Helena brothers sentenced to 12-plus years in prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking

Two Helena brothers were sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Montana.

Austin Leon Timothy Hagman, 36, and Michael Wayne Hagman, 40, both pleaded guilty last November to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Austin Hagman was sentenced this week to 12 years in prison with 10 years of supervised release to follow, while Michael Hagman was sentenced on March 11 to 11 years and four months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, the U.S. attorney’s office said.

Law enforcement started investigating the brothers for drug distribution in November 2024. After intercepting a package bound for their home that contained 2 pounds of methamphetamine and receiving information from two sources, investigators obtained a warrant to search their home in Helena.

They seized a “large quantity” of meth and fentanyl, nearly $40,000 in cash, at least six firearms and several gun accessories and ammunition, according to federal officials.

During an interview after the search, Austin Hagman admitted to selling the drugs. He also had $5,000 in cash on him at the time, which he told investigators was all made that day. He also told them the package they had intercepted was intended for him.

Investigators interviewed Michael Hagman in March 2025, who admitted to getting drugs from a co-conspirator to sell in the Helena area and up-charging customers for the methamphetamine to make extra money, the U.S. attorney’s office said.

The case was investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force, Helena Police Department, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force.