District of Montana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Bozeman construction company owner sentenced to prison, fined $75,000 for failing to pay taxes to IRSRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — The owner of a Bozeman construction company who admitted not paying to the IRS employee-related taxes of more than $800,000 was sentenced today to federal prison and fined $75,000, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Joseph Glen Dickey, 39, owner of Alpine Customs, Inc., pleaded guilty in April to failure to truthfully account for and pay over withholding and FICA taxes, a felony, and failure to file employer’s quarterly return and pay tax, a misdemeanor.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen sentenced Dickey to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The court also fined him $75,000 and ordered $270,807 restitution, which is the remaining amount owed after Dickey repaid some of his outstanding balance prior to sentencing.
The government alleged in court documents that Dickey owns Alpine Customs, Inc., a commercial construction company that has employed 60 or more individuals. Dickey acted as Alpine’s general manager and exercised control over every aspect of the business, including approving company payments and overseeing company bank accounts. Alpine withheld payroll taxes from employees’ paychecks, including federal income taxes and Social Security and Medicare taxes. Alpine also was required to make quarterly deposits of those payroll taxes and additional employer payroll contributions to the IRS.
Dickey did not timely deposit several employee or employer payroll taxes from 2018 to 2021. Dickey knew of the requirements and his bookkeepers and IRS officers repeatedly advised Dickey of these legal obligations. In total, Dickey failed to timely pay $803,374 in employer and employee payroll taxes.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.
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Assault on woman sends Crow Agency man to prison for more than five yearsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Crow Agency man who punched a woman in the face, causing her to lose vision in an eye, was sentenced today to five years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jessed Laslovich said.
The defendant, Darek Paul Birdinground, 34, pleaded guilty in April to assault resulting in serious bodily injury as charged in an indictment.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that while investigating a separate, unrelated assault, the FBI learned in June 2023 of an assault that occurred on Jan. 21, 2023 in Crow Agency, on the Crow Indian Reservation. Agents with the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs learned that the victim, identified as Jane Doe, was driving a truck in Crow Agency when she saw Birdinground coming up fast behind her in an SUV, so she pulled over. Birdinground got out of his vehicle carrying a baseball bat. After a few angry words, Birdinground punched Doe on the side of her left eye. Birdinground then used the bat to break the windows of the truck. Doe suffered loss of vision in her eye.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and BIA 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 recently 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 Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Aug. 8 was:
Leevi Dannyle Dobson, 34, of Billings, and Joseph Marion Medina, III, 33, of Billings, 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, Dobson and Medina face a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Dobson was released pending further proceedings, while Medina was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-98.
Appearing on Aug. 6 was:
Camille Lynn Ackaret, 42, of Billings, 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, Ackaret faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Ackaret was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-88.
Appearing on Aug. 1 was:
Lynda Diane Good, 59, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Good 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 charges 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. Good was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-88.
Appearing on July 30 was:
Elias Adame, 38, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm and receipt of a firearm while under indictment. If convicted of the most serious crime, Adame faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Adame was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-81.
Appearing on July 29 was:
Curtis William Witmer, 48, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Witmer faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Witmer was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-105.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Aug. 6 was:
Joel Hadley III, 22, of Florida, on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hadley faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release on the drug possession 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. Hadley was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Tri-Agency Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-26.
Scott Hamilton, 44, of Helena, on charges of felon in possession of firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hamilton faces a maximum of 15 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hamilton was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-14.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Aug. 9 was:
Blaise Scott Nuthak, 30, of Butte, on charges of distribution of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Nuthak faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Nuthak was detained pending further proceedings. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-15.
Appearing on July 30 was:
Alecia Mae Leonetti, 49, of Kalispell, and Krista Lynn Hall, 49, of Kalispell, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Leonetti and Hall face a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the wire fraud charges and a mandatory two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release, on the identity theft charge. Leonetti and Hall were released pending further proceedings. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-36.
Guy S. Cook, 59, of Dripping Springs, Texas, on charges of tax evasion. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cook faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $100,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Cook was released pending further proceedings. The IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-22.
Anthony Reimer Mares, 32, of Texas, on charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mares faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release. Mares was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI; U.S. Secret Service; Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, Livingston and Laurel police departments; Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office; Chubbock, Pocatello and Kemmerer, Idaho, police departments; Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho; Idaho State Police; Teton County Sheriff’s Office, Wyoming; and Evanston and Mountain View, Wyoming, police departments, investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-13.
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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Hardin man sentenced to seven years in prison for role in shooting death on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Hardin man who admitted he hindered a murder investigation into the 2023 shooting death of another man on the Crow Indian Reservation was sentenced today to seven years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Garrell Robert Snell, 34, pleaded guilty in April to accessory after the fact.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $7,997 restitution.
The government alleged in court documents that on Jan. 18, 2023 at Crow Agency, on the Crow Indian Reservation, a gunshot victim was driven to the emergency room at the IHS Crow/Northern Cheyenne Hospital, where the victim, a man, was pronounced dead upon arrival. The driver initially lied to law enforcement about where the driver had found the victim. Snell also lied to law enforcement that day about how and where the murder took place, which delayed the investigation of the scene until the next day. Law enforcement learned that the victim was shot outside of a residence on Crow River Road.
Law enforcement obtained a federal search warrant and analyzed an SD card from exterior security cameras on the residence. Initially, nothing of any evidentiary value was recovered from the SD card. But in February 2024, the SD card was again analyzed, and video was recovered. The video does not show the murder but contains footage before and after the murder. The government further alleged that the video shows the victim lying on snow-covered ground in the yard before he was picked up and put into the vehicle used to take him to the hospital. After the vehicle leaves, the video shows Snell and another individual cleaning the snow-covered area where the victim had been lying by moving snow with a shovel, broom, hands and feet. The footage also appears to show Snell and the other individual picking up items from the snow-covered area. Two bullets retrieved from the victim’s body and shell casings recovered from the area that was cleaned by Snell and the other individual were determined to have been fired from the same gun. The gun has not been recovered.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.
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Billings man admits to stealing guns in pawnshop burglaryRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man accused of breaking into a Billings pawnshop and stealing firearms admitted today to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Jesse Ambrose Deaguero, 42, pleaded guilty to theft from a federal firearms licensee. Deaguero faces a maximum of 10 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. Deaguero was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on Sept. 11, 2023, Pawnbrokers West, a federal firearms licensee, was burglarized shortly before 3 a.m. Ten firearms were stolen. A law enforcement investigation learned that Deaguero was involved in the burglary and five of the stolen firearms were recovered the next day from a residence. In an interview, Deaguero stated that he and a co-defendant, Lucious Machiavelli, went into the pawn shop and stole the firearms. Deaguero told investigators that he cut the lock off the firearms, and the guns were loaded into a car. Machiavelli pleaded guilty last month to charges in the case and is pending sentencing.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department, with assistance from the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, 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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Owner of Great Falls firearms business charged with filing false income tax returnsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — The owner of firearms business in Great Falls was charged with filing false income tax returns after an undercover investigation determined the owner did not report 20 percent, or approximately $1.4 million, of his gross receipts, resulting in a tax loss of almost $500,000, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
A grand jury indictment filed on Aug. 1 in U.S. District Court charges the defendant, Tommy Michael VanHoose, 66, with five counts of submitting a false tax return. If convicted, VanHoose faces a maximum of three years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release on each count.
A summons was issued for VanHoose to appear for arraignment on Sept. 10 before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston in Great Falls.
