Bill Mercer, United States Attorney for the District of Montana, announced today Billings on April 21, 2008, before Chief U.S. District Judge Richard F. Cebull, HOWARD WAYNE HAMILTON, a 56-year-old Lame Deer, pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute Sentencing is set for July 24, 2008. He is currently detained.

In an Offer of Proof filed by the United States, the government stated it would HAMILTON was living in an apartment owned and operated by the Northern Cheyenne Housing Authority. The director of housing at Northern Cheyenne HAMILTON dealing drugs from his The director had received anonymous tips about HAMILTON. Law enforcement officers conducted surveillance of the apartment and then HAMILTON. The officers told HAMILTON that they had received information that he HAMILTON initially denied the allegation.

However, when asked if he had any drugs, HAMILTON admitted that he had marijuana Two marijuana cigarettes were turned over to the police officers. HAMILTON was then arrested. During a search of HAMILTON after the arrest, the officers discovered a small The officers seized additional HAMILTON'S apartment after HAMILTON was interviewed by law enforcement and provided a recorded He admitted that he was a distributor of methamphetamine and he The methamphetamine that was seized from HAMILTON was sent to the DEA The lab confirmed that 5.4 grams of methamphetamine was HAMILTON.

HAMILTON faces possible penalties a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case for the United States.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Bureau of Indian Affairs Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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A copy of the Offer of Proof can be obtained by contacting Sally Frank at (406) 247-4638.