District of Montana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Driver in Canada border crossing car chase admits immigration crimeRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Washington, D.C., man accused of picking up three individuals suspected of crossing illegally into Montana from Canada and leading law enforcement on a 76-mile, high speed car chase that ended near Whitefish admitted to an immigration crime today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Rastesfaye Alpha Neil, 39, pleaded guilty to transportation of illegal aliens as charged in an indictment. Neil faces a maximum five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Neil was detained pending further proceedings. Sentencing was set for Sept. 2.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged 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 at about 8:55 a.m. on Jan. 23, the Spokane Sector Border Patrol received information that three subjects with backpacks and wearing dark or camouflage parkas were entering the United States illegally in the West Kootenai area near Eureka.
Border Patrol agents responded to the area, spotted a southbound Nissan Sentra and attempted a traffic stop. While the Nissan initially yielded, it ultimately sped away as agents approached on foot. The Nissan led law enforcement agencies on a chase in which speeds reached 120 mph to 130 mph. The pursuit ended about one mile north of Whitefish when the Whitefish Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol 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 shortly before the chase began.
The government further alleged that 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 pleaded guilty to illegal reentry of a deported or removed alien and is awaiting sentencing. Abdi is pending extradition 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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DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day set for April 24, 2021Read the Press Release
BILLINGS – Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson will join the Drug Enforcement Administration in support of the 20th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 24. The biannual event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at sites across Montana. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.
In addition to DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day on April 24, prescription drugs can be disposed of any day throughout the year at any of the 11,000 authorized collectors. For more information on collection sites, visit: https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in homes are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses from these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
“The DEA’s Take Back Day is a great reminder to get rid of unneeded and expired prescriptions, not only on April 24, but also on any day of the year. Prescription drugs often end up in the wrong hands, fueling an epidemic of opioid deaths and overdoses. Montanans can help protect their families, friends and community by participating in the DEA Take Back event to safely dispose of unused prescription medications,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.
“We now face a national epidemic reaching every corner of America. Prescription medications often end up in the wrong hands, fueling an epidemic that kills more Americans than car accidents,” said DEA Montana Resident Agent in Charge Stacy Zinn-Brittain. “The power to make a difference starts at home, beginning with returning the unused, unwanted or expired medications that each American keeps in their homes.”
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that opioid overdose deaths have increased during the coronavirus pandemic. The CDC issued an alert in December indicating a significant increase in overdose deaths from August 2019 through Aug. 1, 2020, including concerning trends during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the United States, 85,500 people died of an overdose in just one year, from August 2019 to August 2020. This is the largest number of drug overdoses on record in the country within a one-year period and a 27 percent increase in deaths year over year. While many of these deaths are attributed to synthetic opioids (fentanyl), and while the CDC is seeing a decline in deaths attributed to prescription opioids, there are still an alarming number of overdose deaths involving prescription opioids.
To keep everyone safe, collection sites will follow local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations. Given the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, DEA wants to ensure that the public is aware of other ways they can dispose of unwanted prescription drugs without having to leave their homes. More information is available at: https://takebackday.dea.gov/
During the last Take Back Day held on Oct. 24, 2020, DEA collected a record amount of drugs since the program began in 2010. With a total of 4,153 law enforcement participants at 4,587 collection sites, the event brought in a total weight of 985,392 pounds, or 492.7 tons, of drugs. This brings the total weight collected to 13.68 million pounds, or more than 6,842 tons, of prescription drugs collected in the history of the program. Collection results may include materials other than prescription drugs.
During the Oct. 24, 2020 event, Montanans turned in 2,251 pounds of prescription drugs at 20 collection sites.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 24 Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com.
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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 April 13 was:
Khalil Lajuan Lyons, 19, of Eastpoint, Michigan, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone and fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lyons faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Lyons was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fort Peck Law Enforcement Services and Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
PACER case reference. 21-25.
Jason Tyrell Lee, 45, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, on charges conspiracy to possess and distribute oxycodone, possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lee faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Lee was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-11.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on April 13 was:
Leanna Martie Miranda, 52, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Miranda faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Miranda was released pending further proceedings. The FBI Transnational Organized Crime West Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-15.
Appearing on April 15 was:
Christian Mikal David Bramley, 21, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bramley faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Bramley was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-09.
Larry Sylvester Hines, 41, of Billings, on charges of false statement during a firearms transaction. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hines faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hines was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-12.
Teisha Nicole West, 35, of Wichita Falls, Texas, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, West faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the fraud counts and two years in prison consecutive to any other crime, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the identity theft count. West was released pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-19.
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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Hardin woman admits burning down house on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Hardin woman today admitted charges accusing her of burning down a house that was being renovated on the Crow Indian Reservation, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Vanessa Faith Prettyontop, also known as Vanessa Faith Gunshows, 34, pleaded guilty to arson as charged in an indictment. Prettyontop faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Prettyontop was released pending further proceedings. Sentencing has been set for Aug. 19.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on Oct. 3, 2020, Prettyontop started a fire in a house owned by the victim, identified as John Doe. When the fire occurred, Doe had nearly finished repairs and renovations and was planning to move back in. Prettyontop tried unsuccessfully to break into the residence through the front door, then entered through an open back door. Prettyontop intentionally lit a mattress on fire with a lighter. The fire spread to the rest of the house and Prettyontop walked out the front door. Prettyontop called 911 to turn herself in, confessed and said she was tired of people fighting over the house.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeanne Torske is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
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Pryor man sentenced to prison for assaulting woman on Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Pryor man who admitted beating and strangling a woman on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 34 months in prison and to three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Corey Dane Hill, 36, pleaded guilty on Dec. 16, 2020 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Hill was detained.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution alleged the assault occurred on Nov. 16, 2019, while Hill was drinking alcohol with the victim, identified as Jane Doe, in Fort Belknap Agency. The two argued. Hill hit the victim in head and strangled her. The victim underwent surgery for injuries.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Cobell prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement.
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Wolf Point man charged with first degree murderRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Wolf Point man accused of murdering another man in Wolf Point, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation last year, appeared on murder and firearms crimes on April 13, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said today.
Doratello “DJ” Juan Fischer, 35, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with first degree murder and to use of a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted of the murder charge, Fischer faces a mandatory life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. If convicted of the firearms crime, Fischer faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. Fischer was detained pending further proceedings.
The indictment alleges that on Nov. 27, 2020 in Wolf Point, Fischer unlawfully killed the victim, identified as John Doe, with malice aforethought and premeditation, and that Fischer knowingly used a firearm in relation to the murder count.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori Suek and Jared Cobell are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
PACER case reference. 21-23.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Billings drug trafficker involved in fake meth deal, shootout sentenced to more than seven years in prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man who admitted trafficking and firearms crimes after a fake methamphetamine drug deal led to a shootout was sentenced today to seven years and 10 months in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Gregg Allen Johnson, 42, pleaded guilty on Oct. 29, 2020 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Johnson was detained.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on June 3, 2019, Johnson introduced co-defendant, James Higgins, to another individual in the parking lot of a Walmart in Billings so Higgins could buy a large quantity of meth from the individual. Higgins paid the individual $3,000 and received a package wrapped in black plastic that the individual said was meth. The individual, however, had provided Higgins with a brick of rock salt.
When Higgins realized he had been cheated, he, a friend and Johnson went to the individual’s residence to recover his money. Higgins, Johnson and the friend all were armed. No one answered when they pounded on the door. Shortly after the friend began to enter through a rear door, shooting started. Video from security cameras at the residence showed the friend firing his pistol into the home. Johnson later admitted firing his weapon and numerous shell casing found matched the caliber of the firearm he was carrying. There was no evidence that Higgins brandished or fired his firearm. Higgins has pleaded guilty in the case and is awaiting sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws, and Project Safe Neighborhoods, the USDOJ’s initiative to reduce violent crime. Through these initiatives, 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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Acting U.S. Attorney statement regarding request to dismiss murder case against Taylor Leigh Plain BullRead the Press Release
BILLNGS — Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson today issued the following statement in seeking the dismissal of the murder case against Taylor Leigh Plain Bull:
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is seeking to dismiss the case against Taylor Lee Plain Bull, 27, a transient, after receiving notification today that he had died while in custody in Big Horn County, Wyoming. Mr. Plain Bull was awaiting sentencing on July 27 for conviction of second degree murder. Mr. Plain Bull had pleaded guilty on March 3 to second degree murder and to use of a firearm during a crime of violence in the Oct. 24, 2020 fatal shooting of a woman and injury of a passenger in her vehicle along Blue Creek Road on the Crow Indian Reservation.”
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Jamaican national arrested in Canada border crossing near Eureka admits immigration crimeRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Jamaican national who crossed into Montana from Canada and was arrested with others near Whitefish after a 75-mile car case admitted to an immigration charge today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Christopher White, 41, also known as Gregory White, Jahnyi Foster and Raymond White, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry of a deported or removed alien. White faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. White was detained pending further proceedings. Sentencing was set for Aug. 12 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen.
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 the Department of Homeland Security to reenter 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 in a vehicle, was arrested after a 75-mile car chase in which a defendant, Rastesfaye Neil, was the driver. Neil has pleaded not guilty to charges.
The government further alleged that on Jan. 23, at about 8:55 a.m., the Spokane Sector Border Patrol Dispatch received information that three subjects dressed in camouflage and dark clothing and carrying black backpacks were crossing the border from Canada into the United States near the area of West Kootenai.
Border Patrol agents located a Nissan Sentra on West Kootenai road leaving the area where the three subjects had 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 on the Nissan, and it 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.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared recently before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on April 8 was:
Wesley Dean Merrill, 40, of Billings, 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, Merrill faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Merrill was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-7.
Joshua Daniel Kaupang, 38, of Great Falls, on charges of receipt of child pornography and access with intent to view child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kaupang faces five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Kaupang was detained pending further proceedings. The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-2.
Pleading not guilty on April 6 was:
Amber Marie Bruse, 39, unknown address, on charges of distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bruse faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release. Burse was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-123.
Pleading not guilty on April 5 was:
Lawrence Howard Kahle, 54, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kahle faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the fraud counts and a consecutive two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft counts. Kahle was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-19.
Pleading not guilty on March 29 was:
Kyong Cha Roberts, 68, of Billings, on charges of coercion and enticement. If convicted of the most serious crime, Roberts faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Roberts was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-17.
Pleading not guilty on March 26 was:
Peter Margiotta, 63, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on charges of failure to surrender for service of sentence. If convicted of the most serious crime, Margiotta faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Margiotta was detained pending further proceedings. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-21.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on April 6 was:
John Charles Stowers, 57, of Great Falls, on charges of unlawful transfer of National Firearms Act firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stowers faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Stowers was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-14.
David Eugene Wing, 43, of Heart Butte, on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wing faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the assault counts and a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearms counts. Wing was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Fort Belknap Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-16.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on April 8 was:
David Vincent Viers, 58, of Silver Star, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Viers faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years to life of supervised release. Viers was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Butte Silver Bow law enforcement investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-11.
Pleading not guilty on March 30 was:
Steven Douglas Shipe, 52, of Butte, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Shipe faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Shipe was detained pending further proceedings. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Butte Silver Bow Law Enforcement Agency investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-12.
Charles David Clement, 34, 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, Clement faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Clement was detained pending further proceedings. Montana’s Division of Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Butte Silver Bow Law Enforcement Agency investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-12.
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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Ashland man admits assaulting person with rifle on Northern Cheyenne Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — An Ashland man accused of hitting another man in the head with a rifle pleaded guilty to an assault charge today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Channing Lee Ziler, 33, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Ziler faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Ziler was detained pending further proceedings. A sentencing date is pending.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on Dec. 31, 2017, Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement officers responded to a 911 call at a residence in Ashland, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. Multiple people were drinking at the residence, including Ziler. Witnesses described Ziler as being violent that night. The victim, identified as John Doe, arrived at the residence with other individuals. Witnesses described Ziler as holding a rifle when Doe arrived and saying, “this looks like someone I can slap around.” Ziler then struck Doe in the head with the rifle.
Ziler took Doe’s truck and left with Doe and another person. Law enforcement received another 911 call that the truck had run out of gas and that Ziler had set it on fire to stay warm in below zero temperatures. Ziler left the scene with the other individual, and law enforcement found Doe by the truck. Doe was taken to a Billings hospital for treatment of injuries.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Dake is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Armed robbery of Billings convenience store sends man to prison for more than 18 yearsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A man who admitted using a gun to hold up a Billings convenience store and to shooting the clerk in the arm was sentenced today to 18 years and nine months in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Darren Samuel Whiteman, 37, a transient, pleaded guilty on Nov. 20, 2020 to robbery affecting commerce and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence as charged in an indictment.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The prosecution said in court documents that on Nov. 24, 2019, the Billings Police Department responded to an armed robbery at the Gas n Go, located at 800 Jackson Ave. During the robbery, the suspect, identified through the investigation as Whiteman, shot the clerk in the arm with a handgun. The victim reported that Whiteman said, “Open the cash register. I’m robbing the place. Imma pop this bitch.” Whiteman then shot the clerk and fled in a pickup truck.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Billings Police Department.
This case is part of Project Guardian, a Department of Justice initiative launched in the fall of 2019 to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Through Project Guardian, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Montana is working to enhance coordination of its federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement partners in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. In addition, Project Guardian supports information sharing and taking action when individuals are denied a firearm purchase by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for mental health reasons or because they are a prohibited person.
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Box Elder man sentenced to prison for distributing meth to minorRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Box Elder man who admitted providing methamphetamine to a minor girl was sentenced today to 51 months in prison and to six years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
James Dean Stump, 34, pleaded guilty on Dec. 8, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute meth to a person under 21.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris ordered Stump detained.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that from about July 2018 to July 2020 Stump provided a minor girl, who was under the age of 21 and identified as Jane Doe, with methamphetamine. Jane Doe tested positive for meth and said she had received the drug from Stump.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Cobell prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services and Hill County Sheriff’s Office.
