District of Montana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Browning man admits assaulting neighbor with crossbow on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man accused of shooting and wounding his neighbor with a crossbow on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Alonzo Gene Skunkcap, 22, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Skunkcap faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for May 15. Skunkcap was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on Oct. 1, 2023, Skunkcap was outside of his residence and a neighbor, John Doe, was in his driveway working on a vehicle. Skunkcap made a comment in which he threatened to shoot Doe’s dog. Doe responded that if Skunkcap shot his dog, he would shoot Skunkcap. Skunkcap then retrieved a crossbow from his residence and, without saying anything further, fired the crossbow at Doe, who was standing by a fence. The bolt pierced the side of Doe’s neck. After the assault, Skunkcap went back into his house and waited for law enforcement. Skunkcap told officers he shot Doe because he didn’t know how to deal with threats, was scared and that it was just his “instinct.” Doe removed the bolt himself, suffered two puncture wounds and sought medical attention. Because of the location of the wounds, Doe did not suffer serious injury or life-threatening injury.
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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Man admits making threat to blow up Dodson schoolRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A man accused of making threats to blow up the Dodson school admitted to a hoax crime on Jan. 8, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Jacob Edwin Wilson, a transient, pleaded guilty to false information and hoaxes as charged in an indictment. Wilson faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for May 9. Wilson was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Aug. 29, 2023, Wilson called both the 911 emergency number in Blaine County and the Dodson school, located near the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, and said he was “about to blow Dodson school up.” Law enforcement responded, and because school was in session that day, the superintendent and principle evacuated students and staff from the school on buses to a nearby church parking lot. First responders from the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, Malta Fire Department and U.S. Border Patrol responded, set up security around the school and searched the school for an explosive device. No explosive device was found in the school.
In the meantime, Wilson called 911 again and asked for someone to give him a ride off the reservation, said he was at an individual’s house and that he needed a ride from anyone except the Fort Belknap police. The 911 operators traced the call to the individual’s residence, which was located on the Fort Belknap Reservation. Officers located Wilson and arrested him.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Fort Belknap Tribal Police, Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Border Patrol and Malta Fire Department conducted the investigation.
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Box Elder man admits to sexually abusing teen on Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man today admitted to sexually abusing a teenage girl he had contacted through social media and convinced to come to his home on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jonathan Ray Gonsalez, 39, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse. Gonsalez faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to life 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 May 8. Gonsalez was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Jan. 3, 2023, Gonsalez initiated contact with the victim, a 16-year-old identified as Jane Doe, though Facebook Messenger. Gonsalez attempted to lure her to his home, and Jane Doe eventually arrived at Gonsalez’s residence around 10 p.m. A short time later while in Gonsalez’s residence, Jane Doe got scared and wanted to leave, but the residence was isolated, and the temperature was below freezing. Jane Doe asked Gonsalez to have someone pick her up. Jane Doe fell asleep while waiting for the ride. Jane Doe then awoke to Gonsalez sexually abusing her. After he was done, Jane Doe left the residence and called 911 for help. A Rocky Boy’s Police Department officer found Jane Doe and picked her up on the road near Gonsalez’s residence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Myers is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Washington man accused of conspiring to unlawfully kill and sell bald and golden eagles arraigned on chargesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Washington man suspected of conspiring to unlawfully kill bald and golden eagles on the Flathead Indian Reservation and then illegally sell them on the black market across the United States and elsewhere appeared for arraignment today on multiple charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Travis John Branson, 48, of Cusick, Washington, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with conspiracy, unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles and Lacey Act violations. If convicted of the most serious crime, Branson 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. Branson appeared on a summons and was released pending further proceedings. Co-defendant, Simon Paul, failed to appear on a summons, and the court ordered that a warrant be issued for his arrest.
As alleged in the indictment, from about January 2015 until about March 2021, near Ronan, on the Flathead Indian Reservation, Paul and Branson conspired to illegally kill and offer for sale bald and golden eagles. Investigators uncovered messages from Branson and others describing the illegal taking of eagles by stating, “[O]ut [here] committing felonies,” and telling buyers he was on “a killing spree” to obtain eagle tail feathers for future sales. Paul, Branson and others hunted and killed eagles on the Flathead Reservation and elsewhere. In total, the defendants killed approximately 3,600 birds, including eagles. Paul and Branson then illegally sold eagle feathers and parts on the black market for significant sums of cash across the United States and elsewhere.
The indictment further alleges that Branson traveled from Washington to the Flathead Reservation to shoot bald and golden eagles, and that Paul was a “shooter” and “shipper” of eagles for Branson.
The indictment also alleges that on Dec. 17, 2020, Branson sent a text message to a purchaser with a photo of a golden eagle tail set. On the same date, Branson received a PayPal purchase for the golden eagle tail set. Two days later, Paul mailed the golden eagle set from St. Ignatius, Montana, to Texas. On Dec. 21, 2020, Branson received a text message from the purchaser that said, “Got that thang from Simon. And the mirror feathers. Tnks.” In addition, the indictment alleges that on March 13, 2021, Branson and Paul returned to a previously killed deer to lure eagles and that Branson shot a golden eagle. Paul cleaned the golden eagle and both defendants placed various golden eagle parts in a vehicle for transport.
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act was enacted in 1940 to protect the bald eagle, recognizing that the bald eagle is not only a bird of biological interest but also this country’s national symbol. In 1962, Congress extended the Act to protect golden eagles.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
PACER case reference. 23-55.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl
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Lodge Grass man admits meth trafficking charge in large-scale drug conspiracy based on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lodge Grass man suspected of participating in a large-scale drug conspiracy based on the Crow Indian Reservation admitted on Jan. 4 to a methamphetamine trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Daniel Jiminez-Chavez, aka Raton, 40, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Jiminez-Chavez 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 May 1. Jiminez-Chavez was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, conducted a large-scale, narcotics trafficking investigation centered on multiple properties on the Crow Indian Reservation. The properties, including one referred to as Spear Siding, were a source of supply of meth for both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations from about January 2022 through March 2023. Jiminez-Chavez, aka Raton, is one of the individuals associated with the investigation.
The government alleged that Jiminez-Chavez began staying at a house near Spear Siding, known as the Bloodman residence. While at the residence, Jiminez-Chavez distributed meth to others and was in contact with individuals in the conspiracy.
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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Billings man admits making threats to kill Montana U.S. Sen. Jon TesterRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man admitted today to threatening to kill Montana U.S. Senator Jon Tester in voicemail messages, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Anthony James Cross, 30, pleaded guilty to threats to injure and murder a United States Senator. Cross faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for May 1. Cross was detained pending further proceedings.
