Washington Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Regional Meth Case

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A Washington state man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison on drug and weapons charges.

Thirty-four-year-old Christopher Russell, of Tacoma, Washington, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Federal authorities say Russell was arrested in September 2013 after a police chase that started near Fairview, Montana, and wound up in North Dakota. Officers found about two ounces of methamphetamine and a .380-caliber pistol in Russell's car.

Investigators believe Russell was on his way to New Town, North Dakota, to distribute meth.

A federal public defender was not immediately available for comment.