District of Montana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Two Washington residents suspected of transporting illegal aliens who crossed into United States from Canada appear in courtRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — Two Washington residents suspected of transporting six illegal aliens who allegedly crossed into the United States from Canada near Eureka had initial appearances on criminal complaints on Jan. 21, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Criminal complaints filed in the case accuse Leslie Patricia Rivera, 51, and Miguel Angel Medina, 61, both of the Seattle, Washington, area of conspiracy to transport and transportation of illegal aliens.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Rivera was detained pending further proceedings. Medina was released on conditions pending further proceedings after a detention hearing today.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Jan. 19 at about 5 a.m., a Border Patrol agent was notified of persons potentially attempting to illegally enter the United States near the Green Basin area of West Kootenai by crossing the international boundary from Canada. The agent further learned that a group of unknown individuals, possibly from six to nine persons, were attempting to cross the border on foot. The agent ultimately stopped a suspected vehicle, an SUV with a Washington license plate, on a Forest Service road.
The government further alleged that an investigation determined Rivera was the driver and Medina was the front passenger. In the back seats were six occupants, who indicated to the agent that they were in the country illegally. All eight persons were transported to the Border Patrol Station in Eureka for processing.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case.
PACER case reference. MJ-22-1
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Jan. 18 was:
Kim Renee Schildt, aka Kim LaPlant, 60, of Browning, on charges of wire fraud and theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Schildt faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Schildt was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-83.
Brandon Lamar Louis James, 22, 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, James faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. James was released 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.
Eric John Swensen, 42, of Great Falls, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Swensen faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Swensen was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Deer Lodge Police Department, Powell County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol and Montana’s Division of Probation and Parole investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-01.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Jan. 21 was:
Robert Medina, 38, of Miles City, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Medina faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Medina was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-45.
Damian Andrew Roman, 23, a transient, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Roman 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 crime, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Roman was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-87.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Flathead County meth trafficker sentenced to 10 years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Hungry Horse woman who admitted to distributing methamphetamine throughout Flathead County was sentenced today to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Kalynn Marie Moskaloff, 25, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement investigations learned that Moskaloff was involved in distributing meth in Flathead County. During two separate traffic stops of Moskaloff in January 2020 and February 2021, officers found meth and firearms in the vehicles.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case, which was investigated by FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and Kalispell Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Billings man charged in drug trafficking investigation admits to cocaine possessionRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man accused in a drug trafficking investigation admitted to a cocaine crime today, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Dejon Anthony Duncan, 23, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with possession of cocaine, a misdemeanor. Duncan faces a maximum of one year in prison, a mandatory minimum $1,000 fine to a maximum $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided and set sentencing for April 19. Duncan was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that in 2019, Duncan was residing in Billings and possessed cocaine.
Four other co-defendants, William Maurice Newkirk, Anthony Marcos Chadwell, Djavon Lamont King and Mario Juan Drake, all have pleaded guilty to charges in the case and are awaiting sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus, Bryan T. Dake and Benjamin D. Hargrove are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, the Billings Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Agency.
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Ashland man sentenced for assaulting elderly man on Northern Cheyenne Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — An Ashland man who admitted to assaulting an elderly man on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation in 2019 was sentenced today to time served of approximately 30 months, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Terry Lynn Braine, 56, pleaded guilty in July 2021 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Braine assaulted an elderly man identified as John Doe, who was in his 80s, in an Ashland residence on April 7, 2019. Braine hit Doe numerous times and the victim fell to the ground. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan T. Dake prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared recently before U.S. 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. 10 was:
Eric Charles Swan, 43, of Billings, and Elizabeth Ardelle Grace Ronshaugen, 29, 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, Swan and Ronshaugen face a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Swan and Ronshaugen were detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-117.
Appearing on Jan. 11 was:
Lindsay Marie Blunt, 30, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Blunt faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Blunt was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-84.
Miles Edward Bessman, 49, of Billings, on charges of possession of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bessman faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Bessman was released pending further proceedings. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-83.
Bobby Joe Garcia, 27, a transient, on charges of counterfeit, uttering or passing counterfeit currency. If convicted of the most serious crime, Garcia faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Garcia was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-101.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Jan. 12 was:
Jeramiah Kayson Gohde, 24, of Belgrade, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm, possession of unregistered firearm, and possession of firearm with obliterated serial number. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gohde faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Gohde was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Bozeman Police Department and Montana Probation and Parole investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-01.
Appearing on Jan. 13 was:
Larry Craig Layne, 58, formerly of Bozeman, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Layne faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Layne was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Bozeman Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-09.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Jan. 11 was:
Monte Clyde Fox, 69, of Kevin, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fox faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Fox was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-03.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Missoula nurse admits diverting drugsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Community Medical Center nurse accused of diverting drugs meant for patients for her own use admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Mary Schmidt Monahan, 61, of Missoula, pleaded guilty to unlawfully obtaining controlled substances as charged in an indictment. Monahan faces a maximum of four years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Sentencing was set for April 26. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Monahan was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that from January 2020 until about February 2021, Monahan diverted fentanyl and hydromorphone while employed as a nurse in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit at Community Medical Center in Missoula. In January 2021, another CMC employee observed Monahan engaging in what appeared to be the diversion of drugs. Monahan had two vials on her workstation when she placed something in her pocket, pulled up the sleeve of her jacket to her elbow and moved out of the employee’s field of vision. When Monahan emerged, she wiped her forearm with an alcohol pad and raised her arm in the air. Shortly thereafter, Monahan requested the employee serve as a witness to the disposal of drugs, including hydromorphone and fentanyl. A review of Monahan’s dispensing records noted that in December 2020, she had distributed amounts above the normal drug quantity for her unit. When questioned by supervisors, Monahan admitted she had been diverting drugs for about a year. Monahan admitted to Drug Enforcement Administration agents that she had obtained medications for patients but administered only a portion of the drugs and kept the remainder for herself.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Missoula Police Department.
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Helena pawn shop owner sentenced for firearms crimesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Helena pawn shop owner who admitted to lying about gun sales and failing to keep proper records was sentenced today to four years of probation, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Catherine Suzanne Morsette, 39, of Boulder, who owned Modern Pawn and Consignment in Helena, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to two counts of false statement during a firearms transaction and to failure to keep proper records.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered $4,955 restitution.
The government alleged in court documents that an undercover investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of Modern Pawn led to multiple defendants indicted on firearms crimes. Morsette, who was the federal firearms licensee for Modern Pawn, facilitated two straw purchases in the pawn shop in April 2021. Morsette also sold a firearm in the pawn shop that was not listed in the inventory records and did not require the actual purchaser to fill out any required paperwork.
During the undercover investigation, a man and a woman went to the business where the man looked at a Beretta 9mm pistol in April 2021. The man let Morsette know that he was not a Montana resident and showed his out-of-state driver’s license. Morsette instructed the woman to fill out the ATF form because she could not sell that firearm to the man. The woman completed the form and bought the 9mm pistol for the man. Morsette then sold the man a Smith and Wesson .45-caliber pistol after she called her husband and co-defendant, Isaiah Morsette, to confirm that the .45-caliber pistol was not in the store’s system. Isaiah Morsette has pleaded guilty to charges and is pending sentencing.
