BILLINGS, MT – Mario Baudelio Nava, 38, is heading to federal prison for a decade and a half after being sentenced today for flooding the Billings area with methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme announced Nava received 144 months – 12 years – followed by five years of supervised release. The sentence comes after Nava pleaded guilty in April 2025 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a charge stemming from a months-long investigation.
The bust began April 2, 2024, when law enforcement received a tip from a confidential source about a woman supplying methamphetamine. Detectives knew Nava had recently moved into the same residence. Surveillance quickly confirmed Nava’s presence, and officers watched as the woman arranged a deal to sell one ounce of meth for $350.00. The woman was intercepted with the drugs and immediately implicated Nava, claiming she’d moved approximately 9 to 10 ounces of methamphetamine for him over the past year.
The source further stated Nava was likely stashing around half a pound of the drug at his residence. A calculated move – calling Nava for a ride – lured him to a prearranged location where he was taken into custody. A search of Nava’s vehicle, conducted under the terms of his parole, yielded a staggering 1397.63 grams of methamphetamine, a significant amount of U.S. currency, and a stolen 9mm handgun. That was just the beginning.
Detectives swiftly secured a search warrant for Nava’s residence, uncovering even more methamphetamine, additional cash, and the tools of the trade – drug paraphernalia. The sheer volume of evidence painted a clear picture of a sophisticated and prolific drug operation. The operation wasn’t just about moving weight; it was a blatant disregard for the safety of the Billings community, fueled by profit and a willingness to arm himself with an illegally obtained weapon.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich successfully prosecuted the case, building on the groundwork laid by the Billings Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Eastern Montana HIDTA task force. Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the proceedings, delivering a sentence that reflects the severity of Nava’s crimes.
This case is a key component of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and local communities. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN strategy in May 2021, focusing on building trust, supporting community organizations, prioritizing enforcement, and meticulously measuring results. More information on PSN can be found at Justice.gov/PSN. The streets of Billings are a little safer tonight, but the fight against drug trafficking is far from over.
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Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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