Meth trafficker sentenced to 10 years in prison

MISSOULA – A Billings man who admitted selling methamphetamine in parking lot deals from his BMW or Range Rover was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Todd William Weidler, 52, pleaded guilty on Jan. 5 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in July 2019, law enforcement learned that Crossroads Correction Center inmate, James McPhail, a co-defendant, was in contact with Weidler and another co-defendant, Angie Krogstad, to arrange for Krogstad to deliver meth to Weidler in Billings. Krogstad was picking up meth in California for delivery to Weidler. Investigators also learned that Weidler always had meth on hand, could usually sell ounces in a matter of minutes and conducted all of his business from his BMW or Range Rover in parking lots.

The government further alleged that in August 2019 outside of Three Forks, law enforcement intercepted Krogstad, who had about two pounds of meth she was bringing to Weidler. In September 2019, law enforcement conducted searches of Weidler’s residence, vehicles and storage units and recovered meth and approximately $11,900 in currency. Law enforcement estimated Weidler distributed at least 1,153.3 grams, or about 2.5 pounds, which is the equivalent of about 9,060 doses. Krogstad and McPhail have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Montana Department of Corrections, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.

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