District of Montana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
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 on a criminal complaint on Oct. 12 was:
Robert Stuart Quam, 42, of Belgrade, on charges of possession a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, felon in possession of a firearm and distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Quam faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release on the drug charge and a mandatory five years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Quam was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Missouri River Drug Task Force and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-144.
Appearing on an indictment and pleading not guilty on Oct. 10 was:
Glenn Gale Ware, 45, of Hardin, on charges of threats to injure or murder a federal law enforcement officer and harassing phone calls. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ware faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Ware was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-117.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston on a criminal complaint on Oct. 11 was:
Cesar Alberto Montiel-Gonzalez, 52, of Mexico, on charges of illegal entry into the United States. If convicted of the most serious charge, Montiel-Gonzalez faces a maximum of six months in prison, a $5,000 fine and one year of supervised release. Montiel-Gonzalez was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-94.
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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Box Elder man sentenced to 22 months in prison for assaulting partner on Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man who admitted to assaulting a woman on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 22 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Titus Lee Pedraza, 40, pleaded guilty in May to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury of a spouse, intimate or dating partner.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on November 23, 2022, Pedraza was home with the victim, identified as Jane Doe, and the victim’s children. Jane Doe told Pedraza she wanted a babysitter so they could go gambling together. Pedraza, who was drunk, became enraged and accused Jane Doe of wanting to cheat on him. Pedraza then assaulted her by strangling and hitting her, causing serious bodily injury.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Myers prosecuted the case. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Montana Man Pleads Guilty to Buying Firearms in Montana, Illegally Exporting Them to MexicoRead the Press Release
A Montana man pleaded guilty today to buying firearms in Montana and selling them to individuals in Mexico.
Cristyan Jose Gonzalez-Carrillo, 37, of Bozeman, pleaded guilty to illegal export before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto.
According to court documents, an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) determined that from February 2020 to May 2020, Gonzalez-Carrillo purchased approximately 31 handguns. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Gonzalez-Carrillo’s residence in July 2020 and recovered firearms and ammunition, including semi-automatic handguns and AR style rifles. Receipts seized during the search were from multiple stores in Montana for the purchase of firearms during that period. In addition, the investigation determined that Gonzalez-Carrillo’s vehicle plate records would demonstrate multiple border crossings at San Ysidro, California, from April 2020 to June 2020. Investigators also learned that Gonzalez-Carrillo purchased and advertised firearms for sale on the platform WhatsApp and sold firearms to individuals in Mexico.
“Every day across America, the Department of Justice is fighting the twin epidemics of gun violence and drug poisoning that shatter our communities,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “To win that battle, we must root out and prosecute those who traffic illegal firearms to Mexico – where weapons end up in the hands of violent cartels that send deadly drugs back to the United States. Today’s guilty plea represents another step forward, but also a sobering reminder that the fight against cross-border firearms-trafficking is a nationwide challenge.”
“Buying guns in Montana and taking them to Mexico to sell is illegal,” said U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich for the District of Montana. “Fighting gun violence remains a top priority for our office and as today’s hearing showed, we will investigate and prosecute anyone who violates federal firearms laws.”
“Preventing unlawful firearms trafficking is a top priority of the ATF,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “Whether the unlawful trafficking is destined for a gang in the United States or a cartel in Mexico, we will work with our partners to stop it and hold accountable those who violate our nation’s firearms laws.”
Gonzalez-Carrillo faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for Feb. 15, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Gonzalez-Carrillo was detained pending further proceedings.
ATF investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott for the District of Montana is prosecuting the case.
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.
Idaho man sentenced to 10 years in prison for trafficking meth in Great Falls, HelenaRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — An Idaho man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in Great Falls and Helena was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Thomas Lee Dieruf, 40, of Osborn, Idaho, pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute meth.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement in Great Falls and Helena identified Dieruf as supplying meth, and in January 2022, investigators arranged for a purchase of meth from Dieruf. After agreeing to the deal, Dieruf left his home in Idaho and traveled to Montana, where law enforcement detained him at a gas station in St. Regis. Officers executing a search warrant on his car located approximately a quarter pound of meth, a digital scale, plastic baggies and two pistols.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case. The Russell Country Drug Task Force, Missouri River Drug Task Force, FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Fentanyl trafficking in Great Falls sends Washington man to prison for five yearsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Washington man who admitted coming to Great Falls to sell fentanyl pills was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Ryan Mark Jensen, 44, of Bremerton, Washington, pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that Jensen was a significant drug dealer in Great Falls and had come to Great Falls from Washington to sell fentanyl pills because the mark-up on the pills was so profitable. In September 2022, the Russell Country Drug Task Force learned that Jensen was distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl pills while staying at a local hotel. Investigators searched his hotel room and found a small backpack containing several hundred fentanyl pills and a digital scale. Law enforcement also found small baggies that appeared to have contained meth residue.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case. The Russell Country Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.
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Bozeman Man Admits Buying Firearms in Montana, Illegally Exporting Them to MexicoRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Bozeman man accused of buying firearms in Montana and selling them to individuals in Mexico admitted today to illegally exporting guns, said U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich.
Cristyan Jose Gonzalez-Carrillo, 37, pleaded guilty to illegal export before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto. Gonzalez-Carrillo faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release at his sentencing set for Feb. 15, 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. Gonzalez-Carrillo was detained pending further proceedings.
“Every day across America, the Department of Justice is fighting the twin epidemics of gun violence and drug poisoning that shatter our communities,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “To win that battle, we must root out and prosecute those who traffic illegal firearms to Mexico – where weapons end up in the hands of violent cartels that send deadly drugs back to the United States. Today’s guilty plea represents another step forward, but also a sobering reminder that the fight against cross-border firearms-trafficking is a nationwide challenge.”
“Buying guns in Montana and taking them to Mexico to sell is illegal. Fighting gun violence remains a top priority for our office and as today’s hearing showed, we will investigate and prosecute anyone who violates federal firearms laws,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
“Preventing unlawful firearms trafficking is a top priority of the ATF,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “Whether the unlawful trafficking is destined for a gang in the United States or a cartel in Mexico, we will work with our partners to stop it and hold accountable those who violate our nation’s firearms laws.”
The government alleged in court documents that an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) determined that from February 2020 to May 2020, Gonzalez-Carrillo purchased approximately 31 handguns. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Gonzalez-Carrillo’s residence in July 2020 and recovered firearms and ammunition, including semi-automatic handguns and AR style rifles. Receipts seized during the search were from multiple stores in Montana for the purchase of firearms during that period. In addition, the investigation determined that Gonzalez-Carrillo’s vehicle plate records would demonstrate multiple border crossings at San Ysidro, California, from April 2020 to June 2020. Investigators also learned that Gonzalez-Carrillo purchased and advertised firearms for sale on the platform WhatsApp, and sold firearms to individuals in Mexico.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott is prosecuting the case. ATF conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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U.S. Air Force member in Great Falls admits to child pornography crimeRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS -- A member of the U.S. Air Force at the Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls today admitted to allegations that he obtained and sold images of child sexual abuse material using social media, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Brandon Earl Bankston, 23, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to sell child pornography. Bankston faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to a lifetime of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 14, 2024. Bankston was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that in the summer of 2021, the Great Falls Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was alerted that a suspect in Montana had uploaded videos containing known child sexual abuse material to an account on “X,” formerly known as Twitter. The task force also learned that a Snapchat user with a Montana address had posted an image of child sexual abuse material. The investigation determined that the internet provider addresses belonged to Bankston, an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force assigned to the 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base. Bankston admitted to Air Force investigators to possessing and distributing the child sexual abuse material in exchange for payment from users across various internet platforms.
