District of Montana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former Montana man sentenced to 19 years in prison for sexually exploiting numerous children, including two Montana victims, through online activityRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A former Montana man, currently of Arizona, who admitted to coercing minor girls in Montana to send him sexually explicit images of themselves through the internet and to receiving child pornography was sentenced today to 19 years in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Joshua Dean Fish, 27, formerly of Helena and currently of Gilbert, Arizona, pleaded guilty on June 9 to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and to receipt of child pornography.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Restitution is pending a later hearing.
“Fish communicated directly with children through the internet to coerce them into sending him sexually explicit images of themselves. Many parents and guardians have little ability to monitor these kinds of communications. Anyone who exploits children in this way is an extreme danger to our children and a substantial threat to the community and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson and the investigative agencies in Montana and Arizona for their work on this case,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.
The government alleged in court documents and in statements in court that in January 2020, the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office received a report of online sexually explicit activity involving two children, who were under the age of 18. An investigation identified Fish as offering to pay for the sexually explicit images. Prior to mid-2018, Fish resided in Montana. The two Montana child victims, one in Butte and another in Helena, reported that an online user promised monetary digital payments in exchange for nude images that would be sent through the internet. Both child victims sent Fish sexually explicit images of themselves.
The government further alleged that an investigation by Arizona law enforcement into a Cybertip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children involving sending and receiving child pornography through a social media application led to Fish. In June 2020, law enforcement searched Fish’s residence. Fish admitted to law enforcement that he paid minor girls for nude images, which were sent to him online, and to possessing numerous hard drives containing child pornography. An examination of digital devices seized during the search found hundreds of thousands of images and video files of child pornography. The examiner determined that Fish received many of these files while living in Montana from 2012 to 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Gilbert (Arizona) Police Department.
This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, Project Safe Childhood attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation. It is implemented through partnerships including the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children.
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Butte meth trafficker sentenced to more than four years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Butte man who admitted to conspiring with others to traffic pounds of methamphetamine in the community was sentenced today to four years and six months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Charles David Clement, 36, pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement learned Clement was trafficking drugs with others in Montana. In March 2019, officers searched a package that contained 1,579 grams, or about 3.4 pounds, of meth and was addressed to an individual in Butte. The individual was enlisted to accept the package of meth for Clement. The investigation found numerous text messages, including messages about drug distribution, between Clement and the individual accepting the package. Clement paid for the drugs he received by sending cash payments back to Bakersfield, California, including $12,000 in cash that law enforcement seized.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Butte Silver Bow Law Enforcement, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations.
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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Meth conspiracy sends Butte man to prison for more than four yearsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Butte drug dealer who admitted to receiving 10 pounds of methamphetamine in two shipments for distribution in the community was sentenced today four years and six months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
David Ray Shaver, 34, pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents in the case, the government alleged that law enforcement learned Shaver was involved in drug trafficking in Montana and was accepting packages of meth through the mail for distribution. When interviewed, Shaver admitted to purchasing meth for $6,000 a pound. Shaver told investigators he accepted one package containing six pounds of meth in December 2018 and another package containing four pounds of meth in January 2019. Shaver worked with other co-conspirators to distribute meth from about August 2018 until February 2019. Ten pounds of meth is the equivalent of 36,240 doses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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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Butte meth trafficker sentenced to five years in prison after law enforcement intercepts 10-pound packageRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Butte man who admitted to accepting packages of methamphetamine in the mail for redistribution after investigators seized a 10-pound shipment destined for his residence was sentenced today to five years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Steven Douglas Shipe, 52, pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Shipe was allowed to self-surrender.
The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement learned Shipe was involved in drug trafficking in Montana and purchased about one ounce of meth from Shipe in June 2019. Law enforcement also learned that Shipe was receiving packages of meth in the mail. Investigators recovered a package containing approximately 10 pounds of meth that was addressed to Shipe’s residence in Butte. Ten pounds of meth is the equivalent of 36,240 doses. The drugs were intercepted in Bakersfield, California, and the shipping label indicated that the parcel was sent by another individual in that city. In addition, Shipe used local co-conspirators to help with meth deals. Local co-conspirators would bring prospective buyers to Shipe’s house to complete the transactions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Postal Service.
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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Man admits burglary on Fort Peck Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Mississippi man accused of breaking into a residence on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and threatening individuals admitted to charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Dejarreh La’Kean Talley, also known as “DJ” Talley, 23, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to burglary. Talley faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $50,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Dec. 30. Talley was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that at about 5:30 a.m. on June 30, 2020, law enforcement responded to a 911 call that someone had kicked in the door of a Poplar residence, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. An individual at the residence reported that Talley had kicked in a door, held a baseball bat in his hands, punched the individual in the face and threatened others. Law enforcement interviewed Talley, who admitted to kicking in the door but denied having a bat, striking the individual and threatening anyone.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Fort Peck Law Enforcement.
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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 Sept. 23 was:
Joshua Robert Ludtke, 39, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ludtke faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Ludtke was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-73.
Terrence Michael Seadeer, 44, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Seadeer faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Seadeer was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-65.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Sept. 21 was:
Taylor Wind Set, 65, of Ennis, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wind Set faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Wind Set was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Forest Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-28.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Sept. 20 was:
Joshua Julius Bartman, 40, of Great Falls, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bartman faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Bartman was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Great Falls Police Department 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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Roundup man sentenced to prison for defrauding banks with stolen checks, identitiesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — a Roundup man who admitted defrauding banks in Billings using stolen checks and stolen identities was sentenced on Wednesday, Sept. 22, to 30 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Tucker James McCune, 27, pleaded guilty on April 30 to bank fraud and to aggravated identify theft.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that McCune was involved in a scheme to defraud local banks and credit unions by passing stolen and forged checks using stolen identity. On Feb. 18, McCune cashed a stolen check belonging to a victim, identified as John Doe 1, at Western Security Bank. The check had been forged as payable to a victim identified as John Doe 2. McCune had obtained the stolen California driver’s license of John Doe 2 and presented it to the teller to trick the teller into believing he was John Doe 2. The deception was successful, and McCune left with the money. Two days later, McCune successfully cashed another stolen and forged check at Valley Credit Union using John Doe 2’s stolen driver’s license. In another attempt to cash a stolen check at Western Security Bank, bank officials called the police, who detained McCune. Police learned that McCune was on state probation and notified his probation officer, who instructed the officer to search McCune’s car. The search located stolen identifications, stolen checks, 15 cell phones, stolen documents containing personal identifying information, syringes loaded with methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia. McCune told law enforcement that most of the stolen documents and checks found in his vehicle were probably stolen out of the mail and that he knew a lot of people who stole mail. McCune also told law enforcement he obtained the personal documents and checks from those people.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Billings Police Department.
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Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation resident admits trafficking fentanyl pillsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation resident accused of helping a Michigan fentanyl supplier distribute pills from his Box Elder residence admitted a trafficking crime today, Acting U.S Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Larry Albert Bernard, 37, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Bernard faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Jan. 20, 2022. Bernard was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in the fall of 2020, the FBI received reports that Bernard was housing and helping an out-of-state fentanyl supplier. Other FBI sources reported buying various illegal pills at Bernard’s residence. In December 2020, the FBI executed a search warrant on Bernard’s residence after receiving information that a supplier was at the residence with pills. Bernard and an individual from Michigan were present, and officers found a bag containing pills.
Bernard admitted to housing at least one out-of-state fentanyl supplier in exchange for cash and pills. He also admitted to helping that supplier connect with local users and buyers of fentanyl and said that the bag of pills located in his residence belonged to the supplier.
In an analysis of the bag of pills, the Drug Enforcement Administration identified multiple types of pills. The largest group contained two types of controlled substances: fentanyl and para-Fluorofentanyl, which is a fentanyl analogue. Another group of pills contained two controlled substances: fentanyl and methamphetamine. The smallest group contained fentanyl and no other controlled substances.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Tri Agency Task Force, Chippewa Cree Law enforcement and Bureau of Indian Affairs.
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Forged check, stolen identity scheme sends Billings man to prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to being a member of group that passed forged checks at various businesses across Montana was sentenced today to 39 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Lawrence Howard Kahle, 54, pleaded guilty on June 11 to wire fraud and to aggravated identity theft.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Judge Christensen also ordered Kahle to pay $1,548 restitution.
“This defendant committed serious crimes and victimized numerous people,” said Billings Police Chief Rich St. John. “Detectives from the BPD, working with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, worked very hard to help bring justice to the victims. Hopefully, this sentence will bring them closure and send a strong message to others considering the same behavior.”
The government alleged in court documents that in 2020, Kahle was a member of a group that passed forged and counterfeited checks at businesses across Montana. Members of the group would receive stolen checks, identification or paperwork with personal identifying information, usually through mail thefts, burglaries and car thefts. The stolen documents would be used to forge checks and produce fraudulent identifications. Members would then take the forged checks and pass them at businesses. Kahle confessed to passing some of the checks, including a fraudulent check at the Tap Inn in Billings on Oct. 19, 2020.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Billings Police Department.
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Box Elder man admits distributing fentanyl on Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Box Elder man admitted today to dealing fentanyl pills on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Timothy Michael Koop, 61, pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl. Koop faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Jan. 20,2022. Koop was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that the FBI learned from interviews that Koop was a local distributor of fentanyl and other illegal pills on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation and worked with out-of-state suppliers. In May and June, law enforcement used confidential sources to make controlled purchases of fentanyl from Koop or arranged to obtain the pills through Koop. Co-defendant Kelli Lamere has pleaded not guilty to charges. Officers obtained a search warrant for the Koop and Lamere residence based on information that an out-of-state supplier was present. When the warrant was executed, officer found Lamere and an individual from Michigan. Koop was located elsewhere and brought back to the residence. Koop told law enforcement that the Michigan individual was distributing fentanyl and claimed the person was paying him and Lamere in pills to stay at the residence. Officers found an Aleve brand pill bottle in the residence. An analysis determined the bottle contained 179 tablets, imprinted with “Aleve,” one of which was tested and determine to contain no controlled substance. The bottle also contained 258 greenish-yellow tablets imprinted with an “M” on one side and a “30” on the other. One of those tablets was tested and determined to contain fentanyl and two other substances.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Tri Agency Task Force, Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement and Bureau of Indian Affairs.
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Leader of statewide fake check scheme sentenced to 44 months in prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — The leader of a fraudulent check scheme in which recruits would steal items with personal information from homes, vehicles and mail boxes to help pass bogus checks across Montana was sentenced on Tuesday to 44 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.
Cassie Ann Rathie, 32, of Billings, pleaded guilty in April to wire fraud and to aggravated identity theft.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Rathie was allowed to self report to prison.
“Rathie recruited local drug addicts to burglarize houses, automobiles, and mail boxes and steal mail and other materials so she could fraudulently cash checks using the victim’s stolen identification. They stole and converted amounts that they knew would not attract the attention of local law enforcement. This type of criminal behavior exploits the fringes of our justice system. It is dangerous enough to get someone killed, yet it is not serious enough to warrant significant local incarceration. Fortunately, the misuse of personal identification can be prosecuted under federal law resulting in mandatory terms of incarceration. This case and others like it are a significant innovation in our battle against violent crime in Yellowstone County and elsewhere in Montana. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich, the Billings Police Department, and the Department of Homeland Security for investigating and prosecuting this case,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.
The government alleged in court documents that from November 2019 until about May 2020, Rathie conducted a campaign to steal checks and personal identifying information to commit fraud using fake checks in Billings and throughout the state. Rathie instructed others to break into houses, vehicles and mail boxes to get checks and other items with personal identifying information. Other addicts knew Rathie was interested in materials and would either sell or give her the documents they stole. During this period, Rathie stole a box from a Billings hotel containing documents with personal identifying information from at least 39 people.
After obtaining a stolen check, Rathie altered it by replacing the original name on the check with one of the names from the identities she had stolen from the hotel or elsewhere. Rathie would then create a fake driver’s license with the stolen person’s name. The fake license would have Rathie’s image or the image of an associate. Rathie or an associate would then pass the check at local businesses and use it to buy gift cards or high value items. Rathie would give individuals who stole the materials a cut of the proceeds. Surveillance video recorded Rathie passing some of the fake checks. In a search of her residence, officers found a large trove of fake identities, stolen documentation, computer, printers and stolen checks. The loss calculated from checks passed by Rathie was $17,609.
Two co-defendants also convicted, Taylor Thomas Nelson and Quinn Henry Jessen, are pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Billings Police Department, and the Department of Homeland Security.
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Babb woman admits trafficking crime after receiving methamphetamineRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Babb woman accused of receiving nearly one pound of methamphetamine mailed to Babb, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, admitted to a drug trafficking crime today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Regina Ann Peters, 51, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Peters faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Jan. 20, 2022. Peters was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in October 2020, law enforcement received information about a package of methamphetamine mailed to Peters in Babb from Arizona. Officers made a controlled delivery of the package at the Babb post office, and Peters picked up the package. Officers approached Peters outside of the post office and explained their suspicions. Peters agreed to open the package and admitted it contained meth. Peters admitted to knowing about the meth in the package when she went to pick it up and that she had planned to deliver it to another person in Montana. The package contained about 438 grams of meth, or a little less than one pound. One pound is the equivalent of 3,624 doses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Russell Country Drug Task Force, the Northwest Montana Drug Task Force, 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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Methamphetamine trafficking sends Missoula man to prison for 15 yearsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Missoula man who admitted dealing large quantities of methamphetamine in the community was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Terry David Starrett, 54, pleaded guilty on May 11 to possession with intent to distribute as charged in a superseding information.
U.S. District Court Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on Jan. 7, law enforcement served a search warrant and recovered more than five pounds of meth from Starrett’s rental property and his vehicle. Five pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 18,120 individual doses. Starrett also sold an undercover informant two ounces of meth in December 2020 and trafficked meth from Washington to Montana once or twice a week. In the fall of 2020, Starrett and another individual traveled to California and returned to Missoula with pounds of meth. Co-defendants Laura Jeanne Haacke and Jennifer Renee Hawkes were sentenced to 54 months and to 63 months in prison respectively for their roles in the offense. A third co-defendant, Jason Dean Hager, has pleaded guilty is pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, the Missoula Police Department and the Missoula 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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Helena pawn shop and gun dealer admits firearms crimesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Helena pawn and consignment shop operator accused of lying about gun sales and failing to keep proper records today admitted firearms crimes, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Catherine Suzanne Morsette, 38, of Boulder, and who is the federal firearms licensee for Modern Pawn & Consignment, pleaded guilty to two counts of false statement during a firearms transaction and to failure to keep proper records. A plea agreement calls for three other counts in an indictment to be dismissed at sentencing if the court accepts the agreement. Morsette faces a maximum five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years in prison.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Jan. 13, 2022. Morsette was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that Morsette is the federal firearms licensee for Modern Pawn & Consignment, Inc., 1330 North Montana Ave., in Helena. During an undercover investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, a man and a woman went to the business where the man looked at a Beretta 9mm pistol on April 14. The man let Morsette know that he was not a Montana resident and showed his out-of-state driver’s license. Morsette told the man that the woman should fill out the ATF form because she could not sell that firearm to him. The woman completed the form as instructed and purchased the Beretta 9mm pistol for the man. Morsette then sold the man a Smith and Wesson .45-caliber pistol after she called co-defendant, Isaiah Morsette, to confirm that the .45-caliber gun was not in the store’s system. During the transaction, Morsette told the man and woman that the shop was hers and she was the boss but that her husband handled the gun stuff for her. Isaiah Morsette has pleaded not guilty to charges.
