Jack Raymond Tome Arraigned in Montana Meth Conspiracy

Jack Raymond Tome, a 63-year-old resident of Stockett, Montana, stood before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on March 1, 2018, to face federal charges tied to a sprawling methamphetamine operation. Tome entered a plea of Not Guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute. If convicted on the most serious count, he faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines, and five years of supervised release—a penalty that underscores the severity of the alleged crime.

The indictment against Tome is part of a broader federal crackdown on drug networks in central Montana. Prosecutors allege he played a key role in transporting, storing, and distributing large quantities of methamphetamine across rural communities. The Russell Country Drug Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations led the probe, tracking movements and transactions that ultimately led to Tome’s arrest. Authorities have not yet revealed the full scope of the network, but sources indicate multiple co-conspirators are under investigation.

On the same day, four defendants appeared in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Cavan, all entering pleas of Not Guilty. Among them was Dawan Deonte Jones, 26, of Laurel, charged with failure to register as a sex offender—a federal offense that carries up to 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines, and three years of supervised release. The U.S. Marshals Service pursued the case after confirming Jones had not updated his registration following a change of residence.

Also in Billings, Douglas Campbell Raleigh, 42, faced a dual charge of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. A conviction on the most serious count could land Raleigh in prison for life, with $10,000,000 in fines and five years of supervision post-release. The Eastern Montana HIDTA led the investigation, seizing weapons and drugs during a targeted operation tied to a local distribution ring.

Safara Echo Shortman, 30, of Billings, and Shawna Mae Smith, 39, also appeared on March 1, charged with meth-related offenses. Shortman faces life in prison on conspiracy and distribution charges, while Smith is charged with possession with intent to distribute. Their cases were investigated by the FBI Task Force, Eastern Montana HIDTA, and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigations. Both women remain in custody pending trial.

Earlier in the week, Christopher Allen Jones, 33, of Billings, and Thomas Blaze Horn, 30, of Lodge Grass, each pleaded Not Guilty to separate federal charges. Jones faces life in prison on meth conspiracy counts, while Horn, like Dawan Jones, failed to register as a sex offender. All cases are assigned to federal prosecutors under the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana, with trial dates pending. PACER case references range from 18-10 to 18-29, marking a concentrated federal push against drug trafficking and sex offender violations across the state.