An indictment is only an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The indictment alleges VanHoose, by his own claims, skimmed cash from his firearms business and did not report 20 percent of his gross receipts to the IRS, which resulted in a substantial underpayment of income taxes to the United States. After a thorough investigation conducted by the IRS, we allege VanHoose’s own statements to an undercover agent were accurate, which is why he is charged with multiple counts of submitting a false federal tax return,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The indictment alleges that VanHoose owned and operated Highwood Creek Outfitters LLC, a firearms distributor and shooting range in Great Falls. VanHoose, through a real estate agent, listed the business for sale for $1,750,000. An IRS undercover agent, posing as a potential buyer, inquired about the list price by calling the real estate agent in February 2023. The real estate agent told the undercover that, “[N]ot everything flows to the tax returns.” In a later conversation, the real estate agent told the undercover that they would not identify in writing any “off the books” income but the actual amount of income was “substantial.”
As further alleged, the undercover toured Highwood Creek Outfitters with VanHoose in May 2023. During the tour, VanHoose stated that he skimmed approximately $450,000 in cash and repeatedly stated he did not report 20 percent of the gross receipts to the IRS. Based on his own claims and on records obtained through a search warrant, VanHoose underreported approximately 20 percent, or about $1,486,404, of his income for tax years 2018 through 2022, resulting in him owing the IRS approximately $492,254.
In addition, the indictment alleges that when individuals purchase firearms from Highwood Creek Outfitters, they are required to complete a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Form 4473, which identifies the firearm purchased. The undercover asked VanHoose how underreporting of income was possible when ATF tracked gun sales by serial number through ATF Form 4473s. VanHoose responded, “It’s easy.” VanHoose further stated, “they don’t know what I’m paying for or I’m getting in income off those guns.” VanHoose therefore confirmed to the undercover that he accurately detailed sales through the ATF Form 4473 but underreported his income to the IRS. IRS agents executed a search warrant on June 14, 2023, at Highwood Creek Outfitters to obtain, among other items, the ATF Form 4473s to determine the amount of unreported income. The actual gun prices were attached to the ATF Form 4473s and confirmed that VanHoose skimmed cash and underreported his gross receipts to the IRS.
The indictment also alleges that VanHoose sold firearms for a higher price than what he entered into a point of sales system for the business; gave or sold firearms to others in which he did not record the transaction; and lied to his accountant by providing incomplete records to underreport income to the IRS.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.
PACER case reference. 24-60.
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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Lodge Grass man sentenced to four years in prison for trafficking meth in large-scale investigation centered on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lodge Grass man who trafficked methamphetamine as part of large-scale, multi-state operation that was centered on the Crow Indian Reservation was sentenced today to four years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Morgan Luke Hugs, 34, pleaded guilty in April to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that federal law enforcement, in collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, engaged in a large-scale, multiple-state narcotics trafficking investigation centered on multiple properties on the Crow Indian Reservation. The properties, including one referred to as Spear Siding, were a source of supply of meth for both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne reservations. Hugs was one of the individuals affiliated with the investigation and was considered a mid-level dealer.
The government further alleged that from about January 2022 until March 2023, Hugs was receiving meth from Spear Siding and distributing it to others on the Crow Reservation. Hugs received meth from two main co-conspirators involved with the investigation, sold ounce quantities and used other people to help him conduct sales. Hugs also acted as a protector/enforcer for another co-conspirator and would use stolen guns to help pay off his drug debt to others at Spear Siding. In addition, law enforcement obtained meth from Hugs in a controlled purchase in Hardin in November 2022.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI 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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Great Falls woman sentenced to prison for embezzling from employerRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A woman who admitted embezzling money from her employer, a tire and service center in Vaughn, was sentenced on Thursday to 10 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $95,001 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Jennifer Sue Whiteford, 48, pleaded guilty in March to wire fraud.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Whiteford worked as a bookkeeper for Darryl’s Tire and Service Center, located near Vaughn. From about 2017 and continuing through June 2022, Whiteford stole money from the business to pay for personal expenses without DTSC’s authorization. Whiteford wrote checks to herself from the business accounts and then changed the names of the payees in the accounting software to make it look like the embezzled funds were going to pay legitimate business expenses. In addition, Whiteford skimmed cash deposits from the company by taking cash that was supposed to be deposited into DTSC’s bank account and instead deposited the cash into her personal account. In total, Whiteford embezzled between $88,000 and $139,000 from the company.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
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Former nurse practitioner in Butte admits health care fraud; received nearly $600,000 in false claimsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A former nurse practitioner in Butte admitted on Thursday to prescribing controlled substances despite having a suspended license and to falsely billing an insurance company approximately $61 million for vitamin B-12 injections in which she received nearly $600,000 for the false claims, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Tristan Ashley Svejkovsky, 40, pleaded guilty to health care fraud and to use of a registration number issued to another person. Svejkovsky faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the health care fraud charge and a maximum of four years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the charge of using the registration of another person.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Dec. 12 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. Svejkovsky was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that Svejkovsky was a nurse practitioner whose license was suspended by the Montana Board of Nursing on April 1, 2022. Svejkovsky continued to prescribe controlled substances using her own name and Drug Enforcement Administration registration number until June 8, 2022. The DEA contacted Svejkovsky through her attorney, and she agreed to voluntarily surrender her DEA registration. However, Svejkovsky continued to prescribe controlled substances using the name and DEA registration number of a friend who also was nurse practitioner. Svejkovsky misrepresented to her friend that her nursing license was on probation, not suspended, and that she would not use her friend’s information to prescribe drugs. In fact, Svejkovsky used her friend’s name and DEA registration number for at least 12 prescriptions of controlled substances.
The government further alleged that Svejkovsky billed Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana for vitamin B-12 injections that did not occur. In August 2021, Svejkovsky started falsely increasing the number of units of a standard vitamin B-12 injection from one unit to 1,000 units. This increased the corresponding payment from the insurance company for each injection from roughly $4.88 to $4,880. After her license was suspended, Svejkovsky started submitting numerous such claims each month to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana by backdating claims to supposedly before her license was suspended. This conduct continued through May 2022, when Svejkovsky submitted four claims, this time claiming $15 million per vitamin B-12 injection to a new patient. Svejkovsky never gave that patient any vitamin injections, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana did not pay those claims. In total, Svejkovsky billed the insurance company at least $61,995,000 for false vitamin B-12 injections and received at least $593,583 from those false claims.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The DEA and FBI conducted the investigation.
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Billings man sentenced on firearms crime after armed patrols on sidewalk in an elementary school zoneRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who conducted armed patrols on the sidewalk in his neighborhood, which is across the street from a public elementary school and in a school zone, was sentenced today to three years of probation for a firearms conviction, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Gabriel Cowan Metcalf, 50, pleaded guilty in March to unlawful possession of a firearm in a school zone, as charged in an indictment.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In a plea agreement, the parties jointly recommended that a probationary sentence was appropriate.
“Almost one year ago, just as the school year was scheduled to begin, Broadwater Elementary School was busy taking proactive measures to protect kids from Metcalf and so were our law enforcement partners. Despite multiple attempts to explain to Metcalf that he was in violation of federal law, he continued his habit of armed patrols around his neighborhood and in a school zone. As we prepare for another year of school, the parents and children of Billings schools should know we will do whatever it takes to keep kids safe, as shown by our actions in this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government alleged in court documents that in August 2023, multiple individuals observed Metcalf walking in the vicinity of Broadwater Elementary School while carrying a firearm. Metcalf was observed in multiple public areas, including walking down the sidewalk, crossing the street, and walking down a city alley, all within 1,000 feet of the elementary school. Metcalf’s residence is on Broadwater Avenue and is directly across the street from the school.
