District of Montana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Illegal possession of firearm sends Billings man to prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted stealing a firearm from a vehicle was sentenced today to 63 months in prison and three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. He also was sentenced to a concurrent 18 months in prison for violating the terms of his release on a previous federal conviction.
Dustin Neal Saksa, 36, pleaded guilty in February to being a prohibited person in possession a firearm. He also admitted to violating the terms of his supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The prosecution presented evidence in court records that Saksa was involved in an
April 2017 theft of a semi-automatic firearm and a purse with credit cards from an unlocked truck. Law enforcement officers responded to businesses in Billings where one of the stolen credit cards was used or attempted to be used. The investigation led officers to a witness who provided information about Saksa going into the victim's vehicle. The stolen firearm was recovered about a month later. Saksa was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a previous felony conviction.Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus 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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Armed methamphetamine dealer sentenced to prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings woman who admitted having five firearms while trafficking methamphetamine in the community was sentenced today to eight years in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Amber Lynn Lanphear, 35, pleaded guilty in February 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 Watters presided.
The prosecution said in court documents that law enforcement received information in 2018 that Lanphear was an armed drug trafficker in Billings and was bringing large amounts of meth to Billings from Colorado. Officers began surveilling Lanphear's movements, and in December 2018, saw her leave her residence in a vehicle and make several short stops and meet with unidentified individuals. In addition, Lanphear used a social media account to send messages in January 2019 saying she was taking "pre-orders" and "heading south." One message included a photograph of what appeared to be a large crystal of meth. Law enforcement learned about a drug run in which Lanphear returned from Colorado on Jan. 19, 2019. Officers executed a search warrant on Lanphear's residence on Jan. 22, 2019 and found a total of five firearms in her residence and vehicle and about 32 grams of pure meth.
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, 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 36% from 2013 through 2018. 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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Great Falls drug trafficker sentenced to prison after more than five pounds of meth seizedRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted trafficking methamphetamine after agents found more than five pounds of the drug at his residence was sentenced today to six years and eight months in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Tony Ray Sangrey, 35, pleaded guilty in April 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, Drug Enforcement Administration agents in Bakersfield, CA, contacted DEA agents in Montana with information that a California man was bringing pounds of meth to Great Falls. The Montana agents also learned that the meth was likely destined for Sangrey's residence.
The investigation determined that a meth shipment should have arrived at Sangrey's home in a black BMW. Great Falls police immediately went to Sangrey's home and saw a black BMW parked near the garage. Officers informed Sangrey they were securing the residence and getting a search warrant.
During a search of the garage, officers found a small room labeled "man cave." Inside this room, detectives found a safe and a computer used to monitor the exterior surveillance system on the house and garage. The safe contained a dozen pre-packaged bags of meth that totaled nearly one pound. In the BMW, officers found five heat-sealed bags of meth weighing almost five pounds. The total amount of meth seized was the equivalent of about 20,294 doses. Sangrey acknowledged to officers that he began dealing meth in the summer of 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the DEA, Russell Country Drug Task Force and the Great Falls Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. 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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Cocaine, meth and heroin dealer sentenced to prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted selling multiple drugs in the Great Falls area was sentenced today to 54 months in prison and four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Gabriel Louis Norlin, 30, pleaded guilty in March to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian Morris presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution said that in September 2019, Russell Country Drug Task Force officers received information that Norlin was selling cocaine and heroin and that he was traveling to California to pick up narcotics for redistribution in Montana. In October 2019, law enforcement officers stopped and seized a truck Norlin was driving near Four Corners, towed it to Belgrade and conducted a search. Law enforcement officers found numerous bags of drugs, including two bags totaling about two pounds of cocaine. Two pounds of cocaine is the equivalent of about 7,610 doses. Norlin admitted later to detectives that he had been selling cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Russell Country Drug 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 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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Lodge Grass man admits strangling girlfriendRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Lodge Grass man today admitted strangled his girlfriend during an assault last year at her residence on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Augustus Christopher Wolfblack, also known as Augustus Christopher Flatmouth, 19, pleaded guilty to assault by strangulation of a dating partner. Wolfblack 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. Wolfblack was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution said Wolfblack assaulted the victim on Sept. 15, 2019 at her residence in Lodge Grass. Wolfblack struck the victim with his fists, put her in a headlock and strangled her. After the assault, Wolfblack left and the victim sought help from relatives. Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement officers interviewed the victim, who was treated at the Indian Health Service in Crow Agency for injuries. When interviewed, Wolfblack initially denied assaulting the victim except to say he grabbed her arm after she hit him in the head. After being pressed, Wolfblack admitted he had hit the victim with his fists, pushed and shoved her and held her up against a wall by putting his hand around her neck, although he claimed that he did not squeeze her neck.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Suek is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Plains Man Admits Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Plains man accused of making and transporting child pornography videos pleaded guilty to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
David Paul Farrar, 58, pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child and transportation of child pornography. Farrar faces a minimum mandatory 15 years to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and a minimum mandatory five years to life of supervised release on the sexual exploitation count and a minimum mandatory five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years to life of supervised release on the transportation of child pornography count.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing has been set for November 20, 2020 in Missoula. Farrar is s detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution said that while Farrar was away in Idaho in June 2019, he allowed a friend to stay at his home in Plains. The friend viewed electronic storage cards found in Farrar's house and saw that they contained sexually explicit photographs of a female child. The friend reported her findings to law enforcement.
An agent with Homeland Security Investigations obtained a search warrant for Farrar's residence and seized multiple computers and electronic storage devices. An analysis of the items seized determined they contained video files of the victim and were created sometime in 2013 or 2014. The videos were created using a cell phone or digital camera and contained lewd and lascivious images of the victim. Agents determined Farrar created the videos because the viewer can see his hand and hear his voice. Farrar also admitted to agents that he created the videos of the victim.
Agents also found a video of two other minor girls that contain lewd and lascivious images. The investigation determined that Farrar electronically transferred that video to a file on one of his computers.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee Peterson is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by HSI.
This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, Project Safe Childhood attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation. It is implemented through partnerships including the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children.
Great Falls Drug Dealer Sentenced to over 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A man accused of leading a large methamphetamine and heroin trafficking ring and distributing drugs from a Great Falls pre-release center was sentenced today to 160 months in prison followed by 5 years supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Anthony Joseph Beltran, 45, who lived at a Great Falls pre-release center, pleaded guilty in March to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and to obstruction of justice by retaliating against a witness.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Judge Morris also ordered Beltran to forfeit four vehicles, an RV and $47,824 in currency.
The prosecution said in court records that law enforcement began investigating a meth and heroin distribution ring in Great Falls in September 2018. Agents learned that Beltran supplied a significant amount of drugs that came from California to others, including convicted co-defendants Jacqueline Kirkaldie and David Awberry, for redistribution. Kirkaldie was sentenced to 11 years and four months in prison, while Awberry was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Beltran, who was distributing meth and heroin while living at the pre-release center, also maintained a safe with drugs, cash and firearms at a local residence and had a storage unit.
During the investigation, detectives served a search warrant on the house where Beltran stored drugs and found about 4.8 pounds of methamphetamine. The amount of meth seized from the home is the equivalent of about 17,395 doses.
In a search of the storage unit, detectives found 31 firearms, most of which had been stolen from residences in Cascade County.
Beltran was arrested on April 3, 2019 and held at the Cascade County Detention Center. On April 22, 2019, detectives learned that the entire sealed criminal complaint filed against Beltran and his co-defendants had been published on Facebook pages and that its publication appeared to be an implicit threat against anyone who had provided law enforcement information about Beltran’s drug activities. Investigators linked the Facebook pages to Beltran, who in jail calls referred to funneling the paperwork out of the jail for posting on Facebook.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Great Falls Police Department, Russell Country Drug Task Force and the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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 July 27 was:
Danielle Marie Marceau, aka Danielle Marie ComesAtNight, 34, on charges of second degree murder. If convicted of the most serious crime, Marceau faces a maximum life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Marceau was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-51.
Appearing on July 28 was:
Carlyle Ray Wells, 25, of Great Falls, on charges of theft from a firearms licensee, possession of stolen gun or ammunition and unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wells faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Wells was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-46.
Chance Justin Redstone, aka CJ Redstone, 35, of Wolf Point, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Redstone faces a minimum mandatory five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release. The FBI and Fort Peck Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-39.
Maynard Joseph White Bear, 67, of Fort Kipp, on charges of involuntary manslaughter. If convicted of the most serious crime, White Bear faces a maximum eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. White Bear was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and Fort Peck Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-42.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on July 30 was:
Matthew Anthony Marshall, 49, of Whitefish, on charges of wire fraud, money laundering and tax evasion. If convicted of the most serious crime, Marshall faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Marshall was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and IRS investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-32.
If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Ennis pharmacist pleads guilty to opioid distributionRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – An Ennis pharmacist accused of diverting opioids today admitted to unlawfully dispensing an opioid and obtaining personal opioid prescriptions by fraud or forgery, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Bradley John Stoick, 70, of Hailey, Idaho, pleaded guilty to dispensing a controlled substance by a practitioner and to acquiring or obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge. Stoick faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Stoick was released pending further proceedings. Sentencing was set for Nov. 19.
"It is critical that pharmacists and other licensed providers comply with the law when dispensing all drugs, especially opioids. When a health care professional, like Mr. Stoick, abuses his position to divert and steal opioids, he will be prosecuted," U.S. Attorney Alme said.
The prosecution said in court records that Stoick was the pharmacist-in-charge of Ennis Pharmacy in Ennis. In 2019, Drug Enforcement Administration investigators conducted a routine administrative inspection of Ennis Pharmacy and discovered numerous prescriptions for Stoick for Norco 10-325mg, a drug which contains Hydrocodone, a powerful opioid and a Schedule II controlled substance. Stoick filled those prescriptions for himself as the on-duty pharmacist. The doctor whose name and signature were on those prescriptions never saw Stoick as a patient and did not issue any of those prescriptions.
In addition, computer records at the pharmacy showed that Stoick altered a prescription for a friend. He modified the strength of the prescription from Norco 5-325mg up to Norco 10-325mg, which contains twice as much Hydrocodone. He also increased the amount of the prescription from 45 pills to 120 pills. Stoick then filled the prescription himself and mailed it to his friend in Utah.
In a separate civil case settled earlier this month, Ennis Pharmacy agreed to pay a $125,000 fine and make several changes to its operating procedures.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Kakuk is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the DEA.
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Lame Deer man sentenced to prison for assaulting womanRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A man who admitted injuring a woman by hitting and punching her during a fight in Lame Deer in 2017 was sentenced today to six months in prison and three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Frank Brent Flying, Sr., 38, of Lame Deer, pleaded guilty in November to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court records filed in the case, the prosecution said that the assault occurred during an argument on Dec. 28, 2017 at a residence in Lame Deer on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. Flying punched the victim multiple times in the face and strangled her. The victim was treated for substantial injuries.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Dake prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Hitting woman with baseball bat sends Busby man to prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Busby man who admitted striking a woman with a baseball bat and his fists last year on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison and three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Chase Woodenlegs, 30, pleaded guilty in February to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court records filed in the case, the prosecution said the assault happened on July 23, 2019 at a Busby residence. Woodenlegs hit the victim with his fists and a baseball bat. He also strangled the victim. After the assault, Woodenlegs fled the area. The victim was treated for multiple injuries.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Dake is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Jury convicts man of sexually abusing minor girls in Lodge GrassRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A federal jury on Monday convicted a Moiese man accused of sexually abusing minor girls in Lodge Grass on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
After a two-day trial, the jury found Jack Preston Coversup, 57, guilty of sexual abuse of a minor and abusive sexual contact.
