David Owen Awberry, Meth Trafficking, Montana 2019

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Great Falls Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Meth Trafficking

GREAT FALLS—David Owen Awberry, a 31-year-old man from Great Falls, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking ring in the community.

Awberry pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the case.

According to the prosecution, the Russell Country Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating a meth and heroin distribution ring in Great Falls in September 2018. Agents learned that Awberry redistributed meth and heroin for the group, which included co-defendants Anthony Beltran and Jacqueline Kirkaldie.

The investigation revealed that Beltran, who received a large quantity of meth and heroin from a source in California, used numerous individuals, including Awberry, to redistribute the drugs. In March 2019, detectives spoke to a person who said he got his meth from Awberry. Additionally, detectives saw a photograph on Awberry’s Facebook account showing him holding a large amount of cash with the word “dope” at the bottom of the picture.

Detectives arrested Awberry in April and searched his home. Awberry admitted he sold drugs, including meth, but declined to identify his source. Detectives found thousands of dollars in cash in his home and confirmed the money was from drug sales.

Kirkaldie was convicted in the case and sentenced to more than 11 years in prison. Beltran has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Russell Country Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is the centerpiece of the government’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.