District of Montana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announces $1.3 million grant from Justice Department for investment in State Crisis InterventionRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced today a $1,387,530 award to the Montana Board of Crime Control as part of the Justice Department’s Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program. The award to Montana was among 49 awards to states, territories and the District of Columbia.
The investment of more than $231 million nationwide will fund state crisis intervention court proceedings, including but not limited to, extreme risk protection order (ERPO) programs that work to keep guns out of the hands of those who pose a threat to themselves or others. This investment in community safety is authorized by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, historic legislation to address and reduce gun violence. The awards are administered by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance.
“This grant to the Montana Board of Crime Control is an important part of the United States Justice Department’s effort to protect Montana communities from violent crime and gun violence. We are determined to ensure that our fellow Montanans are safe and secure. Importantly, these resources will give our communities tools to help prevent gun violence and support persons who are at risk of committing or becoming a victim of gun crimes,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In the award to the Montana Board of Crime Control, a Crisis Intervention Advisory Board (CIAB) will be formed from members of and be governed by the already existing Montana Board of Crime Control. The CIAB will discuss, inform and direct the state’s Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program strategies and funding priorities for the initial four-year grant period, from fiscal year 2023 to fiscal year 2026. Because Montana does not have Extreme Risk Protection Order laws, it is not anticipated the CIAB will pursue ERPO programs. The CIAB will consider court-based programs, such as drug, mental health and veterans’ treatment courts, including those that accept clients with firearm violations; behavioral health programs for persons at risk to themselves or others; and funding for law enforcement agencies to safely secure, store, track and return relinquished guns.
Signed into law by President Biden in June 2022, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is the most significant piece of federal gun safety legislation in almost three decades and comes as a response to recent mass shootings and to the far more common, but no less tragic, incidents of community gun violence. Including the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program, the law allocates a total of $1.4 billion to OJP over five years to develop, implement, and sustain meaningful investments in safer communities.
“These awards will help meet two monumental public safety challenges — the alarming proliferation of gun violence in our country and the clear need for front-end interventions to slow the cycle of violence and victimization in our most underserved communities,” said BJA Director Karhlton F. Moore. “The Bureau of Justice Assistance is proud to make these resources available to states as a critical part of its mission to reduce and prevent crime and to promote a fair and effective criminal justice system.”
For a full list of awards, please visit: https://data.ojp.usdoj.gov/stories/s/O-BJA-2023-171458/b5xz-as5z/. These awards are the latest effort from the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs to implement this historic legislation.
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Two Washington men sentenced to prison for trafficking heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl pills in Missoula areaRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — Two Washington men who admitted to drug trafficking charges after Montana law enforcement found heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl pills and a firearm in their vehicle during a traffic stop were sentenced today to prison, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Alex Stephen Schmidt, 50, of Colville, Washington, was sentenced to six and one half years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Schmidt pleaded guilty in September 2022 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Co-defendant Richmond James McKee, 52, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. McKee pleaded guilty in October 2022 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in October 2021, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle McKee was driving on Interstate 90 in Montana. The vehicle belonged to Schmidt. In a later search of the vehicle, officers found heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, a firearm and drug paraphernalia. The investigation determined that a confidential informant assisted Schmidt with selling drugs and that Schmidt was the individual who normally obtained the drugs.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, the Montana Highway Patrol and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office.
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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Bozeman man sentenced to 15 years in prison for transporting child pornography filesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Bozeman man who admitted to using an online account to transport child pornography files was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jacob Michael Rieger, 23, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to transportation of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in February 2022, the Bozeman Police Department, which is a member of the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), investigated Rieger for a child pornography crime. The investigation involved Rieger using an online account to transport child pornography files. At that time, Rieger was on probation with the Montana Department of Corrections for a prior child pornography crime. The Bozeman Police Department reported the investigation to Rieger’s state probation officer. The probation officer and ICAC officer searched Rieger’s residence, and Rieger admitted to using an online social media account to access child pornography. Records for Rieger’s online account showed that he was accessing and saving child pornography videos and images to the online account from approximately October 2021 through March 2022.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyndee L. Peterson and Brian C. Lowney prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bozeman Police Department and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Kalispell woman who sent money overseas in money mule scheme sentenced to 57 months in prison; $2 million restitution orderedRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Kalispell woman who admitted to funneling millions of dollars overseas in a money mule scheme that defrauded victims was sentenced today to 57 months in prison, ordered to pay $2,043,340 restitution and to serve three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Theresa Anne Chabot, 58, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to unlicensed money transmitting businesses.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court also ordered Chabot to forfeit a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Chabot was ordered into custody.
“As a money mule, Chabot laundered millions of dollars collected through various fraud schemes across the country and sent proceeds overseas while keeping a share of the money for her own benefit. Chabot exploited and harmed numerous trusting victims and now rightfully faces the consequences of her criminal conduct. As this case shows, our office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who criminally exploit others,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
“IRS special agents are experts at unraveling sophisticated financial crimes and disrupting international crime organizations,” said Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Denver Field Office. “Money mules like Chabot are the lifeblood of these fraudsters, enriching themselves and harming countless victims in the process. Today’s sentencing is a victory for all taxpayers and an example of the commitment we share with the FBI and other law enforcement partners to cut off the flow of money to criminals who think they are beyond our reach.”
“Money mules support criminal enterprises by adding a layer between those criminals and their victims, making it more difficult to trace and recover the funds,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheyvorea Gibson of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Acting as a money mule, whether you know it or not, is illegal. The FBI is committed to protecting the public from such predators and holding them accountable.”
The government alleged in court documents that from about May 2017 until February 2021, Chabot, through her business, Avalanche Creek, LLC, collected money from various wire fraud schemes around the United States into her bank accounts. Chabot then funneled millions of dollars overseas, including to the United Arab Emirates, and received 10 percent of the funds into her accounts. The fraud loss was $5,449,395. Chabot preyed on the elderly, fantasies of love, friendships, purported oil investments, advance-pay schemes and gold and silver. In 2018, the Secret Service informed Chabot she was acting as a “money mule,” but Chabot ignored the warning and continued sending money overseas. When interviewed again by agents in 2020, Chabot admitted one instance in which she received $10,000 hidden in a stuffed animal and deposited the money into her account.
Chabot operated Avalanche Creek as a money transmitting business and was required to register it with the Department of Treasury. Chabot opened more than 50 bank accounts. Banks closed numerous accounts after reviewing the activity because of fraud or misuse. Despite the repeated bank account closures, Chabot would open new bank accounts that enabled her to receive proceeds.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation.
