BOISE, ID – Two Caldwell residents have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a drug trafficking operation involving methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine.
Michael Paul Lacasse, 48, received a sentence of 133 months, and Venetia Dawn Trischan, 47, was sentenced to 96 months, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott.
Court documents state that in December 2023, law enforcement identified Lacasse and Trischan as participants in a drug distribution scheme. Lacasse reportedly used a 3×5 card as a “menu” listing various illicit substances and traveled to California and Washington to acquire fentanyl, concealing the drugs in his vehicle’s engine. Trischan was responsible for weighing, packaging, and maintaining records of the transactions.
On January 11, 2023, authorities executed a search warrant at the pair’s residence and storage unit. The searches led to the discovery of eleven firearms, ammunition, a homemade suppressor, approximately $21,000 in cash, and multiple illegal narcotics. In total, the couple intended to distribute over 2.9 kilograms of methamphetamine, more than 1 kilogram of heroin, and nearly 2.5 kilograms of cocaine. Additional drugs found included ketamine, MDMA, and psychedelic mushrooms.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Meridian Police Department. Prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kane Venecia.
Funding support for the prosecution came from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. The case also falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence.