Two Billings Men Sentenced to Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking

Two Billings men received federal prison sentences for trafficking methamphetamine through local bars and casinos, NBC Montana reported.

Aaron Wade Montoya, 61, was sentenced Friday to 12 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Rafael Gonzales Montanez, 61, received a 10-year prison sentence and five years of supervised release earlier this October.

Both men had previously pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Montoya also admitted to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The federal case began in August 2024 when an undercover agent with the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation started purchasing methamphetamine from Montanez, according to court documents. This operation followed a tip regarding Montanez’s drug trafficking activities.

The agent purchased increasing amounts of the drug over the following month. In September 2024, investigators tracked Montanez to a trailer located in the Cherry Creek mobile home park in Billings Heights, NBC Montana reported.

That trailer belonged to Montoya, who was already on probation for a previous drug conviction. The investigation intensified in November 2024 after Montoya tested positive for methamphetamine during a drug test required by his probation.

Following that positive test, investigators executed a search warrant at Montoya’s home. They discovered methamphetamine, three firearms, ammunition, and cash at the residence.

Montoya was subsequently arrested and admitted to selling methamphetamine and obtaining two firearms through the drug trade, according to court documents.

The investigation into Montoya led directly back to Montanez. After Montoya’s arrest, Montanez contacted the undercover agent and offered to introduce him to a new supplier, NBC Montana reported.

Investigators arrested Montanez on May 29, 2025. During the legal proceedings, Montanez admitted to selling methamphetamine that was supplied by Montoya.

The case was the result of a joint investigation involving the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.