Federal jury convicts Post Falls man in drug distribution case

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) acting Special Agent in Charge Eben Roberts and U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced Friday that a federal jury sitting in Coeur d’Alene convicted Adam Christopher Horty, 56, of Post Falls, Idaho, of three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and one count of felon in possession of firearms. Horty was indicted by a federal grand jury September 18, 2018. The trial began on Monday, November 18, 2019, and concluded Wednesday afternoon when the jury returned their verdicts.

Horty’s case stemmed from an investigation that began in July 2018. Law enforcement agencies learned that Horty was dealing methamphetamine out of a home in Post Falls. Based on this information, officers were able to conduct multiple controlled buys of methamphetamine from Horty at this residence. This led to a search warrant for the home. During the warrant service, Horty was found in possession of 230 grams of actual methamphetamine and drug distribution paraphernalia. Officers also located three firearms in Horty’s bedroom. Horty has multiple prior felony convictions in the State of Washington, which prohibit him from possessing firearms.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 19, 2020, before U.S. Circuit Judge Richard C. Tallman at the federal courthouse in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Distribution of methamphetamine (more than 5 grams) is punishable by a mandatory minimum of five years up to forty years in prison and at least four years of supervised release. Possession of methamphetamine with the intent distribute (more than 50 grams) is punishable by a mandatory minimum of ten years up to life in prison, and at least five years of supervised release. Unlawful possession of firearms is punishable by up to ten years in prison and three years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by North Idaho Violent Crimes Task Force which is composed of law enforcement officers from HSI, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Post Falls Police Department, Idaho State Police, Idaho Department of Correction, and Rathdrum Police Department.

This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

ICE investigates narcotics smuggling organizations and the methods utilized to smuggle contraband across U.S. borders. For more information visit HSI's Narcotics Smuggling page.