An Ennis man, Jason Michael Hoover, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after admitting to trafficking methamphetamine. The sentencing took place on December 5 and will be followed by five years of supervised release, according to U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich.
Hoover, aged 47, pleaded guilty in April to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The case was presided over by U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen.
U.S. Attorney Laslovich commented on the case: “Hoover’s drug trafficking conduct was especially dangerous, not only because of the amount of meth involved but also because of the large number of firearms found in his residence. Hoover used guns as currency to distribute and receive meth. With this sentence, the firearms will no longer be on our streets and neither will Hoover.”
The investigation into Hoover began in July 2022 when law enforcement identified him as a suspect in storage unit thefts in Gallatin County. A search conducted in February 2023 at Hoover's residence led officers to find more than two pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 50 firearms. During the search, officers discovered Hoover and co-defendant Gabriel Boe attempting to hide in a laundry room with suspected methamphetamine nearby.
According to court documents, Hoover admitted he distributed meth and received guns in exchange for it. He would trade guns for meth as well. Co-defendant Boe is awaiting sentencing for his conviction related to this case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case while the Missouri River Drug Task Force carried out the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities they serve. Launched on May 26, 2021, PSN focuses on fostering trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence before it occurs, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.
For further information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit Justice.gov/PSN.