A Great Falls resident, Daniel Allen Wakeford, 61, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for his involvement in methamphetamine distribution and money laundering. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.
Wakeford had entered a guilty plea in October 2024 to charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and money laundering. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the case.
Court documents revealed that law enforcement had been aware of Wakeford's involvement in methamphetamine distribution both in Great Falls and other locations for several years. A witness informed authorities that they had received methamphetamine from Wakeford since 2020, initially amounting to approximately two pounds before escalating to about five pounds by March 2021. Surveillance confirmed the witness's account.
Numerous individuals who received methamphetamine from Wakeford between 2020 and 2024 provided statements on how he facilitated the resale of the drug. In February 2024, an individual identified as John Doe was apprehended with around 78 grams of methamphetamine and disclosed details about assisting Wakeford with cash packaging activities related to drug distribution.
Authorities discovered that during the conspiracy period, Wakeford lacked legitimate income sources but made significant cash purchases, including a $16,534 snowmobile in November 2022.
Following his indictment, a search of Wakeford’s residence led to paperwork for a storage unit he leased in Phoenix, Arizona. He was arrested in Utah while driving a motorhome worth over $40,000 containing more than $62,000 in cash and additional storage unit documentation. A subsequent search of the Arizona storage unit uncovered over 100 pounds of methamphetamine and a firearm.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno Baucus and Jeff Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Russell Country Drug Task Force under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF aims to dismantle high-level criminal organizations threatening the United States through coordinated efforts.
For further information about OCDETF initiatives, visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
