Billings, Montana – In a significant development in the fight against drug trafficking in Billings, Shaynee Renee Gibbs, a 45-year-old resident, has been sentenced to a decade in prison followed by five years of supervised release. This sentencing comes as a result of Gibbs’ admission to trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl within the community, as announced by U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich.
The Case Details
The case unfolded when Laurel Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop in November 2022 on a Cadillac occupied by Gibbs and co-defendant Aaron Meeks. An initial search revealed a firearm and drug paraphernalia, prompting further investigation. A subsequent search warrant led to the discovery of approximately 3.8 pounds of meth and fentanyl, along with fentanyl pills, a 9mm pistol, a 9mm rifle, multiple ammunition rounds, and $12,461 in cash within the vehicle.
The investigation revealed that Gibbs, along with Meeks, was involved in receiving drug packages from Arizona, under the direction of co-defendant Cynthia Pruett. Gibbs disclosed to law enforcement that Pruett was responsible for distributing significant amounts of meth and fentanyl and used a storage unit for storing the drugs. Pruett has previously been sentenced to over 15 years in prison for her role in the operation. Meanwhile, sentencing for Meeks and another co-defendant, Jacob Taylor West, is pending.
Prosecution and Investigation
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich led the prosecution of the case, which was investigated by a coalition of law enforcement agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Billings Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, Laurel Police Department, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, and Montana Highway Patrol.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Launched anew in May 2021, the Department’s violent crime reduction strategy reinforces PSN’s mission by promoting trust and legitimacy, supporting violence prevention organizations, focusing enforcement efforts strategically, and rigorously measuring outcomes to ensure safer neighborhoods across the nation.