Billings, Montana – A Billings man who was caught transporting a large quantity of methamphetamine into Montana has been sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith announced that Nathan Wilnau, 51, received a sentence of 135 months behind bars on Wednesday. Following his prison term, Wilnau will also serve five years of supervised release.
Wilnau previously admitted to the crime and pleaded guilty in February 2026 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The case was handled by U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters.
Investigation uncovered drug-trafficking operation
According to court records, federal investigators determined that Wilnau was involved in a drug trafficking operation that moved methamphetamine from California through Wyoming and into Montana.
Authorities alleged that Wilnau worked alongside Christina Lavon Hill in the distribution scheme. Investigators began focusing on the pair in June 2023 after receiving information that they were involved in selling illegal drugs in the Billings area.
As the investigation progressed, agents discovered that Hill was sending money to a supplier located in San Francisco. After receiving payment, the supplier allegedly shipped packages containing methamphetamine to Cody, Wyoming.
Investigators said Wilnau’s role was to travel to Wyoming, collect the packages, and transport the drugs back to Billings.
The operation continued until law enforcement intercepted one of those trips.
Traffic stop leads to major drug seizure
During what would become his final trip, Wilnau drove to Cody and picked up a package that authorities believed contained methamphetamine. While returning to Billings, he was stopped by law enforcement officers.
A search of the vehicle led to a significant discovery. Agents found more than 10 pounds of methamphetamine inside the vehicle, preventing the drugs from reaching the streets of Billings.
Further investigation revealed that the Cody source had previously received between three and four additional methamphetamine shipments intended for Hill and Wilnau. Those findings helped investigators establish a broader pattern of drug trafficking activity.
Federal prosecutors pursued the case against Wilnau, who ultimately admitted his role in possessing the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.
With the sentencing now complete, Wilnau will serve more than 11 years in federal prison before beginning his five-year period of supervised release.
