District of Montana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Troy area man sentenced to two months in prison, fined $10,000 for killing grizzly bear, tampering with evidenceRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Troy area man who admitted to killing a grizzly bear on his property in 2020, not reporting the shooting as required and throwing the bear’s GPS collar in the Yaak River was sentenced today to two months in prison and fined $10,000, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Othel Lee Pearson, 80, pleaded guilty in February to tampering with evidence, a felony, and to failure to report taking of grizzly bear, a misdemeanor.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court further ordered Pearson to serve four months of home confinement after his incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In addition, the court ordered Pearson to forfeit a .270 Winchester bolt-action rifle with a scope that he used to kill the grizzly bear and was seized from his residence. The court allowed Pearson to self-report to prison.
“Those of us who grew up in Montana know not just the dangers associated with grizzly bears, but also their protected status as a threatened species, too. When, as here, one illegally kills a grizzly bear, and in an attempt to cover it up, cuts off the bear’s GPS collar, tosses it into the Yaak River, and butchers the carcass for disposal, a federal felony will be pursued. The Cabinet-Yaak area is a designated grizzly bear recovery zone and includes Pearson’s property, which makes Pearson’s conduct even more troubling. Pearson was only caught due to the sophistication and tenacity of agents with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and our federal prosecutors, for which I am grateful,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
"The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to protecting our nation's natural resources for the continued benefit of the American people. Grizzly bears are a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act and the state animal of Montana, which shows the importance of grizzly bears to the people and our ecosystems," said Edward Grace, Assistant Director for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. "Our agents will work tirelessly to investigate the illegal take of grizzly bears even when faced with the attempts to destroy and cover up the crime."
As alleged in amended court documents, on Nov. 19, 2020, Pearson shot and killed a sow grizzly bear on his residential property, using a .270 rifle. Pearson cut a GPS collar that had been fitted to the bear and discarded the collar nearby in the Yaak River. Pearson also cut paws, ear tags and an identifying lip tattoo from the bear carcass. Pearson then concealed the bear’s claws and an ear tag in a hollowed-out tree on Forest Service land near his residence. Meat from the bear was discovered in Pearson’s freezer inside his home. Pearson attempted to and did tamper with these identifying items to impair the criminal prosecution for failing to report taking of a grizzly bear. Pearson did not report the killing of the grizzly bear to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within five days of occurrence.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted the investigation.
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Ex-finance manager for Kalispell firearms manufacturer admits stealing approximately $159,000 in check schemeRead the Press Release
MISSOULA —A Columbia Falls woman who managed books for a Kalispell firearm manufacturing business today admitted to stealing approximately $159,000 from the company in a check scheme, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Teri Anne Bell, 58, pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Bell faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Oct. 8. Bell was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that from May 2018 until about December 2021, Bell, while working as a finance manager for Falkor SID Inc., a firearm manufacturing and distribution business in Kalispell, stole from her employer. Bell was provided pre-signed checks to make payments to Falkor vendors and had access to Falkor’s bank account and its accounting software. In the fall of 2021, Falkor’s owners suspected Bell was stealing money from the company, and a financial audit determined that Bell completed 45 unauthorized transactions totaling $159,131 in Falkor funds. Bell wrote checks from Falkor to herself or her creditors and then edited the payments in an accounting system so that they appeared to be for legitimate business expenses. Bell used the stolen funds for personal expenses, including hotels in Las Vegas and at Quinn’s Hot Springs, payments to retail and liquor stores, collection agencies and streaming services.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office 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. District or 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 Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris and pleading not guilty on June 6 was:
Melody Rose Bernard, 49, 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, Bernard 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 in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearms charge. Bernard was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Rocky Boy’s Police Department, Hill County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and Havre Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-46.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on June 5 was:
Lori Pauline Whiteshield, 44, of Lame Deer, on charges of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a person under 16. If convicted of the most serious crime, Whiteshield faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Whiteshield was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-62.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on May 30 was:
Todd Schannen Pearson, 54, of Indianapolis, Indiana, on charges of transportation of child pornography and possession of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Pearson faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release. Pearson was detained pending further proceedings. The Bozeman Police Department and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-09.
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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Escaped felon arrested after drive-by shooting, chase in Billings sentenced to more than three years in prison for illegal possession of firearmRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A felon who escaped from a pre-release center, committed a drive by shooting at a house in Billings and then led law enforcement on a chase in a stolen vehicle before crashing was sentenced yesterday to three years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conviction of a firearms crime, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Azuriah Austin Stallcup, 20, of Billings, pleaded guilty in February to prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on July 6, 2023, Stallcup was a wanted escapee from a Butte pre-release center when he travelled to Billings, obtained a stolen .40-caliber firearm and repeatedly fired it from his stolen vehicle into a house. Residential surveillance cameras identified the vehicle and Stallcup. Billings Police Department officers tracked Stallcup the next day to a house. When officers attempted to arrest Stallcup as he was leaving in the stolen vehicle, Stallcup rammed one of the police cars, plowed into a nearby civilian vehicle and fled on foot. Officers chased Stallcup and saw him throw a pistol over a fence. Police officers, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, arrested Stallcup after being tackled by the owner of the car he had just hit. Officers recovered a .40-caliber pistol. Stallcup had been convicted of assault with a weapon, a felony, in Montana District Court and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Marshals Service, 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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Tennessee man admits fentanyl distribution that led to death of Great Falls manRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Tennessee man accused of mailing fentanyl pills to a Great Falls couple that led to the overdose death of the husband admitted to a trafficking crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Malice Clark, Jr., aka Greg Clark, aka “Greed”, 57, of Memphis, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Clark faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Oct. 17. Clark was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that from at least February 2021 to April 2022, Clark repeatedly mailed small quantities of fentanyl from his home in Tennessee to the victim, John Doe, and his wife in Great Falls. Clark and Doe were friends and Doe would send Clark money in exchange for user amounts of fentanyl. Doe usually sent the money to Clark through a mobile cash transfer app, and Clark would send Doe a receipt and U.S. Postal Service tracking number for the package that contained fentanyl. On April 5, 2022, Doe and his wife received a package of fentanyl in the mail from Clark. That evening, both Doe and his wife took some of the fentanyl. At about 2:20 a.m. on April 6, 2022, Doe’s wife called 911 and reported that Doe had overdosed. Doe was found unresponsive and pronounced dead. An autopsy confirmed that Doe’s death was caused by acute fentanyl intoxication. Law enforcement collected pills that were determined to be fentanyl from Doe’s home, Doe’s wife admitted they had obtained the pills from Clark through the mail.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes is prosecuting the case. The Great Falls Police Department, Memphis (Tennessee) Police Department, FBI, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Medical Examiner Office conducted the investigation.
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Daughter who stole more than $700,000 from elderly mother in Lewistown while serving as caregiver sentenced to four and one-half years in prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A woman who forged checks to steal more than $700,000 from her elderly mother in Lewistown while purporting to serve as her caregiver was sentenced today to four and one-half years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Roxanna Rae Lewis-Stella, 60, of Billings, pleaded guilty in January to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered Lewis-Stella to pay $725,145 restitution.