The government alleged Catherine Morsette knowingly made a false statement stating that the named purchaser of the Beretta 9mm pistol was the actual buyer, the woman, when in fact she knew the actual buyer of the firearm was the man. In addition, Catherine Morsette willfully sold and delivered a Smith and Wesson .45-caliber pistol without noting the name of the purchaser in her records as required.
The government further alleged that on April 29, a man, identified as #3, bought a Ruger .44 magnum revolver for a man identified as #2. Man #2 went to the pawn shop and interacted with Catherine Morsette, who called Isaiah Morsette for prices. After Man #3 arrived, Man #2 told Catherine Morsette that, “we’ll buy the firearm.” Catherine Morsette told Man #3 that he had to pay, “I don’t care how you leave the store with it, but he has to pay for it.” Catherine Morsette and Man #3 then filled out the paperwork for the revolver. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
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Browning man admits meth trafficking on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Browning man accused of being a methamphetamine dealer on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to a trafficking crime today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Steven Roy DeCarlo, 31, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. DeCarlo faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Jan. 13. DeCarlo was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that law enforcement had several encounters with DeCarlo in 2020, including responding on July 31, 2020 to a report of gunshots in a field on the reservation. Officers saw two vehicles at the scene, one of which drove away. DeCarlo was in his vehicle, which remained. During a consent search of the vehicle and DeCarlo, officers found drug paraphernalia and $500. Meanwhile, the second vehicle, driven by a person identified as Jane Doe, returned. Officers executed a search warrant on that vehicle and found $1,500 and meth.
DeCarlo told investigators that he and Jane Doe were involved in getting meth, which Jane Doe had been distributing. DeCarlo told officers he had financed multiple purchases of meth that Jane Doe had made with the supplier. 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 is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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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Jury convicts Lame Deer man of assault, firearms crimes after high-speed chase and shootout with federal officersRead the Press Release
Note: A trial exhibit of dashcam video of chase can be viewed here.
BILLINGS — A federal jury convicted a Lame Deer man today of multiple assault and firearms crimes after he led law enforcement on a high-speed chase on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation and was wounded in a shootout when he shot at officers, who returned fire, said Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson.
The jury found Antoine Robert Threefingers, 37, guilty of assault on a federal officer, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Threefingers faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the assault on federal officer crime and a mandatory minimum of ten years to life imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence on possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
The five-day trial began on Sept. 13.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters set sentencing for February 10, 2022 and ordered Threefingers detained.
“The jury rightly rejected Mr. Threefinger’s defense that he was not responsible because he had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Officers’ dashcam video captured a harrowing, high-speed chase of up to 120 mph on a highway and on dirt roads that ended in a shootout. It’s a miracle that nobody got killed. I want to thank all of the federal and state law enforcement officers who placed themselves directly in harm’s way and took extraordinary steps to protect the public by safely ending this incident. I also want to thank the entire trial team for putting forward a compelling case against Threefingers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson.
“Thankfully, no officers or innocent bystanders were hurt when Antoine Threefingers made such a reckless and violent attempt to evade the law, but he will now face the consequences for his crimes,” said Dennis Rice, Special Agent in Charge of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The officers involved put their lives on the line. Rest assured, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will make every effort to keep our communities safe from those who have a blatant disregard for human life.”
In court documents and at trial, the government presented evidence alleging that on Sept. 1, 2020, Threefingers was involved in a high-speed chase on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation that ended in shootout with law enforcement officers in a field near Birney. A Bureau of Indian Affairs police officer, identified as John Doe 1, attempted a routine traffic stop of Threefingers. Threefingers stopped initially but then fled as Doe 1 approached, engaging officers in a pursuit in which speeds exceeded 100 miles per hour and lasted about 20 minutes. Four more officers, including three BIA officers and a Rosebud County Sheriff’s deputy, joined the chase.
As he was driving, Threefingers pulled out a gun and put it to his head before turning the gun on law enforcement. Threefingers pointed his gun out the window, fired a shot at Doe 1 and continued driving. Threefingers eventually led law enforcement to a dirt road near Birney, where he stopped his vehicle and exchanged gunfire with Doe 1. Another BIA officer later exchanged gun fire with Threefingers. Other officers nearby described Threefingers’ shots sailing over their heads but did not fire at Threefingers.
Threefingers attempted to run from his car while continuing to shoot at law enforcement. Officers shot Threefingers, who fell to the ground and continued firing at law enforcement. Threefingers shot at Doe 1, hitting his windshield with a bullet less than a foot from the officer’s head. The officers approached Threefingers, detained him and administered medical care. He was transported to the hospital. Law enforcement recovered a Colt .45-caliber pistol on the ground near Threefingers. Multiple .45-caliber casings were recovered near Threefingers and from his car. Several rounds of .45 ammunition were also found in his car.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan T. Dake and Benjamin D. Hargrove are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Sept. 16 was:
Laymond Perry Brien, 38, of Lame Deer, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. If convicted of the most serious crime, Brien faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release. Brien was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-58.
Amber Dawn Godijohn, 39, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Godijohn faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the fraud crimes and two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release consecutive to any other sentence. Godijohn was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Secret Service and the Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-23.
Appearing on Sept. 14 was:
Benito Craig Castro, 32, Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Castro faces a maximum 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. 21-59.
Appearing on Sept. 13 was:
Tirell Lewis, 40, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lewis faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Lewis was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-46.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Sept. 13 was:
Leon Houle, 47, of Box Elder, on charges of assault with intent to commit murder, kidnapping, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted of the most serious crime, Houle faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Houle was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-60.
Tabitha Gopher, 23, unknown hometown, on charges of assault to commit murder, kidnapping, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gopher faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Gopher was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-61.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Hungry Horse woman admits trafficking meth in Flathead ValleyRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Hungry Horse woman accused of distributing pounds of methamphetamine in the Flathead Valley for about a year admitted a trafficking crime today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Kalynn Marie Moskaloff, 25, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Moskaloff faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Sentencing was set for Jan. 21, 2022. Moskaloff was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement investigators learned that Moskaloff was involved in distributing meth in Flathead County. Several witnesses told law enforcement that they worked with Moskaloff to distribute about two pounds of meth per month for approximately one year between May 2019 and May 2020. Moskaloff bought two to three pounds of meth at a time from one of the witnesses, who estimated their meth distribution totaled about 24 pounds of the drug. Twenty-four pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 86,976 doses. During two separate traffic stops of Moskaloff in January and February 2020, law enforcement found meth and firearms in the vehicles.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by FBI’s Montana Regional Violent 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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Driver for three arrested in illegal Canada border crossing sentencedRead the Press Release
MISSOULA -- A Washington, D.C., man who admitted to picking up three individuals who had crossed illegally into Montana from Canada and to leading law enforcement on a 76-mile car chase that ended near Whitefish was sentenced today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Rastesfaye Alpha Neil, 40, pleaded guilty on April 21 to transportation of illegal aliens.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
Neil faced a possible sentence of five years in prison, a $250,00 fine and three years of supervised release. The government requested a sentence at the high end of the guideline range of 18 months to 24 months. The court sentenced Neil to time served of 238 days in custody and to three years of supervised release.