The government further alleged that in April 2021, a man, identified as #3, bought a Ruger .44 magnum revolver for a man identified as #2. Catherine Morsette knowingly made a false statement by stating the named purchaser of the revolver was the actual purchaser, Man #3, when in fact she knew the actual purchaser was Man #2.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Helena Police Department and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Browning man sentenced to 68 months in prison for meth trafficking on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to dealing methamphetamine on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 68 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Steven Roy DeCarlo, 31, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in encounters with law enforcement between May 2020 and July 2021, DeCarlo had drugs and firearms in his possession. DeCarlo told investigators that he and a person identified as Jane Doe were involved in getting meth, which Jane Doe had been distributing. DeCarlo later admitted to personally bringing a pound of meth from out of state to the reservation for distribution. A pound of meth is the equivalent of 3,624 doses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Polson Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Helena man admits illegal possession of stolen gunpowder in pawn shop investigationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Helena man admitted to an ammunitions crime today after he was accused of assisting a Helena pawn shop in the sale of 88 pounds of stolen gunpowder, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Douglas Wayne Sillivan, 70, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with prohibited person in possession of ammunition. Sillivan faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for April 28. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sillivan was released pending sentencing.
In court documents, the government alleged that an undercover investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of Modern Pawn & Consignment, Inc., a federal firearms licensee and located in Helena, led to various charges against multiple defendants. After a July 2021 press release about the case, an East Helena resident contacted the ATF’s Helena Office to tell agents that the resident believed he or she may have purchased stolen gunpowder from Isaiah Morsette, a co-defendant who served as the pawn shop’s firearms and ammunition expert, in late February or early March 2021. The resident turned over about 88 pounds of gunpowder that had been taken from Montana Outdoor Sports, a theft that indirectly began the investigation into Modern Pawn. Sillivan was present for the transaction at Modern Pawn and helped the resident load the gunpowder into the resident’s vehicle. Sillivan has a felony conviction in Montana for sexual assault and was prohibited from possessing ammunition.
Morsette pleaded guilty to firearms charges in the case and is pending sentencing.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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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. 4 was:
James Dusette Grandchamp, 54, of Poplar, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Grandchamp faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Grandchamp was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Fort Peck Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-89.
Appearing on a criminal complaint was:
Joseph John Lequin, 65, of Shelby, 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, Lequin faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Lequin was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-89.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Jan. 4 was:
Royale Jade Ereaux, 37, of Billings, on charges of bank fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ereaux faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 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. Ereaux was detained pending further proceedings. The IRS investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-100.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Jan. 3 was:
Tara Ann Gallagher, 43, of Belgrade, on charges of false statement during a firearms transaction. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gallagher faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Gallagher was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI, Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-43.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Great Falls man sentenced to six years in prison for receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted to downloading child pornography to his cellular phone was sentenced to six years in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
John Douglas Woodcock, 41, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to receipt of child pornography.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris ordered Woodcock to pay $36,000 restitution to victims.
The government alleged in court documents that Woodcock knowingly received child pornography from April 2019 to December 2019, when officers with the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children involving a suspect in Cascade County downloading child pornography. An investigation led to Woodcock as the subscriber of the internet provider address associated with the tip. Officers searched Woodcock’s residence and seized his cell phone. Woodcock admitted that he had been downloading child pornography for the past year and had done so the day he was interviewed. Officers located more than 1,000 child pornography images and video files on Woodcock’s cell phone.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Great Falls Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations 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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Great Falls man sentenced to more than eight years in prison for meth traffickingRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted to methamphetamine trafficking in the Great Falls area was sentenced today to eight years and eight months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Louis Jay Remillard, 50, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in June 2020, law enforcement received reports of Remillard being involved in distributing meth in and around Great Falls. In two instances, law enforcement seized a total of more than 97 grams of pure meth from Remillard.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Great Falls heroin trafficker sentenced to 78 months in prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted to traveling outside of Montana to obtain large quantities of heroin for resale throughout the state was sentenced today to 78 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Brocktin James Russo, 31, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that for four years, Russo traveled out of state to acquire large amounts of heroin for resale in Montana. In January 2021, law enforcement seized more than 500 grams, which is a little more than one pound, from Russo’s suitcase in a traffic stop. Russo admitted to selling several kilograms of heroin per month and claimed that more than $2 million in heroin passed had through his hands during the four years. A kilogram is the equivalent of 2.2 pounds. Russo admitted to traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada, and to Chicago, Illinois, to obtain heroin.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Russell Country Drug Task Force and the Great Falls Police Department.
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Billings meth trafficker sentenced to five years in prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS —A Billings woman who admitted to receiving packages of methamphetamine in the mail for distribution was sentenced today to five years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Holly Michele Hedberg, 38, pleaded guilty in August 2021 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in July 2020, an investigation of Hedberg began after the U.S. Postal Service located a suspicious package that was destined for Hedberg’s address. Law enforcement also had learned that Hedberg was receiving packages of meth from Washington through the mail. Agents served a search warrant on the suspicious package and determined it contained meth. Agents made a controlled delivery of the package and Hedberg accepted it. In a search of Hedberg’s residence, law enforcement found drug paraphernalia, a drug ledger and packaging from previous packages from the Washington address. Hedberg admitted to receiving about 10 packages of meth from Washington, with each package containing from two to four ounces of meth.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Billings man admits sex trafficking, firearms and prostitution-related crimesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man accused in a large sex and drug trafficking investigation that involved multiple victims, including minors, admitted to crimes today, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
William Maurice Newkirk, also known as “Pelly,” 41, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, use of facility in interstate commerce in aid of racketeering, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and transportation of a person with intent to engage in prostitution. Newkirk faces a mandatory minimum 15 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release on the sex trafficking 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.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters set sentencing for May 12. Newkirk was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in December 2018, Newkirk and an individual, identified as Jane Doe 1, began dating and had a tumultuous relationship. About this time, Newkirk met another individual, identified as Jane Doe 2. In February 2019, Jane Doe 2 started working in commercial sex for Newkirk, who provided her with cocaine in connection with commercial sex calls, posted ads and corresponded with customers. Newkirk kept the money from the commercial sex calls and decided how much to provide to Jane Doe 2. Newkirk had Jane Doe 2 stay up late doing commercial sex calls because he needed the money. Jane Doe 2 worked for Newkirk in Billings and elsewhere until about May 2019.
The government further alleged that in May 2019, Newkirk transported Jane Doe 1 from Montana to Wyoming with the intent that she engage in prostitution. Investigators obtained electronic communications between Newkirk and Jane Doe 1, witness statements and commercial sex ads for Jane Doe 1 about the Wyoming trip.
In April 2019, the government alleged, Newkirk met an individual identified as Jane Doe 6, a minor, and the two ultimately spent time together. Jane Doe 6 began to work in commercial sex. Newkirk posted ads for her and corresponded with customers using his cellular phone, including setting up a commercial sex call at a business in Billings.
The government also alleged that in March 2019, Newkirk met a minor and her friends and provided them with a ride in Billings. Newkirk distributed cocaine to the minor and possessed a firearm during the drug transaction.
Three other co-defendants, Anthony Marcos Chadwell, Djavon Lamont King and Mario Juan Drake, have pleaded guilty to charges in the case and are awaiting sentencing. A fourth co-defendant, Dejon Anthony Duncan, has informed the Court that he intends to plead guilty.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus, Bryan T. Dake and Benjamin D. Hargrove are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, the Billings Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Agency.
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Helena man admits bank fraud in scheme for $1 million in COVID-19 relief loansRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Helena man admitted to crimes today stemming from a scheme to defraud a bank of more than $1 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and to using the funds instead for his personal benefit, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.
Trevor Gene Lanius-McLeod, 48, also known as Trevor Gene McLeod, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and to engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. Lanius-McLeod faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the bank fraud crime.
