Two suspects plead to federal drug charges
Sentencing is set January 18 in U.S. District Court in Pocatello for Nicholas Levi Olsen, 34, and Chanel Lynn Bistodeau, 32, both of Idaho Falls.
Both pleaded guilty this week to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Bart Davis said the two were indicted by a federal grand jury on April 25, 2017.
According to court records, Olsen and Bistodeau were spotted by Blackfoot Police in March. They had parked at an apartment complex where Bistodeau fled on foot while Olsen walked away from the car. Police caught up to Olsen and walked him back to the car. They found $730 in his pockets, before Olsen took off running. Both suspects got away.
In the car, police found approximately 10 ounces of methamphetamine, 3 pistols and drug paraphernalia.
On April 15, police arrested Olsen and Bistodeau at the Fairbridge Inn in Idaho Falls. Officers found another pistol, about 8 grams of methamphetamine, and over 4 grams of heroin.
The charge for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine is punishable by up to ten years in prison, a $10 million fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release.
The two were prosecuted as part of a collaborative effort among local communities, law enforcement, the State of Idaho, and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho. The “SAUSA”, or Special Assistant United States Attorney, Bryan Wheat works with local prosecutors and law enforcement to prosecute serious local crimes in federal court. The Partnership focuses on regional drug trafficking, gun and gang violence, internet based crimes against children, and other serious crimes with a federal nexus that affect the southeast Idaho region.
“I applaud all of the agencies involved in this investigation and prosecution for a job well done,” said Bingham County Prosecutor Cleve Colson, who is also the chair of the Eastern Idaho Partnership. “The prosecution of Chanel Bistodeau and Nicholas Olsen through the Eastern Idaho Partnership is a clear illustration of its effectiveness in creating stronger and safer communities in eastern Idaho. The partnership has been a tremendous success and I look forward to its continued growth.”
“I am so pleased with the cooperative efforts between federal, state and local law enforcement officers and prosecutors in working together to reduce drug and gun crimes in Idaho. I applaud the Eastern Idaho Partnership for the concern they have for keeping their communities safe and am honored to work with them hand-in-hand,” U.S. Attorney Bart Davis said.
