District of Montana

MISSOULA — A Missoula woman who admitted to stealing property from the U.S. Forest Service was sentenced today to two years and two months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Kasey Nichol Hugs, 39, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to theft of government property.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The judge also ordered $11,836 restitution for the damage caused to the property Hugs stole.

The government alleged in court documents that on Dec. 26, 2020, a white Dodge Ram 2500 crew cab pickup truck, valued at approximately $40,000, and two government cell phones were stolen from the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station in Missoula. Five days later, Hugs stole a second truck, a 2017 Ford crew cab, valued at more than $28,000, from the same facility. In the weeks that followed, Hugs drove the trucks to various businesses in Missoula. In January 2021, the Ford was located on the Flathead Indian Reservation and the Dodge was recovered from the side of Highway 200 in Lincoln. Both vehicles sustained property damage and were missing their truck bed toppers. Hugs was identified through surveillance videos and other evidence as having stolen the property.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case. The U.S. Forest Service and Missoula Police Department conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA — A Missoula man who admitted to a drug trafficking crime after he accepted a controlled delivery of a package that had contained more than two pounds of methamphetamine was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Marcus Lejon Williams, 45, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to attempted possession with intent to distribute meth.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.

In court documents, the government alleged that law enforcement received information that Williams was distributing large amounts of meth, was receiving it through the mail and had firearms at his residence. In January 2022, a U.S. Postal Service inspector searched a package containing suspected meth and was addressed to a person at Williams’ address. The package contained approximately 1,000 grams of meth, which is 2.2 pounds. Postal records showed two other similar packages were shipped from California to Williams’ address in May 2021 and September 2021. Law enforcement made a controlled delivery of the package, with the meth removed. Williams and the person to whom the package was addressed came out to accept the package in a parking lot. A search warrant was executed on the residence and officers located a 9 mm handgun. Williams admitted that the package was for him and that he had been getting meth from his source in California once every two months for the past six or seven years. Williams also stated that he had been “in the game” for 25 or 26 years, was tired of doing it for a living and estimated that he made $120,000 to $130,000. Williams also admitted that the gun was his and that he used it for protection.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Missoula 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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BILLINGS — A former Lame Deer pastor, who was convicted in a jury trial of sexually abusing children on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, was sentenced today to 30 years in prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

A federal jury on Dec. 11, 2023 found the defendant, Dean Alan Smith, 67, guilty of aggravated sexual abuse, abusive sexual contact by force and two counts of abusive sexual contact by force and of a child. The jury acquitted Smith of one count of abusive sexual contact of a child.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

“Pastor Smith’s prison sentence, while significant, does not come close to the lifetime of trauma his victims will have to endure.  But I hope knowing that Smith will likely spend the rest of his life in federal prison gives them some peace of mind that he won’t be able to abuse others.  Far too often, and unacceptably so, we are unable to obtain justice for children sexually abused in Indian Country.  But justice was achieved here, and it would not have occurred without the bravery of our victims or the tenacity of our federal partners and prosecutors, for which I am grateful,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The government alleged in court documents and at trial that Smith was the pastor of a local church in Lame Deer, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, and that during his time on the reservation, he and his wife housed several foster children and temporarily hosted other children from the community. In approximately 2021 and 2022, four girls, identified as Jane Does 1, 2, 3 and 4, disclosed being sexually abused by Smith between 2017 and 2020 when they were staying or living at Smith’s home. The government alleged that Smith abused each of them, separately and in private, on multiple occasions. All of the victims were under the age of 12 at the time.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA — A Libby woman accused of stealing items from packages while working as a mail carrier subcontractor admitted to a theft charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Haley Rushel Hickman, 24, pleaded guilty to theft of mail as charged in an indictment. Hickman faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Aug. 14 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Hickman was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that Hickman worked as a subcontracted mail carrier for the U.S. Post Office in Troy. In late August 2023, the Troy postmaster received complaints regarding several packages—including items with Veterans Affairs (VA) medication, collectors’ coins and children’s cloths—that were received without their contents. Hickman was responsible for delivering each package. In September 2023, Hickman took a VA medication parcel bearing a fake address and containing a tracking device from the post office. While on her delivery route, Hickman opened the test package and, upon discovering the tracker, resealed the package and threw it out the window of her vehicle. Agents with the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General later searched for the tracking device near a mountain side. They eventually found the device near more than 20 discarded mail items and delivery notes in what appeared to be Hickman’s writing. A special agent reviewed the tracking information for several of the letters and parcels and determined they were all handled or delivered by Hickman.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Postal Service, OIG conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA — A Bozeman man who admitted to illegally exporting firearms he bought in Montana and sold to individuals in Mexico was sentenced today to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Cristyan Jose Gonzalez-Carrillo, 37, pleaded guilty to illegal export in October 2023.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.

“Today’s prison sentence puts this defendant out of the illegal business of buying guns in Montana and taking them to Mexico to sell. Firearms trafficking fuels violence on both sides of the border, and we remain committed here in Montana to investigating and prosecuting those who violate federal firearms laws,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

"Illegal firearms trafficking fuels the cartels' capacity to carry out violent crimes domestically and internationally," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. "We will continue to aggressively target traffickers alongside our partners while leveraging all of our available resources."

The government alleged in court documents that in July 2020, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) received information that Gonzalez-Carrillo was involved in illegally trafficking firearms from Montana to Mexico. An investigation determined that from February 2020 to May 2020, Gonzalez-Carrillo purchased approximately 31 handguns. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Gonzalez-Carrillo’s residence in July 2020 and recovered firearms and ammunition, including semi-automatic handguns and AR style rifles, including a firearm with an illegal foregrip. In addition, agents recovered receipts from multiple stores in Montana for the purchase of firearms from February 2020 to June 2020. Investigators also reviewed Gonzalez-Carrillo’s vehicle plate records, which showed multiple border crossings at San Ysidro, California, from April 2020 to June 2020. Investigators further learned that Gonzalez-Carrillo purchased and advertised firearms for sale on the platform WhatsApp and sold firearms to individuals in Mexico.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The ATF 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 — U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich today announced a settlement agreement between the United States and the University of Montana over access to the Adams Center’s Dahlberg Arena for persons with disabilities. The settlement agreement will result in more wheelchair spaces and improve wheelchair seating for events at the arena, which hosts athletic events, concerts, graduation ceremonies and various other activities.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office investigated the Adams Center after it received a complaint alleging the complainant was unable to use an accessible seating area during a graduation ceremony in June 2019. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination in “the services, programs, or activities of a public entity” based on disability.

The parties voluntarily agreed to the terms of the settlement agreement, under which the University of Montana will disperse additional courtside ADA-compliant accessible seating when the Dahlberg Arena is configured for basketball, beginning with the 2024/25 season. The university will also continue to provide ADA-compliant accessible seating when the Dahlberg Arena is configured for other events, including concerts and graduations. The University of Montana cooperated with the government throughout the investigation.

“This agreement brings the seating plans for the Adams Center into compliance with the ADA by addressing issues with wheelchair spaces and seating. I appreciate the University of Montana’s cooperation with our investigation and its commitment to upholding the rights of persons with disabilities to ensure they can participate in a concert or graduation or cheer on the Grizzlies in Dahlberg Arena,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“The Adams Center welcomes tens-of-thousands of visitors annually for some of Montana’s most celebrated events. These changes are in line with UM’s efforts to be a campus that is accessible and open to all. We thank U.S. Attorney Laslovich and his staff for their hard work and partnership on this agreement,” said Dave Kuntz, UM spokesperson.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Vestal handled the case in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov. ADA complaints may be filed online at www.ada.gov/complaint. For complaints of civil rights violations occurring in the District of Montana, please visit justice.gov/usao-mt/civil-rights.

See settlement agreement here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/media/1347036/dl?inline

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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 April 4 was:

Shacheen Leigh Russell, 35, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Russell faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Russell was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-44.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on April 2 was:

Kyle Allen Mostad, 39, of Townsend, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mostad faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Mostad was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-6.

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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BILLINGS — A Hardin man today admitted that he assisted in hindering an investigation into the 2023 shooting death of another man on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Garrell Robert Snell, 33, pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact as charged in a superseding information. Snell faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Aug. 8. Snell’s detention was continued pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on Jan. 18, 2023 at Crow Agency, on the Crow Indian Reservation, a gunshot victim was driven to the emergency room at the IHS Crow/Northern Cheyenne Hospital, where the victim, a man, was pronounced dead upon arrival. The driver initially lied to law enforcement about where the driver had found the victim. Some days later, law enforcement learned that the victim was shot outside of a residence on Crow River Road.

