Meth-Dealing Gang Associate Gets 121 Months in Federal Prison

Seven Others Await Sentencing

BOISE—Shawn Lynn Gordon, 32, of Caldwell, Idaho, was sentenced today to 121 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Gordon to serve five years of supervised release following his prison term and to forfeit $2,800. Gordon pleaded guilty to the charge in January.

According to court documents, on May 5, 2011, Gordon—an associate of the Northside, or “Norteno,” street gang—sold an individual at his residence approximately 26 grams of methamphetamine for $1,400. Gordon admitted that between April 27 and May 5, 2011, he distributed 48.1 grams of actual methamphetamine. Gordon agreed to forfeit $2,800 as proceeds of his methamphetamine dealing and abandoned all rights to the firearm he unlawfully possessed when arrested on the federal charges.

The Northside street gang is active in the Treasure Valley. Gordon and 10 other gang members and associates were indicted in October and November last year for a number of drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Eight of the defendants have pleaded guilty; Gordon is the first to be sentenced.

“This 10-year sentence underscores that violent street gang members who engage in drug trafficking will receive swift and sure punishment,” said Olson. “The Special Assistant United States Attorney who handled this case is funded by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho. Taxpayers can be assured that its federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies will work together to combat gang crime.”

The case was investigated by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force and is being 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 southeast Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org.