Press Release
☷Federal Local Law Enforcement Disrupt Meth Traffickers Based in Park County
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ( By Press Release office)
Mar 01,2024
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Federal and local law enforcement agencies have been investigating methamphetamine traffickers trying to set up in Livingston , resulting in federal drug convictions announced by U . S . Attorney Jesse Laslovich . The drug ring brought meth from Idaho to Livingston for distribution in Park and Gallatin counties . Collaboration between agencies like the ATF , Park County Sheriff’s Office , and Missouri River Drug Task Force was crucial in dismantling the operation . U . S . Attorney Laslovich emphasized the importance of prosecuting drug traffickers in all Montana communities , big or small , to protect against the spread of drugs . Sheriff Brad Bichler and MRDTF Commander Nate Kamerman highlighted the success of their collaborative efforts in combating drug trafficking in Park County . Having a Park County Sheriff ' s Office deputy on the MRDTF not only laid the groundwork for our involvement in these investigations , but also made it easier for us to communicate with our federal partners . The MRDTF will keep collaborating with agencies at all levels to provide well - researched and documented cases , enabling prosecutors to hold drug traffickers accountable . Based on court documents , a drug trafficking investigation started in early 2020 when law enforcement discovered that defendants Oscar Albert Nevarez from Idaho Falls , Idaho , and co - defendant James D . Murrieta from Utica , New York , were bringing meth into Livingston from outside of Montana to distribute in Park and Gallatin counties , as well as other parts of Montana . Murrieta and Nevarez were partners in business , and Nevarez made about five trips to Idaho to get meth from a supplier . They used a residence in Livingston as their base for supplying local dealers . Law enforcement also made controlled purchases of meth from Murrieta in Bozeman and Belgrade . Nevarez was sentenced to six years in federal prison , while Murrieta received a 56 - month sentence for their convictions in the case . Additionally , the investigations resulted in federal charges against other individuals in Park County for various drug trafficking offenses involving meth , fentanyl , heroin , and firearms . Assistant U . S . Attorney Thomas K . Godfrey handled the prosecutions , and the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives , Park County Sheriff ' s Office , and Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted the investigations . These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods ( PSN ) , a program that brings together law enforcement at all levels and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence , and make our neighborhoods safer . On May 26 , 2021 , the Department launched a strategy to reduce violent crime as part of PSN , focusing on building trust and legitimacy in communities , supporting community - based organizations that prevent violence , setting targeted enforcement priorities , and measuring the outcomes . For more information , please contact Clair J . Howard , Public Affairs Officer , at 406 - 247 - 4623 or Clair . Howard@usdoj . gov in the Denver Field Division .
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