Law enforcement obtained a federal search warrant and analyzed an SD card from exterior security cameras on the residence. Initially, nothing of any evidentiary value was recovered from the SD card. But in February 2024, the SD card was again analyzed, and video was recovered. The video does not show the shooting but contains footage before and after the shooting. The government further alleged that the video shows the victim lying on snow-covered ground in the yard of the residence before he was picked up and put into the vehicle used to take him to the hospital. After the vehicle leaves, the video shows Snell and another individual cleaning the snow-covered area where the victim had been lying by moving snow with a shovel, broom, hands and feet. The footage also appears to show Snell and the other individual picking up items from the snow-covered area. Two bullets retrieved from the victim’s body and shell casings recovered from the area that was cleaned by Snell and the other individual were determined to have been fired from the same gun. The gun has not been recovered.

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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BILLINGS — A Lodge Grass man today admitted to a methamphetamine trafficking crime for his role in a large-scale, multi-state narcotics investigation that was centered on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Morgan Luke Hugs, 33, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Hug faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.

U.S. 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. Hugs was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that federal law enforcement, in collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, engaged in a large-scale, multiple-state narcotics trafficking investigation centered on multiple properties on the Crow Indian Reservation. The properties, including one referred to as Spear Siding, were a source of supply of meth for both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne reservations. Hugs is one of the individuals affiliated with the investigation.

The government further alleged that from about January 2022 until March 2023, Hugs was receiving meth from Spear Siding and distributing it to others on the Crow Reservation. Hugs received meth from two main co-conspirators involved with the investigation. Hugs was fronted some drugs for sale and a source noted that Hugs was indebted to one of the conspirators. In addition, law enforcement obtained meth from Hugs in a controlled purchase in Hardin in November 2022.

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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GREAT FALLS — A felon who was on listed as an absconder on a state of Montana webpage admitted today to illegally possessing a firearm after law enforcement found a loaded AR-15 style rifle in his vehicle on state capitol grounds, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Joshua Nzeyimana, 23, of Helena, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Nzeyimana faces a maximum of 15 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 Aug. 1 and continued Nzeyimana’s detention pending further proceedings.

The government alleged that on Dec. 3, 2023, Nzeyimana, a convicted felon on state supervision, possessed a loaded AR-15 style rifle in his vehicle on the state capitol grounds in Helena. The rifle was found during a probation search of his vehicle. Nzeyimana was listed as an absconder in Montana Conweb. Nzeyimana admitted during an interview to possessing the rifle and had previously shot one round in open field near a park. Nzeyimana knew he could not legally possess the rifle, so he used another person to purchase it. Nzeyimana was convicted in state district court of felony criminal endangerment and felony assault with a weapon and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Highway Patrol 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.

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BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to drug trafficking and firearms crimes after law enforcement more than a pound of methamphetamine, fentanyl pills and a loaded gun in his motel room was sentenced today to 16 years and three months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Robert Earl Biggs, 49, of Billings, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

The government alleged in court documents that in 2022, the Billings Police Department Street Crimes Unit learned through an investigation that Biggs was staying in a local motel and using others to distribute drugs for him. One of his distributors told officers that she had seen four to five pounds of meth and approximately 4,000 fentanyl pills in Biggs’ room a few days prior. The investigation ultimately led to officers detaining Biggs and searching his motel room. Law enforcement located fentanyl pills, more than a pound of meth, a black bag containing $5,860 and a loaded firearm in the room. Co-defendant Brandi Davitt was sentenced in January to four years in prison for her conviction in the case, while co-defendant Leota Beartusk-Martinez pleaded guilty to a trafficking crime and is awaiting sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 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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MISSOULA — The owner of a Bozeman construction company accused of not paying to the IRS employee-related taxes of more than $800,000 admitted to tax crimes today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Joseph Glen Dickey, 38, pleaded guilty to failure to truthfully account for and pay over withholding and FICA taxes, a felony, and failure to file employer’s quarterly return and pay tax, a misdemeanor. Dickey faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Aug. 14 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Dickey was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that Dickey is the owner of Alpine Customs, Inc., a commercial construction company that has employed 60 or more individuals. Dickey acted as Alpine’s general manager and exercised control over every aspect of the business, including approving company payments and overseeing company bank accounts. Alpine withheld payroll taxes from employees’ paychecks, including federal income taxes and Social Security and Medicare taxes. Alpine also was required to make quarterly deposits of those payroll taxes and additional employer payroll contributions to the IRS.

Dickey did not timely deposit several employee or employer payroll taxes from 2018 to 2021. Dickey knew of the requirements and his bookkeepers and IRS officers repeatedly advised Dickey of these legal obligations. In total, Dickey failed to timely pay $803,374 in employer and employee payroll taxes.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case. The IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA — Three Montanans who admitted trafficking fentanyl in the Missoula and Helena communities were sentenced to more than five years in federal prison this week, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Defendant Nikolas Loren Pellant, 34, of Missoula, was sentenced today to five years and three months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. On March 28, co-defendants Lynsi Noel Barnes, 33, of Missoula, and Beau James Breneman, 44, of Helena, were each sentenced to five years and three months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Each defendant pleaded guilty in November 2023 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.

The government alleged in court documents that in October 2022, federal agents intercepted a package that contained more than 300 fentanyl pills and was addressed to Pellant. Officers arrested Pellant when he accepted the package in a controlled delivery. The investigation determined that Pellant and his girlfriend, Barnes, had been selling fentanyl in the Missoula are for several months and that they acquired the drug through the mail and by making weekly trips to Spokane, Washington. The government further alleged that in January, the Montana Highway Patrol stopped Barnes as she was returning from one such trip and seized more than 450 fentanyl pills and other evidence of drug distribution from her vehicle.

In addition, the government alleged that in January 2022, law enforcement received reports of a rash of fentanyl overdoses in Lewis and Clark County. An investigation determined that Breneman was distributing heroin laced with fentanyl and that he had warned at least one customer to use small and diluted quantities of the drug because it was dangerous. Breneman admitted to distributing heroin laced with fentanyl. On May 31, 2023, Breneman and Barnes were passengers in a vehicle that was stopped in Shoshone County, Idaho. Law enforcement searched the car and found more than 300 fentanyl pills. Officers also found a plastic bag containing more fentanyl pills concealed on Breneman’s person.

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 and Shoshone County (Idaho) Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared recently before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on March 26 was:

Brian Todd Olson, 37, of Helena, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Olson faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Olson was detained pending further proceedings. The Helena Police Department and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-04.

Appearing on March 22 was:

Terrence Derrell Milton, 34, of Spokane, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Milton faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Milton was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Tri-Agency Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-01.

Khalif Ali-Daquane Jackson, 36, of Decatur, Georgia, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jackson faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Jackson was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Helena Police Department and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-04.

Brandon Lee Romero, 29, of Poplar, on charges of robbery, carjacking, transportation of stolen vehicle and assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted of the most serious crime, Romero faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Romero was detained pending further proceedings. The Fort Peck Law Enforcement Services, Williston Police Department and Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-10.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on March 28 was:

Joseph Patrick Mullaney, 46, of Butte, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charge, Mullaney faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. The FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Highway Patrol, U.S. Probation Office and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-08.

Scott Gilbert Apgar, 41, of Libby, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Apgar faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Apgar was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-19.

Gerry Alen Albus, 64, of Elmo, on charges of theft of government money and Social Security fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Albus faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Albus was released pending further proceedings. The Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-18.

Teri Anne Bell, 57, of Columbia Falls, on charges of wire fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bell faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Bell was released pending further proceedings. The FBI conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-17

 Appearing on March 25 was:

Jerry Leon Kamps, 63, of Dillon, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kamps faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Kamps was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, Dillon Police Department and Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation.  PACER case reference. 24-04.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on March 21 was:

Jordale Thomas Redwolf, 36, a transient, on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted of the most serious crime, Redwolf faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Redwolf was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-29.

