BOISE - John Paul Tate, 48, of Caldwell, Idaho, pleaded guilty today in United States District Court to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Tate was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 8, 2016.
According to evidence presented at the plea hearing, Tate conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in the state of Idaho between October of 2015, and February 22, 2016. Tate and his co-conspirators arranged for delivers of methamphetamine in Ada and Canyon counties. Investigating officers discovered the conspiracy and were able to intervene.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine is punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years or more than life, a term of supervised release of at least five years, and a maximum fine of $10,000,000.
Sentencing is set for November 17, 2016, before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, and City County Narcotics Unit of Canyon County.
The case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Board. The Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Board is a collaboration of local law enforcement drug task forces and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, and Malheur County.