Congo citizen sentenced to 14 years in fentanyl sale tied to overdose death in Boise

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — A 25-year-old lawful permanent resident and citizen of the Republic of Congo has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after selling fentanyl that led to a customer’s overdose death in the Treasure Valley.

Boniface Binene, also known as “Bones,” was sentenced in Boise for distributing fentanyl to another person that resulted in death, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today.

According to court records, Binene pleaded guilty on Nov. 19, 2025. He admitted to selling a tenth of a gram of fentanyl powder to Andrew (Connor) Doyle on May 3, 2024, in Meridian.

Doyle, 31, of Boise, used the fentanyl powder and died in his parked vehicle in front of Binene’s residence. The Ada County Coroner’s Office performed an autopsy and determined Doyle died from acute fentanyl intoxication.

Doyle’s mother, Kari Bryant, spoke at the sentencing hearing and told the court her son was actively participating in drug treatment and had 355 days clean, but had recently relapsed. She said she is committed to raising awareness about the devastating impact “this weapon of mass destruction called fentanyl” has on families.

Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Binene to serve three years of supervised release after completing his prison sentence. Binene was ordered to pay $1,773.08 in restitution for the family’s funeral expenses.

Because Binene was convicted of a crime that resulted in Doyle’s death, he will likely be deported after serving his prison sentence.