Multi-state felon convicted of trafficking

Drug trafficking charges from 2020 earned a Bonner County man two to 10 years in jail through the Idaho Department of Corrections.

John Lee Hazelton, 61, was sentenced June 25 to 2 to 10 years for trafficking methamphetamine in May of last year. According to court documents, he is a multi-state convicted felon for burglary, drug-trafficking, and possession of a firearm.

Hazelton was pulled over after failing to stop at a stop sign. Sheriff’s deputy Darren Osborn used his K-9 unit to search the vehicle, which signaled to Osborn that there were drugs inside of the vehicle.

Upon searching, seven ounces of meth were found in the carpet lining of the trunk. A .357 handgun was also found in the search, Hazelton told law enforcement that he keeps the weapon with him for protection.

Possession of drugs with a firearm is a misdemeanor in Idaho, but it’s a felony if the person in possession is already a convicted felon. Hazelton has 23 previous cases in the Idaho court system dating back to 1996 – 12 of which are criminal cases.

Hazelton gained five charges, all of which were dropped with the exception of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

He received a $300 fine, and two to 10 years in prison, with 90 days credit for time already spent.