Fentanyl Kingpin Conner Gets 5 Years for Poisoning Montana Streets

A 40-year-old Washington man has been sentenced to 5 years in prison for poisoning Montana streets with fentanyl.

Joseph Allen Conner, aka Street, of Yakima, Washington, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances in December 2023.

U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced the sentence on [current date]. Conner will serve the 5-year prison term, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for his role in bringing large quantities of fentanyl pills to the Great Falls area and other Montana cities.

According to court documents, Conner made multiple trips to Montana, including to Great Falls, Missoula, Lincoln, and Haugen, to sell fentanyl and other controlled substances. The investigation revealed that Conner distributed large amounts of pills to multiple sources and possessed ‘buckets full’ of fentanyl pills.

Law enforcement also seized approximately 1,500 fentanyl pills and meth from a vehicle being driven by a co-conspirator, determining that the drugs came from Conner. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, while the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Great Falls Police Department, and Russell Country Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.

Conner’s case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. The program brings together law enforcement and community organizations to make neighborhoods safer.

Conner’s sentence serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of fentanyl trafficking on Montana communities. As Grimy Times continues to expose the truth behind the opioid epidemic, we urge readers to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

The investigation and subsequent prosecution of Conner’s case are a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies in Montana. We commend their efforts in bringing this fentanyl kingpin to justice.

The case is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against fentanyl trafficking in Montana. Grimy Times will continue to shine a light on this critical issue and hold those responsible accountable.