In a plea agreement filed in the case, the parties agreed that if the court accepts the plea agreement at sentencing, the government will seek dismissal of nine other counts charged in an indictment.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for April 21. Lanius-McLeod was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in April 2021, Lanius-McLeod applied for four PPP loans through Valley Bank of Helena, a division of Glacier Bank, and lied on the applications and accompanying documentation. As a result, Lanius-McLeod received $1,043,000 in fraudulent funds from the four loans. The PPP program provided emergency assistance to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses.
As part of the scheme, Lanius-McLeod applied for and received a PPP loan for $340,000 on behalf of Renovated Montana Properties LLP, an entity he controlled. Without several false statements, Lanius-McLeod would not have qualified for this loan. Lanius-McLeod falsely stated that the company had paid payroll taxes and had 25 employees. The company had never paid payroll taxes and did not have employees besides Lanius-McLeod, although it sometimes employed independent contractors. Lanius-McLeod agreed in a promissory note to use the loan for payroll costs and other business-related expenses. None of the loan was used for these purposes. Instead, Lanius-McLeod used the loan for personal expenses, including to pay the mortgage on his personal residence.
Co-defendant Kasey Jones Wilson of Laurel pleaded guilty to bank fraud and is awaiting sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation and FBI, with assistance from the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and U.S. Secret Service.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $16.9 million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2021Read the Press Release
BILLINGS— U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson announced today that the District of Montana collected $16,904,987 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2021. Of this amount, $4,885,558 was collected in criminal actions and $12,019,429 was collected in civil cases worked by the district or jointly with components of the Department of Justice.
“This money comes from seizing proceeds from criminal activity and from civil penalties and debt collections. These funds help crime victims and benefit 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 of our employees for their hard work on behalf of victims and government fraud,” U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Some of the funds collected in civil actions include a 2020 settlement with Atlantic Richfield for cleanup of mining contamination in the Butte area and a 2018 settlement with Kalispell Regional Healthcare System for alleged violations of the False Claims Act by paying physicians more than the fair market value.
Funds collected in criminal judgments include a case involving Larry Price Jr., a former Signal Peak Mine official convicted of fraud and other crimes in a corruption investigation.
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 Montana, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $553,764 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2021. 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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Great Falls meth user sentenced to five years in prison for illegal possession of numerous firearmsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted to using methamphetamine and possessing firearms after law enforcement seized numerous guns along with ammunition from his residence was sentenced today to five years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Jeremiah Lewis Camphouse, 41, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to drug user in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered the forfeiture of 48 firearms and 10,826 rounds of ammunition.
The government alleged in court documents that while investigating Camphouse in April 2020 for other crimes, law enforcement learned Camphouse was a heavy meth user and had numerous firearms and ammunition at his house. Officers obtained arrest and search warrants for Camphouse. Camphouse admitted to being a daily meth user and that he had “a little bit of dope” at his home. Camphouse also admitted to possessing and trading numerous firearms. During a search of Camphouse’s home, law enforcement seized dozens of firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition and various firearms components.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Great Falls Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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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 Dec. 28 was:
Thomas James Newman, 60, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Newman faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Newman was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-110.
Matthew Michael Metzger, 41, of Laurel, 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, Metzger faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Metzger was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI’s Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-116.
Daniel James Garza, 31, a transient, on charges of bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and receipt of a firearm by person under indictment. If convicted of the most serious crime, Garza faces a maximum 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the bank fraud charge and a mandatory minimum two years in prison consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft count. Garza was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-88.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Billings man admits stealing firearms from business after using construction excavator to break inRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man accused of stealing firearms from a business after breaking in by using a construction excavator to tear down a section of wall and door admitted to a firearms crime today, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Erik Stephen Deaner, 46, pleaded guilty to theft from a federal firearm licensee. Deaner faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Deaner was detained pending further proceedings. A sentencing date is pending before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Oct. 21, Deaner stole firearms from Castle Arms, a federal firearms licensee located in Yellowstone County, by using a construction excavator to tear down a section of wall and door. The excavator had been taken from a nearby construction site. Construction site employees told law enforcement that the excavator had been locked and no keys were missing but that the key was universal so anyone with the manufacturer’s key could potentially access the excavator. An investigation determined that five pistols and one antique rifle had been stolen and that Deaner had been in the business previously and had behaved oddly. Investigators went to Deaner’s home and arrested him on an outstanding warrant when he came outside. Deaner admitted to using the excavator to break into the business and to stealing the firearms. Deaner said he knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms but that he liked firearms. All of the stolen firearms were recovered from his garage.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas K. Godfrey is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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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 Dec. 23 was:
Isaiah Benjamin Antelope, 26, of Butte, on charges of strangulation and assault resulting in serious bodily injury of dating partner. If convicted of the most serious crime, Antelope faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Antelope was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-112.
Appearing on a criminal complaint on Dec. 23 was:
Jeramiah Kayson Gohde, 24, of Belgrade, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gohde faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Gohde was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-78.
Appearing on Dec. 22 was:
Ray Allen Castro III, 34, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and receipt of firearm by person under felony indictment. If convicted of the most serious crime, Castro faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Castro was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-113.
Appearing on Dec. 20 was:
Kimberly Marie Kelch, 44, of Billings, on charges of bank fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kelch faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 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 consecutive to any other sentence on the aggravated identity theft crime. Kelch was detained pending further proceedings. The IRS investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-100.
Isabel Lopez-Martinez, 60, of Modesto, California, on charges of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lopez-Martinez faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Lopez-Martinez was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 13-92
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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Flathead Valley construction company owner admits wire fraud schemeRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Flathead Valley construction company owner accused in a scheme to defraud customers by spending money intended for projects on unrelated business and personal expenses admitted to a wire fraud crime today, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Craig Mark Draper, 55, of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. Draper faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
According to a plea agreement filed in the case, the parties agree that at sentencing, if the Court accepts the agreement, the government will seek dismissal of nine other counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering as charged in an indictment. In addition, restitution is mandatory. The government anticipates seeking at least $436,986 restitution, but the final amount will be determined by the Court.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Judge Molloy set sentencing for April 14, 2022. Draper was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in 2017, Draper moved to the Flathead Valley and formed a construction company called ADI Builders. Draper started bidding on a variety of jobs, including the construction of pole barns, shops and residential remodels. In several instances, Draper provided invoices to customers for specific expenses associated with their projects. In the wire fraud count to which Draper pleaded guilty, he sent an invoice to a customer for $59,002, which included $8,000 in charges for siding. The customer wired $59,002 to Draper. The customer never received siding from Draper and eventually paid the vendor directly for the siding included in Draper’s invoice. Draper used some of the wired money for personal expenses unrelated to the customer’s project, including paying a company in Iowa for trophies for the winners of car races, paying an outfitter in Utah, making cash withdrawals and paying $9,500 to the Salish and Kootenai Tribes to lease their racetrack.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot is 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 Dec. 16 was:
Martin Leo Jimenez, 27, of Billings, on charges of attempted coercion and enticement. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jimenez faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Jimenez was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-104.
Appearing on Dec. 14 was:
Peter Lloyd Paskiewicz, 50, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. If convicted of the most serious crime, Paskiewicz faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Paskiewicz was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-76.
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Poplar man admits assault charges in stabbings on Fort Peck Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Poplar man accused of stabbing two individuals at a Wolf Point residence on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation admitted to assault charges on Dec. 15, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.
