District of Montana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Box Elder woman admits lying to buy two firearms later used in a double homicideRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder woman admitted on Nov. 13 to lying on a form to buy two firearms that were later used in a double homicide, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Airian Mariah Russette, 30, pleaded guilty to false statement during a firearms transaction. Russette faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for March 19, 2025. Russette was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on March 27, Russette purchased two pistols from North 40 Outfitters, a federal firearms licensee in Havre, and immediately traveled back to Box Elder, where she traded the firearms to an individual in exchange for four oxycodone pills. The individual had contacted Russette prior to the purchase by text message and asked Russette to buy the two guns. The two firearms were recovered several hours later by law enforcement after they were used in a double homicide and still in possession of the homicide suspects. During an interview, Russette admitted to lying on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Form 4473 to buy the firearms for someone other than herself, a transaction known as a straw purchase. She further admitted that she traded the firearms for the four pills. Because Russette checked “yes” on the ATF form that she was the actual buyer of the firearms, it influenced North 40 Outfitters into believing that the two pistols could be lawfully sold to Russette and caused the business to do so. The firearms were a .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol and a 9mm semi-automatic pistol.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The ATF, FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Rocky Boy’s Police Department and Hill County Sheriff’s Office, conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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East Helena man sentenced to 10 years in prison for firing gun during Townsend gas station robberyRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — An East Helena man who fired a gun during a robbery of a Townsend gas station was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Samuel James Collins, 34, pleaded guilty in July to possessing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Oct. 16, 2023, Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported armed robbery at the Town Pump gas station in Townsend. Two employees were present during the robbery and told law enforcement that a man entered wearing a hooded blanket coat, was not wearing pants or shoes, and fired a round from a pistol. The suspect demanded money, and the employees complied. The suspect left in a pickup truck with an estimated $330 in cash. Video surveillance from the business captured the incident:
Approximately 20 minutes later, Meagher County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped a truck matching the description of the truck used in the robbery. The driver was identified as Collins. During Collins’ arrest, deputies saw a pistol, cash and a shell casing inside the truck. In a search of the truck, law enforcement seized a loaded 9mm pistol, $329 in U.S. currency, a purple hooded sweatshirt, a white hat and other items. Further investigation determined that a bullet and shell casing found at the Town Pump were fired from a 9mm pistol found in the truck Collins was driving.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office, Meagher County Sheriff’s Office, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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KC Man Sentenced to 26 Years for Heroin Conspiracy, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and of illegally possessing firearms.
Edgar A. Mejia, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays on Thursday, Nov. 7, to 26 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.
On March 22, 2024, Mejia was found guilty at trial of one count each of conspiracy to distribute heroin and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
On Oct. 10, 2022, law enforcement officers searched a 2000 Coachman recreational vehicle that belonged to Mejia. At the time of the search, Mejia was in custody in Oklahoma following his arrest for drug trafficking. Investigators in Oklahoma received information that Mejia had additional drugs and firearms hidden in his Coachman RV, and notified local authorities.
Officers located Mejia’s RV parked next to an abandoned residence in the 2300 block of Drury Avenue in Kansas City, Mo. Investigators searched the RV and found, hidden behind a wall in the kitchen, 541 grams of heroin, a Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm semi-automatic handgun, an American Tactical AR-15-style rifle, and ammunition.
Mejia pleaded guilty to two counts of the indictment prior to trial, then went to trial on the remaining counts of the indictment. Six days prior to his trial, Mejia pleaded guilty to one count of possessing the heroin inside the RV with the intent to distribute it and one count of being a felon in possession of the firearms recovered from the RV.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Mejia has two prior state felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance and prior federal felony convictions for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashleigh A. Ragner and Robert M. Smith and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Jennings. It was investigated by the Jackson County Drug Task Force; the District Attorney’s Task Force for the 13th Judicial District in Ottawa and Delaware Counties, Oklahoma; Wyandotte Nation Tribal Police Department, Wyandotte, Oklahoma; the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Lolo man admits distributing, receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Lolo man accused of distributing and receiving child pornography admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Erik Robert Salazar, 29, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography and receipt of child pornography. Salazar faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to life of supervised release on each charge.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. A sentencing before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen was set for March 13, 2025. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Salazar was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged that in September 2023, the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children detectives received a Cyber Tipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The report originated from Snapchat, which reported to NCMEC that a user, later identified as Salazar, had uploaded two images of child sexual abuse material on their servers in August 2023. Detectives determined that the Snapchat account belonged to Salazar and received the remaining content of his account. Detectives found that Salazar’s communications with other parties on Snapchat were replete with contact with minor females from between September 2015 and October 2023. Salazar consistently requested images and videos from minors with whom he was communicating of those minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Some of these minors sent Salazar such images and videos in response to his requests. Salazar used Snapchat to send some of these minors images and videos depicting other minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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Heart Butte man sentenced to more than two years in prison for stabbing employee in Glacier Peaks Casino and Hotel on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Heart Butte man who admitted to stabbing an employee of the Glacier Peaks Casino and Hotel while in the business was sentenced today to two years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Kal William Runningcrane, 27, pleaded guilty in July to assault with a dangerous weapon.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court ordered Runningcrane to self-report when assigned to a Bureau of Prison’s facility.
The government alleged in court documents that in the early morning hours of Feb. 25, Runningcrane stabbed a Glacier Peaks employee, identified as Riverblu Boggs, with a knife while in the Browning business. Runningcrane had been drinking with family and friends to celebrate his birthday. The group was listening to live music, and Boggs was sitting alone at an adjacent table. Runningcrane and Boggs did not know each other. Without provocation, Runningcrane walked to Boggs’s table and stabbed Boggs in the neck. Boggs fought back and was able to get way from Runningcrane. Runningcrane stabbed Boggs three times, left the scene and was arrested later that night miles from Browning, off the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. An emergency medical services worker who happened to be in the casino, provided initial treatment of Boggs and rushed him to the hospital. Boggs was flown to Great Falls for life-saving treatment of wounds.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Pondera County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
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Havre woman sentenced to prison for lunging at airplane flight controls during landing at Havre airportRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A federal judge on Nov. 6 sentenced a Havre woman to 19 months and 24 days in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for lunging at the controls of a small commercial airplane as the plane was landing, causing it to accelerate and turn on the runway, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Tracy Lynn Eagleman, aka Tracy Badmoccasin, 36, pleaded guilty in August to interfering with an aircraft in flight.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on March 21, 2023, Eagleman was a passenger on Cape Air flight 1793, a small passenger plane that departed from Billings and was bound for Havre. On the final approach into Havre, Eagleman stood up and started yelling about the landing. The flight crew – a captain and first officer – were able to calm Eagleman down and get her back into her seat. However, just as the plane touched down, Eagleman lunged forward from her seat and hit the flight controls. Eagleman hit the throttle for one of the two engines, causing it to accelerate and prompting the plane to “yaw” or turn on the runway. At the time, the plane was traveling at approximately 80 mph. The flight crew regained control of the plane without further incident, stopped on the tarmac and taxied safely to the airport terminal. One of the passengers recorded the incident on a cellphone. While the recording failed to capture the moment, Eagleman lunged at the control deck, other passengers are heard yelling in fear that they could have been killed. In later interviews, the flight crew indicated that yawing at the speed the plane was traveling could have caused it to roll and crash.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Hill County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
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Butte meth trafficker sentenced to 10 years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Butte woman who admitted distributing methamphetamine after being arrested multiple times and found to be in possession of the drug, large amounts of cash and firearms was sentenced today to 10 years and one month in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Jeri Angeline Phillips, 36, pleaded guilty in July to possession with intent to distribute meth.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
“Phillips is responsible for flooding Butte with a staggering amount of meth and routinely possessed firearms while trafficking drugs. As part of our case, she is forfeiting her cash, drugs, and guns. It’s appropriate and necessary that her freedom was forfeited, too,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government alleged that between October 2021 and March 2023, officers working with the Drug Enforcement Administration stopped Phillips on three separate occasions and seized a total of approximately $58,000 in cash and distribution quantities of meth. In addition, law enforcement seized a total of five firearms from Phillips’ vehicle and her residence. On one of the occasions, law enforcement observed Phillips distribute meth to a customer in Rocker. When law enforcement stopped Phillips’ vehicle, they located about 85 grams of meth, approximately $37,000 cash and a handgun in her purse and a digital scale in the trunk. A witness reported Phillips intended to use the cash to purchase approximately 17 pounds of meth in Washington. Law enforcement monitoring Phillips learned that during this period, Phillips had made multiple trips out of state to resupply her drug distribution cache. The government attributed approximately 11.8 kilograms, or nearly 25 pounds and about 94,079 doses, of meth to Phillips.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The DEA, Montana Highway Patrol and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.
