California woman sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug charges on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation (DOJ)

GREAT FALLS - A California woman who trafficked significant amounts of drugs on the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Ashley Joceyln Cortez, 25, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

The government alleged in court documents that from October 2023 until May 21, 2024, Cortez trafficked substantial amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation. She made four trips for a co-defendant beginning in November 2023. Cortez estimated she transported 23 pounds of meth, 4,500 fentanyl pills, five ounces of fentanyl powder, and three ounces of cocaine. She also estimated she transported $230,000 and watched a co-defendant distribute drugs out of her house in Box Elder.

On May 21, 2024, law enforcement executed a state search warrant at the co-defendant's residence in Box Elder. During the execution of the search warrant, a law enforcement agent saw Cortez hiding in a bathroom with the water running. After detaining her, the agent noticed a large amount of methamphetamine and cocaine in the bathtub with the water running. It was apparent to the agent Cortez was attempting to destroy evidence. During the search, law enforcement seized approximately 64.5 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 98 grams of cocaine, and about 64 fentanyl pills. They also found approximately $8,800 in cash and a firearm.

The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, ATF, Tri-Agency Task Force, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services, and Hill County Sheriff's Office.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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