On Aug. 17, 2023, law enforcement officers spoke to Metcalf, who admitted to following cars while carrying a firearm, walking to the nearby business and escorting his mother down the street to her shop while carrying a firearm. Metcalf further told officers he patrolled daily and usually went around the block once or twice a week, but that lately he had done it several times a day. On Aug. 22, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Metcalf’s residence and seized a 20-gauge shotgun and six rounds of ammunition. The shotgun was the firearm Metcalf described as using to patrol.
Metcalf’s conduct prompted the school to lock down, put up tarping, erect a temporary fence, change where children walked and request increased police presence. When confronted with information that he was scaring parents and school authorities, Metcalf would not stop.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department 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.
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New Jersey man sentenced for sexual contact of passenger on airplane to BozemanRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A New Jersey man who admitted to sexually assaulting a woman passenger seated next to him on a flight from New Jersey to Bozeman was sentenced on Wednesday to five years of probation, with six months of home confinement, ordered to register as a sex offender and to pay a total of $5,100 in special assessments, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Piyush Mathew, 31, of Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in March to abusive sexual contact in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States as charged in an indictment.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Sept. 7, 2023, Mathew and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were seated next to each other on United Airlines Flight 1300 from New Jersey to Bozeman. Doe was seated in the middle seat, while Mathew was seated in an aisle seat. Prior to departure, Mathew raised the armrest between them, and once the plane was in the air, he assaulted Doe for the duration of the flight. Mathew, pretending to be asleep, touched Doe multiple times on different parts of her body, including her thighs, fingers, arms, stomach, and breasts. Doe had hoped to alert the flight crew of Mathew’s behavior, however, Mathew stood immediately behind her for deboarding, and she felt she was unable to tell the flight crew. Instead, Doe approached another male passenger who was in front of them and pretended to know him as a safeguard from Mathew while leaving the plane. The male passenger reported to law enforcement that Doe looked upset and as if she were about to cry.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Gallatin Airport Authority, and Bozeman Airport Police conducted the investigation.
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Lame Deer meth trafficker sentenced to five years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Lame Deer man who admitted to distributing methamphetamine and acting as a drug debt collector on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was sentenced on Wednesday to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, James “JC” Luis Costilla, 37, pleaded guilty in March to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in September 2021 on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, Costilla was with a group of four individuals who were in a car stopped by law enforcement. Costilla distributed meth and worked as a collector for drug debts for his co-conspirators. In Costilla’s car, law enforcement found meth and three firearms--an AR rifle, a shotgun and a handgun. Co-defendant Jamesey Jefferson was sentenced to seven years in prison for her conviction in the case, and co-defendant Ivan Eaglefeathers was sentenced to six years in prison for his conviction in the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case.
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Lame Deer man sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempting to coerce and pay for sex with minors on Northern Cheyenne Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man who admitted to attempting to have sex with two minor girls on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Travis Dean Two Two, Sr., 36, pleaded guilty in March to attempted coercion and enticement and to attempted sex trafficking of a minor.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
“Two Two is a predator who used social media to contact and communicate with juvenile girls for sexually explicit conduct for his own gratification. Prior to the initiation of this case, Two Two was a danger to children, especially girls of the Northern Cheyenne Nation. For at least the next 10 years, he’ll no longer be a threat to them,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents, the government alleged that from about May 2023 to August 2023, in Lame Deer and Ashland, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, Two Two communicated through Facebook with a 14-year-old girl, identified as Jane Doe 1, who was living on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. The communications were made available to law enforcement, and law enforcement obtained consent to take over Doe 1’s account and communicate with Two Two. The communications became increasingly sexual. Two Two requested naked pictures of Doe 1 and made plans to meet with her for sex. Ultimately, Two Two discussed meeting Doe 1 at the MontanaFair in Billings, indicated he wanted to take nude pictures of her and “maybe make a video” of sex acts with her. He noted that he “like[s] them young.” Law enforcement arrested Two Two on Aug. 19, 2023 as he was leaving the MontanaFair.
The government further alleged that from about June 2023 until September 2023, at Lame Deer, Two Two attempted to engage a minor girl in commercial sex. In August 2023, law enforcement interviewed a 16-year-old girl, identified as Jane Doe 2, who indicated she had met Two Two in 2021 and that they had communicated though text messages in the summer of 2023. Doe 2 told law enforcement Two Two provided her with marijuana and that in exchange, Two Two began asking for sex acts to pay for the drug. Doe 2 indicated that she allowed this to occur on a couple of occasions.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Northern Cheyenne Investigative Services conducted the investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 www.justice.gov/psc.
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Joliet man admits stealing guns in Billings pawnshop burglaryRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Joliet man on Wednesday admitted to stealing firearms from a Billings pawnshop during a burglary, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Lucious Machiavelli, aka Robert Allen Boyden, 47, pleaded guilty to theft from a federal firearms licensee. Machiavelli faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three 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 Dec. 4. Machiavelli was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on Sept. 11, 2023, Pawnbrokers West, a federal firearms licensee, in Billings, was burglarized shortly before 3 a.m. Ten firearms were stolen during the break in. Law enforcement learned that Machiavelli was involved in the burglary. Five of the stolen firearms were recovered from the residence of a co-defendant, who told law enforcement that Machiavelli had brought the guns to the residence. Another co-defendant told law enforcement that he and Machiavelli went into the pawn shop and stole the firearms.
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.
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Canadian national admits to attempted coercion and enticement, distribution of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Canadian national accused of driving to Billings from Canada believing he was going to meet a juvenile girl for sex admitted today to attempted coercion and child pornography crimes, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Andrew Scott Brown, 43, of Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada, pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement and distribution of child pornography. Brown faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release on the attempted coercion charge and a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the distribution of child pornography 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. Brown was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Jan. 27, law enforcement, acting in an undercover capacity as a 12-year-old child, posted on social media. Brown responded to the post. The undercover informed Brown that he was chatting with a 12-year-old juvenile, and Brown responded that he could get into a lot of trouble. Over the next several weeks, Brown chatted with the undercover, and the messages were consistently sexual in nature. Brown indicted a desire to get the juvenile girl pregnant, how they were going to end up having sex and that he will go to jail. Brown also sent the undercover a picture of his penis and a video depicting a child being sexually assaulted by an adult man. On May 6, Brown drove from Canada to Billings with the belief he was going to meet the juvenile girl for sex and messaged along the way. Law enforcement arrested Brown when he arrived in Billings.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Billings Police Department and the FBI 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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Former operations manager admits embezzling from Billings federal credit unionRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — The former operations manager of a Billings federal credit union admitted today to embezzling more than $60,000 while employed there, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Kelly Jo Muzzana, 40, pleaded guilty to an information charging her with embezzlement by credit union employee. Muzzana faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five 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. Muzzana’s release was continued pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court records that from January 2023 through Dec. 12, 2023, Muzzana, who was the operations manager at Altana Federal Credit Union, embezzled more than $60,000 of credit union funds by using debit cards, credit cards and account information of customers to make unauthorized purchases. In addition, Muzzana processed customers’ fraudulent spending claims personally to avoid detection and prevented many of the customers from filing police reports, Some, however, did file police reports. Muzzana had access to customer data and was responsible for processing Altana’s entire fraud-alert process. Muzzana created duplicate bank cards for customers’ accounts and took them home with her in addition to taking cards Altana received in the mail that were undelivered to customers. Muzzana used the bank cards to make purchases online and in retail stores around Billings.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Billings Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation.