“It shocks the conscience that after a lifetime of love from her mother, Lewis-Stella, when her vulnerable mom needed her most, stole so much of her money that her mom had to sell her home to move into an assisted living facility. Every case involving elder fraud and abuse is repulsive, but it is particularly odious when it is done by a family member. Whether the perpetrator is a family member or stranger, we will continue intensifying our efforts to fight elder fraud and abuse to protect the generations who came before us,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government alleged that from November 2021 to July 2023, Lewis-Stella, under the guise of serving as caregiver for her mother, forged approximately 70 of her mother’s checks to steal her fortune. In one instance, Lewis-Stella attempted to cash a forged check for $500,000. Lewis-Stella also reused checks by altering numbers and depositing them twice. To conceal her crimes, Lewis-Stella called the banks and impersonated her mother and intercepted mailed bank statements before her mother could see them. In addition, Lewis-Stella stole and pawned a 100-ounce silver bar from her mother, used her father’s credit cards after his death to accumulate $14,000 in charges for her personal expenses and stole and forged a $12,505 life insurance check written to her husband’s son. Lewis-Stella used the money for clothes, travel, entertainment, restaurants, online shopping, cosmetic procedures and tattoos.
In addition, the government alleged that Lewis-Stella’s mother was a vulnerable victim because of her advanced age and because she relied almost entirely on her daughter for care. After the thefts were discovered, Lewis-Stella’s mother was forced to sell her home and move into an assisted living facility.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karla E. Painter and Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case. The FBI, Fergus County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Adult Protective Services conducted the investigation.
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Belgrade felon sentenced to two years in prison for illegal possession of firearmRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Belgrade felon who admitted illegally possessing a firearm for five years and while on state probation 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, Mark John Littlefield, 49, pleaded guilty in January to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Littlefield was convicted in December 2011 of felony driving under the influence in Gallatin County District Court. One of the conditions of Littlefield’s sentence was that he could not own or possess firearms. In 2020, Littlefield was explicitly informed he could not possess firearms, and he signed a form affirming his understanding of the prohibition. Littlefield illegally possessed a firearm for five years, beginning with his acquisition of a .357 pistol in 2018. For all the time from 2018 until June 2023, when probation officers found the pistol in his bedroom, Littlefield was on supervision with the Montana Department of Corrections. Once Littlefield became aware officers had located the firearm, he stated, “I’m going federal, I’m going federal.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian C. Lowney and Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Probation and Parole 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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Helena man suspected of threatening to attack Helena Public Schools sentenced to seven and one-half years in prison for illegally possessing homemade bombs, silencerRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Helena man who admitted to illegally possessing homemade bombs and a silencer after being suspected of planning to attack a Helena Public Schools building was sentenced today to seven and one-half years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Logan Sea Pallister, 25, pleaded guilty in January to possession of unregistered destructive devices and to possession of an unregistered silencer.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in May 2022, the Helena Police Department received information from a juvenile girl that Pallister possessed multiple bombs, had access to multiple firearms and had been making threats of committing an attack at a local high school. The person also indicated that Pallister discussed a desire to commit a Columbine-style attack at the high school. Further, Pallister had shown the individual numerous firearms and a large amount of ammunition that he kept in his car and had purchased a black trench coat and the same type of duffle bag used by the shooters in the attack at Columbine High School. Pallister showed the individual a homemade pipe bomb that he said he’d made and retrieved from his car. The individual later reported that Pallister threatened to kill her if she told anyone about what he had shown her. Although Pallister disputed making the threat, the individual reported the incident to law enforcement.
At about 4 a.m. on May 31, 2022, police officers arrested Pallister as he was walking toward his car from his residence. Pallister was wearing a black trench coat, carrying a bag and had eight loaded firearms concealed on his person, including semi-automatic pistols and AR-style rifles equipped with high-capacity magazines. Following Pallister’s arrest, law enforcement searched his car and recovered nine additional firearms, miscellaneous firearms accessories, body armor, trigger modification systems designed to increase the fire-rate of guns, an ammunition canister containing four homemade pipe bombs and an oil filter modified to function as a silencer. In a search of Pallister’s residence, law enforcement located a large quantity of ammunition, additional firearms parts and materials used to make explosives.
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Box Elder man sentenced to more than three years in prison for assaulting woman on Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man who admitted to assaulting a woman at his residence on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation in 2021 was sentenced today to three years and two months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Gabriel Evan Jordan, 26, pleaded guilty in January to a superseding information charging him with assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on Nov. 16, 2021, the victim, identified as Jane Doe, visited Jordan at his residence. Jordan assaulted the victim by intentionally holding her down and forcing sexual contact, causing serious bodily injury to the victim.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer S. Clark and Stephanie D. Robles prosecuted the case. The FBI, Rocky Boy’s Police Department, Hill County Sheriff’s Office and Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on May 28 was:
Jordan Charles Kirsch, 34, of Bozeman, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kirsch faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Kirsch was detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-14.
Oscar Enrique Ruiz Rojas, 25, of Gallatin Gateway, on charges of alien in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rojas faces maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Rojas was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-17.
Cameron Lee Richard Carr, 34, of Kalispell, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Carr 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 charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Carr was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Glacier County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-23.
Nicole Elice Anderson, 39, of Post Falls, Idaho, on charges of unlawfully obtaining controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Anderson faces a maximum of four years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release. Anderson was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-24.
Jeri Angeline Phillips, 36, of Butte, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Phillips faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Phillips was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-16.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on May 31 was:
Darrien Christian Snow, 23, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Snow faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Snow was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-75.
Appearing on May 30 was:
Juan Ortiz, 47, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ortiz faces a maximum of 15 years prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Ortiz was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-42.
Appearing on May 28 was:
Richard Dale Wright, 46, of Big Fork, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wright faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Wright was detained pending further proceedings. The Montana Highway Patrol, Golden Valley Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.
PACER case reference. 23-127.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint on May 28 was:
Melody Rose Bernard, 51, of Box Elder, and Ashley Jocelyn Cortez, 23, of California, on a criminal complaint charging conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bernard and Cortez face a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Bernard and Cortez were detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Tri Agency Task Force and Fort Belknap Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-46.
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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Havre meth dealer sentenced to more than five years in prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Havre man who admitted selling methamphetamine was sentenced today to five years and four months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Stephen Eric Engelhardt, Jr., 41, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to distribution of meth.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged that in March 2023, members of the Montana Tri-Agency Task Force began investigating Engelhardt’s involvement in meth trafficking. On two occasions, Engelhardt and his co-defendant, Tayla Wren Overlie, sold meth in a controlled operation in April 2023. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at their residence and recovered drug paraphernalia, meth, ammunition, numerous firearms and U.S. currency. Overlie was sentenced to five years and four months in prison for her conviction in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The Tri-Agency Task Force and the FBI conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Hamilton man sentenced for defrauding investors of more than $700,000Read the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Hamilton man who admitted devising a years-long scheme that defrauded investors in Hamilton and Billings of more than $700,000 was sentenced today to five years of probation and ordered to pay $722,808 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Richard William Brooks, 78, pleaded guilty in January to wire fraud.
Under the terms of a plea agreement, the government recommended a probationary sentence. The government requested an aggressive payment schedule for restitution because of Brooks’ available disposable income.
U.S District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court ordered Brooks to pay $722,808 restitution at the rate of $3,000 per month to two victims.
