A Billings man, Shannon Ray Emeline, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl. U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme announced that the sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release.
Emeline, 45, admitted guilt in January 2025 to charges of methamphetamine distribution and possession with intent to distribute both methamphetamine and fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters oversaw the proceedings.
Court documents reveal that on February 22, 2024, DEA agents facilitated a purchase of methamphetamine from Emeline through a confidential source for $2,000. In April 2024, law enforcement searched a Billings residence, uncovering a large quantity of methamphetamine linked to Emeline's distribution activities.
Further investigation led agents to a Billings hotel where Emeline was reportedly meeting with his supplier. A traffic stop revealed meth and fentanyl in his vehicle. A subsequent search of his hotel room found additional drugs and $6,855 in cash.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Yerger prosecuted the case with the investigation carried out by the DEA, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Montana Highway Patrol.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. For more details about PSN's initiatives visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