The government alleged in court records that Neil knowingly transported Christopher White, a Jamaica citizen; Naseem Ali Mohammed, a Somalia national and Canadian legal permanent resident; and Afrah Ahmed Abdi, a United States legal permanent resident and Somalia national; to help them remain illegally in the United States. All three were wanted by various Canadian law enforcement agencies.
The government alleged that on Jan. 23, the Spokane Sector Border Patrol responded to the West Kootenai area near Eureka for a report that three persons with backpacks and wearing dark clothing were entering the United States illegally. Agents attempted a traffic stop of a southbound Nissan Sentra. While the Nissan initially yielded, it ultimately sped away as agents approached on foot. The Nissan led law enforcement agencies on a 76-mile chase in which speeds reached 120 mph to 130 mph. The pursuit ended about one mile north of Whitefish when law enforcement successfully spiked the Nissan’s tires. Law enforcement identified Neil as the driver and White, Mohammed and Abdi as passengers who had illegally entered the United States. One of the illegal border crossers had been in contact with Neil, rental car companies and travel agencies. Neil had flown to Kalispell on Jan. 22.
White was sentenced to two years in prison for conviction of illegal reentry of a deported or removed alien. Abdi was extradited to Canada, while Mohammed is a fugitive.
The Border Patrol, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Eureka Police Department, Whitefish Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case.
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Two Missoula methamphetamine traffickers sentenced to prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — Two Missoula women convicted in a large methamphetamine trafficking ring involving pounds of the drug each were sentenced today to prison terms, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Laura Jeanne Haacke, 46, was sentenced to 54 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Haacke pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute meth.
Jennifer Renee Hawkes, 40, was sentenced to 63 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Hawkes pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Hawkes’s detention was continued and Haacke’s release was continued.
According to court documents, the government alleged that Haacke, Hawkes, and co-defendants, Jason Dean Hager, of Lolo, and Terry David Starrett, of Missoula, conspired to distribute meth in Missoula from January 2018 through January 2021. Starrett and Hager each pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth and are pending sentencing.
Officers learned through confidential informants that Haacke stored meth for her co-defendant Starrett in a trap floor at her residence. When interviewed by law enforcement, Haacke admitted that she used meth and that in February 2019, she stored numerous pounds of meth at her residence.
The government further alleged that in July 2019, Hawkes supplied a person with about two ounces of meth. After the transaction, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Hawkes’s residence and recovered an additional three pounds of meth.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, Missoula Police Department, and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office.
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12 Tribes Selected for Participation in Program Enhancing Tribal Access to National Crime Information DatabasesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice has selected an additional 12 federally recognized tribes to participate in the expansion of the Tribal Access Program for National Crime Information (TAP), a program that provides tribal governments with means to access, enter, and exchange data with national crime information systems, including those maintained by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division and the states. The application period for this recent round of selections opened on July 1, and closed on August 31, 2021.
“Timely access to federal criminal information can help protect domestic violence victims, place foster children in safe conditions, solve crimes, and apprehend fugitives on tribal land, among other important uses,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Increasing tribal access to criminal databases is a priority of the Justice Department and this Administration, and essential to many tribal government efforts to strengthen public safety in their communities.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said, “We are pleased that the Fort Belknap Indian Community has been selected for expansion of the Tribal Access Program. This program will allow the Fort Belknap tribes to enter and share information about missing persons into the national missing persons database and to enter and exchange various other information with law enforcement across the country to help make the community safer.”
The program provides training as well as software and biometric/biographic kiosk workstations to process fingerprints, take mugshots, and submit information to FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) systems. With these additional tribes, there are now 108 federally recognized Tribes participating in TAP.
TAP has been an important resource for the department’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Initiative and the Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives known as Operation Lady Justice. The Department of Justice began TAP in 2015 in response to concerns raised by tribal leaders about the need to have direct access to federal systems.
Using TAP, tribes have shared information about missing persons; registered convicted sex offenders; entered domestic violence orders of protection for nationwide enforcement; run criminal histories; identified and arrested fugitives; entered bookings and convictions; and completed fingerprint-based record checks for non-criminal justice purposes such as screening employees or volunteers who work with children.
The following tribes have been newly selected for participation in TAP:
- Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation
- Cow Creek Band of Umpqua
- Fort Belknap Indian Community
- Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa
- Havasupai Tribe
- Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
- Menominee Tribe
- Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
- Muckleshoot Tribe
- Passamaquoddy Tribe
- Shingle Springs Band of Miwok
- United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee
TAP is managed by the Justice Department’s Office of the Chief Information Officer and the Office of Tribal Justice. It is funded by the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART), the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).
For more information on TAP, visit www.justice.gov/tribal/tribal-access-program-tap.
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Havre man sentenced to nine years in prison for receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Havre man who admitted to receiving child pornography on his cell phone was sentenced today to nine years in prison to be followed by eight years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Joshua Daniel Kaupang, 38, pleaded guilty on June 3 to receipt of child pornography.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered $27,000 restitution to victims.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in January 2019 in Havre, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Kaupang’s cell phone looking for evidence in a theft case. While searching the phone, agents observed child pornography files. An agent applied for a second search warrant and located child pornography. The investigation determined that Kaupang used his phone to view “sets” of child pornography that were available for download.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Montana Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation and the Havre Police Department.
This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, Project Safe Childhood attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation. It is implemented through partnerships including the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children.
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Methamphetamine trafficking sends Belt man to prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Belt man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in Cascade County was sentenced today to 38 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Lance Winslow Stoddard, 51, pleaded guilty on May 26 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered Stoddard to pay a $10,000 money judgment and to forfeit firearms.
In court documents, the government alleged that Stoddard had been trafficking large quantities of meth in the community from about 2016 to June 2020. Individuals told law enforcement Stoddard had drug sources in Las Vegas and California. In September 2019, agents learned that Stoddard was traveling to Las Vegas to buy three pounds of meth. Three pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 10,872 doses. Law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of meth from Stoddard in October 2019. During an arrest of Stoddard in December 2019, law enforcement searched Stoddard’s car and found baggies with powder residue and two firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Great Falls Police Department and Cascade 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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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 Sept. 8 was:
Dewayne C. Shoots, Jr., 28, of Poplar, on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted of the most serious crime, Shoots faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Shoots was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Wolf Point Police Department and Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-65.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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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 Sept. 2 was:
Rachell Sheree Abbott, 34, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Abbott faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the fraud crimes 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. Abbott was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-58.
Kent James Fox, 48, of Great Falls, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances resulting in death and drug user in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fox faces a mandatory minimum 20 years to life in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Fox was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-63.
Brandie Rae Fulbright, 39, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances resulting in death. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fulbright faces a mandatory minimum 20 years to life in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Fulbright was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-63.
Appearing on Aug. 31 was:
David Jay Pando, 33, of Glendive, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy involving firearm and drug trafficking crime and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense. If convicted of the most serious crime, Pando faces a mandatory minimum 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 in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the firearms crime. Pando was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, Teton County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-55.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on
Sept. 3 was:
John Michael Perault, 48, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Perault faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Perault was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-62.
Appearing on Sept. 2 was:
Nicole Marie Bezjon, 42, a transient, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bezjon faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years of supervised release on the firearms count. Bezjon was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-57.
Mark Jay Albrecht, 64, of Gillette, Wyoming, on charges of false statement. If convicted of the most serious crime, Albrecht faces a maximum five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Albrecht was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-41.
Dakota James Calendrillo, 30, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Calendrillo faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Calendrillo was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-48.
