Related Federal Cases
Billings Woman Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Meth Trafficking
BILLINGS, Montana – A Billings woman who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine from a Billings residence as part of a multi-state organization supplied by Washington sources was sentenced today to eight years in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Anita Mae Ballesteros, 36, pleaded guilty in August to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the sentencing hearing.
According to court documents, the government alleged that beginning in September 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated a group of meth traffickers, including Ballesteros, in the Billings area and twice purchased meth from Ballesteros in controlled buys.
Ballesteros was one of seven defendants involved in a multi-state drug trafficking ring that operated from a residence on Sugar Avenue in Billings. A group of males from Washington brought to Montana pounds of meth that Ballesteros and a co-defendant distributed to their network of dealers.
Ballesteros was known to distribute most of the meth from this Washington group and sold it in ounce and half-pound quantities. Additionally, Ballesteros was obtaining and providing firearms to her Washington sources. A co-defendant described Ballesteros as having enough meth to “keep Billings awake.”
Ballesteros’ case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, a initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, with the DEA conducting the investigation.
The investigation revealed a complex web of meth trafficking that involved multiple states and individuals. Ballesteros’ role in the operation was significant, as she was responsible for distributing large quantities of meth to dealers in the Billings area.
The sentencing of Ballesteros serves as a reminder of the dangers of methamphetamine trafficking and the importance of law enforcement efforts to disrupt and dismantle these operations.
Defendant: Anita Mae Ballesteros
Criminal Charges: Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
City and State: Billings, Montana
Exact Date: August 2023 (plea), September 2023 (investigation began)
Sentence: Eight years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release
Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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