Dewayne C. Shoots, Jr., 28, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. The crime carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris will determine a sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for April 7, 2022. Shoots was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on March 5, 2020, a Wolf Point police officer was dispatched to a resident at about 1:09 a.m. A caller reported that Shoots had stabbed multiple victims. The officer saw a victim, identified as John Doe, outside the residence and covered in blood. John Doe said that Shoots had stabbed him. Another victim, identified as Jane Doe, was inside the residence and had also been stabbed by Shoots. Witnesses confirmed they saw Shoots fighting with the John Doe and then Shoots stabbed both John Doe and Jane Doe. Both victims suffered serious injuries.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy A. Johnson is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Wolf Point Police Department and Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office.
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New Mexico woman admits phoning threat to Montana Trappers Association banquet in DillonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A New Mexico woman accused of calling the Montana Trappers Association during a fundraising banquet in Dillon to say she and her boyfriend had placed a bomb at the event admitted to charges on Dec. 15, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.
Dora Sandra Gomez, also known as Bella Gomez, 64, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, pleaded guilty to interstate communication of a threat as charged in a superseding information. Gomez faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on May 8, the Montana Trappers Association (MTA) hosted a fundraising banquet, attended by about 130 people, at the events hall in Dillon. At about 7:35 p.m., a secretary at the events hall received a phone call from a masked phone number. The caller said that she and her boyfriend were aware of the MTA banquet and that they didn’t like the organization. According to the secretary, the caller said a bomb was placed inside the banquet hall and that it could be triggered by a cell phone. The secretary immediately notified the Dillon Police Department. Officers evacuated the building and notified the FBI, which sent a team from Helena to search the building with a bomb-sniffing dog. No explosives were found.
The FBI determined that the call was made from a cellular phone belonging to Gomez and that the caller had dialed *67 prior to calling the facility in Dillon in order to mask the number from appearing on caller ID. Gomez admitted to the FBI to making the call to disrupt the MTA event because her ex-boyfriend was in attendance and she wanted to ruin his evening. Although Gomez admitted to saying words to the effect of “people who hate trappers are coming and someone will get hurt,” she denied ever using the word “bomb” or “explosive device.” The parties agreed that Gomez intended to communicate a threat with her statement, “people who hate trappers are coming and someone will get hurt.”
The Court set sentencing for March 30, 2022 and continued Gomez’s release pending further proceedings. The Court will determine Gomez’s sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Dillon Police Department.
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Fairview felon sentenced to prison for illegal possession of 47 firearmsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Fairview man who was convicted by a jury of being a felon in possession of firearms after law enforcement found 47 firearms at his residence was sentenced on Dec. 15 to 30 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.
A jury found Lonnie Burdette Porter, 60, guilty of felon in possession of firearms in July after a two-day trial.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
Court documents filed by the government alleged that Porter was convicted of a felony in 2019 in Montana state district court in Richland County, was placed on probation and was prohibited from possessing firearms. In September 2020, Porter visited the Fairview Police Department to report that several guns had been stolen from the “vault” in his home while he was in Hawaii. Porter provided a list of 55 guns that had been in his home prior to him leaving for Hawaii. At that time, Porter acknowledged he was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his probation. Later that day, two probation officers and a police officer searched Porter’s home. When officers approached Porter, he mentioned it was poor timing for a home visit because he had firearms in his possession. A hole in the floor under Porter’s dryer led law enforcement to his “vault,” which contained a significant number of firearms. Additional guns were located elsewhere in the house, including a loaded gun in the kitchen, and later recovered. In total, Porter possessed 47 firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin M. Rubich and Thomas K. Godfrey prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fairview Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Billings felon sentenced to prison for illegal possession of firearmRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings felon who admitted to illegally possessing a firearm after he pointed a loaded gun at an individual was sentenced today to 21 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Christian Mikal David Bramley, 22, pleaded guilty in August to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
Court documents filed by the government alleged that on Dec. 2, 2020 in Billings, Bramley pointed a loaded pistol at a man who told his neighbors to quiet down. Bramley fled the scene but was pulled over by Billings police officers. At the time, Bramley was on state probation for a 2019 felony criminal endangerment conviction in Yellowstone County and prohibited from possessing firearms. State probation officers authorized a search of the car and located a pistol in a backpack belonging to Bramley. Bramley admitted to possessing the pistol and threatening the victim.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Missoula vascular surgeon settles alleged health care fraud claims for $3.7 millionRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Missoula vascular surgeon who operates vein and surgery centers in Missoula and Kalispell has agreed to pay the federal government $3.7 million to settle alleged False Claims Act violations that he performed medically unnecessary surgeries based on improper techniques and submitted fraudulent bills for payment to federal health care programs, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.
Dr. David Bellamah, and his business, Bellamah Vein & Surgery, PLLC, doing business as Bellamah Vein Center, has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Defense Health Agency, the Department of Veterans Affairs and a third party, Lenore Lezanne. The terms of the settlement agreement require Bellamah and his company to pay a settlement amount of $3,746,324. The settlement agreement resolves a civil complaint alleging violations of the False Claims Act and other common law claims. The civil complaint in intervention was filed today in U.S. District Court for the District of Montana along with a stipulation to dismiss the case.
“This civil settlement resolves claims of using improper techniques and unnecessary medical procedures to create and submit false claims to four federal health care programs. Submitting false claims for unnecessary procedures increases the cost of providing services to people who really need it. Had the United States known the truth, it would not have paid such claims. We will investigate and hold accountable medical providers who try to enrich themselves through false billing to federal health benefit programs. I want to thank our office’s health care fraud investigation team, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the FBI for their work on this case,” U.S. Attorney Johnson said.
“Performing medically unnecessary surgeries risks the health and wellbeing of patients, compromises the integrity of federal health care programs, and increases the financial burden on taxpayers,” stated Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Working closely with our partners, HHS-OIG will continue to safeguard the integrity of federal health care programs by investigating individuals who seek to exploit them.”
“David Bellamah’s alleged actions violated the oath held sacred by physicians,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennis Rice of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Health care fraud affects all Americans and the FBI remains committed to doing our part to combat it.”
The United States contended in court documents that its civil claims against Bellamah and his company arose from him billing for certain services that were medically unnecessary and based on false medical records from January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2017. Bellamah specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of venous reflux disease and varicose veins.
In March 2018, Lezanne, who was a sonographer formerly employed at Bellamah Vein Center, filed a suit in U.S. District Court against Bellamah Vein and Surgery, Bellamah and others alleging Bellamah received government funds for performing unnecessary venous procedures based on inaccurate medical records. The United States partially intervened in the case.
In its complaint, the United States alleged that Bellamah and staff at Bellamah Vein Center used improper techniques to conduct and analyze ultrasounds and used false ultrasound findings to conduct and bill for medically unreasonable and unnecessary services related to the diagnosis and treatment of venous reflux disease and varicose veins. The government contends that Bellamah submitted false claims to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicare and Medicaid programs, the Department of Defense’s TRICARE program and the Department Veterans Affairs’ CHAMPVA program.
The Settlement Agreement directs Bellamah to pay the United States $3,746,324, plus interest if applicable, of which $1,923,861 is restitution and the remaining $1,822,463 is settlement of additional damages. If the settlement amount is paid in full within 21 days of the effective date of the Settlement Agreement, no interest shall be charged. Otherwise, Bellamah shall make payments, plus interest, over five years. Upon receiving the settlement amounts, the United States will pay Lezanne 17 percent of each payment as her share of the settlement.
The Settlement Agreement is neither an admission of liability by Bellamah nor a concession by the United States that its claims are not well founded.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Kakuk represented the United States in this matter, which was investigated by office’s health care fraud investigation team, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the FBI, with additional assistance from the Defense Health Agency and the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.
