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Marion man sentenced to federal prison on drug charges

Russell Smith Courthouse
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MISSOULA — A Marion resident was sentenced to one year and one day in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for selling methamphetamine to an undercover agent in 2018, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Rene Myron Gardner, 62, pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to distribute meth.

The prosecution stated in court documents that in the fall of 2018, Gardner conspired with others to sell meth.

An undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives bought about an ounce of meth from Gardner at his residence. The agent paid Gardner $1,000.

Then in November 2018, the agent bought an ounce of meth and a sawed-off shotgun from one of Gardner’s co-conspirators.

The meth deal occurred at Gardner’s residence, while the group went to the co-conspirator’s residence to complete the shotgun purchase. The agent paid $1,250 for the meth and $500 for the firearm.

Chief U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the ATF.