Under the terms of a plea agreement in the case, if the court accepts the agreement at sentencing, the government will seek to dismiss count two of the indictment, which charges Cross with threats against the president.
The government alleged in court documents that on April 17, 2023, at 5:34 a.m. and 5:37 a.m., two voicemails were left at Sen. Jon Tester’s Billings, Montana and Washington, D.C. offices. In the first voicemail, the caller stated that “Jon Tester…is gonna die a horrible death and so is your family…you’re not gonna do anything about this.” In the second voicemail, the caller stated, “I swear to God, you and your family will suffer such a horrendous death. And its not going to be by some white boy, no its gonna be by some Indian like me…I’m gonna kill every single one of your (obscenity) family members.” Law enforcement determined that the phone number associated with the calls was attributed to Cross.
The government further alleged that on April 25, 2023, Google contacted the FBI regarding multiple comments made to YouTube videos flagged as threatening. The comments were attributed to Cross’s YouTube account. Some of the comments made in April 2023 included:
- “I’m going to kill every trans I see.”
- “We are actively hunting down and killing any trans in our major cities. You won’t hear about it until trump overcomes his ‘indictment’ and Biden loses the ‘re-election.’”
- “I will personally kill Joe Biden.”
During an interview with law enforcement, Cross admitted to making the comments posted on YouTube and to using his cellular phone to make the comments.
The FBI and United States Secret Service conducted the investigation.
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Armed fentanyl dealer sentenced to five years in prison for drug trafficking in Great FallsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — An armed fentanyl trafficker from Washington who admitted to distributing the drug in the Great Falls community was sentenced on Jan. 4 to five years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Jerry Scot Saunders, 35, of Houkem, Washington, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that Saunders was a significant drug dealer in Great Falls and that in early 2022, law enforcement searched for him because he had absconded from his state probation officer. Detectives learned Saunders was distributing fentanyl in Great Falls and located him in a motel room. Law enforcement found Saunders in possession of two firearms and more than 600 fentanyl pills. The investigation determined that Saunders had been driving to Spokane, Washington, to purchase fentanyl pills to sell in Great Falls. Saunders had a prior felony conviction from 2018 in Flathead County and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica A. Betley and Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case. The Russell Country Drug Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Owner of insurance company in Rosebud County sentenced to more than four years in prison for defrauding customersRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Forsyth businesswoman who admitted defrauding customers through her company, Rosebud County Insurance Inc., by spending their payments for insurance for her own personal expenses was sentenced today to four years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $155,436 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Kileen Moria Hagadone, 57, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court allowed Hagadone to self-report to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
“When we pay our insurance premiums, we expect to have coverage when we need it. Here, Hagadone’s clients, including a community college, logically thought they had coverage because they paid for it. But Hagadone did not just cheat them of coverage, she stole their hard-earned money and spent it for her own personal use. The good news is she did not get away with it, and the only reason she didn’t is because of the diligent and collaborative work of the office of the Montana State Auditor, FBI, and Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office in investigating this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
“This is a shining example of inter-agency cooperation. In this case the Commissioner of Securities & Insurance (CSI) for Montana and the U.S. Attorney’s office on the federal side. CSI opened this investigation and worked closely with our federal counterparts to bring this to an appropriate and just conclusion. Ms. Hagadone was licensed with our agency in a position of trust. She breached that trust and put her clients in harm’s way. We are pleased to see justice for the victims and consequences to Ms. Hagadone,” said State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Troy Downing.
The government alleged in court documents that Hagadone’s company, Rosebud County Insurance Inc., was an insurance brokerage business that acted as an intermediary between customers and national insurance companies. Hagadone was to negotiate insurance contracts for her customers and then receive and transmit customer’s payments to the companies for the policies. Hagadone received clients’ premium payments but failed to send the money to the insurance companies, resulting in her customers not being insured. Instead, Hagadone repeatedly lied to her clients and embezzled the money for personal expenses. The scheme ran from about 2020 until April 2023.
The government further alleged that one of the victims was the Chief Dull Knife College of Lame Deer, which paid Hagadone $91,883 in 2021 for a whole year of insurance coverage. Hagadone was supposed to send the money to the insurance company. Instead, Hagadone kept the money and set up a fraudulent premium finance agreement by falsely impersonating an employee of the college. This allowed Hagadone to pay for the college’s insurance premium in installments, but she failed to make the installments and the college’s insurance was canceled in April 2022. Hagadone concealed this cancelation from the college. Hagadone continued the scheme and in November 2022, she created a fictitious insurance policy for the college. She charged the college $98,893, which it paid. Hagadone stole the money and spent it. As a result, the college was unknowingly without insurance from about April 2022 until April 2023.
The government further alleged that Hagadone cheated and lied to other customers in a similar way, although the amounts paid were typically smaller.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case. The Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, FBI and Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
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Lame Deer woman sentenced to prison for trafficking methamphetamineRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lame Deer woman who admitted to selling methamphetamine on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation as part of larger drug trafficking activity on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Adrienne Dawn LaForge, 35, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in August 2022, law enforcement purchased meth from LaForge at a house in Lame Deer. An indictment accused LaForge of trafficking meth from about January 2022 through October 2022 on the Northern Cheyenne and Crow reservations. LaForge was affiliated with another Northern Cheyenne Reservation dealer, who also was trafficking on Crow, and others who were charged as a result of an investigation into a large drug trafficking conspiracy.
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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Butte fentanyl trafficker sentenced to four years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Butte woman who admitted to trafficking fentanyl pills in the Bozeman area was sentenced today to four years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Amber Marie Cody, 40, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in July 2022 in Bozeman, Cody sold 100 fentanyl pills to an individual. A Gallatin County Sheriff’s deputy later stopped a vehicle in which Cody was a passenger for a traffic violation. Cody was arrested on a parole violation and placed in a patrol car, while officers searched her backpack. Officers located a large sum of cash and methamphetamine in the backpack. When the deputy returned to the vehicle, he noticed a bag of pills in the door pocket. Cody denied knowledge of the pills, but a patrol car video showed that Cody slipped one hand out of her handcuffs and removed a large quantity of pills from her bra. Cody then placed the pills in the door pocket and slipped her hand back into the handcuff.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case. The Missouri River Drug Task Force and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared 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 Dec. 28 was:
Sharon Ann Spang, 30, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Spang faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Spang was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-150.
Llima Orser Cameron, 42, of Belgrade, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cameron faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Cameron was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Billings Police Department and Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-118.
Appearing on Dec. 27 was:
Michael Vaughn Henderson II, 45, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Henderson faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Henderson was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Billings Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-46.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Dec. 21 was:
Dashawn Kiree Bryant, 31, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bryant faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Bryant was released pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-132.
