Newton Facing Drug Charges In Federal Court
Levi Eric Newton of Bainville is facing charges in U.S. District Court.
Newton, 29, of Bainville appeared on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine recently in Great Falls, reported the U.S. Attorney’s office.
According to court documents, Newton is accused of possessing 50 or more grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute between Feb. 1, 2023, and Feb. 2, 2024.
The charges stem from work by the Big Sky Safe Trails Task Force, a multi-jurisdictional task force investigating drug trafficking and violent offenders on Indian reservations across the state.
According to court documents, Newton was identified by a confidential source as the person who had sold the CI methamphetamine. The documents also state that Newton had prior felonies and was a registered violent offender in the State of Montana and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
During the investigation, it was learned that Newton was likely traveling back from Spokane, Wash., with drugs. At several times along U.S. Highway 2 on Jan. 23-24, Newton’s vehicle was located and traffic stops were attempted by law enforcement. Each time, Newton fled at high rates of speed. He was finally stopped Valley County Sheriff’s Deputies deployed a controlled tire deflation device and Newton was stopped near mile marker 532.
At the scene, according to court documents, law enforcement recovered 301 grams of methamphetamine and nearly 106 grams of fentayl. Following a search of Newton’s residence in Bainville and a search of the vehicle he was traveling in, numerous firearms, ammunition and additional drugs and paraphernalia were found.
If convicted of the most serious crime, Newton faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $20 million fine and five years of supervised release.
Newton was detained pending further proceedings. The Federal Bureau of Investigation; Valley County Sheriff’s Office; Phillips County Sheriff’s Office; Fort Peck Police Department; and Williston, N.D., Police Department conducted the investigation The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
