⏱ 2 min read
Rafael Gonzales Montanez and Aaron Wade Montoya, two Billings men, have admitted to dealing methamphetamine around town. The duo, both in their 60s, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, with Montoya also pleading guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The crimes took place at various bars and casinos in Billings, with the investigation kicking off in August 2024 after a tip was received about Montanez’s activities.
According to court documents, an undercover agent with the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation made contact with Montanez, who offered to sell him an ounce of methamphetamine. Over the next month, the agent continued to buy increasing amounts of meth from Montanez, eventually leading law enforcement to a trailer in the Cherry Creek mobile home park, which belonged to Montoya.
Montanez faces 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine, and at least five years of supervised release. Montoya faces the same penalties for the first count, as well as an additional five years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release for the second count.
The guilty pleas were entered in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan, with U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer set to determine the sentence at a later date. Both men remain detained pending further proceedings.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Drug Trafficking
- Defendant: Montana
- Location: MT
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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