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Jury convicts former chairwoman of Montana Native Women’s Coalition of stealing federal grant fundsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A federal jury on April 2 convicted the former chairwoman of the Montana Native Women’s Coalition of crimes related to unapproved spending of federal grant funds, including travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
The jury found Meredith McConnell, 51, of Lame Deer, guilty of theft from a program receiving federal funding, wire fraud and false claims as charged in a superseding indictment. The five-day jury trial began on March 29. McConnell faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided and continued McConnell’s release pending further proceedings. A sentencing date is pending.
“Despite receiving training on financial oversight, conflicts of interest and ethics, Meredith McConnell stole grant funds intended to help Native American victims of violence and used the money for unauthorized travel and her own benefit,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said. “Our office will hold accountable and prosecute those who misuse grant funds. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Weldon and Bryan Dake and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General for investigating and prosecuting this case.”
“Instead of using grant money to help Native American victims of domestic and sexual violence, McConnell stole those grant funds for her own benefit including to pay for lavish travel and gifts. The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General will investigate and bring to justice anyone who tries to steal Department of Justice grant funds,” said Douglas B. Bruce, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Denver Field Office.
In court documents and in evidence presented at trial, the government alleged that beginning in about August 2017, McConnell, along with others, misappropriated federal grant funds to hand out cash payments to others, to buy purses and earrings as door prizes, to meet in Las Vegas, a trip that cost $31,744, and to receive double payments for meals. Prosecutors alleged that during a four-month period, McConnell was responsible in the misappropriation of more than 10 percent of grant funds designed to help address violence on Indian reservations in Montana.
The government further alleged the thefts occurred four months after board officials, including McConnell, participated in training about conflicts of interest, whistleblower policies, ethics and financial oversight. The training came after the Coalition’s previous executive director pleaded guilty to fraud in March 2017 for stealing from the organization.
The Coalition is a Lame Deer-based organization that helps Native American victims of domestic and sexual violence. The Coalition receives funding from the U.S Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), which provides grants for victim services. OVW awarded the Coalition $318,008 from October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018.
Co-defendants Sheryl Lynn Lawrence, of Colstrip, who was the Coalition’s executive director, and Barbara Mary Daychief, of Browning, who was a Coalition board member, both pleaded guilty to theft of federal funds and are pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Weldon and Bryan Dake are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General.
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Browning man admits murder, kidnapping on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man today admitted to murdering a man and to holding a woman hostage by knifepoint on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Jason Avery Mattson, 30, pleaded guilty to second degree murder and to kidnapping as charged in an indictment. Mattson faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for June 24. Mattson was detained.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on March 3, 2020, law enforcement was called to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation after the discovery of a body, which showed signs of homicide. The body was identified as John Doe. An autopsy confirmed the manner of death was homicide, with evidence of blunt force injury.
In addition, the government alleged that on March 10, 2020, Mattson called Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, confessed to killing John Doe and told dispatch he had a knife and a gun. While officers were responding to the residence, Mattson called again and told dispatch he was holding a hostage, identified as Jane Doe, at knifepoint. Mattson threatened to kill Jane Doe and held her hostage for about four hours before she was able to escape. Mattson was taken into custody.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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Kalispell meth trafficker sentenced to 10 years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Kalispell man who admitted trafficking methamphetamine he received from a California source was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Kyle Sloan Reed, 24, pleaded guilty on Nov. 20, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in February 2019 law enforcement arrested a person, identified as John Doe, in Missoula. Doe had in his possession about 2.6 pounds of pure meth, which is the equivalent of 9,422 doses. John Doe was bringing meth to Montana from California and told officers that a portion of the meth he had was intended for Reed. Other persons cooperating with law enforcement said they saw Reed with multiple pounds of meth for distribution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Clark prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Northwest Montana Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on March 23 was:
Joseph Daniel Boggio, 40, of Billings, on charges of illegal receipt of firearm by person under indictment and possession of a stolen firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Boggio faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Boggio was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-01.
Trevor Anthony Neal Fuller, 30, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fuller faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Fuller was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-04.
Vanessa Faith Prettyontop, 34, of Hardin, on charges of arson. If convicted of the most serious crime, Prettyontop faces a maximum life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Prettyontop was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-08.
Pleading not guilty on March 24 was:
Robert Roswald Redfield, 40, of Lodge Grass, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth and prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Redfield faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Redfield was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-77.
Krystal Firebear, 52, of Lodge Grass, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Firebear faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Firebear was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-77.
Pleading not guilty on March 25 was:
Tucker James McCune, 27, of Billings, on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, McCune faces a maximum 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. McCune was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-13.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on March 24 was:
Wyitt Winton Williamson, 25, of Cut Bank, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse, sex abuse and sex abuse of a minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Williamson faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Williamson was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-86.
Appearing on a criminal complaint on March 23 was:
Joshua Nathan Stillman, 46, of Great Falls, on a criminal complaint accusing him of receipt and distribution of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stillman faces five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Stillman was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI 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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Laurel woman sentenced for lying to get Social Security Administration benefitsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Laurel woman who admitted lying to receive federal benefits to which she was not entitled was sentenced today to three years of probation and ordered to pay $325,870 restitution, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Tanya Smith, 45, pleaded guilty on Oct. 1, 2020 to theft of government property.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
“Persons who lie to receive Social Security Administration and health care benefits at the expense of those who qualify for assistance will be fully investigated and prosecuted,” Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
“Supplemental Security Income is a needs-based safety net for the most vulnerable among us, and my office will aggressively pursue those who abuse it for personal gain,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its support of our investigation and its efforts to recover these taxpayer funds.”
In court documents filed by the government, prosecutors alleged that from about 2002 until 2019, Smith made misrepresentations about her living situation, marital status and income to the Social Security Administration to receive benefits. The misrepresentations resulted in Smith receiving $130,018 in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and $195,852 in Medicaid benefits, for a total of $325,870, to which she otherwise was not entitled to receive. Smith began receiving SSI benefits in 1987 and then married in 2002. In 2004, Smith corrected her living situation with SSA, noting that she was married and living with her husband, making her ineligible to receive SSI benefits. About two months later, Smith falsely reported she had separated from her husband and was no longer living with him. Smith continued to make this false claim for the next 15 years. Smith admitted to law enforcement to concealing her living arrangement to secure government benefits.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Dake and Karla Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.
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Helena man suspected of possessing stolen firearm appears in courtRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Helena man arrested on a federal warrant by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on suspicion of possessing a stolen firearm appeared in U.S. District Court today on a criminal complaint, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
The criminal complaint filed in the case accuses Robert Raymond Fasuga, 39, of possession of a stolen firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fasuga faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Fasuga was detained pending further proceedings.
