Christopher Dennis Shelton, Meth Trafficking, Montana 2020

A Billings man has been sentenced to six years in prison for his role in trafficking methamphetamine and heroin in the city. Christopher Dennis Shelton, 43, was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a crime he admitted to on November 23, 2020.

The case against Shelton was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the case.

According to court documents, Shelton and his co-defendant, Susan Wilkinson, fled with a stolen trailer in July 2019, but were later apprehended after attempting to escape from law enforcement in a grocery store parking lot. The vehicle they entered contained 56 grams of methamphetamine and 22 grams of heroin.

Wilkinson pleaded guilty in the case and was sentenced to five years in prison. Shelton, on the other hand, was sentenced to 72 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release.

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.

The sentencing of Shelton serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing the issue of methamphetamine trafficking in the state. Law enforcement agencies will continue to work together to combat this crime and keep Montana communities safe.

Christopher Dennis Shelton, whose address was not provided, was detained at the time of sentencing. His exact address and other personal details were not disclosed in the press release.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/billings-man-sentenced-six-years-prison-trafficking-meth