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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BILLINGS — A Billings man on Thursday admitted to a scheme in which he defrauded the Crow Tribe by receiving checks from the tribe’s payroll account, forging the payees and having the payees cash the checks, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

The defendant, Jonathan Cleve Brien, 43, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud. Brien faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Brien was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in May 2019, Brien received checks from the Crow Tribe payroll account. Brien forged the payees on the checks and had those people cash the checks at various entities. A cooperator involved in methamphetamine in Billings admitted to law enforcement to being involved a check fraud scheme and that Brien informed the cooperator that he had access to a Crow Tribe account, which allegedly contained millions of dollars. On two occasions, the Brien brought the cooperator a signed Crow Tribe payroll check made payable to them in the amount of approximately $900. The cooperator deposited one of the checks into a personal bank account but withdrew most of the money as cash and split the money with Brien. The cooperator subsequently cashed the second check at a bank and again gave most of the cash to Brien. When interviewed, Brien initially denied knowledge of the checks, then admitted to receiving the Crow Tribe payroll checks and giving them to various people who were involved with him in using meth. He made the checks for about $900 because he thought tribe’s payroll account would have $900 in it and that it would be less suspicious if he kept the amount under $1,000.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Department of Interior, Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man today admitted to attempting to have sex with two minor girls on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Travis Dean Two Two, Sr., 35, pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement and to attempted sex trafficking of a minor as charged in an indictment. Two Two faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years to a lifetime of supervised release on each charge.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Aug. 1 and Two Two was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that from about May 2023 to August 2023, in Lame Deer and Ashland, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, Two Two communicated with a 14-year-old girl, identified as Jane Doe 1, through social media. Responding to a tip about the communications, law enforcement obtained messages in which Two Two confirms Doe 1 is 14 and indicates the two of them will have some fun together. Law enforcement obtained permission to take over Doe 1’s account and communicate with Two Two. The communications became increasingly sexual and Two Two requested naked pictures of Doe 1 and made plans to meet with her for sex. Ultimately, Two Two discussed meeting Doe 1 at the Montana Fair in Billings, indicated he wanted to take nude pictures of her and “maybe make a video” of sex acts with her. He noted that he “like[s] them young.” Law enforcement arrested Two Two on Aug. 19 as he was leaving the MontanaFair.

The government further alleged that from about June 2023 until September 2023, at Lame Deer, Two Two attempted to engage a minor girl in commercial sex. In August 2023, law enforcement interviewed a 16-year-old girl, identified as Jane Doe 2, who indicated she had met Two Two in 2021 and that they had communicated though text messages in the summer of 2023.  Doe 2 told law enforcement Two Two provided her with marijuana and that in exchange, Two Two began asking for sexual contact, to include a kiss and to grab her butt, which she allowed on a couple of occasions. Two Two later asked for sex in exchange for the marijuana, and Doe 2 rejected this offer.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Northern Cheyenne Investigative Services conducted the investigation.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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BILLINGS — A Billings man convicted of armed trafficking of fentanyl in the community was sentenced today to nine years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Cameron Dimich-Laster, 27, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

In court documents, the government alleged that in September 2023, law enforcement received information that a male person named “Cam” was selling large amounts of fentanyl. Law enforcement believed the person could be Dimich-Laster, who was on state felony probation and had an active arrest warrant for being a probation absconder. Agents observed Dimich-Laster coming and going from a Billings residence over an extended period and driving a BMW. Officers made a traffic stop on Dimich-Laster, who was detained and handcuffed. In a probation search of his vehicle, officers located a .380-caliber handgun, a loaded magazine, a single live round of .380 ammunition, fentanyl pills and $755 in U.S. currency. Law enforcement also searched the residence and located cocaine, a digital scale, ammunition, $1,075 in U.S. currency in the bedroom where Dimich-Laster had been staying. In a search of a small secondary residence Dimich-Laster had been using on the same lot, officers located fentanyl pills, $440 in U.S. currency and a digital scale.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 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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BILLINGS — A Billings felon was sentenced today to two years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after he admitted to illegally possessing a firearm found in a vehicle he was driving when he fled law enforcement and crashed, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Christopher Samuel Fear, 38, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

The government alleged in court documents that on Jan. 11, 2023 after 2 a.m., a Montana Highway Patrol officer attempted a traffic stop of a vehicle for traveling 85 mph in a 65-mph speed zone. The trooper activated his emergency lights, but the vehicle fled and eventually crashed into a fence in Billings. Officers approached the vehicle and saw that it was empty. Officers noticed a pistol on the floorboard and found Fear hiding under the front end of the vehicle. Fear was on state probation at the time for a drug conviction and had an outstanding probation violation arrest warrant. Law enforcement later searched the vehicle and found 216 fentanyl pills, 20 grams of methamphetamine, baggies and a loaded .357-caliber semi-automatic pistol.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Montana Highway Patrol  and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 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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BILLINGS — A Billings man accused of conducting armed patrols on the sidewalk in front of his residence, which is across the street from a public elementary school, admitted to a firearms crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.  

The defendant, Gabriel Cowan Metcalf, 49, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm in a school zone, as charged in an indictment. Metcalf faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $100,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Aug. 2. Metcalf’s release on conditions was continued pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that from Aug. 2, 2023 to Aug. 17, 2023, Metcalf possessed a 20-gauge shotgun within 1,000 feet of Broadwater Elementary School, which is located along Broadwater Avenue, from Fourth Street West to Fifth Street West. Metcalf lives on Broadwater Avenue, directly across from the public school. On Aug. 2, 2023, the Billings Police Department received a call regarding Metcalf pacing around with a firearm in front of his residence. A police detective saw Metcalf walk onto the property of a business that is located next door to Metcalf’s residence. The same day, a woman stepped outside of a nearby residence and saw Metcalf walking up the driveway and coming toward her with firearm slung over his shoulder.

In addition, multiple Billings residents saw Metcalf walking on the 400 block of Broadwater Avenue with a firearm. On Aug. 11, a resident saw Metcalf standing on the sidewalk and carrying a firearm while staring into traffic and looking directly at Broadwater School. On Aug. 13, another resident saw Metcalf walking westbound on the sidewalk while carrying a firearm, and that same day, another resident saw Metcalf sanding on the edge of the sidewalk in front of his residence with a firearm slung over his shoulder.

On Aug. 17, law enforcement officers spoke to Metcalf, who admitted to following cars while carrying a firearm, walking to the nearby business and escorting his mother down the street to her shop while carrying a firearm. Metcalf further told officers he patrolled daily and usually went around the block once or twice a week, but that lately he had done it several times a day. Law enforcement served a search warrant at Metcalf’s residence and seized a 20-gauge shotgun and six rounds of ammunition. The shotgun was the firearm Metcalf described as using to patrol. The sidewalks and streets in front of Metcalf’s residence are public property within 1,000 feet from the school and are a “school zone” as defined in federal law.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas A. Godfrey and Zeno B. Baucus are 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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MISSOULA — A New Jersey man on March 21 admitted to repeatedly touching a woman who was seated next to him on a commercial flight from New Jersey to Bozeman, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Piyush Mathew, 31, of Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States as charged in an indictment. Mathew faces a maximum of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for July 31 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Mathew was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that Mathew and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were seated next to each other on a commercial airlines flight from Newark, New Jersey, to Bozeman on Sept. 7, 2023. During the flight, Mathew, pretending to be asleep, touched Jane Doe multiple times on different parts of her body, including her thighs, fingers, arms, stomach, and breasts. Jane Doe, who was afraid of Mathew, leaned forward at one point, but Mathew then placed his hands on her side. Upon arrival in Bozeman, Jane Doe, still in fear of Mathew, hoped to alert the flight crew of Mathew’s behavior, however, Mathew stood immediately behind her for deboarding, and she felt she was unable to tell the flight crew. Jane Doe asked another male passenger, identified as C.B, whom she did not know, to pretend to be her husband’s friend and stay with her as they left the airplane. C.B. told investigators he observed Mathew lean toward Jane Doe during the flight and that Jane Doe “looked like she was about to cry” after they landed. When law enforcement approached Mathew in New Jersey and told him they were investigating an incident that occurred on the flight, Mathew responded, “Did she complain that I was touching her?”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Gallatin Airport Authority, and Bozeman Airport Police conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A Hays man accused of selling methamphetamine from a yellow school bus he used as his residence on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation admitted to a trafficking charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Lyle Gilbert Snow, Sr., 64, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Snow faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release.

