U.S. Attorney Jesse A. Laslovich | U.S. Department of Justice
A Box Elder woman has admitted to trafficking significant amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl on the Rocky Boys Indian Reservation, as well as using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Melody Rose Bernard, 50, pleaded guilty to charges including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and use of a firearm in such crimes. She faces a minimum sentence of 10 years to life in prison for the drug charge and five years to life for the firearm charge.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the case, with sentencing scheduled for May 1 in Great Falls. Bernard remains detained pending further proceedings.
Court documents reveal that from October 2023 to May 21, 2024, Bernard was involved in distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine on the reservation located in Hill County. A witness reported making multiple trips transporting drugs for Bernard and observed her distributing narcotics from her home and business, Ziah’s.
Further testimonies indicated that Bernard sold fentanyl pills from Ziah’s at varying prices depending on quantity and familiarity with buyers. On May 21, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Bernard's residence uncovering drugs and cash while observing attempts to destroy evidence.
In related developments on March 27, 2024, co-defendant Airian Mariah Russette illegally purchased firearms later exchanged with Bernard for oxycodone pills. These firearms were linked to a double homicide shortly after their purchase. Russette admitted to falsifying federal forms for these transactions.
The investigation was conducted by several law enforcement agencies including ATF, FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation among others under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime through community collaboration.
