Justin D. Whatcott Acting United States Attorney for the District of Idaho | Department of Justice
Elisha Gabrielle Ortiz, a 40-year-old resident of Twin Falls, was sentenced on Apr. 9 to twelve years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis.
Ortiz's sentencing follows an investigation that began in January 2025 when authorities learned she was trafficking methamphetamine in the Magic Valley area. Investigators determined Ortiz sold methamphetamine on two occasions and later found approximately two pounds of methamphetamine and 1,200 fentanyl pills intended for distribution after searching a storage unit linked to her.
Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Ortiz to serve five years of supervised release following her prison term. Davis said the Idaho State Police, Twin Falls Special Investigations Unit, Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, Twin Falls Police Department, Blaine County Sheriff’s Office, Jerome County Sheriff’s Office, Mini-Cassia Drug Task Force, and the Idaho Department of Corrections Probation & Parole contributed to the investigation that led to Ortiz's charges.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Booker prosecuted the case as part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho has included attorneys who later served as territorial supreme court justices or state governors according to the official website. The office functions under federal authority handling prosecutions and civil matters throughout Idaho according to its official website, employs about 60 staff members including assistant attorneys and administrative personnel according to its official website, and focuses on enforcing federal laws through litigation within the state according to its official website. Joshua D. Hurwit has served as U.S. Attorney for this district according to its official website, with jurisdiction extending across all regions of Idaho through main and branch offices according to its official website.
