Source: United States Attorneys General
Headline: Repeat Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution
BILLINGS – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Pedro Carrasco, Jr., a 35 year-old resident of Billings, Montana, was sentenced to 168 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Carrasco was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 1956(h). The sentence also includes the forfeiture of a Glock, model 23, .40 caliber, semi-automatic pistol; a Smith & Wesson, model Bodyguard, .380 auto caliber semi-automatic pistol; 80 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition; 11 rounds of .380 ACP ammunition; and $4,655 in United States Currency.
In February 2016, a Montana State Highway Patrol Trooper pulled over a vehicle traveling eastbound on I-90 near Missoula for a traffic violation. During a consent search of the vehicle, the trooper seized 1,056.3 grams of pure methamphetamine concealed within a speaker box stored in the trunk of the vehicle. Drug Enforcement Administration agents later determined that the occupants of the vehicle intended to deliver the methamphetamine to Carrasco in Billings. Agents next executed a search warrant at Carrasco’s residence in Billings and recovered additional methamphetamine, two firearms, drug paraphernalia, digital scales, body armor, and $4,655 in US Currency. Agents also noted that Carrasco had surveillance cameras outside of his residence. After the search of his residence, Carrasco admitted to agents that he had been distributing methamphetamine in Billings from 2011 through February 2016.
In 2003, Carrasco was convicted in United States District Court, District of Montana, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846.
The Carrasco case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Internal Revenue Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force; Montana Highway Patrol; and multiple other federal, state, and local agencies.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.