Tirrell Lewis, 43, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lewis faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Lewis was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-147.
Appearing on Dec. 19 was:
David Antonio Rodas Jr., 38, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rodas faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Rodas was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation.
PACER case reference. 23-138.
Robert Stuart Quam, 42, of Belgrade, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Quam faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug crimes and a mandatory five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Quam was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Billings Police Department and Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-118.
Appearing on Dec. 18 was:
Shelby Jean Tripp, 33, of Livingston, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Tripp faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Tripp was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Belgrade Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-125.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Dec. 18 was:
Juan Carlos Santoya, 48, of Belgrade, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine. If convicted of the most serious crime Santoya faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Santoya was released pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-20.
Piyush Mathew, 30, of Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, on charges of abusive sexual contact in aircraft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mathew faces a maximum of two years in prison, a $250,000 and five years to life of supervised release. Mathew was released pending further proceedings. The FBI conducted the investigation.
PACER case reference. 23-19.
Appearing on Dec. 15 was:
James Andrew Stringari, 51, of Whitehall, on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stringari faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years to life of supervised release. Stringari was detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Highway Patrol and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-10.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announces $600,734 grant from Justice Department for agencies, organizations to support youthRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich today announced that the Department of Justice has awarded $600,734 to the state of Montana to fund agencies and organizations that support youth and their families.
The grant, administered by the Montana Board of Crime Control, is from the Fiscal Year 2023 Title II Formula Grants Program, the Office of Justice Programs’ Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention.
“This grant -- and the organizations it will support—serves an important role in our efforts to help prevent youth from ending up in our criminal justice system and to improve their chances for success if they do. While the U.S. Department of Justice seeks to hold people accountable for their criminal conduct, supporting at-risk youth and their families contributes to the overall public safety and well-being of Montana communities, which is why this grant is so important,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
Montana’s FY23 Title II program will support efforts to advance the mission of the Youth Justice Council, the state’s advisory group, to improve the juvenile justice system. The Montana Board of Crime Control intends to monitor compliance with the Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Act, provide training and technical assistance, improve policies and procedures and award grants to evidence-based promising programs. The Youth Justice Council has prioritized community-based programs; delinquency programs; mentoring, counseling and training programs; school programs; mental health and substance use treatment; and Native American Tribal programs. These activities are expected to prevent delinquency, divert youth from system involvement, reduce recidivism, improve outcomes for youth involved in the justice system and increase public safety.
This grant serves hundreds of at-risk children and youth ages 0 to 17 each year. Many of these youth have experienced poverty, trauma, family dysfunction, substance use and mental health issues.
The Montana Board of Crime Control anticipates awarding funding to 14 agencies: Families First Learning Lab, Missoula; CASA of Missoula; Friendship House of Christian Service, Billings; YWCA of Missoula; Billings Public Schools; Center for Restorative Youth Justice, Kalispell; Chippewa Cree Tribal Court, Box Elder; Bitterroot Ecological Awareness Resources, Hamilton; Big Brothers Big Sisters, Butte, Yellowstone and Kalispell; and Boys and Girls Clubs, Havre, Missoula and Great Falls. The service area will cover eight counties, the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation and portions of the Flathead Indian Reservation.
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U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announces $152,772 grant from Justice Department for Billings Police Department, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s OfficeRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich today announced that the Department of Justice has awarded $152,772 to the Billings Police Department and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office for supplies and equipment.
The grant is from the Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, FY23 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program.
“Our top priority in Billings is fighting violent crime and we cannot do this effectively without the brave men and women of the Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office. They deserve our unwavering support and as far as the U.S. Department of Justice is concerned, we are putting money where our mouth is by providing them this grant to help keep officers safe and protect our community from dangerous criminals,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The grant award is for a joint application from the Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, with the police department acting as the grant administrator. The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office plans to use its $20,611 grant allocation to purchase equipment and supplies for its office and detention facility, including rechargeable flashlights and charging docks for the detention facility, batteries used for its tactical robot, helicopter and other radios and miscellaneous supplies. The sheriff’s office also plans to use the money to fix hail damage on the helicopter and to buy a portable radio. The Billings Police Department plans to use its allocation of $132,161 to purchase patrol SUV equipment, simulation ammunition, Point Blank vests, TASER training cartridges, uniforms, batteries, first aid supplies and promotional items.
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Missoula man admits distributing child pornographyRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Missoula man admitted today to trading videos and images of child pornography with others on social media sites, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Nicholas Geoffrey Combs, 28, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography. Combs faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to life of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for April 17, 2024. Combs was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that in June 2022, Snapchat reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that a Snapchat user had uploaded two videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit content to its service. A law enforcement investigation determined that the Snapchat account belonged to Combs and that he had sent two videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit content to another Snapchat user. Combs admitted to an investigator to trading videos and images of minors engaged in sexually explicit content with other users on social media sites, including Reddit and Snapchat. Combs also admitted he was sexually attracted to minors, that he had solicited and received sexually explicit pictures from children with whom he interacted online and that he sometimes pretended to be a child to solicit the images. Law enforcement seized Combs’ electronic devices and determined that they contained thousands of images and videos of child pornography.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Lowney is prosecuting the case. The Missoula 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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Lodge Grass felon sentenced to two and one-half years in prison for illegally possessing firearmRead the Press Release
BILLINGS —A Lodge Grass man who admitted to illegally possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions was sentenced today to two and one-half years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Paul Nomee III, 61, pleaded guilty in August to felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Jan. 11, the Bureau of Indian Affairs responded to a report of a car that had crashed outside of Crow Agency, on the Crow Indian Reservation. While en route, the officer passed a vehicle with significant damage and matching the description in the report. Nomee was driver and only occupant. The officer believed Nomee had active tribal arrest warrants and took him into custody. Nomee told the officer he had a pistol in a shoulder holster he was wearing. The officer found a loaded pistol in the holster. Nomee had two prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case. The BIA and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.
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Hardin man sentenced to seven years in prison for role in large meth trafficking ring centered on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Hardin man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine as part of a large-scale drug trafficking ring centered on the Crow Indian Reservation was sentenced today to seven years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Darlon Richard Lefthand, 37, pleaded guilty in August to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, investigated a large-scale, multi-state narcotics trafficking operation centered on multiple properties on the Crow Indian Reservation. The properties, including one known as Spear Siding, were a source of supply of meth for both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations. Darlon Lefthand is one of the individuals affiliated with the investigation.