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Lame Deer man admits meth trafficking, firearm crimes on Northern Cheyenne and Crow Indian reservationsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man accused of trafficking methamphetamine on both the Northern Cheyenne and Crow Indian reservations admitted to charges on Nov. 5, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Geofredo James Littlebird, Jr., 40, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Littlebird pleaded guilty in the midst of a jury trial that began on Nov. 4 on charges in a superseding indictment. Littlebird faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charge, and a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 5. Littlebird was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that in 2022, law enforcement received information that Littlebird was distributing meth. Federal agents conducted a series of controlled purchases of the drug from Littlebird and his associates. Some of the purchases occurred in Littlebird’s house and were recorded. Another purchase that involved a source who met with Littlebird’s associate occurred near Crow Agency on the Crow Indian Reservation and was recorded. On Aug. 24, 2022, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Littlebird’s house and found a scale and plastic wrap, various rounds of ammunition, three firearms, body armor, multiple cell phones and meth and paraphernalia. On Oct. 19, 2022, law enforcement executed a tribal search warrant, with assistance from federal law enforcement, on Littlebird’s house and found four firearms and two baggies of meth.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Fort Belknap man sentenced to more than three years in prison for stabbing woman on Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Fort Belknap man who admitted stabbing a woman multiple times during an argument on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced today to three years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Leon Boyd Messerly, 64, pleaded guilty in July to assault with a dangerous weapon.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on July 13, 2023, in their home on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Messerly and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, got into a fight. Jane Doe stated that Messerly was angry at her for not protecting his son and punched her in the face. Messerly also grabbed a chef’s knife and stabbed Jane Doe multiple times in her neck, back and left arm. Messerly then went to a friend’s house and told the friend that he had stabbed Jane Doe. The friend checked on Jane Doe and drove her to the emergency room. Jane Doe was transported to a hospital in Great Falls where she underwent multiple surgeries.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Police Department conducted the investigation.
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17-year-old sentenced to more than 29 years in prison for murder in shooting death of man on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A 17-year-old who admitted to murdering a man by shooting him on the Crow Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 29 years and seven months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Orrin Richard Alden III, of Crow Agency, pleaded guilty in September to an information charging him with second-degree murder and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
“Far too many juveniles are resorting to deadly violence, which is as alarming as it is unacceptable. Alden took another young man’s life in a brutal and shocking way. He should no longer be on our streets, which is why we argued so strenuously for a long federal prison sentence. We can’t get the victim’s life back, but we will move swiftly and aggressively against those like Alden who think violence is the answer to their problems,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents, the government alleged that on May 5, 2024, an unidentified body was recovered from the Little Big Horn River in Crow Agency. The body was later determined to be an 18-year-old male identified as John Doe. An autopsy was conducted, and two bullets were recovered.
Doe’s family last saw him alive on either April 27 or 28 as he was walking with a group of males toward the location on the Little Big Horn River where his body was recovered. Alden was identified as one of the males in the group. On the day Doe disappeared, a witness saw Doe with a black backpack that contained marijuana, a sizeable amount of methamphetamine and a large amount of cash.
The government further alleged that the group of males, including Alden and Doe, drank alcohol and smoked marijuana before walking to the river. Alden and one of the other males were overheard discussing that Doe was carrying money. Alden, one of the males, and Doe got separated from the group. When that happened, a single shot was heard. Immediately after the first shot was heard, Alden was seen with a rifle in his hand. As Doe tried to run away, he grabbed his side and said, “You shot me, you shot me, Tripp (a nickname for Alden).” A second shot was heard. Minutes later, Alden and the male who was with him joined the rest of the group. They were laughing, and the other male had Doe’s backpack and the rifle.
The group then went to Alden’s house where Alden and the male who was seen carrying the backpack and rifle removed their clothing and put it in a black bag. The male used his shirt and rubbing alcohol to clean a hatchet. Another of the males asked if he could call an ambulance for Doe. The male who was with Alden when Doe was shot told him no. Alden and the male took the rifle and black bag of clothing and stashed them in an abandoned building near Alden’s house.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.
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Kalispell company admits filing false claims for payment to federal agency claiming an abatement of lead paint in veterans housing at Fort HarrisonRead the Press Release
HELENA — Mold Wranglers, Inc., a Kalispell-based company that provides hazardous material mitigation services, today admitted to filing false requests for payment to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs claiming an abatement of lead paint was done at Freedom’s Path Fort Harrison when it was not, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
The defendant, Mold Wranglers, Inc., appeared for arraignment on and pleaded guilty to an information charging one count of False Claim Act conspiracy, a felony. Mold Wranglers was represented by Jonathan Carpenter, owner of the company. The company faces a maximum fine of $500,000 and restitution.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 4, 2025.
The government alleged in court documents that Mold Wranglers agreed to perform work at the Freedom’s Path Fort Harrison, which is affordable rental housing for veterans and their families at Fort Harrison. The project consisted of converting residential units for military veterans and their families. From 2018 to 2019, Mold Wranglers conducted work at Freedom’s Path Fort Harrison, including, but not limited to, painting over lead-based paint with an encapsulating paint. Because of the dangers associated with lead, federal regulations strictly regulate all lead work. All contractors must hold certifications to conduct such work, and the Environmental Protection Agency must receive notification that lead work is occurring. Mold Wranglers’ employees were not certified to conduct lead work, they failed to notify the EPA and they applied the encapsulating paint inconsistent with the paint manufacturer specifications.
Mold Wranglers submitted 11 Subcontractor Requisitions for Payment detailing that lead-based paint work was performed. Those claims, through other companies, were submitted to the VA and paid with federal funds. When doing so, Mold Wranglers and others claimed they performed an “abatement,” which was false. Indeed, the companies specifically agreed they would not perform an abatement, which requires certain specifications be met. In an email, one individual said:
“The plan is to aesthetically repair the paint and finish the homes. It’s not to remove the lead hazard and if the plan is to go down the abatement road, then it will be a significant increase to the scope of the work.”
Th companies requested and received payment of approximately $456,000 from the United States for an “abatement.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division and Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, and Department of Housing and Urban Development conducted the investigation.
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Helena real estate agent admits failing to provide lead-based paint disclosures for veterans residing in rental housing at Fort HarrisonRead the Press Release
HELENA – A Helena real estate agent and property manager today admitted to failing to provide lead-based paint disclosures as required to veterans residing in housing at Fort Harrison, in Helena, which resulted in the exposure of veterans and their families to significant levels of lead, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
The defendant, Melanie Ann Carlin, 54, of Clancy, appeared for arraignment on and pleaded guilty to an information charging her with one count of knowing endangerment, a felony. Carlin faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 4, 2025. Carlin remained on release pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that from September 2019 until September 2021, Carlin failed to provide lead-based paint disclosures as required, placing an individual in imminent danger of death and serious bodily injury and exposing low-income veteran families and their children at Freedom’s Path Fort Harrison to significant levels of lead.
Carlin is the owner of 406 Properties, Inc, a property management service in Helena, and has more than 26 years of professional real estate experience. In 2018, Carlin agreed to provide property management services for rental units known as Freedom’s Path Fort Harrison. The rentals included multiple homes for military veterans to use as affordable housing. In May 2019, Carlin received and forwarded an email from the Montana Department of Commerce requesting information detailing any lead-based paint remediation completed on the homes because the buildings were constructed before 1978. The buildings were constructed in approximately 1895 and 1905, depending on the building.
Despite the email, in June 2019, Carlin signed two Request for Tenancy Approval Forms for the Fort Harrison rentals. Carlin selected “lead-based paint disclosures do not apply because this property was built on or after January 1, 1978” on the form. Carlin knew the selections were false and did not provide lead-based paint disclosures to veterans seeking residence at Freedom’s Path Fort Harrison.
In September 2019, Carlin attended a meeting discussing that lead-based paint was peeling at Freedom’s Path Fort Harrison. The meeting agenda identified “lead-based paint peeling in the units – doors won’t shut, paint peels when attempt to shut door” and veterans have identified “chipped paint” in the units. At this point, Carlin knew the buildings were built prior to 1978, and she knew deteriorating lead-based paint was located inside the buildings.
Despite Carlin’s knowledge and extensive real estate experience, she continued to sign forms indicating that the units were free of lead-based paint, or they were built after 1978, none of which was true. In addition, Carlin continued in failing to provide lead-based paint disclosures to the veterans and their families residing in the units.
The government further alleged that in December 2020, Carlin failed to provide a lead-based paint disclosure to a veteran of Freedom’s Path Fort Harrison. In September 2021, an 18-month-old child in the veteran’s home was found eating paint chips inside the unit. Subsequent medical testing confirmed the child had elevated blood lead levels exceeding levels considered to be “very high” and required treatment for lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can have catastrophic effects on children and their development, and Congress requires a warning about the effects of lead poisoning be given when individuals lease homes built prior to 1978.
When interviewed by federal agents, Carlin agreed that she was familiar with the requirement to provide lead disclosures and confirmed that no lead disclosures were provided to veterans living in units at Freedom’s Path Fort Harrison. A review of the rental units confirmed lead was present in almost every unit, including the building where the 18-month-old child was present. A subsequent property management company corrected the omission by making lead disclosures to the veterans.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division and Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, and Department of Housing and Urban Development conducted the investigation.
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Justice Department to Monitor Compliance in Blaine CountyRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — United States Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced today that the Justice Department will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Blaine County for the Nov. 5 general election.
The Justice Department enforces federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all eligible citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will coordinate the effort. Monitors will include Justice Department personnel, who will contact state and local election officials as needed throughout Election Day.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act and Civil Rights Acts. The division’s Disability Rights Section enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that persons with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote. The division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter suppression based on race, color, national origin or religion.
