Idaho Falls couple sentenced for distributing fentanyl, meth
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) - An Idaho Falls couple were sentenced for distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine in eastern Idaho.
According to U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, Richard Corey Fox, 54, and Angelina Larae Norton, 61, were sentenced to over 10 years combined for distributing the drugs.
Court records say detectives with the BADGES Task Force initiated an investigation in the summer of 2022 in which they identified Fox and Norton as the source of supply for fentanyl, along with other controlled substances, for other individuals in the region. The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Fox’s vehicle on July 19, 2022. During the stop, law enforcement seized an ounce of methamphetamine and a large amount of U.S. currency. Shortly thereafter, a separate vehicle in which Norton was a passenger was stopped and three-quarters of a pound of methamphetamine was seized. Further investigation uncovered cell phone communications showing that Norton and Fox actively engaged in distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine and were in possession of firearms.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Fox on May 28, 2024, to 92 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Norton was sentenced on December 22, 2023 by Judge Nye to 37 months, almost three years, in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
“This case exemplifies the strong partnerships between our office and law enforcement in rooting out drug distribution in Eastern Idaho,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “We will spare no effort in removing dangerous drugs from our streets and holding dealers accountable.”
“We appreciate the hard work from all of the agencies that worked in conjunction on this investigation,” said Pocatello Police Chief Roger Schei. “This is a testimony of the power of relationships within law enforcement agencies and what can happen when we all work together towards one common goal.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Idaho State Police, the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, the Pocatello Police Department, and the Chubbuck Police Department, which participated as part of the HIDTA BADGES Task Force. The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office also participated in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Blythe H. McLane prosecuted the case.
The BADGES Task Force is a collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that focuses primarily on drug trafficking crimes in Bannock County and throughout the region.
