The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on November 8, 2012, before Chief U.S. District Judge Richard F. Cebull, ALEXANDER THEODORE BEAN, a 25-year-old resident of Billings, appeared for sentencing. BEAN was sentenced to a term of:

Prison: 15 months

Special Assessment: $100

Supervised Release: 3 years

BEAN was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin.

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

On August 10, 2010, the United States Postal Service intercepted a parcel from Reno, Nevada, headed to Billings. The parcel met certain criteria so the Postal Inspector had a drug dog check the package. The dog indicated on the package and a federal search warrant was obtained to allow entry into the package. Inside, investigators found a DVD case which contained some tissue paper and 24 small balloons. One of the balloons was tested for heroin, and the results were positive. Twelve balloons were removed from the package and 12 balloons were placed back in the package for a controlled delivery to BEAN, the intended recipient.

On August 11, 2010, the package was delivered to BEAN. Following the delivery, a search warrant for his residence was executed. BEAN was present at the residence and agreed to talk with investigators about the package. He admitted purchasing heroin from William Nelson, who resided in Reno, Nevada. BEAN stated Nelson sent the heroin to him and a friend through the United States mail, approximately 10 to 15 times.

BEAN also admitted to sending Nelson money (payment for the heroin) through Money Gram. BEAN would "front" the money to Nelson, obtain the heroin, then the friend would owe BEAN payment for the heroin he distributed. The two used some of the heroin and then split the rest for redistribution.

Nelson pled guilty to federal charges and has been sentenced.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that BEAN will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, BEAN 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Billings Big Sky Safe Streets Task Force.

 

 

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