On Election Day, Civil Rights Division personnel will be available all day to receive questions and complaints from the public related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws. Reports may be made through the department’s website www.civilrights.justice.gov or by calling toll-free at 800-253-3931. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will also be available to receive complaints on Election Day at 406-542-8851.
Individuals with questions or complaints related to the ADA may call the department’s toll-free ADA information hotline at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or submit a complaint through a link on the department’s ADA website at www.ada.gov.
Complaints related to any disruptions at a polling place should always be reported to local election officials (including officials based in the polling place). Complaints related to violence, threats of violence or intimidation at a polling place should be reported immediately to local police authorities by calling 911. These complaints should also be reported to the department after local authorities have been contacted.
More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents and other resources, is available at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
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Former Kalispell assisted living employee admits diverting pain medicationRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A former employee at an assisted living facility in Kalispell today admitted allegations that she tampered with packaging and took pain medications intended for patients, U.S Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Nicole Elice Anderson, 39, of Post Falls, Idaho, pleaded guilty to unlawfully obtaining controlled substances as charged in an indictment. Anderson faces a maximum of four years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for March 12, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Anderson was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that from approximately February 2023 to March 2023, Anderson obtained oxycodone and hydrocodone by fraud and deception. In March 2023, Drug Enforcement Administration agents were alerted to a drug diversion at Prestige Assisted Living in Kalispell in which 120 hydrocodone tablets for a patient had been substituted with Tylenol. Seven medication cards had evidence of tampering. Prestige staff identified Anderson as one of two employees who had access to the drugs when they were taken. Staff also discovered a tampered oxycodone blister pack. Management interviewed Anderson and the other employee, and both submitted to drug tests. Anderson quit before the results came back. Anderson’s test was positive for oxycodone. The other employee was negative for the same drug.
The investigation determined that Anderson was prescribed a significant amount of hydrocodone, but not oxycodone, between February 2021 and March 2023 from seven different providers. In addition, witnesses described Anderson checking out medications for patients who did not receive the drugs. Anderson admitted to multiple coworkers that she was prescribed hydrocodone for back pain, was addicted to the drug and routinely ran out of her prescription. Anderson asked several staff members for pain medications. Anderson later started working at an assisted living facility in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. In June 2023, the Coeur d’Alene Police Department responded to a reported theft of hydrocodone from the facility. Management found multiple medication packs had been tampered with and that hydrocodone and hydromorphone pills had been replaced with Tylenol and anti-anxiety medication.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The DEA conducted the investigation.
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Washington man sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison for trafficking eagles, hawks killed on the Flathead Indian Reservation and sold on black marketRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Washington man who conspired to hunt and kill bald and golden eagles and hawks on the Flathead Indian Reservation to sell on the black market was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $777,250 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Travis John Branson, 49, of Cusick, Washington, and formerly of the Flathead Reservation, pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy, two counts of unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles and violation of the Lacey Act, which prohibits interstate trade in wildlife that has been taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of federal or state law. The Lacey Act also prohibits any person from making or submitting any false record, account, label for or identification of wildlife that has been or was intended to be transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court ordered Branson to self-report to the Bureau of Prisons.
“The bald eagle, adopted as America’s national symbol in 1782, represents our country’s core ideals of freedom, strength, and justice. Once on the brink of extinction, eagles recovered only because of conservation efforts by the American people and federal laws protecting them. None of that mattered to Travis Branson. Instead, Branson went on self-described ‘killing sprees’ for thousands of eagles and hawks, butchered them, and sold the parts and feathers for profit on the black market. He knew he was committing felonies and even joked his cost to kill them was the price of a bullet. But his conduct was no laughing matter. With today’s sentence, the cost to Branson was more than a bunch of bullets – he forfeited the very freedom the bald eagle symbolizes,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
“The unlawful killing of these majestic birds violates federal law and is a profound offense against our nation's cherished natural heritage,” said Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “Travis Branson's blatant disregard for the law and the sanctity of these protected species highlights the urgent need for stringent enforcement and greater public awareness regarding wildlife trafficking. His actions are particularly egregious, considering the significant number of bald and golden eagles he killed for personal profit, and such behavior will not be tolerated. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect America's wildlife and hold accountable all who are engaged in these illicit activities.”
“We are going to feel the impacts of the Flathead Reservation’s raptor loss for years to come,” said Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Chairman Mike Dolson. “We hope this helps put a stop to illegal poaching on our homelands and gives these birds a chance to recover. Eagles are not only a treasured and important part of the Reservation’s ecosystem, but they also have a profound place in CSKT cultural and spiritual practices.”
In court documents, the government alleged that from about January 2015 until about March 2021, Branson and others hunted and killed eagles on the Flathead Reservation. Branson then sold the eagles on the black market across the United States and elsewhere. Brandon traveled from Washington to the Flathead Reservation, where he met co-defendant, Simon Paul. Branson and Paul would then shoot, transport and ship bald and golden eagles for future black-market sales. Co-defendant Paul remains a fugitive.
The government sought restitution values of $5,000 per eagle and $1,750 per hawk.
The government estimated that from 2009 until 2021, Branson made between $180,000 and $360,000 by selling eagles feathers and parts for profit on the black market.
The government’s investigation showed that Branson and others killed approximately 3,600 birds during the conspiracy. At least 118 eagles and 107 hawks killed were directly traceable to Branson and documented through his own text messages. Branson had taken up to nine eagles at a time. The photograph below shows nine sets of feathers, with one set stacked on top of the other in the upper left corner.
Law enforcement also recovered text messages from Branson stating he was specifically looking to shoot a baby eagle.
Not only did Branson kill eagles, but he also butchered them into pieces to sell. On March 13, 2021, Branson shot and killed a golden eagle near Polson. Law enforcement stopped Branson and recovered from Branson’s vehicle the feet and feathers of the golden eagle and later recovered the remainder of the carcass in a field. The claws are identified here:
Branson knew killing and selling eagles was illegal and that he did not have a permit for any of the activities. When negotiating a purchase price for eagle feathers with a potential buyer, Branson said:
“I don’t get em for free though ..out hear committing felonies”
Branson told another potential buyer he would obtain other eagle tails by “[g]oing on a killing spree.”
Further, Branson acknowledged that international shipping was illegal:
“International is still illegal ..I just get em for 99 cents ..price of a bullet..lol”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Fish and Game Department conducted the investigation.
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Browning sex offender admits not registering and attempting to elude law enforcementRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man accused of not registering as a sex offender as required and attempting to flee law enforcement by leading officers on a high-speed chase admitted to charges this week, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Austin Kade Goings, 27, pleaded guilty on Oct. 28 to failure to register as a sex offender, a felony, and to attempting to elude a peace officer, a misdemeanor. Goings faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years of supervised release on the failure to register charge, and a maximum of one year in prison, a $2,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the attempting to elude charge.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 26, 2025. Goings was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged Goings was on federal supervised release following his conviction by a guilty plea to sexual abuse of a minor. In April 2021, Goings was sentenced to 21 months of custody, followed by five years of supervised release. Goings was last released from federal custody following a revocation in early January 2024. Upon his release, Goings failed to update his sex offender registration as required by Montana state law and a warrant was issued for his arrest for violations of supervised release.
On July 25, an undercover law enforcement officer observed Goings driving a vehicle on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Knowing of Goings’ federal arrest warrant, the officer notified other nearby law enforcement. Officers with Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Glacier County Sheriff’s Office attempted to initiate a traffic stop of Goings and activated their emergency lights. Goings drove through a stop sign without stopping and reached 80 mph in a 25-mph zone. The pursuit reached 100 mph in a 65-mph zone, with Goings traveling at 100 mph through the Starr School community. Goings was observed swerving and driving down the center lane, and he approached another vehicle head on, forcing the vehicle into a ditch. Law enforcement called the Border Patrol for assistance. Goings led officers on a 45-mile pursuit that stopped just short of the border. There were three other occupants in the vehicle at the time of the stop, including two persons who were minors. Officers arrested Goings on his federal warrant.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Marshals Service, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office and Border Patrol conducted the investigation.