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California man who shipped meth from Sinaloa Cartel to Butte community sentenced to eight years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A California man who admitted to a drug trafficking crime for shipping methamphetamine from the Sinaloa Cartel into the Butte community for redistribution was sentenced today to eight years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Heriberto Tavares, 30, of Anaheim, California, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that from about November 2018 to November 2019, Tavares served as a stash house for the Sinaloa Cartel. Tavares acted as the Amazon shipping services for the cartel, shipping drugs from Mexico into the United States at the direction of the drug trafficking leaders. In some instances, Tavares had 20 pounds of meth, which is the equivalent of approximately 72,480 doses, at a time in his home.
Law enforcement learned that Tavares was shipping drugs, which originated in Mexico, into Montana. During an undercover operation, an agent ordered meth from Humberto Villareal, of Sinaloa, Mexico, who was sentenced in 2021 to 17 years in federal prison for conviction of meth trafficking in the Butte area. In July 2019, law enforcement received a package, sent from Tavares, that contained 474 grams, or a little more than one pound, of meth and heroin. Agents paid for the drugs Tavares sent by wiring money to Ricardo Ramos Medina, in Sinaloa, Mexico. Medina was sentenced in 2020 to eight years in federal prison for conviction on trafficking pounds of meth and other drugs to the Butte area.
Tavares was indicted as part of an investigation into a large-scale drug trafficking organization that brought massive quantities of meth, counterfeit oxycodone pills and heroin into Butte for redistribution through out the state. The investigation resulted in federal convictions of 22 persons. Tavares is the last defendant to be sentenced.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Butte-Silver Bow Police.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Box Elder man sentenced to prison for domestic abuseRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man who admitted to assaulting a woman with whom he was in a relationship on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Clay James Bad Hawk, 25, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to domestic abuse by a habitual offender.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in December 2021, Bad Hawk punched, slapped, kicked and strangled the victim, identified as Jane Doe, with whom he was in a relationship. Bad Hawk assaulted Jane Doe in a bedroom in his residence, and two girls from across the street yelled through the bedroom window at Bad Hawk that the police were called. Jane Doe hid until the porch until she was found by police. Jane Doe was treated for injuries at a local hospital. Bad Hawk had two prior domestic violence convictions from the Chippewa Cree Tribal Court.
The FBI, Chippewa Cree Tribal Law Enforcement and Rocky Boy’s Police Department investigated the case.
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Montana Man Convicted of Federal Hate Crimes and Firearms Charges for Shooting Intended to Rid Community of the Lesbian and Gay MembersRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — A federal jury convicted a Montana man of hate and firearms crimes for firing an AK-style assault rifle at the residence of a woman, who identified as lesbian, and was home at the time.
After a four-day trial that began on Feb. 14 in Helena, the jury found John Russell Howald, 46, of Basin, guilty today of hate crime acts and discharge of firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence as charged in a superseding indictment.
“This defendant is being held accountable for attempting to violently eliminate the entire LGBTQ community in a small Montana town,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This hate crime and violent campaign targeting the LGBTQ community is a reminder of the epidemic of hate violence targeting people based on their sexual orientation. All people have the right to feel safe in their homes and communities, regardless of who they love. The Civil Rights Division will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to safeguard the civil rights of LGBTQ people affected by hate violence, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure justice for victims of bias-motivated crimes.”
“The victim in this case was targeted by the Defendant for no other reason than her sexual orientation when he fired bullets at her home while she was inside of it. There will be zero tolerance by our office in prosecuting those who commit hate crimes against our fellow Montanans, as no one should have to live in fear of potentially deadly violence simply because of whom they love. I am pleased the jury agreed with us and I sincerely thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut and Trial Attorney Eric N. Peffley, Criminal Section, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice, along with the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Jefferson County’s Sheriff’s Office for investigating and prosecuting this case.” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
“Hate crimes are especially devastating because a vicious act against one person is an attack on an entire community,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the Salt Lake City FBI. “I want to reassure Montana citizens the FBI is committed to defending and protecting the rights of all persons and encourage the public to report hate crimes to the FBI and local law enforcement.”
According to court documents and statements in court, on March 22, 2020, Howald went on a self-described mission to rid the town of Basin of its lesbian and gay community. Armed with three rifles and two pistols, and knowing that the victim identified as a lesbian, Howald approached her residence on foot and fired an AK-style assault rifle at her property. Several rounds went through the victim’s fence and rounds hit her yard and porch. One round traveled through a wall of the home, bounced off the kitchen ceiling and lodged in a wall in the room. The victim was at home at the time but was not struck.
After firing at the victim’s house, the government alleged, Howald walked down the street toward other houses occupied by people who identify and are known locally as gay or lesbian. A church service had just finished and individuals leaving church saw Howald walking on the street, recognized him and approached. The individuals heard Howald talk about his mission of killing lesbian and gay people in town and saw his weapons. They approached and tried to talk Howald down. One of these people, a pastor, unknowingly had left on a recording device that he used for his sermons. The device recorded about 10 minutes of his interaction with Howald until Howald demanded that the pastor walk away. The recording captured Howald making statements that he might have killed a lesbian and that he hoped he had, and that he was going to get rid of lesbians and queers in Basin. The recording also captured Howald firing off several more rounds during his interaction with these individuals.
Responding to a 911 call to the scene, a Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputy ordered Howald to put down his guns. Howald refused, pointed a rifle at the deputy and fled on foot, firing at least one more shot as he went. Sheriff’s officers arrested Howald the next day and found that he had a knife and loaded pistol on his person and an AR-style rifle and revolver in his car. During a search of his camper, officers found an AK-style rifle, a hunting rifle and ammunition.
Howald faces a maximum of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the hate crime conviction and a mandatory minimum 10 years to life imprisonment, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,00 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm conviction.
The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for June 15 before Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris. Howald was detained pending further proceedings.
The FBI, ATF and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut for the District of Montana and Trial Attorney Eric N. Peffley of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
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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:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Feb. 16 was:
Harvey Alvin Hugs, 59, of Hardin, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hugs faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hugs was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-06.
Appearing on Feb. 13 was:
Andrew Jason Post, 35, of Sidney, on charges of possession of unregistered firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Post faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Post was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-09.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Feb. 13 was:
Arnold Galo Garay IV, 46, of Helena, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Garay faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Garay was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Probation and Parole investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-05.
Daniel Phillip Horn, 36, of Harlem, on charges of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to an intimate and dating partner. If convicted of the most serious crime, Horn faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Horn was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and Fort Belknap Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-11.
Javon Cortez Crosby, 26, of Southfield, Michigan, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Crosby faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Crosby was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Tri-Agency Task Force, Russell Country High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-72.
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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Meth trafficking sends Billings woman to prison for six yearsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings woman who admitted to bringing large quantities of methamphetamine from Las Vegas, Nevada, to the Miles City area for distribution was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Denise Danielle Piccione, 38, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in June 2020, agents with the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation received information that Piccione was selling large amounts of meth in the Miles City area. An investigation led to a Montana Highway Patrol traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Piccione as she returned to Montana from Las Vegas. A search warrant was obtained for the vehicle, and officers seized 1,526 grams, or approximately 3.3 pounds, of meth. That quantity of meth is the equivalent of 11,959 doses. Piccione communicated with other co-conspirators about drug transactions and delivered meth to various locations and customers in Montana and North Dakota.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 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.
