COEUR D’ALENE, ID — A 55-year-old Coeur d’Alene man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for drug trafficking and multiple firearm violations following a 2024 investigation that began with a stolen trail camera.

According to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Daniel Patrick Grove was convicted of trafficking methamphetamine and 14 counts of unlawful possession of a firearm. The case stemmed from an incident on October 15, 2024, when officers tracked a stolen trail camera to Grove’s residence using its live location and motion-activated photo features.

Images transmitted from the camera showed a tattooed man holding a firearm inside the residence. Using visible tattoos and the address, investigators identified Grove, who had multiple prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

After obtaining a search warrant, officers searched Grove’s home and found the stolen trail camera, several firearms, and more than two pounds of methamphetamine hidden in various containers throughout the residence, including a safe, a false book, and concealed compartments. Firearms were located behind Grove’s bed and in a closet, while investigators also found patches and items linking him to an outlaw motorcycle club.

Grove’s criminal history spans more than 30 years, including convictions for burglary, assault on a peace officer, and resisting arrest. Prosecutors sought a unified 40-year sentence with parole eligibility after 20 years. District Judge Regina McCrea ultimately sentenced Grove to a unified 20-year term with eligibility for parole after 10 years.

Prosecuting Attorney Stanley T. Mortensen commended Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Monica Bushling and the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office for their work on the case.