Arthur Ray Peoples, 69, and Joseph Frederick Ployhar, 45, were convicted Thursday by a federal jury on three methamphetamine-trafficking counts after a trial that lasted four days.

The verdicts cover conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine. Both defendants are being held while the case moves toward sentencing.

Trial Evidence

Investigators developed Peoples as a suspected dealer during a probe into a drug network operating across more than one state. On Jan. 28, 2025, a confidential informant bought roughly 27 grams of methamphetamine from him.

Law enforcement later recovered methamphetamine from Peoples’ vehicle. Officers also searched a motel room and seized methamphetamine, packaging bags, digital scales and drug-record books.

Ployhar was stopped while traveling back from Washington with Jamie Maki. Authorities found about 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine in Ployhar’s vehicle.

Maki has already entered a guilty plea in a drug-trafficking case. Sentencing for Maki is set for Feb. 4, 2027.

Sentencing Ahead

U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer will impose sentences on Peoples and Ployhar at a later proceeding. Each faces a prison term ranging from 15 years to life, a possible fine of as much as $20 million, and no fewer than 10 years of supervised release.

Prior serious drug-felony convictions increase the mandatory minimum punishment for both defendants. The Missoula Drug Task Force handled the investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office brought the prosecution.