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Illegal possession of firearm sends Belgrade man to prison for almost three yearsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A federal judge today sentenced a Belgrade man to two years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking investigation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Isaac James Cardona, 45, pleaded guilty in June to prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in November 2023, agents with the Missouri River Drug Task Force were conducting surveillance in Belgrade in an area known for drug trafficking. Law enforcement stopped Cardona, who had an outstanding state warrant. Cardona was found to be in possession of a loaded gun, two loaded magazines with extra ammunition for the gun, methamphetamine, a digital scale and 49 fentanyl pills. Cardona previously was convicted of a federal methamphetamine distribution crime and prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Missouri River Drug Task Force, and Belgrade Police Department conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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East Helena man sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamineRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — An East Helena man who trafficked thousands of fentanyl pills and pounds of methamphetamine while also possessing firearms was sentenced on Oct. 29 to 11 years and four months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Thomas Anthony Conley, 37, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
“Thousands of fentanyl pills, pounds and pounds of meth, and multiple guns. A majority of the cases we prosecute include those elements, and I’m pleased to say virtually all of our cases result in federal prison sentences. This case is no different, and we will continue to aggressively prosecute dangerous drug traffickers with the goal that they have the same fate as Conley,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents, the government alleged that Conley possessed multiple firearms and was responsible for importing more than 20,000 fentanyl pills and dozens of pounds of meth into the state. In March and April 2023, law enforcement learned from sources that Conley was supplying meth and fentanyl in the Helena area. The investigation led to search warrants for Conley’s home and vehicles. Officers located several firearms and ammunition in one of his vehicles along with more than 17,000 fentanyl pills. Conley admitted he had worked with others to traffic large quantities of fentanyl pills and several dozen pounds of meth into Montana in the preceding months.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, Southwest Drug Task Force, Montana Highway Patrol and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Billings woman sentenced to more than eight years in prison for trafficking meth on Northern Cheyenne Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A federal judge yesterday sentenced a Billings woman to eight years and nine months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for her role in methamphetamine trafficking on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Alisha Gail Small, 42, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in August 2023, Small and others were in a car stopped outside of Hardin. Law enforcement found 7 grams of meth in Small’s purse and multiple firearms in the car. Law enforcement learned that Small was involved in meth trafficking. In December 2023, Small was arrested on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation after a high-speed chase with law enforcement. Officers found approximately 60 grams of meth in her car and another gun. A search of Small’s cell phone found it contained evidence of drug trafficking.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation.
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Federal jury convicts Belgrade man of unlawful possession of firearm and ammunitionRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A federal jury on Monday convicted a Belgrade man of a firearms crime after he was accused of illegally possessing two handguns and ammunition while he was the subject of a court restraining order, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
After a one-day trial that began on Oct. 28, the jury found the defendant, Jordan Charles Kirsch, 34, guilty of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Kirsch faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 12, 2025. Kirsch was detained pending further proceedings.
“Firearms involved in domestic disputes often lead to tragic results. Here, Kirsch was under a court order of protection restraining him from any violence against the petitioner, and yet he illegally possessed two guns in violation of federal law. I am pleased the jury agreed with us and convicted him, and I am grateful to our prosecution team and law enforcement partners for their work to protect the safety of our fellow Montanans,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that on Dec. 19, 2023, a state district court judge in Gallatin County conducted a hearing and issued a final Order of Protection for 10 years against Kirsch. The court’s order found that the petitioner was in danger of harm, restrained Kirsch from committing or threatening to commit any acts of violence to the petitioner and ordered Kirsch not to threaten, harass, abuse, follow, stalk, annoy or disturb the petitioner.
In April 2024, a court order was issued for Kirsch to be removed from a Belgrade residence and for possession of the residence to be delivered to the petitioner. A sheriff’s office detective conducting surveillance observed Kirsch exit the residence with a black semi-automatic handgun and fire it 10 to 20 times toward a berm near the property. On May 2, 2024, Kirsch was arrested and evicted from the property. A search warrant was executed on the property, and law enforcement found two firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition in various calibers.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Missouri River Drug Task Force and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Meth trafficking in Helena sends two men to federal prisonRead the Press Release
HELENA — A federal judge recently sentenced two Montana men to prison for trafficking about a pound of methamphetamine in the community, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris sentenced defendant Jordan Jawan Gonzales, 33, of Helena, on Oct. 16 to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Gonzales pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute meth.
The judge also sentenced defendant, Troy Duane Hemen, 36, of Butte and Bozeman, on Oct. 15 to four years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Hemen pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute meth.
In court documents, the government alleged that in January 2023, Gonzales and Hemen conspired to have approximately one pound of meth delivered to Gonzales in Helena. Both men were on state supervision for felony drug possession convictions.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Helena Police Department and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Missoula man admits embezzling approximately $390,000 from credit union, swapping real money for fake currencyRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A former Missoula credit union employee accused of embezzling approximately $390,000 from the vault and swapping the real money with fake funds admitted to a theft charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Edward Arthur Nurse, 35, of Missoula, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with theft from credit union. Nurse faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 25, 2025. Nurse was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that from about July 2023 to June 2024, Nurse embezzled from his employer, Park Side Credit Union in Missoula. In June 2024, an employee discovered $340,000 in cash in the credit union’s vault had been replaced with fake funds from a company that provides fake currency as props for movies and entertainment productions. Nurse was identified as a potential suspect because his primary role was managing and balancing money in the vault. In the previous seven months, financial records showed cash deposits totaling $117,751, with each deposit for more than $10,000, into Nurse’s bank account. In addition, financial information from a local casino reflected that from March 2024 to May 2024, Nurse put more than $56,000 in cash into the business and cashed out slightly more than $8,000.
After the credit union discovered the thefts, Nurse claimed to an FBI special agent that he did not usually carry much cash and, aside from a vacation to Las Vegas, Nevada, he had not made any recent large purchases or cash deposits. The investigation determined that during the first six months of 2024, Nurse had purchased $410,000 in fake currency from a prop money company and had the money delivered to a post office box in Nurse’s name. The credit union was later informed that approximately $50,000 in fake money had been received by the Federal Reserve in July 2024. Those funds were returned and determined to be fake bills from the prop money company.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI with assistance from the Missoula Police Department, conducted the investigation.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Oct. 25 was:
Matthew Ray Tack, 40, of Florence, on charges of failure to register as a sex offender. If convicted of the most serious crime, Tack faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Tack was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Montana Sex and Violent Offender Registry conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-60.
Appearing on Oct. 24 was:
Francisco Javier Barrera Reyes, 32, of Bozeman and Mexico, on charges of illegal reentry. If convicted of the most serious crime, Reyes faces a maximum of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Reyes was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-20.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Oct. 24 was:
Kaitlyn Marie Smotherman, 34, of Sand Springs, on charges of tampering with a consumer product and acquiring drug by fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Smotherman faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Smotherman was released pending further proceedings. The Food and Drug Administration, Drug Enforcement Administration and Garfield County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-136.
Alyssa Kathleen Zitur, 18, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of stolen firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Zitur faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Zitur was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-151.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Oct. 23 was:
Michael Shawn O’Neill, 59, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, O’Neill faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. O’Neill was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Russell Country Drug Task Force and Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-76.
Appearing on Oct. 22 was:
Robert Ray Harr-Juarez, 50, of Great Falls, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Harr-Juarez faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Harr-Juarez was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-57.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Possession of stolen firearm sends Reed Point man to prison for more than eight yearsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Reed Point man who admitted to possessing a stolen firearm found in a stolen vehicle that crashed near Helena following a pursuit was sentenced today to eight years and eight months years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Jarred Lane Saunders, 26, pleaded guilty in June to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $18,252.98 restitution.
“Stolen firearms and drugs are a dangerous combination. Here, Saunders likely stole 23 guns from a vehicle parked at a Billings hotel, then was arrested in Helena after a pursuit and found in possession of fentanyl and one of the stolen guns. Saunders’ criminal conduct posed a serious threat to public safety, and we remain united with our law enforcement partners in getting these offenders off our streets,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government alleged in court documents that on Oct. 12, 2022, Billings police officers responded to a report of 23 firearms that had been stolen from a vehicle parked in a hotel parking lot. Saunders likely stole the 23 firearms because his fingerprints were found at the scene and then brought stolen firearms and fentanyl in a stolen car to Helena. On Oct. 15, 2022, the Montana Highway Patrol pursued a stolen Mercedes, which had been taken in Billings on Oct. 11, 2022. The Mercedes eventually crashed in a private driveway, and Saunders was arrested by Helena police officers. At his arrest, Saunders complained that he ingested 15 to 20 fentanyl pills. A search warrant was executed on the Mercedes, and officers found approximately 300 fentanyl pills, a small amount of methamphetamine and a .22-caliber pistol that had been stolen from the vehicle in Billings. A witness told Billings police of seeing Saunders with three duffle bags full of guns. That person received three of the firearms knowing they were stolen. At the time Saunders possessed the firearms, he was an unlawful user of controlled substances.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department, Montana Highway Patrol, Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Helena Police Department conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Great Falls meth, fentanyl trafficker sentenced to more than 13 years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A federal judge today sentenced a Great Falls man to 13 years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl pills in the community, U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The defendant, John Meade Ogburn, 45, pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
“Repeat federal felons will be pursued aggressively, especially drug traffickers. After previously serving federal time, Ogburn resumed his criminal lifestyle, trafficked large quantities of fentanyl pills and meth in Montana and has earned a stiffer federal prison sentence. We remain undeterred in holding repeat drug dealers, like Ogburn, accountable," U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government alleged in court documents that drug task force officers learned in the fall of 2023 that Ogburn was a source of supply of meth and fentanyl. In November 2023, law enforcement intercepted a package that was found to contain approximately 1,757 fentanyl pills and determined that Ogburn was responsible for arranging the shipment. The investigation led to a traffic stop in early February 2024 of two vehicles, one driven by Ogburn and another driven by his girlfriend, as the vehicles traveled back to Montana from Washington. In a search of the vehicles, law enforcement found approximately two pounds of meth wired under the vehicle driven by Ogburn’s girlfriend. Ogburn admitted in a recorded jail call that he was responsible for placing the meth under the vehicle and that his girlfriend did not know it was there. At the time, Ogburn was on supervised release for a previous federal drug offense in which he served more than a decade in prison.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Russell Country Drug Task Force, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Great Falls Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Martin City man charged with producing, distributing child pornographyRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Martin City man accused of producing and distributing images of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct appeared on Oct. 22 for arraignment on charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Raymond Owen Bonner, Jr., 39, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with production of child pornography and distribution of child pornography. If convicted, Bonner faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to life of supervised release on the production charge, and a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to life of supervised release on the distribution charge.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Bonner was detained pending further proceedings.
