Helena, Montana – Two brothers from Helena have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms after admitting to their roles in distributing dangerous drugs throughout the area, according to federal authorities. The case, which unfolded over months of investigation, revealed a steady flow of methamphetamine and fentanyl moving through the community, tied directly to the two men.
Austin Leon Timothy Hagman, 36, and Michael Wayne Hagman, 40, both pleaded guilty in November 2025 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Their sentencing hearings were handled by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris.
Austin Hagman received a sentence of 144 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. His brother, Michael Hagman, was sentenced earlier on March 11, 2026, to 136 months in prison, along with five years of supervised release.
Investigation uncovered large scale drug activity
Court records show that law enforcement had been investigating the brothers since November 2024 for their involvement in distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl. The investigation took a major step forward when officers intercepted a package that contained two pounds of methamphetamine. The shipment was headed to the brothers’ residence in Helena.
That discovery, combined with information gathered from two separate sources, gave investigators enough evidence to obtain a search warrant for the home. When officers carried out the search, they found a large amount of both methamphetamine and fentanyl, along with $39,704 in cash.
During the search, officers also located several firearms and related items, adding to the seriousness of the situation. In addition, various accessories such as magazines, scopes, and other equipment were recovered, along with disassembled firearm parts and cases.
Austin Hagman was interviewed after the search and gave detailed information about his activities. He told investigators he sold fentanyl powder for $200 per gram, methamphetamine for $450 per ounce, and M30 pills for $10 each. Officers also found $5,000 in cash on him at the time, which he said had all been earned that same day.
He further admitted to purchasing large quantities of drugs, including about 20 ounces of fentanyl powder, several pounds of methamphetamine, and thousands of fentanyl pills from his supplier. He also confirmed that the intercepted package was meant for him.
Michael Hagman later spoke with investigators on March 20, 2025. He admitted that he received drugs from a co-conspirator and distributed them in the Helena area. According to his statement, he sometimes received drugs on credit, sold them, and then paid back the supplier while keeping a portion as profit. He explained that he bought methamphetamine and fentanyl at set prices and resold them at higher rates to make money.
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, with the investigation carried out by several agencies, including the Missouri River Drug Task Force, Helena Police Department, Lewis & Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force.
The sentences mark the end of a case that exposed how organized drug distribution can operate within a community, and officials say it reflects continued efforts to address the spread of harmful substances and protect public safety.
