Press Release from U.S. Department of Justice, District of Idaho
BOISE, Idaho — A large-scale Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation and prosecution resulted in the conviction of 11 Idaho defendants on federal drug trafficking charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today. The investigation involved the cooperative efforts of 10 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
According to court records, beginning in early 2023, Idaho State Police (ISP) detectives received a tip that Austin Lee was distributing large quantities of fentanyl in southern Idaho. In coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other agencies, ISP detectives worked quickly to investigate Lee and identify the source of these drugs. Investigators conducted multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Lee and other co-conspirators, to include Jamie Coltrin, Jenika Johnson, Brandon Dana, Tina Morris, and Daniel Coltrin.
In July 2023, the investigation expanded to include Lee’s Mexico-based drug supplier and other co-conspirators. The investigation revealed that recent parolees were recruited into the conspiracy prior to their release from prison. These conspirators helped traffic fentanyl from the United States/Mexico border to distribute in Idaho. Additional conspirators accepted payment for the drugs. From this, investigators identified additional co-conspirators Arafat Ramirez, Rosa Ramirez, Laila Ramirez-Martinez, Sammy Martinez, and Rachel Dixon.
The investigation was extensive and resulted in the seizure of over 48,000 fentanyl pills and four pounds of methamphetamine. This significantly hindered the flow of fentanyl into Idaho, and the Magic Valley area.
As part of this OCDETF investigation, the following individuals have been sentenced for federal drug violations:
- Austin Chad Lee, 29, of Twin Falls, was sentenced to 140 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl;
- Arafat Ramirez, 43, of Jerome, was sentenced to 140 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl;
- Brandon Aaron Dana, 37, of Leadore, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for distribution of fentanyl;
- Tina Jane Morris, 46, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 97 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine;
- Sammy Davey Martinez, 49, of Nampa, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl;
- Jamie Lee Coltrin, 36, of Rupert, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for distribution of fentanyl;
- Jenika Ann Johnson, 31, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for distribution of fentanyl;
- Daniel Ross Coltrin, 40, of Paul, was sentenced to 25 months in prison for attempted possession with intent to distribute fentanyl;
- Rosa Ramirez, of Jerome, 64, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl;
- Rachel Dixon, 36, of Boise, was sentenced to 3 years’ probation for distribution of fentanyl; and
- Laila Vanessa Ramirez-Martinez, 35, of Jerome, was sentenced to two years’ probation for false statement.
“The success of this investigation is the direct result of cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies” Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott said. “Protecting Idahoans from dangerous drugs flowing up from the Mexico border is one of our highest law enforcement priorities, and I commend each of the agencies involved for their outstanding work achieving justice in this case.”
“We are proud the State of Idaho works so well with our federal partners to protect the public,” said Governor Brad Little. “The goal of our Operation Esto Perpetua initiative is to equip law enforcement with the training and tools they need to keep Idaho safe. Today’s announcement about the conviction of 11 drug traffickers demonstrates what Idaho is doing is working.”
“The DEA and our partners will work tirelessly to stop drug traffickers from flooding our communities with drugs and violence,” said David. F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a potentially lethal dose. The amount of fentanyl seized in this case had the potential to kill more than 46,000 people, that would more than fill the football stadium at Boise State.”
The cases were primarily investigated by the Idaho State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. In addition to the work of these agencies, Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott thanked the following agencies for assisting in the investigations and arrests of the above-named individuals: Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office, Cassia County Sheriff’s Office, Pocatello Police Department, Nampa Police Department, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Garden City Police Department, and the Idaho Department of Correction.
These indictments are part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Since the inauguration of President Trump, the Department of Justice is playing a critical role in Operation Take back America, a nationwide initiative to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
