East Idaho Meth and Fentanyl Traffickers Sentenced to Federal Prison

POCATELLO – Two separate East Idaho cases have resulted in federal prison sentences for three defendants convicted of trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl.

“Curtailing fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking is a top priority for us in Eastern Idaho and throughout the state,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. “I am thankful to our law enforcement partners who investigated these cases and helped to dismantle these trafficking operations. We will continue to support this important work and make sure that drug traffickers face the justice that they deserve.”

Last month, Jonathan Joseph Monaco, 43, of Pocatello, was sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl. Earlier this week, as part of the same case, Eric Charles Weimer, 46, also of Pocatello, was sentenced to 6.5 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl.

According to court records, on February 4, 2023, Monaco and his wife, Helen Monaco, 38, were traveling from California to Idaho when their vehicle was stopped by law enforcement in Washoe County, Nevada. Initial findings included 65 grams of methamphetamine and fentanyl, marijuana, and a digital scale. An additional search of the vehicle revealed an additional 4,000 fentanyl pills and over two pounds of methamphetamine hidden behind the spare tire.

Further investigation revealed that Monaco, his wife, and co-defendant Weimer were working together to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl in southeast Idaho and elsewhere. On February 5, 2023, Weimer was stopped in Montana, where law enforcement found 453 grams of methamphetamine and 87 grams of fentanyl.

“Illicit drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine are not only dangerous but cause deep, painful harm to individuals, families and communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI. “These cases are indicative of the success that can be achieved when agencies work together to put drug traffickers out of business and in prison. We will not tolerate the trafficking of illicit drugs in our communities.”

Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill ordered Monaco to be placed on supervised release for five years following his prison sentence. Weimer was also ordered to serve supervised release for five years after his release from prison.

In a separate case, Jason Lou Gneiting, 45, of Idaho Falls, was sentenced to 7.5 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine. According to court records, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Gneiting’s residence on May 23, 2022, resulting in the recovery of over 15 pounds of methamphetamine.

Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Gneiting to be placed on supervised release for five years following his prison sentence.

“The ripple effects from drug trafficking harms everyone, devastating communities by fueling violence, addiction, and crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Our federal, state, and local law enforcement partnerships allow us a way to keep drug traffickers from endangering people across Idaho.”

The cases were investigated by the FBI, the Idaho State Police, the BADGES/HIDTA Taskforce, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office in Nevada, and the Montana Highway Patrol. The Gneiting case was investigated by the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho Falls Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls, and the Idaho State Police.