The indictment alleges that between about June 2024 and Sept. 5, 2024 in Martin City, in Flathead County, Bonner coerced a minor, identified as Jane Doe, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual images and that he distributed visual images of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct using a computer.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the Case. The FBI and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
PACER case reference. 24-57.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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California brothers sentenced to federal prison for roles in large meth, fentanyl trafficking ring that distributed drugs in Butte, Helena areasRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A federal judge on Oct. 22 sentenced two brothers from California to lengthy prison terms for their roles in a large trafficking ring that distributed pounds of methamphetamine and tens of thousands of fentanyl pills in the Butte and Helena communities, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Defendant Martin Topete, 33, of Mira Loma, California, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Topete’s brother, Johnathan Topete, 28, of Mira Loma, California, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Both defendants pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. The Topete brothers are the last defendants in the case to be sentenced.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
“Drugs, cash, and guns. Virtually every case we prosecute includes each of these, but this case is even worse because of the amounts of each and that it was a family affair. The Topete brothers were among eight Montana and California defendants who brought a staggering amount of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills to the Butte and Helena communities over approximately six months. The brothers will collectively serve 30 years in federal prison, we’ve removed more drugs and guns from our streets, and we will continue pursuing justice against those who poison our state and nation,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court records, the government alleged that from June 2022 until about January 2023 in Butte and Helena, the Topete brothers and six other co-defendants conspired to traffic meth and fentanyl. In June 2022, the Utah Highway Patrol stopped an individual traveling in a vehicle carrying 3.5 pounds of meth and 6,000 pills containing fentanyl and learned that the individual was transporting the drugs to Butte for distribution by “Esco,” who was co-defendant Juan Felipe Vidrio Fuentes, of Anaheim, California. Law enforcement further learned that Fuentes was staying at Whitehall residence along with at least one co-defendant, James Andrew Stringari, of Whitehall, and that Fuentes was supplying both fentanyl and meth throughout the Butte area from the Whitehall residence. In addition, law enforcement corroborated information about meth and fentanyl trafficking that implicated Fuentes, Stringari, co-defendant Janet Dean White, of Butte, and another co-defendant.
During the investigation, law enforcement intercepted packages containing thousands of pills that were mailed from California to a Whitehall address and a Butte address. Law enforcement also learned that Fuentes had relocated to a house in Helena. Investigators conducted coordinated raids of the Helena and Butte addresses. In the Butte residence, law enforcement located approximately six pounds of meth, 208 grams of fentanyl, $15,000 cash and seven firearms. In the Helena residence, law enforcement located approximately seven pounds of meth and 68 grams of fentanyl.
The evidence showed that Martin Topete was one of the leaders of the conspiracy and communicated with his co-conspirators to coordinate resupplies of drugs. Martin Topete worked closely with Fuentes, including directing drug runs from to California for resupply and dictating drug flow to Fuentes for distribution. Martin Topete also would direct other co-conspirators to Fuentes when he did not have drugs to distribute.
The government further alleged that Johnathan Topete aided in the distribution of thousands of fentanyl pills and pounds of meth and helped launder the profits. Johnathan Topete also procured guns for the conspiracy and was a participant in tracking a January 2023 package, which contained almost 3,000 fentanyl pills. Johnathan either threatened or assisted in threatening a co-conspirator after that package was delayed and was subsequently discovered to have possessed or aided in the possession of almost six pounds of meth and seven firearms.
Co-defendant Fuentes was sentenced to 30 years in prison, Stringari was sentenced to 16 years in prison and White was sentenced to 15 years in prison. A federal jury convicted all three defendants of trafficking crime during a trial in April. Co-defendant Wayne Johnson II, of Santa Ana, California, who pleaded guilty in the case, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Co-defendant Trevor Allen Handy, of Butte, was sentenced to three years and six months in prison, and co-defendant Agatha Noriz Carranza, of Whitehall, was sentenced to three years in prison. Handy and Carranza also pleaded guilty to charges.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, Montana Highway Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri River Drug Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Utah Highway Patrol and Utah State Bureau of Investigations conducted the investigation.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Bank fraud scheme sends Georgia man to federal prison for four yearsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A federal judge today sentenced a Georgia man to four years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for a scheme that involved recruiting homeless individuals to cash fraudulent checks at Montana financial institutions, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Akia Demetrius Hills, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty in June to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court also ordered $226,500.69 in restitution.
In court documents, the government alleged that Hills and others stole mail and checks, and then fraudulently used the identities of various individuals to cash fraudulent checks throughout Montana financial institutions. On May 10, 2019, Hills and others instructed a man to enter numerous banks to attempt to cash a fraudulent check. Eventually, one bank accepted the fraudulent check, which totaled $6,734. Hills traveled across the country to defraud banks and attempted to use homeless individuals to cash fraudulent checks at banks.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
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Missoula man sentenced to 15 years in prison for meth, fentanyl traffickingRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Missoula man convicted by a federal jury of trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl in the community and possessing firearms in relation to drug dealing was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
After a two-day trial in June, the jury found Keith Andre Green, 50, guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of firearms and ammunition in furtherance of a drug trafficking crimes as charged in an indictment.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
“Green flooded the Missoula area with pounds of meth and thousands of fentanyl pills, poisoning an untold number of Montanans. But he was even more dangerous because he traded drugs in exchange for firearms. It’s the kind of danger we should not have on our streets and indeed, he won’t be after today’s significant sentence. For the next 15 years, Green will no longer be able to peddle drugs and guns, and we will continue to pursue those like him to ensure they end up in federal prison, too,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that from about May 2022 until September 2023, Green and others trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl in Missoula and Mineral counties and possessed firearms. Law enforcement received information that Green was a major drug distributor and that he went to Spokane, Washington, three to five days a week and received about one pound of meth and a boat of fentanyl, which is 1,000 pills, on each trip. Green also traded drugs for firearms. Law enforcement executed search warrants in February 2023 on Green’s vehicle and residence and another search warrant on his residence in September 2023. Officers seized a total of 4,205 fentanyl pills and approximately 2,204 grams, which is approximately 4.8 pounds, of meth. Officers located approximately six firearms and ammunition at his residence.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Missoula County Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Great Falls man admits meth trafficking, money laundering crimesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man suspected of supplying methamphetamine to local dealers, laundering the proceeds and storing more than 100 pounds of the drug and a firearm in an Arizona storage unit admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Daniel Allen Wakeford, 60, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute meth and to money laundering. Wakeford faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised released on the drug charge. He also faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than the greater of the value of the property, funds or monetary instruments involved in the transactions or $250,000 and three years of supervised release on the money laundering charge.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 19. Wakeford was detained pending further proceedings.
“The staggering amount of meth we seized was enough for approximately one-third of Montanans to use. This case shows we will go anywhere and pursue anyone for the harm they’re causing Montanans. Wakeford’s guilty plea is validation of these efforts,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement learned that Wakeford was involved in distributing meth in the Great Falls area and elsewhere and that numerous individuals had received meth from him for resale from approximately 2020 to 2024. In February 2024, law enforcement apprehended in Billings an individual who possessed meth. The individual outlined how he assisted Wakeford in packaging several hundred thousand dollars in cash, had received meth from Wakeford in Great Falls and that Wakeford indicated he was conspiring to distribute a significant amount of meth.
The investigation determined that Wakeford did not have a significant source of legitimate income, however, in November 2022, Wakeford paid approximately $16,534 for a new snowmobile in Great Falls. After Wakeford was indicted in the case, law enforcement searched his Great Falls home and located documents for a storage unit he leased in Phoenix, Arizona. Law enforcement arrested Wakeford in Utah on a federal warrant while he was driving a motorhome valued at more than $40,000. Inside the motorhome, law enforcement located more than $60,000 in cash and additional documents related the storage unit. Federal agents in Arizona served a search warrant on the storage unit and located more than 100 pounds of meth, which is the equivalent of approximately 362,400 doses, and a firearm. The items are pictured here:
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS, Great Falls Police Department and Russell Country Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Federal jury convicts man of methamphetamine trafficking in BillingsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A federal jury today convicted a Colorado man of drug trafficking after a high-speed pursuit and search of his vehicle led to the recovery of approximately six pounds of methamphetamine, U.S Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
After a two-day trial that began on Oct. 21, the jury found Moises Zamora, 39, of Greely, Colorado, guilty of possession with intent to distribute meth as charged in an indictment. Zamora faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 20, 2025. Zamora remained detained pending further proceedings.