According to the criminal complaint and affidavit filed in support of the complaint, on June 15, 2020, Fasuga engaged the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office in a vehicle pursuit that led to Fasuga’s residence. In attempting to arrest Fasuga, Fasuga threatened suicide with two pistols he had on his person. Deputies talked Fasuga into putting down the firearms and took him into custody. The court documents further allege the investigation determined that one of the firearms recovered from Fasuga was suspected of having been stolen from Mountain Man Trading Post in January 2020.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
PACER case reference. 21-05.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Harlem man sentenced for domestic abuseRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Harlem man who admitted a domestic abuse crime after beating a woman on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 30 months in prison and to two years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Jeremy Leo Tincher, 39, pleaded guilty on Nov. 10, 2020 to domestic abuse by habitual offender.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that Tincher attacked and injured the victim, identified as Jane Doe, on Aug. 9, 2019 as she was driving on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. The victim drove directly to the police station seeking help and was treated for injuries.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Cobell prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Fort Belknap Tribal Police.
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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 March 16 was:
Brett Williams James Jones, 27, of Lame Deer, on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jones faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Jones was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-73.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on March 17 was:
Joseph Mark Parsons Menke, 29, of Belgrade, on charges of distribution and receipt of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Menke faces a mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Menke was released pending further proceedings. The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Bozeman Police Department and Montana Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-04.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on March 16 was:
Kaycee Lynn Menz, 29, of Poplar, on charges of conspiracy to possess and distribute oxycodone, possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering. If convicted of the most serious crime, Menz faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release. Menz was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-11.
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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California supplier for eastern Montana methamphetamine ring sentenced to 121 months in prisonRead the Press Release
BILLNGS – A California man convicted in a methamphetamine distribution ring that supplied pounds of the drug to the Sidney area was sentenced today to 121 months in prison and five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Marc Buetow, 53, of San Diego, California, pleaded guilty on Oct. 22, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Buetow was detained.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that Buetow reportedly had a drug connection to the Mexican Cartel, would receive meth from his connection and supply individuals in California and Montana. Buetow was involved in supplying multiple pounds of meth to the Sidney area and eastern Montana from October 2015 through at least November 2017. Buetow became a significant source of meth for a Sidney distributor, who received 10 pounds in 2016 and another two to three pounds in 2017. Ten pounds of meth is the equivalent of 36,240 doses. In exchange for the meth, the Sidney distributor sent money to Buetow and eventually deposited money into accounts Buetow had at banks in Sidney and in North Dakota. Buetow received approximately $52,000 from these transactions.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno Baucus and Bryan Dake prosecuted 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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Lame Deer man sentenced to prison for attempted sexual abuse of minor, abusive sexual contactRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Lame Deer man who admitted sexual abuse charges involving a minor was sentenced today to 50 months in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Coolidge Allen Killsontop, 42, pleaded guilty on Oct. 19, 2020 to attempted sexual abuse of a minor and to abusive sexual contact as charged in an indictment.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Killsontop was detained.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in 2018 or 2019 in Lame Deer, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, Killsontop was in a residence with the victim, identified as Jane Doe, who was between the ages of 12 and 16. Killsontop groped the victim and attempted to sexually abuse her again after she had fallen asleep.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Dake prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Wolf Point man admits assaulting infantRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Wolf Point man accused of injuring an infant on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation pleaded guilty to assault charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Charles Connor Clark, 27, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury as charged in a superseding information. Clark faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for June 16. Clark was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in November 2017, the FBI was notified that an infant, identified as John Doe, had been flown from Wolf Point, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, to a hospital in Billings. The victim appeared to have suffered life-threatening, non-accidental injuries. Doctors informed agents that John Doe’s injuries were classic signs of physical abuse. When interviewed, the victim’s mother said Clark had told her the victim had vomited, that he was trying to burp him and that the victim had choked.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Suek is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Fort Peck Tribal Law Enforcement.
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Machete assault sends Great Falls man to prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS–A Great Falls man who admitted assaulting another man with a machete in Browning on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison and to two years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Shem Abram Killsnight, 42, pleaded guilty on Oct. 19, 2020 to assault with a dangerous weapon.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Killsnight was ordered to self report to prison.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on June 4, 2019, Killsnight went to the residence of the victim, identified as John Doe, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Killsnight brought a machete, and the victim believed Killsnight was under the influence of methamphetamine. Killsnight swung the machete at the victim and struck him in the hand. The victim sought medical treatment for the wound.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kalah Paisley and Cassady Adams prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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Arizona meth trafficker sentenced to 15 years in prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – An Arizona man who admitted drug trafficking and firearm crimes after officers seized more than four pounds of methamphetamine in Livingston was sentenced today to 15 years in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Gaspar Feliciano Salas, 46, of Glendale, Arizona, pleaded guilty on Aug. 7, 2020 to 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.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents filed in the case that the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force learned in February 2020 that a person had been purchasing multi-pound quantities of meth from Salas and another individual since February 2019. Salas and the individual traveled together to Montana to distribute meth. On April 23, 2020, agents located Salas and the individual at a hotel in Livingston and searched the room pursuant to a warrant. Agents seized 4.69 pounds of meth, which is the equivalent of about 16,996 doses, in a backpack. The backpack also contained a loaded 9mm handgun and an additional 51 rounds of ammunition.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the FBI Transnational Organized Crime West Task Force.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws, and Project Safe Neighborhoods, the USDOJ’s initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 48% from 2013 through 2019. Through these initiatives, 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 user convicted of possessing firearm sentenced to prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A methamphetamine user who admitted to brandishing a firearm at two individuals was sentenced today to 32 months in prison and to three years of supervised release, U.S. Acting Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Kenneth John Howard, 30, of Billings, pleaded guilty on Oct. 20, 2020 to possessing a firearm while being a user of a controlled substance as charged in an indictment.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that from July to October of 2019 Howard possessed a firearm on three occasions while using a controlled substance. The most recent of these instances occurred on Oct. 15, 2019, when officers responded to the Sleep Inn in Billings for a report of an individual brandishing a firearm. Two witnesses reported they were leaving the hotel when Howard motioned them over, pulled a black handgun from a bag, showed it to them, and began using derogatory language. Howard then walked away and entered a room at the hotel. Officers located the gun, a semi-automatic pistol with 11 live rounds of ammunition, in a vehicle.
Howard initially denied having a gun but later admitted to officers he brandished the gun in front of the two witnesses. Howard acknowledged he was a regular meth user and that he was coming down from using when he displayed the firearm. Another witness confirmed Howard was a regular meth user and that he previously brandished the firearm to other individuals on July 16 and August 29.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Guardian, a Department of Justice initiative launched in the fall of 2019 to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Through Project Guardian, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Montana is working to enhance coordination of its federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement partners in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. In addition, Project Guardian supports information sharing and taking action when individuals are denied a firearm purchase by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for mental health reasons or because they are a prohibited person.
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Florida drug trafficker caught with 78 pounds of meth in a traffic stop near Columbus sentenced to 11 years in prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Florida man who admitted trafficking methamphetamine after the Montana Highway Patrol found 78 pounds of the drug during a traffic stop in one of the state’s largest seizures was sentenced today to 11 years in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Nicholas James Imhoff, 30, of Cape Coral, Florida, pleaded guilty on Sept. 9, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
“With this traffic stop of Mr. Imhoff’s vehicle, the Montana Highway Patrol prevented a staggering amount of nearly pure methamphetamine from hitting the streets and harming communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to dealing with the problem of meth in our communities. We need to reduce both supply and demand. One way to reduce supply is demonstrated by this case. Meth traffickers caught in Montana will be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.
