Accused Dealer Raising Money For Anti-Drug Campaign

A Shelley man awaiting two trials on drug charges organized a fund-raising picnic to raise money for drug awareness.

Hipilito Yanez, 39, said he raised about $500 at the April 30 party at Freeman Park, which featured five bands.

“The reason we were charging is because we were trying to get a Hispanic drug awareness center in Idaho Falls,” Yanez said. “There is a real big need.”

Yanez said he fell far short of his $5,000 goal. The money is going toward anti-drug advertisements on KRXK AM in Rexburg, he said. Station manager Russ Jenks confirmed Yanez bought radio time, but would not say how much.

Yanez said he hopes to sponsor another party in February. That will depend on how his trial goes.

Yanez and his brother, Juan, Sr., 41, both of Shelley, on Monday pleaded innocent to two counts each of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and one count each of delivery of a controlled substance.

Nine pounds of marijuana were seized March 13 at the Shelley drug bust. The estimated street value was $25,000, Bingham County Sheriff Dayle Holm said.

Seventh District Judge James Herndon told the two men they could face up to 35 years in prison and a $45,000 fine if convicted. Their trial starts June 27.

Hipolito Yanez maintains he is innocent, and is working on a drug counseling certificate from Idaho State University. A school clerk confirmed Yanez enrolled in some counseling classes, but said he is not currently a student.