Great Falls, Montana – A Washington state man who federal authorities said helped distribute fentanyl pills in northern Montana and on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation has been sentenced to federal prison following an investigation involving controlled drug purchases and the seizure of thousands of fentanyl pills.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot, 56-year-old Timothy Harris received a sentence of 60 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.
Harris previously pleaded guilty in November 2025 to conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver fentanyl.
The sentence was imposed by Brian M. Morris.
Federal prosecutors said Harris participated in a drug trafficking operation that stretched from Washington state into Montana communities including Havre and the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.
Controlled Drug Purchases Helped Build Case
According to court documents, investigators alleged Harris and a co-defendant worked together to transport fentanyl from Washington into Montana for resale.
Authorities said the group intentionally kept their drug supply off tribal land while distributing pills to sellers on the reservation and in surrounding communities.
Investigators alleged Harris and his associates would “front” fentanyl pills to dealers in batches of several hundred at a time for later resale.
The investigation included several controlled purchases involving a confidential source.
On May 18, 2023, authorities said the source met Harris and provided him with $800 in exchange for 30 fentanyl pills. Prosecutors alleged Harris instructed the source to collect the drugs from another individual at a residence on the Rocky Boy’s reservation.
Less than two weeks later, on May 31, 2023, investigators arranged another controlled purchase. Authorities said the source bought 20 fentanyl pills from Harris for $800 during a meeting at a hotel in Havre.
A third transaction allegedly occurred on June 15, 2023, after the source contacted Harris seeking additional fentanyl pills.
According to prosecutors, Harris directed the source to a hotel parking lot in Havre, where the co-defendant met the source and sold another 20 fentanyl pills for $800.
Motel Search Uncovered Thousands Of Pills And Firearm
The investigation escalated days later when law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a motel room in Big Sandy rented by Harris’s co-defendant on June 19, 2023.
Federal authorities said officers discovered approximately 3,200 fentanyl pills hidden inside the room.
Investigators also recovered a Springfield XDM Elite 10mm handgun with a loaded 10-round magazine underneath a bed.
Additional items seized from the room included another loaded magazine, a box of 10mm ammunition, an SD card, and $437 in cash.
Federal officials continue warning about the dangers connected to fentanyl trafficking because even small amounts of the drug can prove deadly.
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office following an investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tri Agency Task Force.
Authorities said the investigation reflects ongoing efforts to target fentanyl distribution networks operating in Montana communities and tribal areas.