"Meth is the driving force behind the surge in violent crime across our state in recent years. One Highway Patrol trooper’s vigilance resulted in one of the largest drug interdictions in state history and kept a massive amount of meth off the streets. The Highway Patrol and entire Montana Department of Justice will continue to pursue and crack down on the people who are flooding our communities with dangerous drugs,” Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen said.
The government said in court documents filed in the case that on Feb. 11, 2020, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper stopped a vehicle for speeding on Interstate 90 near Columbus. Imhoff, the driver and sole occupant, told the trooper he was headed back to work in the oilfields in North Dakota. Imhoff's explanations and other observations led the trooper to suspect Imhoff was transporting drugs.
Imhoff's vehicle was impounded and the officer obtained a Montana search warrant. During a search of the vehicle, officers seized about 78 pounds of meth, which is the equivalent of 282,672 doses. The meth was located under a floor storage compartment in the second seat area and was in white plastic garbage bags. Some of the meth was packaged in vacuum sealed plastic bags and some was wrapped in duct tape. An analysis by a Drug Enforcement Administration lab determined the meth was 98 percent pure. The street value of the meth was estimated at between $624,000 to $1,248,000. The seizure was one of the largest meth seizures in Montana.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Montana Highway Patrol.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 36% from 2013 to 2018. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on March 10 was:
Holly Michele Hedberg, 38, of Billings, 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, Hedberg faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. The FBI Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-109.
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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Crow Agency man admits stabbing manRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Crow Agency man today admitted stabbing another man last year on the Crow Indian Reservation, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Dee Bad Bear, 59, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon. Bad Bear faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set. Bad Bear was detained.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution alleged the assault occurred on April 17, 2020 at a Lodge Grass residence, located on the Crow Indian Reservation. Bad Bear and the victim, identified as John Doe, were drinking alcohol and talking. Doe went to the bathroom and when he came out, Bad Bear slashed him with a knife. Doe was treated for injuries at a hospital in Billings. A knife matching a description by the victim was recovered from Bad Bear’s car.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeanne Torske is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Missoula CPA sentenced to two years in prison, fined for filing false tax returnsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Missoula certified public accountant convicted of filing false tax returns for a couple’s businesses was sentenced today to two years in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release and fined $10,000, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
After a four-day trial, a jury convicted Daniel Brian Burke, 64, on Nov. 5, 2020 of six counts of aiding and assisting to subscribing to a false document.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Judge Christensen ordered Burke to self-report to prison.
“As with all tax preparers, Mr. Burke had a responsibility to ensure that his clients complied with the tax laws. Instead, Burke actively helped them cheat on their taxes by hiding income, inflating expenses, and manipulating depreciation. With tax season under way, I hope this case will encourage tax preparers and taxpayers to think twice before committing tax fraud. If they commit fraud, they will be investigated and prosecuted,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.
“Today's sentencing of Daniel Burke is a direct result of the excellent partnership the IRS and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have in combating violations of federal law,” said Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge IRS Criminal Investigation, Denver Field Office. “This sentence is a strong message to all CPAs and tax preparers everywhere who are contemplating abusing or exploiting the tax system. IRS CI is committed to investigating and prosecuting those who abuse our tax system.”
In court documents filed in the case and evidence presented at trial, the government alleged that Burke signed false tax returns along with co-defendants and clients, Traci and Joseph Baumgardner, owners of AJB, Inc. and JZ Contracting, Inc., for years 2011 to 2013. In total, the Baumgardners reported gross receipts of $5,001,374 and paid federal taxes totaling $10,066 for the time. Traci and Joseph Baumgardner each pleaded guilty to a conspiracy count and were sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay $89,918 restitution.
The government alleged that through AJB and JZ Contracting, Inc., the Baumgardners operated two businesses, Splash Car Wash, in Missoula and Hamilton, and Pro Sweeps Plus, an industrial maintenance service. Burke, a certified public accountant, owned and operated Burke and Company, P.C., and prepared corporate and individual tax returns for the Baumgardners.
Prosecutors further alleged an undercover investigation by the IRS showed that Burke instructed the Baumgardners not to deposit cash in the bank or report it as income as required, to deduct personal expenses as business expenses and to improperly depreciate assets. An undercover IRS agent met with Burke and in a recorded interview, Burke agreed to file false tax returns for the undercover agent. At one point, Burke asked the agent, “You're not an undercover agent from the IRS or anything?” The agent responded no. Burke told the agent how to avoid taxes.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Weldon and Karla Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the IRS.
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Missoula man accused of Flathead Valley methamphetamine trafficking admits crimesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Missoula man suspected of trafficking large amounts of methamphetamine in the Flathead Valley and of having five pounds of meth at his shop admitted drug crimes on March 9, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Leon Paul Kavis, Jr., 36, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and to possession with intent to distribute meth. Kavis faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Kavis was detained pending further proceedings,
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for July 8 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. Kavis was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that Kavis was identified to law enforcement as a source of meth in the Flathead Valley from about November 2019 to November 2020. California authorities also identified Kavis as working with individuals to bring to meth to Montana for distribution.
The government further alleged witnesses would testify that Kavis sold them meth, observed him with pounds of meth, including up to 15 pounds on one occasion, that he always carried a firearm for protection and often had large sums of cash, ranging from $30,000 to $50,000.
The government also alleged that packages were being sent from California to Kavis’ shop in East Missoula. Officers executed a search warrant on one of the packages at the shop and found it contained about five pounds of meth, which is the equivalent of about 18,120 doses. The package was addressed to Kavis’ shop and had Kavis’ number listed.
Kavis contested aspects of the government’s case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Clark is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Missoula Police Department and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 48% from 2013 to 2019. 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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Convicted felon from Belgrade sentenced to prison for illegally possessing firearmRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A convicted felon who admitted possessing a loaded handgun found in a traffic stop in Gallatin County was sentenced today to 15 months in prison and to three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Ruben Francisco Federico. 23, of Belgrade, pleaded guilty on Nov. 10, 2020 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution alleged that on July 6, 2020, Federico, a convicted felon on state supervision, possessed a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol during a traffic stop in Gallatin County. A sheriff’s deputy clocked a vehicle going 109 mph in a 65 mph zone and stopped it after a short pursuit. Federico, the driver and sole occupant, was moving all over as the deputy approached. The loaded pistol was located during a probation search under the back-passenger seat, but within easy grabbing distance. Federico was convicted of a felony in 2018.
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Department of Corrections’ Probation and Parole and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
This case is part of Project Guardian, a Department of Justice initiative launched in the fall of 2019 to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Through Project Guardian, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Montana is working to enhance coordination of its federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement partners in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. In addition, Project Guardian supports information sharing and taking action when individuals are denied a firearm purchase by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for mental health reasons or because they are a prohibited person.
