Billings, Montana – A 45-year-old Billings man has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after authorities discovered approximately five pounds of methamphetamine inside a vehicle traveling from Arizona to Montana.
Jason Daniel Schauer received the prison sentence Thursday after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in June 2026.
Following his release from prison, Schauer will also be required to serve five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Scott Twito announced the sentence, which was imposed during proceedings before U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer.
The conviction followed a drug trafficking investigation that began with a traffic stop near Livingston in July 2025.
Troopers discover five bundles of methamphetamine during vehicle search
According to court documents, Schauer and another individual were transporting methamphetamine from Arizona to Montana on July 3, 2025.
Their trip drew the attention of a Montana Highway Patrol trooper who observed their vehicle moving dangerously through a gas station parking lot.
The trooper reported watching the pair “tear through a (gas station) parking lot at a high rate of speed.”
Authorities subsequently stopped the vehicle outside Livingston.
During the encounter, troopers noticed drug paraphernalia inside the car, raising concerns that Schauer could be involved in drug trafficking.
Investigators obtained a search warrant before conducting a more detailed examination of the vehicle.
The search uncovered five bundles wrapped in cellophane and concealed beneath the rear seat.
Together, the packages weighed approximately five pounds.
Subsequent testing by the Drug Enforcement Administration confirmed that the seized substance was methamphetamine, with a total weight of 2,202 grams.
Schauer admitted purchasing drugs in Phoenix
During the investigation, Schauer provided information about where the methamphetamine had come from.
According to federal authorities, he told law enforcement officers that he purchased the drugs in Phoenix, Arizona, for $4,500.
He also described the sellers as “cartel associated” individuals.
The discovery of the drugs, along with Schauer’s statements to investigators, became part of the federal case against him.
Schauer eventually admitted guilt to the methamphetamine distribution offense in June 2026.
His case concluded with the 12-year prison sentence and an additional five years of federal supervision.
The investigation was conducted by the Montana Highway Patrol, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office handled the federal prosecution.
