The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Helena, on May 18, 2011, before Senior U.S. District Judge Charles C. Lovell, DRU CEDERBERG, a 52-year-old resident of Billings, appeared for sentencing. CEDERBERG was sentenced to a term of:

Probation: 24 months (with first 8 months under home arrest)

Special Assessment: $100

Fine: $500,000

Forfeiture: $50,000

CEDERBERG was sentenced in connection with her guilty plea to attempting to maintain drug related premises.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph E. Thaggard, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

In August 2007, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation began to investigate Domingo Baez for trafficking cocaine in Billings and Red Lodge. The investigation continued until at least September 11, 2008.

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement learned that several people associated with Baez had used their homes in Billings to consume cocaine.

In August and September 2008, CEDERBERG resided at a home she owns and which is located in Billings.

On August 19 and 29, 2008, CEDERBERG contacted Baez in order to obtain cocaine she intended to use at her residence in Billings. In contacting Baez to obtain the cocaine, CEDERBERG made a material and substantial step toward maintaining her premises for the use of cocaine.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

 

 

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