Billings Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Meth Trafficking

BILLINGS — Loren Dean Raver, a 59-year-old Billings resident, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison today after admitting to trafficking methamphetamine. The sentence will be followed by four years of supervised release, according to U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich.

Raver pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the case.

According to court documents, in February, the Billings Police Department's Street Crimes Unit was searching for Raver due to an outstanding arrest warrant. Knowing that Raver was on state probation, officers began surveillance of his residence. On February 26, officers observed Raver and a woman leaving his residence in a vehicle. The vehicle was subsequently stopped, and Raver was arrested on the outstanding warrant.

During a search of Raver's residence, law enforcement officers, including state probation officers, discovered a significant amount of methamphetamine hidden inside a Mountain Dew box on a coffee table. Additionally, officers found $4,396 in cash, plastic baggies, and digital scales. The methamphetamine was later determined to weigh approximately 283 grams, just over half a pound of pure meth.

At the time of his arrest, Raver was already on state probation for multiple previous felony convictions. The significant sentence reflects the seriousness of Raver's continued criminal activities while under state supervision.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of local and federal law enforcement to combat drug trafficking in the community.

a bunk bed with striped linen behind barsPhoto byRDNE Stock Project