PACER case reference. 18-57-M-DLC
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Georgia meth trafficker sentenced to prison for drug dealing in BillingsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS —A Georgia man who admitted to a methamphetamine trafficking crime after law enforcement found four pounds of the drug in his Billings motel room was sentenced today to 70 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Josue Mikael Nunez, 21, of Carrollton, Georgia, pleaded guilty in July to possession with intent to distribute meth as charged in a superseding information.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Nunez brought pounds of meth to Billings to sell as part of a large transnational drug trafficking organization. In April, agents with the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force began working with a confidential informant to identify members of the drug trafficking organization. The confidential informant, using a social media messenger app, set up a controlled drug transaction for two ounces of meth. The confidential informant was directed to an address on Overland Avenue, where Nunez delivered two ounces of meth in exchange for cash. Agents monitored the deal, and the meth was recovered. Surveillance on Nunez led to a Billings motel. Agents executed a search warrant on Nunez’s room and found four pounds of meth, two cell phones, $1,780 and other items. Four pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 14,496 doses. Nunez was seen leaving the motel as agents were preparing to execute the warrant and he was detained without incident.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the FBI’s Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Browning man sentenced to five years in prison for receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning who admitted to soliciting and receiving nude images of a minor girl was sentenced today to five years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Sean Henry White Bremner, aka Sean Bremz, 26, pleaded guilty in August to receipt of child pornography.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in 2017, the FBI investigated allegations that adult men on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation were engaging in sexual conduct with juvenile females in exchange for methamphetamine. Investigators executed search warrants on Facebook accounts, including an account that belonged to a juvenile female, identified as JF1. A review of the account found several conversations with Facebook user “Sean.Bremnz” indicating that the user had engaged in a sexual relationship with JF1. The FBI subsequently identified “Sean.Bremnz” as the defendant. In July 2019, the FBI served a search warrant on Bremner’s Facebook account and found that Bremner had solicited and received nude photographs from a juvenile female, identified as JF2, who was 15 years old at the time though her Facebook account falsely listed her age as being 17 years old. JF2 admitted to the FBI that she sent nude images of herself to Bremner.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Browning man sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping minor children on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to repeatedly raping two children on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 15 years in prison to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Jonathan Cadotte, 60, pleaded guilty in August to a superseding information charging him with aggravated sexual abuse and to aggravated sexual abuse of a child.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The parties agreed in a plea agreement that a specific sentence of 15 years in prison was appropriate in the case.
In court documents, the government alleged that Cadotte is a child predator who repeatedly sexually assaulted small children in the Browning area, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Beginning in September 2019 and continuing for about a year, Cadotte engaged in a sexual act by force against a victim, identified as Jane Doe 1. And from 1993 to about 1998, also in the Browning area, Cadotte engaged in a sexual act with another child victim, identified as Jane Doe 2, who had not yet reached 12 years of age.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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Anaconda man admits attempted coercion, enticement of minor for sex in undercover investigationRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – An Anaconda man today admitted charges that he attempted to coerce and entice a girl he believed to be a minor into engaging in sexual activity during an undercover investigation, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Terry Joseph Jette, 56, pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement as charged in an indictment. Jette faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years to a lifetime of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for March 30, 2022 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. Jette was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on June 21, Jette initiated a conversation on Instagram with a 13-year-old user girl who was actually an undercover FBI special agent. At the start of the online chatting, Jette was told that the girl was 13 years old. Jette continued online communication with the girl until his arrest on July 9. During the communications, Jette sent the girl an image of his penis and requested nude images of the purported child. Jette initiated sexually explicit conversation with the girl, suggested a meeting and discussed bringing methamphetamine and condoms to the meeting. On July 8, Jette traveled from Anaconda to Missoula to meet the girl and asked her to sneak out of her house. When the girl was unable to meet that day, Jette suggested a meeting the next day in East Missoula. Jette made explicit statements about engaging in sexual intercourse and said he had meth. On July 9, Jette was arrested at the predetermined meeting location. During a search of his vehicle, law enforcement found a condom, meth, Viagra and candy that the girl had told Jette she liked during their online communications.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office.
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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U.S. Minerals, Inc. sentenced for Clean Air Act violation that exposed employees to arsenic at former Anaconda plantRead the Press Release
BUTTE — U.S. Minerals, Inc., a corporation that admitted to exposing employees at its former Anaconda plant to elevated levels of arsenic, was sentenced today to a maximum probationary term, fined and ordered to enact a medical monitoring plan for workers at the Montana plant and a nationwide environmental health and safety plan at its five other plants, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
U.S. Minerals pleaded guilty in August to one count of negligent endangerment, a misdemeanor, under the Clean Air Act as charged in a criminal information.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen sentenced U.S. Minerals as recommended in a plea agreement to a maximum of five years of probation and to pay a $393,200 fine. The criminal fine is in addition to civil penalties totaling $106,800 imposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in a related civil proceeding, bringing the total amount to be paid by U.S. Minerals to $500,000.
Probationary conditions require U.S. Minerals to implement a medical monitoring program for employees who were exposed to elevated levels of arsenic during their work at the Anaconda plant and a nationwide environmental health and safety plan at all five of its plants throughout the United States. The Anaconda plant ceased operations in June. The company operates plants in Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas, Texas and Louisiana.
“Despite repeated warnings and enforcement actions from regulators, U.S. Minerals continued to poison its workers and put profits before the well-being of its employees. U.S. Minerals’ history of misconduct showed a lack of care for employee safety and an utter disregard for regulations intended to protect human health and the environment. This case ends U.S. Minerals’ criminal conduct in Montana and will hold it accountable at its other plants,” U.S. Attorney Johnson said. “I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric E. Nelson, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for investigating this case and bringing these wrongdoers to justice.”
“U.S. Minerals exposed its employees to toxic levels of arsenic, a hazardous air pollutant known to pose significant health risks,” said Special Agent in Charge Lance Ehrig of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in Montana. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates that EPA and its partners will hold corporations accountable when they ignore environmental regulations and jeopardize the health of workers.”
“The continued dedication of the Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Justice, working in collaboration with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, achieved justice and improved health and safety working conditions for the employees of U.S. Minerals nationwide. By working together, we leveraged a multi-agency front and held U.S. Minerals accountable for violating multiple federal laws and overexposing employees to inorganic arsenic,” said Jennifer Rous, Regional Administrator for OSHA’s Denver Region.
The government alleged in court documents that U.S. Minerals manufactured silicate abrasive, a substance sold to industrial and governmental customers. Raw materials used in the production process were obtained from a waste copper slag pile, located within the Anaconda Superfund site. Processing the slag generates dust, which releases inorganic arsenic into the air. The government further alleged that from July 2015 until February 2019, U.S. Minerals negligently released inorganic arsenic, a hazardous air pollutant, into the air and exposed employees. Exposure to arsenic is known to cause lung and skin diseases, including an increased risk of skin cancer, and may also cause cardiovascular effects and other cancers.
The government further alleged that in 2015, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and OSHA each inspected the site and found numerous violations of health and safety standards that resulted in $106,800 in OSHA penalties.
In 2018, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services learned of health-related issues affecting U.S. Minerals employees, visited the site and informed the company that its employees were exposed to “apparent inhalation hazards” from dust. A second inspection found the violations were unresolved. Montana shut down U.S. Minerals in February 2019. When the state allowed operations to resume in March 2019, employees continued to test high for arsenic and lead.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric E. Nelson prosecuted the criminal case, which was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, OSHA, NIOSH, and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of the Solicitor litigated the OSHA matter.