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Lame Deer man admits sexually abusing girl on Northern Cheyenne Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man today admitted to sexually abusing a child in 2015 on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jordan Joseph Backer, 26, pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact. Backer faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 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 Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other sentencing factors. Backer was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged that in 2021, law enforcement received a cybertip from Facebook that indicated an account associated with Backer had an image of suspected sexual abuse of a child, resembling Jane Doe. Law enforcement responded to Backer’s residence but were unable to make any determinations about the child’s identity or what had happened. In September 2022, Jane Doe disclosed that Backer had sexually abused her in 2015, when she was approximately six years old and visiting family on the reservation. When interviewed, Backer admitted to sexually abusing Jane Doe.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Northern Cheyenne Investigative Services.
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Meth trafficking sends Billings man to prison for more than 12 yearsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man was sentenced today to 12 years and three months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after he admitted to selling methamphetamine to an undercover agent and to trying to obtain a machine gun in exchange for meth, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
David Lawrence Bernach, 60, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that beginning in February 2022, Bernach was the target of a law enforcement investigation where he sold meth to an informant and then to an undercover agent. During those controlled purchases, Bernach was often armed. Bernach told an undercover agent he wanted to purchase “anything automatic’ and coordinated with the agent to obtain an automatic rifle (machine gun) in exchange for three ounces of meth. Law enforcement arrested Bernach when he arrived at a parking lot for the transaction. In a subsequent search of his property, law enforcement found several firearms. Bernach admitted to selling meth and that he had purchased two pounds of meth from his supplier every week for the past six months. He also told law enforcement that the firearms at his residence were for protection.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Division of Criminal 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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Laurel meth dealer sentenced to three years in prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Laurel woman who admitted to methamphetamine trafficking after investigators seized plastic candles containing the drug was sentenced today to three years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Nicole Jo Brent, 45, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in October 2021, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service located a suspicious package for an address in Laurel from an address in Turlock, California. A search warrant was obtained for the package and law enforcement found four plastic candles, with each containing about a half pound of meth. Task force agents made a controlled delivery of the package, and Brent took control of it. In a search of the residence, agents located the delivered package and seized additional grams of meth from Brent’s purse, safe and dresser. The investigation determined that Brent received 11 packages from Turlock, California, and that communications on her phone indicated she was selling meth.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
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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Colorado man sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for trafficking meth, fentanyl to MontanaRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Colorado man who was convicted of trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl after Yellowstone County law enforcement found the drugs and a firearm in his vehicle during a traffic stop was sentenced today to 11 years and three months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
James Robert Harrelson, 49, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court document that in April 2022, officers with the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force received information that Harrelson was trafficking drugs from Colorado to Billings. An investigation led to a traffic stop of Harrelson by Yellowstone County Sheriff’s deputies. Task force officers searched the vehicle and found meth, fentanyl pills, drug scales, plastic baggies, smoking devices, hypodermic needles and a 9mm handgun. Harrelson admitted that he was transporting the drugs from Colorado to Billings and that the handgun was his.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 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.
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Billings man sentenced to 18 years in prison for drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to distributing pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl pills and heroin over three months while residing at a Billings pre-release center and to illegally possessing firearms was sentenced today to 18 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Rodney Trimble, 48, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in June 2022, Billings Police officers learned that Trimble was in possession of a large amount of meth, fentanyl and heroin and was on state probation. Montana Probation and Parole authorized a search of Trimble following a traffic stop. Trimble told officers that he was recently released from a pre-release center where he was serving time for distributing illicit drugs within a corrections facility. Trimble admitted to recently buying a pound of meth, approximately 100 fentanyl pills and some heroin and had the drugs in his vehicle. He further admitted that he had firearms at his residence that he obtained from “a couple of tweakers on the street” because someone had recently broken into his residence. Officers located approximately 1.4 pounds of meth, 49 grams of heroin and 24 fentanyl pills in Trimble’s vehicle, and a semi-automatic rifle and .357-caliber revolver in his residence. Trimble further admitted to distributing approximately 12 pounds of meth, 600 fentanyl pills and three ounces of heroin over three months, all while he was residing at the pre-release center. Twelve pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 43,488 doses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Billings 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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Billings man sentenced for stealing deceased mother’s benefitsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to using federal and private benefits that belonged to his deceased mother was sentenced today to three years of probation and ordered to pay full restitution of $100,986, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Orin Raymond Champlin III, 62, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to theft of government property.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that Champlin was on a joint bank account with his mother, who was receiving government and private benefits. In June 206, Champlin’s mother died. Instead of reporting her death to the entities, Champlin continued to receive government benefits from the Social Security Administration and the Federal Employees Office of Personnel Management and a private annuity payment from MetLife for almost four years. Champlin used the money for his own personal expenses, including insurance for cars and daily expenses, totaling more than $100,000.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Social Security Administration and Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General.
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Poplar man sentenced to 38 months in prison for assaulting officer with hammerRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Poplar man who admitted to hitting a police officer in the head with a hammer as law enforcement was responding to an assault at his home was sentenced today to 38 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Nolan James Hendrickson, 34, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to assault with a dangerous weapon.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in March 2022 on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Hendrickson assaulted and strangled a woman, identified as Jane Doe 1, at his mother’s apartment. Police responded and found Hendrickson strangling Jane Doe 1. The victim, identified as Jane Doe 2, a police officer, tried to stop the assault, but Hendrickson lunged at the officer and hit her in the face with a hammer. Another responding officer fired a round at Hendrickson but missed. As police arrested Hendrickson, he continued to be combative. Hendrickson acknowledged he had been using alcohol and methamphetamine. The victim was treated for injuries from the hammer assault.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Peck Department of Law and Justice.
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Missoula fentanyl trafficker sentenced to 46 months in prison after investigation of overdose deathRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Missoula man who admitted to trafficking fentanyl pills in the community after law enforcement responded to a drug overdose death was sentenced today to 46 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $10,000 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jacob Eugene Odman, 39, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Feb. 18, 2022, law enforcement responded to a Missoula County residence for a reported drug overdose and found the victim, John Doe, deceased. Next to John Doe was a small blue pill engraved with “M30,” Officers recognized this pill as consistent with counterfeit Oxycodone, and lab testing determined that the pill contained fentanyl. A toxicology report confirmed that John Doe had fentanyl and a fentanyl metabolite in his blood when he died. The investigation determined that Odman provided fentanyl pills to John Doe the previous evening. Law enforcement officers spoke with Odman, who denied any knowledge of pills and asked if John Doe was ok. Agents executed a search warrant on Odman’s residence and found 409 fentanyl pills. In addition, four days before John Doe’s death, Idaho State Police stopped an individual, searched his vehicle and found more than 300 fentanyl pills hidden in containers that looked like soda cans. Odman was texting the individual about purchasing a product and asked for travel updates. The individual texted Odman that, “Idaho is searching my car.” Odman responded, “Oh no.” The individual then said, “It’s in cans.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Missoula Police Department and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office.