Bankston told investigators that he obtained images and videos of the material through a messaging platform and stored the material on a cloud-based site in New Zealand. He further admitted to selling the child sexual abuse material to approximately 25 individuals. In a search of Bankston’s electronic devices, social media platforms, bank accounts and cloud-based storage applications, investigators determined he possessed approximately 5,000 images of child sexual abuse material and approximately 3,000 images and videos of the material saved in storage accounts. In addition, investigators determined Bankston received approximately $6,750 for child sexual abuse material sales from 42 separate transactions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes is prosecuting the case. The Great Falls Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations conducted the investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Lodge Grass woman admits trafficking meth, fentanyl in multi-state drug ring centered on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLNGS — A Lodge Grass woman today admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl as part of a large-scale, multiple-state narcotics organization that was centered on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Yvon Lizbeth Lopez-Flores, 29, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Lopez-Flores faces a mandatory minimum of five years of imprisonment, a $5 million fine and at least four 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. Lopez-Flores was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, conducted a large-scale, multiple-state investigation into narcotics trafficking centered on multiple properties on the Crow Indian Reservation. The properties, including one referred to as Spear Siding, were a source of supply for meth for both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations. Lopez-Flores is one of the individuals associated with the investigation.
In July 2022, law enforcement learned that Lopez-Flores was identified as a distributor of meth and was working with several individuals on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations.
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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Lame Deer man admits assaulting partner on Northern Cheyenne Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man accused of assaulting a woman on two separate occasions on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation admitted to multiple crimes today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Curtis Leo Crazymule, 45, pleaded guilty to assault of a dating partner resulting in substantial bodily injury, assault of a dating partner by strangulation and assault with a dangerous weapon. Crazymule faces a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, 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. Crazymule was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that Crazymule and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were in a romantic relationship when, in December 2022, Crazymule assaulted the victim while in a parked vehicle when she wanted to drive because of his level of intoxication. Crazymule headbutted, bit and strangled the victim, causing her to almost lose consciousness. The Bureau of Indian Affairs police responded, and the victim was transported by ambulance to a clinic in Lame Deer for treatment of injuries. In a second assault in January 2023, the government alleged that Crazymule assaulted Jane Doe at a residence with a baton, striking her on the head and knocking her unconscious. Two persons witnessed the assault. Crazymule denied striking the victim with a baton or any other object.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, FBI and Indian Health Service conducted the investigation.
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Jury convicts Hays man of sexually abusing minor girl on Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A federal jury on Oct. 5 convicted a Hays man of sexually abusing a minor girl on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
After a three-day trial that began on Oct. 3, the jury found Daniel Jacob Werk, 38, guilty of sexual abuse of a minor, as charged in an indictment. Werk faces a maximum of 15 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 6, 2024. Werk was released on conditions pending further proceedings.
“Werk used his position with the Fort Belknap Grassland Restoration Project, which is intended to help at-risk Native youth, to recruit a minor girl into the program. Hours after learning the victim was only 15 years old, Werk, who was 36 at the time, started having repeated sexual encounters with the victim. Our office will work tirelessly with our federal law enforcement partners to hold anyone accountable who seeks to sexually abuse a child. The jury’s verdict is a validation of those ongoing efforts,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that from July 2021 to October 2021, Werk repeatedly sexually abused a 15-year-old girl on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Werk, who was the program coordinator for the Fort Belknap Grassland Restoration Project, a program designed to provide opportunities for at-risk Native youth, recruited the girl, identified as Jane Doe, into the program and then repeatedly engaged in sexual acts with her.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto on a criminal complaint on Oct. 2 was:
Efren Zanabriga Zuniga, 35, of Mexico, on charges of transportation of child pornography and possession of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Zuniga faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Zuniga was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-65.
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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Dodson man admits assault charge after vehicle crash on Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Dodson man today admitted an assault charge after he drifted into the oncoming lane while driving and crashed into another vehicle, seriously injuring the other driver, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Marvin James Cole, 27, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Cole faces a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 6, 2024. Cole was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged that on June 22, 2022, Cole crashed his GMC truck into a Dodge Avenger driven by the victim, identified as John Doe, on Highway 66 near Harlem, on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Doe suffered serious injuries and ultimately was treated at a hospital in Seattle. A toxicology report showed amphetamine and methamphetamine in Cole’s blood. Cole agreed that he likely drifted into the other lane when he looked at his phone.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Fort Belknap Law Enforcement, Montana Highway Patrol and Phillips County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
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Kalispell meth, fentanyl trafficker sentenced to 15 years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Kalispell man accused of trafficking thousands of fentanyl pills and pounds of methamphetamine in the community was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Justin Jose Romo, 30, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that from March 2022 to September 2022, a Northwest Drug Task Force investigation determined that Romo was distributing meth and fentanyl in the Flathead Valley. Investigators learned from sources that Romo was distributing pound quantities of meth, thousands of fentanyl pills and possessed firearms on multiple occasions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case. The Northwest Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Justice Department Awards over $4.4 Billion to Support Community SafetyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced on Thursday, Sept. 28, that it is awarding more than $4.4 billion to support state, local, and Tribal public safety and community justice activities. The grants, from the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will help build community capacity to curb violence, serve victims and youth, and achieve fair outcomes through evidence-based criminal and juvenile justice strategies.
Montana will receive $19,728,000 in grants in 35 awards from the Justice Department.
“Everyone in this country deserves to be safe in their communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “That is why, in addition to continuing our efforts to identify and prosecute the most violent criminals, the Justice Department is putting every available resource to work to support the efforts of our law enforcement and community partners nationwide. This significant investment will go directly to state and local programs that support the victims of crime, support officer safety and wellness, build the public trust in law enforcement essential to public safety, and help make all of our communities safer.”
“I am pleased to announce that Montana is receiving nearly $20 million in grant funding, which will further assist our office in making our communities safer, help reduce violent crime, and expand services for victims of crime. This money will provide much needed support to law enforcement and public safety professionals who work hard every day to keep us safe,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The more than 3,700 OJP grants being awarded this fiscal year will support state, local, and community-based efforts and evidence-based interventions that reduce violence, crime, and recidivism while delivering treatment and services to those at-risk of justice system involvement. Funding will expand partnerships between criminal justice professionals and behavioral health experts, help people safely and successfully transition from confinement back to their communities, reach crime victims in underserved areas, steer young people away from justice system contact, improve the management of sex offenders, and support a wide range of research and statistical activities that will help justice system professionals meet community safety challenges.
“Across the country, the Justice Department is working side-by-side with our partners in state and local law enforcement to combat violent crime by using our federal resources to amplify their work on the front lines,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “The billions of dollars in grants announced today will augment those efforts and the tools law enforcement is using to curb violence, counter deadly drug abuse, and promote safety and public trust. Together with our state and local partners, the Department will continue to do everything we can to protect the communities we all serve.”
“The Department of Justice is investing in community-based approaches to violence prevention, law enforcement health and wellness, Tribal courts, improved services for victims, research and data collection efforts, reentry programs, and much more,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “The grants announced today further our commitment to working with our state, Tribal, and local partners to increase public safety, build police-community trust, and ensure safe, healthy, and just communities for all.”
“Every sector of our society — not only the justice system, but nonprofit and faith-based groups, local leaders, and advocates, and people with lived experience who serve as credible messengers — plays a critical role in ensuring public safety and public health,” said OJP Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon. “The Office of Justice Programs is proud to make these substantial investments in building community infrastructure and supporting communities as co-producers of safety and justice.”
Grants will support five major community safety and justice priorities:
- Awards totaling more than $1 billion will promote safety and strengthen trust, helping communities tackle the proliferation of gun violence in America and restore bonds of trust between community residents and the justice system. Grants will support innovative and evidence-based strategies designed to prevent and reduce violent crime, support the health and safety of law enforcement and public safety professionals, promote rehabilitation and reentry success, and address the rise in hate crimes across the country.
