An Ashland man received a 151-month prison sentence for methamphetamine trafficking on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, followed by a four-year supervised release, as announced by U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme. Joe Vega, age 49, admitted guilt in July 2024 to the charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The case was overseen by U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. According to court records, the FBI initiated an investigation in December 2023 based on reports that Vega was distributing methamphetamine. A source confirmed purchasing meth from Vega multiple times.
In April 2024, the FBI intercepted a package sent from Arizona to Vega’s address in Billings. The package contained approximately 1331.5 grams, close to three pounds, of methamphetamine, which was 100% pure. Additionally, authorities learned of Vega's travel to Arizona, presumably to acquire meth. On April 22, 2024, a Montana Highway Patrol officer stopped the vehicle Vega was in. A search revealed two pounds of methamphetamine in Vega's bag, also 100% pure.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten managed the prosecution. The investigation involved the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Montana Department of Criminal Investigation, and the Montana Highway Patrol. Conducted under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), this initiative seeks to identify, disrupt, and dismantle major criminal organizations across the United States using a cross-agency approach. More details are available at Justice.gov/OCDETF.