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 July 31. Snow was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that in April 2022, the FBI received information that Snow was selling meth on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation and had been selling gram quantities since at least 2021 from the yellow school bus in which he lived. Law enforcement made a series of controlled purchases of meth from Snow. In June 2023, law enforcement served a federal search warrant on the yellow school bus and recovered a loaded .270-caliber rifle, ammunition and a flip phone. Messages on the phone indicated drug trafficking. While the search was under way, law enforcement saw Snow pull off the highway and begin to drive down his driveway. When he saw law enforcement, Snow pulled out of the driveway and began traveling away from his residence. Snow was pulled over a because he was driving with a suspended license. Snow possessed $1,537 in cash, including $20 bills identified as having been used in a controlled buy.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Myers is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A Browning man accused of strangling his dating partner on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Alphonse Trevon Bird IV, 19, pleaded guilty to assault of a dating partner by strangulation and suffocation. Bird 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 July 31. Bird was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that Bird and the victim, Jane Doe, were in a dating relationship. On Dec. 27, 2023, Bird, Doe and two others were in a vehicle when Bird and Doe got into an argument and pulled over to the side of the road. Doe got out of the vehicle and Bird tried to pull her back. Doe tried to run away, but Bird chased her down, got on top of her stomach and put her in a chokehold. Bird assaulted and strangled Doe. At the time of the assault, Bird had been ordered by a court to have no contact with Doe.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case.

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MISSOULA  — A Washington man today admitted to conspiring to hunt and kill bald and golden eagles on the Flathead Indian Reservation and then selling them on the black market across the United States and elsewhere, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Travis John Branson, 48, of Cusick, Washington, pleaded guilty to conspiracy, two counts of unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles and violation of the Lacey Act, which prohibits interstate trade in wildlife that has been taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of federal or state law. The Lacey Act also prohibits any person from making or submitting any false record, account, label for or identification of wildlife that has been or was intended to be transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

In court documents, the government alleged that from about January 2015 until about March 2021, Branson and others hunted and killed eagles on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Branson then sold the eagles on the black market across the United States and elsewhere. Brandon traveled from Washington to the Flathead Reservation, where he met co-defendant, Simon Paul, and they would then shoot, transport and ship bald and golden eagles for future black-market sales. Co-defendant Paul remains a fugitive.

The government further alleged that on March 1, 2021, a purchaser asked if Branson had any eagle feathers for sale. Branson responded by sending two pictures of golden eagle tail feathers.

The purchaser sent Branson $650 via PayPal. Branson sent a package to the purchaser that contained the eagle feathers, and the purchaser confirmed receipt of the package by text message.

On March 13, 2021, Branson shot and killed a golden eagle near Polson. Law enforcement stopped Branson and recovered from Branson’s vehicle the feet and feathers of the golden eagle.

Later, law enforcement recovered the remainder of the golden eagle carcass in a field.

During the stop, law enforcement also seized multiple phones. After obtaining a federal search warrant for the phones, law enforcement recovered numerous photos and text messages identifying the shooting, killing and ultimate selling of bald and golden eagles throughout the United States. Branson knew killing and selling eagles was illegal and that he did not have a permit for any of the activities. When negotiating a purchase price for eagle feathers with a potential buyer, Branson said:

“I don’t get em for free though ..out hear committing felonies”

Branson told another potential buyer he would obtain other eagle tails by “[g]oing on a killing spree.”

Further, Branson acknowledged that international shipping was illegal:

“International is still illegal ..I just get em for 99 cents ..price of a bullet..lol”

Branson faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the conspiracy and Lacey Act charges. Branson also faces a maximum of one year in prison, a $5,000 fine and one year of supervised release for the first conviction of unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles, a misdemeanor. Branson faces an enhanced felony provision, which applies to the second or subsequent convictions of unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles, of a maximum of two years in prison, a $10,000 fine and one year of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. A sentencing date was set for July 31 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Branson’s release was continued pending further proceedings.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan G. Weldon and Randy Tanner are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Flathead Tribal Law Enforcement conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS — A federal jury on March 19 convicted a Billings woman who was accused of trafficking methamphetamine by walking the drug across the Mexican border using her U.S. passport and then mailing the drug from California to a Billings contact for distribution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

After a two-day trial that began on March 18, the jury found Dawn Marie Guevara, 43, guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth as charged in an indictment. Guevara faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for July 18 and continued Guevara’s detention pending further proceedings.

“Guevara’s convictions are yet another example of our office’s success in holding people accountable for trafficking drugs directly from Mexico to Montana, which is exactly what Guevara did here. Her convictions are due to the years of relentless work of our federal and state partners to bring Guevara and her co-defendants to justice, for which I am very grateful.  I also thank Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin M. Rubich and Jacob Yerger and our entire trial team for their diligent work in obtaining this result,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that Guevara conspired with others to distribute meth in the Billings community from about July 2018 to December 2018. In July 2018, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation received information that Guevara, who was living in Mexico, was selling meth to an individual through social media orders and arranging to have another person in Billings receive the meth to complete the transaction. Law enforcement obtained meth sent by Guevara in a series of controlled purchases and for increasing amounts. and through an undercover. The investigation determined that Guevara would obtain meth in Mexico, then cross into the United States using her U.S. passport and mail the meth from a post office in San Ysidro. Money collected from sales was wired to Guevara in Mexico. Border crossing information determined that Guevara entered the United States through the San Ysidro Port of Entry approximately 20 times between July 7, 2018 and Oct. 18, 2018. Guevara was arrested in 2023 when she crossed the border from Mexico.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin M. Rubich and Jacob Yerger are prosecuting the case. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Postal 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.

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BILLINGS — U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich, for the District of Montana, and Billings Police Chief Rich St. John today issued a warning to the public about the appearance in the community of pink fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is more potent than morphine and heroin.

Law enforcement is beginning to see pink fentanyl pills in Billings. Noted for their pink color, the pills are more potent than the fentanyl that has been seen in the community. Many of these illicitly produced synthetic opioids can result in overdoses and death.

“It has become far too common for us to see illicit fentanyl as a blue pill, but synthetic opioids can come in all forms and colors. We are now seeing pink fentanyl pills and they’re even more potent and deadly than the fentanyl pills we’ve previously seen in Montana. All of us must remain vigilant in the fight against fentanyl, as one pill can kill you. Please don’t take any pill that is not prescribed to you by a medical professional. Our office stands shoulder to shoulder with the Billings Police Department in the battle to save lives and to stop the widespread trafficking of this poison in our community,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“The emergence of pink fentanyl presents a new and serious challenge for the law enforcement community. The practice of mixing pink fentanyl with other street drugs has created a major public health concern. The increased potency has deadly results. Our officers, along with our law enforcement partners and supported by the USAO, are working tirelessly to reduce the amount of these dangerous drugs in our community and hold offenders accountable,” Chief St. John said.  

Additional information about fentanyl can be found at https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/fentanyl

Persons with information about pink fentanyl and its distribution are asked to contact the Billings Police Department at 406-657-8200. Tips also may be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers at 406-245-6660.

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GREAT FALLS — A Colorado man accused of drinking alcohol and causing a one-vehicle crash on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in which a passenger suffered significant injuries admitted to a criminal endangerment charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Bryson Elijah Owens-Johnson, 29, of Denver, Colorado, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with criminal endangerment. Owens-Johnson 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 July 17. Owens-Johnson was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on July 29, 2021, near St. Mary, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Owens-Johnson was drinking with co-workers at a local bar. The group left the bar at closing time and six of them got into Owens-Johnson’s sedan. Owens-Johnson was traveling north on Highway 89 when he veered off the road, striking the guardrail almost head-on and damaging multiple steel and wood posts connected to it. Witnesses confirmed that everyone had been drinking alcohol at the local bar and that Owens-Johnson had been looking at his phone and veering on the roadway. Medical records from the Indian Health Service showed that Owens-Johnson had a blood alcohol concentration of .093 almost two hours after the crash was reported. One of the passengers, identified as John Doe, who is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Indian Tribe, suffered significant injuries and continues to receive ongoing medical care.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case. The Montana Highway Patrol, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and FBI conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA — A Whitefish interior designer who admitted to defrauding customers of approximately $900,000 and using the money for personal expenses was sentenced on March 14 to four years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $933,679 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

The defendant, Jennifer Michele Helm, aka Jennifer Michele, 45, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to wire fraud and to aggravated identity theft.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.

