BILLINGS, MT – Moises Zamora, a 40-year-old drug trafficker from Greeley, Colorado, will spend the next three decades behind bars after receiving a 360-month federal prison sentence today. U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme announced the sentence following a federal jury conviction in Billings last October for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. This isn’t Zamora’s first rodeo with the federal justice system; he previously served ten years on a similar charge in Montana, case US v. Zamora, CR 21-78-GF-BMM.
The bust unfolded November 11, 2022, when a Yellowstone County Sheriff’s deputy spotted Zamora’s vehicle lurking suspiciously in the parking lot of a Billings convenience store. The deputy’s suspicion was immediately raised when Zamora appeared to acknowledge the patrol car and then attempted to conceal himself. Rather than cooperate with an investigation, Zamora slammed the car into reverse and bolted, initiating a reckless, almost ten-minute high-speed pursuit.
Speeds soared to 80 mph as Zamora barreled through traffic, even swerving into oncoming lanes. The chase only ended when Zamora found himself at a dead end, effectively cornered by law enforcement. A quick search revealed two “M30” pills – later confirmed as fentanyl – in the backseat. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a staggering six pounds of methamphetamine, enough for approximately 21,744 doses, along with two additional fentanyl pills, three cell phones, and a collection of drug paraphernalia. Zamora also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters handed down the sentence, acknowledging the severity of Zamora’s crimes and his repeat offender status. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich led the prosecution, building a solid case based on the evidence collected during the pursuit and vehicle search. The investigation was a collaborative effort, involving the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, and the FBI.
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and communities. PSN focuses on building trust, supporting community-based prevention programs, prioritizing strategic enforcement, and rigorously measuring results. The program’s goal is simple: make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Zamora’s 360-month sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release. The Grimy Times will continue to track federal crime across the nation, exposing the dark underbelly of American society. For more information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
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Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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