- More than $437 million in grant awards will accelerate justice system reforms designed to achieve equal justice and fair treatment for all. Grants will expand access to services among historically underserved and marginalized communities, reduce counterproductive involvement in the justice system, increase opportunities for diversion, and build pathways to treatment for people with substance use and mental health disorders.
- Over $192 million will improve the fairness and effectiveness of the juvenile justice system by supporting developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive interventions for youth. Funding will ensure that young people are served at home in their communities whenever possible, are equipped to transition to a healthy adulthood free of crime, and are protected from violence and abuse.
- More than $1.7 billion will expand access to victim services by investing in programs that provide trauma-informed and culturally responsive services to victims. Funding will support thousands of local victim assistance programs across the country and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory, while helping these programs build their capacity to reach those disproportionately affected by crime and victimization.
- Over $418 million in awards will advance science and innovation to strengthen the base of knowledge that policymakers and practitioners can use to design and deploy effective community safety strategies. Awards will support research and data collection on a wide range of public safety issues, help maintain timely and accurate criminal history records, and improve the capacity of crime labs and forensic analysts to solve crimes, absolve the innocent, and deliver justice to victims.
In addition, OJP will award more than $611 million to continue its support of other previously funded programs and congressionally directed spending. More information about the awards announced today can be found by visiting www.ojp.gov/funding/fy23awards.
OAG/ODAG/OASG/OJP
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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 Sept. 28 was:
Garrell Robert Snell, 33, of Hardin, on charges of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. If convicted of the most serious crime, Snell faces a maximum of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Snell was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-113.
Brian Allen Kruger, 61, of Lodge Grass, on charges of assault of a dating or intimate partner resulting in substantial bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kruger faces a maximum of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Kruger was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 22-148.
Appearing on Sept. 26 was:
Marilee Dawn Hoffman, 36, a transient, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hoffman faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Hoffman was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-93.
Appearing on a criminal complaint on Sept. 25 was:
Luke Dovel, 28, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Dovel faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Dovel was detained pending further proceedings. PACER case reference. 23-143.
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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Federal Jury convicts Helena woman of lying about income to receive government assistance benefitsRead the Press Release
HELENA — A federal jury today convicted a Helena woman, who was accused of lying about her income and employment to illegally receive government benefits intended to help low-income individuals and families, of multiple crimes, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
After a four-day trial that began on Sept. 26, the jury found Nena Helene Siemens, aka Nena Suzanne Kruger, 59, guilty of two counts of false statement or representation made to a department or agency of the United States and one count of theft of government money. Siemens faces a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for March 6, 2024 and continued Siemens’ release pending further proceedings.
“Despite receiving significant income and running her own business, Siemens lied on numerous applications so she could receive federal assistance benefits for which she was not eligible. Siemens’ brazen and prolonged conduct took taxpayer-funded aid from families that truly need help. The jury held her accountable. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Kakuk and Jeffrey K. Starnes, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for their work on this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In December 2018, Siemens applied for program assistance benefits through the State of Montana, reporting that she had $1,500 in her bank accounts, no employment and no income. Based on the information, Siemens was approved to receive benefits through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which is a program that provides cash assistance for families to meet basic needs.
The government alleged that the information Siemens provided for benefits was false. From March 2014 through August 2017, she lived with Dale Kruger, and they shared multiple bank accounts that had significant deposits of money. Siemens spent an average of roughly $20,000 per month. Siemens also owned and operated a business called Evergreen Dive Service in Washington. In addition, Siemens collected $750 in monthly rent from a couple living on property she owned with Kruger. Siemens never disclosed her living arrangements, accounts or income sources to the State of Montana, even though she routinely received notices from the state regarding reporting requirements for changes in income and other circumstances.
The government further alleged that starting in August 2017, Siemens began transferring and depositing large amounts of money into her personal accounts. Between January 2018 and February 2020, Siemens routinely had income of more than $10,000 per month, which includes bank account transfers, miscellaneous deposits and personal expenses charged to her dive service business accounts. These income sources were never disclosed to the state.
During a 2019 interview with an investigator, Siemens reiterated multiple times that she was not employed, had no income and no assets to liquidate. Contrary to these assertions, Siemens had substantial income in 2019. She purchased a Kubota tractor for $70,000 in June 2018 and a Desert Fox travel trailer for $31,000 in March 2019. In agreements to purchase these items, Siemens typically stated she was employed as the managing member of her business and that her income was between $6,000 and $10,000 per month.
The state of Montana ultimately suspended Siemens’ benefits in February 2020. By then, Siemens had received $2,552 in TANF benefits for which she and her family were not legally eligible. After the state of Montana suspended her benefits, Siemens continued her fraudulent conduct by filing a claim two months later for unemployment with the state of Washington, claiming she was “laid off” by her “employer,” the Evergreen Diver Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Kakuk and Jeffrey K. Starnes are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services conducted the investigation.
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Hardin man admits distributing meth as part of large-scale trafficking organization based on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Hardin man accused of selling methamphetamine as part of an investigation into large-scale drug trafficking based on the Crow Indian Reservation admitted to a distribution crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Anthony Springfield, 22, pleaded guilty to distribution of meth. Springfield faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Jan. 31, 2024. Springfield 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, investigated large-scale, multiple-state narcotics trafficking activity 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. Springfield is one of the individuals affiliated with the investigation. The government further alleged that in November 2022, law enforcement purchased meth from Springfield.
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 sentenced to prison for possessing unregistered silencerRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to possessing an unregistered silencer that was recovered at a Billings bar after a shooting incident was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Elias Miguel Nava, 19, pleaded guilty in June to possession of an unregistered silencer.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on Oct. 16, 2022, Billings Police Department officers recovered a silencer at Bullwhackers Bar after a shooting incident. On Oct. 23, 2022, police officers recovered a .22-caliber pistol and other firearms at the Wild West Bar after a shooting incident involving Nava. The pistol was in the possession of Nava and one of his co-defendants at the time. Social media, photos and videos showed Nava and his co-defendant in possession of the pistol with the silencer that was recovered on Oct. 16 attached.
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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Idaho man sentenced to five years in prison for stalkingRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — An Idaho man who admitted to threatening and harassing a woman in Montana was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by three of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Daniel August Meyer, 39, of Post Falls, Idaho, pleaded guilty in May to stalking.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in August of 2022, the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Meyer after the victim, identified as Jane Doe, reported that Meyer had threatened to kill her. Jane Doe reported that Meyer continually harassed her through phone calls and text messages after she moved to Missoula. In September 2023, Jane Doe discovered a tracking device on her vehicle believed to have been installed by Meyer. Meyer continued calling and leaving voice messages, including a message stating he was in town and on his way to her location. Law enforcement arrested Meyer on Sept. 14, 2023. A search of his vehicle led to the recovery of body armor, a sawed-off shotgun, and a large amount of ammunition. Meyer was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition because he was subject to a permanent Order of Protection from 2010.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force and Missoula Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Flathead County fentanyl, meth trafficker sentenced to more than 10 years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Marion man who admitted to distributing fentanyl pills and methamphetamine in Flathead County was sentenced today to 10 years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Roger Ossie Nickerson, 40, pleaded guilty in May to distribution of controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that during an investigation by the Northwest Montana Drug Task Force in June 2022, an undercover agent purchased fentanyl from Nickerson. In addition, law enforcement received information from a source that Nickerson was distributing drugs and that the source had purchased pills and meth from him multiple times.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The Northwest Montana Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and Great Falls 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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Distribution of child pornography sends Billings man to prison for 14 yearsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to distributing child pornography using social media was sentenced today to 14 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Stetson Lee Hubbard, 33, pleaded guilty in June to distribution of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in January 2020, law enforcement began an undercover investigation using a social media application and posed as woman. Law enforcement entered multiple public groups that appeared to be focused on child pornography. While in one such group, a member of the group distributed child pornography. An investigation determined the distribution originated in Billings and ultimately led to Hubbard. When interviewed, Hubbard acknowledged using the social media application and that he may have distributed child pornography on that application. Law enforcement subsequently found more than 1,160 images of child pornography on Hubbard’s cellular phone.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI 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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Child pornography production sends Dillon man to prison for more than 18 yearsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Dillon man who admitted to recording himself having sex with a minor girl on multiple occasions was sentenced today to 18 years and four months in prison, to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Blaine Anthony Thomas Burger, 20, pleaded guilty in March to production of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In a plea agreement filed in the case, the parties agreed that the evidence established the commission of two additional counts of production of child pornography involving two additional Jane Does, and that the agreement would be treated as if Burger had been convicted of the additional counts for purposes of calculating his recommended sentencing guideline range.
