Great Falls, Montana – A Montana man admitted in federal court that he possessed methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute after authorities discovered narcotics inside a vehicle carrying children and later uncovered additional drugs and paraphernalia at his home.
Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot announced that Harold Edwin Main, 28, of Harlem, Montana, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute.
According to federal prosecutors, Main now faces a possible prison sentence ranging from five to 40 years. He could also face a fine of up to $5 million, at least four years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the hearing and will decide the final sentence after reviewing federal sentencing guidelines and other legal factors.
Sentencing has been scheduled for Sept. 23, 2026.
Court records show Main was released pending additional proceedings in the case.
Drugs Found During Traffic Stop and Home Search
Federal authorities said the investigation began on April 15, 2024, when a Fort Belknap police officer conducted a traffic stop involving a 2017 Jeep Cherokee driven by Main.
According to prosecutors, there were three passengers inside the vehicle, including two children.
During the stop, officers reportedly discovered methamphetamine and 42 fentanyl pills inside the SUV.
Authorities said most of the fentanyl pills were located inside an Altoids container that had been tucked beneath the leg of one of the children inside the vehicle.
Following the traffic stop, Fort Belknap police officers obtained and executed a search warrant at Main’s residence located on Fort Belknap.
During the search, investigators discovered additional methamphetamine, some of which had already been packaged into smaller amounts.
Police also found two digital scales, packaging materials containing smaller baggies, small blue and white pills, and other drug-related paraphernalia connected to narcotics distribution activity.
Authorities seized a total of approximately five grams of methamphetamine during the investigation.
Federal prosecutors allege the evidence recovered from both the traffic stop and the residence supported charges that Main intended to distribute narcotics.
The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Fort Belknap Police Department.
The guilty plea marks another federal fentanyl-related prosecution as law enforcement agencies across the country continue targeting narcotics trafficking cases involving highly dangerous synthetic opioids.
Officials have repeatedly warned about the severe dangers associated with fentanyl, which can be deadly even in small amounts and continues fueling overdose deaths nationwide.
The case remains pending until sentencing later this year.
