, drug trafficking, and lawlessness committed by gang members.”
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey A. Manweiler prosecuted the case.
The Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force consists of multiple agencies at various levels of government: the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; United States Postal Inspector Services; Caldwell Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; and Idaho Department of Correction.
This prosecution was carried out by a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney appointed through collaboration between the Treasure Valley Partnership—a coalition focused on regional cooperation among elected officials in southwest Idaho—and the State of Idaho to address gang-related crimes. More details about this partnership can be found at www.treasurevalleypartners.org.