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California man admits meth trafficking crimeRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A California man accused of trafficking methamphetamine after law enforcement officers found 24 pounds of the drug hidden in a vehicle he was driving pleaded guilty today to a trafficking crime, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Christopher Santillanes Ceja, 31, of Riverside, California, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Ceja faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Ceja was detained pending further proceedings.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters has not yet been set.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that law enforcement agents learned in March 2019 about a shipment of meth being transported from Mexico to Billings. Law enforcement surveillance saw a vehicle with a California license plate registered to Ceja pull into a Billings hotel. Ceja was known to law enforcement as having been involved in meth trafficking in the Billings area. Later that same evening, officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and Ceja was driving. Agents impounded and searched the vehicle pursuant to a warrant. Agents located 19 bundles of meth concealed throughout the vehicle. The meth totaled 11 kilograms, or about 24.2 pounds, of pure meth. Eleven kilograms of meth is the equivalent of about 87,700 doses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Suek is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 48% from 2013 to 2019. 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 Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on March 1 was:
David Raymond Smith, 59, of Hamilton, on charges of false statements to bank and bank fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Smith faces a maximum 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release. Smith was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-01.
Laura Jeanne Haacke, 46, of Missoula, on charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute. If convicted of the most serious crime, Haacke faces mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Haacke was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-02.
Appearing on March 2 and pleading not guilty was:
Russell Joseph Breton, 61, of Polson, on charges of possession with intent to distribute and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Breton faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Breton was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Polson Police Department and Lake County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-04.
Aaron Charles Foote, 34, a transient, on charges of conspiracy, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Foote faces 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Foote was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-01.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on March 3 was:
Crystal Leigh Speakthunder, 38, a transient, on charges of conspiracy, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Speakthunder faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Speakthunder was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-01.
Appearing on March 1 and pleading not guilty was:
Carl Mark Madden, 46, of Billings, on charges of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Madden faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Madden was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-05.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Washington woman sentenced for meth trafficking on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, Great FallsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Washington woman who admitted trafficking methamphetamine on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation and in Great Falls was sentenced on March 3 to seven years in prison and five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Georgie Elaine Russell, 41, of Spokane, Washington, pleaded guilty on Oct. 22, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Russell was detained.
The government alleged in court documents filed in the case that the Great Falls Police Department learned in January 2020 that Russell was on federal supervised release for a meth conviction in the Eastern District of Washington and was trafficking meth from Washington to the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation and Great Falls. During an approved trip to Montana in January 2020, law enforcement made a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Russell was a passenger. The vehicle was impounded, and a search warrant was obtained. Officers found an air-sealed bag that contained approximately 222 grams of meth, or nearly one half pound of meth.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services and Great Falls Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 48% from 2013 to 2019. 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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Three Lewistown family members sentenced to prison for trafficking methamphetamineRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – Three members of a Lewistown family were sentenced today for their roles in a methamphetamine trafficking scheme in which meth was sent from California to Lewistown for distribution, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Kathleen Elizabeth Francis, 54, of Lewistown, was sentenced to 42 months in prison and four years of supervised release. Francis’ daughter, Amber Rachelle Carr, 36, of Lewistown, was sentenced to 20 months in prison and four years of supervised release. Francis’ mother, Shirley Ann Adcock, 73, of Springfield, Michigan, formerly of California, was sentenced to eight months in prison and three years of supervised release. Francis and Adcock pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth, while Carr pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth. All three defendants pleaded guilty on Nov. 10, 2020.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and ordered the defendants to self-report to prison.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in May 2019, the Lewistown Police Department learned that Francis was receiving packages of meth in the mail from the Bakersfield area in California. The investigation determined that Francis received delivery on two to three parcels per month. When a suspect package arrived addressed to Francis on September 2019 at the Lewistown Post Office, officers obtained a federal search warrant for the package and found it contained about 15 grams of meth. The package was delivered, officers executed a search warrant of Francis’ residence and arrested Francis. While officers were at the home, Carr arrived and was detained.
Carr admitted she had drugs sent to her mother’s house and said that the meth was shipped by Adcock, her grandmother, from California. Francis admitted she was using meth and allowed meth to be shipped to her home in exchange for Carr giving her meth to use. Adcock admitted to mailing the intercepted package, to mailing packages of meth to Francis on two or three prior occasions and to receiving money orders or money transfers for payment of the drugs.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Lewistown Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 48% from 2013 to 2019. 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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North Dakota man sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for meth trafficking at Fort Peck Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A North Dakota man convicted of methamphetamine trafficking crimes after investigators seized nearly two pounds of meth that were hidden in a pinata and a jar of peanut butter was sentenced today to 12 years and six months in prison followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
A jury found Christopher Michael Stebbins, 53, of Williston, N.D., guilty on Nov. 6, 2020 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and with attempted possession with intent to distribute meth.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and continued Stebbins’ detention.
In court documents and during trial, the prosecution presented evidence that on Nov. 8, 2019, Don Fred Baldwin, of Merced, California, mailed almost two pounds of meth to Stebbins to an address of a Brockton residence, located on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. The meth was hidden in a jar of peanut butter and inside a “cop dog” pinata. Law enforcement officers intercepted the package, obtained a search warrant and found 1.7 pounds of meth inside the pinata and the peanut butter jar. The quantity of meth seized is the equivalent of about 6,208 doses. Baldwin was sentenced to six years in prison for conviction in a companion case.
A witness told law enforcement officers that Stebbins received meth from Baldwin and that the shipments were usually one-pound quantities. Baldwin typically shipped the meth to Stebbins’ home in Williston and that the Nov. 8, 2019 package was the only shipment to the Brockton residence. Stebbins would re-package the meth to sell to others.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Postal Service and the Merced Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 48% from 2013 to 2019. 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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Seasonal employee admits sexually assaulting another employee while working in Glacier National ParkRead the Press Release
UPDATED March 5, 2021: For clarification, neither the defendant nor the victim was an employee of or affiliated with the National Park Service.
MISSOULA — A seasonal employee accused of sexually assaulting another seasonal worker in Glacier National Park admitted charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Eduardo Luis Diaz, 26, of Chicago, Illinois, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse during a hearing. Diaz faces a maximum life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Judge Molloy set sentencing for June 24. Diaz was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents filed in the case that in July 2020, Diaz and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were both seasonal employees working in Glacier National Park for a private contractor and living in employee housing. Doe became intoxicated at a party. After Doe had passed out, Diaz sexually assaulted Doe. Another resident of the dorm assisted Doe after the assault.
When interviewed by a National Park Service ranger, Diaz told the ranger that he had engaged in sex with Doe.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the National Park Service.
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Man admits murder, firearm crimes in fatal shooting on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A man admitted murder and firearms charges today in the fatal shooting of a woman and injury of a passenger in her vehicle along Blue Creek Road on the Crow Indian Reservation, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Taylor Leigh Plain Bull, 27, a transient, pleaded guilty to second degree murder and to use of a firearm during a crime of violence as charged in an amended superseding information. Plain Bull faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the murder charge, and a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters set sentencing for July 23. Plain Bull was detained.
In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on Oct. 24, 2020, the victim, identified as Jane Doe, was driving from Pryor to Billings with a passenger, identified as John Doe, in the front passenger seat, and a child in the back seat. While Jane Doe was driving westbound on Blue Creek Road, she was passed by Plain Bull, who was driving a stolen truck eastbound toward Pryor. Plain Bull previously had been in a dating relationship with Jane Doe. The truck had been reported stolen in Billings and contained four firearms, including a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol.