The government alleged that Lefthand was considered in the mid-level of the distribution ring and was involved with major players above him. Lefthand could go to the Spear Siding property to obtain drugs for himself and others. Lefthand also used Facebook to obtain meth from Spear Siding and to set up drug deals. In September 2022, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of approximately one ounce of meth from Lefthand.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys are 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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Florida man sentenced to prison in India-based computer hacking scheme that stole $150,000 from elderly Kalispell womanRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Florida man who admitted his role in an India-based computer hacking scheme that stole $150,000 from an elderly Kalispell woman was sentenced today to two years and nine months in prison and ordered to pay $1,236,470 in restitution to seven victims, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Eddly Joseph, 44, of Gainesville, Florida, pleaded guilty in August to wire fraud.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court also imposed two years of supervised release following Joseph’s prison sentence.
“Far too often, these internationally-based fraud schemes result in no accountability for those who prey on Montanans. But not this time. Due to the diligent work of the FBI, Joseph was caught and is now going to federal prison for running a predatory scheme by tricking and stealing from elderly victims across the country, including a Kalispell woman. As this case showed, we will turn over every rock to pursue these fraudsters, but the best thing Montanans can do to protect themselves is to not send money to people who randomly call soliciting money due to some kind of fake emergency, such as an alleged virus existing on your computer,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government alleged in court documents that in February, Glacier Bank notified the FBI that Jane Doe, a Montana woman in her 70s, was the victim of a scam. The international, India-based scam included fraudsters tricking Jane Doe into giving them $150,000 for “safe-keeping.” The fraudsters made it appear as if victims had a virus on their computers and that their bank accounts were accessible to hackers. To “safekeep” the victims’ money, Joseph and others directed victims to withdraw cash and give it to them so the hackers could not access and steal the victims’ money. After learning of the scam, the FBI set up a ruse, claiming Jane Doe had an additional $50,000 for the fraudsters. When Joseph and others arrived to collect the money, the FBI arrested them. As a result of Joseph’s and others’ conduct, victims across the United States were repeatedly scammed, with a total loss of $1,236,470.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case. The FBI and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
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Billings woman sentenced to prison for six years for trafficking meth as part of large distribution ring based on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings woman who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine as part of a large drug distribution ring based on the Crow Indian Reservation and was found with meth and a semi-automatic handgun during a traffic stop was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Nancy Michelle Hartsock, 36, pleaded guilty in August to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Hartsock is one of approximately two dozen defendants related to a large-scale conspiracy centered on the distribution of meth on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian reservations. On March 15, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop in Billings of a vehicle driven by Hartsock. In a subsequent search of her vehicle, officers found 28 grams of meth, drug paraphernalia and a firearm under the driver’s seat. Because she was on probation law enforcement searched her home and found a semi-automatic rifle and a small amount of meth.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys prosecuted the case. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Billings Police Department, Montana Probation and Parole 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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Assault on dating partner sends Busby man to prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Busby man who admitted hitting and injuring his dating partner on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was sentenced today to two years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Weston Francis Littlewhiteman, 31, pleaded guilty in August to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a dating or intimate partner.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court document that on Oct. 30, 2022, Littlewhiteman and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were drinking at a house in Busby, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. They argued, and Littlewhiteman left the home. Later that night. Jane Doe woke up and Littlewhiteman hit her in the face. Jane Doe was treated for injuries at the Indian Health Service in Lame Deer. At the time of the assault, Jane Doe and Littlewhiteman were dating partners.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI conducted the investigation.
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Lodge Grass meth trafficker sentenced to more than five years in prison for role in large conspiracy based on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lodge Grass woman who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine as part of a large-scale conspiracy based on the Crow Indian Reservation was sentenced on Dec. 14 to five years and three months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Ranita Roselle Redfield, 47, pleaded guilty in August to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, engaged in a large-scale, multiple-state narcotics trafficking investigation centered on multiple properties on the Crow Indian Reservation. The properties, including one referred to as Spear Siding, were a source of supply of meth for both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian reservations in 2022 and 2023. The investigation identified Redfield as one of the members of the organization. Redfield communicated with multiple co-conspirators regarding the distribution of meth, and she often sold meth in ounce quantities.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Baker man sentenced to two years in prison for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Baker man who admitted to possessing child pornography was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Dane Ralph James Curry, 40, pleaded guilty in August to possession of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $2,511 restitution.
In court documents, the government alleged that in October 2021, law enforcement began an investigation of Curry after it received reports that he had produced child pornography. A minor person, identified as Jane Doe, disclosed to law enforcement that Curry arranged to take sexually explicit picture of her and provided her with alcohol for that purpose. This conduct led to a search warrant of a social media account associated with Curry and the discovery of child pornography on the account.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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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Federal jury convicts Crow Agency man of sexually abusing two girls on the Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A federal jury on Dec. 12 convicted a Crow Agency man of sexually abusing two girls on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
After a two-day trial that began on Dec. 11, the jury found Edwin Ivan Don’tMix, 59, guilty of abusive sexual contact of a child and abusive sexual contact of a minor. Don’tMix faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life 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 April 11, 2024. Don’tMix was detained pending further proceedings.
“For the second time in two days, our office has held accountable someone for sexually abusing young girls. Here, Don’tMix victimized these two girls over eight years ago and if not for their bravery in reporting what he did to them, Don’tMix would not have been prosecuted. These are tough cases to investigate and prosecute, and we are only successful when our office and our federal partners are relentless in getting to the truth, which is exactly what happened here. I applaud and thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek, our office staff, the FBI, and Bureau of Indian Affairs for their dedication and hard work, without which we would not have gotten these verdicts,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that in January 2015, Jane Doe 2 disclosed to the FBI that Don’tMix touched her vaginal area over her clothes while she was sledding. Jane Doe 2 was 13 years old at the time. Jane Doe 2 also disclosed in the same interview, that in 2012 or 2013, she was asleep and awoke to Don’tMix touching her vaginal area over her clothes. The touching occurred at a Crow Agency residence. In October 2021, another child, Jane Doe 1, disclosed to a school counselor that Don’tMix touched her vaginal area over her clothes when she was either 6, 7 or 8 years old and that the touching happened three or four times at a Crow Agency residence.
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 man sentenced to prison for stealing firearms in pawn shop burglaryRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to stealing six firearms after breaking into a pawn shop in Billings was sentenced today to 18 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Eric Frederick Welch, Jr, 22, pleaded guilty in August to an indictment charging him with theft from a federal firearms licensee and possession of stolen firearms.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $3,025 in restitution.
