Bonners Ferry woman sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for Involvement in fentanyl overdose death

BONNERS FERRY — A Bonners Ferry woman was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl that resulted in serious bodily injury and death. 

Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered that 46-year-old Twyla Dawn Basil pay restitution to the family of the victim, said a press release from the U.S Attorney's Office. Upon completion of her prison sentence, Basil will also be required to serve an additional three years of supervised release.

According to court records, on Oct. 28, 2022, an inmate at the Boundary County Jail was found unconscious in her cell. Despite attempts to revive her by medical personnel, the victim ultimately died, the release said.

A toxicology report and autopsy showed that the victim had a lethal dose of fentanyl in her system at the time of her death. The coroner ultimately determined that she died of a fentanyl overdose. 

Local, state and federal officers began an investigation into the victim’s death. Jail staff learned that shortly before the victim was found dead, Basil, who was in custody with her, had provided the victim with fentanyl she had smuggled into the facility. Basil had been arrested the day before for driving while under the influence of fentanyl. 

“No matter the location or the circumstances, any fentanyl-caused death is an intolerable tragedy,” said U.S. Attorney Joshua Hurwit. “We have redoubled our efforts to train law enforcement to help us investigate and prosecute fentanyl deaths."