Billings Woman Sentenced to 9 Years for Denver Fentanyl Ring

A 63-year-old Billings woman who made repeated trips to Denver to pick up fentanyl and methamphetamine before selling the drugs in the Billings area has been sentenced to more than nine years in federal prison. The June 12, 2026, sentencing closes a case that began with a tip, led to a roadside traffic stop, and ended with a guilty plea on both drug trafficking and firearms charges.

Beth Marie Jones Sentenced to 117 Months on Drug Trafficking and Firearms Charges

Beth Marie Jones, 63, of Billings, was sentenced to 117 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith announced. Jones pleaded guilty in December 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided over the case.

How DEA and Billings Law Enforcement Identified Jones as a Drug Trafficker

The investigation began in April 2024, when law enforcement in Billings received information from a source indicating that Jones was selling methamphetamine and fentanyl in the area. The source told investigators that Jones had traveled to Denver on multiple occasions to pick up the drugs before bringing them back to Montana for distribution.

Cell Phone Warrant Tracks Jones on Drug Run From Denver to Montana

Acting on that tip, law enforcement obtained a warrant to monitor Jones's cell phone location data. Tracking her movements, investigators confirmed she had traveled to the Denver area. On May 3, 2024, as Jones made her way back to Montana, law enforcement pulled her over in Big Horn County and searched her vehicle.

Traffic Stop in Big Horn County Turns Up Fentanyl, Meth, and a Loaded Firearm

The search of Jones's car uncovered 205.9 grams of fentanyl, 11.35 grams of fentanyl powder, and 28.2 grams of methamphetamine. A firearm was also found on the front seat, which Jones told officers she carried for protection. Questioned at the roadside, Jones admitted she had traveled to Denver to pick up the drugs, and later confirmed in a subsequent interview that she had made the trip multiple times.

Phone Evidence Reveals Scale of Fentanyl and Meth Trafficking Operation

A search of Jones's cell phone provided further evidence of the scope of her drug operation. Messages on the device indicated she was purchasing 3,000 fentanyl pills and a half-ounce of methamphetamine at a time. Additional messages showed she was also actively selling both fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Billings area.

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DEA Leads Investigation Into Billings Fentanyl Trafficking Case

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Montana prosecuted the case.

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Gallery Credit: Traci Taylor

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