The government alleged in court documents that as far back as 2016, Brooks orchestrated a scheme to defraud individuals of significant sums of money. Contending that he fell “on hard times,” Brooks, often using third parties as intermediaries, claimed that his daughter-in-law was scheduled to receive a large inheritance but for legal and court costs that were required to release it. Brooks deceptively assured multiple victims that if they provided him with money on an expedited timeline, he would return their funds in addition to a premium of between 25 percent and 100 percent. Brooks insisted his victims pay him in cash. When pressed by his victims about non-payment or supporting documentation, Brooks demurred or lied again. He claimed that the inheritance was under seal and that he was unable to provide any documentation. Brooks’ scheme lasted for years, and, in February 2021, law enforcement interviewed Brooks. Brooks contended that he intended to pay back this money, which he never did, and that he was going to receive a settlement in connection to his exposure to Agent Orange. He claimed to have documentation to support his theory that the funds were temporary loans. When law enforcement followed up for the documentation, Brooks ended the communication and never provided any materials to support his position.
One of Brooks’ victims told the court that he lost his business of 10 years and his life savings because of Brooks’ scheme. Another victim told the court that she had been subjected to threatening phone calls, was displaced from her home and forced to sell treasured antiques to survive because of Brooks. “He did more than steal our money. He stole our peace,” the victim said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
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Threats to blow up Dodson school send man to prison for more than one yearRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A man who admitted making threats to blow up the Dodson school was sentenced today to one year and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Jacob Edwin Wilson, 40, a transient, pleaded guilty in January to false information and hoaxes as charged in an indictment.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $7,000 restitution.
The government alleged in court documents that on Aug. 29, 2023, Wilson called both the Blaine County 911 emergency number and the Dodson school, located near the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, and said he was “about to blow Dodson school up.” Law enforcement responded, and the superintendent and principal evacuated students and staff from the school to a nearby church parking lot. Phillips County Sheriff’s Office first responders, the Malta Fire Department and U.S. Border Patrol responded, set up security around the school and searched the school for an explosive device. No explosive device was found. Wilson called 911 again and asked for someone to give him a ride off the reservation, said he was at an individual’s house and that he needed a ride from anyone except the Fort Belknap police. Officers located Wilson and arrested him.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case. The FBI, Fort Belknap Tribal Police, Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Border Patrol and Malta Fire Department conducted the investigation.
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Hays man sentenced to more than six years in prison for assaulting, seriously injuring woman on Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Hays man who admitted to beating and seriously injuring a woman on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced today to six years and eight months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Avery Jordon Boe, 39, pleaded guilty in January to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on April 29, 2021 near Hays, Boe assaulted the victim, identified as Jane Doe, by strangling her several times and throwing a rock at her, breaking her arm. Boe did not kill her because he had a seizure. Jane Doe initially lied to the officers about her injuries because she was afraid of Boe.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement conducted the investigation.
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Elmo man admits Social Security fraud, theft charges for collecting deceased mother’s benefits and not reporting proceeds from dog grooming businessRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — An Elmo man accused of illegally receiving federal benefits by collecting his deceased mother’s Social Security payments and by not disclosing his assets, including proceeds from a dog grooming business, admitted to fraud and theft charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Gerry Alen Albus, 64, pleaded guilty to theft of government money and Social Security fraud as indicted. Albus faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Sept. 24. Albus was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that in May 2015, Albus was approved to receive Supplemental Security Income benefits from the Social Security Administration and was advised of his legal obligation to accurately report his income, resources and household composition. In October 2016, Albus reported to SSA that he had moved to Elmo, lived alone and paid rent to his landlord, when in fact, he did not pay rent and his landlord was his romantic partner. In 2017, Albus and his partner converted his partner’s 20-acre property in Elmo into a dog grooming business.
The government further alleged that Albus did not disclose his ownership interest in property he co-owned in Florida with his mother or proceeds from the sale of the property in June 2017. Albus’ mother died in March 2017, but SSA continued to send her monthly payments of approximately $2,000 until it learned of her death through this investigation. From March 2017 until November 2021, Albus took his mother’s SSA payments and used them for his personal expenses.
In addition, the government alleged that Albus failed to report other assets, including three vehicles, several bank accounts and proceeds from the dog grooming business.
In a May 2022 interview with SSA special agents at the dog grooming business, Albus admitted he did not pay rent, that he lived with his partner, that he did not disclose vehicles or income and that he took his mother’s SSA benefits after her death because he felt he was “entitled” to them. Albus told agents that he knew if he reported all his income and assets, it would have reduced or eliminated his SSA payments. SSA determined Albus received approximately $60,627 in SSI benefits for which he was ineligible and stole an additional $59,535 in SSA funds intended for his mother.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case. The SSA Office of Inspector General and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.
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Box Elder woman admits assaulting woman during attempted kidnapping on Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder woman accused of beating another woman during an attempted kidnapping from Great Falls to the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Taneal Raschae Sutherland, 30, pleaded guilty to assault with the intent to commit a felony, a kidnapping. Sutherland 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 Sept. 25. Sutherland was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that between Aug. 13 and 15, 2023, Sutherland and a group of friends, including the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were in Great Falls when they got into a dispute over money. Sutherland grabbed Doe by the hair and pushed her into a vehicle, and the group drove Doe to a home on the Rocky Boy’s Reservation. Doe reported that the individuals punched and kneed her throughout the drive to Rocky Boy’s. Doe further told law enforcement that she was kept at the residence against her will for some time before a friend helped her leave. Doe sought medical attention for injuries, including a concussion. Sutherland admitted to law enforcement that she grabbed Doe by the hair and assaulted her throughout the drive to Rocky Boy’s.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kalah A. Paisley and Amanda L. Myers are prosecuting the case. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on May 23 was:
Tanya Lee Holbrook, 42, of Emigrant, on charges of misappropriation of postal funds and theft of government property. If convicted of the most serious crime, Holbrook faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Holbrook was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-63.
Jessica Denise Bad Moccasin, 33, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bad Moccasin faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Bad Moccasin was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-61.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on May 20 was:
Dylan James Youngblood, 32, of Kalispell, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Youngblood faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Youngblood was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Kalispell Police Department, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Probation and Parole and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-22.
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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Distribution of child pornography sends Missoula man to prison for more than 17 yearsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Missoula man who admitted to trading videos and images of child pornography with others on social media sites and who possessed thousands of images of child sexual abuse material was sentenced on Tuesday to 17 years and six months in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Nicholas Geoffrey Combs, 29, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to distribution of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court also ordered $36,000 restitution.
