Three Sentenced to Prison This Week in Montana Meth Conspiracy

MISSOULA – A federal judge sentenced three defendants this week for a methamphetamine conspiracy in Montana.  Robert Anthony Vaughn, 37, of Bozeman, Montana, was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess meth with the intent to distribute.  Two other defendants in the conspiracy were also sentenced this week for the offense.  Zachary Ryan Mills, 34, and Tracy Ann Hohenstatt, 45, both from Phoenix, Arizona, were each sentenced to five years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.  An additional defendant, Janet Jorgenson Card, was sentenced to five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.  Chief U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen presided over the proceedings.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart, the government stated that if the case had proceeded to trial, the government would have proven that from summer 2012 until roughly Fall 2013, Card received methamphetamine from Mills and Hohenstatt.  Mills and Hohenstatt would drive the meth from the Phoenix, Arizona, area to Three Forks, Montana.  Card then distributed the methamphetamine to others in the area, including Vaughn. Card estimated that she received 3600 grams from Mills and Hohenstatt.  Law enforcement interviewed Vaughn, who stated that he purchased methamphetamine from Card for approximately nine months at her Three Forks residence for a total of 350 grams.  Law enforcement seized additional meth and two loaded firearms from Mills and Hohenstatt.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart prosecuted the cases. The crimes were investigated by the FBI, DEA and the Missouri River Drug Task Force. The defendants will have to serve at least 85% of their sentences before being released from federal prison.