A Western Washington man who sold large amounts of methamphetamine to people in Idaho will spend about 11 years in prison under a sentence imposed today in Coeur d'Alene.

Jason Paul Patrick, 33, of Federal Way, admitted to selling meth to Idahoans who traveled to Western Washington about twice a week between August 2010 and June 2011.

His public defender, John McEntire, described him as a longtime drug addict whose criminal history began in 1997 and "spiraled into a multi-year pattern of possessing methamphetamine."

Patrick attended a drug treatment program while incarcerated at Coyote Ridge Corrections Cneter, but he needs more help, McEntire wrote in a sentencing memorandum.

McEntire said Patrick was shocked by the length of federal prison sentences.

"Gone are the days of 18-month sentences and getting out in half that time," McEntire wrote. "These are the big leagues....Simply put, Mr. Patrick feels this guideline range. And now, for the first time, the punishment outweighs the risk. It is time for Mr. Patrick to stop."

Patrick was sentenced this morning to 140 months in federal prison and 10 years of probation.

“Methamphetamine trafficking is a threat to the health and safety of Idaho's communities,” U.S. Attorney Wendy Olson said in a prepared statement..  “With our law enforcement partners, we are committed to addressing this threat through aggressive investigations, strong prosecutions and stiff sentences.  Mr. Patrick's conduct was well deserving of his lengthy prison sentence.”

---

---