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Billings Woman Sentenced to 5 Years for Meth Trafficking
Stephanie Marie Nava received a federal prison sentence for her role in a large-scale drug operation that moved drugs through the city.
Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:47pm
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A 37-year-old Billings woman, Stephanie Marie Nava, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for her involvement in a significant methamphetamine trafficking operation that funneled large quantities of drugs through the city. The investigation, conducted by the DEA and Billings Police Department, uncovered evidence of drug stashes in Nava's apartment, a hotel room, and another residence, highlighting the scale and organization of the trafficking network.
Why it matters
This case underscores the ongoing battle against drug distribution in Billings and the efforts of law enforcement to disrupt such operations. The significant prison sentence handed down to Nava reflects the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating large-scale drug trafficking offenses in the region.
The details
The investigation began on June 26, 2023, when Billings Police executed a search warrant on an apartment belonging to Nava, where they found about seven grams of fentanyl pills and nearly 17 grams of methamphetamine. The probe then expanded to a Billings hotel room, where officers seized approximately 2.77 pounds of meth, though authorities determined the original amount was around 8 pounds, with a large portion already distributed. Law enforcement also executed a search warrant at a separate residence connected to the case, where they seized another eight ounces of meth. Court documents indicate that the drug trafficking operation was coordinated by Nava and her co-defendant while they were in Mexico, demonstrating the reach and organization of the network.
- The investigation began on June 26, 2023, when Billings Police executed a search warrant on Nava's apartment.
- In September 2025, Nava pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
- On January 29, 2026, Nava was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
The players
Stephanie Marie Nava
A 37-year-old Billings woman who was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for her role in a significant methamphetamine trafficking operation.
U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Montana
The office that prosecuted the case against Nava.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters
The judge who presided over Nava's sentencing.
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
The federal agency that collaborated with the Billings Police Department on the investigation.
Billings Police Department
The local law enforcement agency that worked with the DEA on the investigation.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Nava's co-defendant out on bail.
The takeaway
This case demonstrates the scale and organization of drug trafficking operations in Billings, as well as the coordinated efforts of federal and local law enforcement to combat the distribution of illicit substances in the region. The significant prison sentence handed down to Nava serves as a warning to others involved in such activities.
