BOISE, ID – Bernandino Mercado, Jr., 50, of Nampa, Idaho, has admitted to flooding the streets with methamphetamine. The career criminal pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to conspiracy to distribute the highly addictive drug, a charge that carries a potentially life-altering sentence. Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael Gonzalez confirmed the guilty plea, signaling a major blow to a local drug operation.
Court documents reveal Mercado wasn’t just a small-time dealer. Between June 2015 and September 2016, he allegedly distributed multiple pounds of methamphetamine directly from his Nampa residence. This wasn’t a side hustle; it was a full-blown operation, fueling addiction and likely contributing to other crimes in the area. But the drugs weren’t his only commodity. Authorities also confirmed Mercado was simultaneously trafficking firearms, adding another dangerous layer to his criminal enterprise.
This isn’t Mercado’s first dance with the law. Records show he was previously convicted of delivery of a controlled substance in 1997 and again in 2005. A repeat offender, Mercado clearly disregarded the law and continued to profit from the misery of others. His long history will undoubtedly be a factor when Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge hands down his sentence on May 25, 2017.
The potential penalties are severe. Mercado faces a minimum of 20 years behind bars, and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. He could also be slapped with a staggering $20,000,000 fine and a minimum ten-year, potentially life-long, term of supervised release. Beyond the prison time and financial penalties, Mercado has also agreed to forfeit $100,000 in cash – money directly tied to his illicit activities.
This takedown wasn’t a solo effort. The case is the result of a coordinated investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Boise Police Department, and the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF brings together a formidable coalition of federal agencies – including the FBI, ATF, ICE, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Marshals Service – pooling resources and expertise to dismantle major drug trafficking organizations.
The success of this investigation highlights the importance of multi-agency collaboration in combating the relentless flow of illegal drugs into our communities. While one kingpin is off the streets, the fight against drug trafficking continues. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing of Bernandino Mercado, Jr., as well as other significant criminal activity in the region. The OCDETF program is funded to keep these dangerous individuals off the street, and it seems to be working.
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Key Facts
- State: Idaho
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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