In court documents, the government alleged that in the early morning hours of June 12, Welch broke into Yellowstone Pawn and stole six firearms. Welch had been released on conditions on state charges just over a month earlier, and he used a truck he had stolen two days before to conduct the pawn shop burglary. Welch fled from law enforcement and threw one of the stolen firearms before being arrested.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas K. Godfrey prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Washington woman admits meth trafficking role in large-scale investigation centered on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Washington woman on Dec. 8 admitted her role in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking investigation that was centered on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Mariana Tyler Wallace, 23, of Okanogan, Washington, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Wallace 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. Wallace was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, engaged in a large-scale, multiple-state, narcotics trafficking investigation centered on properties on the Crow Indian Reservation. The properties, including one referred to as Spear Siding, were a source of supply of meth for both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian reservations. Wallace is one of the individuals affiliated with the investigation.
The government alleged that individuals were living and storing meth at two residences on the Crow reservation. Co-conspirators from Washington were tasked with protecting the residence and distributing drugs. Wallace was one of those individuals who facilitated several drug transactions with another co-defendant.
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 bookkeeper sentenced to prison for defrauding two businesses of approximately $500,000Read the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls woman who admitted to defrauding two businesses of approximately $500,000 while working as a bookkeeper to pay her personal expenses was sentenced today to 25 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Tara Durnell, 63, pleaded guilty in July to wire fraud and to mail fraud.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $492,309 in total restitution. Durnell was remanded into custody.
In court documents, the government alleged that beginning in at least 1997, Durnell embezzled from her employer, Kronebusch Electric, Inc., (KEI) a small company in Conrad, where she worked as a bookkeeper, to fund her personal lifestyle. Durnell used her access to pre-signed company checks and company bank accounts to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars toward personal credit card debt, personal car loan payments and debts belonging to family members. To conceal her scheme, Durnell used her access to the company’s accounting software to hide her illicit transactions and make them appear like legitimate businesses expenses. In total, Durnell embezzled almost $500,000 from KEI.
Durnell left employment with KEI when the scheme was discovered and found work as a bookkeeper with Mitchell’s Crash Repair in Great Falls. In January 2022, Durnell again used her access to the business’s pre-signed checks and bank accounts and to pay tens of thousands of dollars toward personal expenses. Durnell embezzled approximately $15,491 from Mitchell’s Crash Repair.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case. The FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Great Falls Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Federal jury convicts Lame Deer pastor of sexually abusing children on Northern Cheyenne Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A federal jury today convicted a Lame Deer pastor of sexually abusing three children while they were staying at his home, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
After a six-day trial that began on Dec. 4, the jury found 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. Smith faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release. The jury acquitted Smith of one count of abusive sexual contact of a child.
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 April 10, 2024. Smith was remanded into custody pending further proceedings.
“Pastor Dean Smith led a double life, one as a Pastor and the other as a sexual abuser of young children. I am thrilled the jury held Smith accountable for sexually abusing these victims and I hope holding him accountable will help the victims start the long road of healing from the trauma they’ve suffered. Obtaining justice is the hallmark of the work of both our office and our federal law enforcement partners and we have no greater responsibility than pursuing justice for victims of sexual abusers. Today’s verdicts validate our continued unwavering pursuit of those abusers, for which all of us, as well as the victims in this case and their families, are 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 is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
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Missoula woman admits felony for stealing U.S. Forest Service truckRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Missoula woman accused of stealing a $40,000 pickup truck from the U.S. Forest Service admitted to a theft crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Kasey Nichol Hugs, 39, pleaded guilty to theft of government property. Hugs faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for April 10, 2024 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. Hugs was detained pending further proceedings.
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, was stolen from the Missoula Forest Service Fire Sciences Laboratory. Surveillance footage showed a female, later determined to be Hugs, walking among the parked vehicles attempting to gain access to them. Hugs eventually opened the driver door of the Dodge and drove it off the lot. On Jan. 19, 2021, the truck was located on the side of Highway 200 in Lincoln. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and found documents bearing the name, Kasey Hugs, a gray backpack that Hugs appeared to be wearing the night she stole the truck and several receipts from Missoula businesses. Surveillance video on the dates and times listed on the receipts depicted Hugs at those businesses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Forest Service and Missoula Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Dec. 5 was:
Daniel Mark Miller, 60, of Tucson, Arizona, on charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Miller faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Miller was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-128.
Jamicca Yvonne West, aka Charlie, 24, of Tacoma, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, distribution of heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. If convicted of the most serious crime, West faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug charges and a mandatory 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. West was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-92.
Cole Two Moons, 24, of Lame Deer, on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and strangulation. If convicted of the most serious crime, Two Moons faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Two Moons was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-126.
Appearing on a criminal complaint was:
Brent Michael Waller, 42, of Joliet, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Waller faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Waller was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Carbon County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-160.
Paul Franklin, 41, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Franklin faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Franklin was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-157.
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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Anaconda man sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for attempted coercion, possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — An Anaconda man who was convicted by a federal jury of attempting to coerce and entice a minor into engaging in sexual intercourse and of possessing child pornography was sentenced today to 12 years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
After a three-day trial that began on July 24, the jury found Christopher Todd Boudreau, 42, guilty of attempted coercion and enticement and possession of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court also ordered $21,000 in restitution.
In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that in July 2022, law enforcement, working in an undercover capacity on the internet, received a “friend request” from Boudreau. The undercover provided a phone number, and Boudreau initiated a text conversation. The undercover identified herself as a juvenile girl. Communications progressed, and Boudreau arranged to meet the undercover in Missoula. Boudreau repeatedly indicated his interest to engage in intimacy and stated that intimacy meant “sex.” Law enforcement arrested Boudreau on July 28, 2022, when he arrived at a location to meet the undercover. Law enforcement served a search warrant on Boudreau’s residence and found electronic media that contained thousands of images and videos of child pornography.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Brian C. Lowney prosecuted the case. The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office 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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Meth trafficking sends Billings man to prison for 15 yearsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man convicted by a federal jury of trafficking methamphetamine after investigators intercepted a package containing the drug hidden in false bottom cans was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
After a two-day trial that began on July 10, the jury found Shane Edward Johnson, 54, guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and prohibited person in possession of ammunition.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that from about April 2020 until October 2021, Johnson, who has a prior federal drug conviction, conspired to distribute meth in the Laurel and Billings communities. In October 2021, law enforcement intercepted a package shipped through the U.S. Postal Service from California to Laurel. Officers executed a search warrant on the package and found two pounds of meth inside four plastic candles. A co-defendant took possession of the package in a controlled delivery. Law enforcement converged on the residence to execute a search warrant and encountered Johnson and the co-defendant. Agents located a backpack, belonging to Johnson, that contained baggies of meth, a digital scale, approximately $1,000 and two loaded handgun magazines. Johnson was prohibited from possessing ammunition because of his prior felony conviction.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie R. Patten and Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case. The U.S. Postal Service, FBI West, Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Browning man sentenced to prison for manslaughter in death of woman struck by vehicle on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to striking a woman with his vehicle and killing her in 2021 on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to one year and a day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jordan Joseph Morgan, 31, pleaded guilty in July to involuntary manslaughter.
