MISSOULA, MT – In a gritty blow to the fentanyl trade, Justin Olen Brown, 40, of Belgrade, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for his role as a distributor. Brown faced a severe sentence after being caught with 173 grams of the deadly drug.
The U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme announced the verdict today, revealing that on February 23, 2024, law enforcement apprehended Brown near Ramsey, MT. They discovered three lock boxes and a stash of drug paraphernalia in his vehicle, prompting a search warrant. The fentanyl haul was substantial, totalling 173 grams.
Brown, who pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl back in February 2025, confessed to purchasing the pills in Spokane, Washington. His plan was clear: sell them across the border in Montana. Brown’s admission also revealed a pattern of similar trips for fentanyl pill sales.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over the sentencing, which included a mandatory 3 years of supervised release following prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case with vigilance, while the Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a national initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence, making communities safer. Launched on May 26, 2021, PSN focuses on fostering community trust, supporting prevention efforts, strategic enforcement, and results measurement. For more about this vital program, visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Justin Olen Brown’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by drug trafficking in Montana, and the unwavering commitment to justice from local and federal law enforcement agencies.
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Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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