“Burger’s violent, perverse and destructive conduct caused a lifetime of damage to these girls. He built trust and developed relationships with them, and then abused and sexually exploited them for his own gratification. Protecting children from predatory conduct, like Burger’s, and holding offenders accountable remains a top priority for our office,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government alleged in court documents that Burger preyed on three underage girls, torturing two of the girls, convincing both that he cared for them, and blackmailing a third girl until she sent him nude images of herself. Between October 2021 and May 1, 2022 in Dillon, Burger was in a dating relationship with Jane Doe 1, who was under the age of 18. On April 30, 2022, Jane Doe 1 told law enforcement that she had been in an abusive sexual relationship with Burger for the last several months. Jane Doe 1 further disclosed that Burger had sex with her on multiple occasions, recorded them having sex on his phone and kept the videos. When interviewed, Burger admitted to having sex with Jane Doe 1 more than 10 times after he learned that she was underage. Burger further admitted he had naked pictures of Jane Doe 1 on his phone. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Burger’s phone and recovered three videos that were recorded by Burger and depict him having sexual intercourse with Jane Doe 1.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, Dillon Police Department, Helena Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Billings man sentenced to more than three years in prison for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man convicted of sending two videos of minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct to an undercover officer was sentenced today to three years and five months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Ethan Andrew Schilling, 25, pleaded guilty in January to a superseding information charging him with possession of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in March 2022, law enforcement was conducting an undercover investigation and began corresponding with Schilling on a social media application. The undercover officer posed as the relative of a 12-year-old girl. Schilling’s intentions regarding the fictitious girl became increasing sexual in nature. Schilling offered that he had “pics” and sent the undercover officer two videos of a prepubescent minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In May 2022, law enforcement served search warrant at Schilling’s residence. During an interview with law enforcement, Schilling stated that he sent the videos and acknowledged that it was illegal to send child pornography.
Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, Project Safe Childhood attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation. It is implemented through partnerships including the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children.
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Billings man charged with making threats to kill U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, threats against President Joe BidenRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man accused of threatening to kill Montana U.S. Sen. Jon Tester and threatening President Joe Biden appeared on an indictment on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Anthony James Cross, 29, pleaded not guilty to threats to injure and murder a United States Senator and to threats against the President. If convicted of the most serious charge, Cross faces a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Cross was detained pending further proceedings.
The indictment alleges that on April 17, 2023 in Billings, Cross threatened to assault and murder Sen. Jon Tester with intent to retaliate against Tester on account of the performance of his official duties. The indictment further alleges that on April 10, 2023 in Billings, Cross knowingly and willfully made a threat to take the life of, and to inflict bodily harm upon, the President of the United States, in that he stated in part, “I will personally kill Joe Biden.”
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI conducted the investigation.
PACER case reference. 23-101.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl
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Lame Deer man admits meth trafficking role in large-scale ring based on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLNGS — A Lame Deer man admitted on Monday to distributing methamphetamine on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation that he received through a large-scale narcotics trafficking operation based on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Jesse Laslovich said today.
Joseph John Simpson, 49, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Simpson faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, 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. Simpson was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that from May 2022 to July 2023, law enforcement obtained information from multiple sources that Simpson was distributing meth on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation and elsewhere. Simpson was affiliated with a large-scale, multiple-state narcotics trafficking operation centered on multiple properties on the Crow reservation, including one referred to as Spear Siding. Spear Siding was a source of meth for individuals, including Simpson.
The government further alleged that on July 13, a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer in Lame Deer observed a pickup truck that appeared to be stolen and was driven by an individual, later identified as Simpson. The officer pulled behind the truck, but it fled. The truck was stopped, and Simpson was taken into custody. Simpson had meth, a glass pipe and $328 on his person. The officer also observed four firearms and ammunition in the truck. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on the truck and found a duffle bag containing Simpson’s tribal identification card, approximately one pound of meth, a scale caked with possible meth residue, multiple plastic baggies and $305 in cash. Officers also found a submachine gun and a lockbox containing $9,120 in cash and an additional pound of meth.
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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Helena contract carrier sentenced for stealing mail on rural routesRead the Press Release
HELENA — A carrier who delivered mail for the U.S. Postal Service was sentenced today after she admitted to stealing mail from her route in search of cash and gift cards from more than 90 victims, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris sentenced Katie Elizabeth Bowlds, 39, of Helena, to two years of probation and ordered $1,847 restitution. Bowlds pleaded guilty in April to possession of stolen mail.
“I hope the restitution ordered today will help make up for the missed birthday, anniversary, and special occasion gifts that Bowlds robbed from people, including kids, when she stole mail and rifled through greeting cards for cash and gift cards. Mail is necessarily private, and the public expects and deserves to have their mail delivered intact to its intended recipients. Bowlds’ actions eroded this trust, and I am pleased she is being held accountable for her criminal conduct,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government alleged in court documents that in 2022, Bowlds worked as a contract delivery services carrier for the U.S. Postal Service on a rural route in Helena. In the spring of 2022, Bowlds stole hundreds of greeting cards from her postal route in search of cash and gift cards. Many of these greeting cards contained small denominations of cash and gift cards and were intended for birthdays, anniversaries and other life events. The cards never reached the intended recipients because of Bowlds’ thefts. Bowlds’ actions affected more than 90 victims.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation.
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Garryowen man admits role in large-scale meth trafficking ring based on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Garryowen man on Sept. 22 admitted to selling methamphetamine to others as part of a large-scale trafficking ring that was based on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Zachary Douglas Bacon, 35, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Bacon faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, 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 Jan. 25, 2024. Bacon 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, investigated a large-scale, multiple-state narcotics trafficking operation centered on properties on the Crow Indian Reservation. The properties, including one known as Spear Siding, were a source of supply of meth for both Crow and the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations. Bacon is one of the individuals affiliated with the investigation.
The government further alleged that in October 2022, Bacon sold two ounces of meth to an individual and that the meth came from Spear Siding. Investigators also determined that Bacon sold meth that he regularly obtained from Spear Siding to others.
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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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Sept. 21 was:
David Jesus Tapia-Padron, 33, of Butte, and Austin Perry King-Terrell, 29, of Butte, on charges of illegal importation of a tableting press. Tapia-Padron also is charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Tapia-Padron faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years imprisonment, a $5 million fine and at least three years of supervised release. King-Terrell faces a maximum of four years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release. Both defendants were released with conditions pending further proceedings. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-15.
Lynsi Noel Barnes, 32, of Missoula, on charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Barnes faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years imprisonment, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Barnes was detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Service, Montana Highway Patrol, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and Shoshone County (Idaho) Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-38.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Sept. 21 was:
Esaias Stops Pretty Places, 19, a transient, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stops Pretty Places faces a maximum of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and a mandatory minimum of five years to life of supervised release. Stops Pretty Places was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-105.