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Billings felon sentenced to more than six years in prison for illegal possession of firearmRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to illegally possessing a gun was sentenced today to six and one-half years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Steven Edward Schlosser, 54, pleaded guilty in January to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in February 2023, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s deputies responded to Billings Clinic for a report of an assault between Schlosser and his girlfriend. Schlosser’s girlfriend reported that during a physical altercation with Schlosser, Schlosser pulled a firearm from his waistband and threatened to kill himself with it. Schlosser had the firearm in his waistband as he drove his girlfriend to the hospital. Law enforcement ultimately recovered a .40-caliber pistol from Schlosser’s vehicle in the hospital parking lot. The pistol had been stolen. In August 2023, law enforcement received information that Schlosser was in possession of another firearm. Schlosser was located in a Billings motel along with a loaded .45-caliber firearm. Schlosser claimed the firearm belonged to someone else but admitted to handling it. The firearm also had been reported stolen. Schlosser had previous felony drug convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation 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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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 July 18 was:
Michael James Merzlak, 37, of Butte, on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Merzlak faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years to life of supervised release. Merzlak was detained pending further proceedings. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, Butte Silver Bow Law Enforcement, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Montana Forensic Science Division and Idaho State Police conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-19.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on July 16 was:
Kadin Hawkeye Lewis, 22, of Pray, on charges of possession of an unregistered destructive device. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lewis faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Lewis was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Park County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-143.
Kristopher Mikal Wright, 36, of Cody, Wyoming, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, assault on a federal officer, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serous crime, Wright faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release on the conspiracy 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 charge of possessing a firearm in a drug trafficking crime. Wright was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-93.
Jessie Craig Iverson, 37, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Iverson 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 charge of possessing a firearm charge. Iverson was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-90.
Lindsey Whitewolf, 35, of Billings, 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, Whitewolf faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Whitewolf was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Inspection and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-34.
Jacob Charles Berger, 27, of Billings, on charges of possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm while under indictment and possession of an unregistered firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Berger faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Berger was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-82.
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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Whitefish doctor admits defrauding Medicare and other federal health programsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Whitefish physician accused in connection with alleged schemes to defraud government health programs admitted on Wednesday to falsely billing Medicare and other health programs in a telemedicine scheme that resulted in more than $39 million in false billing, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said today.
The defendant, Ronald David Dean, 64, had an initial appearance and pleaded guilty to an information filed on June 24 charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charges are part of the Justice Department’s 2024 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action. Dean faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $1 million 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 Dec. 4. Dean’s release was continued pending further proceedings.
A plea agreement filed in the case calls for Dean to pay at least $780,509 restitution.
The government alleged in court documents that Dean, a licensed physician, was paid by a telemedicine company to sign orders for durable medical equipment that patients did not need. Dean then fraudulently charged Medicare, CHAMPVA and the Railroad Retirement Board programs for telemedicine office visits that did not occur. The telemedicine company also used Dean’s information to prescribe unneeded and unnecessary covid tests to patients. The conspiracy ran from about January 2022 until July 2023. In total, Dean’s orders resulted in false billing to government health care programs of more than $39 million.
The case was part of a strategically coordinated, two-week nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 193 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes that resulted in the submission of over $2.75 billion in alleged false billings. The defendants allegedly defrauded programs entrusted for the care of the elderly and disabled to line their own pockets, and the Government, in connection with the enforcement action, seized over $231 million in cash, luxury vehicles, gold, and other assets.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana worked with the Department’s Criminal Division and the following law enforcement organizations to investigate and prosecute the case filed during the enforcement period: the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG), Railroad Retirement Board Office of Inspector General and FBI.
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Lame Deer felon sentenced to 21 years in prison for assaults on women and illegal possession of firearmRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man who admitted to assaulting women on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian reservations and to illegally possessing a sawed-off shotgun in two separate cases was sentenced on Wednesday to 21 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Theo Summers Buffalo Bulltail, 41, pleaded guilty in February to assault resulting in serious bodily injury, assault with a weapon and assault resulting in substantial injury in one case. Buffalo Bulltail also pleaded guilty in August 2023 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm in a separate case.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
“Buffalo Bulltail terrorized women on both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian reservations through brutal assaults and torture. The injuries and trauma Buffalo Bulltail inflicted will likely follow the victims for the rest of their lives, but I hope that they can begin some measure of healing knowing that Buffalo Bulltail will be incarcerated for a long time. Additionally, Buffalo Bulltail, a felon with multiple convictions, was a danger to the public by illegally possessing guns. With today’s sentence, women and communities will be safe from Buffalo Bulltail,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government alleged in court documents that in the assaults case, Buffalo Bulltail assaulted four women by abusing and torturing them in separate incidents on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian reservations. In an assault in April 2022 involving a victim identified as Jane Doe 1, Buffalo Bulltail struck Doe 1 with various objects including an axe and his hands, breaking her nose and foot, and tortured her for days in a residence in Lame Deer, on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. Doe 1 eventually escaped and flagged down a truck driver. In another assault in July 2022 involving a victim identified as Jane Doe 3, Buffalo Bulltail struck her in the arm with a large knife, causing swelling and bleeding, near Pryor, on the Crow Indian Reservation. Additionally, in March 2022, Buffalo Bulltail punched another victim, identified as Jane Doe 2, in the face twice, breaking her nose, for not giving him keys to a vehicle. Buffalo Bulltail previously drove Jane Doe 2 to a remote area on the Crow Reservation, strangled and threatened to kill her, and in another instance, threatened her with a gun. Finally, in July 2022, Buffalo Bulltail drove another victim, identified as Jane Doe 4, to Lodge Grass, on the Crow Reservation, and said he was going to rape her. He forced her to remove her clothes, pushed her out of the vehicle then yanked her back in by the hair. Doe 4 got dressed and got away when the vehicle got stuck in the mud. Buffalo Bulltail found her the next day and took her to a residence where he repeatedly assaulted her. Doe 4 escaped by running from the residence.
In the firearms case, law enforcement pulled over a vehicle Buffalo Bulltail was driving near Billings on Jan. 18, 2022. Buffalo Bulltail fled from the car but was caught and arrested. Officers found Buffalo Bulltail in possession of a sawed-off shotgun, .40-caliber ammunition, drug baggies and methamphetamine. Buffalo Bulltail had five previous felony convictions at the time and was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Highway Patrol and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the firearms investigation. The FBI conducted the assaults 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.
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Kansas man admits defrauding Montana rancher in hay scam during droughtRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Kansas man accused of devising a scheme to steal from Montana and Wyoming ranchers who were trying to find hay to feed their livestock during a drought admitted to a fraud charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Jory D. Parks, 43, of Logan, Kansas, was arraigned on and pleaded guilty to an information charging him with wire fraud. Parks 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. Parks was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that a drought in the summer of 2021 created a hay shortage for ranchers in Montana and Wyoming, and ranchers were struggling to find enough hay to feed their livestock. During this time, Parks intentionally devised a scheme to defraud these ranchers. Parks advertised on Facebook, claiming that he was selling large amounts of hay and was willing to deliver to Montana and Wyoming from out of state. Parks, operating as Heart Cross Ranch, LLC, received money from customers in exchange for promises to deliver hay. Instead, Parks used the money for unrelated business and personal expenses and made false promises about what he would deliver and the scale and success of his business.
In September 2021, when Parks was trying to convince a prospective customer that he had a successful business selling high-quality hay, he told the victim that he had sold all his hay the previous year to a known horse racing facility in Nebraska to feed racehorses. After interviewing the CEO of the facility and analyzing Parks’ financials, the FBI determined that Parks’ statements were false.
In Montana, a ranching business owned by a couple in Ingomar responded to one of Parks’ Facebook ads in which he claimed to be selling hay cheaper than they had been able to find. The couple signed a contact with Parks to buy 190 tons of hay from Parks for $43,300 and mailed half of the amount, $21,650, as a down payment to Heart Cross Ranch. Parks deposited the check into his business account in a bank in Colorado. Three weeks later, Parks delivered the couple’s first shipment of 23 tons of the 190 tons they had purchased but never delivered the additional hay or repaid the remainder of the downpayment.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
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Federal jury convicts Bozeman felon of illegal possession of firearm, ammunitionRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A federal jury on Monday convicted a Bozeman felon of illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition after a Gallatin County Sheriff’s deputy went to serve an arrest warrant and found the defendant armed, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
After a one-day trial on July 15, the jury found the defendant, Perry Edward Carson, 46, guilty of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Carson 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 Dec. 5. Carson was detained pending further proceedings.
