A Billings woman, Anita Mae Ballesteros, 36, has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for her role in trafficking methamphetamine. The sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release, according to U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich.

Ballesteros pleaded guilty in August to possession with intent to distribute meth. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the case.

The Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating the group of traffickers in September 2023 and made controlled purchases from Ballesteros twice. She was part of a seven-member drug trafficking ring that operated out of a residence on Sugar Avenue in Billings. The organization received meth from Washington suppliers which Ballesteros and a co-defendant distributed locally.

Ballesteros was known for distributing significant quantities of meth, selling it in ounce and half-pound amounts. Additionally, she provided firearms to her sources in Washington.

The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and investigated by the DEA as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). This initiative aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities.

For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit Justice.gov/PSN.