MISSOULA — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Montana), published as received.
MISSOULA — A California man who admitted mailing methamphetamine and other drugs to Montana for distribution and wiring drug proceeds back to California was sentenced today to six years in prison and five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Oscar Noe Celio Luna, 32, of Bakersfield, CA, pleaded guilty on Sept. 30 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and to conspiracy to commit money laundering.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The prosecution said in court documents filed in the case that law enforcement learned Luna was mailing drugs from California since at least 2017. Law enforcement made controlled buys of drugs, including more than 500 grams of meth, from Luna. One pound of meth is 453 grams. In April, Luna sent 466 grams of 100 percent pure meth and 47.7 grams of heroin to Montana. The investigation also determined that Luna wired drug proceeds, including about $35,360 from Butte to California, to further promote drug trafficking.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Helena Police Department, the Missouri River Drug Task Force and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 48% from 2013 to 2019. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
XXX