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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:
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Feb. 9 was:
Matthew Ryan Cubberly, 36, of Kalispell, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cubberly faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Cubberly was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Kalispell Police Department and Montana Probation and Parole investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-3.
Appearing on Feb. 6 was:
Zachary Vernon Stephens, 34, of Bozeman, on charges of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stephens faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release. Stephens was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-20.
Jessica Elizabeth Garrett, 42, of Billings, on charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Garrett faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the wire fraud charge and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft charge. Garrett was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Missoula Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-03.
Appearing for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint was:
Lindsay Ann Rumph, 33, of Missoula, on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rumph faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charge and a mandatory minimum five years to life, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the firearm charge. Rumph was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-11.
Eric Anthony Navarro, 32, of Missoula, on charges of conspiracy to distribute meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Navarro faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charge and a mandatory minimum five years to life, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the firearm charge. Navarro was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-12.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Feb. 8 was:
Joseph Ernest Potts, 32, of Browning, on charges of assault on a federal officer. If convicted of the most serious crime, Potts faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Potts was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-104.
Appearing on Feb. 6 was:
James Lee Brown, 60, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Brown faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Brown was detained pending further proceedings. The Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-09.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Feb. 8 was:
James Joseph Sangrey, 39, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Sangrey faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Sangrey was detained pending further proceedings. The Great Falls Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-13.
Ralph Edward Page, 52, of Boulder, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Page faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Page was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Probation and Parole and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-06.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J, Cavan and pleading not guilty on Feb. 7 was:
Dane Ralph Jams Curry, 39, of Baker, on charges of conspiracy to produce child pornography, sex trafficking of a minor and destruction of records in a federal investigation. If convicted of the most serious crime, Curry faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Curry was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-05.
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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Former Hamilton man admits lying to receive Social Security Administration benefitsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A former Hamilton man today admitted to making false statements to receive disability payments from the Social Security Administration, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Aaron Lee Grossman, 50, of Washington, Utah, and formerly of Hamilton, pleaded guilty to false statements to a government agency, a felony. Grossman faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. In a plea agreement filed in the case, Grossman agrees to be responsible for complete restitution in the amount of approximately $71,456 to the Social Security Administration.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for June 27. Grossman was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that in 2011, Grossman applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments from the Social Security Administration. The agency reviewed and approved Grossman’s application and advised him of his legal obligation to notify it if he experienced a change in his ability to work, returned to work or if his medical condition improved. In 2019, Grossman received $36,210 from Lynch Insulation for work he performed through Grossman Consulting, LLC. In June 2020, Grossman submitted a Work Activity Report to the Social Security Administration and did not disclose this income. Had he done so, Grossman would have been ineligible for SSDI benefits. When questioned by Social Security Administration agents, Grossman claimed his wife earned those wages. However, records from Lynch Insulation indicted that Grossman, in fact, completed the work. In an interview in 2021, Grossman admitted he concealed his work for and income from Lynch Insulation so he could maintain his Social Security Administration benefits.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General.
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Former Colstrip police officer admits to receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A former Colstrip Police Department officer accused of communicating with a minor girl and directing her to send him pictures and videos of herself engaged in sexually explicit conduct admitted to a child pornography crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Hossein Cristiano Luigi Borhan, 49, of Billings, was arraigned on and pleaded guilty to an information charging him with receipt of child pornography. Borhan faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, a $5,000 special assessment and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Borhan’s release was continued pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that between August 2021 and April 2022, while serving as a Colstrip police officer, Borhan was engaged in an online messaging relationship with a minor girl, identified as Jane Doe. The conversation became sexual in nature, and Jane Doe complied with Borhan’s instructions to send him pictures and videos of herself engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In an interview with law enforcement, Borhan admitted to sending Jane Doe approximately 20 sexual pictures and videos of himself and estimated receiving hundreds of sexual images and videos from her.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office and Colstrip Police Department.
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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Lodge Grass man sentenced to one year in prison for assaulting Bureau of Indian Affairs officerRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lodge Grass man who admitted assaulting a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer, who was pursuing a co-defendant for operating a stolen vehicle in Lodge Grass, on the Crow Indian Reservation, was sentenced today to one year in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Earl Landon Old Chief, Jr., 36, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to assault on a federal officer.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on March 14, 2021, BIA officers were pursuing co-defendant Darnell Lee Not Afraid, of Pryor, who was driving a stolen truck at high speeds through residential neighborhoods in Lodge Grass. Not Afraid stopped at a residence, got out of the truck and ran away. The officer pursued on foot into a residential yard as a crowd began to gather and drew his Taser. Not Afraid turned toward the officer and grabbed a revolver from his waistband. The officer dropped his Taser, drew his service pistol and fired multiple times at Not Afraid, striking him at least once in the arm. After the shooting, the crowd, including Old Chief, became angry at the officer and some of the crowd accosted him. It is disputed whether Old Chief threw a bottle at the officer’s head, narrowly missing him, but it is not disputed that Old Chief pointed the officer’s Taser at the officer’s face and then threw it at the officer’s head. The officer did not activate the Taser, but when Old Chief pointed it at him, the officer knew it had been activated because the Taser’s flashlight and red dot were on.
Not Afraid was sentenced earlier to a mandatory minimum five years in prison for pleading guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of assault on a federal officer, a crime of violence. A third co-defendant, Darwyna Caylynn Catherine Bullshows, was sentenced to time served for conviction in the case.
Billings man sentenced to 70 months in prison for trafficking methRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine after he was arrested in Rosebud County was sentenced today to 70 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Stefan Shane Hickel, 34, pleaded guilty on August 11, 2022, to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in September 2021, a drug task force in Billings was investigating Hickel for drug trafficking. Hickel had absconded from state supervision on a distribution charge. Law enforcement received information that Hickel was at a motel in Forsyth. Officers executed a search warrant and found Hickel with meth and drug paraphernalia in the room. Hickel admitted to being both a user and distributor of meth.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas K. Godfrey prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 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.