Gabriel Cowan Metcalf, 49, of Billings, on charges of unlawful possession of firearm in a school zone. If convicted of the most serious crime, Metcalf faces a maximum of five years imprisonment, a $100,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Metcalf was released with conditions pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-103.
Appearing on Sept. 19 for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint was:
Cameron Dimich-Laster, 26, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Dimich-Laster faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years imprisonment, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Dimich-Laster was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations, the Billings Police Department and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-139.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Sept. 19 was:
Donovan Orville Horton, 51, of Vaughn, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth, distribution of meth near a school and drug user in possession of firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Horton faces a mandatory minimum of one year to 40 years imprisonment, a $2 million fine and six years of supervised release. Horton was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Great Falls Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-88.
Merlyn Roger Marceau, 40, of Browning, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse. If convicted of the most serious crime, Marceau faces a maximum of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Marceau was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-89.
Larry Thomas McDaniel, 45, of Great Falls, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, McDaniel faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years imprisonment, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release. McDaniel was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Great Falls Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-61.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Missoula man sentenced to prison for firearms crimesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Missoula man convicted by a federal judge of multiple firearms crimes was sentenced today to 21 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
After a two-day bench trial, U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen found Michael Blake DeFrance, 30, guilty on May 1 on all counts charged in a second superseding indictment, including prohibited person in possession of a firearm and three counts of false statement during a firearms transaction. The court presided at sentencing and ordered DeFrance to self-report to the Bureau of Prisons.
“DeFrance was previously convicted of partner or family member assault after he assaulted his then partner, Jermain Charlo. Because of this, he lost his right to possess firearms and yet he made false statements on firearms forms so he could illegally obtain guns at a pawn shop. Keeping guns out of the hands of those who are prohibited from having them is critical to the safety of others, particularly women, domestic partners, and families, and I applaud and thank Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer S. Clark and Timothy J. Racicot and the FBI and Missoula Police Department for their hard work in holding DeFrance accountable for these crimes,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that on June 27, 2018, a Missoula Police Department detective located a .357-caliber revolver and a box of .357-caliber ammunition in the console of DeFrance’s truck. Two .22-caliber rifles were located under the back seat. On Oct. 2, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant on DeFrance’s residence and located a .357-caliber revolver on a desk by the front door. The detective recognized this gun as the revolver DeFrance had in his truck in June. DeFrance also had two rifles in his bedroom. When asked if he knew he was not supposed to have guns, DeFrance replied, “I was never clear on that.”
The government further alleged that in May 2013, DeFrance was sentenced for partner or family member assault on Jermain Charlo in Sanders County. DeFrance signed a waiver of rights form in which he acknowledged his rights, which included – on a list of possible consequences of pleading guilty – the loss of firearms rights. The same form contained space for DeFrance to explain the basis for his guilty plea, and his form stated, “On 4-14-2013, in Sanders County I caused bodily injury to my girlfriend.”
In addition, the government alleged that on three occasions in 2018, DeFrance completed Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives forms at a Missoula pawn shop in which he represented that he had not been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Prior to and after the assault in 2013, Charlo stayed with DeFrance in a camper on property belonging to the DeFrance family. Charlo and DeFrance were in an intimate relationship.
The government alleged DeFrance was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had been convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence and that he knowingly made false written statements in 2018 at a Missoula pawn shop in connection with his acquisition and attempted acquisition of three firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer S. Clark and Timothy J. Racicot prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force and Missoula Police Department.
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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Illegal gun possession sends Great Falls felon arrested after standoff to prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls felon who admitted to illegally possessing two firearms at his business following a standoff with law enforcement was sentenced today to 32 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Stephen Jeffrey Vogel, 35, pleaded guilty in May to prohibited person in possession of firearms.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on Dec. 11, 2022, law enforcement attempted to conduct a welfare check on a woman, identified as Jane Doe, at a gas station near a business she shared with Vogel after receiving a report that Doe may have been assaulted and was attempting to hide. Officers arrived just after Doe left the gas station and crashed a vehicle in front of the business. Vogel was present but ignored commands from officers and locked himself inside the shared business. Doe, who had an injury on her forehead, reported that Vogel had threatened her with a firearm and assaulted her. Great Falls Police Department officers then engaged in a nearly three-hour standoff with Vogel before he peacefully surrendered. In a search of the business, officers located a loaded 9 mm semi-automatic pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun hidden above ceiling tiles. A review of Vogel’s jail calls confirmed he hid the firearms knowing law enforcement would seize them if discovered. Vogel was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a 2013 felony conviction.
An assistant U.S. attorney prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Great Falls Police Department and Cascade 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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Great Falls meth trafficker sentenced to 14 years in prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted conspiring to bring large quantities of methamphetamine from California to Montana for distribution was sentenced today to 14 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Joshua Daniel Wilson, 48, pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute meth.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in May 2021, Wilson was to have a received a shipment of meth through UPS for redistribution in Great Falls. However, the package was damaged in transit, and UPS employees in Billings discovered meth. Billings Police officers seized the package and found it contained approximately two pounds of meth, which is the equivalent of about 7,248 doses. Drug task force officers in Great Falls took possession of the package and made a controlled delivery. Wilson later admitted that he was obtaining packages of meth in the mail from California for resale and used the address of another person for the shipments.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Russell Country Drug Task Force 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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Former Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services employee admits stealing money from federal aid programsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A former employee with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) in Butte admitted today to stealing federal funding for assistance programs by submitting false information on applications, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Heather Marie Bugni, 34, of Butte, pleaded guilty to theft of government money, property or records. Bugni faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Feb. 1, 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. Bugni was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that Bugni was employed by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services as a client services coordinator from October 2015 to July 2021. Bugni processed applications, conducted interviews and approved benefits for multiple public assistance programs, including the federal programs Medicaid, which is medical assistance for low-income persons, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is a nutrition assistance program for low-income individuals and families.
The government further alleged that Bugni approved applications, entered false information and incorrect wage information that resulted in her boyfriend’s mother receiving $13,869 in Medicaid benefits and $848 in SNAP benefits and her boyfriend’s father receiving $63,303 in Medicaid benefits. Bugni also applied for SNAP benefits on behalf of her daughter and filled out the application posing as her boyfriend. Bugni intentionally provided an incorrect address for them and later called DPHHS, posing as the boyfriend’s mother, and verified the incorrect address. Bugni knew that if she had provided the correct address, her own income would have made her daughter and boyfriend ineligible for SNAP benefits. Bugni received $11,309 in SNAP benefits from this conduct.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Kakuk is prosecuting the case. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.