“There is no more important duty of our office than to protect kids by holding accountable those who seek to victimize them. Our office has prosecuted many people who pose grave dangers to children, but Combs’ conduct is among the worst I’ve seen during my time as Montana’s U.S. Attorney. His possession of thousands of images of graphic sexual and physical violence perpetrated against children, including infants, was grotesque and all parents should be relieved he will spend the next 30 years of his life either in federal prison or under federal supervision,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents, the government alleged that in June 2022, Snapchat reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that a Snapchat user had uploaded two videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit content to its service. A law enforcement investigation determined that the Snapchat account belonged to Combs and that he had sent two videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit content to another Snapchat user. Combs admitted to trading videos and images of minors engaged in sexually explicit content with other users on social media sites, including Reddit and Snapchat. Combs also admitted he was sexually attracted to minors, had solicited and received sexually explicit pictures from children with whom he interacted online and sometimes pretended to be a child to solicit the images. Law enforcement seized Combs’ electronic devices and determined that they contained thousands of images and videos of graphic sexual and physical violence against children, including babies.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Lowney prosecuted the case. The Missoula Police Department and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force 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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Missoula fentanyl trafficker sentenced to more than four years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Missoula woman who admitted to distributing fentanyl in the community was sentenced today to four years and two months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Janelle Ann Bergeson, 38, pleaded guilty in January to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The government alleged in court documents that from at least September 2022 to January 2023, Bergeson distributed fentanyl in the Missoula community, and on at least one occasion, traveled with a co-conspirator to acquire the drug in Spokane, Washington. The government estimated that Bergeson is accountable for the distribution of from 2,400 fentanyl pills to 6,000 pills. During an investigation, federal agents intercepted a package addressed to co-defendant Nikolas Pellant and that contained several hundred fentanyl pills. The investigation determined Pellant and his girlfriend and co-defendant, Lynsi Barnes, had been selling the drug that they acquired through the mail and regular trips to Spokane. Bergeson was their primary customer and purchased between 40 and 100 pills every day. In a traffic stop in January 2023, the Montana Highway Patrol stopped Barnes as she was returning from a trip to Spokane, and Bergeson was in the front passenger seat. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and seized more than 450 fentanyl pills. Pellant, Barnes and a third co-defendant, Beau James Breneman, each were sentenced to five years and three months for their convictions in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Service, Montana Highway Patrol, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Shoshone County (Idaho) Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
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Helena man sentenced to prison for trafficking fentanyl purchased on dark web using cryptocurrencyRead the Press Release
HELENA — A Helena man who admitted buying fentanyl on the dark web using cryptocurrency and distributing some of it while using the rest was sentenced on May 13 to 15 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Jarek William Hahn, 30, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that between December 2022 and December 2023, Hahn obtained fentanyl in the mail after arranging its purchase on illicit internet sites on the dark web. Hahn then used some of it and sold some to support his habit. Hahn used sophisticated means to seek out illicit sites on the internet’s dark web, which are unindexed sites on the internet that require special internet browsers to access. He then accessed a site where he purchased fentanyl using cryptocurrency and had it delivered in the mail. In a search of Hahn’s home, law enforcement recovered 64 fentanyl pills.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case. The FBI, Missouri River Drug Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation.
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Helena man sentenced to prison for meth traffickingRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Helena man who admitted to a methamphetamine trafficking crime after law enforcement intercepted a package containing approximately three pounds of the drug was sentenced on Tuesday to four years and nine months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Bret Russell Hamlin, 54, pleaded guilty in January to attempted possession with intent to distribute meth.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in August 2021, a postal inspector intercepted a suspicious package that was mailed from Fresno, California, to an address in Helena. After obtaining a warrant to search the package, investigators located approximately three pounds of meth inside. The package was addressed to Hamlin. Law enforcement officers served a search warrant on Hamlin’s residence and found additional quantities of meth, drug paraphernalia, digital scales, plastic baggies, more than $2,000 in cash and a pistol. The government alleged that Hamlin received meth in the mail from an individual in California for distribution to others in the Helena area.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, U.S. Postal Service 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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Fentanyl, meth trafficking send Great Falls woman to prison for more than three yearsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls woman who admitted to a drug trafficking crime after law enforcement found fentanyl and methamphetamine in a vehicle she was driving was sentenced today to three years and two months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Courtney Price, 28, pleaded guilty in January to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on Feb. 8, 2023, law enforcement officers made a traffic stop of a vehicle Price was driving. A state search warrant was executed later on the vehicle, and law enforcement located fentanyl, meth and a firearm. Price admitted in an interview she knew there was fentanyl in the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop and that she was being paid in fentanyl to drive her passengers from Tacoma, Washington, to Great Falls.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations and Russell Country Drug Task Force 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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Browning woman sentenced to four years in prison for assaulting another woman on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning woman who admitted assaulting another woman during an argument, causing the victim serious injuries, was sentenced today to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Thomasine Tachelle Wahl Salway, 31, pleaded guilty in January to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Jan. 31, 2023 at a Browning residence, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Salway struck the victim, identified as Jane Doe, while arguing with Doe for Doe to give her a ride to another house in Browning. Doe told Salway she would take her later but not right then. Salway became upset and began punching Doe in the face. Alcohol was a factor in the assault. Doe initially was treated for a deep facial laceration at the Browning Indian Health Service, then was transferred to Benefis in Great Falls for further treatment. The laceration was the result of a sharp edge object, but a witness did not know what Salway used to strike Doe.
The U.S. Attorney’s Officer prosecuted the case. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.
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Fort Belknap man admits assaulting two women on Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A man accused of firing a pistol at two women in a housing area on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Gilbert Raymond Martinez, 32, of Fort Belknap and North Dakota, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Martinez faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for Sept. 19. Martinez was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged on May 17, 2021, Martinez fired a 9mm pistol at two women in the Newtown Housing area of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. The second woman told the responding officer that if she had not moved out of the way, the bullet would have hit her.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Fort Belknap Police Department and Blaine County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
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Butte meth trafficker sentenced to more than seven years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Butte man identified as a major drug supplier in an investigation was sentenced today to seven years and three months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after he admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in the community, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Juan Jose Romero, 39, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth, in December 2023.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents the government allege that Romero was identified as a major drug supplier in Butte, and that a source told law enforcement about having purchased heroin from Romero while Romero was in the Butte Pre-Release Center. Agents contacted Romero at his apartment after they learned he had absconded from felony supervision. In a search of his residence, agents located a loaded .22 magazine, two cell phones and drug paraphernalia. In December 2022, law enforcement in Butte conducted a traffic stop on Romero and located 29 grams of meth, two firearms, drug paraphernalia and 14 suspected fentanyl pills in the vehicle. Romero admitted he was selling meth.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case. The Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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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Utah man sentenced to 21 months in prison for defrauding Montana employer, $700,000 restitution orderedRead the Press Release
HELENA — A Utah man who admitted embezzling approximately $700,000 from a Montana company was sentenced today to 21 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $700,000 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Thomas Lynn Syddall, 50, of American Fork, Utah, who worked for a company owned by Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., pleaded guilty in October 2023 to wire fraud and to money laundering-concealment as charged in an indictment.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
“For more than a year, Syddall stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from his employer through a calculated scheme using fictitious purchasing orders and invoices. Syddall’s conduct violated the trust of his employer for his own personal enrichment, which now makes him a federal felon. Our office, working with our law enforcement partners, will remain committed to holding white collar criminals accountable,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
“IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) enforces the nation’s tax laws, but we also assist our federal law enforcement partners in these types of cases by following the money,” said Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge, Denver Field Office. “Our special agent’s ability to unravel embezzlement and money laundering schemes is vital to these types of investigations, and we will continue to work with our partners to hold criminals accountable for their actions.”
In court documents, the government alleged that Syddall was a salesman for Information Technology Corporation, which was owned by Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co. From about March 2020 to about August 2021 in Helena, Syddall embezzled money through multiple means, including creating bogus purchase orders and invoices, stealing inventory and directing payments to fictitious companies and unauthorized vendors. Syddall then sold the inventory, none of which was authorized, on eBay and KSL Classifieds. When questioned by other employees about the discrepancies in orders and payments, Syddall sent lulling emails attempting to cover up and prolong the fraud. In addition, Syddall concealed financial transactions by laundering proceeds from the wire fraud into third-party accounts. Syddall then directed the transfer of the money into accounts over which he had control. The government identified approximately $700,000 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case. The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.