“This drug dealer was caught with almost six pounds of methamphetamine while dangerously attempting to flee a Yellowstone County Deputy Sheriff. With their actions, our law enforcement partners kept more than 21,000 doses of meth from poisoning our community. More work is required, and I am confident such work on other people will yield the same result as Zamora – guilty of drug trafficking,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that on Nov. 11, 2022, a Yellowstone County Sheriff’s deputy pulled into a convenience store parking lot in Billings and noticed a passenger car parked in an obscure manner, away from the pumps or store entrances. As the deputy drove toward the car, he saw the driver, later identified as Zamora, point toward his patrol vehicle and then slouch in the seat. The deputy believed this behavior to be consistent with nefarious acts and pulled behind the vehicle to investigate. Zamora reversed his car and drove away. The deputy activated his lights and siren, but Zamora continued driving, and a high-speed pursuit began. The pursuit lasted almost 10 minutes and involved speeds reaching 80 mph, with Zamora driving recklessly and entering the lane of oncoming traffic. Zamora finally stopped when he came to a dead end and was arrested.
The deputy observed two blue “M30” pills, later confirmed to be fentanyl, in the backseat. Law enforcement determined Zamora had a warrant for his arrest and was booked into the Yellowstone County Detention Center. Law enforcement served a search warrant on Zamora’s car and located approximately six pounds of meth, two fentanyl pills, three cell phones and drug paraphernalia. Six pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 21,744 doses.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and FBI conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day set for October 26, 2024Read the Press Release
BILLINGS — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana joins the Drug Enforcement Administration in support of the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26. The biannual event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at sites across Montana. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
The DEA will be hosting a collection site at the Firehall in Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The Firehall is located at 128 2nd Ave. NW.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in homes are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses from these drugs.
“Getting rid of expired or unused prescription drugs, especially opioids, is an important step all Montanans can take to help fight the national epidemic of drug overdoses. I urge everyone to participate in the DEA’s Drug Take Back Day by cleaning out their medicine cabinet. It’s an easy way to help make our communities safer,” U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
“Prevention of drug misuse starts at home. For over a decade DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has provided our community a safe and easy way to get rid of unnecessary medications,” said DEA Montana Resident Agent in Charge Cesar Avila. “This past spring we collected more than 2,200 pounds of unneeded medications throughout Montana, and, with your help, we hope to collect even more this Saturday.”
Numerous sheriff’s offices, police departments and federal agencies across Montana are participating in Take Back Day. Information about collection sites and more information about event is available here: https://takebackday.dea.gov/
During the last Take Back Day held on April 27, 2024, 4,607 law enforcement participants at 4,869 collection sites across the country brought in a total weight of 670,136 pounds, or 335 tons, of drugs. This brings the total weight collected to 18.5 million pounds, or more than 9,285 tons, of prescription drugs collected in the history of the program. Collection results may include materials other than prescription drugs.
During the April 2024 event, Montanans turned in 2,270 pounds of prescription drugs at 25 collection sites. Twenty-six law enforcement agencies participated. Total all time weight collected in Montana is 56,824 pounds.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the October 26 Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com.
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Browning woman admits assaulting child on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning woman accused of beating and injuring child in a residence on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to child abuse and assault charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Micah Lynn Brown, 25, pleaded guilty to felony child abuse and to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury of an individual under 16 years, as indicted. Brown faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $50,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the child abuse charge and a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years in prison on the assault charge.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 19, 2025. Brown was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on March 21, Brown was drinking when she returned home to a residence she shared with a boyfriend and children. The boyfriend confronted Brown about her drinking and then left the house to use the phone at a nearby residence. When he returned about 10 minutes later, the front door was blocked by a couch that had been moved. Upon entering, the boyfriend heard the victim, identified as Jane Doe, who was under the age of three, screaming and found her injured in a backroom. Brown was in the same room but didn’t say anything. The boyfriend removed the children from the home and called law enforcement. Witnesses told law enforcement that the victim had soiled her diaper and threw it on the ground, angering Brown, who then assaulted the child. The victim was treated for injuries at the Browning Community Hospital.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and the FBI conducted the investigation.
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Tennessee fentanyl trafficker sentenced to six years in prison after distribution led to death of Great Falls manRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Tennessee man who admitted to mailing fentanyl pills to a Great Falls couple that led to the overdose death of the husband was sentenced yesterday to six years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Malice Clark, Jr., aka Greg Clark, aka “Greed”, 58, of Memphis, Tennessee, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $9,000 restitution.
“The Defendant’s nickname, Greed, encapsulates what our state and nation are facing regarding our drug epidemic. Those who are greedy are preying on those who are addicted, so much so that the greedy are killing people, which the Defendant’s fentanyl distribution did here. It’s as tragic as it is illegal, which is why we will remain relentless in our pursuit of those poisoning our communities,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government alleged in court documents that from February 2021 to April 2022, Clark repeatedly mailed small quantities of fentanyl from his home in Tennessee to his friend, the victim, John Doe, and his wife in Great Falls. On April 5, 2022, Doe and his wife received a package of fentanyl in the mail from Clark. That evening, both Doe and his wife took some of the fentanyl. At about 2:20 a.m. on April 6, 2022, Doe’s wife called 911 and reported that Doe had overdosed. Doe was found unresponsive and pronounced dead. An autopsy confirmed that Doe’s death was caused by acute fentanyl intoxication. Law enforcement collected pills that were determined to be fentanyl from Doe’s home. Doe’s wife admitted they had obtained the pills from Clark through the mail.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Russell Country Drug Task Force, Great Falls Police Department, Memphis (Tennessee) Police Department, FBI, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Medical Examiner Office conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Butte man sentenced to more than five years in prison for trafficking cocaine, fentanylRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Butte man who admitted to trafficking cocaine and fentanyl after law enforcement stopped his vehicle in Butte and found 1,700 fentanyl pills and cocaine taped to the steering column was sentenced yesterday to five and one-half years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Adam Hassan Abdel Aziz, 40, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on June 1, 2023, drug task force officers conducting surveillance on the home of a suspected drug trafficker in East Helena saw Aziz arrive, go inside the residence and leave a short time later. Surveilling officers notified drug task force members, and the Montana Highway Patrol later stopped Aziz’s car near Butte. Aziz was on state parole at the time and consented to a search of the car, during which officers observed drug paraphernalia. During another search authorized by Aziz’s parole officer, law enforcement located a package containing a bag of approximately 1,700 fentanyl pills and 27 grams of cocaine taped to the underside of the car’s steering column. Aziz admitted he had acquired approximately four to five thousand fentanyl pills in the last month and had paid approximately $10,000 for the drugs.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, Montana Highway Patrol, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Probation and Parole and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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U.S. Attorney announces General Election Day ProgramRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — United States Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) John Newman will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Newman has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Montana, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Laslovich said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Laslovich said, “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Newman will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 406-542-8851.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 801-579-1400.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
United States Attorney Laslovich said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Oct. 11 was:
Johntay Jujuan Taylor, 27, of Texas, on charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Taylor faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release. Taylor was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI; U.S. Secret Service; Chubbock, Pocatello and Kemmerer, Idaho, Police departments; Bannock County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office; Idaho State Police; Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, Livingston and Laurel, Montana, Police departments; Yellowstone County, Montana, Sheriff’s Office; Teton County, Wyoming, Sheriff’s Office; and Evanston and Mountain View, Wyoming, Police departments conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-13.
Appearing Oct. 10 was:
Keegan Allan Strelnik, 42, of Florence, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Strelnik faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Strelnik was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Probation Office and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-54.
Nicole Lynn Shain, 39, of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Shain faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Shain was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations and the Flathead Tribal Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-50.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Former Whitefish Housing Authority executive director admits embezzling at least $100,000Read the Press Release
MISSOULA — The former executive director of the Whitefish Housing Authority today admitted to embezzling at least $100,000 from the organization, which receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Dwarne Lamont Hawkins, 46, pleaded guilty to theft from organization receiving federal funding. Hawkins faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Feb. 7, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Hawkins was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that from about May 2023 to January 2024, while working as the executive director for the Whitefish Housing Authority, Hawkins embezzled from the organization. The Whitefish Housing Authority provides safe, decent and affordable housing options for low-income families in the Whitefish community and received approximately $468,616 in federal funds from HUD during the period of the indictment. Hawkins stole housing authority money by diverting and inflating payroll, fraudulently paying personal expenses with the Whitefish Housing Authority credit card and creating and paying fraudulent invoices to businesses over which he had control. As an example, in January 2024, Hawkins created bogus invoices from companies in which he held a controlling interest. Hawkins paid the invoices by fraudulently wiring money from the housing authority for $76,750 on Jan. 16, 2024 and for $23,250 on Jan. 22, 2024, for a total of $100,000. The investigation identified approximately $150,000 in restitution.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.
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Federal jury convicts Lame Deer man of rape on Northern Cheyenne Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A federal jury today convicted a Lame Deer man of raping a woman in a residence on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
After a three-day trial that began on Oct. 7, the jury found the defendant, Adriano Sparkxxx LeBeaux, 20, guilty of aggravated sexual abuse as charged in an indictment. LeBeaux faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 7, 2025. LeBeaux was detained pending further proceedings.
