Livingston Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Offenses
BILLINGS, Mont. – Rian Lee Kvernes, a 28-year-old resident of Livingston, was sentenced today to 78 months in prison followed by 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in October.
Kvernes and his associates possessed and sold methamphetamine in early 2016. They also traded stolen firearms for methamphetamine. Specifically, he and an associate traded 10 to 15 stolen long guns for an ounce of methamphetamine in Butte. During the investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence and found 12 additional stolen firearms. They also found methamphetamine, drug distribution supplies, and a short-barreled shotgun behind his bedroom door.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Godfrey and Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Rian Lee Kvernes, a 28-year-old resident of Livingston, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for methamphetamine offenses in Montana.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat methamphetamine trafficking in the state. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for these crimes.
In addition to the prison sentence, Kvernes will also serve 4 years supervised release after his release from prison.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to keeping Montana communities safe and will continue to work tirelessly to prosecute those responsible for violent crimes.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Godfrey and Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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