A Havre man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution conspiracy in Montana. Lance Jon Stimson, aged 33, will also face five years of supervised release following his prison term. U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced the sentencing.
Stimson entered a guilty plea in October 2024 on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen.
According to court documents, the FBI's Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force investigated an individual suspected of distributing fentanyl in Missoula. This investigation revealed that the individual supplied Stimson with meth and fentanyl for distribution purposes. In April 2024, officers apprehended Stimson after he absconded from supervision, discovering 310 fentanyl pills and 28 grams of heroin in his vehicle. Stimson admitted to collaborating with the individual to distribute over 7,000 fentanyl pills and 17 ounces of meth between October 2023 and April 2024.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office led the prosecution of this case with assistance from the FBI's Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program designed to unite various levels of law enforcement with communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence while enhancing neighborhood safety. Since May 26, 2021, PSN has focused on fostering trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating results.
For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.