Joshua Jock Clause, Meth Trafficking, Montana 2023

State: Montana
Category: Drug Trafficking
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/billings-man-sentenced-15-years-meth-firearm" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DOJ Press Release ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Â Ã¢â‚¬â€

A Billings man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking operation in the Billings area.

Joshua Jock Clause, 36, pleaded guilty in November to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and to possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the sentencing hearing.

According to prosecutors, an investigation that began in June 2018 led to Clause as a key player in importing large amounts of methamphetamine to the Billings area from a source in California. An arrest warrant was issued for Clause, and law enforcement surveilled his residence before pulling him over and arresting him on his federal warrant.

During the search of his residence, officers found $17,000 in cash, an SKS rifle, and a handgun. However, they missed a cooler containing 12 pounds of methamphetamine, which was later discovered by a confidential informant who had been instructed by Clause from jail.

The methamphetamine, which is equivalent to about 43,488 doses, was taken to another person. Another informant admitted to receiving 20 pounds of methamphetamine directly from Clause, which is equivalent to about 72,488 doses. The informant also claimed that Clause had multiple people selling drugs for him.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, and Billings Police Department.

The case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, which is aimed at reducing violent crime through a comprehensive approach that involves law enforcement, community stakeholders, and prevention programs.

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