Jennifer Lynn Stephens, 45, of Missoula, received a 10-year federal prison term Wednesday after admitting to methamphetamine distribution and a gun offense tied to drug trafficking.

U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer also imposed five years of supervised release. Stephens entered guilty pleas in June to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Evidence Seized Near Arlee and in Missoula

Authorities alleged that Stephens made trips to Washington about twice each week, acquiring between 7 and 10 pounds of methamphetamine during each trip.

Officers stopped Stephens near Arlee in February 2026. The vehicle search recovered several pounds of methamphetamine along with a handgun.

Investigators later searched her Missoula residence and recovered more methamphetamine, U.S. and Russian currency, gold coins and bars, two 9mm pistols, and a rifle.

Federal Case

The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office handled the federal prosecution.