IDAHO GOES DOWN During a car stop on Thursday, deputies discovered a West Magic man had an outstanding arrest warrant from early 2024, leading to his arrest.
One count of felony possession of a controlled drug was brought against 48-year-old Marcus Delbert Smith. One count of involuntary manslaughter had been his prior charge. Smith faces a maximum sentence of 17 years in prison, as well as penalties and restitution of up to $30,000.
Deputies from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office were called to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls on April 14, 2024, to look into a suspicious death, according to court filings.
Joshua James Perotto, the victim, was found unconscious in the kitchen by his girlfriend. The two Narcan doses that Perotto’s girlfriend gave him didn’t work. According to his death announcement, Perotto passed away at EIRMC.
Deputies were present at the victim’s autopsy at the Ada County Coroner’s Office on April 16, 2024. Deputies were advised that a toxicology report would need to be completed after the forensic pathologist failed to find any evidence that would indicate the cause of death.
On April 25, 2024, deputies obtained a warrant to search the victim’s phone. Deputies discovered a text exchange between the victim and Smith through the warrant. The text exchange between the two, which seemed to be about illegal drugs, was read by lawmakers, according to the document.
According to reports, deputies obtained the toxicology report on July 10, 2024, and it stated that the cause of death was a combined drug intoxication (fentanyl, methamphetamine).
According to the documents, neither the probation officer assigned to Smith nor the deputies were able to get in touch with him. A warrant for Smith’s arrest was issued.
According to court filings, Smith was stopped during a traffic stop on Woodruff Avenue on June 26th, more than a year later, for towing a trailer with malfunctioning tail lights. Smith, who still had an active warrant, was identified by officers during the traffic stop and taken into custody.
According to deputies, Smith was searched after being brought to Bonneville County Jail and was discovered to be in possession of a pill that was later determined to be fentanyl.
Smith will appear before Magistrate Judge John Dewey for a preliminary hearing on July 9 at 1:00 p.m.
Smith may not have committed these offenses, even if he has been charged with them. Until someone is proven guilty, they are all presumed innocent.