The government alleged that after passing Jane Doe, Plain Bull turned around and chased after her. He passed her car, drove to the top of a hill, and stopped sideways on the roadway, blocking the road. Plain Bull got out of the truck and pointed a gun at Jane Doe’s approaching car. Jane Doe stopped, told John Doe that it was Plain Bull and put her car in reverse. Plain Bull got back in the truck and ultimately forced Jane Doe’s car off the road into the ditch. Jane Doe was unable to drive out of the ditch because of snowy conditions.
The government further alleged that Jane Doe locked the car doors as Plain Bull approached the passenger side of the car with a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol. Plain Bull knocked on the passenger window and asked John Doe who he was. John Doe told Plain Bull to remain calm. Plain Bull fired two shots. The first shot shattered the window and lodged in the dashboard. Plain Bull then reached in and put the gun to John Doe’s temple. John Doe sustained an injury to his temple. The second bullet struck Jane Doe, who was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical responders.
Plain Bull drove away from the scene with the child and dropped the child off at another location. He called 911 after the shootings at least twice screaming that it was an accident and requesting an ambulance. The government said that according to Plain Bull, he passed Jane Doe, she saw him and tried to pull over because he was going to give her money but ended up in the ditch because of the slippery roads. When Plain Bull approached the car, John Doe started giving him grief, he tried to pistol whip him, and the gun went off.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Suek is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Feb. 23 was:
Eric Kendrick Buchanan, 43, transient, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth, distribution of meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Buchanan faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug crimes and a minimum mandatory consecutive five years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearms count. Buchanan was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-02.
Appearing on Feb. 25 and pleading not guilty was:
Jesus Valdez Martinez Jr., 45, of Bakersfield, CA, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Martinez faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years in prison on the drug counts, and a minimum mandatory consecutive five years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearms count. Martinez was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-06.
Chad Henry Swoboda, 36, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and false statement during a firearms transaction. If convicted of the most serious crime, Swoboda faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Swoboda was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-47.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Feb 25 was:
Jacyln Lee Henderson, 35, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Henderson faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Henderson was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-07.
Nash Devine Angel Ingraham, 19, Browning, on charges of kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, strangulation, assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ingraham faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. Ingraham was detained pending further proceedings. PACER case reference. 21-06.
Clayton Cree Morsette, 23, of Havre, 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, Morsette faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Morsette was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services, Tri-Agency Drug Task Force, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Kalispel Tribe Public Safety Department, Washington, and Airway Heights Police Department, Washington, investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-02.
James Tino White, Jr., 28, of Box Elder, on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, White faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. White was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-88.
Gurpal Singh Gill, 39, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gill faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Gill was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated the case. PACER reference. 21-05.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Feb. 22 was:
Rastefaye Alpha Neil, 39, of Washington, D.C., on charges of transportation of illegal aliens. If convicted of the most serious crime, Neil faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Neil was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, and Eureka Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-07.
Appearing on Feb. 23 and pleading not guilty was:
Christopher White, 40, of New York and Jamaica, on charges of illegal re-entry. If convicted of the most serious crime, White faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. White was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol and Eureka Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-08.
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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Harlem man sentenced for fatal ATV crashRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Harlem man who admitted to drinking and driving a four-wheeler when it crashed, killing his passenger on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, was sentenced on Thursday to 16 months in prison and to two years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Taylor Gardipee Walker, 23, pleaded guilty on Oct. 28, 2020 to involuntary manslaughter.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered restitution of $375.
The prosecution said in court documents that on Dec. 31, 2019 and into the early morning hours on Jan. 1, 2020, Walker was drinking to the point of intoxication. At about 3 a.m., Walker and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, went for a ride on a four-wheeler on Rodeo Drive, with Walker driving. Walker lost control of the ATV, causing it to roll over and sending him and the victim onto the pavement. Walker was seen fleeing the scene on foot.
Law enforcement officers and emergency responders arrived and found the victim unresponsive. The victim ultimately was transported to a Great Falls hospital, where she died from her injuries later that day.
Officers found Walker’s wallet at the scene and located Walker hiding in a bedroom closet of a residence. Walker, who had blood on his clothing and abrasions on his hands, was arrested for failing to report an accident. After initially saying he was not the driver, Walker admitted had been driving the ATV and had lost control and crashed. The investigation determined that Walker had a blood alcohol concentration of .0145 percent approximately three and a half hours after the crash.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Cobell prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services, Blaine County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol.
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Missoula man sentenced for pointing laser at airplane on approach to Great Falls airportRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Missoula man who admitted aiming a laser beam at an airplane as it was approaching the Great Falls airport was sentenced today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Brian John Loven, 42, pleaded guilty on Oct. 28, 2020 to aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft.
The defendant faced a possible sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. The government recommended a sentence within the guideline range of 15 months to 21 months in prison. The court sentenced Loven to three years of probation.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
“Mr. Loven’s conduct needlessly threatened the safety of the passengers and crew of a commercial aircraft. It is important for the public to understand that pointing any laser, even a small one, at the cockpit of an aircraft can obscure the pilot’s view and jeopardize the safe operations of the aircraft. Fortunately, the Great Falls incident did not result in any injuries. This office regards such cases as serious matters requiring aggressive prosecution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution said that at about 9:40 p.m. on March 3, 2020, two pilots operating a SkyWest flight reported that on their descent to the Great Falls airport, the plane was hit with a bright green laser that lit up the cockpit. The pilots reported that the incident occurred on the east end of town in the area of Giant Springs State Park.
Cascade County Sheriff’s deputies dispatched to the area located a Jeep driving slowly through the parking lot of Heritage Park, which was closed at the time. Loven was a passenger. The driver told deputies that she was learning how to drive a manual transmission car. While speaking with the driver, deputies noticed a small, black pen-like device sticking out of the center cup holder and asked about the item. The driver said the device was a laser pointer and activated it. The laser pointer projected a green light onto the dashboard.
Deputies interviewed Loven, who admitted to shining the laser at an airplane while it was approaching the airport. Loven explained that he was unaware it was a federal offense to shine a laser at a plane and just wanted to “test out the distance of the laser.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Transportation Security Administration, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and Airport Security.
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Box Elder man sentenced for scheme to smuggle meth into Cascade County jailRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Box Elder man who admitted his role in scheme to smuggle methamphetamine into the Cascade County Detention Center by having inmates hide the drug inside their bodies was sentenced today to 42 months in prison and to three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Franklin Troy Caplette, 36, pleaded guilty on Oct. 22, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute meth.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The prosecution said in court documents that in May 2019, while Caplette was incarcerated at the Cascade County Detention Center, detectives began to investigate a drug smuggling scheme. Caplette arranged for people outside of the jail to bond out inmates, provide the defendants with drugs to conceal in their rectums and have the defendants smuggle the drugs back into the jail.
