Billings Woman Sentenced After Shooting Two Men and Trafficking Fentanyl

Renee Esperanza Arambula, 27, of Billings, Montana, was sentenced on Monday to 11 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after admitting to trafficking fentanyl while in possession of a firearm.

Arambula pleaded guilty in November 2024 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and brandishing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, according to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme. The case was presided over by U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters.

DEA Investigation Reveals Extensive Drug Trafficking Operation

The investigation began in early 2023 when the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) started looking into Arambula’s suspected drug trafficking activities. A thorough review of financial documents showed that between May 2020 and January 2023, Arambula deposited over $230,000 in cash and received thousands more via electronic payments.

However, her formal employment income was only a fraction of these amounts, suggesting the majority of the funds were proceeds from illegal drug sales.

Fentanyl Sales Exceed 400 Grams Over Several Years

Using a combination of financial analysis, witness interviews, and surveillance, law enforcement determined Arambula had been trafficking fentanyl and other drugs throughout Billings and nearby areas.

Several individuals admitted to purchasing over 400 grams of fentanyl from Arambula during the period from late 2020 through early 2023.

Violent Incident Highlights Dangers of Arambula’s Trafficking

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors revealed a chilling incident that occurred on January 28, 2023. In the course of her drug trafficking, Arambula shot two unarmed men. The first victim was shot at point-blank range in the neck, resulting in permanent paralysis. The second victim was shot in the abdomen while pleading for his life.

Law enforcement later recovered fentanyl pills and a firearm from Arambula’s possession at the time of her arrest.

Coordinated Effort by Law Enforcement to Combat Drug and Gun Violence

The prosecution was handled by the United States Attorney’s Office, with the investigation conducted jointly by the DEA and the Billings Police Department. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaborative enforcement and community partnership.

READ MORE: Montana’s Dangerous Plant Hiding in Plain Sight

Project Safe Neighborhoods: Fighting Crime and Building Safer Communities

Launched in 2021, the Department of Justice’s enhanced PSN strategy focuses on building trust in communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

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The program reflects a commitment to making neighborhoods safer through coordinated law enforcement efforts combined with community engagement. For more information on PSN, visit Justice.gov/PSN.