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Fentanyl trafficking in Kalispell area sends Mexican citizen to prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Mexican citizen who admitted to trafficking fentanyl in the Kalispell area after law enforcement seized 12,000 fentanyl pills, more than $72,000 in U.S. currency and a pistol from his vehicle was sentenced today to seven years and three months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Cuauhtemoc Cervantes Samaniego, 30, pleaded guilty in May to a superseding information charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Samaniego trafficked fentanyl in the Kalispell community from about May 2022 through Oct. 5, 2022. Investigators received information that Samaniego was in Kalispell with a large amount of fentanyl to distribute. At about 2:50 a.m. on Oct. 5, 2022, law enforcement officers located Samaniego at a gas station in Kalispell and searched his vehicle. Officers found 12,000 fentanyl pills, $72,687 in U.S. currency and a 9mm pistol. An individual later told an agent that Samaniego had met with a person prior to law enforcement stopping him and that Samaniego had provided the person fentanyl pills. The person gave Samaniego a firearm.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case. Homeland Security Investigations, the Northwest Drug Task Force 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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Illegal possession of gun sends Billings felon to prison for 30 monthsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings felon who was on probation when officers found him wearing a bandana over his face and a carrying semi-automatic rifle wrapped in a blanket as he walked down a residential street was sentenced today to 30 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Fermin Joseph Vasquez, 39, pleaded guilty in May to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on April 27, 2021 in Billings, a 911 caller spotted Vasquez walking down a residential street with his entire face concealed by a bandana with eyeholes cut out, wearing a black jumpsuit and carrying what appeared to be a shotgun or rifle wrapped in a blanket. When he saw officers approach, Vasquez began doing lunges with the gun over his shoulders. Officers suspected Vasquez was under the influence of drugs. Officers disarmed and handcuffed Vasquez. Vasquez admitted he was a felon and on probation. The gun was a .22-caliber semi-automatic rifle. Vasquez had four prior felony convictions and was on supervision at the time he possessed the firearm.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten 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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Browning man admits assault with a gun on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man accused of firing a gun into an occupied house during a dispute admitted to an assault crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Gerald Anthony Bullchild, 47, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Bullchild faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, 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 Feb. 29, 2024. Bullchild was released on conditions pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on March 28, 2021, Bullchild drove to the home of a former girlfriend, identified as Jane Doe, to speak with their minor child. When the child refused to go with Bullchild, Bullchild started yelling and honking at Jane Doe. Jane Doe went outside to speak with Bullchild, where he continued yelling and called her profane names. Bullchild left and returned later, yelling and honking. Jane Doe refused to leave the home and Bullchild continued yelling and honking. Finally, as Bullchild started to leave, he fired a pistol round into Jane Doe’s living room. The bullet traveled through the front wall of the house and lodged in the couch, where it bumped against the leg of a child on the couch. Law enforcement recovered a spent .45-caliber shell casing and an empty .45-caliber magazine from the vehicle. The round recovered from the couch was a .45-caliber bullet.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.
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Jury convicts Virginia man of attempted sex trafficking of minor in undercover investigation in BillingsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A federal jury today convicted a Virginia man of attempting to solicit a minor for sex during an undercover investigation in Billings, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
After a two-day trial that began in Missoula on Sept. 18, the jury found Mark Samuel Baker, 57, of Gore, Virginia, guilty of attempted sex trafficking of a minor as charged in an indictment. Baker faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date will be set. Baker was detained pending further proceedings.
“Baker got caught in an undercover sting when he tried to arrange to have commercial sex with an individual he thought was a minor under 16. His conduct exploits children and contributes to the scourge of sex trafficking, which our office will continue to aggressively prosecute. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Kelsey A. Sabol and the FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Billings Police Department for their investigation and prosecution of this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents and during trial, the government alleged that from July 11, 2022 to July 13, 2022, Baker knowingly attempted to recruit and solicit a minor to engage in commercial sex. During the investigation, an undercover officer used the internet to post an advertisement purporting to be a female escort who was the minimum allowed posting age of 18. About six hours later, the undercover agent received a message in response to the ad from a phone number later identified to be Baker’s. Law enforcement responded on July 12, 2022 asking if Baker wanted “a date.” Law enforcement and Baker communicated over the next two days. One of the exchanges included: Law enforcement asks, “Are u ok if I’m not 18.” Baker responds, “Yes as long as you are ok I’m 49.” Law enforcement writes, “I’m almost 16 if ur cool w that.”
Baker and the undercover discussed how much time $80 would buy, and Baker said he wanted sex with the undercover officer. Baker also sent pictures of the cash he would use and of himself. They then made plans to meet in Billings and go to Baker’s hotel. Law enforcement arrested Baker on July 13, 2022 when he showed up at the designated time. A call was then placed to the phone number law enforcement had been texting, and a smartphone in Baker’s vehicle lit up with the undercover’s number. Law enforcement found $375 in cash, a hotel passkey and four condoms on Baker’s person.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Kelsey A. Sabol are prosecuting the case. The FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Billings man admits obstructing justice by witness retaliationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Billings man accused of harassing and threatening witnesses in Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, in an ongoing federal investigation admitted to obstruction charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jesse Ray Blackman, 41, pleaded guilty to two counts of obstructing justice by retaliating against a witness as charged in a superseding indictment. Blackman faces a maximum of 20 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 Jan. 31, 2024. Blackman was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that beginning in October 2022, Blackman maintained an ongoing campaign of harassment against his ex-girlfriend, identified as Jane Doe, and her boyfriend, identified as John Doe, in Browning. Using the Messenger feature of Facebook, Blackman sent messages from multiple Facebook accounts to Jane Doe, threatening to harm both her and John Doe. Blackman also called Jane Doe’s place of employment multiple times a day and threatened her. In December 2022, Jane Doe obtained a restraining order against Blackman from the Blackfeet Tribal Court. The order enjoined the parties from having verbal and physical contact, but the threats continued. In March 2023, an FBI agent interviewed Blackman about his conduct. Blackman admitted to using Facebook to send messages to Jane Doe and that the messages could be viewed as threats. The agent advised Blackman that Jane Doe and John Doe were witnesses in an ongoing federal investigation, and that threats against them as witnesses could be criminal. The agents advised Blackman to cease all contact with them. Blackman contacted both Jane Doe and John Doe in April with the intent to retaliate against them for information they gave to law enforcement relating to the threats. In a phone call to Jane Doe on April 4, Blackman said, “I can’t believe what you did to me! You’re going to pay for it bitch!”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, with assistance from the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, conducted the investigation.
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Washington man lands prison time for attempting to coerce minor for sexual activity in undercover investigationRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — Kenton Alan Shaull, a 59-year-old Washington man who traveled to Missoula expecting to meet a child for sex, was sentenced today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy sentenced Shaull to 10 years in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release. The defendant pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor in April 2023 after he had been arrested in an undercover investigation.
The government alleged in court documents and in statements in court that from January to May 2022, Shaull used his cellular phone to communicate on an internet-based social media service with a profile he believed belonged to a child, identified as “E,” who was under the age of 14. Shaull reaffirmed multiple times his belief that “E” was a child under the age of 14. Shaull also expressed his desire to engage in sexual activity with “E” and sent several sexually explicit videos of himself. Shaull further expressed his desire to meet “E” in person for sexual activity and traveled to Missoula on May 14, 2022 to meet with “E” at a pre-determined location, where law enforcement officers arrested him.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Lowney prosecuted the case. The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
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.
Texas Man sentenced to prison on back fraud and identity theft chargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — Vincent Charles McCall, 21, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced today for passing stolen and forged checks amounting to over $40,000, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters sentenced McCall to 2½ years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay $30,446 in restitution to the victims of his crimes. The defendant pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in May 2023.
“Crimes like McCall’s harm both financial institutions and their customers and often require victims to spend significant time and energy piecing their credit histories back together. The investigation and prosecution of these cases calls for cooperation and coordination among different law enforcement agencies and I’m grateful to the Secret Service and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, and AUSA Colin Rubich, for bringing McCall to justice.” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government alleged in court documents that beginning in January 2023, and continuing until his arrest on February 14, 2023, McCall participated in a scheme to defraud various financial institutions by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises by passing stolen and forged checks at various bank branches across Montana. McCall forged signatures to obtain funds from victims’ accounts.
McCall would travel from Texas to other states and pass fraudulent checks for real bank accounts belonging to real people. He presented banks with high quality fraudulent IDs when asked for identification. Beginning in January, McCall started hitting banks across Montana, including branches in Bozeman, Choteau, Fairfield, and Billings. All told, McCall successfully stole approximately $39,682.00 and attempted to steal another $4,888.00 for a total intended loss of approximately $44,570.00.
As a part of the scheme, on February 14, 2023, McCall attempted to pass a check at a Western Security Bank branch in Billings on Old Hardin Road for $4,888.00. He gave the teller a fraudulent ID to disguise his identity. The teller grew suspicious and called the police. When the police arrived, McCall attempted to flee but was apprehended and arrested.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office.