“LeBeaux preyed on the victim by luring her to a basement where he put a knife to her throat and raped her. Violence against women, especially sexual violence, inflicts long-lasting trauma on the victims. I am grateful the jury held LeBeaux accountable for his conduct and hope that the victim will find some measure of healing knowing that LeBeaux faces significant incarceration. I want to thank our prosecution team, the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Northern Cheyenne Investigative Services for their work on bringing LeBeaux to justice,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that on March 8, 2023, the victim, identified as Jane Doe, met up with LeBeaux at a residence in Lame Deer, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. LeBeaux told Doe the police were on their way to search the house and that they needed to hide in the basement. Jane Doe had been drinking and did not want to be arrested because the Northern Cheyenne Reservation is a dry reservation. Hiding in the basement seemed like a good idea to Jane Doe. The victim did not think LeBeaux was drinking.
While in the basement, LeBeaux told Jane Doe to lie down in a corner on the floor, and she fell asleep or passed out. At some point, Jane Doe awoke and LeBeaux was holding her down by the neck. Jane Doe passed out, and when she awoke again, LeBeaux was holding a knife to her throat and then raped her. Jane Doe left the residence and went to the Indian Health Service Clinic where she underwent a sexual assault exam. An analysis of DNA indicated strong support that LeBeaux was the contributor to male DNA identified in the sexual assault exam.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Northern Cheyenne Investigative Services conducted the investigation.
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Kalispell man admits pointing laser at airplaneRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Kalispell man today admitted to pointing a laser at an airplane while it was in flight over Kalispell, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Nolan Wayne Hamman, 32, pleaded guilty to aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft as charged in an indictment. Hamman faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Feb. 6, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Hamman was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Nov. 25, 2023, a flight instructor operating a plane over Kalispell called 911 to report a person shining a laser pointer at her plane while she was flying with a minor student. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded and located Hamman on the ground with the laser pointer. Hamman admitted to shining the laser at the plane while it was in flight.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Federal Aviation Administration, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and Kalispell Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Former bookkeeper for Kalispell firearms business sentenced to prison, fined $20,000 for embezzling approximately $159,000Read the Press Release
MISSOULA — A former bookkeeper who admitted to embezzling approximately $159,000 from her employer, a Kalispell firearms manufacturing company, was sentenced today to five months in federal prison followed by six months of home confinement and three years of supervised release, fined $20,000 and ordered to pay $174,572 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Teri Anne Bell, 58, of Columbia Falls, pleaded guilty in June to wire fraud.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court also ordered Bell to perform 175 hours of community service.
In court documents, the government alleged that from May 2018 until about December 2021, Bell, while working as a bookkeeper for Falkor SID Inc., a firearm manufacturing and distribution business in Kalispell, stole more than $150,000. Bell altered descriptions in Quickbooks to make it appear money was spent on legitimate business expenses when, in fact, the money went to pay down Bell’s personal credit card balances. In addition, Bell wrote herself a check for $10,000. In the fall of 2021, Falkor’s owners suspected Bell was stealing money from the company, and a financial audit determined that Bell completed 45 unauthorized transactions totaling $159,131 in Falkor funds. When confronted, Bell denied any wrongdoing. After she was terminated, Bell filed a grievance and demanded to be reinstated. The business owners were forced to spend an additional $15,441 to determine the extent of Bell’s fraud and to obtain legal counsel regarding her employment claim. Bell used the stolen funds for personal expenses, including hotels in Las Vegas and at Quinn’s Hot Springs, payments to retail and liquor stores, collection agencies and streaming services.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
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Canadian national who used false names to illegally buy firearms in Montana for transportation back to Canada sentenced to 18 months in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Canadian national was sentenced today to 18 months in prison and fined $10,000 for using fake names to buy firearms in several Montana cities to take back to Canada to sell, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Haptei John Kozak, 27, of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, pleaded guilty in May to four counts of false statements during firearms transactions.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court also imposed three years of supervised release and ordered the forfeiture of 12 firearms.
“Black market firearms smugglers like Kozak contribute to the epidemic of gun violence nationally and internationally because these weapons often end up in the hands of criminals. As this case shows, we will work aggressively with our national and international law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who attempt to traffic firearms across our border,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
"Gun crime has no boundaries, making our efforts to uncover and dismantle illegal firearms trafficking channels crucial," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. "Traffickers who move firearms from lawful commerce into the hands of violent offenders are directly contributing to the cycle of violence at our borders and beyond. We are grateful for the hard work from our partners at the US Customs and Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the US Attorney’s Office District of Montana for their partnership in this investigation and mutual pursuit of justice.”
"Today, justice has been served. The courts have delivered a firm and unwavering message to those who seek to profit from violence and chaos,” said HSI acting Special Agent in Charge Tim Lenzen. “Let this be a clear warning: we will not tolerate those who fuel crime through the black market. We will find you, you will be prosecuted, and justice will prevail."
The government alleged in court documents that an investigation by the ATF determined that Kozak, aka Tyler John Cossack, had purchased 12 pistols, mostly 9mm pistols, in four multiple-sale purchases from Sept. 9, 2023 through Oct. 16, 2023 in Montana. Kozak is a Canadian citizen with a Canadian passport. The investigation found that Kozak used the name Tyler John Cossack to purchase the firearms and used a falsified Montana’s driver’s license with a false date of birth, a false Missoula address and a false driver’s license number. Kozak provided false information to buy guns in Kalispell, Butte, Helena and Missoula, purchasing 12 firearms in 45 days. Kozak was arrested in March 2024 and had firearms that he recently purchased in his pickup truck. A review of his text messages and other evidence indicted that Kozak was purchasing the firearms in the United States and then transporting them back to Canada to sell.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The ATF, Homeland Security Investigations and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police conducted the investigation.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Oct. 1 was:
Kevin Andrew Bacon, 50, of Manhattan, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bacon faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Bacon was detained pending further proceedings The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-33.
Heather Brook Jenkins, 45, of Bozeman, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jenkins faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Jenkins was detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-34.
Appearing on Sept. 30 was:
Taylor Gale Penny, 35, of Missoula, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Penny faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Penny was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-51.
Anthony Robert Catalusci, 64, of Three Forks, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Catalusci faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Catalusci was detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-34.
Travis Kurt Myers, 56, of Columbia Falls, on charges of pointing laser at aircraft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Myers faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Myers was detained pending further proceedings. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-54.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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U. S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announces $17.4 million in Justice Department grants to state, county and organizations to support law enforcement and crime victim servicesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich, for the District of Montana, today announced approximately 27 grant awards totaling $17,476,734 in Department of Justice funds to help state and local government agencies and community organizations support law enforcement programs and to provide services for crime victims. The grants were awarded by the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs.
“This money reflects the United States Justice Department’s strong commitment to keeping our communities safe. From assisting law enforcement to helping victims of crime to keeping people from entering the criminal justice system, these funds will have a significant impact on our state. We are proud of our partnerships across the state and appreciate the important work each of partners provides to Montanans,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The awards announced are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about these and other OJP awards can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.
The following organizations and agencies receiving funding include:
- Montana Department of Justice: $323,742, Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 Competitive DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction
- Montana Legal Services Association (Helena): $440,000, Office for Victims of Crime FY24 Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
- Montana Board of Crime Control: $411,304, Bureau of Justice Statistics FY24 National Criminal History Improvement Program Supplemental Funding under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
- Missoula County: $700,000, Office on Violence Against Women FY24 Grants to Improve the Criminal Justice Response
- Haven (Bozeman): $750,000, Office on Violence Against Women FY24 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program
- Dawson County: $609,058, Office on Violence Against Women FY24 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program
- Missoula County: $750,000, Office on Violence Against Women FY24 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program
- Montana Legal Services Association (Helena): $500,000, Office on Violence Against Women FY 24 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program
- Domestic and Sexual Violence Services of Carbon County: $750,000, Office on Violence Against Women FY24 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program
- Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (Helena): $367,379, Office on Violence Against Women FY24 State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program
- Montana Board of Crime Control: $1,053,191, Office on Violence Against Women FY24 STOP Formula Grant Program
- Montana Board of Crime Control: $223,194, Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program Formula Grant
- Montana Board of Crime Control: $1,123,798, Bureau of Justice Statistics FY24 National Criminal History Improvement Program
- Montana Board of Crime Control: $61,877, Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 John R. Justice Formula Grant Program\
- Montana Department of Justice: $391,391, SMART FY24 Support for Adam Walsh Implementation Grant Program
- Montana Board of Crime Control, $812,352, Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program Formula Solicitation
- Haven (Bozeman): $535,974, Office of Violence Against Women FY24 Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking program
- Inspire Action for Social Change Inc. (Clancy): $250,000, Office of Violence Against Women FY24 Training and Technical Assistance Initiative.