In court documents and statements in court, the government alleged that beginning as early at 2016, Helm, while doing business as Sage Interior Design, LLC, Interior Design Service, and Jennifer Michele LLC, defrauded numerous customers. Her scheme ensnared more than 20 victims. A few of the victims came forward after Helm pleaded guilty, and Helm defrauded four more victims after her interview with the FBI in 2021, when she presumably knew she was a target of a federal criminal investigation.  

To execute the scheme, Helm entered into agreements with customers to provide goods and services, usually by promising to order furnishings and fixtures as part of construction and remodeling projects. In some instances, Helm presented her clients with invoices for items she knew she had not ordered and that clients never received. In addition, Helm convinced two clients, a married couple, to give her their credit card number, which she was authorized to use to make purchases on the couple’s behalf. Rather than make those purchases, Helm used the credit card and directed the proceeds of the transactions into her bank account. When interviewed by the FBI, Helm said she was responsible for any misspent funds.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

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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 March 12 was:

Adriano Spark LeBeaux, 19, of Lame Deer, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse. If convicted of the most serious crime, LeBeaux faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release LeBeaux was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-121.

Renee Esperanza Arambula, 26, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and money laundering. If convicted of the most serious crime, Arambula faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release on the drug counts and a mandatory minimum of seven 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 and brandishing a firearm in a drug trafficking crime. Arambula was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-02.

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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GREAT FALLS — A former member of the U.S. Air Force at the Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for obtaining and selling child sexual abuse material, U.S Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Brandon Earl Bankston, 23, pleaded guilty in October 2023 to possession with intent to sell child pornography.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $60,000 restitution to victims. To date, the investigation has identified more than 20 victims of Bankston’s scheme, but only 20 victims requested restitution. 

In court documents, the government alleged that Bankston obtained child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from various places on the internet and stored the material in an off-shore, cloud-based storage account. Bankston then used mobile messaging applications and fake online profiles to advertise the sale of the material to strangers online. When he found someone interested in the CSAM he possessed, Bankston received payment through electronic wire transfers and would then link the buyer, allowing access to the material stored in his offshore storage account. The government further alleged that Bankston possessed and traded thousands of images and videos of child sexual abuse, some of which depicted the abuse of toddlers. In the summer of 2021, the Great Falls Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was alerted that a suspect in Montana had uploaded videos containing known CSAM to an account on “X” and further learned that a Snapchat user with a Montana address had posted an image of CSAM. The investigation determined that the internet provider address belonged to Bankston, who was an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force assigned to the 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base. Bankston has since been discharged and is no longer affiliated with the U.S. Air Force. Bankston received approximately $6,750 for the sale of CSAM from 42 separate transactions.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case. The Great Falls Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations 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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GREAT FALLS — A Dodson man who admitted to an assault charge stemming from a vehicle crash in which his truck hit another vehicle, seriously injuring the other driver, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Marvin James Cole, 28, pleaded guilty in October 2023 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

The government alleged that on June 22, 2022, Cole crashed his GMC truck into a Dodge Avenger driven by the victim, identified as John Doe, on Highway 66 near Harlem, on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Doe suffered serious injuries and ultimately was treated at a hospital in Seattle. A toxicology report showed amphetamine and methamphetamine in Cole’s blood. Cole agreed that he likely drifted into the other lane when he looked at his phone.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Fort Belknap Law Enforcement, Montana Highway Patrol and Phillips County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A Browning man accused of shooting and wounding a man in the head on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Joseph Paul Vandenberg, 20, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and using a firearm during a crime of violence as charged in an indictment. Vandenberg faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the assault charge and a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge.

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 July 11. Vandenberg was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in the early morning hours of March 11, 2022 in Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Vandenberg was a backseat passenger in a vehicle that was cruising around when the driver pulled up and blocked the driveway of a home as the victim, identified as John Doe, and a friend, got into a SUV that was backed into the driveway. Doe tried to maneuver around the vehicle. Vandenberg opened the back door of the vehicle, pulled out a firearm and fired a round as Doe’s vehicle was driving away. The bullet grazed the side of Doe’s head and lodged in the dashboard at the base of the windshield. Doe was treated for a large laceration on his head. Vandenberg admitted to being the shooter and told law enforcement that the driver told him to shoot, and he did because he was scared.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

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Note: This press release has been updated to correctly identify the flight as SkyWest Flight 3789 operating as Delta Connections.

MISSOULA — A Bozeman man accused of assaulting a woman passenger while on a flight from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Bozeman admitted charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Hunter Andrew Dietrich, 32, pleaded guilty to assault onboard an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States, a misdemeanor, as charged in a superseding information. Dietrich faces a maximum of six months in prison, a $5,000 fine and one year of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. The court set sentencing for July 10. Dietrich was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on Feb. 11, 2023, SkyWest Flight 3789 operating as Delta Connections traveled from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Bozeman. During the flight, Dietrich, a passenger, disobeyed repeated instructions from the flight crew to behave himself. In addition, Dietrich approached a woman passenger during the flight and touched her body in various places despite the woman passenger telling him to stop.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Bozeman Airport Police conducted the investigation.

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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 March 7 was:

Dai Shawn Whitford, 33, of Box Elder, on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Whitford faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Whitford was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Tri-Agency Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-01.

Appearing on March 6 was:

Joseph Abe Racine, Jr., 53, of Browning, on assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to an intimate partner and assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted of the most serious crime, Racine faces a maximum of 10 years prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Racine was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services 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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BILLINGS — A Billings man with seven prior felony convictions was sentenced on March 7 to five years and five months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for using a stolen bank card to make unauthorized purchases and for illegally possessing firearms, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

James Kendall Wiles, 42, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered Wiles to pay $4,439 restitution.

In court documents, the government alleged that in September 2022, a victim, identified as Jane Doe 2, notified the Billings Police Department that her bank card had been stolen from her vehicle and successfully used by someone to make purchases around Billings. An investigation found that Wiles used the stolen bank card at Walmart to purchase a pre-paid gift card for $504. Later, in December 2022, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper observed Wiles stealing property from a vehicle in Billings. The trooper attempted a traffic stop of Wiles’ vehicle but stopped his pursuit because of safety concerns. Police officers found Wiles a short time later outside of a friend’s apartment and learned that Wiles had asked to store a few things in the residence because he was being chased. Officers located two semi-automatic pistols and various rounds of ammunition. One of these pistols was reported stolen from the vehicle the trooper had seen Wiles breaking into. Wiles had seven prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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BILLINGS — A Lodge Grass woman convicted in a large-scale, multi-state methamphetamine trafficking operation she ran from her home on the Crow Indian Reservation to supply drugs across the state and to four Montana Indian reservations was sentenced today to 24 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Frederica Lefthand, 52, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to possession with intent to distribute meth and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

“As a top-level dealer in this broad conspiracy, Lefthand is responsible for spreading staggering quantities of poison not only in her own community on the Crow Indian Reservation, but across Montana, including on the Northern Cheyenne, Fort Belknap, and Rocky Boy’s reservations. Lefthand played a key role in obtaining meth from suppliers in Washington, recruited lower-level dealers, collected drug debts, and wired proceeds to an individual in Washington. She has earned this prison sentence and I am proud of our law enforcement partners and prosecutors who have brought her to justice,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“The Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement is devoted to removing dangerous drug dealers in Indian Country, including those that continually exploit and profit off the pain and tragic loss of their fellow community members, such as Lefthand.  We value the partnerships with DEA, FBI, and other agencies that were involved in this case to fully realize the capabilities of cooperative law enforcement efforts that led to this sentence,” said Jerin Falcon, Deputy Associate Director of the BIA Division of Drug Enforcement.

“Montana, and specifically the Indian Reservation communities across the state, have not been immune from the impact of Mexican Cartels and their trafficking of methamphetamine and fentanyl.  The sentencing today affirms that DEA and our partners will relentlessly pursue the cartels and their networks and hold them accountable for the harm they are causing our communities,” said Cesar Avila, Resident Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

“Lefthand essentially helped fuel a drug crisis among her own people and throughout the state,” said Shohini Sinha, Special Agent in Charge of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The FBI and our partners aim to target criminal enterprises and cut off the supply of illegal narcotics at the highest levels, so they don’t make it into our neighborhoods.”