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Billings felon admits illegal possession of firearmRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings felon who was arrested by Billings police officers while searching for two escaped jail inmates admitted today to illegally possessing a firearm, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jeffrey Wayne Follet, 34, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm as charged in an indictment. Follett faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least 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. Follett was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on Sept. 12, 2022, Billings Police Department officers were looking for two escaped inmates from the Yellowstone County Detention Facility and received information that the inmates were hiding at an apartment building on South 27th Street. A passenger car approached the east side of the apartment complex, and four persons left the apartment and got into the car. Two of the persons matched the description of the escapees. Police attempted a traffic stop on the car, but it fled. Officers performed a maneuver in which they pinned the car near an intersection. Follet was in the rear passenger side of the car and got out holding a pistol. Officers ordered Follet to drop the gun. Officers saw Follet drop the gun behind his back and run north on the sidewalk. Officers chased and arrested Follet. Follet was on Montana state supervision for a felony conviction and was prohibited from possessing firearms. The firearm was a loaded, 9mm pistol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas K. Godfrey is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings 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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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:
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto on Feb. 3 for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint was:
Ryan Creighton Doak, 48, of Washington, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Doak faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Doak was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Missoula Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference 23-10.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen and pleading not guilty on Feb. 2 was:
Jamey Wayne Charon, Jr., 26, of Manhattan, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of meth and prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Charon faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Charon was detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference 22-28.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Feb. 2 was:
Anthony Riley Smith, 28, of Missoula, on charges of sexual exploitation of a child, transportation of child pornography and distribution and receipt of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Smith faces a mandatory minimum 15 years to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Smith was detained pending further proceedings. The Missoula Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-34.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen and pleading not guilty on Feb. 1 was:
Sheldon Anfernee Mykal Fisher, 29, of Ronan, on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fisher faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Fisher was detained pending further proceedings. The Flathead Tribal Police, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-01.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy and pleading not guilty on Jan. 30 was:
Kenton Alan Shaull, 59, of Auburn, Washington, on charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity. If convicted of the most serious crime, Shaull faces 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and a lifetime on supervised release. Shaull was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-04.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Feb. 1 was:
Terrance Travis Aimsback, 34, of Heart Butte, on charges of second degree murder. If convicted of the most serious crime, Aimsback faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Aimsback was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-07.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Feb. 3 was:
Alexandre Zdenek Davis, 26, of Billings, on charges of false statement during firearms transaction, felon in possession of a firearm, false statement in applying for a passport and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Davis faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release and a mandatory minimum two years consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft charge. Davis was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-106.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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West Yellowstone man sentenced to three years in prison for illegal possession of ammunitionRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A West Yellowstone man who admitted to illegally possessing ammunition after having been convicted of possessing unregistered improvised bombs was sentenced today to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Charles Gibson Bailey, 36, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to felon in possession of ammunition.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in May 2020, Bailey was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 40 months in prison for conviction of possessing unregistered improvised bombs. In February 2022, the probation office filed a petition to revoke Bailey’s supervised release following two encounters between Bailey and a West Yellowstone Police officer. The court revoked Bailey’s supervised release and sentenced him to three months in custody. During that same time, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated Bailey and executed a search warrant on his residence and vehicle in April 2022. Agents seized 14 .40-caliber bullets from Bailey’s truck. The headstamps on the bullets were obliterated.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy J. Racicot and Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the ATF, the West Yellowstone Police Department, and the Federal Protective Service.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Man sentenced to six years in prison for trafficking meth in Billings, GlendiveRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A man convicted of trafficking methamphetamine in the Billings and Glendive communities was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Michael David Brumfield, 55, a transient, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in April 202, law enforcement obtained meth from Brumfield in controlled purchases. The total amount of meth seized during the investigation was approximately 153 grams.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Montana Division of Criminal 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 man suspected in threat to damage Helena Public Schools building with pipe bombs arraigned on chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Helena man accused of attempting to damage a Helena Public Schools building with pipe bombs was arraigned today on federal charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Logan Sea Pallister, 24, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with attempted property damage by use of fire or explosive, possession of unregistered destructive devices and possession of an unregistered silencer. If convicted of the most serious crime, Pallister faces a mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. Pallister was detained pending further proceedings.
The indictment alleges that on May 31, 2022, Pallister intended to maliciously damage by fire and explosive a Helena Public Schools building and that he took a substantial step toward the commission of the offense. The indictment further alleges that Pallister possessed pipe bombs and a silencer, which were not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
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, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Helena Police Department.
PACER case reference. 23-02.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl
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Wolf Point woman admits role in kidnapping, assault of girl on Fort Peck Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Wolf Point woman accused in the kidnapping and assault of a minor girl on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation admitted on Jan. 26 to her role in the kidnapping, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Patti Jo Annunciata Mail, 23, pleaded guilty to kidnapping of an individual under 18. Mail faces a mandatory minimum 20 years to a maximum of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for June 8. Mail was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Sept. 15, 2021, a group of individuals lured a 15-year-old girl from her house in Wolf Point and kidnapped her. That evening, after drinking alcohol, Mail accompanied the group of individuals to the victim’s home. The victim was lured out of her home and the situation escalated. The group assaulted the victim in her front yard. When eyewitnesses yelled that they were going to call the police, some in the group kidnapped the victim, forcing her into a vehicle and driving away so that they could continue to assault her. Mail helped to seize, confine and abduct the victim, taking her to a vacant field in Wolf Point, where some in the group beat the victim again.
Co-defendants Lavanchie Patricia Goodbird and Elmarie Amelia Weeks have pleaded guilty to charges in the case and are pending sentencing. Co-defendants Cheri Cruz Granbois, Dylan Troy Jackson and Kaylee Jade Jackson have pleaded not guilty and are pending trial.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wendy A. Johnson and Ryan G. Weldon are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Fort Peck Law Enforcement, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Wolf Point Police Department.
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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:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Jan. 27 was:
Brandi Marie Hiatt, 43, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hiatt faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Hiatt was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-02.
Appearing on Jan 26 was:
Tyler Ryan Stonebraker, 27, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stonebraker faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Stonebraker was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-11.
Loy Matthew Bryant, 51, of Lame Deer, on charges of sexual abuse of a minor and abusive sexual contact of a minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bryant faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and a mandatory minimum five years to life of supervised release. Bryant was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-145.
Glen Fredrick Reitler, Jr., 42, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Reitler faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Reitler was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-10.
Appearing on Jan. 24 was:
Jaide Nicole Alexander, 28, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Alexander faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug 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 firearms crime. Alexander was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-20.
Brandi Alexandria Davitt, 33, a transient, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Davitt faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Davitt was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-130.
Appearing on Jan. 23 was:
Joshua Leon Hiestand, 41, a transient, on charges of stalking and harassing telephone calls. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hiestand faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hiestand was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-122.
Drew Parker Seymour, 24, of Banning, California, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Seymour faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Seymour was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-138.
Charles Burchell, 48, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth, distribution of meth, prohibited person in possession of a firearm and dealing firearms without a license. If convicted of the most serious crime, Burchell faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Burchell was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-03.
Carson Troy Tillet, 29, of Livingston, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Tillet faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Tillet was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Park County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-12.