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U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich recognizes National Police WeekRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich, for the District of Montana, recognizes the public service and sacrifice of federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed from Sunday, May 12, through Saturday, May 18.
“This week, we pay special tribute to the men and women in law enforcement who selflessly risk their lives every day to protect us. Far too many have sacrificed their lives to make our communities safer, and we honor their legacies and bravery by reaffirming our commitment to every law enforcement officer making our communities safer. On behalf of all of us in the United States Attorney’s Office, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for all they do every day,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), the names of 282 officers killed in the line of duty were added this year to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. These 282 officers include 118 officers who were killed during 2023. An additional 164 officers died in years prior to 2023. Many of their stories of sacrifice had been lost until now. Currently, there are 24,067 names, dating back to the first known death in 1786, engraved on the memorial.
The names of the fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Monday, May 13, during the 36th Annual Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., starting at 8:00 p.m. ET. Those who wish to view the vigil live online can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://youtu.be/_AJEOg_3npQ. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website at https://nleomf.org/
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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 May 7 was:
David Michael Rosebud Mathison, 48, of Poplar, on charges of wire fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mathison faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Mathison was released pending further proceedings. The FBI conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-28.
David Victor Fast Horse, 35, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fast Horse faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug charge and a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Fast Horse was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, Rocky Boy’s Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-42.
Jamison Gray Devine, 35, of Billings and Helena, on charges of prohibited person in possession of ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Devine faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Devine was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-8.
Richard William Karp, 54, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Karp faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Karp was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-9.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on May 8 was:
Shane Michael Kardash, 33, of Livingston, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kardash faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Kardash was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Park County Sheriff’s Office, Livingston Police Department and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-7.
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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Lame Deer man sentenced to three years in prison for sexually abusing a minor; assaulting partnerRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man who admitted sexually abusing a minor and assaulting his partner on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation in two separate cases was sentenced on Wednesday to a total of three years and one day in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
David Benjamin Wick, Sr., 44, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to sexual abuse of a minor and in January, he pleaded guilty to assault resulting in substantial injury to a spouse, dating or intimate partner.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court sentenced Wick to two years in prison on the charge of sexual abuse of a minor and to one year and a day on the assault charge, to run consecutive to the sexual abuse sentence.
In court documents, the government alleged that in 2019, Wick, then 39, had sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. Wick and the girl had connected through Facebook, and Wick invited her to his trailer to drink alcohol. Wick was charged federally sexual abuse of a minor and released on conditions. In January 2023, Wick assaulted his partner after becoming upset and accusing her of cheating on him. Wick kicked his partner and repeatedly struck her in the face and head while calling her names. The victim was treated for significant trauma.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.
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Washington woman sentenced to three years in prison for role in multi-state meth trafficking ring centered on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Washington woman who admitted to working as a translator and helping a co-defendant sell meth in a large trafficking scheme based on the Crow Indian Reservation was sentenced today to three years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Mariana Tyler Wallace, 23, of Okanogan, Washington, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that federal law enforcement, in a 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 methamphetamine for both Crow and the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations. Wallace is one of the individuals affiliated with that investigation.
The investigation determined that Wallace and co-conspirator 1 were involved in selling meth and fentanyl from a property known as the Bloodman residence, which was near the Spear Siding property. Co-conspirators from Washington lived at the Bloodman house to distribute and protect the meth. These co-conspirators spoke Spanish and required others to translate to communicate with customers. Wallace came to Montana in February/March 2023 and worked as a translator for co-conspirator 1 to sell meth to multiple individuals who visited the residence. Wallace also sold meth. Wallace was considered to be in the lower to mid-level of the conspiracy.
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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Man admits assault on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLILNGS — A man accused of kicking another man with steel-toe boots on the Crow Indian Reservation admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Jordale Thomas Redwolf, 36, a transient, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Redwolf 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. Redwolf was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Dec. 8, 2023, Redwolf and the victim, identified as John Doe, were drinking alcohol at a house in Wyola, on the Crow Indian Reservation. Doe reported that for no apparent reason, Redwolf repeatedly punched him in the face. When Doe fell to the floor, Redwolf kicked him in the face and torso with boots. Doe was transported to the Crow Indian Health Service Hospital for treatment of injuries. In an interview the next day, Redwolf admitted he beat up Doe because both were drunk, and Doe was “mouthing off” because Redwolf had just been released from prison. Redwolf kicked Doe with his prison-issued boots. Law enforcement seized steel-toe boots that had blood on them from Redwolf’s home.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.
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Lodge Grass woman admits to role in large methamphetamine trafficking ring centered on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lodge Grass woman accused of trafficking methamphetamine as part of large-scale, multi-state conspiracy that was based on the Crow Indian Reservation admitted to a drug crime on Tuesday, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Sayra Longfox, 26, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Longfox faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four 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 Aug. 29. Longfox was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, federal law enforcement conducted a large-scale, multi-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 for both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian reservations. Longfox is one of the individuals affiliated with the investigation.
The government further alleged that several co-conspirators identified Longfox as selling meth on the Northern Cheyenne, Crow, Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy’s Indian reservations. After her arrest, Longfox told investigators that family members asked her to sell drugs beginning in the summer of 2022 and that she sold from her home at Spear Siding and on the Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy’s reservations. She admitted to getting meth and cocaine from a codefendant, who obtained it from the Washington source of supply, and to obtaining meth and cocaine from the Washington source. Longfox also admitted to carrying a 9mm handgun for protection.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting 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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Box Elder man sentenced to more than six years in prison for sexually abusing teen on Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man was sentenced today to six years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for sexually abusing a teenage girl he lured through social media to his isolated home on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jonathan Ray Gonsalez, 40, pleaded guilty in January to sexual abuse.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Jan. 3, 2023, Gonsalez initiated contact with the victim, a 16-year-old identified as Jane Doe, though Facebook Messenger and ultimately lured the victim to his home through comments. Jane Doe arrived at Gonsalez’s residence, which was isolated, around 10 p.m. A short time later, Jane Doe got scared and wanted to leave, but the temperature was below freezing. Jane Doe asked Gonsalez to have someone pick her up and fell asleep while waiting for the ride. Jane Doe awoke to Gonsalez sexually abusing her. After he was done, Jane Doe left the residence and called 911 for help. A Rocky Boy’s Police Department officer found Jane Doe and picked her up on the road near Gonsalez’s residence.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda L. Myers and Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Billings woman admits carjackingRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings woman accused of carjacking a vehicle while armed admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Talena Florence Boyiddle, 20, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging her with carjacking and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Boyiddle faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the carjacking crime and a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the firearm 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. Boyiddle was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Jan. 23, 2023, the victim, identified as John Doe 1 reported to the Billings Police Department that he had been carjacked. The victim told law enforcement that he had met a woman he knew as “Nicole” online and that at 1 a.m. on Jan. 23, 2023, she arranged for him to pick her up. When the victim arrived, the woman got into the front seat and two unknown males got into the back seat. The three individuals instructed the victim to drive to an alley behind a laundromat. There, the woman pulled out a Glock pistol, racked it twice and pointed it at John Doe 1. All three individuals made statements that they intended to rob the victim. The victim got out of the car and ran away, and the three individuals took his car, a 2003 Honda Civic. An officer found the car with switched plates later the same day and had it towed. A few days after the car was returned to the victim, it was stolen again. In February 2023, police found Boyiddle in the victim’s car and in possession of a Glock 9mm handgun. Investigators determined through a Facebook photo that “Nicole” was Boyiddle. The government further alleged that Boyiddle and her associates were able to steal the car a second time by using keys they had obtained from the carjacking.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich is prosecuting 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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Lodge Grass man sentenced to 15 years in prison for role in large-scale meth trafficking ring on Crow Indian Reservation; assault of womanRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lodge Grass man who admitted running a large-scale, multi-state methamphetamine trafficking organization from his home on the Crow Indian Reservation and beating a woman with a weapon was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Wendell Monroe Lefthand, 55, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Lefthand also pleaded guilty in a separate case to assault of a spouse resulting in substantial bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court sentenced Lefthand to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release for the drug conviction and to four years in prison and three years of supervised release for the assault convictions, with the sentences to run concurrent to each other.
