A Spokane, Washington man has pleaded guilty to drug charges in a federal court in Montana. Nicholas Benton Severns, 36, admitted to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Severns faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years to 40 years, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the case and will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The guilty plea stems from an incident in 2023, when Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services stopped a white Chevy Malibu for speeding. The driver, who had no license, insurance, and an outstanding warrant, was arrested along with Severns, who was a passenger in the vehicle. During a search, law enforcement found a baggie of meth on the driver and burnt blue fentanyl on Severns.
A subsequent search of the vehicle, conducted after a drug canine indicated the presence of narcotics, turned up 708 fentanyl pills in a fanny-pack belonging to Severns. The defendant admitted to dealing drugs, including fentanyl, in an interview with law enforcement.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, with assistance from the DEA and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services. Sentencing has been set for November 12, 2025.
The guilty plea is a significant development in the case, and highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat drug trafficking in the region. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has stated that it will continue to work with local and federal agencies to address the issue of drug distribution and related crimes.
For more information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN. The program is a key component of the Department of Justice’s efforts to reduce violent crime and make communities safer. By working together with law enforcement and community organizations, the program aims to prevent violence and support those affected by it.
In related news, the Department of Justice has launched a violent crime reduction strategy, which includes strengthening Project Safe Neighborhoods. The strategy is based on core principles, including fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, and setting focused enforcement priorities. The goal is to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Related Federal Cases
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- Meth Queenpin Sayra Longfox Admits to Role in Reservation Trafficking Ring · Washington
- Meth Mogul Longfox Faces Up to 40 Years Behind Bars · Washington
- Missoula Fentanyl Queen Janelle Bergeson Sentenced to 4 Years · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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