Lianna Rose Collins, 41, of Livingston, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Collins faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Collins was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Park County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-04.
Kyle Richard Lewellen, 41, of Joliet, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lewellen faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Lewellen was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Park County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference 23-07.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Jan. 26 was:
Rembrandt Carlos Kemp, 32, of Fridley, Minnesota, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kemp faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Kemp was detained pending further proceedings. The Havre Police Department and Tri-Agency Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference 22-86.
Porter James Hudshon, 23, of Tacoma, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hudshon faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Hudshon was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, U.S. Postal Service, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Peck Tribes Law and Justice Department and Bremerton, Washington, Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference 22-94.
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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Child pornography possession sends Great Falls man to prison for 40 monthsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted to possessing child pornography images and videos was sentenced on Jan. 26 to 40 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Benjamin Thomas Urry, 30, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to possession of child pornography.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in February 2020, the Great Falls Police Department, which is a member of the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip led to Urry’s residence, where law enforcement seized cellular phones from Urry’s bedroom. Urry told law enforcement that he had used his phones and an online account to download child pornography. In a search of Urry’s phones, law enforcement located images and videos depicting child pornography, including images of prepubescent minors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyndee L. Peterson and Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Great Falls Police Department.
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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Washington man sentenced to 33 months in prison for trafficking meth, fentanyl to Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Washington man who admitted to bringing methamphetamine and fentanyl pills to the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation for distribution was sentenced today to 33 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Hugo Gutierrez Rodriguez, aka Victor aka Juice, 42, of Yakima, Washington, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in the spring of 2021, Rodriguez was working with a group of men from Yakima to bring drugs to Montana and to the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. Law enforcement in Montana confronted Rodriguez about drug trafficking in October 2021. Nonetheless, in early February 2022, Rodriguez sold meth and 400 fentanyl pills to an informant. A short time later, Rodriguez was traveling to Montana with more than 300 fentanyl pills and 152 grams of meth when he was stopped and arrested.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Tri-Agency Task Force, Rocky Boy’s Police Department and Idaho State Police.
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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Lewistown man sentenced for bank fraud in obtaining loans for cattle ranching businessRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lewistown man who admitted to defrauding a bank and a credit union after obtaining more than $1 million in loans for his cattle ranching business was sentenced on Jan. 25 to time served, followed by five years of supervised release, with one year of home confinement, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Eric Edward Mack, 43, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to bank fraud.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine restitution at a later hearing.
The government alleged in court documents that from November 2015 to January 2018, Mack applied for and received multiple operating loans from Garfield County Bank and from the Fergus Federal Credit Union for his cattle ranching business. At the Garfield bank, Mack had loans totaling approximately $885,000 from 2015 to 2017, and at the Fergus credit union, Mack had loans totaling approximately $250,000 from 2016 to 2018. Mack secured loans at both businesses with items, including cattle belonging to him. The government further alleged that Mack sold cattle secured by loans at Garfield and Fergus and failed to pay the proceeds of the sale to either bank. Mack also engaged in improper conduct when obtaining the loans by misrepresenting the status of collateral used to secure the loans at each institution.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Heart Butte man indicted on murder charge in death of woman on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a Heart Butte man with second degree murder in the death of a woman on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The indictment, filed on Jan. 25 in U.S. District Court, charges Terrance Travis Aimsback, 34, with second degree murder. The maximum penalty for the crime is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.
The indictment alleges that on Nov. 24, 2022 at Heart Butte, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Aimsback knowingly and unlawfully killed Jane Doe with malice aforethought.
An arraignment date is to be determined. Aimsback is in federal custody.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI, with assistance from Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Pondera County, investigated the case.
PACER case reference. 23-07.
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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Florence meth trafficker sentenced to nine years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Florence man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine after law enforcement found more than six pounds of the drug, seven firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition during a search of his residence was sentenced today to nine years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Jason Charles Allen, 48, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to distribution of methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement received information from at least five individuals who discussed Allen’s involvement in trafficking meth in the greater Missoula area. On May 24, 2022, an FBI SWAT team executed a federal search warrant on Allen’s residence. Investigators retrieved meth that Allen was attempting to burn in a fire. Law enforcement also recovered seven firearms, 3,200 rounds of ammunition, more than $8,000 in cash and more than six pounds of meth. Six pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 21,744 doses. Earlier that month, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of meth from Allen.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s 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.
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Browning man sentenced to two years in prison for assault on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to beating another man in the head on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Dale Ray Racine, 30, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on Nov. 19, 2021, Racine and another individual assaulted the victim, identified as John Doe, in a Browning residence, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Doe was asleep when he woke to banging on the door and heard people talking. Doe sat up and saw Racine and the other individual rushing toward him. Doe was struck multiple times in the head and once to the hand and leg. Doe was treated for injuries to his head and hand.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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Billings rancher admits fraud in Bureau of Land Management cattle grazing fee investigationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man accused of defrauding the Bureau of Land Management of fees in a cattle grazing scheme admitted to a mail fraud crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Gene John Klamert, 70, pleaded guilty to mail fraud. Klamert faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for May 25. Klamert was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that between 2017 and 2020, Klamert held a BLM grazing permit that allowed him to graze his cattle on public land called the Two Crow allotment, near Winnett. The permit authorized Klamert to graze cattle he owned for a low monthly base rate, which the BLM charged for each head of cattle. To graze cattle owned by any third party, the permit required Klamert to pay the base rate plus a higher surcharge per head of cattle. From May 2018 to May 2020, as part of Klamert’s reported use of public land, he submitted a fraudulent bill of sale to the BLM stating that he had purchased cattle from an individual, identified as John Doe, when in fact, Klamert knew that no actual sale occurred. As a result, Klamert avoided paying surcharge fees that he owed to the BLM. To accomplish the scheme, the government alleged, Klamert instructed John Doe to sign a bill of sale, stating that he was selling his cattle to Klamert, when in fact John Doe had only contracted with Klamert to graze his cattle on the BLM allotment. At Klamert’s direction, John Doe mailed the fraudulent bill of sale to Klamert, who signed and mailed it to the BLM to report what cattle he was grazing on the public land.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin D. Hargrove and Bryan T. Dake are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the BLM.
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Assault on Bureau of Indian Affairs officer sends Pryor man to prison for five yearsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Pryor man who admitted to his role in assaulting a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer as he was responding to a report of a stolen vehicle in Lodge Grass, on the Crow Indian Reservation, was sentenced today to a mandatory minimum five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Darnell Lee Not Afraid, 38, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to possession of a firearm in furtherance of assault on a federal officer, a crime of violence.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on March 14, 2021, BIA officers, while in the course of their official duties, were pursuing Not Afraid, who was driving a stolen truck at high speeds through residential neighborhoods in Lodge Grass. Not Afraid eventually stopped, got out of the truck and ran away. The officer pursued on foot into a residential yard and drew his Taser. As the officer neared Not Afraid, Not Afraid turned toward the officer, pulled up his shirt and grabbed a silver revolver from his waistband. The officer dropped his Taser, drew his service pistol and fired multiple times at Not Afraid, striking him at least once in the arm. An angry crowd of people, who had been watching the chase, accosted the officer, yelling and cursing at him. The crowd was angry at the officer for shooting Not Afraid and prevented the officer from attending to him.