 In court documents and statements in court, the government alleged that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, investigated a large-scale, multi-state narcotics trafficking operation that ran from January 2022 until March 2023 and was based on two properties on the Crow Indian Reservation, including Lefthand’s residence, which was known as Spear Siding. Lefthand was near the top of the conspiracy, only below a Washington source of supply and identified as co-defendant 1. The investigation into Spear Siding activities began in June 2022 and has led to federal charges against 25 other defendants, 12 of whom have been convicted and sentenced.

Lefthand supplied a significant portion of the meth sold across the Crow, Northern Cheyenne, Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy’s Indian reservations and had operations in every reservation town as well as in Billings and Havre. Lefthand was the ringleader of the operation, which involved “pounds and pounds and pounds” of meth, the government said. Lefthand worked directly with co-defendant 1 and managed the operation in Montana, dispensing drugs to lower-level dealers, collecting debts, organizing deals and recruiting others to help her make money. Spear Siding was a hub of drug activity, and sources reported that Spear Siding would “never run out” of meth.

While traveling to Washington state with co-defendant 1, Lefthand attempted to recruit more “great distributors.” In an intercepted text message, Lefthand said:

“we will be back in business when we get back so start thinking about of few of your other peeps who might want to purchase or be great distributors. We will only be working with a few but will be considering other locations if you know what I mean jellybean!!! Maybe seven and ten if need be.”

Law enforcement conducted two controlled purchases of meth from Lefthand in September 2022. On April 1, 2023, law enforcement arrested Lefthand in a stolen vehicle following a pursuit and found her to be in possession of meth and a handgun. In addition, Lefthand made several wire transfers of money from drug transactions to an individual in Washington.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys 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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GREAT FALLS — A federal jury on Feb. 29 convicted a Washington man accused of trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl in communities in Hill County and on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

After a three-day trial that began on Feb. 27, a jury found the defendant, Antonio Ledesma Rodriguez, aka Uncle, 53, of Yakima, Washington, guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substance and distribution of fentanyl as charged in an indictment. Rodriguez faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release on each count.

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 June 20. Rodriguez was detained pending further proceedings.

“Due to outstanding law enforcement work, we are, yet again, holding someone accountable for poisoning our communities. Here, Rodriguez brought meth and fentanyl pills to the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation and surrounding towns for local distribution. Together with our law enforcement partners, we remain relentless in our efforts to shut down drug traffickers.  I thank Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie D. Robles and Amanda L. Myers, our office support staff and the FBI, Tri Agency Task Force and Rocky Boy’s Police Department for their work investigating and prosecuting this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that Rodriguez was involved in drug trafficking from about January 2021 to December 2021 in the Hill County communities of Havre, Laredo and Box Elder, and on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. In May 2021, law enforcement seized fentanyl pills from an individual at his residence. The individual admitted he was involved in distributing controlled substances and identified his suppliers as a group of men, including Rodriguez, from Yakima, Washington. The pills sized from the residence had been provided by Rodriguez. The individual also sold fentanyl and meth for Rodriguez. In a controlled purchase, law enforcement obtained 350 fentanyl pills from Rodriguez for $8,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie D. Robles and Amanda L. Myers are prosecuting the case. The FBI, Tri Agency Task Force and Rocky Boy’s 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 — Investigations by federal and local law enforcement agencies into methamphetamine traffickers who attempted to set up base in Livingston in Park County have resulted in federal drug convictions, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced today.

During a press conference at the Park County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Building in Livingston, U.S. Attorney Laslovich, along with federal, local and drug task force partners, discussed the dismantling of a drug ring that brought large quantities of meth from Idaho to Livingston for redistribution in Park and Gallatin counties and elsewhere. Joining the U.S. Attorney were officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Park County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri River Drug Task Force.

“As these investigations show, Montana’s smaller and more rural communities, like Livingston, are not immune from drug traffickers who bring in meth from out of state and try to enlist local addicts and dealers to redistribute drugs. Without local lower-level dealers willing to sell for larger suppliers, these larger suppliers would not have a way to push their drugs to individual users. The collaborative work of the Park County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri River Drug Task Force, and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was critical to the investigation and federal prosecution of these cases. Our work is ongoing and regardless of the size of the Montana community, we will continue to aggressively prosecute drug traffickers poisoning our communities,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“Violent crime can swiftly overwhelm any community, ending its sense of safety, victimizing countless individuals, and inflicting economic losses on businesses,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. “Now, more than ever, it is imperative for local, state and federal law enforcement, alongside our communities, to remain united and steadfast in efforts to detect, disrupt, and combat violent crime."

“The Sheriff’s Office and our partners are committed to dismantling the drug trade in Park County,” Park County Sheriff Brad Bichler said. “Strong partnerships are invaluable when taking on a mission of this magnitude, and we are lucky to have a group who are working together to achieve our goals and objectives. We will continue to remove this poison and those who deal in it from Park County.”

"The Missouri River Drug Task Force is proud of the work done on these investigations. This is a great example of what can be accomplished through collaborative efforts between local, state, and federal agencies,” said MRDTF Commander Nate Kamerman, who is the investigations captain with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. “MRDTF's focus is on interstate Drug Trafficking Organizations, but these investigations nearly always begin with data gathered at the local level. The presence of a Park County Sheriff's Office deputy on the MRDTF not only set the foundation for our involvement in these investigations, but also allowed for effective communication with our federal partners. MRDTF will continue to work with agencies at every level to provide thoroughly investigated and documented cases, allowing prosecutors to fulfill their role in holding drug traffickers accountable."

According to court documents, a drug trafficking investigation began in early 2020 when law enforcement learned that defendants Oscar Albert Nevarez, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and co-defendant, James D. Murrieta, of Utica, New York, were bringing meth from outside of Montana to Livingston for redistribution in Park and Gallatin counties and elsewhere in Montana. Murietta and Nevarez were business partners, and Nevarez made approximately five trips to Idaho and back to get meth from a source of supply. Murietta and Nevarez used a Livingston residence as a base from which they supplied local dealers. Law enforcement also bought meth from Murietta in Bozeman and Belgrade in controlled purchases. Nevarez was sentenced to six years in federal prison, while Murietta was sentenced to 56 months in federal prison for their convictions in the case.

In addition, investigations have led to federal charges against other individuals in Park County on various drug trafficking crimes involving meth, fentanyl and heroin and firearms crimes.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas K. Godfrey prosecuted the cases. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Park County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted the investigations.

These cases are 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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MISSOULA — A Missoula man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in the community was sentenced today to 11 years in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Kevin Dean McLeod, 54, pleaded guilty in October of 2023 to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.

The government alleged in court documents that the Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force began investigating McLeod in the Spring of 2023. McLeod sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant, and later to an undercover agent, for a total of five times during the investigation.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 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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MISSOULA — A Virginia man convicted in a jury trial of attempting to trafficking a minor while in Billings was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

A federal jury convicted Mark Samuel Baker, 57, of Gore, Virginia, of attempted sex trafficking of a minor as charged in an indictment on Sept. 19, 2023, following a two-day trial in Missoula.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.

In court documents and during trial, the government alleged that from July 11, 2022 to July 13, 2022, Baker knowingly attempted to recruit and solicit a minor to engage in commercial sex. During the investigation, an undercover officer used the internet to post an advertisement purporting to be a female escort who was the minimum allowed posting age of 18. About six hours later, the undercover agent received a message in response to the ad from a phone number later identified to be Baker’s. Law enforcement responded on July 12, 2022 asking if Baker wanted “a date.” Law enforcement and Baker communicated over the next two days. One of the exchanges included: Law enforcement asks, “Are u ok if I’m not 18.” Baker responds, “Yes as long as you are ok I’m 49.”  Law enforcement writes, “I’m almost 16 if ur cool w that.”

Baker and the undercover discussed how much time $80 would buy, and Baker said he wanted sex with the undercover officer. Baker also sent pictures of the cash he would use and of himself. They then made plans to meet in Billings and go to Baker’s hotel. Law enforcement arrested Baker on July 13, 2022 when he showed up at the designated time. A call was then placed to the phone number law enforcement had been texting, and a smartphone in Baker’s vehicle lit up with the undercover’s number. Law enforcement found $375 in cash, a hotel passkey and four condoms on Baker’s person.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Billings Police Department 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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NOTE: This press release has been updated to reflect the removal of the names of uncharged entities.

