POCATELLO — A 55-year-old local man was sentenced to serve over 10 years in federal prison Thursday for attempted possession with the intent to distribute meth.

Donald Benningfield, of Pocatello, received the sentence from Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye during a hearing at the federal courthouse in Pocatello. 

The investigation into Benningfield began on Dec. 7, 2020, when law enforcement intercepted a package in Pocatello and a police K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics, resulting in officers searching the package and seizing over 3,751 grams of methamphetamine, according to federal court records.

Law enforcement then repackaged the box, replacing the meth with rock salt to attempt a controlled delivery. On Dec. 9, 2020, Benningfield picked up the package and returned to his residence where he was confronted by law enforcement.

After being read his Miranda rights, Benningfield admitted there would be between 5 and 10 pounds of methamphetamine in the package. He also admitted to previously receiving four other packages of methamphetamine from San Diego.

Benningfield admitted in court that he attempted to possess the methamphetamine seized from the package and he intended to distribute it.

Judge Nye also ordered Benningfield to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Benningfield pleaded guilty to the charge on Sept. 24, 2021.

U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Idaho State Police, which led to charges.