“Felons illegally possessing firearms, like Carson did, are a threat to public safety, and in this case, Carson’s conduct posed a threat to a law enforcement officer when he was attempting to serve an arrest warrant. Keeping guns out of the hands of prohibited persons is critical to reducing overall gun violence. I thank our prosecution team, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their diligent work on this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that on March 15, a Gallatin County Sheriff’s deputy went to Carson’s camper to execute an arrest warrant. Carson saw the deputy arrive and told him he was going to put down his gun out of respect and asked the deputy to do the same. Carson entered his camper, went out of sight and then returned to the open door. Carson refused to exit the camper. The deputy directed Carson several times to stay away from the firearm and exit the camper. Eventually, Carson was tased and taken into custody. The deputy obtained a search warrant for the camper and found a 9mm pistol that had a magazine and ammunition. Carson was convicted of a felony drug crime in Pennsylvania and sentenced in 1999.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office 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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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared recently 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 Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on July 11 was:
Kaitlyn Beth Cochran, 33, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cochran faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Cochran was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations, the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Billings Police Department and Bozeman Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-68.
Shanley Leonard Bighorn, 39, a transient, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bighorn faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Bighorn was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-49.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on July 1 was:
Owen David James, 50, of Dillon, on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, James 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 charges and a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other crime, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge. James was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Highway Patrol. Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, Butte Silver Bow Law Enforcement and Idaho State Police investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-19.
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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East Helena man admits firing gun during Townsend gas station robberyRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — An East Helena man suspected of firing a gun during a robbery of a gas station in Townsend admitted to a firearms charge on July 10, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Samuel James Collins, 34, pleaded guilty to possessing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Collins faces a mandatory minimum 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. Sentencing was set for Nov. 24. Collins was detained pending further proceedings.
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 Ford F-150 pickup with an estimated $330 in cash. Video surveillance from the business captured the incident:
Approximately 20 minutes later, Meagher County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop of 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 subsequent 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 is prosecuting the case. The Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office, Meagher 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
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Browning man who shot, wounded man in the head on Blackfeet Indian Reservation sentenced to more than five years in prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to shooting and wounding a man in the head on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to five years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Joseph Paul Vandenberg, 21, pleaded guilty in March to assault with a dangerous weapon and to using a firearm during a crime of violence as charged in an indictment.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in the early morning hours of March 11, 2022 in Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Vandenberg was a backseat passenger in a vehicle that was cruising around when the driver pulled up and blocked the driveway of a home. The victim, identified as John Doe, and a friend, got into an SUV that was backed into the driveway. Doe tried to maneuver around the vehicle. Vandenberg opened the back door of the vehicle, pulled out a firearm and fired a round as Doe’s vehicle was driving away. The bullet grazed the side of Doe’s head and lodged in the dashboard at the base of the windshield. Doe was treated for a large laceration on his head. Vandenberg admitted to being the shooter and told law enforcement that the driver told him to shoot, and he did because he was scared.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.
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Missoula fentanyl distributor sentenced to more than seven years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Missoula man who admitted to trafficking fentanyl pills in the community was sentenced today to seven years and four months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant Shayden Bradley Westfall, 28, pleaded guilty in March to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged law enforcement learned that Westfall was at a Missoula hotel with distribution quantities of drugs and executed a search warrant on Westfall’s room in December 2022. Officers located approximately 500 fentanyl pills and a quarter pound of methamphetamine. Westfall also had a .40-caliber pistol he admitted had been traded for fentanyl pills.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Missoula 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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Bozeman man sentenced, fined $2,500 for assault onboard airplaneRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Bozeman man who admitted assaulting a woman passenger while on a flight from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Bozeman was sentenced today to two years of probation and fined $2,500, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Hunter Andrew Dietrich, 33, pleaded guilty in March to assault onboard an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States, a misdemeanor.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court also ordered $1,704 restitution to the airline.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Feb. 11, 2023, SkyWest Flight 3789 operating as Delta Connections traveled from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Bozeman. During the flight, Dietrich, a passenger, was disruptive, assaulted numerous individuals and disobeyed repeated instructions from the flight crew to behave. The investigation found that Dietrich kissed a flight attendant on the head while touching her buttocks, and, while sitting next to a female passenger, he put his hands between her legs and his arm around her shoulder after being told not to. Dietrich continued this behavior while the plane was on approach, and he appeared to be intoxicated.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Bozeman Airport Police conducted the investigation.
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New Mexico man admits stealing letters by wife of Western artist Charlie “C.M.” Russell and other items from Montana Historical SocietyRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A New Mexico man accused of stealing 100-year-old items, including letters by the wife of Western artist Charlie “C.M.” Russell, from the Montana Historical Society and selling them for a profit on eBay admitted today to a theft crime, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Brian Anthony D’Ambrosio, 49, of Sante Fe, New Mexico, pleaded guilty to theft of major artwork. D’Ambrosio 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. Sentencing was set for Nov. 13. D’Ambrosio’s release was continued pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that D’Ambrosio, while claiming to conduct research at the Montana Historical Society, a museum located in Helena, stole items from the archives from about April 2022 to September 2023. The stolen items included letters written by Nancy Russell, the wife of renowned Western artist Charlie “C.M.” Russell. The stolen items were more than 100 years old, were of cultural heritage and exceeded $5,000 in value. D’Ambrosio then sold and attempted to sell the stolen items for profit on eBay. An undercover FBI agent posed as a would-be purchaser to confirm D’Ambrosio was the individual stealing the items from the Montana Historical Society and selling or attempting to sell the items on eBay for a profit, none of which was authorized.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Helena Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Mexican citizen sentenced to 15 years in prison for producing child pornographyRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Mexican citizen who lived part-time in Stevensville, Montana, was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for taking videos of himself having sex with a minor girl in Mexico and viewing the material while in Montana, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Efren Zanabriga Zuniga, 36, of Oaxaca, Mexico, pleaded guilty in February to production of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court also ordered $3,000 restitution.
In court documents, the government alleged that in September 2023, Homeland Security Investigations received several CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding files depicting a minor female and adult male engaged in sexually explicit conduct that were uploaded to a Google Drive account. An investigation determined the Google Drive account belonged to Zuniga and that he was the adult male depicted in the videos and images while the victim was a minor girl. Zuniga, who worked part of the year in the United States on a work visa, would return to Mexico where he would create the images and videos using a cell phone. When he returned to Montana, he viewed the material on his Google Drive account, where he had placed the files.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. HSI and Missoula Police Department 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 admits stabbing employee in Glacier Peaks Casino and Hotel on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
UPDATED to correct name of business as Glacier Peaks Casino and Hotel
GREAT FALLS — A Heart Butte man accused of stabbing an employee of the Glacier Peaks Casino and Hotel while in the business admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Kal William Runningcrane, 27, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Runningcrane 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. Sentencing was set for Nov. 7. Runningcrane’s release was continued pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in the early morning hours of Feb. 25, Runningcrane stabbed a Glacier Peaks employee, identified as John Doe, with a knife. Runningcrane had been drinking for several hours with family and friends to celebrate his birthday. The group was listening to live music, and Doe was sitting alone at an adjacent table. Without provocation, Runningcrane walked to Doe’s table, approached from the side and stabbed Doe in the neck. Doe tried to stand and fight back, and Runningcrane stabbed him in the abdomen. Doe grabbed Runningcrane’s wrist, trying to disarm him, and was able to get away. The knife fell to the ground. Runningcrane left the scene and was arrested later that night miles from Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, where the casino is located. Doe was rushed to the hospital and then life-flighted to Great Falls for treatment of wounds.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Pondera County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
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Fort Belknap man admits stabbing woman on Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Fort Belknap man accused of stabbing a woman multiple times during an argument admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Leon Boyd Messerly, 63, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Messerly 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. Sentencing was set for Nov. 2. Messerly was detained pending further proceedings.