Co-defendant Earl Landon Old Chief, Jr., is pending sentencing for conviction in the case. A third co-defendant, Darwyna Caylynn Catherine Bullshows, was sentenced to time served for conviction in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $6.5 million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2022Read the Press Release
BILLINGS- U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced today that the District of Montana collected $6,579,202 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2022. Of this amount, $5,558,568 was collected in criminal actions and $1,020,634 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the District of Montana worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $9,376,238 in civil cases pursued jointly by these offices.
“This money comes from collecting civil penalties and debts and from seizing proceeds from criminal activity. These funds help crime victims and benefit the American people through deposits to the U.S. Treasury, which are priorities of this office. I want to thank our financial litigation unit, the civil and criminal divisions, and all our employees for their hard work on behalf of crime victims,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
Funds collected in criminal judgments include:
- $1,700,372 from the sale of a mansion formerly owned by Larry Price Jr., a former Signal Peak Energy, LLC, mine official convicted of fraud and other crimes.
- $1 million from Signal Peak Energy, which was convicted of willfully violating health and safety standards.
- $392,173 from Debra Gean Roeber, convicted of defrauding a blind and elderly woman, now deceased, who was under her guardianship.
- $200,000 from Melissa Lynne Horner, co-owner of H & H Earthworks, Inc., who was convicted of failing to pay IRS employment taxes.
- $100,000 from U.S. Minerals, Inc., which was convicted of negligent endangerment for exposing workers to arsenic at its former Anaconda plant.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Montana, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $548,948 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2022. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
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U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announces $606,296 grant from Justice Department for agencies, organizations to support at risk youthRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich today announced that the Department of Justice has awarded $606,296 to the state of Montana to fund agencies and organizations that support youth and their families.
The grant, administered by the Montana Board of Crime Control, is from the Fiscal Year 2022 Title II Formula Grants Program, from the Office of Justice Programs’ Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention. This grant is for Year 2 of the three-year program in Montana.
“The efforts of the United States Department of Justice necessarily seek to hold people accountable for their criminal conduct. But our work must also be proactive, rather than reactive, to help prevent those who are at risk of falling into our criminal justice system. These grants – and the organizations they will support – are an important part of our prevention efforts,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The purpose of the project is to support the needs of youth ages 0 to 17 and their families through evidence-based or promising programs or practices. Many of these youth are at significant risk for delinquency, are currently involved in the juvenile justice system or are at risk of suspension or expulsion. The Youth Justice Council, Montana’s state advisory group, has chosen to prioritize delinquency programs, mentoring, counseling and training programs; school programs; diversion; and Native American Tribe programs.
Montana anticipates funding four Big Brothers Big Sisters programs, two Boys and Girls Clubs, CASA Missoula, YWCA Missoula, Friendship House of Christian Service, the Center for Restorative Youth Justice, Bitterroot Ecological Awareness Resources and Chippewa Cree Tribal Court. The service areas will include Yellowstone, Hill, Silver Bow, Gallatin, Park, Missoula, Flathead and Ravalli counties. The Chippewa Cree Tribal Court will serve youth on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. Some youth in Arlee, on the Flathead Indian Reservation, will be served by YWCA Missoula.
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Lame Deer man sentenced to two years in prison for sexual abuse of a minorRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man who admitted to having a sexual relationship with a minor girl was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Nathan Francis Stops, 42, of Lame Deer, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to sexual abuse of a minor.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court allowed Stops to self-report to the Bureau of Prisons.
The government alleged in court documents that in December 2020, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, the victim, identified as Jane Doe, who was then age 16, disclosed that she had been having an ongoing sexual relationship with Stops since she was 14 years old. The two had engaged in sexual intercourse on numerous occasions. Stops denied having sex with Jane Doe but was confronted with forensic testing results indicating sexual intercourse between him and Jane Doe.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs.
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Hays man sentenced to 15 months in prison for stabbing woman on Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Hays man who admitted to stabbing a woman in the back was sentenced today to 15 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Tyrell Andrew Laroque, 34, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a dating partner.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court allowed Laroque to self-report to the Bureau of Prisons.
In court documents, the government alleged that in October 2021 on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Laroque attacked a woman and stabbed her in the back as she lay on a bed in a Hays residence. After drinking heavily at his home, and for unknown reasons, Laroque became combative, got into a fight with a relative and held a knife to another relative’s throat while threatening to cut him. After the two relatives left, Laroque found the victim in a basement bedroom and stabbed her in the back, leaving a wound three inches deep. Fort Belknap Tribal Police arrested Laroque and recovered a folding knife from his person.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery K. Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Fort Belknap Tribal Police.
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Texas woman admits lying regarding whereabouts of son, grandson in Sanders County parental interference investigationRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Texas woman today admitted to lying to law enforcement about the whereabouts of her son and grandson, who ultimately were found in Costa Rica, during an investigation into parental interference in Sanders County, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Candace Kathleen Bright, 68, of Midland, Texas, pleaded guilty to false statements during a video court appearance from Midland, Texas. Bright faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen DeSoto presided. A sentencing date was set for May 31 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Bright was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on Aug. 19, 2021, Bright’s son and co-defendant, Jacob Israel Strong, failed to return his son, who was four years old, to his ex-wife at the end of his visitation. Sanders County Sheriff’s deputies were unable to locate Strong or his son. Sanders County charged Strong on Aug. 31, 2021 with felony parental interference. The FBI opened an investigation to assist Sanders County in the search for Strong and the child. The FBI interviewed Bright on a few occasions, including on Oct. 4, 2021 in which the agent told Bright that lying to a federal officer is a crime. Bright responded, “I know.” The government further alleged that Bright repeatedly lied to the agent, telling him she did not know where Strong and her grandson were and had not seen them since approximately Aug. 17, 2021. In December 2021, Bright called the case agent and continued to deny knowing where Strong and her grandson were located.
In January 2022, the FBI learned that Strong and his son had left the United States near Midland, Texas, in approximately October 2021 and drove through Mexico to Costa Rica. The FBI also learned that Bright had been traveling with Strong and her grandson off and on since August. Bright was aware of Strong’s whereabout during all of her conversations with the FBI and was physically present when Strong and her grandson left Texas for Costa Rica. Bright communicated with Strong regularly using encrypted messaging services installed on both of their cellular phones. Bright’s lies to the FBI contributed to the time and expense of the search for Strong and his son. Had Bright been honest with the FBI, Strong and his son likely would have been found in the fall of 2021. Instead, based largely on Bright’s false statements, Strong was not arrested until May 22, 2022, nine months after he absconded with his son. Strong has pleaded not guilty to charges in the case and is pending trial.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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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:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Jan. 19 was:
Nicole Irene Corbin, 32, of Billings, on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Corbin faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release on the bank fraud crime and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft crime. Corbin was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-151.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Jan. 17 was:
Katie Elizabeth Bowlds, 39, of Helena, on charges of possession of stolen mail. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bowlds faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Bowlds was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-10.