In the drug trafficking case, the government alleged that beginning in June 2022, federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, conducted a large-scale 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 and elsewhere. Lefthand was one of the major players affiliated with the investigation, and Spear Siding was his family residence.
The government further alleged that of 26 defendants related to the investigation, Lefthand is at the top portion of the conspiracy, along with his sister and co-defendant, Frederica Lefthand. Until his arrest in June 2022 on another matter, Lefthand was the person running the operation with an individual, identified as co-defendant 1, and supplied a significant portion of the meth sold on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian reservations and in neighboring cities and towns. Although incarcerated for most of the investigation, Lefthand had been operating the drug trafficking ring from Spear Siding long before his arrest and played a significant role even after his arrest. Lefthand had a previous Washington source, who introduced him to co-defendant 1. When co-defendant 1 moved onto the Spear Siding property, business started booming. In addition, the government alleged that Lefthand was selling one pound of meth per week and possessed firearms. Investigators learned there were usually 30 to 50 firearms on the Spear Siding property and that Lefthand acquired them by trading drugs for guns. Frederica Lefthand was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison for her conviction in the case.
In the assault case, the government alleged that on April 4, 2021, Lefthand struck the victim, identified as Jane Doe, with an iron bar after a night of consuming alcohol on property outside of Lodge Grass, on the Crow Reservation. Jane Doe’s adult daughter and two minor children witnessed the assault, and all four ran from the property and hid in a ditch before flagging down a ride. Jane Doe was treated for injuries a few days later.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the drug trafficking case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori Harper Suek and Kelsey Hendricks prosecuted the assault case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI conducted the investigation.
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Justice Department Strengthens Efforts, Builds Partnerships to Address the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous PersonsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department joins its partners across the federal government, as well as people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities, in recognizing May 5 as National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day.
In recognition of MMIP Awareness Day, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle the MMIP and human trafficking crises in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, and other pressing public safety challenges, like the fentanyl crisis, in Tribal communities.
“There is still so much more to do in the face of persistently high levels of violence that Tribal communities have endured for generations, and that women and girls, particularly, have endured,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “In carrying out our work, we seek to honor those who are still missing, those who were stolen from their communities, and their loved ones who are left with unimaginable pain. Tribal communities deserve safety, and they deserve justice. This day challenges all of us at the Justice Department to double down on our efforts, and to be true partners with Tribal communities as we seek to end this crisis.”
“On Sunday, May 5, we recognize and honor American Indian and Alaska Native persons who have gone missing or have been murdered and renew our commitment to address this crisis. Every person deserves to feel safe in their home and community. The loss of even one Indigenous man, woman or child through disappearance or murder is unacceptable, and we acknowledge the pain and suffering these losses cause families and communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich, for the District of Montana. “We also acknowledge that Indigenous women and children face disproportionally higher rates of violence and sexual abuse. And we reaffirm our commitment to do everything we can to find the missing, hold killers accountable and seek justice for the missing or murdered by continuing to work with all our federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement partners. And while we are not perfect, we are making progress. We meet regularly with tribal leadership for the Blackfeet, Rocky Boy’s, Fort Belknap, Fort Peck, Crow, Northern Cheyenne, and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes about the issues they’re facing. We are determined to do the hard work of reducing violence and improving public safety for all Indigenous persons.”
“The FBI remains unwavering in our pledge to work with our law enforcement partners to address the violence that has disproportionately harmed Tribal communities and families,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We will continue to prioritize our support of victims and will steadfastly pursue investigations into the crime impacting American Indian and Alaska Native communities.”
“DEA’s top priority is protecting all communities from deadly drugs, like fentanyl, and drug related violent crime,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “We know that no community has been spared from these deadly threats and we are committed to keeping Tribal communities safe.”
Justice Department Prioritization of MMIP Cases
Last July, the Justice Department announced the creation of the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which permanently places 10 attorneys and coordinators in five designated regions across the United States to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people. The five regions include the Northwest, Southwest, Great Plains, Great Lakes, and Southeast Regions.
The MMIP Regional Outreach Program prioritizes MMIP cases consistent with the Deputy Attorney General’s July 2022 directive to U.S. Attorneys’ offices promoting public safety in Indian country. The program fulfills the Justice Department’s promise to dedicate new personnel to MMIP consistent with Executive Order 14053, Improving Public Safety and Criminal Justice for Native Americans and Addressing the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People, and the Department’s Federal Law Enforcement Strategy to Prevent and respond to Violence Against American Indians and Alaska Natives, Including to Address Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons issued in July 2022.
Not Invisible Act Commission Response
The Department’s work to respond to the MMIP crisis is a whole-of-department effort. In March, the Departments of Justice and the Interior released their joint response to the Not Invisible Act Commission’s recommendations on how to combat the missing or murdered Indigenous peoples (MMIP) and human trafficking crisis. The NIAC response, announced by Attorney General Garland during a visit to the Crow Nation in Montana, recognizes that more must be done across the federal government to resolve this longstanding crisis and support healing from the generational traumas that Indigenous peoples have endured throughout the history of the United States.
Addressing Violent Crime and the Fentanyl Crisis in Indian Country
As noted in the joint response to the NIAC, research suggests that certain public safety challenges faced by many American Indian and Alaska Native communities—including disproportionate violence against women, families, and children; substance abuse; drug trafficking; and labor and sex trafficking—can influence the rates of missing AI/AN persons.
Further, fentanyl poisoning and overdose deaths are the leading cause of opioid deaths throughout the United States, including Indian county, where drug-related overdose death rates for Native Americans exceeds the national rate.
Therefore, federal law enforcement components are ramping up efforts to forge stronger partnerships with federal and Tribal law enforcement partners to address violent crime and the fentanyl crisis, which exposes already vulnerable communities to greater harm. For instance:
In the District of Montana, federal, local and tribal law enforcement, through a collaborative investigation, dismantled a large-scale, multi-state methamphetamine and narcotics trafficking conspiracy that ran from January 2022 until March 2023 and was based on two properties on the Crow Reservation, including one known as Spear Siding. The investigation determined that while based on the Crow Reservation, trafficking operations reached across Montana, including to the Northern Cheyenne, Fort Belknap, and Rocky Boy’s reservations. The investigation into Spear Siding activities has led to federal charges against more than two dozen defendants, 13 of whom have been convicted and sentenced.
Accessing Department of Justice Resource
Over the past year, the Department awarded $268 million in grants to help enhance Tribal justice systems and strengthen law enforcement responses. These awards have also gone toward improving the handling of child abuse cases, combating domestic and sexual violence, supporting Tribal youth programs, and strengthening victim services in Tribal communities.
