Billings Drug Dealer Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison

A 45-year-old man who sold meth and fentanyl in the Billings area has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison.

U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme announced today that Shannon Ray Emeline will serve 144 months behind bars, followed by five years of supervised release.

Federal Judge Issues Sentence Following Guilty Plea

Emeline pleaded guilty in January 2025 to two charges: distribution of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute both meth and fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters handed down the sentence.

Undercover Drug Deal Uncovered First Lead

According to court documents, federal agents began tracking Emeline in February 2024. On February 22, a confidential informant working with the DEA purchased methamphetamine from Emeline during a controlled buy. The transaction occurred in Emeline’s vehicle, where the informant paid $2,000 in exchange for drugs.

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Agents Track Source of Meth to Billings Home

In April, law enforcement officials with the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation searched a Billings residence and found a significant stash of methamphetamine. Investigators later connected the drugs to Emeline, who had allegedly purchased and was distributing them throughout the Billings area.

Surveillance at Hotel Leads to Major Seizure

On May 1, a second confidential source tipped off agents that Emeline was staying at a local hotel to meet with a supplier. Investigators surveilled the hotel, located Emeline’s vehicle, and conducted a traffic stop. Inside the vehicle, agents found meth and fentanyl.

Hotel Room Search Reveals More Drugs and Cash

After Emeline admitted to renting the hotel room to facilitate a drug deal involving two pounds of meth, agents searched the room. Inside, they discovered additional bags of meth and fentanyl, along with $6,855 in cash.

Multiple Agencies Collaborated in Investigation

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Yerger. The investigation involved several agencies, including the DEA, the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Montana Highway Patrol.

Part of a National Push for Safer Communities

This case falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a national initiative that focuses on reducing violent crime through community engagement and targeted law enforcement strategies. The Department of Justice relaunched PSN in 2021 with a focus on trust-building, prevention, and accountability.

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For more information about PSN, you can visit justice.gov/psn.