XXXInformational: 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 Dec. 9 was:
Kalled Sam Hassen Jaha, 39, of Chinook, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jaha faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Jaha was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-76.
Appearing on Dec. 7 was:
Nicole Jo Brent, 44, of Billings, 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, Brent faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Brent was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service and FBI’s Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-94.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Dec. 7 was:
Ronald Joseph Champange, 62, of Great Falls, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Champange faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Champange was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-75.
Appearing on a criminal complaint was:
Nathaniel Jameco Brown, 44, of Spokane, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Brown faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least three years of supervised release. Brown was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-85.
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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Justice Department Awards More Than $17.5 Million to Support Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice announced today that it has awarded more than $17.5 million in grants to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. Funding will support efforts across the country to address violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. The Montana Board of Crime Control, through the Montana Department of Corrections, was awarded $94.012 to administer PSN grant funds in the District of Montana.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), part of the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will administer the 88 grant awards, which are being made to designated fiscal agents to support local PSN projects that work in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.
“This latest Project Safe Neighborhoods grant is critical to addressing the violent crime threatening cities and towns all across our country,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Ensuring the safety of all Americans is the highest priority for the Department of Justice, but when it comes to violent crime, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We have to work closely with local public safety agencies as well as community organizations to craft individual strategies unique to each community’s needs. Programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods and the funding it provides allow us to do just that.”
“This grant to the Montana Board of Crime Control provides important funding to continue the work of PSN programs established in Yellowstone and Missoula counties. Both communities are experiencing surges in violent crime largely driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robberies, firearms crimes and violent offenders on probation or parole. Through PSN, our local, state and federal law enforcement partners are working together to get the most violent offenders off the streets while supporting community-based crisis and drug treatment services,” U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Grant funds will support enforcement-related activities to reduce violent crime, with a focus on the investigation and prosecution of criminal and transnational organizations that are engaged in high levels of violent crime, firearms offenses, human trafficking and drug trafficking in Yellowstone and Missoula counties. This focus also may include research, outreach, prevention, and reentry programs when appropriate. With approval from BJA, the Fiscal Agent will begin the process of making subawards for PSN grant projects.
“Investing in our communities, supporting victims and building a justice system that both keeps people safe and earns their trust – these are mutually reinforcing goals that stand at the heart of Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon for OJP. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to join with our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and with jurisdictions across the country, as we work together to meet the challenges of crime and violence and achieve our shared aspirations of public safety and community trust.”
In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime issued by Deputy Attorney General Monaco, is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
This fall, U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country have enhanced their violent crime reduction efforts to ensure alignment with the department’s comprehensive violent crime reduction strategy. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices have engaged in outreach to law enforcement and other agencies and organizations serving communities to identify the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. Working together with a broad coalition of stakeholders, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are addressing the most pressing violent crime issues in their district to make our neighborhoods safer for all.
PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies, community stakeholders and other agencies and organizations that work to reduce violent crime.
For a list of all grantees, please visit: FY21-Project-Safe-Neighborhoods-Awards.pdf (ojp.gov).
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The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Former Signal Peak Mine official admits conspiring to not report coal mine accidents that injured workersRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A former official for Signal Peak Mine, LLC, which operates an underground coal mine near Roundup, today admitted allegations that he conspired with others to not report as required work-place accidents that injured employees, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Dale Lee Musgrave, 52, of Pompeys Pillar, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to submit false statement in records. Musgrave faces a maximum five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
A plea agreement calls for the government to seek the dismissal of two counts of cocaine trafficking, one count of false statements in mine records and one count of false statement at sentencing if the court accepts the agreement.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Musgrave was released pending further proceedings. A sentencing date will be scheduled before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. Judge Watters will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The government alleged in court documents that from 2013 to 2019, Musgrave worked as the vice president of underground operations at the Signal Peak mine and was in charge of all underground mining operations. As part of an overall investigation into Signal Peak Energy, law enforcement had been investigating allegations that work-place accidents were not being reported as required by law to the Mine, Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). In July 2020, the investigation identified incidents where accidents had not been reported. On two occasions, multiple individuals asserted that Musgrave forced individuals to not report a workplace accident.
In 2018, a worker, identified as John Doe 1, had his fingers crushed while loading mining materials. The injury eventually required partial amputation. The government alleged in court documents that as John Doe 1 was being taken to the hospital by the director of mine safety, the victim received a call from Musgrave and that Musgrave directed John Doe 1 to falsely claim that the injury was unrelated to his work at the mine and that he would make it worthwhile for John Doe 1. The director of mine safety told John Doe 1 that he would support whatever decision he made. John Doe 1 eventually agreed because he felt he had no choice. John Doe 1 and the director of mine safety admitted to investigators that this occurred.
The government further alleged that Musgrave, and others with whom he conspired, including the director of mine safety, were required to complete a MSHA accident, injury and illness report, but Musgrave never completed or submitted the form for this incident. Musgrave also did not report John Doe 1 as an “MSHA reportable injury or illness” as required.
In 2019, another worker, identified as John Doe 2, was injured when dirt and debris fell from an excavated mine wall and partially buried him. The accident injured John Doe 2’s leg, which required surgery. Musgrave, John Doe 2 and other workers present all agreed to not report the injury. Rather, Musgrave and other participants decided that John Doe 2 would falsely state that the injury was not related to John Doe 2’s work at the mine. John Doe 2 admitted this to investigators. John Doe 2 falsely told treating physicians that he had injured his leg in an ATV accident. This fictional account continued for several days until other Signal Peak Mine employees discovered the accident had been concealed and reported it to MSHA.
Earlier in October, as a result of an overall corruption investigation into mine management and operations, Signal Peak Energy pleaded guilty to four counts of willful violation of a health and safety standards, a misdemeanor. A plea agreement in that case recommends that Signal Peak Energy pay a total fine of $1 million and be sentenced to probation. Sentencing is pending. The investigation also resulted in individual convictions of former mine officials and other individuals in associated cases.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin M. Rubich, Zeno B. Baucus and Timothy Tatarka are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the IRS, FBI, Environmental Protection Agency and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
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Poplar woman sentenced to 40 months in prison for distributing oxycodone on Fort Peck Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Poplar woman who admitted to being a long-time dealer of oxycodone pills on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 40 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Kaycee Lynn Menz, 31, pleaded guilty in August to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and to money laundering.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that for more than six years, Menz distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of oxycodone on and around the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. When arrested in March, Menz admitted to selling up to 3,000 illegal oxycodone pills over the years, at an average price of $70 per pill. Financial records showed Menz was personally responsible for more than $400,000 in cash deposits and money transfers during the time of the conspiracy.
From about June 2014 through at least May 2020, Menz, and her co-defendant and boyfriend, Jason Tyrell Lee, sold illegal oxycodone pills from a house they rented in Poplar, located on the reservation. Law enforcement learned that Lee resided primarily in Minnesota, Menz primarily lived at the Poplar residence and that Lee supplied Menz with the pills she sold. Investigators interviewed many individuals who witnessed Menz and Lee distributing illegal pills. Some individuals occasionally helped by driving Menz around to conduct sales and by wiring or transferring drug proceeds to individuals in Minnesota. Menz also sent money using transfer services to individuals in Minnesota and asked others to send money on her behalf. Lee pleaded guilty to charges in the case and is pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice and Montana Highway Patrol.