Appearing on Aug. 31 was:
Brian Pretty Weasel, 31, of Crow Agency, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Pretty Weasel faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Pretty Weasel was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-63.
Amir Burhan Mallak, 41, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mallak faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Mallak was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-53.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Aug. 30 was:
Tina Rae Wood, 49, of Thompson Falls, on charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wood faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Wood was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-31.
Noah Alexander Van Pelt, 28, of Missoula, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Van Pelt faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Van Pelt was released pending further proceedings. The Missoula Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-34.
Andrew David Golie, 34, of Hamilton, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Golie faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Golie was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Missoula Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-27.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Former private-sector seasonal employee sentenced to five years in prison for sexually assaulting another private-sector seasonal employee while working in Glacier National ParkRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A former private-sector seasonal employee who admitted to sexually assaulting another private-sector seasonal worker in Glacier National Park was sentenced today to five years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, said Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson.
Eduardo Luis Diaz, 27, of Chicago, Illinois, pleaded guilty on March 3 to sexual abuse.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Diaz was allowed to self-surrender.
“Seasonal workers for businesses operating in and around our national parks should be able to work in and enjoy our national parks without the threat of sexual assault and harassment. I hope this prosecution will assure workers and the public that we will hold predators accountable for their conduct. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley and the National Park Service for investigating and prosecuting this case,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.
“We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their prosecution of this case and commend the survivor for her courage in stepping forward,” said acting Glacier National Park Superintendent Pete Webster. “The law enforcement community knows that sexual assault is an under-reported crime, and so we encourage park visitors and employees to report these crimes so that perpetrators can be caught and brought to justice.”
The government alleged in court documents that in July 2020, Diaz and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were both seasonal employees working in Glacier National Park for a private-sector company with a contract to operate in the park and were living in employee housing. Doe became intoxicated at a party. After Doe had passed out, Diaz sexually assaulted Doe. In an interview with a National Park Service ranger, Diaz told the ranger that he had engaged in sex with Doe.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the National Park Service.
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Virginia woman sentenced to prison for meth trafficking in MontanaRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Virginia woman who admitted bringing pounds of methamphetamine to Montana for distribution was sentenced today to six years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Kimberly Rosamond Fanslau, 40, of Manassas, Virginia, pleaded guilty on April 6 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in May 2019, the Missoula Police Department learned that Fanslau’s boyfriend and co-defendant, Michael Webb, was selling meth and heroin in Montana and had been seen with about six pounds of meth and three pounds of heroin. The two were travelling through the state selling the drugs and were bound for Billings. Law enforcement further learned that Webb had been seen with about 11 pounds of meth in the prior weeks. Agents located Webb and Fanslau at a Billings hotel, served a search warrant on their room and detained both. Agents found $4,850 on Webb’s person and approximately four pounds of meth and 197 grams of heroin in the room. Four pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 14,496 doses. Fanslau reported she had brought meth and heroin from California to Montana on at least four occasions. On each trip, they brought several pounds of meth and several ounces of heroin to sell. Webb was convicted in the case and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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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Butte man admits trafficking meth in communityRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Butte man accused of trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine in the Butte area admitted a drug trafficking crime today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Travis Bridger Soderberg, 47, of Butte, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Soderberg faces 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. Sentencing was set for Dec. 21 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. Soderberg was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that from October 2019 until about November 2020 in Butte and elsewhere in Montana, Soderberg distributed meth. Law enforcement learned through various sources that Soderberg would receive pound quantities of meth shipped in the mail from a source in California. When interviewed, Soderberg admitted to dealing meth and that he received shipments of up to 20 pounds of meth. Investigators also determined that Soderberg wired money to California to pay for the meth. Twenty pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 72,480 doses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Service, Homeland Security Investigations and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.
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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Bozeman business owner admits evading taxesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Bozeman business owner today admitted tax evasion charges after an investigation determined he under reported his income for two years to avoid paying at least $41,000 in taxes, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Brandon Robert Wilson, 37, owner and operator of Shedhorn Construction, Inc. (SCI), pleaded guilty to two counts of tax evasion. There was no plea agreement in the case. Wilson faces a maximum five years in prison, a $100,000 fine, and three years of supervised release on each count.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Dec. 21 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. Wilson was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged federal agents received information that Wilson was claiming personal expenses as business deductions on his taxes and was writing his name, rather than the company’s name, on invoices so payments from clients would go directly to him. Investigators found that Wilson claimed $179,101 of gross receipts for SCI in 2014, but that he was paid approximately $331,350, for an understatement of $152,248. In 2015, Wilson reported business income totaling $193,528, but that the company made $259,133, resulting in an understatement of $65,605. Investigators determined that—assuming he properly reported legitimate business expenses as deductions--Wilson owes additional taxes of $36,353 for 2014 and $4,799 for 2015. Wilson indicated his intention to contest the loss amount. The parties will submit a request for a hearing to determine the extent of Wilson’s outstanding tax liability prior to sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Aug. 24 was:
Solomon Anthony Gardner, 41, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gardner faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Gardner was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-50.
Matthew Dallas Lee, 33, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lee faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Lee was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-52.
Appearing on Aug. 26 was:
Preston Tucker Baumann, 24, a transient, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Baumann faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Baumann was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-56.
Robert Allen Williams, 57, of Oregon, 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, Williams faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. William was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-64.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Aug. 23 was:
Taurean Jerome Weber, 39, of Lakewood, Colorado, formerly of Missoula, on charges of transportation of child pornography, distribution of child pornography and receipt of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Weber faces a mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Weber was released pending further proceedings. The Missoula Police Department, FBI and Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-28.
Jeremy Michael Rivers, 44, of Anaconda, 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, Rivers faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Rivers was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Postal Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-23.
Anthony Wayne Lamere, 23, of Butte, 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, Lamere faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Lamere was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and U.S. Postal Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-24.
Kathy Ann Hendrickson, 59, of Walla Walla, Washington, on charges of cyberstalking. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hendrickson faces a maximum five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hendrickson was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-32.
Appearing in Great Falls U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Aug. 24 was:
Edward James Hovey, 30, of Browning, on charges of receipt of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hovey faces a mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Hovey was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-50.
Rhonda Jeanette Lapier, aka Rhonda Trench, 49, of Helena, 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, Lapier faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Lapier was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and Lewis & Clark County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-52.
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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Methamphetamine trafficker sentenced to 15 years in prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Michigan man who admitted bringing pounds of methamphetamine to Montana for redistribution was sentenced today to 15 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Michael Troy Webb, 38, of Charlotte, Michigan, pleaded guilty on April 2 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 May 2019, the Missoula Police Department learned Webb was selling meth and heroin in Montana and had been seen with about six pounds of meth and three pounds of heroin. Webb, and his girlfriend and co-defendant, Kimberly Fanslau, were travelling through the state selling the drugs and were bound for Billings. Law enforcement further learned that Webb had been seen with about 11 pounds of meth in the prior weeks. Agents located Webb and Fanslau at a Billings hotel and served a search warrant on their room. Webb and Fanslau were both detained. Agents found $4,850 on Webb’s person and approximately four pounds of meth and 197 grams of heroin in the room. Four pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 14,496 doses. Webb told officers he or Fanslau had brought drugs to Montana at least five times, with each occasion involving several pounds of meth. Fanslau pleaded guilty and is pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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 more than 11 years in prison for kidnapping, strangling womanRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to kidnapping a woman and strangling her in two separate assaults in 2020 on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 11 years and three months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Nash Devine Angel Ingraham, 19, pleaded guilty on May 13 to kidnapping and to strangulation of a dating partner.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Feb. 10, 2020, the victim, identified as Jane Doe, met up with Ingraham in Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Doe left Ingraham’s house and went to a friend’s place to sleep. Ingraham arrived at the friend’s house the next morning, jerked the victim out of bed, forced her out of the house and then force-marched her across Browning, assaulting her along the way. Ingraham took Doe to his house where he continued to assault her. Law enforcement officers went to Ingraham’s house multiple times looking for Doe, but the family refused to open the door. Officers responded to the house a third time, and Doe exited the house. Officers observed injuries on Doe.