In a plea agreement in the case, the parties agreed that a specific recommendation of 12 months and one day imprisonment was appropriate.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $10,600 in restitution.
In court documents, the government alleged that on the evening of Nov. 8, 2021, Morgan encountered the victim, identified as Jane Doe, who was known to him, in Browning. The two argued. Morgan got into his vehicle, while Jane Doe stayed by the open window at Morgan’s door. Morgan pulled forward with Jane Doe still at his door and holding onto the open window. After a short distance, the vehicle pulled to the right, throwing Jane Doe under the vehicle. Morgan continued driving and ran over Jane Doe.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori Harper Suek and Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation.
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Two Busby residents sentenced to prison for meth trafficking, firearm crimes on Northern Cheyenne Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — Two Busby residents convicted of methamphetamine and firearms crimes after the drug and guns were found in a vehicle in which they were traveling were sentenced to prison terms today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jamesey Maria Jefferson, 33, was sentenced to seven years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release.
Co-defendant Ivan Eaglefeathers, 21, was sentenced to six years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release.
Both defendants pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute meth and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Sept. 12, 2021 on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, law enforcement officers stopped a car that had run two stop signs, was traveling at a high rate of speed and was believed to have been seen at an earlier shooting. Officers detained Jefferson, Eaglefeathers and two others who were in the car. A federal search warrant was served on the car, and officers found approximately 48 grams of meth, $2,000 in cash, drug paraphernalia, ammunition and three firearms. The guns were a .17-caliber rifle, an AR-style 5.56mm rifle and a 9mm handgun. Jefferson admitted to investigators that she possessed the meth, the .17-caliber rifle and the 9mm handgun. A video of Eaglefeathers and a co-defendant shows Eaglefeathers outside of the vehicle on the same day with a gun in his hand. Eaglefeathers admitted to having one of the rifles in the car and to having shot it in the air.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.
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Lodge Grass man admits meth trafficking in large-scale operation on Crow Indian Reservation and assaulting a womanRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lodge Grass man suspected of being a leader in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking operation based on the Crow Indian Reservation and of beating a woman with a weapon admitted to charges on Nov. 30 in two separate cases, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Wendell Monroe Lefthand, 54, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Lefthand faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. In a separate case, Lefthand pleaded guilty to assault of a spouse resulting in substantial bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. Lefthand faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Lefthand was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents in the drug trafficking case, the government alleged that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, conducted a large-scale investigation centered on multiple properties on the Crow Indian Reservation. The properties, including one referred to as Spear Siding, were a source of supply of meth for both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian reservations. Lefthand is one of the individuals affiliated with the investigation.
The government further alleged that Lefthand and other family members occupied the Spear Siding property. The investigation determined that Lefthand was the source of supply for others until his arrest in June 2022. The investigation also determined that Lefthand was a leader of the operation at the property and had amassed a significant drug debt. After his arrest on an unrelated matter, Lefthand continued to influence the operation by directing individuals to provide others with marijuana and meth.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the drug trafficking case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI conducted the investigation.
In the assault case, the government alleged that on April 4, 2021, Lefthand and his wife, along three of his wife’s relatives, were staying in a camper near Lodge Grass. Lefthand and his wife verbally argued throughout the day and the argument turned physical. Lefthand’s wife grabbed an item to defend herself because Lefthand had abused her before. Lefthand’s wife ended up on the ground, and Lefthand hit her with a metal bar or piece of wood. Lefthand’s wife and the relatives fled on foot and hid in a ditch by the highway before flagging down a ride. Lefthand’s wife was treated for injuries a few days later.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is prosecuting the assault case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI conducted the investigation.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Nov. 28 was:
Roxanna Rae Lewis-Stella, 59, of Lewistown, on charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lewis-Stella faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the wire fraud charge 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 charge. Lewis-Stella was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Fergus County Sheriff Office and Montana Adult Protective Services conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-105.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Nov. 28 was:
Joshua Allen Morgan, 39, of Billings, on charges of attempted sex trafficking of a minor and commission of sex offense by a registered sex offender. If convicted of the most serious crime, Morgan faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release on the attempted sex trafficking charge and a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, consecutive to any sentence imposed on the sex trafficking charge. The FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-137.
Tracey E. Flowers, 50, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Flowers faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Flowers was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-134.
Shannon Tyrone Seminole, 39, of Lame Deer, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth, distribution of meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. If convicted of the most serious crime, Seminole faces one year to 40 years in prison, a $2 million fine and at least six years of supervised release on the drug charges and a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge. Seminole was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-140.
Windelyn Valdo Shoulderblade, Jr. 33, a transient, on charges of failure to register as a sex offender. If convicted of the most serious crime, Shoulderblade faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Shoulderblade was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-141.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office hosts United Against Hate meeting with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes on the Flathead Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — The U.S. Attorney’s Office held a United Against Hate meeting Wednesday evening in Pablo, on the Flathead Indian Reservation, with members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes community and federal, tribal and local law enforcement, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
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.
“Hate crimes and incidents create fear, divide our communities, and tragically, can turn violent. Through our United Against Hate initiative, the U.S. Justice Department is committed to fighting hate crimes and preventing violence by bringing people together to discuss how we can combat this behavior. Last month, the FBI released its statistics for 2022, which showed that less than 2 percent of all reported hate crimes were committed against an American Indian or Alaska Native, and that none of those was reported to have occurred in Montana—a first since 2015. We know that statistics tell only part of the story, and we know more hate crimes against American Indian or Alaska Natives are occurring and are going unreported or are underreported. Our hope is that by having meetings like this, we can stress the importance of identifying hate incidents and crimes and reporting them to law enforcement. If we can prove a person violently acted out due to their racist beliefs, we will seek to hold such conduct accountable by aggressively pursuing a hate crime prosecution. I thank our close partner, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, for joining us in this important work,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
“The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes appreciate the United Against Hate initiative led in Montana by U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich. We know that many of these types of crimes against Indigenous peoples are underreported or go unreported altogether. With this type of community outreach, we want our community to feel empowered when they are faced with hate crimes, and that people have the tools and knowledge to engage with law enforcement to help stop these destructive instances,” CSKT Chairman Tom McDonald said.