BILLINGS — U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich for the District of Montana and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office are alerting the public about a nationwide scam to trick individuals into paying cryptocurrency to lift fake, non-existent arrest warrants.

Targets of the scam receive phone calls or forged court documents stating that they are being investigated for Payroll Protection Program (PPP) fraud and are the subject of an arrest warrant. The documents often claim to have been sent on behalf of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch. Additional documents sent by scammers advise the recipient that to lift the arrest warrant, the recipient must make a payment through a cryptocurrency kiosk. The documents contain detailed instructions on how to use a cryptocurrency kiosk to send payment.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with the FBI, are warning the public that these solicitations are unapproved and illegitimate. If you receive solicitations to lift an arrest warrant in exchange for cryptocurrency payments, you should not respond or follow those instructions.

“We are aware of scammers attempting to target Montanans to trick us into paying cryptocurrency for bogus arrest warrants.  No Montanan should ever be contacted by law enforcement asking for money to lift an arrest warrant.  If you are contacted to do this, it’s fraudulent.  These fraudsters can be convincing, and the documents may appear to be authentic, but they are not. I urge anyone who may be the targets of this scheme to report it to local law enforcement and the FBI,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“Scammers prey on people’s fears or use intimidation tactics so victims will hastily provide personal information or payment,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Keep in mind, federal agencies and law enforcement will never contact individuals to ask for money.”

Please report these scams to law enforcement by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721, or by submission to the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.  You also may report the scam to the FBI at: https://www.ic3.gov/.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

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BILLINGS — A U.S. District Court judge on Feb. 20 convicted a Wyoming man for his role in arranging for commercial sex in Billings and then making false statements to federal investigators, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

After a one-day bench trial on Feb. 20, U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters found the defendant, Mark Jay Albrecht, 66, of Gillette, Wyoming, guilty of use of facility in interstate commerce in aid of racketeering and making a false statement as charged in a fourth superseding indictment. Albrecht faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on each crime.

The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for March 20 and continued Albrecht’s release pending further proceedings.

“Spinning a web of lies to federal agents about his efforts to engage in commercial sex activity has now made Albrecht a federal felon.  His desire and actions to have commercial sex contributed to the sex trafficking of a minor, for which the trafficker was previously held accountable by this office.  I applaud and thank our federal prosecutors, as well as the FBI, IRS, and Billings Police Department for their tenacity in holding Albrecht accountable for his deceit,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that on April 21, 2021, law enforcement responded to a report of possible commercial sex activity at the Quality Inn in Billings. Billings police officers knocked on the door of the suspect room and announced themselves. A woman, identified as Ashley Stella, of Reno, Nevada, Jane Doe 1, who was a minor at the time, and Albrecht emerged. Albrecht was seen buttoning up his shirt as he exited the room. Albrecht initially denied to police and FBI officers, who had responded to assist, that he was in the room for a sexual encounter and offered various stories about why he was there. Ultimately, Albrecht acknowledged going to the room to engage in commercial sex. Albrecht explained how he used a social media website to arrange for commercial sex and how he responded on Tryst using his cellphone. He showed law enforcement the cellphone messages setting up the meeting. Stella acknowledged in interviews that Albrecht was in the room for commercial sex, and that Jane Doe 1 traveled with her for the purpose of commercial sex. Following the events of April 21, 2021, law enforcement began a federal sex trafficking investigation.

As part of the sex trafficking investigation, Albrecht was issued a federal grand jury subpoena to testify about the events surrounding April 21, 2021. In anticipation of the grand jury appearance, Albrecht was invited to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for an interview in May 2021 to explain the grand jury process to him. FBI and IRS agents were present for that interview. Albrecht was informed several times that he was not a target of the investigation and that the only way he could get into trouble was to make false statements. Albrecht also was informed that making false statements to a federal agent was a crime. Despite these assurances, Albrecht repeatedly stated that he did not go to the Quality Inn for commercial sex but rather offered another story about why he was communicating with Stella. Albrecht never admitted he was soliciting commercial sex during his May 2021 interview, contrary to facts known by law enforcement. Stella was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for conviction of transportation of a minor to engage in prostitution.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, IRS and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS — The U.S. Attorney’s Office held a United Against Hate meeting Tuesday afternoon at the Great Falls Public Library with community members, along with federal and local law enforcement representatives, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

United Against Hate is an initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Justice focused on improving the prevention of hate crimes and hate incidents by building relationships at the local level. Through this initiative, the Justice Department seeks to create and strengthen partnerships among law enforcement, community leaders and residents.

“The United States Department of Justice knows we have an obligation, both legally and morally, to hold individuals accountable for crimes driven by all forms of hatred.  Indeed, we are united against hate and this essential and sobering work requires all of us pulling in the same direction.  I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our federal and local partners to combat hate crimes in Montana,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“The latest FBI statistics show that hate-fueled violence is on the rise,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI. “It's imperative we take a collective approach to address this issue head on. We hope this event spurred conversations, strengthened relationships, and empowered the community with the knowledge and tools to combat hate crimes together.”

The meeting with the Great Falls community is one in a series of meetings the U.S. Attorney’s Office is holding throughout Montana and provided an opportunity for community members to have a better understanding of hate crimes and hate incidents, how to report them to law enforcement and to learn about available resources. Approximately 60 people attended the event, which was hosted by the Great Falls Public Library. Additional Justice Department information and resources about hate crimes are available at https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.

Speakers at the event included U.S. Attorney Laslovich and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon, from the Missoula Division Office. In addition, the event featured a Hate Crimes Panel Discussion and question and comment session that included U.S. Attorney Laslovich; FBI Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha, from the Salt Lake City Field Office; Cascade County Attorney Josh Racki; and Great Falls Police Department Captain Rob Moccasin.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office will be holding additional United Against Hate events in coming months in communities across the state.

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MISSOULA—A former Bureau of Land Management employee today admitted to stealing agency checks and forging the signature of another employee to obtain cash for personal expenses, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Adrian Anthony Aragon, 52, of Butte, pleaded guilty to theft of government property and aggravated identity theft. Aragon faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250 000 fine and three years of supervised release on the theft crime and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft crime.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen will sentence Aragon on June 26. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Aragon was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that Aragon worked for the BLM in 2019 and 2020. In early 2022, a BLM employee, identified as Jane Doe, reported four checks totaling $10,700 were written on a government bank account in her name without her knowledge or authorization. Bank records showed that the checks were written to “cash” against a Citibank account and presented for deposit into Wells Fargo accounts solely in Aragon’s name. Aragon used the stolen funds for personal expenses, including cash withdrawals, utility and cell phone bills, restaurants, grocery stores and Amazon purchases. Jane Doe told law enforcement that Aragon had access to her checks during his employment and that Aragon made schedule changes resulting in him being the first or last person in the office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case. The Department of Interior Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A Browning man accused of strangling and beating a dating partner, causing serious injury, admitted to assault charges on Feb. 20, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

The defendant, Emerson John No Runner, Jr., 47, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault of a dating partner by strangulation and suffocation. No Runner 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 June 20. No Runner was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in March 2022 in Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, No Runner and his then-girlfriend, identified as Jane Doe, had been drinking together and had slept at a relative’s trailer. The pair were alone when No Runner started arguing with Jane Doe about perceived infidelity. No Runner straddled Jane Doe on a mattress, placed his hands around her neck and applied pressure. Jane Doe lost consciousness and woke up after sunset. Jane Doe felt her head, realized she was bleeding and that there were pieces of wood in her hair. Officers seized a piece of wood with apparent blood and hair. Jane Doe suffered a brain injury and bruising on her neck. In a Facebook message to Jane Doe in December 2023, No Runner referenced the assault, stating, “the plan was to kill you that day should of, so bye bitch.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case. The Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and FBI conducted the investigation.

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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 Feb. 15 was:

Lawrence Michael Demarais, 46, a transient, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Demarais faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Demarais was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-07.

Jessie Ambrose Deaguero, 41, of Billings, on charges of theft from federal firearms licensee and possession of stolen firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Deaguero faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Deaguero was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-12.

