Butte man, Charles Joshua Petty, 31, who admitted trafficking methamphetamine, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in distributing the deadly drug in Montana.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Petty pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances on March 15. The court also ordered Petty to forfeit $8,500 seized in the case.
The government alleged that Petty received meth from individuals in California and elsewhere, including through the mail in Butte, for distribution. The investigation revealed that Petty and others would wire money back to California and to Sinaloa, Mexico, to pay for the meth.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and the Butte Police Department.
A co-defendant, Shawn Miller, was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
Petty’s sentence sends a clear message that those who engage in meth trafficking will face severe consequences. The investigation determined that Petty received approximately 10 pounds of meth in January 2019, which is equivalent to approximately 36,240 doses.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over the sentencing hearing. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the methamphetamine epidemic in Montana.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News