U.S. Attorney Jesse A. Laslovich | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced the dismantling of a significant fentanyl trafficking ring in Great Falls, Montana. The operation resulted in the conviction of ten individuals on federal charges and several others facing state court charges. This effort was a collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
The announcement was made at a news conference held at the Great Falls Civic Center. U.S. Attorney Laslovich was joined by Great Falls Police Chief Jeff Newton, Cascade County Attorney Joshua Racki, and representatives from the Russell Country Drug Task Force.
"Taking down fentanyl trafficking rings to reduce drug-related violence and overdoses and death caused by this extremely dangerous drug is critical to the health and safety of our communities, like Great Falls," stated U.S. Attorney Laslovich. He emphasized the importance of continued efforts to combat drug trafficking.
Chief Newton highlighted other successes in 2024, stating, "Already this year, in 2024, the Russell Country Drug Task Force interdicted a huge shipment of methamphetamine destined for Great Falls."
Cascade County Attorney Racki expressed commitment to addressing illicit drug influxes: "The Cascade County Attorney’s Office is dedicated to combatting the influx of illicit drugs by holding accountable those who bring them into our communities."
The investigation began in fall 2022 and led to identifying Joseph Allen Conner as a supplier based in Tacoma, Washington. Conner was arrested in June 2023 with subsequent arrests occurring during a coordinated takedown in October 2023.
Conner reportedly made multiple trips to Montana for distributing fentanyl pills and possessed large quantities described as "buckets full" or "volleyball size bag" of pills. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges and received a five-year federal prison sentence.
In total, tens of thousands of fentanyl pills and at least seven firearms were seized during the investigation. Nine additional individuals faced federal indictments:
- Joseph Allen Conner: sentenced to five years for conspiracy.
- Nicholas Cocklin: sentenced to one year for possession with intent.
- Alanna Corcoran: sentenced to Glacier drug court for conspiracy.
- Terry McIntire: sentenced to two-and-a-half years for conspiracy.
- Michael McIntire: sentenced to 12 months plus one day for possession with intent.
- Paul Regimbal: sentenced similarly as Michael McIntire.
- Iesha Berry-Harris: sentenced to 15 months for possession with intent.
- David Prien-Pinto: sentenced to five years for possession with intent.
- Courtney Price: sentenced to three years plus two months for possession with intent.
- Casey Louis Ream: sentenced to eight years plus eight months for multiple charges.
The case involved various law enforcement bodies including DEA, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service among others under OCDETF's initiative targeting high-level criminal organizations.
For further details on OCDETF's operations visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
