A Montana meth dealer is headed to federal prison after admitting to selling the highly addictive substance.
Stephen Eric Engelhardt, Jr., 41, of Havre, was sentenced to 5 years and 4 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for his role in distributing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced today.
The defendant pleaded guilty in December 2023 to one count of distribution of meth, according to court documents.
The investigation into Engelhardt’s meth trafficking activities began in March 2023, when members of the Montana Tri-Agency Task Force started looking into his involvement in the illicit trade.
On two separate occasions in April 2023, Engelhardt and his co-defendant, Tayla Wren Overlie, sold meth in a controlled operation, resulting in the seizure of drug paraphernalia, meth, ammunition, numerous firearms, and U.S. currency during a search warrant at their residence.
Overlie, also 41, was sentenced to the same term as Engelhardt – 5 years and 4 months in prison – for her conviction in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, with the Tri-Agency Task Force and the FBI conducting the investigation.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together law enforcement and community organizations to reduce violent crime and gun violence, making neighborhoods safer for everyone.
The Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy in 2021, strengthening PSN based on core principles like fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused enforcement priorities, and measuring results.
Engelhardt’s sentencing serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in meth trafficking, a crime that has devastating effects on individuals and communities.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to disrupt and dismantle meth trafficking operations in Montana and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
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Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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