Meth Dealer’s Gun Trade Exposed

POCATELLO — Harold Thomas Barker, 59, of Rexburg, Idaho, sold firearms, ammunition, and methamphetamine to an individual known to be prohibited from possessing guns.

Barker, a 59-year-old from Rexburg, pleaded guilty to unlawfully transferring firearms and distributing methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pocatello on May 29, 2013.

According to the plea agreement, between May and July 2011, Barker sold eight firearms, assorted ammunition, and methamphetamine to an individual he knew was prohibited from possessing firearms. One of the firearms was a sawed-off shotgun.

Barker agreed to forfeit $3,040, which constitute proceeds of his offenses. The charge of unlawful transfer of a firearm is punishable by up to ten years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

The charge of distribution of methamphetamine is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $1 million, and at least three years of supervised release.

With both charges, Barker faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $1 million, and up to six years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for April 14, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.

The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Department of Homeland Security. The case was prosecuted as part of Idaho’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, which seeks to reduce gun violence in Idaho.