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Belgrade meth trafficker sentenced to eight years in prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Belgrade man who admitted to supplying methamphetamine to a local dealer was sentenced today to eight years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Buddy Jonathan Shaw, Jr., 49, pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in May 2020, U.S. Probation officers and agents with the Missouri River Drug Task Force went to Shaw’s residence after receiving complaints that Shaw was distributing meth. After knocking for several minutes, the probation officers breached the door because they had an arrest warrant for Shaw. Shaw told the officers where his meth was hidden, and officers found approximately 230 grams of meth and $1,700. Shaw admitted that he had sold meth for the past year and sold most of it to a local dealer. When Shaw received meth, it was kilograms at a time.
The Bozeman Missouri River Drug Task Force, FBI, Bozeman Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Probation Office investigated the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Former East Helena police chief admits distributing child pornographyRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – The former East Helena chief of police today admitted allegations that he distributed child pornography in 2019 using social media, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
William Daly Harrington, 43, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography. Harrington faces a mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.
A plea agreement in the case calls for the government to seek the dismissal of three other counts in an indictment if the court accepts the agreement.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and set sentencing for April 13, 2022. Chief Judge Morris will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Harrington was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in September 2020, a Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s deputy, who is a member of the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, investigated a tip that Facebook Messenger had reported one of its accounts distributed child pornography to another account. The investigation determined that the Facebook Messenger account distributing child pornography belonged to Harrington. Account records showed that on Dec. 17, 2019, Harrington sent 11 images using Messenger to another account. Some of the images depicted child pornography. On Jan. 27, 2021, a search warrant was served on Harrington’s residence in Lewis and Clark County. Law enforcement seized Harrington’s cellular phone, which was analyzed and found to contain images and videos of child pornography. Harrington admitted that he owned and used the Facebook Messenger account that distributed child pornography.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyndee L. Peterson and Wendy A. Johnson are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Bozeman Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.
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 Dec. 1 was:
Dillon James Wippert, 26, of East Glacier and Washington, on charges of second degree murder and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wippert faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the murder crime and a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearms crime. Wippert was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-74.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Nov. 30 was:
Richard Daniel White, 35, of Butte, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, White faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. White was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Probation and Parole and Butte Silver Bow Law Enforcement. PACER case reference. 21-40.
Appearing on Nov. 29 was:
Chet Norman Andersen, 44, of Bozeman, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Andersen faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Andersen was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Probation and Parole investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-36.
Lassana Diaby, 40, of Missoula, on charges of theft of mail by officer or employee. If convicted of the most serious crime, Diaby faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Diaby was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-51.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Dec. 3 was:
John Aaron Champ, 41, of Crow Agency, on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, Champ faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Champ was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-70.
Appearing on Nov. 30 was:
Erik Stephen Deaner, 46, of Billings, on charges of theft from federal firearm licensee, possession of stolen firearms and prohibited person in possession of firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Deaner faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Deaner was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-96.
Denise Danielle Piccione, 37, a transient, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime Piccione faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Piccione was released pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-25.
Cecil Jerome Hatchett, 31, of Las Vegas, Nevada, on charges of conspiracy to transport a minor with intent to engage in prostitution. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hatchett faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hatchett was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case.PACER case reference. 21-41.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Nevada woman admits transporting minor to Montana for prostitutionRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Nevada woman today admitted allegations that she brought a minor girl to Billings for commercial sex activity, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Ashley Michael Stella, 28, of Reno, Nevada, pleaded guilty to a second superseding indictment charging her with transportation of a minor to engage in prostitution. Stella faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for April 14, 2022. Stella was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on April 21, 2021, law enforcement officers responded to a call of possible commercial sex activity at a Billings motel and knocked on the door of the suspect room. Stella, another individual and a 16-year-old girl, identified as Jane Doe 1, emerged. Jane Doe 1, from Nevada, indicated in interviews that she had met Stella in December 2020. Stella informed Jane Doe 1 and that she worked in commercial sex. Jane Doe 1 told law enforcement that she and Stella traveled to Montana in April from Nevada and that both had engaged in commercial sex. Stella told law enforcement she had met Jane Doe 1 in the fall of 2020 and learned her true age later that year. Stella also told investigators that the two had traveled from Nevada to Montana for the purpose of commercial sex and that she had asked Jane Doe 1 if she wanted to go on the trip.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Bryan T. Dake are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Montana Department of Justice’s Criminal Investigation Division, FBI and Billings Police Department.
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Missoula woman suspected of trafficking methamphetamine appears in courtRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—A Missoula woman had an initial appearance on Dec. 1 on a criminal complaint accusing her of trafficking methamphetamine after law enforcement officers seized 17 pounds of the drug, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
A criminal complaint filed and unsealed on Dec. 1 alleges that Jasmine Lori Snyder, 39, possessed meth with intent to distribute. The maximum penalty for the crime is a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Snyder was detained pending further proceedings.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The government alleged in court documents that on Nov. 12, law enforcement received information about drug activity in Missoula. An investigation led to the interception and seizure of two packages that were sent through the mail from California and addressed to a Missoula residence where Snyder had packages delivered. Law enforcement served search warrants on the two packages and determined that they contained a total of approximately 17 pounds of meth. Seventeen pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 61,608 doses. Officers arrested Snyder on Nov. 30 near her residence.
The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, the U.S. Postal Service and the Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
PACER case reference. 21-119.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Great Falls man sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexually exploiting minor girl in PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted to inducing a minor girl in Pennsylvania to send him sexually explicit photographs of herself was sentenced today to 25 years in prison to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Andrew Donovan Carter, 29, pleaded guilty in August to sexual exploitation of a child.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered $6,000 restitution to known victims.
The government alleged in court documents that in August 2020, a Pennsylvania law enforcement agency contacted Carter’s state probation officer regarding Carter using social media to engage in sexually explicit communications with a 14-year-old girl. The probation officer requested assistance from the Great Falls Police Department, which is a member of the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICACTF). The girl told investigators that she met a boy she believed to be was 16 years old, communicated with him online and that he asked her to send him nude pictures of herself. The supposed 16-year-old boy was Carter. The girl took sexually explicit photographs of herself and sent them to Carter using a cell phone. Carter communicated with the 14-year-old girl for about a year and texted her almost daily, requesting sexually explicit images of the girl. While interviewing Carter, agents learned that he was having similar communications with another child who was about 10 years old.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Great Falls Police Department and Montana Department of Corrections’ Probation and Parole.
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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Box Elder man admits assault with intent to commit murder in shooting on the Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Box Elder man admitted allegations today that he tried to murder another man by shooting him on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation in 2019, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Dakota Houle, 25, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. Houle maintained his not guilty plea to a charge of kidnapping and is pending trial on that crime. Houle faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the crime of assault with intent to commit murder and a mandatory 10 years to life in prison, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearms crime.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for April 6, 2022. Houle was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on March 17, 2019 in Box Elder, located on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, Houle, another male, identified as Male 1, and two females were at a residence. A Facebook messenger account was used lure John Doe to the residence. Shortly after Doe arrived, Houle and Male 1 attacked and beat Doe, robbed him and threatened to kill him. Male 1 told Doe that they were going to take him “for a ride in the mountains.” Everyone present, including Doe, understood that meant they were going to take Doe to the mountains to kill him.