For additional information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to address the MMIP crisis, please visit the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons section of the Tribal Safety and Justice website.
Click here for more information about reporting or identifying missing persons.
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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 May 2 was:
James Vernon Day, Jr., 55, of Thompson Falls, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Day faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Day was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Sanders County Sheriff’s Office and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-23.
Appearing on April 29 was:
Edward Wayne Brock, 66, and Jane Ami McGovern, 55, both of Missoula, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Brock and McGovern face a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Brock and McGovern were detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-6.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on April 30 was:
Dalton Michael Williams, 22, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Williams faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Williams was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Sweet Grass County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-153.
Isaac James Cardona, 45, of Belgrade, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cardona faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Cardona was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Belgrade Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-11.
Appearing on a criminal complaint was:
Oscar Enrique Ruiz Rojas, 25, of Gallatin Gateway, on charges of alien in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rojas faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Rojas was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-24.
Appearing on April 29 and pleading not guilty was:
John Michael Hadler, 37, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hadler faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hadler was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-53.
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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Illegal possession of firearm sends Missoula felon to prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Missoula felon was sentenced on May 1 to 33 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a loaded and stolen firearm, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Caleb Gerard Diamond, 24, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in May 2023, Diamond, while on felony probation for two separate crimes, was arrested for exposing himself in public while watching two females leave a movie theater. Diamond possessed a loaded .45-caliber handgun and methamphetamine. The gun had been stolen the previous October from a vehicle a few blocks from where Diamond was arrested. Twelve days earlier, Diamond stole ammunition from a local business. When questioned about firearms in his residence, Diamond initially stated he was not aware of any but then advised he recently had purchased a shotgun and gave it to his roommate.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case. The Missoula Police Department, Montana Probation and Parole 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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Hays man convicted of sexually abusing minor girl on Fort Belknap Indian Reservation sentenced to more than three years in prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Hays man convicted by a federal jury of sexually abusing a minor girl on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced on May 1 to three years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Following a three-day trial, the jury on Oct. 5, 2023 found Daniel Jacob Werk, 38, guilty of sexual abuse of a minor, as charged in an indictment.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that from July 2021 to October 2021, Werk repeatedly sexually abused a 15-year-old girl on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Werk, who was the program coordinator for the Fort Belknap Grassland Restoration Project, a program designed to provide opportunities for at-risk Native youth, recruited the girl, identified as Jane Doe, into the program and then repeatedly engaged in sexual acts with her.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
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Fentanyl trafficking sends Washington man to prison for 11 years after Columbus traffic stopRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Washington man who admitted to trafficking fentanyl and illegally possessing a firearm after a traffic stop in Columbus was sentenced on May 1 to 11 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Anthony Omarel Kenner, 31, of Tacoma, Washington, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in March 2022, law enforcement pulled over Kenner and a passenger in a traffic stop. Officers became suspicious of drugs in the vehicle based on Kenner’s and his passenger’s conflicting stories and the presence of drug paraphernalia. A search warrant was executed on the vehicle, and law enforcement found in the trunk a backpack containing cocaine, fentanyl and a loaded, stolen .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol. Kenner was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a previous felony conviction in Washington.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey M. Hendricks and Thomas K. Godfrey prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Columbus 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.
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Billings man admits attempted sex trafficking of minor girlRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man today admitted to a sex trafficking crime after he was accused of offering to provide a minor girl alcohol in exchange for sex, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Joshua Allen Morgan, 40, pleaded guilty to attempted sex trafficking of a minor. Morgan faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release. Under the terms of a plea agreement, the parties agree that a sentence of no less than 15 years in prison is appropriate.
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. Morgan was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in March 2023, following Morgan’s arrest on other charges, law enforcement served a search warrant on his phone. Law enforcement found Facebook communications between Morgan and a juvenile girl, identified as Jane Doe. In an interview with law enforcement, Doe disclosed that she had met Morgan when she was 15 or 16 after he began sending her messages on Facebook. Morgan provided Doe with alcohol, and they spent time together. During this period, Moran sexually assaulted Doe at his residence. In March 2023, Morgan and Doe began corresponding again and discussions involved Morgan providing Doe with alcohol in exchange for sexual conduct. Doe informed Morgan she was a juvenile, and Morgan instructed her not to disclose their relationship to anyone. Doe and Morgan did meet, but Doe left prior to engaging in sexual conduct with Morgan.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Jacob A. Yerger are prosecuting the case. The FBI and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation 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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Billings felon sentenced to five years in prison for illegal possession of four stolen firearmsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings felon who admitted to illegally possessing four firearms, all stolen, was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Armondo Anthony Ronquillo, 37, 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 January 2023, law enforcement served a search warrant on Ronquillo’s residence and located three handguns, 100 rounds of ammunition, meth, fentanyl pills and $546 in cash. Ronquillo admitted to selling drugs and trading them for firearms. In March 2023, Ronquillo was the front seat passenger in a vehicle stopped by law enforcement. Ronquillo had a fanny pack that contained a pistol and 10 rounds of ammunition. All four firearms in Ronquillo’s possession had been stolen. Ronquillo was prohibited from possessing firearms because of previous felony conviction in Montana.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla. E. Painter prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Washington man sentenced to four years in prison for fentanyl trafficking in MissoulaRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Washington man who brought fentanyl pills to Missoula for distribution was sentenced today to four years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Dustin William Slaney, 44, of Tacoma, Washington, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement learned from sources that Slaney was a prolific drug dealer in the Missoula area from approximately January 2021 through December 2022 and that he brought drugs from Spokane to Missoula for redistribution. Investigators learned that an individual purchased more than 3,000 fentanyl pills over a 60-day period from Slaney and that he had been seen in possession of 10,000 fentanyl pills and a half-pound of meth. In December 2022, a Montana state search warrant was served on Slaney’s vehicle and resulted in the recovery of fentanyl, meth, heroin, various drug paraphernalia, firearms, and U.S. currency.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force 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.
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Washington man sentenced to five years in prison for fentanyl trafficking in Great Falls areaRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Washington man who admitted to bringing large quantities of fentanyl pills to the Great Falls area and other Montana cities for redistribution was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Joseph Allen Conner, aka Street, 40, of Yakima, Washington, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on June 23, 2023, in University Place, Washington, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant on Conner’s residence and recovered pills, a money counter, firearms, and ammunition. Conner admitted in an interview that beginning in September 2022, he made multiple trips to Montana, including to Great Falls, Missoula, Lincoln, and Haugen, to sell fentanyl and other controlled substances. The investigation determined that Conner distributed large amounts of pills to multiple sources and possessed “buckets full” of fentanyl pills. Conner also mailed large amounts of pills to distributors and was seen with what an individual described as a “volleyball size bag” of pills. Law enforcement also seized approximately 1,500 fentanyl pills and meth from a vehicle being driven by a co-conspirator and determined that the drugs came from Conner.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Great Falls Police Department and Russell Country Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Threats to murder Montana U.S. Sen. Jon Tester send Billings man to prison for 30 monthsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to threatening to kill Montana U.S. Senator Jon Tester in voicemail messages was sentenced today to 30 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
The defendant, Anthony James Cross, 30, pleaded guilty in January to threats to injure and murder a United States Senator.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court accepted a plea agreement in the case and ultimately dismissed a second count that charged Cross with threats against the President.
