POCATELLO — A Rupert man was sentenced Wednesday in federal court to spend 48 months in prison in connection with a methamphetamine distribution charge, according to U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson.

    Eulalio Loya, 56, was also ordered by Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill to serve three years of probation upon release. 

     According to the plea agreement, Loya arranged to distribute a quarter-pound of methamphetamine in Fort Hall and subsequently met and sold the individual in excess of 50 grams on February 16, 2012. He pleaded guilty to the charge of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute on Nov. 5, 2012.

    Co-defendant Jose Tapia-Lopez, 29, a Mexican national, was sentenced on January 28 to spend 168 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.

    The case was investigated by those with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Idaho State Police with assistance by Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office and Cassia County Sheriff’s Office officials.