Doe was forced at gun point into the front-passenger seat of his own car, while Houle sat in the rear passenger-side seat with a shotgun behind Doe. The two females were passengers. Male 1 drove the car toward the mountains as Doe pleaded for his life. Doe reached over and jerked the steering wheel, causing the car to go into a ditch. Doe jumped out and attempted to escape. Male 1 shouted at Houle that Doe was “getting away” and to “shoot” him. Houle got out of the car and shot Doe, intending to kill him. Houle, Male 1 and the two females fled the scene on foot. Doe suffered serious life-threatening injuries and has permanent damage as a result of the shooting.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared C. Cobell and Lori Harper Suek are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services and 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 Nov. 23 was:
Ralph Alan Degele, 64, of Worden, on charges of false statement during a firearms transaction and receipt of a firearm by person under indictment. If convicted of the most serious crime, Degele faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Degele was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-81.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Nov. 22 was:
Marilyn Ann Wilson, 57, of Missoula, on charges of health care fraud, theft of government money, false statement to a government agency, false statement affecting Social Security benefits and Social Security fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wilson faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Wilson was released pending further proceedings. The Social Security Administration and Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-50.
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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Shepherd restaurant owner admits theft in COVID-19 relief loan programRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Shepherd man who owns the Feedlot Steakhouse in Shepherd admitted to allegations today that he received approximately $75,000 in a COVID-19 relief loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for his business but used the funds to buy vintage automobiles as an investment, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Michael Eugene Bolte, 70, pleaded guilty to theft of government money, property or records, a misdemeanor, as charged in a superseding information. Bolte faces a maximum of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release.
A plea agreement reached in the case calls for the government to recommend to the court at sentencing that an indictment be dismissed and for Bolte to be responsible for full restitution of $74,800. Bolte also agrees to a criminal forfeiture of the vintage automobiles, including a 1916 Studebaker, a 1929 Franklin, a 1939 Ford Deluxe and a 1941 Ford Super Deluxe.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters set sentencing for April 13, 2022. Bolte was released pending further proceedings.
“Federal programs, like the one at issue here, don’t work when people cheat. If someone like Bolte applies for federal program funds intended to help businesses survive the pandemic, but buys classic cars instead, that deprives other deserving applicants of the opportunity to use the funds. These government loan programs rely on the integrity of applicants to use the money as intended. When people try to cheat, they will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted,” U.S. Attorney Johnson said.
“Individuals that attempt to defraud government programs meant to help struggling businesses and taxpayers will be brought to justice,” said Andy Tsui, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge, Denver Field Office. “We are pleased to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute these crimes and to ensure the public is aware of our commitment to investigate those that commit these crimes.”
The government alleged in court documents that on April 1, 2020, Bolte applied to the SBA for a business loan under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. On May 24, 2020, Bolte signed a loan agreement for $74,800 and expressly acknowledged the EIDL loan would be used solely as working capital for his business. Bolte’s intent at the time of signing for the loan was to buy vintage automobiles as an investment, and not as working capital for his business. Eleven days after receiving the loan, Bolte wrote a check for $75,000 for the purchase of four vintage vehicles. The SBA would not have approved or funded Bolte’s loan had it known Bolte’s intended and actual use of the funds.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Kakuk prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the SBA Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form
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Boulder man admits firearms crimes stemming from gun sales at Helena pawn shopRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Boulder man admitted to firearms crimes today after being accused of illegally possessing firearms and aiding a straw purchase at his wife’s Helena pawn shop, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Isaiah Maurice Morsette, 38, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm and to false statement during a firearms transaction. Morsette faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for March 30, 2022. Morsette was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that earlier this year, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted an undercover investigation of Modern Pawn & Consignment, located in Helena. Morsette is the husband of co-defendant Catherine Suzanne Morsette, who is the federal firearms licensee for Modern Pawn. Morsette served as the shop’s firearms and ammunition expert, and he answered all questions regarding the pricing and selling of the firearms. Morsette also is a five-time convicted felon. At the time he possessed firearms, he knew he had been convicted of felony sexual intercourse without consent in December 2011 in Montana. Catherine Morsette has pleaded guilty to crimes in the case and is pending sentencing.
In March, an undercover ATF special agent went to Modern Pawn, where Morsette told the special agent that he would have two Smith & Wesson 9mm pistols available for sale in four days. Morsette handed the special agent both pistols and discussed other firearms for sale or coming up for sale.
In April, two undercover ATF special agents went to Modern Pawn where special agent #2 eventually bought a Savage 6.5 Creedmoor rifle from Morsette for special agent #1. Morsette handed the rifle to special agent #1. When special agent #1 asked about not having a Montana address yet, Morsette told the special agent to purchase the firearm from him anyway. Morsette told special agent #1, “there’s all these crazy rules, but I don’t give a (profanity), I was to sell it, you know what I mean?” With Morsette present, special agent #1 called special agent #2 and asked him to come to the store. While waiting for the second special agent to arrive, Morsette handed special agent #1 a box of ammunition. Special agent #2 arrived at the store and with Morsette filled out an ATF form for the rifle’s purchase. When special agent #2 asked about a question on the form regarding the actual purchaser of the firearm, Morsette responded, “yeah, it’s your gun brother, as far as I’m concerned.” Morsette knowing executed the ATF form stating that special agent #2 was the actual purchaser of the Savage rifle, when in fact he knew that special agent #1 was the actual purchaser.
The ATF investigated the case.
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Former off-duty federal law enforcement officer sentenced for threatening three Blackfeet tribal employees with assault rifleRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A former off-duty federal law enforcement officer who admitted to misdemeanor assault for pointing an assault rifle at three Blackfeet tribal employees who were testing water on his property was sentenced today to five years of probation and ordered to pay $10,626 restitution, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Harrison Garrett Alvarez, 30, of Cut Bank, who was a Customs and Border Protection officer at the time of the offense, pleaded guilty in July to three counts of simple assault.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on July 24, 2019, three employees of the Blackfeet Tribe’s Environmental Office went to Alvarez’s property near Cut Bank and within the Blackfeet Indian Reservation to test water in Cut Bank Creek. The victims, who are tribal members, traveled by truck past Alvarez’s house to the creek. The trip was the victims’ fourth time that season to the testing site, having sought, and they believed received, permission for the testing from Alvarez’s wife.
While the victims were collecting water samples, a rifle shot rang out. The victims saw Alvarez approaching, pointing an assault rifle at them and yelling profanities. Alvarez demanded to know what they were doing and who had given them permission to be there. When the victims explained that his wife had given them permission, Alvarez disputed that fact. Even after the victims told him they would leave, Alvarez, while still leveling the rifle at them, ordered them closer and demanded they drop their equipment. When Alvarez finally allowed the victims to leave, he told them that now they knew he “shoots first, asks questions later.”
All three victims believed Alvarez was going to shoot them and that they were going to die. All three victims addressed the Court at sentencing and talked about the lasting effect this assault has had on them. “He has taken my outdoor lifestyle away from me,” one of the victims told the Court. “I don’t fish. I don’t go get wood. No more hiking. No more bow-hunting. No more four-wheeling.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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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 Nov. 17 was:
Gloydean Lee Rider, 24, of Browning, on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rider faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Rider was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-64.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Nov. 18 was:
Chase Sterling Allen, 28, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Allen faces a mandatory five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison consecutive to any other sentence on the firearms crime. Allen was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI’s Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-93.
Anthony Jacob Johnson, 51, of Billings, 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, Johnson faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Johnson was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana’s Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-85.
Eric Edward Mack, 42, of Lewistown, on charges bank fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mack faces a maximum 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release. Mack was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-86.
Appearing on Nov. 17 was:
Shane Edward Johnson, 53, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and prohibited person in possession of a firearm or ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Johnson faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Johnson was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service and the FBI’s Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-94.
Appearing on Nov. 15 was:
Stacie Marie Thein, 51, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Thein faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Thein was detained pending further proceedings.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana’s Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-85.
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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