- Montana Board of Crime Control: $3,017,090, Office for Victims of Crime FY24 Victim Assistance Formula Grant
- Montana Department of Justice: $640,000, Office for Victims of Crime FY24 Victim Compensation Formula Grant
- Montana Department of Justice: $600,000, Office of Justice Assistance Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction
- Montana Board of Crime Control: $96,208, Office of Justice Assistance Project Safe Neighborhoods Formula Grant Program
- Judiciary Courts of State of Montana: $655,496, Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 Adult Treatment Court Program
- Montana Legal Services Association (Helena): $450,000, Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 Invited to Apply-Law Enforcement Operations
- University of Montana: $675,000, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention FY24 Victims of Child Abuse Act Tribal Children’s Advocacy Centers Training and Technical Assistance
- Montana Board of Crime Control: $294,696, Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program-Formula
- City-County of Butte Silver Bow: $994,984, Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
About the Office of Justice Programs
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime; advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its program offices – the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office for Victims of Crime, and SMART Office – can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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Former Gardiner postmaster admits stealing office bank depositsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — The former postmaster of the Gardiner post office admitted today to allegations that she stole office bank deposits, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Tanya Lee Holbrook, 42, of Emigrant, pleaded guilty to misappropriation of postal funds and theft of government property as charged in an indictment. Holbrook faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on each charge.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Holbrook was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that Holbrook began working as a postmaster of the Gardiner post office in September 2022. In February 2023, the manager of postal operations in Montana contacted the U.S. Postal Services Office of Inspector General regarding concerns that Holbrook was stealing office bank deposits.
An investigation determined that Holbrook routinely issued money orders to herself and others but did not submit the funds for them to USPS. Between November 2022 and September 2023, Holbrook delayed approximately 48 bank deposits, totaling $46,755, from the Gardiner post office. While Holbrook usually sent the cash later when she was paid, she never provided funds for eight deposits, which totaled $24,443, from January 2023 to September 2023. When interviewed, Holbrook confessed to the thefts. Holbrook stated that she issued herself or family members money orders without remitting payment and then delayed sending the funds. Holbrook eventually fell so far behind that she was unable to pay for several deposits.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The USPS Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.
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Browning woman admits lying to FBI in investigation of apartment fire on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning woman admitted today to lying to the FBI during an investigation of a fire at an apartment building on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Amorette Diederika Ground, 33, pleaded guilty to false statement. Ground faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 5, 2025. Ground was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on July 23, 2023, law enforcement and emergency services responded to multiple calls to Blackfeet dispatch of a fire at the Death Row apartments in Browning, on the Blackfeet Reservation. The burned apartment belonged to Blackfeet Housing Authority and had been rented previously by Ground. A state fire investigator arrived the next morning and determined that the fire was deliberately set. An FBI agent also arrived the same day and conducted interviews in conjunction with the fire investigator and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services. A witness reported that Ground had been at the witness’ house the evening before and that the fire broke out right after Ground left. That same day, the FBI interviewed Ground regarding her whereabout the night before. Ground denied being near the apartments on the previous evening. The agent advised Ground that it was a federal crime to lie to a federal agent. Ground continued to deny being at the witness’ house the day before. Eventually, Ground admitted to having been at the residence the night before.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation’s Fire Prevention and Investigation Section conducted the investigation.
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Billings woman admits to meth trafficking, straw purchase of gunRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings woman accused of trafficking methamphetamine and of buying a firearm for a juvenile in which the gun was used in a burglary admitted charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Ali Sage Hausmann, 25, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth and to false statement during a firearms transaction. Hausmann faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug charge and a maximum of 10 years in prison, $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release on the firearm charge.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 5, 2025. Hausmann was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on May 9, 2022, Hausmann purchased a Beretta 9mm semi-automatic pistol in Billings. Hausmann was accompanied by a juvenile, identified as H., and her boyfriend. Hausmann filled out an ATF Form 4473 and indicated she was the actual purchaser of the firearm. The next day, H. burglarized a home in Billings with the Beretta 9mm. Another juvenile who participated in the burglary told law enforcement that H. was in possession of a Beretta 9mm pistol. The other juvenile indicated that the firearm was purchased for H. by a female, known to him as Ali, the day prior to the burglary. Hausmann’s boyfriend confirmed to law enforcement that Hausmann purchased the Beretta 9mm for H. On May 25, 2022, Hausmann pawned the Beretta pistol.
During the investigation into the firearm purchase, law enforcement learned that Hausmann was selling drugs. Information from Hausmann’s Facebook account indicated she sold and purchased meth, and that she bought the firearm for H. In December, law enforcement served a search warrant on Hausmann’s residence and located a small amount of meth in her room and a different firearm in her purse. Hausmann admitted to selling drugs.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
This case was prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted, and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.
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Man admits armed meth trafficking on Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A man accused of armed trafficking of methamphetamine and other substances on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation after he attempted to flee law enforcement during a traffic stop admitted to charges on Sept. 30, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, David Victor Fast Horse, 36, residence unknown, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Fast Horse faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug charge and a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Jan. 30, 2025. Fast Horse was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Aug. 30, 2022, tribal law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a pickup truck on Upper Road on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation because officers believed the driver had a tribal warrant for her arrest. A man jumped out of the front passenger seat and began running from the truck. A Rocky Boy’s police officer caught up with the man and found him retreating around a shed. He provided a fake name but was later identified as Fast Horse. Officer retraced Fast Horse’s path and located a green pistol and black case hidden near a woodpile where he had emerged. Fast Horse said he was given the gun and stuff and told to run. Officers opened the case and found 18 blue pills, which were determined in tests later to contain a mixture of substances, two small baggies with a small amount of meth, a digital scale and a car key. Fast Horse later admitted he sold meth, but not fentanyl, and that he had come to Rocky Boy’s to buy drugs from his friend. Fast Horse is prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior federal felony conviction for burglary.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Rocky Boy’s Police Department, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Federal jury convicts Shepherd man of making threats to assault former U.S. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, harassing phone callsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A federal jury convicted a Shepherd man today of charges accusing him of making repeated threatening and harassing phone calls, including threatening to injure former U.S. Congressman and Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
After a three-day trial that began on Sept. 30, the jury found the defendant, Richard Lee Rogers, 45, guilty of threatening to assault a member of Congress and two counts of harassing telephone calls as charged in a superseding indictment. Rogers faces a maximum of six years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the charge of threatening to assault a member of Congress, and a maximum of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the charge of harassing phone calls.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Jan. 31, 2025. Rogers’ release was continued pending further proceedings.
In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that on Feb. 3, 2023, Rogers made repeated and harassing phone calls to staff members who worked for former Rep. Kevin McCarthy, who was then Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. The jury found that during one of the calls, Rogers threatened to assault the Speaker. In addition to the harassing and threatening calls placed to the Speaker’s office, Rogers placed at least 150 harassing phone calls to telephone operators at the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center (NTOC) between Dec. 31, 2021 and Oct. 13, 2022.
On Feb. 3, 2023, the U.S. Capitol Police received a report from Speaker McCarthy’s office advising it had received a high volume of phone calls from Rogers. In the calls, Rogers identified himself and said he resided in Billings, Montana. U.S. Capitol Police identified the number used and confirmed it was associated with Rogers.
A staff member who spoke to Rogers reported that the calls consisted of Rogers harassing and swearing at the employees who were answering the calls in the Speaker’s office that day. The staff member reported that Rogers’ comments were at first sexual in nature prior to threatening to assault the former Speaker. An investigation determined that the phone number associated with Rogers called the Speaker’s office 147 times in 75 minutes on Feb. 3, 2023.
The government further alleged that records showed Rogers contacted the FBI’s NTOC more than 100 times between December 2021 and October 2022. During many of the calls, Rogers identified himself and provided his phone number and address when speaking to operators. Rogers behavior with the NTOC operators in many instances consisted of his yelling, berating, being uncooperative and using obscenities toward the employees. During several of the calls, NTOC operators informed Rogers that they were terminating the call because he was being abusive and harassing. During the investigation, an FBI special agent contacted Rogers on Oct. 13, 2022 regarding his numerous calls to NTOC. During the call, Rogers admitted to calling NTOC “thousands of times” and expressed anger with various political officials.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and U.S. Capitol Police conducted the investigation.
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Hardin woman admits biting BIA officer on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Hardin woman accused of biting a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer on the arm while law enforcement was attempting to arrest her during a disturbance on the Crow Indian Reservation admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Chrystal Joann Stewart, 36, pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer. Stewart faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Stewart was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on April 29, 2023, a BIA officer, identified as Jane Doe, responded to a call in Crow Agency about Stewart causing a disturbance at a residence. Stewart had knocked on the door, and residents let Stewart inside, where she collapsed and was unresponsive. The residents shook Stewart awake and it was obvious that Stewart was high. The residents called 911 because Stewart was scaring the children in the home.
Although communicating with Stewart was difficult because she was high, Officer Jane Doe convinced Stewart to leave the house. After Stewart walked out of the house, one of the residents told the officers that Stewart had grabbed a knife from the kitchen and put in her purse. Another officer had responded to assist Officer Jane Doe and saw the knife sticking out of Stewart’s purse. Stewart resisted and pulled away from the officer when he tried to grab her arm to take away the purse. Stewart repeatedly refused instructions to stop resisting and tried to get away by kicking and screaming at the officers. The officers ultimately tased Stewart, who continued to resist. Stewart then lunged at one of the officers and tried to run back into the residence. Officer Jane Doe was able to get one handcuff on Stewart, but Stewart then turned and bit the officer on the upper right arm. Stewart would not release the bite. Finally, with the help of emergency medial responders, the officers were able to get a second handcuff on Stewart and she released the bite. Officer Jane Doe was treated at the Indian Health Service for the bite injury, which broke the skin.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office if prosecuting the case the case. The BIA conducted the investigation.
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