Spokane Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution on Blackfeet Reservation

GREAT FALLS — A Spokane, Washington man pleaded guilty to federal drug charges Wednesday after admitting to possessing hundreds of fentanyl pills during a 2023 traffic stop on the Blackfeet Reservation.

Nicholas Benton Severns, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, according to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine, and at least four years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the hearing and will determine sentencing after considering federal guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for November 12, 2025. Severns was released on conditions pending further proceedings.

Traffic Stop Leads to Major Drug Discovery

The case began in 2023 when Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services observed a white Chevrolet Malibu leaving a known drug house in Browning and stopped the vehicle for speeding, according to court documents.

The officer discovered the driver had no license, no insurance, and an outstanding warrant from Washington. Severns, who was a passenger in the vehicle, had an expired license.

As the traffic stop progressed, two additional officers arrived and informed both men they would conduct a drug canine search of the vehicle. During a routine pat-down for weapons, law enforcement discovered a piece of foil used for smoking narcotics and arrested both the driver and Severns.

Fentanyl Pills Found in Search

Officers found a baggie of methamphetamine on the driver and burnt blue fentanyl on Severns during searches incident to arrest. A drug detection canine indicated the presence of narcotics in the vehicle, prompting officers to obtain a state search warrant.

The subsequent search revealed 708 fentanyl pills in a fanny pack belonging to Severns. The quantity represents hundreds of potentially lethal doses, as the Drug Enforcement Administration states that just 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal to an adult.

During a later interview, Severns admitted to dealing drugs, including fentanyl distribution in Browning.

Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative

The prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program that brings together law enforcement at all levels and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence.

“This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The Department of Justice launched its current violent crime reduction strategy in May 2021, focusing on fostering community trust, supporting community-based violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, while the Drug Enforcement Administration and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.