Timothy J. Racicot Acting United States Attorney for the District of Montana | Wikipedia
An East Helena man, Gordon Eric Barraugh, was sentenced to 64 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. Following his prison term, he will undergo five years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme confirmed the sentencing.
Barraugh, aged 63, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the case.
According to court documents, on September 21, 2022, law enforcement agencies executed a controlled buy at Barraugh's residence in Helena. During this operation, they acquired more than 80 grams of actual methamphetamine from him in an alley behind his house.
On September 23, 2024, authorities arrested Barraugh under an arrest warrant and conducted a search of his truck where they found meth and prescription pills. Further investigation during his arraignment on December 16, 2024 by the United States Marshal’s Service revealed a small baggie containing meth residue and another pill.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office handled the prosecution while the Missouri River Drug Task Force, State of Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Helena Police Department, and ICE carried out the investigation.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that unites various levels of law enforcement with communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. On May 26, 2021, a strategy was launched to bolster PSN focusing on fostering trust within communities and supporting organizations aimed at preventing violence.
