A federal investigation that began with suspected drug sales in Billings eventually led authorities to an unexpected location: the prison cell of a California inmate.
Dion Andre Davis II, 39, has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Federal prosecutors allege Davis used contraband cellphones to coordinate fentanyl and methamphetamine shipments headed to Montana and Wyoming.
Billings Drug Sales Led Investigators to California
The investigation began in June 2023, when law enforcement learned that Christina Hill and Nathan Wilnau were selling drugs in Billings.
As investigators followed the money and examined phone records, they uncovered what prosecutors described as a much larger operation. Hill allegedly served as a local leader, sending money to a source in California who arranged for packages of fentanyl and methamphetamine to be delivered to Billings and Cody, Wyoming.
Evidence recovered from Hill’s phone included photographs of FedEx receipts for packages mailed from California and pictures of large amounts of cash. Investigators said the dates on the cash photos corresponded with dates on the shipping receipts.
Phone Messages Documented Thousands of Dollars in Drug Orders
Text conversations found on Hill’s phone connected her directly to Davis, according to court documents.
In those messages, Hill ordered $72,500 worth of fentanyl and $96,000 worth of methamphetamine from Davis, prosecutors alleged.
Investigators later searched Davis’s phones and found messages involving Hill and several other associates. The conversations reportedly included directions for distributing drugs in Montana and Wyoming, discussions about shipments and demands for payment.
Davis also allegedly complained about unpaid drug debts and instructed associates on ways to avoid law enforcement.
Prosecutors Say Davis Directed the Operation From Prison
What made the case unusual was where prosecutors allege those instructions originated. Davis was already incarcerated in a California state prison and reportedly used contraband cellphones to communicate with people outside the facility.
Prison officials confiscated the phones in April 2024. Davis was subsequently charged in the federal case.
Two people connected to the Billings portion of the investigation are already serving federal prison sentences. Hill received 15 years in July on drug possession and money laundering charges. Wilnau was sentenced in June to 11 years on methamphetamine possession charges.
Davis Faces at Least 10 Years in Federal Prison
Davis faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in federal prison. He could also be fined up to $10 million and ordered to serve at least five years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Kathleen S. Lane will determine his sentence after considering federal guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for December 2, 2026.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation handled the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana is prosecuting the case.
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