The meeting with CSKT is one in a series of meetings the U.S. Attorney’s Office is holding throughout Montana and provided an opportunity for the tribal community 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 30 persons attended the meeting, which was held at the Tribal Council Chambers in Pablo. 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 Charles Sampson and CSKT Police Chief Craige Couture. CSKT Chairman Tom McDonald and CSKT Councilwoman Jennifer Finley provided welcoming and concluding remarks.
The District of Montana will be holding additional United Against Hate events in coming months in communities across the state.
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Three Montanans admit roles in trafficking fentanyl in Missoula, HelenaRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—Three Montanans accused of trafficking fentanyl in the Missoula and Helena communities admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Nikolas Loren Pellant, 34, and Lynsi Noel Barnes, 32, both of Missoula, and Beau James Breneman, 44, of Helena, each pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. The defendants face a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing for Barnes and Breneman was set for March 28, 2024, while sentencing for Pellant was set for March 29, 2024 before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. All the defendants were detained pending further proceedings.
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 co-defendant 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, 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 is prosecuting 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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Multiple assaults on dating partner on Blackfeet Indian Reservation send Babb man to prison for more than four yearsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Babb man who admitted assaulting his dating partner on three separate occasions within a year was sentenced today to four years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Zachary James Cassidy, 33, pleaded guilty in June to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and two counts of assault of a dating partner resulting in substantial injury.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Cassidy and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were in a romantic relationship between March 2022 and January 2023. During that time, Cassidy assaulted the victim on three separate occasions. In June 2022, Cassidy and the victim were at a bar in St. Mary when Cassidy became upset with Jane Doe. Cassidy assaulted the victim in the bar, dragged her outside and continued the assault. Cassidy then dragged Jane Doe to a truck and drove to his residence, where he continued the assault. Jane Doe woke up on a couch, was alone and could not move. When found, she had to be carried to a car. Jane Doe sought medical attention the next day for multiple injuries and returned to the hospital a month later for follow up. In August, Cassidy assaulted Jane Doe at his residence. When a friend sought to intervene, Cassidy assaulted her, told her she was trespassing and that he was going to shoot her. Jane Doe went to the hospital after that assault for treatment of injuries. A third assault occurred on Jan. 9 as Cassidy and Jane Doe were traveling from Doe’s family residence toward Babb. Cassidy started getting mad at Jane Doe and his truck ultimately got stuck in the snow. Cassidy assaulted Jane Doe, who refused to get out of the truck. A neighbor witnessed the assault and called law enforcement. A standoff between Cassidy and officers ended with the use of chemical agents.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol, conducted the investigation.
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Fort Belknap man suspected of making a hoax threat to blow up Dodson school arraigned on chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Fort Belknap man suspected of making threats to blow up the school in Dodson, near the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, was arraigned Tuesday on charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Jacob Erwin Wilson, 40, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with false information and hoaxes. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wilson faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. Wilson was detained pending further proceedings.
As alleged in the indictment, on Aug. 29, near Dodson, near the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Wilson placed a phone call to 911 and to the Dodson school and stated he was going to blow up the school.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.
PACER case reference. 23-111.
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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Cut Bank man admits assaulting, shooting woman on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Cut Bank man accused of assaulting and then shooting and wounding a woman at a residence on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Luke Charles Wells, 32, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and to using a firearm during a crime of violence. Wells 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. Sentencing was set for April 3, 2024. Wells was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on July 16, Wells was intoxicated at a residence west of Cut Bank, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, when he became angry at the victim, identified as Jane Doe. Doe was in a bathroom when Wells broke down the door and began assaulting her. Doe ran outside to escape. Wells chased her, pulled out a pistol and continued chasing her. Doe tripped and fell, and Wells started shooting at the ground around her. Wells then hit Doe in the head with the gun several times before shooting and wounding her in the chest.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Cut Bank Police Department and Glacier County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
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Billings felon admits illegal possession of firearmRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings felon who was on state probation and led law enforcement on a vehicle chase before crashing admitted to illegally possessing a firearm that was found in the vehicle, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Christopher Samuel Fear, 38, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Fear 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 March 27, 2024. Fear was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on Jan. 11, 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 driver of the vehicle accelerated and fled. The vehicle 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 claimed others were in the vehicle but refused to identify them, and there was no evidence of other occupants. 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 and baggies and a loaded .357-caliber semi-automatic pistol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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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Lame Deer woman admits distributing meth on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lame Deer woman today admitted to methamphetamine trafficking charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jacklyn Marcel Garcia-Littlebird, 58, pleaded guilty to distribution of meth. Garcia-Littlebird faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Garcia-Littlebird was detained pending further proceedings.
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.
The government alleged in court documents that in August 2022, Garcia-Littlebird sold approximately one ounce of meth to an individual at a location on the Crow Indian Reservation. Garcia-Littlebird was indicted as part of large-scale narcotics trafficking investigation on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian reservations and elsewhere in Montana.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI conducted the investigation.
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Former Blackfeet Tribal operations manager suspected of stealing tribal COVID-19 relief funding arraigned on chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — The former operations manager for the Blackfeet Tribe was arraigned today on charges accusing him of stealing federal COVID-19 relief funding the tribe received, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
James Cameron McNeely, 43, of Browning, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with theft from an Indian tribal government receiving federal funding, wire fraud and theft from an Indian tribal organization. If convicted of the most serious crime, McNeely faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. McNeely was released pending further proceedings.
The indictment alleges that the Blackfeet Tribe received federal grant funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to aid public health and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. As alleged, from about October 2021 to October 2022, while working as the tribe’s operations manager in Browning, McNeely stole more than $5,000 from the tribe by fraudulently submitting requests for repayment to the tribe after falsely claiming to purchase COVID-19 supplies on behalf of the tribe from Amazon.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.
PACER case reference. 23-106.
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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Butte man admits trafficking cocaine, marijuana, mushrooms in investigation of illegally imported pill pressesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Butte man suspected of receiving illegally imported pill presses from China and trafficking cocaine and other drugs admitted to a drug charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
David Jesus Tapia-Padron, 33, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Tapia-Padron faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for April 10, 2024 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. Tapia-Padron was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that in September 2022, two industrial tablet presses were illegally imported from China to the United States and addressed to a warehouse in Anaconda. The Drug Enforcement Administration intercepted the presses and then had them delivered. The DEA determined that co-defendant Austin King-Terrell, of Butte, had ordered the presses for Tapia-Padron and provided them to him. Agents later searched Tapia-Padron’s residence and found large quantities of marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms and a vacuum sealed package containing one kilogram of cocaine. Agents also located distribution paraphernalia, a money counter and money bands throughout the home. In addition, the investigation determined that Tapia-Padron paid King-Terrell to buy what King-Terrell referred to as a “kief press.” Kief is a concentrated form of marijuana. Tapia-Padron regularly sold King-Terrell marijuana and offered him psilocybin mushrooms. King-Terrell pleaded guilty recently to illegal importation of a tableting machine and is pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case. The DEA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Nov. 22 was:
Sonja Mae Mercado, 32, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mercado faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Mercado was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-106.
