A woman from Box Elder has admitted to trafficking significant amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl on the Rocky Boys Indian Reservation, acknowledging that she utilized both her home and business as hubs for distributing these illegal substances. Melody Rose Bernard, 50, is now facing a mandatory minimum sentence ranging from 15 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and using a firearm in relation to her drug trafficking activities.
According to Havre Daily News, Melody Rose Bernard, operated Ziah’s Place and High Society in Box Elder,. Working with a co-conspirator – Ashley Jocelyn “Green Eyes” Cortez from California, Cortez was identified as a connection between Bernard and a California-based drug ring led by Martin “Junior” Topete, a gang leader in prison. They are also implicated in a March 18 shooting deaths of Darren Wade Caplette and Thomas “T.R.” Yallup. Three other individuals, Angel Castillo, Angelo Sanchez, and a 16-year-old boy, have been charged with the homicides after being identified through surveillance footage.
The charges against Bernard arise from her extensive drug trafficking activities that took place between October 2023 and May 2024. Court documents indicate that she provided large quantities of meth, fentanyl, and cocaine to the reservation, located in Hill County, Montana. Investigations by law enforcement uncovered that Bernard was a key supplier, with one witness estimating that they had transported 23 pounds of meth, 4,500 fentanyl pills, five ounces of fentanyl powder, and three ounces of cocaine at her behest. This witness also disclosed that Bernard was distributing narcotics from her residence in Box Elder and her business, Ziah’s.
Fentanyl trafficking was a primary focus of Bernard’s operations. Customers frequently bought between 25 to 40 fentanyl pills at once, with prices ranging from $10 to $40 per pill, depending on the buyer. On one occasion, law enforcement found evidence of drug-related activities at Bernard’s home, including narcotics, $8,800 in cash, and a firearm. According to a witness, Bernard had been using the firearm to safeguard her drug operation.
The investigation, a joint effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies such as the FBI and ATF, revealed a firearms-related crime. In March 2024, co-defendant Airian Mariah Russette engaged in a straw purchase, falsely completing the necessary federal form to obtain two firearms for Bernard. These weapons were later discovered in the hands of suspects involved in a double homicide.
Bernard is now facing significant prison time due to her involvement in these drug and firearm offenses. She is scheduled for sentencing on May 1, 2025, where Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris will decide her fate based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. If found guilty, Bernard could receive a sentence ranging from 15 years to life, along with potential fines exceeding $10 million for drug trafficking and up to $250,000 for the firearms charge.
This case is part of the U.S. Attorney’s ongoing Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which seeks to combat violent crime and gun violence while fostering stronger community relationships. The investigation was spearheaded by a coalition of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working in unison to dismantle criminal networks and enhance public safety.
Bernard remains in detention pending sentencing, with further proceedings to follow.