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, saw her with stab wounds 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 is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Researcher at University of Montana admits falsifying records in federal investigationRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A researcher at the University of Montana on June 27 admitted to charges of falsifying documents in a federal investigation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Braxton Alan Norwood, 43, of Marburg, Germany, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with falsification of records in a federal investigation. Norwood faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for Oct. 30. Norwood was released pending further proceedings.
In a plea agreement filed in the case, the parties agree that Norwood is responsible for complete restitution and that restitution totals $165,446. If the court accepts the plea agreement at sentencing, the government will move to dismiss the indictment.
In court documents, the government alleged that Norwood was owner and CEO of Expesicor LLC, which conducted neurological disorder research at the University of Montana in Missoula. Expesicor received federal grant funding from the National Institutes of Health, which is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Norwood was designated the principal investigator, a position that directs a grant project, for federal research grants awarded to Expesicor. Between 2019 and 2021, Expesicor received $515,163 in federal grant funding from the National Institutes of Health. As further alleged, Norwood used Lab Surplus to purchase items on behalf of Expesicor. Over time, suspicions arose over Norwood’s claimed purchases, and federal agencies began an investigation. During the investigation, Norwood knowingly provided a document to case agents that included materially false information.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.
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Washington man sentenced to seven years in prison for meth trafficking in large-scale drug conspiracy based on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Washington man who came to the Crow Indian Reservation to distribute methamphetamine in a large-scale conspiracy was sentenced today to seven years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for his conviction of a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Daniel Jiminez-Chavez, aka Raton, 40, of Okanogan, Washington, and a Mexican citizen, pleaded guilty in January to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, conducted a large-scale, narcotics trafficking investigation centered on multiple properties on the Crow Indian Reservation. The properties, including one referred to as Spear Siding, were a source of supply of meth for both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations from about January 2022 through March 2023. Jiminez-Chavez is one of approximately two dozen individuals associated with the investigation.
The government alleged Jiminez-Chavez was among the top tier of the conspiracy and came to Lodge Grass, on the Crow Indian Reservation, from Washington in about February 2023 to distribute meth and act as a caretaker. He had no ties to Montana other than a directive to look after one of the houses involved in conspiracy and sell drugs for a co-conspirator. Jiminez-Chavez began staying at a house known as the Bloodman residence, which was near Spear Siding. While at the residence, Jiminez-Chavez distributed meth to approximately six others in the case with assistance from another co-conspirator, who translated for him. Jiminez-Chavez was in Montana about two months before his arrest. Jiminez-Chavez was responsible for distributing at least 4.5 kilograms, which is almost 10 pounds, of meth in a two-month period. Ten pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 36,240 doses.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration 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.
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National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action Results in 193 Defendants Charged and over $2.75 Billion in False ClaimsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — Today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich, for the District of Montana, announced criminal charges against a Whitefish physician in connection with alleged schemes to defraud Medicare and other government health program. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Justice Department’s 2024 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action. The charges stem from fraudulently charging Medicare and other government health programs for telemedicine office visits that did not occur.
“It does not matter if you are a trafficker in a drug cartel or a corporate executive or medical professional employed by a health care company, if you profit from the unlawful distribution of controlled substances, you will be held accountable,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will bring to justice criminals who defraud Americans, steal from taxpayer-funded programs, and put people in danger for the sake of profits.”
“As alleged, the defendant, Ronald David Dean, falsely billed Medicare and other health programs so he could enrich himself by diverting government health care funds meant to help elderly and disabled persons. Specifically, we allege he billed for telemedicine visits that did not occur and signed orders for durable medical equipment and covid-19 tests patients did not need, all of which resulted in over $39 million in false billing. As this action shows, we are committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting those who try to defraud our health care programs,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
An information charging Dean, along with a plea agreement, was filed on June 24. An arraignment and plea hearing are scheduled for July 17 in U.S. District Court in Missoula.
The charges announced today by U.S. Attorney Laslovich are part of a strategically coordinated, two-week nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 193 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes that resulted in the submission of over $2.75 billion in alleged false billings. The defendants allegedly defrauded programs entrusted for the care of the elderly and disabled to line their own pockets, and the Government, in connection with the enforcement action, seized over $231 million in cash, luxury vehicles, gold, and other assets.
The Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, Northeast, and Texas Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Southern District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Northern District of California, Southern District of California, District of Connecticut, Middle District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern District of Kentucky, Western District to Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, Western District of Louisiana, Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of New Jersey, Eastern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Rhode Island, Eastern District of Tennessee, Middle District of Tennessee, Eastern District of Texas, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, and Eastern District of Wisconsin; and State Attorney Generals’ Offices for Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, and South Dakota are prosecuting the cases in the National Enforcement Action, with assistance from the Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team. Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.
The District of Montana, in particular, worked with the Department’s Criminal Division and the following law enforcement organizations to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the enforcement period: the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG) and Railroad Retirement Board Office of Inspector General.
“We will not tolerate fraud that preys on patients who need and deserve high quality health care,” said the Honorable Christi A. Grimm, the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “The hard work of the HHS-OIG team and our outstanding law enforcement partners makes today’s action possible. We must protect taxpayer dollars and keep Americans safe from harms to their health, privacy, and financial well-being.”
“The defendant’s agreement to plead guilty will hold him accountable for his fraudulent actions and reflects the magnitude of the crime committed against CHAMPVA and Medicare,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Molly King of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northwest Field Office. “The VA OIG’s continued oversight of VA’s multiple healthcare programs is one of the agency’s highest priorities. We thank our law enforcement partners for their efforts in this joint investigation.”
The following individual has been charged in the District of Montana:
Ronald David Dean, 64, of Whitefish, Montana, a licensed physician, was charged by information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a telemedicine scheme. As alleged in the information, Dean was paid by a telemedicine company to sign orders for durable medical equipment that patients did not need. Dean then fraudulently charged Medicare and other government health programs for telemedicine office visits that did not occur. The telemedicine company also used Dean’s information to prescribe unneeded and unnecessary covid tests to patients. In total, Dean’s order resulted in false billing to government health care programs of over $39 million. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana is prosecuting the case.
A complaint, information, or indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Great Falls man sentenced to three years for assaulting man on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted assaulting another man with a baseball bat on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and illegally possessing ammunition was sentenced today to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Paul Joseph Valenzuela, 56, pleaded guilty in January to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and to prohibited person in possession of ammunition.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents, that on Aug. 23, 2023, Valenzuela and others went to the victim’s residence on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Valenzuela and others assaulted the victim, identified as John Doe, with a baseball bat. John Doe suffered serious injuries, including multiple fractured bones. When law enforcement searched Valenzuela’s residence, they located 60 rounds of ammunition. Valenzuela was prohibited from possessing ammunition because of multiple prior felony convictions.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.
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Federal jury convicts Missoula man of armed meth, fentanyl trafficking in communityRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A federal jury on June 25 convicted a Missoula man accused of armed methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking in the Missoula area of multiple drug and firearms crimes, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
After a two-day trial that began on June 24, 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. Green 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 conspiracy 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 firearms and ammunition charge.
