Timothy J. Racicot Acting United States Attorney for the District of Montana | Wikipedia
A convicted felon from Belgrade was sentenced to 121 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for drug and weapon charges, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme announced. Robert Stuart Quam, 44, admitted guilt in July 2024 to charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Susan Watters. The prosecution alleged that on March 27, 2023, agents from the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) learned of Quam's activities in distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl. An undercover DCI agent initiated communication with Quam via social media as part of the investigation.
The agent arranged to purchase one ounce of methamphetamine from Quam for $500, and the transaction took place on March 31, 2023, at a parking lot in Billings. During the exchange, Quam displayed what appeared to be methamphetamine and revealed a pistol, placing it on the car's floor before leaving with the firearm.
Further communication between the undercover agent and Quam occurred, during which Quam discussed firearms, expressing a necessity for one due to safety concerns despite his dislike for guns. He specifically mentioned that his pistol was a ".45 caliber."
A subsequent traffic stop in Belgrade on September 20, 2023, led to Quam's detainment when a loaded firearm was found in his possession. A canine unit indicated the presence of drugs in the vehicle, and law enforcement retrieved approximately 1086.8 grams of methamphetamine from the car after obtaining a search warrant.
Quam's prior felony conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in February 2014 barred him legally from possessing firearms. The case saw prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich and was investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force.
This prosecution was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, which focuses on reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering trust within communities and reinforcing strategic law enforcement priorities. The program emphasizes collaboration between law enforcement and community groups to promote safety.
