BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) -- A 38-year-old Billings man has been sentenced to life in prison for trafficking in methamphetamine.
Wendell D. Kopp was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull, who also ordered him to forfeit just over $5,000. Kopp faced the mandatory life sentence because he had at least two prior felony drug convictions.
He was found guilty in June of conspiracy to possess meth for distribution, possession of meth for distribution and two counts of possessing guns in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Cebull held Kopp responsible for distributing almost three pounds of meth in the last half of 2008.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Seykora says Kopp has an extensive criminal history with at least two prior felony drug convictions in Yellowstone County. Defense attorney Rob Stephens says he will appeal.