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 Oct. 22. Green was detained pending further proceedings.
“The jury’s guilty verdicts on all three counts validate our relentless efforts to hold accountable those who are responsible for flooding our communities with methamphetamine and fentanyl. The quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficked by Green were staggering and poisoned far too many Montanans. And his use of guns as currency while trafficking his drugs means he will spend even more time in federal prison when he’s sentenced. These verdicts would not have occurred without our federal prosecutors, 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, for which I am grateful,” 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 while trafficking drugs. Law enforcement received information that Green was a major meth and fentanyl 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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Ex-BLM employee sentenced to prison for stealing money by forging government checksRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A former Bureau of Land Management employee who admitted to stealing thousands of dollars by forging a co-worker’s signature on government checks was sentenced today to two years and seven months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Adrian Anthony Aragon, 53, of Butte, pleaded guilty in February to theft of government money and aggravated identity theft.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court also ordered $8,600 restitution.
In court documents, the government alleged that Aragon worked for the BLM in 2019 and 2020 until he was federally prosecuted for repeatedly using his employee travel card for personal expenses. After being released from custody and while on federal supervised release, Aragon forged the signature of a former co-worker on stolen BLM checks and incurred more than $10,000 in losses in the co-worker’s name. Aragon used the stolen money for personal expenses including cash withdrawals, bills, restaurants, grocery stores and Amazon purchases. The former co-worker said Aragon had access to her checks during his employment and made schedule changes that resulted in him being the first or last person to leave the office.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Department of Interior Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.
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Box Elder man sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexually abusing two children on Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man convicted by a federal jury of sexually abusing two children at a residence on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced on June 25 to 30 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
After a two-day trial, a jury found Shawn Saddler, Sr., 57, guilty on Feb. 7 of aggravated sexual abuse and two counts of abusive sexual contact.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
“Saddler sexually abused little girls who were too young to understand what he was doing and too small to stop him. Saddler’s crimes inflicted serious trauma on them, and their lives will never be the same due to his abuse. I hope they find a small degree of comfort knowing he will rightfully spend the next 30 years in federal prison, where he will be unable to hurt them or any other children again,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government alleged in court documents and at trial that in 2022 in a residence in Box Elder, on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, Saddler sexually molested and abused two girls multiple times. Both victims were under the age of 12 years at the time.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Assault, strangulation of partner sends Browning man to prison for more than four yearsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to strangling and beating a dating partner, causing serious injury, was sentenced today to four years and two months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Emerson John No Runner, Jr., 48, pleaded guilty in February to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault of a dating partner by strangulation and suffocation.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in March 2022 in Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, No Runner and his then-girlfriend, identified as Jane Doe, had been drinking together and had slept at a relative’s trailer. The two were alone when No Runner started arguing with Jane Doe about perceived infidelity. No Runner straddled Jane Doe on a mattress, placed his hands around her neck and applied pressure. Jane Doe lost consciousness and woke up in a pool of blood. Jane Doe also found pieces of wood in her hair. Officers seized a piece of wood with apparent blood and hair. Jane Doe suffered a brain injury and bruising on her neck. In a Facebook message to Jane Doe in December 2023, No Runner referenced the assault, stating, “the plan was to kill you that day should of, so bye bitch.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and FBI conducted the investigation.
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Browning man sentenced to over four years in prison for meth trafficking on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced on Monday to four years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Robbie Wayne Racine, 31, pleaded guilty in January to possession with intent to distribute meth.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in the spring of 2023, Racine was stopped in multiple vehicles containing meth and other evidence of his distribution. In April 2023, Racine was stopped for a traffic violation along with his co-defendant. Both occupants were arrested. More than 15 grams of meth was seized from the co-defendant’s person while being booked into jail. A search of the vehicle also yielded evidence of distribution, including baggies and a digital scale. A month later, Racine was driving a different vehicle when he was again stopped by Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services for a traffic violation and was arrested. Racine had a scale in his pocket. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and seized more than 170 grams of meth in a safe concealed as a book.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and Glacier County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
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Poplar man sentenced to 15 months in prison for assaulting woman on Fort Peck Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Poplar man who admitted to beating a woman on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced on June 20 to 15 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Thomas Ivan Reese Larson, 25, pleaded guilty in February to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court document that in January 2021 in Poplar, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Larson assaulted the victim, identified as Jane Doe, during an argument while he was intoxicated. Larson held the victim by her throat and struck her in the face, causing multiple injuries to her face and neck.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Peck Law Enforcement conducted the investigation.
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Great Falls man admits trafficking methamphetamine and fentanylRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man admitted on June 20 to trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl after a law enforcement investigation determined he was dealing large quantities of drugs in the community and found two pounds of meth wired under his truck, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, John Mead Ogburn, 45, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl. Ogburn faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.
Under the terms of a plea agreement, the parties agreed that a prison sentence in the range of 12 years and seven months to 15 years and eight months is an appropriate sentence to resolve the case.
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 Oct. 24. Ogburn was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that in September and October 2023, drug task officers in Great Falls learned Ogburn was a source of supply of meth and fentanyl. In November 2023, officers intercepted a UPS package that contained 1,757 fentanyl pills. The package was intended to be delivered to a Great Falls address of an individual, who admitted knowing the package contained fentanyl and who identified Ogburn as arranging for the shipment. In December 2023, officers received information that another individual possessed a large quantity of fentanyl powder. Officers executed a search warrant on the individual’s residence and recovered approximately one pound of meth and 55 grams of fentanyl powder. Officers observed Ogburn at the individual’s home before and after the search, and the individual later told officers that the drugs were intended for Ogburn. On Feb. 9, law enforcement conducted an interdiction stop on Interstate 90 of two vehicles associated with Ogburn, an Acura and a Dodge truck. A search of the vehicles found approximately two pounds of meth wired under the truck. Ogburn admitted on a recorded jail call that he was responsible for placing the meth under the truck.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Russell Country Drug Task Force, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office 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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Reed Point man admits possessing stolen firearmsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Reed Point man on June 18 admitted to possessing stolen firearms found in a stolen vehicle that crashed near Helena following a pursuit, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Jarred Lane Saunders, 25, pleaded guilty to possession of stolen firearms. Saunders faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and there 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 Oct. 2. Saunders was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on Oct. 12, 2022, Billings police officers responded to a local hotel where 23 firearms had been stolen from a vehicle parked in its lot. The lawful owners provided a list of the stolen firearms. Saunders likely stole the 23 firearms because his fingerprints were found at the scene. Saunders then brought stolen firearms and fentanyl in a stolen car to Helena. On Oct. 15, 2022, the Montana Highway Patrol initiated a pursuit of 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.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting 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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Billings man sentenced to two years in prison for bank robberyRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man convicted for his role in two bank robberies within days of each other was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Steven Whitecloud, 88, pleaded guilty in February to bank robbery.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $3,092 restitution. Whitecloud was ordered to report to the U.S. Marshals Service pending designation to a Bureau of Prisons medical facility.
