MISSOULA — Joshua Jay Schroeder of Butte, who admitted conspiring to traffic methamphetamine in Montana, wiring the drug proceeds to California and Mexico, and illegally possessing firearms, was sentenced in federal court on Thursday.
Schroeder, 40 years old, pleaded guilty on August 24, 2020, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, felon in possession of a firearm, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Court documents state that law enforcement became aware that Schroeder was involved in drug trafficking in and around Montana. In April 2019, an undercover agent bought meth from Schroeder, and by June 2019, law enforcement found numerous pounds of meth mailed to Schroeder, all of which were meant for distribution in Montana.
During a search of Schroeder’s house, agents found 44 grams of meth and a digital scale. In addition, investigators found five firearms in Schroeder’s vehicle. Schroeder possessed the firearms after having been convicted of multiple felonies in Montana.
Schroeder admitted to law enforcement that he accepted packages of meth for redistribution and helped in collecting and wiring money used in drug trafficking.
Financial records showed that Schroeder wired drug money from Montana to Mexico and California.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided, and sentenced Schroeder to 15 years and eight months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