When defendants returned to the jail, they told detention officers who their enemies were at the jail so they could get placed into the right pod to distribute the drugs.
In June 2019, a judge temporarily released Caplette to attend a relative's funeral on the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation and directed him to return by 5 p.m. the next day.
While on release, Caplette spoke by cell phone with jail inmates and told one inmate he was "coming in hot." Detectives waited at the jail for Caplette, who arrived late. While Caplette went to the booking area, Caplette's wife told detectives that they never made it to the funeral and instead went to other places before returning to Great Falls.
Detectives served a warrant on Caplette to search his body for drugs and took him to an emergency room for an x-ray. The x-ray showed three oblong-shaped objects in Caplette's abdomen. Caplette eventually passed the bags. An analysis determined that one of the bags contained meth, while two of the bags contained tobacco.
Other inmates told detectives that Caplette was in charge of contraband entering the jail and that he would use young inmates to be runners to bring back drugs into jail, where they would have parties at night.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Russell Country Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, 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. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 36% from 2013 to 2018. 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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Spokane woman admits meth trafficking on Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Spokane, Washington, woman suspected of being a longtime methamphetamine dealer in and around the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation today admitted trafficking charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Kristina Dawn Russette, 30, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Russette faces a minimum mandatory 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 June 2 and continued Russette’s detention.
According to court documents filed by the government, law enforcement officers in 2019 and 2020 learned from multiple individuals that Russette was supplying methamphetamine from the Spokane area to individuals on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.
The documents allege that in May 2020, Russette was driving a vehicle stopped in Washington for traffic violations. The vehicle was searched pursuant to a tribal search warrant and Russette’s consent and probation conditions. In a purse in the rear seating area were multiple bags containing suspected methamphetamine. A passenger in the vehicle stated that he and Russette had picked up those drugs in Spokane. The DEA determined the drugs from this seizure contained about 746.8 grams, or about 1.6 pounds, of actual methamphetamine.
FBI investigators also obtained information from multiple Facebook accounts in which Russette had used slang or code to communicate about drugs and to arrange for the distribution of drugs.
Additional individuals interviewed by the FBI identified Russette as a longtime supplier of large quantities of meth to persons on and around the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Plaut is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services, Tri-Agency Drug Task Force, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Kalispel Tribe Public Safety Department in Washington and the Airway Heights Police Department in Washington.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 48% from 2013 to 2019. 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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Felon sentenced to prison for firearms crime after shooting incident at Billings motelRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A man who admitted illegally possessing a shotgun after a shooting incident at a Billings motel was sentenced today to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Roderick Lee Little Bear, 39, of Billings, pleaded guilty on Sept. 3, 2020 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution said that Little Bear was convicted of a state felony in 2016 and was revoked in 2018.
On Oct. 17, 2017, Billings Police officers were dispatched to the Lazy KT Motel in Billings for a report that someone had shot a hole in the ceiling above a room with a shotgun. During the investigation, officers observed a suspect gray pickup return to the motel. Officers observed the driver exit the vehicle and a male, later identified as Little Bear, in the passenger seat. As officers approached the vehicle, they heard the sound of a shotgun being racked.
Little Bear looked at both officers and both officers observed Little Bear with a shotgun. One of the officers advised he saw Little Bear raise the shotgun and appear to take a step outside the vehicle. Little Bear was commanded to drop his weapon. Little Bear swung the shotgun in the direction of the officers and pointed the shotgun at them. The officers both fired shots at Little Bear. Officers directed Little Bear to show his hands and eventually Little Bear complied.
A shotgun was located on the ground next to the pickup. Little Bear was transported to a Billings hospital for treatment of his injuries. Little Bear refused to provide a statement to detectives regarding the shooting. Interviews with motel residents revealed the shooting was likely a result of a feud between rival gangs.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Guardian, a Department of Justice initiative launched in the fall of 2019 to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Through Project Guardian, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Montana is working to enhance coordination of its federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement partners in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. In addition, Project Guardian supports information sharing and taking action when individuals are denied a firearm purchase by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for mental health reasons or because they are a prohibited person.
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Box Elder man admits assaulting woman on Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man today admitted allegations that he assaulted a woman, causing serious injuries, on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Kelcey James Morsette, 31, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Morsette faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for June 2. Morsette was detained.
The prosecution said in court documents that on Nov. 14, 2019, Morsette was highly intoxicated and belligerent. Morsette argued with the victim, identified as Jane Doe, before becoming angry and attacking her. Doe sustained serious injuries from the assault and was hospitalized for her injuries. The assault occurred on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Cobell is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department Criminal Investigations.
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Arizona man who provided drugs that led to an overdose death in Park County sentenced to 12 years in prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – An Arizona man who admitting providing methamphetamine and heroin to a friend, who overdosed and died from the drugs, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison and to three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Brandon Thomas Houdashelt, 33, of Goodyear, Arizona, pleaded guilty on Sept. 29, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Houdashelt was detained.
According to court documents filed by the prosecution, on Nov. 3, 2018, Houdashelt was at the residence of two of his friends in Park County. Houdashelt had brought with him methamphetamine and heroin. He loaded a syringe with a combination of methamphetamine and heroin for himself and his two friends. One of his friends overdosed and died from the drugs. Law enforcement and medical personnel responded to the residence. An investigation determined that Houdashelt had been distributing methamphetamine and heroin to multiple people in the days between Nov. 1, 2018 and Nov. 4, 2018. Multiple drug users stated that Houdashelt was a drug dealer and described seeing Houdashelt in that time frame with a backpack containing methamphetamine and heroin, and to being provided with drugs by Houdashelt.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Godfrey 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. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 48% from 2013 to 2019. 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 woman admits trafficking meth, heroin and fentanylRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—A Billings woman today admitted a drug trafficking crime after law enforcement seized methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl during an investigation, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.
Lisa Ann Emmett, 34, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Emmett faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. Emmett was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution said that agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration developed information that Emmett and co-defendant, Anthony Walker, had been receiving distributable amounts of meth and heroin in the U.S. mail. DEA agents conducted several controlled buys from Emmett and Walter. Walter has pleaded guilty to charges and is pending sentencing.
On Aug. 30, 2019, a U.S. Postal Inspector intercepted a suspicious package destined to Walker’s business address. The package was searched pursuant to a warrant and investigators found about 465.1 grams of meth, which is approximately one pound, and 61.1 grams of heroin, which was similar to “China white” heroin.
The package was delivered to Walter’s business, and Walter took possession of the package. Agents executed a search warrant on the business. Both Walter and Emmett were present and directed agents to their drug stash. Agents located heroin, meth and marijuana in a black container. The meth was determined to be 99 percent pure. The China white heroin was determined to contain 51.6 grams of fentanyl.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the DEA.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 48% from 2013 to 2019. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Feb. 17 was:
Travis Rusty Wallace, 18, of Lodge Grass, on charges of arson. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wallace faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Wallace was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-137.
Appearing on Feb. 19 and pleading not guilty was:
Quinn Henry Jessen, 38, of Miles City, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jessen faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the conspiracy and fraud counts and a minimum mandatory consecutive two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the identity theft count. Jessen was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-128.
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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