Tennessee man appears on charges in drug overdose deathRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Tennessee man accused of dealing fentanyl pills which resulted in an overdose death appeared in federal court on drug charges on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Malice Clark, Jr., aka Greg Clark, aka “Greed,” 57, had an initial appearance on an Indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of controlled substances resulting in death. If convicted, Clark faces a maximum of life imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine and at least 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John T Johnson presided. Clark was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court document that between February 2021 and April 2022, Clark knowingly possessed fentanyl with the intent to distribute it to other people and that he did knowingly distribute fentanyl to John Doe, which caused John Doe’s death.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes is prosecuting the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Great Falls Police Department conducted the investigation.
PACER case reference. 23-41.
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
Box Elder man sentenced to prison for assaulting and strangling partner on Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — Alex George Deserly, 43, of Box Elder, was sentenced today after admitting to an assault charge for strangling a woman on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris sentenced Deserly to 30 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. The defendant pleaded guilty to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to an intimate partner in April 2023.
The government alleged in court documents that on June 25, 2022, medical personnel and law enforcement responded to the victim’s home for a report of a domestic assault. Deserly had left the home prior to the police arriving. The victim told law enforcement that she had confronted Deserly over messages she had seen and asked him how long he had been using methamphetamine. Deserly grabbed the victim, shoved her into a wall and strangled her. The victim tried to escape, but Deserly continued to assault and strangle her until he eventually stopped. The victim was treated for injuries.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Rocky Boy’s Police Department.
Lame Deer assaults send Forsyth man to prison for 10 yearsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — Edward Leroy Widner III, 29 of Forsyth, was sentenced today for assaulting two men with a gun in one assault and assaulting a woman with a metal bar in a separate assault, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Both assaults were committed in Lame Deer, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation.
U.S. District Court Judge Susan P. Watters sentenced Widner to 10 years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. The defendant pleaded guilty on May 11, 2023, to five charges in a superseding information charging him with two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon.
The government alleged that on May 22, 2022 at Lame Deer, Widner assaulted two victims, John Doe 1 and John Doe 2, with a firearm. Widner went to John Doe 1’s residence and first assaulted Doe 2 in the living room by hitting him in the head with a pistol. Widner dragged Doe 2 into a bedroom occupied by Doe 1 and told Doe 1 to get up or Doe 2 was going to die. Widner then hit Doe 1 repeatedly in the face. At some point, the gun discharged, and a round went through the bed, a wall and into the ground outside of the residence. Doe 1 suffered serious injuries.
The government further alleged that in March 2020 at Lame Deer, Widner assaulted Jane Doe 1, who sought medical attention for serious injuries. At the time, Doe 1 declined to name her assailant citing increased danger if she were to speak to law enforcement. Doe 1 reported that Widner assaulted her with multiple objects, including a metal pipe. In a recent interview with the FBI, Doe 1 identified Widner as her assailant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case which was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Northern Cheyenne Investigative Services and Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Federal jury convicts Minnesota man of trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl in Havre and BillingsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A federal jury today convicted a Minnesota man of trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl in Havre and Billings in 2021, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
After a 2 ½ day trial that began on September 11, the jury found Rembrandt Carlos Kemp, 32, of Fridley, Minnesota, guilty of conspiracy to distribute or to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, as charged in an indictment. Kemp faces 5 to 40 years in prison, a $5,000,000 fine and at least 4 years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for January 31, 2024. Kemp was detained pending further proceedings.
“As Kemp’s conduct demonstrates, the tentacles of drug trafficking reach every corner of Montana, from our biggest city to our smaller communities on the Hi-Line. I’m grateful for the diligent investigative efforts of the Tri-Agency Task Force, the Havre Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration and to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Lowney and Benjamin Hargrove for bringing Kemp to justice. We remain committed to working with all our law enforcement partners to combat illegal drug distribution across the state,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government presented evidence at trial showing that on January 11, 2021, an investigation was initiated regarding a female and male distributing fentanyl in Havre, Montana. Based on information provided by a confidential source and after reviewing public Facebook profiles, law enforcement determined that the female was Chantel Azure and the male was Rembrandt Kemp. On January 13, 2021, the source successfully conducted a controlled buy of fentanyl pills from Azure. During the sale, law enforcement observed Azure arrive in a vehicle with two male passengers inside. Agents saw Azure get out of her car, get into the source’s vehicle where the sale occurred, and return to her vehicle with the two men still inside.
After continued surveillance, law enforcement initiated a traffic stop with Azure and her two occupants inside the vehicle. Kemp was located in the front passenger seat and his co-defendant, Martaveon Scott, was in the back seat. Azure and Kemp were arrested on warrants and Scott was arrested for providing a false name. Kemp was found with 4.32 grams of actual methamphetamine and a digital scale. Scott was found with 28.43 grams of actual methamphetamine and 100 pills of fentanyl, which weighed approximately 9.6 grams. An additional 2.9 grams of actual meth was found in the trunk of the vehicle along with a .22 caliber AR-15 style rifle. Additionally, $1,378 was found with Kemp and Scott in the car, including the $800 cash used by the source for the controlled buy.
Martaveon Makei Scott previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 29, 2023 in front of Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris.
Chantel Marie Azure previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. She was sentenced in December 2022 to 28 months in prison followed by 4 years supervised release.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Lowney and Benjamin Hargrove are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Tri-Agency Task Force, Havre Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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.
Drug Trafficker Lands Twenty Three Year Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A 58-year-old resident of Port Orchard, Washington was sentenced today after being found guilty of trafficking methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine in Lake County last year, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy sentenced David Loren Waldeck to 23 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. A jury found the defendant guilty in April 2023.
“We all know the consequences that accompany the distribution of dangerous drugs in our Montana communities. We are committed to helping our law enforcement partners, federal, state, local and tribal, hold traffickers like David Waldeck accountable as we continue to work to stem the tide of poisonous substances from entering our state.” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government alleged in court documents and at trial that on Oct. 24, 2022, Flathead Tribal police officers stopped and arrested an individual on outstanding warrants and learned that a person, named “David,” was in Kalispell and coming back to Polson that day with meth and fentanyl to distribute. The police officers stopped Waldeck later that day and located 4,212 fentanyl pills, approximately 837 grams, or 1.8 pounds of meth, and approximately 489 grams, or a little more than one pound, of cocaine in his vehicle.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer S. Clark and Amanda L. Myers prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Flathead Tribal Police Department.
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.
California man sentenced to prison after receiving child pornography while living in MissoulaRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — Bobby Manuel Argo, 23 of California, was sentenced today after receiving child pornography of a minor girl he befriended while living in Missoula, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy sentenced the defendant to 6 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. The defendant pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography in May 2023.
“Protecting minors from predators like Bobby Argo is of paramount importance. We are committed to continue working with our law enforcement partners at the federal and local level to prevent Montana’s children from being victimized and to hold accountable those who seek to prey on them. I want to thank the agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the Missoula Police Department, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Hargrove, for investigating this case and bringing Argo to justice.” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents, the government alleged that between 2021 and early 2022, Argo was living in Missoula and befriended Jane Doe 1, a girl who was under the age of 18. Jane Doe 1 confided in Argo that someone online was coercing her to send sexually explicit images of herself. Argo offered to help Jane Doe 1 and asked her to get him in touch with her extortioner. Instead of helping, Argo messaged the perpetrator separately and offered to assist him in further extorting Jane Doe 1 for explicit images of herself and others. In January 2022, law enforcement identified the perpetrator and, during a search of his social media account, learned he had been communicating with Argo about Jane Doe 1 and sharing explicit images of her with Argo. Law enforcement executed search warrants of Argo’s social media account, his residence in California and his cell phone and found child pornography in his possession, including a video of Jane Doe 1 engaged in sexually explicit content that he had received through the internet while he was still in Missoula.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Missoula Police Department.