Isaac Michael Price, 19, of Billings, on charges of theft from federal firearms licensee and possession of stolen firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Price faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Price was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-19.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Feb. 14 was:

William Robert Smith, 71, of Great Falls, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Smith faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Smith was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 24-03.

Appearing on Feb.13 was:

Alvin Aubrey Roe, 47, of Helena, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and prohibited person in possession of ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Roe faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Roe was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-104.

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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MISSOULA — A Troy man admitted today that he tampered with evidence in the shooting of a grizzly bear on his property in 2020 and discarding of the bear’s GPS collar in the Yaak River, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Othel Lee Pearson, 80, appeared today for arraignment on an amended information charging him with tampering with evidence, a felony, and with failure to report taking of grizzly bear, a misdemeanor. Pearson then pleaded guilty to both charges. Pearson faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the evidence tampering charge and a maximum of six months in prison and a $25,000 fine on the failure to report charge.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided at the plea hearing. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for June 6. Pearson was released pending further proceedings.

A plea agreement filed in the case calls for the government and defendant to jointly recommend to the court a sentence of three years of probation and an $8,000 fine, which is the restitution amount for illegally killing a grizzly bear under Montana state statute. In exchange for guilty pleas, the United States agrees not to prosecute another individual in connection with the taking of the grizzly bear, and Pearson agrees to cooperate with the United States regarding the skull of a second grizzly bear discovered on National Forest System lands near his property.

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 National Forest System land near his residence. As further alleged, meat from the bear was discovered in Pearson’s freezer inside his home. Pearson attempted to and did tamper with these identifying objects to impair the criminal prosecution for failing to report taking of a grizzly bear. Pearson killed the bear either in self-defense, in defense of others or unlawfully. Pearson did not report the killing of the grizzly bear to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within five days of occurrence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Tanner is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA -- A Billings man who admitted to coercing a minor girl in New York to make and send him sexually explicit images of herself was sentenced today to 20 years in prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jeffrey Eugene Herbert, 35, pleaded guilty in March 2023 to production of child pornography and possession of child pornography.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court also ordered restitution of $842.

In court documents, the government alleged that Herbert possessed and distributed child sexual abuse material (CSAM) prior to using minor victims to produce the material for his personal enjoyment.

In June 2022, the parents of a 13-year-old girl, identified as Jane Doe 1, in New York reported to law enforcement that their daughter was coerced to self-produce CSAM online through a social media application. An investigation and review of Jane Doe 1’s phone determined that the girl and a user, “amberbaby 14141,” had exchanged nearly 900 communications in June 2022.  The user, “amberbaby 14141,” who was later identified as Herbert, was posing as a 14-year-old female and was actively soliciting sexually explicit content from Jane Doe 1. In an attempt to solicit more material from Jane Doe 1, Herbert became increasingly coercive and threatening. He threatened to send the videos that she had sent him to others and said he would “mess ur life up.”   

Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Herbert’s residence in October 2022 and collected electronic media. In an interview with law enforcement, Herbert admitted to using the “amberbaby 14141” account to coerce underage girls to produce sexually explicit content. Herbert told law enforcement where CSAM would be located on his cellular phone, and investigators found a hidden application where folders were organized by names of victims. Law enforcement identified potentially 22 minor victims. The content included hundreds of videos and images and reflected minors around the country self-producing CSAM at Herbert’s instruction.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Montana Division of Criminal 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 — A Lame Deer man who admitted assaulting a dating partner and using a  baton to strike the victim on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was sentenced today to three years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Curtis Leo Crazymule, 45, pleaded guilty in October 2023 to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a dating partner, assault of a dating partner by strangulation and assault with a dangerous weapon.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

The government alleged in court documents that Crazymule and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were at times were in a romantic relationship in 2022. In December 2022, Crazymule, who was drunk, straddled and assaulted the victim as they sat in a parked car. Crazymule used his forearm to strangle the victim. Crazymule was mad because the victim had tried to take the keys from him. Earlier in the year, in January 2022, Crazymule assaulted Jane Doe with a baton, described as a collapsible police baton, by striking her on the head.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA — A Missoula man with two prior federal felony convictions was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after he admitted to illegally possessing firearms, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Luke Aldon Hayes, 41, pleaded guilty in October 2023 to felon in possession of a firearm.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.

The government alleged in court documents that Hayes had two prior federal felony convictions for firearms-related offenses and was prohibited from possessing guns. On Aug. 9, 2023, while at work in Bonner, Hayes accidently shot himself in the foot and immediately drove to his residence. Law enforcement responded to Hayes’ residence and eventually searched his mother’s car because she was seen moving a black, plastic case from the house to the vehicle. Officers seized the black case, which contained seven handguns. None of the guns had serial numbers and one of them, a .40-caliber pistol, was accompanied by a high-capacity magazine capable of holding 22 rounds of ammunition. In addition, law enforcement recovered additional guns, ammunition and accessories from Hayes in October 2023. In total, law enforcement recovered 14 firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot prosecuted the case. 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.

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MISSOULA — A federal judge today sentenced an Indian national to four years and three months in prison for his role in stealing $150,000 from a Kalispell woman through an international computer-hacking scheme that targeted elderly Americans nationwide and resulted in more than $1.2 million in total losses, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Sukhdev Vaid, 24, of Haryana, India, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to wire fraud.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court further ordered that upon release from custody, Vaid will be remanded to the Bureau of Customs and Immigration Enforcement for deportation and ordered Vaid to pay $1,236,470 restitution.

“It has become all too common for people outside of our country to victimize Montanans, especially as it relates to wire fraud, and get away with it. But not this time. Vaid is going to federal prison due to the sophistication and tenacity of the FBI, for which I am grateful. We will continue to be relentless in tracking down these criminals who prey on our trusting impulses, and we are confident such efforts will result in these fraudsters ending up in the same place as Vaid,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“’Phantom Hacker’ scams layer imposter tech support, financial, and government personas to gain access to someone’s computer and personal information. Sadly, these scams are increasingly targeting our seniors. Adding to the depravity of this particular case is that the scammer traveled overseas to collect victim’s money in person,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI. “To protect yourself, never click on unsolicited pop-ups, links sent by text message or email, don’t download software at the request of someone you don’t know, and always remember that the government and law enforcement will never call and ask you for money.”

“In an era where innocent folks increasingly fall victim to these types of crimes, I am pleased that our office played an active role in the capture, prosecution, and ultimate conviction of these individuals,” Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino said. “While we know that the convictions of Mr. Vaid and Mr. Joseph cannot fully replace the emotional and financial loss experienced by the victims, they do ensure that these individuals will not have the ability to prey upon our citizens during their time of incarceration. It is a reminder to all citizens that these scams occur frequently and can be devastating. I urge everyone to exercise caution; do not allow strangers access to your computer, bank accounts, or personal information,” Heino said.

In a statement to the court, the Montana victim said, “I feel very violated…I have crawled into a shell emotionally and don’t want to be vulnerable in any way. I don’t know who I can safely trust now. I don’t feel safe at all.”

A victim from outside Montana wrote to the court, “I’m driving a 2007 car, and this loss has prevented me from affording a new car. The cost of living keeps going up, which doesn’t help when on a fixed income. I’m not sure I will ever have peace of mind again and trust others. This has cost me more than any monetary loss.”

The government alleged in court documents that a large enterprise originating from India was involved in stealing $1,236,470 from elderly Americans. The Montana case arose in February 2023, when Glacier Bank notified the FBI that Jane Doe, a 73-year-old woman in Kalispell, had been defrauded. The fraudsters tricked Jane Doe into giving them money through a pop-up notice that appeared on Jane Doe’s computer screen. The notice explained that Jane Doe had been “hacked” and for her to call a number for customer support. Jane Doe complied, and fraudsters directed her to remove cash from her bank accounts for safe keeping at the “Fed.” Jane Doe complied and gave $150,000 in cash to the fraudsters.

After learning of the scam, the FBI set up a ruse in which Jane Doe told the fraudsters she still had $50,000 in cash. The FBI arrested Vaid, along with his co-defendant, Eddly Joseph, of Gainesville, Florida, when they traveled to Montana to collect the money. The investigation determined that the fraudsters remotely accessed Jane Doe’s computer, using UltraViewer, which they installed on her computer.

Joseph was sentenced previously to two years and nine months in prison for his conviction in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case. The FBI and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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