The government further alleged that Ingraham strangled Doe to near unconsciousness on Dec. 17, 2020 during an assault at a Browning residence, where he had held her for about four days. Doe went to a hospital in Browning and reported the assault.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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Armed methamphetamine trafficker involved in high-speed pursuits on Blackfeet Indian Reservation and in Billings sentenced to 12 years in prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Billings man who admitted methamphetamine trafficking and firearms crimes involving two high-speed pursuits was sentenced today to 12 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Elijah James Rideshorse, 30, pleaded guilty on May 12 to possession with intent to distribute meth and to felon in possession of a firearm.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Rideshorse brought ounce quantities of meth to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in August 2020. On Aug. 23, 2020, Rideshorse was in a high-speed vehicle pursuit from Browning to Cut Bank. The driver, another passenger, identified as John Doe 1, and Rideshorse all fled on foot once they made it to Cut Bank. Only Doe was apprehended that day, and officers found meth supplied by Rideshorse on Doe. The vehicle also contained more of Rideshorse’s meth. Investigators determined that Rideshorse was involved in drug distribution, possessed firearms and had recently purchased drugs in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The government further alleged that law enforcement received numerous complaints of Rideshorse being involved in criminal activity in the Billings area. On Oct. 12, 2020, the Billings Police Department officers attempted to stop a stolen vehicle that had been involved in recent shootings. The vehicle fled, leading officers on a high-speed pursuit. The vehicle continued to flee after officers spiked its tires and was stopped when intentionally struck by a Montana Highway Patrol vehicle as it approached school buses and heavy traffic. The driver, identified as Rideshorse, fled but was caught. Three female passengers, including two juveniles, were in the vehicle. Officers found a stolen semi-automatic pistol that Rideshorse had dropped on the road as he fled and an AR-style rifle with a 40-round magazine in the vehicle. Rideshorse was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior felony conviction.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Montana Highway Patrol, Billings Police Department, Cut Bank Police Department and Glacier 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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Billings methamphetamine trafficker sentenced to 12 years in prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine after law enforcement officers seized about eight pounds of the drug and three loaded handguns from his vehicle during a stop near Miles City was sentenced today to 12 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Tyler James Fleming, 39, pleaded guilty on Oct. 8, 2020 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in 2019, drug task force officers received information that Fleming was trafficking drugs in the Billings area and also possessed firearms for protection. In December 2019, investigators learned Fleming had traveled to Arizona and returned two days later. Officers conducted a traffic stop of Fleming's vehicle outside of Miles City. Officers located approximately eight pounds of meth and three loaded handguns in the cab of his truck. Eight pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 28,992 doses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten 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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Billings massage parlor owner admits enticing workers to provide sexual servicesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings woman who owned and operated massage parlors in Billings admitted allegations on Tuesday that she enticed women to work and provide prostitution services in her businesses, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.
Kyong Cha Roberts, 68, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging her with coercion and enticement. Roberts faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date is pending before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. Roberts was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that from about 2016 through 2019, Roberts owned and operated massage parlors in Billings, including U-Spa and Happy Spa. In June 2019, Roberts posted an advertisement in an online Korean newspaper, Kyocharo, seeking women to work in her massage business and provided her phone number. A woman, identified as Jane Doe 1, contacted Roberts, who told Doe that she could make around $5,000 per month at the massage parlor. Doe talked over the phone with Roberts about sexual services being provided at U-Spa. Doe agreed to come to Billings, bought a bus ticket, arrived in June 2019 and began working at U-Spa. Doe and Roberts discussed sexual services again. Customers typically would pay cash for services. Most customers received a massage and sexual services. Prostitution is illegal in Montana.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Bryan T. Dake are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Poplar woman admits trafficking oxycodone on Fort Peck Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Poplar woman suspected of being a long-time distributor of oxycodone pills on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation admitted drug trafficking and money laundering crimes today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Kaycee Lynn Menz, 31, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging her with possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and with money laundering. Menz faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Dec. 8. Menz was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that beginning in June 2014 and continuing through at least May 2020, Menz, and her co-defendant and boyfriend, Jason Tyrell Lee, began selling illegal oxycodone pills from a house they rented in Poplar, on the Fort Peck Indian 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 with the drug enterprise by driving Menz around to conduct sale 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 is pending trial in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut is prosecuting 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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Illegal possession of firearm, ammunition sends Browning man to prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced on Monday to 27 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.
Wesley Allen Cross Guns, Jr., 32, pleaded guilty April 6 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on Oct. 8, 2020, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services had been looking for Cross Guns, Jr., in relation to recent criminal activity including two police chases. Officers arrested Cross Guns, Jr., after he was seen walking with two juveniles. In a search of Cross Guns, Jr., officers found methamphetamine and bullets for a .22-caliber firearm. One of the companions, who was detained, told officers he had a firearm and asked them to get it. Officers pulled a .22-caliber rifle with a broken off stock from under the individual’s clothing. The name, Cross Guns, was on the rifle, and the individual said it was for the defendant. The individual told officers he had bought the rifle and shared it with Cross Guns, Jr. The defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because of previous felony convictions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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Browning man admits aggravated sexual abuse crimesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Browning man accused of sexually abusing two children on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Jonathan Cadotte, 60, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with aggravated sexual abuse and aggravated sexual abuse of a child. Cadotte faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Dec. 8. Cadotte was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that from about September 2019 to September 2020 in the Browning area on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Cadotte engaged in a sexual act by force against a victim, identified as Jane Doe 1, and that from 1993 to about 1998, also in the Browning area, Cadotte engaged in a sexual act with a victim, identified as Jane Doe 2, who had not yet reached 12 years of age.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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Billings man admits sex trafficking, drug and firearms crimesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man accused in a sex and drug trafficking conspiracy and of brandishing a firearm during an assault over a botched drug deal admitted multiple crimes today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Mario Juan Drake, 32, pleaded guilty to a second superseding information charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and ecstasy, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and use of a facility in interstate commerce in aid of racketeering. Drake faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory minimum seven years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release consecutive to any other sentence on the firearms crime.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date is pending before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. Drake was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that in 2019, Drake, co-defendant D’Javon King and others conspired to distribute illegal narcotics, including cocaine and ecstasy. Multiple witnesses and social media involved Drake, King and others in this conspiracy. On April 24, 2019, a struggle ensued between a buyer, identified as A.L., and two distributors, identified as A.R. and K.H., during an attempted distribution of ecstasy at a Billings motel. The buyer assaulted A.R. and left the scene. In response, Drake, King and others arranged a meeting with A.L. during which they assaulted A.L. while holding firearms. Drake brandished a firearm during the assault and later he, King and others informed A.R. and K.H. that they had retaliated against A.L. in response to the failed drug transaction. King pleaded guilty to charges in the case and is pending sentencing.
