Caldwell Gang Member Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison for Distributing Drugs

BOISE –David Gregory Mendoza, 37, of Caldwell, Idaho, was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.  Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Mendoza to serve five years of supervised release following his release from prison.  Mendoza pleaded guilty on June 9, 2015.

According to the plea agreement and information presented in court, Mendoza admitted to selling approximately one-eighth of an ounce of methamphetamine on September 29, 2014, to a person who was assisting law enforcement as a confidential informant.  Mendoza is a documented gang member and during the court hearing today, Judge Lodge ordered Mendoza to have no contact with gang members upon release from prison.

The case was investigated by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force.  The Metro Task Force is comprised of federal, state and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Boise Police Department; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Caldwell Police Department; Nampa Police Department; Meridian Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; and the Idaho Department of Correction.

The case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes.  The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth.  For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org.