The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls on May 17, 2010, before U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon, THOMAS JOSEPH ROEBER, a 31-year-old resident of Helena, pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. Sentencing has been set for August 26, 2010. He is currently detained.

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:

On February 10, 2010, members of the Tri Agency Safe Trails Task Force (hereafter the "task force") were investigating the distribution of methamphetamine in Havre. A confidential informant assisted the agents in their investigation.

At approximately 3:15 p.m. on February 10, 2010, the informant went to a motel room in Havre. There, the informant purchased approximately eight grams of purported methamphetamine from ROEBER for $700.

The informant provided the purported methamphetamine to agents of the task force. A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) chemist weighed and analyzed the purported methamphetamine. She concluded the substance in question had a net weight of eight grams and that the substance contained a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

ROEBER faces possible penalties of 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and at least 3 years supervised release.

The investigation was conducted by the Tri Agency Safe Trails Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A copy of the Offer of Proof can be obtained by contacting Sally Frank at (406) 247-4638.

 

 

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