MISSOULA – A woman from Corvallis and another from Helena who were bringing methamphetamine into Montana from Washington admitted to charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.Amanda Lynn Montoya, 42, from Corvallis, pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Montoya faces 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine, at least five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.Cristina Dallas Kunz, 36, from Helena, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Kunz faces 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine, at least five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.U.S.
District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided at the hearings and will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Both defendants will be sentenced on November 13, 2026 and remained released on conditions pending further proceedings.The government alleged in court documents that Montoya was distributing methamphetamine in Missoula.
On May 28, 2026, law enforcement learned Montoya was travelling back to Montana from Washington and arranged a traffic stop to further investigate. Montoya was driving the car, and Kunz was in the passenger seat. In the vehicle, officers found two pounds of methamphetamine and $1,700 in cash. Searching Kunz’s phone, officers found messages detailing plans between Kunz and Montoya to distribute methamphetamine, and their plan to travel to Washington to purchase drugs.The U.S.
Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Missoula Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.XXX