Michael Lange, Methamphetamine Charges, Montana 2023

A Billings man was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking organization in the Billings area.

Michael Lange, 57, was sentenced to 216 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The investigation into Lange's activities began in September 2016, when agents from the FBI Transnational Organized Crime Western Task Force and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force began looking into a broad drug-trafficking organization selling large quantities of methamphetamine in the Billings area.

Lange was identified as a large distributor for the organization, and agents obtained search warrants for his cell phone content and his residence. A search of his residence on October 11, 2016, turned up 1202 grams of methamphetamine, 442 grams of cocaine, and $27,400 in cash.

Lange admitted to participating in the conspiracy and to obtaining approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine for redistribution. He was interviewed by agents on two occasions and cooperated with the investigation.

Lange's previous experience as a politician, serving three terms in the Montana Legislature, including a term as majority leader during the 2007 Legislature, was also noted during the sentencing hearing.

U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme praised the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sullivan in bringing Lange to justice, saying that his efforts made clear that no one is above the law. Alme also noted that the sentencing was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at reducing violent crime.

The case was investigated by the FBI Transnational Organized Crime Western Task Force and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, with assistance from the Billings Police Department.

Lange's sentencing marks a significant victory in the ongoing effort to combat methamphetamine trafficking in Montana.