The government further alleged that in April and May 2019, two women, identified as Jane Doe 3 and Jane Doe 5, were both engaged in commercial sex with Drake and also were intimately involved with him. Drake used his cell phone to assist with commercial sex dates for Jane Does 3 and 5 by receiving and posting photos of the Does for advertisements, setting pricing for calls and communicating with sex date customers for both Does. Drake would accompany the Does to hotels and would use a timer during the calls. If the calls went past the time, Drake would enter the room.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Bryan T. Dake are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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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U.S. Minerals, Inc. admits Clean Air Act violation for exposing employees to arsenic at Anaconda plantRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – U.S. Minerals, Inc., a corporation accused of exposing employees to elevated levels of arsenic at its Anaconda facility, today admitted violating the Clean Air Act, said Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson.
In addition, U.S. Minerals has agreed to settle a related civil case regarding violations brought by the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
U.S. Minerals pleaded guilty to one count of negligent endangerment, a misdemeanor, under the Clean Air Act as charged in a criminal information. The corporation faces a maximum penalty of five years of probation and a fine as determined through statute.
Under the terms of a plea agreement in the criminal case, the government and U.S. Minerals will jointly recommend to the Court that the company be placed on probation for five years and pay a $393,200 fine. The agreement recommends probationary conditions in which U.S. Minerals will implement a nationwide environmental health and safety plan that applies to all of U.S. Minerals’ facilities throughout the United States and a medical monitoring program for current and former employees who have been exposed to elevated levels of arsenic during their work at the Anaconda plant, which has ceased operations.
U.S. Minerals also has agreed to resolve a related civil case brought by OSHA, alleging 19 serious health and safety violations with a total penalty of $106,800. Under the terms of that agreement, U.S. Minerals will accept all citations as issued and pay the penalty as assessed.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing in the criminal case was set for Dec. 10 in Butte before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen.
“Throughout Montana’s long history with mining, operators like U.S. Minerals have sacrificed worker safety for profit. These operators need to know that there are severe consequences to this kind of callous behavior. This is an important case because it not only holds the operator criminally responsible for poisoning its own workers, but it also prevents U.S. Minerals from doing this again anywhere in the country. 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 Department of Labor, Office of Safety and Health Administration, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for their diligent work on investigating this case and bringing these wrongdoers to justice,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.
“This case demonstrates that EPA and its federal law enforcement partners will hold companies accountable when they engage in conduct that places their employees in danger from exposure to airborne releases of hazardous air pollutants such as arsenic,” said Lance Ehrig, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Montana. “The criminal and civil penalties serve to provide deterrence, and the 5-year national compliance plan requires U.S. Minerals to implement an inspections, training and auditing program to ensure a safer working environment at all its facilities. Finally, and importantly, health monitoring will be assured for current and former employees at the U.S Minerals Anaconda facility that were exposed to airborne arsenic.”
“The employees of U.S. Minerals were finally given the justice they deserved through a joint effort between the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Department of Justice, and our staff at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Working together, we were able to leverage our resources and hold U.S. Minerals accountable for overexposing employees to inorganic arsenic and violating multiple federal laws,” said Galen Blanton, Regional Administrator for OSHA’s Denver Region 8.
The government alleged in court documents that U.S. Minerals, which has multiple facilities throughout the United States, manufactured silicate abrasive, a substance sold to industrial and governmental customers. Raw materials used in the production process were obtained from a copper slag pile located within the Anaconda Superfund site. The government further alleged that from July 2015 until February 2019, U.S. Minerals negligently released into the air inorganic arsenic, a hazardous air pollutant, 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 July 2015, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) inspected the site, collected air samples from throughout the outdoor facility and conducted personal monitoring of employees on site. An analysis determined employees were exposed to levels of arsenic and lead, which exceeded both NIOSH and OSHA exposure limits, and that there were high levels of arsenic and lead in the ambient air.
In late 2015, OSHA inspected the facility and found numerous violations of health and safety standards. The violations included employees being exposed to inorganic arsenic at levels that ranged between 1.25 and 4.75 times the OSHA permissible exposure limits. As a result of the inspection, OSHA issued 19 serious violations with penalties totaling $106,800.
The government also alleged that in April 2018, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services learned of a U.S. Minerals employee diagnosed with arsenic poisoning at a local hospital. Over the next few days, the state learned of three additional U.S. Minerals employees who had high levels of arsenic in their urine. State officials conducted a site visit in June 2018, noted “apparent inhalation hazards” and shared their findings with U.S. Minerals. A second inspection in October 2018 found the previous violations had not been addressed and that employees were still exposed to hazards.
In addition, the government alleged that on Feb. 20, 2019, after the investigation discovered numerous employees with high levels of arsenic, the state issued an order for U.S. Minerals to cease and desist operations until it implemented controls and protected its workers. The state lifted the order and allowed U.S. Minerals to resume operating in March 2019 under certain conditions. One of those conditions required U.S. Minerals to provide the state with quarterly medical monitoring reports related to arsenic and lead testing results on employees. Documents provided by U.S. Minerals to the state showed there were still employees who periodically tested high for arsenic and lead.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric E. Nelson are prosecuting 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 is litigating the OSHA matter.
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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 Aug. 17 was:
Timothy Michael Koop, 61, of Box Elder, and Kelli Jo Lamere, 29, of Box Elder, on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, the defendants face a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Both defendants were released pending further proceedings. The FBI, the Tri-Agency Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-51.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Aug. 17 was:
Zachary Jon Lindsay, 38, of Kalispell, 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, Lindsay faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Lindsay was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kalispell Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-36.
Appearing on Aug. 19 was:
Terry Joseph Jette, 56, of Anaconda, on charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a child. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jette faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years to life of supervised release. Jette was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-21.
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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Wyoming man sentenced to seven years in prison for meth traffickingRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Wyoming man convicted of trafficking methamphetamine after a traffic stop in Carbon County, Montana, was sentenced today to seven years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Victor Elvin Lopez, 63, of Powell, Wyoming, pleaded guilty on April 8 to possession with intent to distribute meth as charged in a superseding information.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that Lopez was a habitual meth dealer who was involved in selling the drug in Montana and Wyoming. On Jan. 12, 2019, a Carbon County sheriff’s deputy stopped Lopez for speeding and drunken driving on U.S. Highway 310. Law enforcement saw a large wad of cash on his front passenger seat and was aware that Lopez was suspected of trafficking drugs in Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. A search warrant was served on the vehicle and officers located about 2.8 ounces of meth in a safe in the trunk. A little more than six months earlier, on June 9, 2018 in Powell, Wyoming, law enforcement found 294 grams of pure meth, or about 10.3 ounces, during a stop of Lopez.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan T. Dake prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Powell (Wyoming) Police Department and Carbon County, Montana, 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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Washington man sentenced to 10 years in prison for meth trafficking on Flathead Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Washington man who admitted to bringing methamphetamine to the Flathead Indian Reservation for redistribution was sentenced today to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Alberto Escareno-Sanchez, 27, of Sunnyside, Washington, pleaded guilty in March to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in January 2019, Flathead Tribal Police officers pulled over a vehicle in which Escareno-Sanchez was a passenger. During a later search of the vehicle pursuant to a warrant, investigators found meth, a firearm, and other drug paraphernalia. In July 2020, law enforcement served a search warrant on Escareno-Sanchez’s residence and found meth, heroin, two handguns, and $14,286 in currency. The defendant told law enforcement that the drugs, a gun, and the money belonged to him. In addition, confidential informants assisted Escareno-Sanchez with distributing pounds of meth in Flathead and Lake Counties and indicated to law enforcement that the defendant made trips to Washington to get meth for distribution on the Flathead Reservation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Northwest Drug Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations.
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 man admits to sexually exploiting minor girl in PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Great Falls man accused of inducing a minor girl in Pennsylvania to send him sexually explicit photographs of herself admitted to charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Andrew Donovan Carter, 38, pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child. Carter faces a mandatory minimum 25 years to 50 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Dec. 2. Carter was detained pending further proceedings.
