Scott Arlis Thomas, 42, of Caldwell, pleaded not guilty in Boise Wednesday to charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearm by a prohibited person.
A federal grand jury indicted Thomas on July 14, 2016.
The indictment alleges that on May 13, 2016, Thomas –- who, authorities say, had been convicted of trafficking in methamphetamine in 2011 -- possessed both a rifle and a undisclosed quantity methamphetamine.
Investigators said he had the intent to distribute the drug. At the time, Thomas was the president of the local chapter of the Devil’s Disciples Motorcycle Club.
Thomas entered not guilty pleas to both charges Wednesday.
Trial is scheduled for October 17, 2016, at the federal courthouse in Boise.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine is punishable by up to twenty years in prison, a fine up to $1 million, and at least three years of supervised release.
The charge of unlawfully possessing or transferring a firearm is punishable by up to ten years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Caldwell Police Department, the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and a number of other agencies.
An indictment is a means of charging a person with criminal activity. A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