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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Missoula Woman Sentenced to Prison on Methamphetamine and Fentanyl ChargesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A 34-year-old Missoula woman was sentenced today for possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl pills, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy sentenced Lindsay Ann Rumph to 70 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. The defendant pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in April 2023.
The government alleged in court documents that on February 4, 2023, in Missoula County, a traffic stop was initiated on the vehicle Rumph was driving and a later search of the vehicle, pursuant to a Montana State search warrant, resulted in the recovery of methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, various drug paraphernalia, a firearm, and $279 in U.S. Currency. Rumph was interviewed after the traffic stop and admitted that drugs would be found in both the vehicle and on her person. In March of 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration Western Laboratory completed an analysis on the methamphetamine and determined it was more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force.
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.
Missoula Man Sentenced to Prison on Methamphetamine and Fentanyl ChargesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A 36-year-old Missoula man was sentenced today for possessing methamphetamine and over 3,500 fentanyl pills, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy sentenced Joseph Anthony Schrantz to 10 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. The defendant pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in April 2023.
“All Montanans know drugs and guns are a deadly combination and the amount of fentanyl Schrantz possessed in this case is staggering and alarming. Today’s sentence should send the message to criminals inclined to illegally possess guns and traffic dangerous drugs that we are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring them to justice in our continuing efforts to protect our communities.” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government alleged in court documents that on July 13, 2022, Missoula Police Department officers responded to Downtown Pawn for a report of a male that stole a Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun. Officers reviewed surveillance footage that showed Joseph Schrantz reaching over the counter, taking the firearm, and leaving the store. Later that day, officers recognized Schrantz driving a vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. Schrantz confirmed he had stolen the gun and provided consent for officers to retrieve it from under the center console of the vehicle. Schrantz was also in possession of two small cork-topped glass bottles: one containing 82 round blue pills marked “M30”, the other containing a small amount of methamphetamine. Lab testing reflected the pills were fentanyl and the meth was 100% pure. Law enforcement found another small baggie of meth and more than 100 additional fentanyl pills. In a key-code safe in the rear seat there were two large ziplock bags containing 3,451 fentanyl pills, one large ziplock bag containing 248 grams of 100% pure meth, distribution baggies, and a digital scale with residue. The center console held additional distribution baggies, and, on the floorboard, there was a black wallet with $734 in cash. The vehicle was registered to Schrantz and another female.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Missoula Police Department, Montana Probation and Parole, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Drug Enforcement Administration.
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.
Billings Man Sentenced to Prison for Coercion and EnticementRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — Marshall Vincent Lucas, a 42-year-old Billings man, was sentenced on Tuesday for coercing a minor girl to engage in sexual conduct with him and into producing sexually explicit images of herself after providing the girl with a laptop, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen sentenced Lucas to 14 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. The defendant pleaded guilty in February.
The government alleged in court documents that in September 2021, Lucas provided the victim, Jane Doe 1, who is under the age of 16 years, with a laptop for purposes of communicating with her. Lucas had met Jane Doe 1 through her mother. Lucas began to correspond with Jane Doe 1 using an alias. Through electronic and in-person communications, Lucas asked Jane Doe 1 how she felt about him and requested nude pictures of her and to engage in sexual conduct with him. Lucas persisted, and ultimately engaged in sexual conduct with Jane Doe 1 and she provided him with nude pictures of herself that she produced as his direction. Lucas also sent Jane Doe 1 nude pictures of himself and instructed her to delete electronic communications between them.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the Musselshell County Sheriff’s Office.
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 Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris on a criminal complaint on Aug. 30 was:
Darius Rostas, 28, of Belgium, on charges of improper entry by alien. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rostas faces a maximum of six months in prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release. Rostas was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-82.
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Aug. 29 was:
Johan Siemens, 29, of Taber, Alberta Canada, on charges of illegal reentry. If convicted of the most serious crime, Siemens faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Siemens was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-84.
Cornelius Froese, 26, of Vaeuxhall, Alberta, Canada, on charges of transporting illegal aliens. If convicted of the most serious crime, Froese faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Froese was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-83.
Justin Arthur Berger, 35, of Helena, on charges of possessing an unregistered machine gun, possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle and possessing unregistered silencers. If convicted of the most serious crime, Berger faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Berger was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI and Helena Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-15.
Shawn Saddler, Sr., 56, of Box Elder, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor, and abusive sexual contact of a minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Saddler faces a mandatory minimum of 30 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Saddler was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-12.
Appearing on Aug. 28 was:
Jack Andrew Gillespie, 45, of Great Falls, 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, Gillespie faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Gillespie was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-74.
Appearing on Aug. 22 was:
Shawn Arrants, 36, of Bozeman, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Arrants faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Arrants was detained pending further proceedings. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Southwest Drug Task Force and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-13.
Heather Marie Dawn Follette, 37, of Fort Peck, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Follette faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Follette was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Montana Highway Patrol, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Fort Peck Tribal Police conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-43.
Brian Dean Bell, 40, of Dodson, on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. If convicted of the most serous crime, Bell faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the assault crime and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm crime. Bell was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Fort Belknap Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-03.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Aug. 29 was:
Rhonda Mae Felsman, 46, of Charlo, 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, Felsman faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Felsman was released pending further proceedings. The Northwest Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-33.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Aug. 31 was:
Azuriah Austin Stallcup, 19, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stallcup faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Stallcup was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-93.
Oliver Rowe, 32, of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rowe faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and three years of supervised release. Rowe was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-71.
Adolfo Vargas Lepe, 59, of Roberts, on charges of kidnapping. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lepe faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Lepe was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-79.
Appearing on Aug. 22 was:
Matthew Todd Stump, 53, of Joliet, on charges of possession of unregistered firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stump faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Stump was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Carbon County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-87.
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 nearly $6 million in federal grant awards to support victims of sexual assault and crimeRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich today announced grant funding of nearly $6 million for Montana from the Department of Justices’ Office of Justice Programs to support victims of sexual assault and crime victims. The funding, totaling $5.96 million, is for three separate grant programs.
“I am pleased to announce these grants to the state of Montana for its important work in providing support services to crime victims, including victims of sexual assault. This funding demonstrates the U.S. Department of Justice’s commitment in fighting sexual violence and making sure every survivor can access support, safety, and justice in their communities. The grants also continue to help and support victims of crime through assistance and compensation programs,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The Montana Board of Crime Control will receive $787,911 from the Office on Violence Against Women’s Fiscal Year 2023 Sexual Assault Services Formula Program (SASP). The project period starts August 2023 and will end July 2025. These funds are made available through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This grant award was among a total of $51.8 million in SASP funding the Justice Department awarded in every state along with the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. This marks a significant increase of nearly 45 percent when compared to last year’s funding level.
Congress first authorized SASP in the VAWA Reauthorization of 2005. SASP is the nation’s first federal funding stream dedicated to providing direct intervention and related assistance to victims of sexual assault. The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) administers SASP funding according to a statutorily determined, population-based formula. States and territories, in turn, award the funds to rape crisis centers and other nonprofit, nongovernmental or Tribal agencies that provide direct intervention and related services to adult, youth, and child victims of sexual assault.
The Montana Board of Crime Control also will receive $4,910,121 from the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) as part of its Fiscal Year 2023 Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Formula Grant. The project period started October 2022 and will end September 2026. This grant award will provide money from the Crime Victims Fund to enhance crime victim services in the state.
The Montana Department of Justice will receive $270,000 from the OVC as part of its Fiscal Year 2023 Victims of Crime Act Victim Compensation Formula Grant. The project period started October 2022 and will end September 2026. This grant award provides resources from the Crime Victims Fund to enhance state victim compensation payments to eligible crime victims.
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