Rhonda Jeanette Lapier, Meth Trafficking, Montana 2022

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – In a shocking revelation, Rhonda Jeanette Lapier, also known as Rhonda Trench, 49, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in a Helena courtroom today, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson.

Lapier, a resident of Helena, faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison for her crimes, along with a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. This harsh punishment serves as a stark reminder of the severity of methamphetamine trafficking and its devastating impact on Montana communities.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the proceedings, setting sentencing for February 16, 2022. Lapier was detained pending further court action, indicating the severity of the charges against her.

According to court documents, the investigation led by the Russell Country Drug Task Force revealed that Lapier was involved in trafficking methamphetamine from Las Vegas, Nevada, into Great Falls, Montana. The investigation uncovered a stash of approximately 3.6 pounds of methamphetamine in the trunk of a vehicle, as well as three one-pound bags of methamphetamine and $6,132 in cash at Lapier’s residence.

Law enforcement officials discovered that several individuals, including Lapier, had traveled to Las Vegas to pick up methamphetamine, returning with six pounds of the illicit substance and dropping off some of it at Lapier’s residence. This staggering amount of methamphetamine is equivalent to 21,744 doses, highlighting the alarming scale of Lapier’s trafficking operation.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and methamphetamine trafficking in Montana. Federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are working together to combat the scourge of methamphetamine in the state.

Rhonda Jeanette Lapier, Defendant/respondent REAL full name: Rhonda Jeanette Lapier, also known as Rhonda Trench

Exact criminal charges: possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

City and state: Helena, Montana

Exact DATE with month/day/year (sentencing, arrest, or crime date): Not specified

Sentence or outcome (prison time, fine, or current status): faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release

Dollar amounts where applicable: $10 million fine, $6,132

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