Ryan Frank Cervantes, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Montana 2018

A 27-year-old Livingston man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking operation in Montana.

Ryan Frank Cervantes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute and was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 10 years supervised release by U.S. Senior District Judge Charles C. Lovell.

According to court documents, Cervantes was involved in a drug conspiracy operating in Gallatin and Broadwater Counties from July 2016 to May 2017. He worked for Ed Ellington, who was considered the biggest drug supplier in the Bozeman and Belgrade area.

On December 7, 2016, the Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Krystal Rego. Investigators met with a Confidential Informant prior to the purchase, who arranged to buy about 3.5 grams of methamphetamine from Rego. The informant went to meet with Rego at the Super 8 Motel in Bozeman, where Rego handed over the methamphetamine to the informant.

Cervantes was a supplier to at least 40-50 other people, and his source of supply was Ed Ellington. During the scope of the drug conspiracy, Cervantes was held responsible for distributing 226 grams of methamphetamine, which converts to 1808 individual doses of the drug that reached drug users in Montana.

Ed Ellington, the mastermind behind the operation, has also pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2018.

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. The case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, which aims to reduce violent crime.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan R. Whittaker and investigated by the FBI and the Missouri River Drug Task Force.

In a statement, authorities emphasized the importance of targeting those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. The sentencing of Cervantes is a significant blow to the methamphetamine trafficking operation, and highlights the commitment of law enforcement to keep Montana communities safe.