Kimberly Ann Force Sentenced in U.S. District Court
The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula, on October 25, 2012, before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen, KIMBERLY ANN FORCE, a 44-year-old resident of Livingston, appeared for sentencing. FORCE was sentenced to a term of:
Prison: 84 months
Special Assessment: $100
Supervised Release: 4 years
FORCE was sentenced in connection with her guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:
Since early 2010, the Missouri River Drug Task Force has been investigating a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in and around Bozeman. Identified members of the conspiracy include Chance Chambers, Jeff Frazier, and others, including FORCE.
Evidence uncovered during the investigation revealed that FORCE's involvement was primarily as a mid-level distributor of methamphetamine. Through the use of various investigative techniques, including undercover controlled purchases, wire and phone intercepts, and interviews with FORCE and other members of the conspiracy, law enforcement determined that between January and April 2011, FORCE routinely traveled to and from Butte to pick up various quantities of methamphetamine, totaling 50 grams or more, for sale and distribution in the Bozeman area. During her own interview, FORCE admitted her involvement in the conspiracy and provided significant details about her role in the organization.
Chambers and Frazier pled guilty to federal charges and have been sentenced.
Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that FORCE will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, FORCE does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.
The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Missouri River Drug Task Force and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations.
