Billings, Montana – A California state prison inmate has admitted to operating a large-scale drug trafficking network from inside prison, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith. Prosecutors say the operation stretched across multiple states and involved shipments of fentanyl and methamphetamine into Montana and Wyoming.
Dion Andre Davis II, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. He now faces a possible sentence ranging from 10 years to life in federal prison, along with a $10 million fine, at least five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
The case is being handled by U.S. District Judge Kathleen S. Lane, who will determine Davis’s sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors. Sentencing has been scheduled for Dec. 2, 2026. Davis remains incarcerated while awaiting sentencing.
Investigation uncovered prison-based drug operation
According to court documents, Davis directed a sophisticated narcotics trafficking organization while serving time in a California prison.
Federal investigators allege he used contraband mobile phones from inside his prison cell to manage drug transactions, communicate with associates, arrange shipments, demand payments, and provide instructions designed to help members of the organization avoid law enforcement detection.
The investigation began in June 2023, when authorities learned that Christina Hill and Nathan Wilnau were distributing illegal drugs in Billings, Montana.
Investigators determined Hill served as a local leader within the organization. Prosecutors said she regularly sent money to a supplier in California, who then arranged for packages containing fentanyl and methamphetamine to be shipped to Billings as well as Cody, Wyoming.
The case has already resulted in prison sentences for two of Davis’s associates.
Hill was sentenced last month to 15 years in prison after being convicted on drug possession and money laundering charges.
Wilnau was sentenced in June to 11 years in prison for methamphetamine possession charges.
Phones and messages tied Davis to trafficking network
As investigators examined Hill’s cellphone, they found evidence linking her directly to Davis.
Among the material recovered were photographs of FedEx shipping receipts documenting packages mailed from California, along with images showing large amounts of cash that matched the shipment dates.
Authorities also recovered text message conversations between Hill and Davis discussing large drug purchases.
According to prosecutors, Hill ordered approximately $72,500 worth of fentanyl and $96,000 worth of methamphetamine through those communications.
The investigation expanded further after law enforcement obtained search warrants for Davis’s contraband cellphones.
Officials said the phones contained conversations with several associates, including Hill, discussing drug shipments destined for Montana and Wyoming.
Investigators also found messages in which Davis allegedly directed how drugs should be distributed, instructed associates on methods to evade police, demanded payment for narcotics, coordinated shipments, and complained about unpaid drug debts.
Authorities eventually confiscated Davis’s contraband phones in April 2024, leading to the federal charges that resulted in his guilty plea.
The prosecution is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.
Federal officials said the case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide Department of Justice initiative that brings together federal, state, local, tribal, and community partners to combat violent crime and improve public safety. Officials noted that PSN also serves as a key component of Operation Take Back America, which focuses on strengthening law enforcement partnerships, aggressively prosecuting serious criminal offenses, and reducing threats posed by organized criminal activity throughout the country.
