A federal jury has convicted a Florida man of methamphetamine trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearm in Idaho.
Michael Angelo Sapp, 40, of Nampa, Idaho, and formerly of Florida, was found guilty on Friday of possessing over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The jury delivered its verdict after a three-day trial in federal court in Boise.
According to evidence presented at trial, Sapp was involved in a high-speed chase on December 23, 2014, after he was reported as an intoxicated driver who hit a pole at the McDonald’s drive-thru located at 195 E. Central in Meridian.
Meridian police officers attempted to stop him, but Sapp reached speeds of 90 miles per hour and drove in the wrong lane. He was finally stopped near Meridian and Chinden roads.
The jury found that he possessed with the intent to distribute 174 grams of pure methamphetamine, which was found in his vehicle. The jury also found him guilty of possessing a .380 semi-automatic pistol.
Sapp had previously been convicted in the state of Florida of several crimes, including grand theft firearm, burglary, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
At the time of his arrest, he was wanted on felony warrants out of the state of Florida.
Sentencing is set for February 3, 2016, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Edward J. Lodge.
Sapp faces a minimum sentence of ten years, and up to life on the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charge, and up to ten years on the unlawful possession of a firearm charge.
The case was investigated by the Meridian Police Department, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The case is being prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Board.
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- Adrian Rodriguez Cardenas, Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy, California 2021 · Florida
- Michael Justin Hoopes, Wire Fraud and Engaging in Monetary Transactions, Idaho 2023 · Florida
- Ammon Covino, Marine Life Trafficking, Idaho 2013 · Florida
Key Facts
- State: Idaho
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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