A California man has been arraigned on drug charges in Billings, according to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme. Heriberto Eddie Garcia, 45, entered a plea of not guilty to an indictment that accuses him of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Garcia faces severe penalties if convicted on the most serious charge, including a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a potential life sentence, a fine up to $10 million, and at least five years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Tim Cavan presided over the proceedings where Garcia was released pending further court actions. The indictment's first count claims that between May 2023 and January 2024, Garcia conspired with others to possess and intend to distribute significant quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine.
The second count alleges that on January 22, 2024, Garcia knowingly possessed these drugs with the intent to distribute them. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office following investigations by the DEA, Montana Highway Patrol, and Laurel Police Department.
Authorities emphasize that charging documents are accusations only; defendants remain innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
This legal action forms part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations while safeguarding communities from violent crime. This operation aligns efforts from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Case progress can be tracked through the U.S. District Court Calendar or PACER system for those interested in electronic document access.