Brandon Wade Kurns, 28, of Helena, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kurns faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Kurns was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Probation & Parole investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-01.
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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Fallon man sentenced to four years in prison for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Fallon man who admitted to possessing an extensive amount of child pornography on electronic media was sentenced today to four years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a total of $36,000 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Tyrel Grant Huseby, 25, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to an information charging him with possession of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also imposed a $5,000 mandatory special assessment and allowed Huseby to self-report when assigned to a federal facility.
The government alleged in court documents and statements in court that in November 2020, a sexually explicit image of a minor was inserted into an internet search engine, which then submitted a Cybertip to law enforcement. The investigation led to Huseby. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Huseby’s residence in July 2021. Huseby admitted to law enforcement that he possessed and acquired child pornography. A review of multiple pieces of Huseby’s electronic media found that he possessed more than 20 videos and approximately 4,470 images of child pornography. Huseby’s conduct spanned 15 years, beginning when he was approximately 10 years old.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Prairie County Sheriff’s Office, Billings Police Department and Montana Division of Criminal 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 admits possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man accused of sending two videos of minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct to an undercover officer admitted to child pornography charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Ethan Andrew Schilling, 25, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with possession of child pornography. Schilling faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Schilling was released pending further proceedings.
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. During these communications, the officer was posing 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. Schilling informed law enforcement that he did send the videos, acknowledged that it was illegal to send child pornography and that he obtained the videos from someone else.
Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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 admits lying to federal grand juryRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man today admitted that he lied when testifying to a federal grand jury, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Caleb Jason Olson, 21, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with false declaration before a grand jury. Olson faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for May 18. Olson was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that Olson testified before the Billings grand jury on Dec. 15, 2021. At the time, the grand jury was investigating an incident that occurred on Oct. 10, 2019. Olson was placed under oath and advised of the potential ramification should he make a false statement during his testimony. Olson testified about the night of Oct. 10, 2019 and of giving people a ride to a location in Billings. He explained that once at that location, two of the individuals in his car got out and that both had firearm. Olson was asked, “Prior to (John Doe) discharging his gun towards the vehicle, did you have any knowledge that was the plan or intention when you drove to the Heights that night?” Olson responded, “No. I didn’t even know that there were any firearms in my vehicle.” Olson further testified that he was unaware that John Doe had a gun until he pulled it out when he was outside his car and that he, Olson, did not have a gun that night. Those statements were false. Olson knew that he had, in fact, brought a firearm in his car that night.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus, Bryan T. Dake and Benjamin D. Hargrove are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Belgrade drug trafficker sentenced to five years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Belgrade man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and to illegally possessing 16 firearms that were found in a crawl space in his residence was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, Jesse Laslovich said.
Christopher Lee Wylie, 40, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and to prohibited person in possession of firearms.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that the Missouri River Drug Task Force, while investigating drug trafficking, stopped a vehicle in September 2021 when the vehicle returned to Montana from California. Wylie was a passenger. Law enforcement located 5.24 pounds of meth in the vehicle, and Wylie admitted he traveled with the driver to California to obtain drugs to sell. Wylie admitted to selling drugs from his home in Belgrade. In addition, the government alleged that in February 2022, law enforcement served a search warrant on Wylie’s residence and located 16 firearms and ammunition in the crawl space and a small amount of heroin, meth and cocaine in his residence. Wylie admitted in a prior interview that he used meth and “blues,” which usually refers to counterfeit oxycodone that often contains fentanyl.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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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Armed robbery of Butte motel sends man to prison for seven yearsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Butte man who admitted to brandishing a shotgun while robbing a motel in Butte was sentenced today to seven years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Luther Norman Whaley, 60, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Nov. 2, 2021, at the America’s Best Value Inn in Butte, Whaley brandished a shotgun at the clerk and demanded money. The clerk placed approximately $3,000 in a black duffle bag that Whaley provided. Whaley fled but was quickly arrested. Law enforcement recovered a shotgun and a black bag with cash. Whaley then told law enforcement, “Yeah, it’s me.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Butte 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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Belgrade man sentenced to five years in prison for attempted transfer of obscene material to minorRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Belgrade man who admitted to attempting to send obscene images to a minor during an undercover investigation was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Aric Collin Normile, 42, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged that during an undercover investigation in January 2022, law enforcement posed on social media as an uncle offering for others to have sex with his 12-year-old niece. Normile responded, agreeing to meet for the purpose of having sex with the minor girl and sending the undercover officer an explicit image of himself. After the undercover officer and Normile agreed to a meeting location, law enforcement arrested Normile when he arrived. Normile attempted to flee, but law enforcement deployed a flash bang grenade and blocked the exit of the meeting location.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wendy A. Johnson, Cyndee L. Peterson and Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and Bozeman Police Department.
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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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:
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Jan. 12 was:
Dwain Francis Balch, aka Waldo, 58, on charges of conspiracy to possess and distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Balch faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Balch was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Fort Peck Law Enforcement, Tri-Agency Drug Task Force and Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-01.
Appearing on Jan. 10 was:
Walter Louis Badroad Mount, 23, of Harlem, on charges of sexual abuse of a minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mount faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Mount was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-103.
Daniel Jacob Werk, 37, of Hays, on charges of sexual abuse of a minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Werk faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Werk was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-108.
Casey Louis Ream, 36, of California, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ream faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release on the drug crimes 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 crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Ream was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Great Falls Police Department and Cascade County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-105.
Babi Alysia Nakai, 30, of Phoenix, Arizona, 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, Nakai faces a mandatory minimum of five to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release. Nakai was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Great Falls Police Department and Cascade County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-89.
William Ronald Blackman, 31, of Browning, on charges of attempted sexual abuse and sexual abuse. If convicted of the most serious crime, Blackman faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Blackman was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-48.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Jan. 10 was:
Richard Lamar Rutledge, 49, of Culbertson, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rutledge faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Rutledge was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 19-136.
Lisa Marie Sieler, 35, a transient, on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Sieler faces a maximum of 30 years in prison a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release on the bank fraud crime and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft crime. Sieler was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-151.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint on Jan. 12 was:
Kenton Alan Shaull, 59, of Auburn, Washington, on charges of attempted coercion and enticement. If convicted of the most serious crime, Shaull faces 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Shaull was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-05.
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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