The government alleged in court documents that on Aug. 24, 2023, co-defendant Patrick Justice entered U.S. Bank, on Grand Avenue in Billings, presented the teller a note that demanded money, received money and fled in a Ford Taurus. Four days later, on Aug. 28, 2023, Justice entered Wells Fargo Bank, on Main Street, and again presented a demand note to the teller and told the teller he was “strapped,” which the teller interpreted as he was armed with a gun. The teller gave Justice money, and he fled. As officers responded to the scene, they spotted a green Taurus matching the description from the first bank robbery. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, and, after a pursuit, pulled over the vehicle and detained Justice and Whitecloud. Whitecloud told officers he suggested he and Justice rob banks to make money, as he had done in the past. Whitecloud was convicted in 2008 of bank robbery. Whitecloud admitted he showed Justice what banks to rob and acted as the getaway driver. Justice was sentenced to two years in prison for his conviction in the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Malta man admits illegal possession of silencerRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Malta man admitted today to illegally possessing a silencer after law enforcement served a search warrant at his residence and found numerous firearms, a suppressor, drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Deric Ron Welch, 36, pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered silencer. Welch faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $10,000 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 Oct. 23. Welch was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on May 27, 2023 in Malta, law enforcement responded to a domestic violence call at Welch’s residence, and a state search warrant was obtained for the residence. Law enforcement recovered numerous firearms, one suppressor, drug paraphernalia and meth. An investigation determined that the silencer found in the search was a device for silencing or muffling a firearm and was not registered as required by federal law.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Phillips 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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Browning man sentenced to 18 months in prison for assaulting elderly small business owner on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to beating an elderly small business owner while demanding money was sentenced today to 18 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Frederick Melvin Noon, Jr., 39, pleaded guilty in January to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered Noon pay $2,500 for reported lost wages.
In court documents, the government alleged that on March 21, 2023, Noon assaulted the victim, identified as John Doe, a small business owner who was in his 70s, while demanding money. Noon was intoxicated when he walked into the business and demanded money. When Doe refused, Noon became angry and started demanding that Doe retrieve money from a back room. Doe gave Noon a few dollars, but Doe was unsatisfied and began assaulting Doe. Noon grabbed Doe by the head and started scratching him, then threw him to the ground. Doe suffered broken bones and underwent surgery for injuries from the assault.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich, for the District of Montana, joins national, state, local, and Tribal leaders in recognizing Saturday, June 15, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Since 2006, WEAAD has been commemorated to promote awareness and increase understanding of the many forms of elder abuse as well as the resources available to those at risk.
Highlighting the partnership between law enforcement and the public, U.S. Attorney Laslovich emphasized the importance of awareness and education.
“Our office is committed to preventing abuse and neglect of older adults, and to prosecuting those who try to take advantage of them, whether physically, psychologically, or financially. I urge everyone to help us stop this abuse by checking in on older adults who may have few friends or family members, watching for unusual financial transactions, and reporting abuse or suspected abuse to local adult protective services, long-term care ombudsmen, or law enforcement,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver or other person in a trust relationship. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual or psychological. The Justice Department maintains a variety of programs and initiatives to combat elder abuse.
The Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force marshals federal and state agencies working collaboratively to investigate and prosecute foreign-based schemes that target older Americans. In addition to aggressively investigating the individuals, organizations and networks responsible for these crimes, this initiative provides the public with information to guard against both traditional scams, like tech support fraud, as well as trending schemes, such as romance scams.
Using one scam to perpetrate or conceal another, some fraudsters rely on money mules to move the proceeds of their illegal activity. Preying on the good will or financial vulnerability of their targets, scammers recruit people, many times older victims, to participate in schemes to move money in ways that avoid notice. The Money Mule Initiative identifies and addresses money mule activity to disrupt these fraud schemes, and helps people to recognize and avoid participation in perpetuating fraud.
To help older individuals and their families identify and avoid fraudulent activity, the Justice Department provides Senior Scam Alerts with information about tactics used in specific schemes.
To learn more about the department’s elder justice efforts please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page.
The District of Montana continues to work with federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute elder abuse crimes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office recently prosecuted and convicted individuals in two cases involving elderly victims.
In one case, a daughter was sentenced to prison for stealing more than $700,000 from her elderly mother while serving as her caregiver. https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/daughter-who-stole-more-700000-elderly-mother-lewistown-while-serving-caregiver
In another case, two men were sentenced to prison for their role in an India-based computer hacking scam that targeted elderly victims nationwide and stole $150,000 from a Kalispell woman. https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/india-based-computer-hacking-scam-targeted-elderly-across-country-and-stole-150000
To report elder fraud, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
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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 Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on June 11 was:
Ashley Jocelyn Cortez, 24, of Box Elder, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cortez 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 charges, 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. Cortez was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Havre Police Department, Hill County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Rocky Boy’s Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-46.
Brooke Olson Newton, 29, of Bainville, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Newton faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Newton was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Valley County Sheriff’s Office, Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Peck Police Department and Williston, N.D., Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-35.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on June 13 was:
Kyle Thomas Ball, 22, of Billings, on charges of false statement during a firearms transaction and possession of firearm with obliterated serial number. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ball faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Ball was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-64.
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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Oklahoma sex offender sentenced to seven years in prison for failing to register in MontanaRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — An Oklahoma man convicted by a federal jury in Montana of failing to register as a sex offender after moving to the Billings area and despite repeated orders to do so was sentenced today to seven years in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Windelyn Valdo Shoulderblade, Jr., 33, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was convicted of failure to register as a sex offender on Jan. 30, following a two-day jury trial.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court ordered the sentence to run consecutive to other cases pending in Oklahoma.
“For years, Shoulderblade refused to comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), while continuing to commit sex offenses and exhibiting public displays of sexual deviancy. By not registering as required by law, Shoulderblade posed a constant threat to community safety. But not anymore, as he will spend the next seven years in federal prison due to aggressive and effective work of our federal prosecutors, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Northern Cheyenne SORNA Compliance Office, and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
“Since the passage of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act in July 2006, the U.S. Marshals Service, nationally and in Montana, has vigorously pursued those who have failed to stay compliant with the legal requirements of their registration. We will continue to do so. This sentence was the culmination of some great collaboration among several federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement entities and is a good example of how, when all of us work together, we can make our communities a safer and better place to live,” said U.S. Marshal Craig Anderson.
In court documents, the government alleged that Shoulderblade was convicted of felony sexual battery in Oklahoma in 2014 and was required by law to register as a sex offender under SORNA. The government further alleged that from about December 2022 to November 2023 in Montana, Shoulderblade knowingly failed to register and update his sex offender registration. Since his 2014 conviction, Shoulderblade continued exhibiting predacious behavior while refusing to comply with his sex offender registration requirements. While out of compliance with his registration requirements, Shoulderblade spent years committing additional sex crimes. Shoulderblade moved to Montana in December 2022 and had contacts with law enforcement in Billings and on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. Despite instructions to register by a Northern Cheyenne SORNA compliance officer and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Shoulderblade never did. After relocating to Billings, Shoulderblade had frequent, near-weekly contact with local law enforcement between March 2023 and July 2023.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The U.S. Marshals Service, Northern Cheyenne SORNA Compliance Office and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
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Canadian national accused of attempted coercion and enticement, child pornography crimesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Canadian national who is accused of traveling to Montana to engage in illicit sexual conduct and was arrested in Billings in an undercover investigation appeared for arraignment today on charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Andrew Scott Brown, 43, of Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with attempted coercion and enticement, three counts of distribution of child pornography and travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. If convicted of the most serious crime, Brown faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Brown was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that from Jan. 27 through May 6, at Billings and in Canada, Brown used the internet and a cellular telephone to attempt to entice and coerce an individual he believed had not attained the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity. Brown also is accused of sending images that contain Child Sexual Abuse Material to an undercover law enforcement persona. In January, an undercover detective with the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office posted a message on a social media site, and a suspect with the username of “Eagle_Tiger” responded. The undercover persona identified herself as a 12-year-old girl, while “Eagle_Tiger” identified himself as a 42-year-old named Andrew, from Alberta, Canada. As further alleged, conversations led to Andrew discussing wanting to have sex with the persona and sending CSAM to the persona. Law enforcement arrested Brown on May 6 when he traveled to Billings to meet with the undercover persona.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Billings Police Department and the FBI 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.
PACER case reference. 24-80.
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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