Christopher Wentlein, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Montana 2013

BILLINGS, MONTANA - A former resident of Billings, Montana, has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking ring.

Christopher Wentlein, 33, appeared in U.S. District Court in Billings on January 4, 2013, before Chief U.S. District Judge Richard F. Cebull, where he was sentenced to a term of 84 months in prison, a $100 special assessment, and 5 years of supervised release.

Wentlein was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, an offense carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

According to court documents, Wentlein was involved in the distribution of methamphetamine in Billings, and was stopped and searched by law enforcement on November 4, 2011. The search netted cash, methamphetamine, a marijuana pipe, marijuana, a digital scale, a gun, and ammunition.

Wentlein identified his source as X.X. and agreed to cooperate with law enforcement. On November 8, 2011, law enforcement used Wentlein to buy two ounces of methamphetamine from X.X. On December 30, 2011, Wentlein was used to buy one ounce of methamphetamine from X.X.

X.X. was eventually stopped on the interstate and admitted to selling methamphetamine in Billings for approximately a year. He also admitted to getting 20-30 pounds of methamphetamine from his Denver source and selling it in Billings.

Law enforcement seized approximately 5 pounds of methamphetamine during the search of X.X.'s house, as well as some guns, scales, cash, and drug paraphernalia. Wentlein's truck was searched on January 4, 2012, and some methamphetamine, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia were found.

Wentlein will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court, as there is no parole in the federal system. He may be eligible for a sentence reduction for good behavior, but this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/christopher-wentlein-sentenced-us-district-court