Leo Antonio Rodriguez, 43, unknown address, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rodriguez faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Rodriguez was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-139.
Appearing for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint was:
Tirrell Lewis, 43, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lewis faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Lewis was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-504.
Appearing on Nov. 21 was:
Sonny Leroy Carsten, 42, of Billings, on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Carsten faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, $1 million fine and five years of supervised release on the bank fraud charge and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft charge. Carsten was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Columbus Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-133.
Ali Sage Hausmann, 24, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth and false statement during a firearms transaction. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hausmann faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Hausmann was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-108.
Joshua Lee Jackson, 33, a transient, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. 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 Billings Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-135.
Patrick Allen Justice, Jr., 25, of Billings, on charges of bank robbery. If convicted of the most serious crime, Justice faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Justice was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-136.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Nov. 22 was:
Haley Rushel Hickman, 23, of Libby, on charges of theft of mail. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hickman faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hickman was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-47.
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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Washington drug “Kingpin” sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for meth, fentanyl trafficking on Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Washington man known by sources as the “Kingpin” for the quantity of drugs he distributed throughout the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced on Monday to 10 years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conviction on trafficking charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Anthony Penalosa Infante, 36, of Spokane, Washington, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Infante worked as a large-scale meth and fentanyl distributor from Washington who distributed drugs throughout the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. Between October 2022 and February 2023, Infante was collectively in possession of more than 10 pounds of meth, nearly 4,000 fentanyl pills and approximately 37 grams of cocaine. Infante was identified by sources as the “Kingpin,” and he carried firearms while dealing drugs.
During a traffic stop in December 2022, officers recovered 100 fentanyl pills, two pistols, cocaine and methamphetamine from the vehicle in which Infante was a passenger. Infante later said the drugs were his and intended only for personal use. In a second traffic stop of Infante on the reservation 10 days later, officers located a half pound of meth, approximately 100 fentanyl pills, cocaine and a loaded 9mm magazine. Additionally, in January, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of 100 fentanyl pills from Infante. In a third traffic stop of Infante on the reservation, officers located meth and 76 fentanyl pills. In February, the FBI executed a search warrant of the residence where Infante had been staying and recovered 10.27 pounds of meth, 3,568 fentanyl pills and $1,973 in cash. Ten pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 35,240 doses.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ethan R. Plaut, Amanda L. Myers and Stephanie D. Robles prosecuted the case. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Rocky Boy’s Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Billings felon admits illegal possession of firearms; numerous guns found in residenceRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings felon who was on state probation admitted today to illegally possessing numerous firearms, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Erik Joseph Perlberg, 48, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Perlberg faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Perlberg was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on April 4, Perlberg attempted to collect a firearm at Scheels in Billings. When a store employee asked why a family member had to complete an ATF form, Perlberg replied that he was prohibited because he was on felony probation. The firearm was not provided to Perlberg. An investigation led to an interview in which Perlberg acknowledged to his probation officer that he could not possess a firearm but had them at his residence and that the keys to the gun safe were at his place of employment. When law enforcement went to his employer for the keys, officers were shown a firearm that Perlberg possessed in a toolbox. During a search of Perlberg’s residence, law enforcement found numerous firearms and determined that 18 of the guns had been manufactured outside the state of Montana. Perlberg was convicted of felony DUI in Yellowstone County in 2021 and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Lodge Grass man admits assaulting dating partnerRead the Press Release
BILLINGS —A Lodge Grass man today admitted to assaulting and injuring his girlfriend on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Brian Allen Kruger, 61, pleaded guilty to assault of a dating or intimate partner resulting in substantial injury. Kruger faces a maximum of five 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. The court set sentencing for March 20, 2024. Kruger remains detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Feb. 28, 2021, Kruger assaulted his girlfriend, identified as Jane Doe, while at a house in Lodge Grass, on the Crow Indian Reservation. Kruger and Jane Doe were drinking and talking and got into an argument. The argument escalated, and Kruger punched Jane Doe in the face and knocked her off the chair where she was sitting. Kruger continued hitting Jane Doe as she headed down a hallway. While Kruger went to the kitchen to get some more vodka, Jane Doe escaped out of a window and ran to a neighbor’s house. The neighbor called 911, and Jane Doe was treated for injuries at the Indian Health Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda L. Myers and Lori Harper Suek are prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.
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Oregon man sentenced to eight years in prison for trafficking meth in Missoula areaRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — An Oregon man who brought methamphetamine to Missoula for distribution was sentenced today to eight years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Tracy Jean Bell, 60, of Beaverton, Oregon, pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that law enforcement in Missoula made a controlled purchase of meth in April 2021 from co-defendant Devin Neil Farley. To identify the supplier, law enforcement located Bell, who admitted to possessing approximately 14 ounces of meth in his vehicle and to supplying Farley. Bell also admitted to traveling to Montana from Oregon on numerous occasions to distribute meth. Farley previously was sentenced to eight years in prison for his conviction in the case.
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 man sentenced to 12 years in prison for sex trafficking childrenRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Missoula man who paid minor girls to have sex with him was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Cody Alan Harrington, 29, pleaded guilty in July to two counts of sex trafficking of children.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that for seven years prior to his arrest, Harrington consistently targeted 14- and 15-year-old minors to engage in illegal sexual activity. In November 2022, two women, identified as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, contacted the Missoula Police Department to report that when they were under the age of 18, Harrington had paid each of them to engage in sexual intercourse with him on multiple occasions. Jane Doe 1 reported that she had met Harrington over Snapchat in the summer of 2019, when she was 14 and Harrington was 25, and that Harrington offered to pay her to have sex with him. Jane Doe 1 engaged in commercial sex with Harrington for the first time in August 2019 in Missoula County, after which Harrington paid her $300. Harrington paid her on at least two other occasions in 2019 to have sex with him. Harrington also interacted with Jane Doe 2, while interacting with Jane Doe 1, and knew Jane Doe 2 was a minor because she told him her age. Jane Doe 2 reported that she engaged in commercial sex with Harrington for the first time in August 2020, when she was 15, and that he paid her $400. Jane Doe 2 further reported Harrington paid her to engage in sex with him on multiple occasions from when she was 15 to 17, all in Missoula County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Lowney prosecuted the case. The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, Missoula Police Department and FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force conducted the investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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