Oregon man sentenced to over 6 years in prison for drug trafficking in Billings

BILLINGS - An Oregon man who trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl in Billings was sentenced today to 82 months of imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said.

Derry Jerel Howard, 55, pleaded guilty in July 2025 to one count of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

U.S. District Judge Susan P Watters presided.

The government alleged in court documents that on January 11, 2023, law enforcement received information an individual was selling drugs in Billings. They located the individual in a vehicle in downtown Billings. They also saw a male, later identified as Howard, driving the vehicle. Law enforcement watched Howard commit several traffic violations and stopped the car. The vehicle slowly came to a stop and when Howard got out of the driver's door a baggie with suspected meth was observed on the driver's seat in plain view. Also in plain view in the rear seat was a container with suspected fentanyl pills. Howard was advised of his rights and denied knowing there were drugs in his vehicle. The other individual was advised of his rights and stated he and Howard were on their way to sell fentanyl pills and the drugs in the vehicle were Howard's. The individual also told officers Howard had a large cache of drugs at his apartment.

After obtaining a search warrant for Howard's apartment, officers recovered approximately 117 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 153 grams of fentanyl, and a significant quantity of US currency.

After the search, law enforcement interviewed Howard and he admitted purchasing meth and fentanyl pills to sell in Billings.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.

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