Billings Man Gets 12 Years in Federal Prison for Meth Distribution Ring

BILLINGS — A 38-year-old man was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison Tuesday for operating a large-scale methamphetamine distribution ring in the Billings area, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme announced.

Mario Baudelio Nava pleaded guilty in April to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters also ordered five years of supervised release following his prison term.

The investigation began in April 2024 when law enforcement received information from a confidential source about a female methamphetamine dealer. Officers conducted surveillance and identified Nava coming and going from the same residence.

On April 2, 2024, the female dealer arranged to sell one ounce of methamphetamine for $350. After her arrest, she told investigators she had received the drugs from Nava and had sold approximately nine to 10 ounces of methamphetamine for him over the previous 12 months.

“She further advised she believed Nava was currently in possession of approximately one-half pound of methamphetamine,” according to court documents.

Law enforcement arrested Nava when he arrived to pick up the dealer. Because Nava was on parole, officers were able to search his vehicle under the conditions of his release.

The search yielded nearly 1.4 kilograms (about 3.1 pounds) of methamphetamine, a large amount of U.S. currency, and a stolen 9mm handgun. A subsequent search warrant of Nava’s residence uncovered additional methamphetamine, cash, and drug paraphernalia.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force conducted the investigation.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal program that brings together law enforcement agencies and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The Department of Justice launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy in May 2021 focused on fostering community trust, supporting prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.