Washington woman sentenced for role in meth trafficking ring

BILLINGS—A Washington woman who admitted trafficking methamphetamine as part of a large drug distribution ring was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Sadie Allen Hackett, 29, of Glenwood, WA, pleaded guilty in October to possession with intent to distribute meth.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution said Hackett was an active member of a meth trafficking ring led by Joshua Clause. Clause pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and firearms crimes and was sentenced last year to 15 years in prison. In July 2018, a Billings Police officer made a traffic stop in which Hackett was a front seat passenger. The officer became suspicious and eventually deployed a K-9 dog, which indicated for the presence of narcotics. Law enforcement impounded the vehicle and got a warrant to search the car.

Law enforcement found a half-pound of meth and a large amount of cash in the front glove box. Hackett’s purse was found and it contained more meth. The driver said he saw Hackett place items in the glove box, including the money.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Billings Police Department, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Montana Highway Patrol.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the USDOJ’s initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 36% from 2013 through 2018. Through these initiatives, 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.

XXX