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 sites 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, 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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Cut Bank man admits sexual abuse of minor on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Cut Bank man accused of sexually abusing a minor in the Browning area, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, admitted charges on Monday, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.
Wyitt Winston Williamson, 26, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse and to sexual abuse of a minor. Williamson faces a maximum life in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Dec. 2. Williamson was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on Nov. 1, 2017, Williamson sexually abused a 15-year-old girl who was passed out in the backseat of Williamson’s vehicle.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the 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 Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Aug. 11 was:
Adrian Gutierrez, 20, of Gallatin County, 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, Gutierrez faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Gutierrez was detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-18.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Aug. 12 was:
Colleen Denise Abresch, 64, of Great Falls, and Mark Edwin Abresch, 63, of Great Falls, 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, both defendants face a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Both defendants were detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-49.
Ashley Nicole Rico, 34, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rico faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Rico was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-52.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Aug. 12 was:
Tirrell Lewis, 40, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lewis faces a maximum 10 years in prison, $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Lewis was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-46.
Jerry Allen Stone Jr., aka Joshua Ivan Doefer, 38, of Culbertson, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stone faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Stone was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-54.
Roy “Doc” Rosales, 27, of Dickinson, North Dakota, on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rosales faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release on the drug offense and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison consecutive to any other crime and a $250,000 fine on the firearm offense. Rosales was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-26.
Donald Ray Gardner, 58, of Lodge Grass, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and abusive sexual contact. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gardner faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Gardner was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-70.
Dakota James Calendrillo, 30, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Calendrillo faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Calendrillo was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-48.
Appearing on Aug. 13 and pleading not guilty was:
Lydia Lynn Doney, 29, address unknown, on charges of distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Doney faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Doney was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-104.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Reed Point man admits, sentenced for unlawful use of strychnine to poison wolf on Ennis area ranchRead the Press Release
BUTTE – A Reed Point man today admitted to and was sentenced for unlawfully using strychnine in a manner inconsistent with its labeling to poison a wolf on a ranch near Ennis, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Jeffrey Scott Wood, 49, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with unlawful use of a registered pesticide, a misdemeanor, and was ordered to pay a $500 fine and to pay $1,000 restitution to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided.
"Misusing strychnine to lace a cow carcass to kill predators is a violation of federal law that results in the indiscriminate killing of all kinds of animals, large and small, wild and domestic, common and endangered. Wood not only killed a wolf, but he also likely killed a pet dog and probably countless other smaller birds and mammals. This office will continue to prosecute this kind of unlawful and irresponsible use of registered pesticides to the fullest extent of federal law. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon and the Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks for investigating and prosecuting this case,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.
The government alleged in court documents that in October 2019, Wood unlawfully used a registered pesticide, strychnine, in a manner inconsistent with its labeling to poison a wolf on the Sun Ranch, near Ennis. An investigation into the death of the wolf determined that the wolf had ingested strychnine oats rolled in meat, which appeared to have been placed beside a previously dead cow. A ranch employee had shot the cow because it was sick and not from it being poisoned. A necropsy of the wolf found grains containing strychnine in its stomach and intestines and that the grains were the likely cause of death. A ranch employee’s dog also was suspected of dying from ingesting the strychnine.
The government further alleged that law enforcement learned Wood had called a witness and said to “play stupid” if anyone asked questions about the dead wolf. Wood explained that he placed the poison around the cow carcass because he saw a grizzly sow and two cubs nearby. Wood initially denied to investigators that he had any involvement in the wolf’s death, then admitted he put out the poison to kill wolves—not grizzly bears. Wood admitted it was wrong to use the poison to kill wolves and was aware he could not put strychnine oats in meat.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-Office of Law Enforcement and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks law enforcement.
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Jamaican national sentenced to prison in illegal Canada border crossingRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Jamaican national who admitted to illegally crossing into Montana from Canada and was arrested with others near Whitefish after a car chase was sentenced today to two years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Christopher White, 45, also known as Gregory White, Jahnyi Foster and Raymond White, pleaded guilty on April 12 to illegal reentry of a deported or removed alien.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that White, a Jamaican national, was removed from the United States in March 2020 through New York to Canada. White did not have permission from Department of Homeland Security to re-enter the United States. On Jan. 23, White returned to the United States near West Kootenai, near Eureka, and not a port of entry. White, who was a passenger along with two others in a vehicle, was arrested after a 75-mile car chase in which a defendant, Rastesfaye Neil, was the driver. Neil pleaded guilty to charges and is pending sentencing.
Border Patrol agents located a Nissan Sentra leaving the area where three subjects had illegally crossed over the international boundary. The agents attempted to stop the vehicle, and the Nissan eventually pulled to the side of the road. As agents approached the vehicle on foot, the Nissan sped away and headed southeast on Highway 93. Law enforcement ultimately deployed a vehicle immobilization device, and the Nissan came to a stop down a small embankment off the highway north of Whitefish. Law enforcement arrested the four occupants.
The Border Patrol, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Eureka Police Department, Whitefish Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury, criminal complaints or informations. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Aug. 3 was:
Vincent Harry Kopacek, 76, of Fredericksburg, Texas, on charges of attempted sexual abuse of a minor, abusive sexual contact, and assault within maritime or territorial jurisdiction. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kopacek faces a maximum 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Kopacek was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport Public Safety Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-26.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Aug. 6 was:
Raymond G. Fillion, 35, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious drug crime, Fillion faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Fillion faces a mandatory minimum five years in prison consecutive to any other sentence. Fillion was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-47.
Appearing on Aug. 3 was:
Dew Rex Allenby, 34, of Richland, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth, possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious drug crime, Allenby faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Allenby faces a mandatory minimum five years in prison consecutive to any other sentence. Allenby was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-38.
Rans Ray Carroll, Jr., 38, of Big Timber, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious drug crime, Carroll faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Carroll faces a mandatory minimum five years in prison consecutive to any other sentence. Carroll was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-03.
Shay Austin Dontmix, 24, of Billings, on charges of possession of stolen firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Dontmix faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Dontmix was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-49.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Aug. 3 was:
Dejarreh La’kean Talley, aka “DJ” Talley, 23, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, on charges of burglary. If convicted of the most serious crime, Talley faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $50,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Talley was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Fort Peck Law Enforcement investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-74.
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 man charged in COVID-19 relief fraud schemeRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Shepherd man who owns a restaurant was arraigned today on charges in connection with a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration (SBA) of approximately $75,000 in a COVID-19 relief loan and to use those funds for personal benefit, including buying classic cars, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Michael Eugene Bolte, 70, of Shepherd, owner of the Feedlot Steakhouse, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with wire fraud and with engaging in transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bolte faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Bolte was released pending further proceedings.
The indictment said that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the SBA began the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to provide economic relief to small businesses and nonprofit organizations that experienced a temporary loss of revenue. Loan proceeds were to be used solely as “working capital” for business operating expenses.
The indictment alleged that from April 1, 2020 to about March 4, 2021, Bolte devised a scheme to defraud the SBA by falsely certifying that loan proceeds were to be used as working capital for the business when in fact approximately $75,000 of loan proceeds were used for his own benefit. The indictment includes a criminal forfeiture in which if convicted, Bolte would forfeit to the United States any real and personal property derived from the offense. Property to be forfeited includes four classic cars -- a 1916 Studebaker, a 1929 Franklin, a 1939 Ford Deluxe and a 1941 Ford Super Deluxe.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Kakuk is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the SBA Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
An indictment is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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.
PACER case reference. 21-46.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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