BOISE – Nathaniel Erik Walsh, 29, of Middleton, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of an individual, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, Walsh distributed six fentanyl pills to an individual on April 29, 2023. Walsh drove from Caldwell to Boise to provide the fentanyl pills to the victim, placing them in her mailbox. The victim smoked the pills and died of a fentanyl overdose.
U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford, also ordered Walsh to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and required Walsh to pay for the victim’s funeral expenses. Walsh pleaded guilty to the offense on July 12, 2024.
“We mourn the loss of life in this case. Everyone should know that a single use of fentanyl can be fatal,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “And anyone dealing or using fentanyl should know that if you sell or share even a small amount of fentanyl to another person, you are risking that person’s life and setting yourself up for a lengthy prison sentence.”
“Fentanyl distributors like Mr. Walsh peddle a deadly substance to vulnerable people for their own gain,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “The sentence in this case provides a small measure of justice for the pain Mr. Walsh caused and shows the resolve of the DEA and the Boise Police to hold drug traffickers accountable for their crimes.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the Boise Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their investigation in the case, which led to the charge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian S. Nafzger prosecuted the case.