Ashley Joceyln Cortez, Meth, Fentanyl, Cocaine Trafficking, Montana 2024
California Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Trafficking Drugs on Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation
In a significant blow to the drug trade on the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation, Ashley Joceyln Cortez, a 25-year-old California woman, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for trafficking substantial amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to the reservation.
Cortez pleaded guilty in April 2025 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. The government alleged in court documents that from October 2023 until May 21, 2024, Cortez trafficked substantial amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation.
According to the court documents, Cortez estimated she transported 23 pounds of meth, 4,500 fentanyl pills, five ounces of fentanyl powder, and three ounces of cocaine. She also estimated she transported $230,000 and watched a co-defendant distribute drugs out of her house in Box Elder.
The investigation, led by the FBI, ATF, Tri-Agency Task Force, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services, and Hill County Sheriff's Office, was a part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities.
The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case, which is part of the PSN program. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the sentencing hearing.
Cortez was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. The case is a significant victory for law enforcement agencies and the community, who have been working tirelessly to combat the drug trade on the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation.
In addition to the prison sentence, the government seized approximately $230,000 in cash, 64.5 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 98 grams of cocaine, and about 64 fentanyl pills during the execution of a search warrant at Cortez's co-defendant's residence in Box Elder.
Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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