The government alleged in court documents that on April 17, 2023, Sen. Tester’s office received voicemails containing direct threats to the senator and his family. The voicemails, which contained expletives, included threats that the caller was going to, among other things, “kill every single one of your (obscenity) family members,” and that they would experience a “horrendous death.” Law enforcement determined that the phone number associated with the calls was attributed to Cross, who lived in Billings and had previous interactions with law enforcement.
A review of Cross’s social media activity indicated disturbing content. The government further alleged that on April 25, 2023, Google contacted the FBI regarding multiple comments made to YouTube videos flagged as threatening. The comments were attributed to Cross’s YouTube account. Some of the comments made in April 2023 included direct threats to kill the President and how “we are actively hunting down and killing any trans in our major cities.”
When interviewed, Cross admitted to making the comments posted on YouTube and to using his cellular phone to make the comments.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case. The FBI and United States Secret Service conducted the investigation.
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Butte man sentenced to prison in large-scale meth, fentanyl ringRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Butte man who admitted to distributing multiple pounds of methamphetamine and tens of thousands of fentanyl pills as part of large-scale trafficking ring was sentenced today to three years and six months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Trevor Allen Handy, 27, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
“Individuals like Mr. Handy continue to terrorize communities like Butte by transporting and mailing staggering quantities of illegal drugs and poisoning Montana citizens. I’m grateful to our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for their cooperation in this investigation and hope this sentence serves as a warning to people who think they can profit from this reprehensible conduct,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents, the government alleged that in June 2022, law enforcement in Utah stopped a vehicle that contained approximately four pounds of meth, one pound of heroin and 6,000 pills containing fentanyl. The driver told law enforcement he was transporting the drugs to Butte for distribution by a drug trafficking organization headed by co-defendant Juan Felipe Vidrio Fuentes, aka “Esco.” Law enforcement determined that the co-conspirators would transport meth and fentanyl by driving the drugs from California to Montana and by mailing the pills. Law enforcement arrested Handy in January 2023 after the drug trafficking organization sent him a package of approximately 3,000 fentanyl pills for distribution in Butte. Handy admitted that he had received multiple packages of drugs sent to his residence on behalf of the drug organization for distribution by its members. Handy also admitted he had traveled by vehicle to California to pick up multiple pounds of meth and thousands of fentanyl pills and driven them back to Butte for distribution for the drug organization.
After Handy’s arrest, law enforcement searched two Butte addresses occupied by members of the drug organization and located multiple pounds of meth, more than 200 grams of fentanyl, approximately $17,500 in cash and seven firearms. Investigators seized a total of approximately 18 pounds of meth, which is the equivalent of about 65,232 doses, and approximately 4.85 pounds of fentanyl. The total amount of meth and fentanyl that Handy flooded into Butte is much higher, based on his admissions to previously distributing multiple pounds and tens of thousands of fentanyl pills that were not seized.
Co-defendants Fuentes, 36, of Anaheim, California; James Andrew Stringari, 51, of Whitehall; and Janet Dean White, 57, of Butte, were found guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances on April 25 in a federal jury trial and are awaiting sentencing. Four other co-defendants, Martin Topete Garcia, 32, his brother, Johnathan Topete, 28, both of Mira Loma, California; Anthony Wayne Johnson II, 51, of Santa Ana, California; and Agatha Noriz Carranza, 34, of Whitehall, pleaded guilty earlier to charges and are awaiting sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Lowney prosecuted the case. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, Montana Highway Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri River Drug Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Utah Highway Patrol and Utah State Bureau of Investigations conducted the investigation.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
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Browning man sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for sexual abuse, domestic assaultRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning who admitted sexually abusing a teenager and domestic abuse in two separate cases on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 12 years and six months in prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Merlyn Roger Lee Marceau, 41, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to aggravated sexual abuse and to domestic assault by habitual offender. A plea agreement reached in the cases calls for both matters to be sentenced at the same time and for the sentences in each case to run concurrent to each other.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on June 27, 2023, Marceau forcefully sexually abused a 13-year-old, identified as Doe, in a shed at a residence. The government also alleged that on June 24, 2023, Marceau and a separate victim, identified as Jane Doe and with whom he had been in a romantic relationship, began arguing. Marceau assaulted Jane Doe by striking her repeatedly. Marceau disclosed the assault to the FBI in an unrelated interview. Marceau had two prior domestic assault convictions from Browning Tribal Court.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Blackfeet Child Protective Services investigated the sexual abuse case, and the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the domestic assault case.
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Vaughn man who distributed meth from home near school sentenced to more than three years in prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Vaughn man was sentenced today to three years and eight months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after he admitted to distributing methamphetamine from his home near an elementary school and having firearms, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Donnovan Orville Horton, 52, pleaded guilty in January to possession with intent to distribute meth and to drug user in possession of firearms.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in December 2022, officers with the Russell Country Drug Task Force learned that an individual was obtaining meth from Horton. Law enforcement then made a series of purchases of meth from Horton, once in a parking lot in Great Falls and three times from his home in Vaughn. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Horton’s residence, which is less than 200 feet and across the street from an elementary school. Officers located meth, drug paraphernalia, equipment for making hash oil and four firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case. The Russell Country Drug Task Force and FBI conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Billings man admits possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man admitted today to possessing images of child pornography that he exchanged with another man, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Nathan Allen Sayler, 47, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography as charged in a superseding information. Sayler faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years to a lifetime 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. Sayler was released, pending a detention hearing scheduled for May 8.
The government alleged in court documents that in September 2020, law enforcement in Texas arrested an individual who was believed to be exchanging child pornography on social media. Law enforcement reviewed those accounts and determined that, in September 2020, a user in Montana had sent and received child pornography. An investigation led to a phone number on a cellular phone and an internet provider address of Sayler’s ex-wife. On Dec. 16, 2020, law enforcement conducted a probation search of Sayler, and he denied possessing the phone. Sayler’s ex-wife informed law enforcement that she had purchased the phone for Sayler at his request. In a subsequent interview in December 2020, Sayler acknowledged he had received the cellular phone from his ex-wife but had thrown it into the Yellowstone River in September 2020. Law enforcement was never able to locate the phone. Following the interview, Sayler suggested to his ex-wife that he had the phone on Dec. 16, 2020, when law enforcement was looking for it, but discarded it after they left. In January 2024, investigators executed a search warrant on email accounts associated with Sayler and located child pornography on one of the accounts.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Billings Police Department and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation 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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Cut Bank man sentenced to more than five years in prison for assaulting, shooting woman on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Cut Bank man was sentenced today to five years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for assaulting and then shooting and wounding a woman at a residence on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Luke Charles Wells, 33, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to assault with a dangerous weapon and to using a firearm during a crime of violence.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on July 16, 2023, Wells was intoxicated at a residence on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, when he became angry at the victim, identified as Jane Doe. Doe was in a bathroom when Wells broke down the door and began assaulting her. Doe ran outside to escape. Wells chased her and pulled out a pistol. Doe tripped and fell, and Wells started shooting at the ground around her. Wells then hit Doe in the head with the gun several times before shooting and wounding her in the chest. Doe was transported to the hospital. Wells, disobeying officers’ commands and while armed, fled multiple law enforcement agencies in a vehicle pursuit before being tased and arrested.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Cut Bank Police Department and Glacier County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
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