Meth Conspiracy Unfolds in Montana

MISSOULA – A shocking methamphetamine conspiracy has come to light in Montana, resulting in three defendants facing prison time. The conspiracy involved the distribution of a significant amount of methamphetamine in the state.

Robert Anthony Vaughn, 37, a resident of Bozeman, Montana, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in the conspiracy to possess meth with the intent to distribute. Vaughn’s involvement in the conspiracy began when he purchased methamphetamine from Janet Jorgenson Card, who received the meth from Zachary Ryan Mills and Tracy Ann Hohenstatt.

Mills, 34, and Hohenstatt, 45, both from Phoenix, Arizona, were each sentenced to five years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Card, also a resident of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced to five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. The defendants will have to serve at least 85% of their sentences before being released from federal prison.

According to an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart, the government stated that from summer 2012 until roughly Fall 2013, Card received methamphetamine from Mills and Hohenstatt. Mills and Hohenstatt would drive the meth from the Phoenix, Arizona, area to Three Forks, Montana, where Card would distribute it to others in the area, including Vaughn.

Law enforcement interviewed Vaughn, who stated that he purchased methamphetamine from Card for approximately nine months at her Three Forks residence for a total of 350 grams. In addition, law enforcement seized additional meth and two loaded firearms from Mills and Hohenstatt.

The investigation into the conspiracy was led by the FBI, DEA, and the Missouri River Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart prosecuted the cases.

The sentencing of these defendants brings an end to a lengthy investigation and prosecution. The consequences of their actions serve as a reminder of the severe penalties associated with methamphetamine trafficking in Montana.

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