Coversup faces a maximum 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release for sexual abuse of a minor, and a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release for abusive sexual contact.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided and set sentencing for Dec. 10. Coversup was detained pending further proceedings.
"A jury held Mr. Coversup accountable for molesting minor victims over a period of months. Children must be protected from sexual predators, and we will prosecute offenders to the full extent of the law. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Godfrey and Lori Suek and the FBI for their hard work in investigating and prosecuting this case," U.S. Attorney Alme said.
During trial, the prosecution presented evidence that Coversup had sexually molested three minor girls in a Lodge Grass residence from about December 2015 to February 2016. The victims were under the age of 16. Coversup sexually molested the victims by touching their bodies over and under their clothing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Godfrey and Lori Suek prosecuted 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 July 20 was:
Kristin Alise Smith, 43, 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, Smith faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Smith was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-80.
Mark Stephen Best, 60, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Best faces a minimum mandatory five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Best was detained pending further proceedings. Pacer case reference. 20-67.
Appearing on July 21 was:
Lisa Ann Emmett, 34, of Billings, and Anthony Scott Walker, 40, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Emmett and Walker face minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Emmett and Walker were released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-53.
Drew Hochhalter, 37, of Hardin, on charges of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hochhalter faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release. Hochhalter was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-54.
Chase Everett Sexton, 30, of Billings, on charges of false statement during firearms transaction. If convicted of the most serious crime, Sexton faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Sexton was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-63.
Sean Evan Thomas Bad Bear, 28, of Billings, on charges of assault by strangulation of an intimate partner and dating partner. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bad Bear faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Bad Bear was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-52.
Appearing on July 23 was:
Robert Joseph Speelman, 48, of Ashland, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Speelman 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 count and a minimum mandatory five years to life consecutive to any other sentence on the firearm count. Speelman was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-57.
Simon Douglas Stanley, 45, of Miles City, 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 felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stanley 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 count and a minimum mandatory five years to life consecutive to any other sentence on the firearm count. Stanley was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-58.
Cody Raymond Hanson, 39, of Billings, and Danielle Leona Dye, 29, 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, Hanson and Dye face a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Hanson and Dye were detained pending further proceedings. The FBI Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-72.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on July 21 was:
Christopher Anthony Willis, 41, of Missoula, on charges of false statement in firearm acquisition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Willis faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Willis was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-26.
Justin Patrick Kline, 33, of Bozeman, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kline faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Kline was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Montana Department of Corrections Probation and Parole. Pacer case reference. 20-12.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on July 22 was:
Mitchell Joseph Wright, 40, of Rancho Palos, CA, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wright faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Wright was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Great Falls Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Lewistown Police Department investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-50.
Christopher Michael Stebbins, 53, of Williston, N.D., on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and attempted possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stebbins faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Stebbins was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Fort Peck Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-49.
Austin Lee Pipe Sr., 29, of Wolf Point, on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in substantial injury to dating partner. If convicted of the most serious crime, Pipe faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Pipe was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Fort Peck Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-48.
If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Billings meth trafficker sentenced to more than 26 years in prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS— A Billings man convicted of bringing large quantities of methamphetamine to the community and of possessing firearms was sentenced today to 26 years and 10 months in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
After a two-day trial in March, a jury found Maurice Joseph Fregia, 33, guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
“Fregia's sentencing should put all meth dealers on notice that they face long prison terms if they plan to push this highly addictive drug into our communities and use firearms to further their trade. We will continue to prosecute dealers like Fregia and his co-conspirators to the full extent of the law,” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
The prosecution presented evidence at trial that Fregia, along with co-defendant Chad Beres, headed a large drug trafficking organization that brought large quantities of meth and other drugs into Montana from California. In April 2018, law enforcement officers with the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force served three search warrants on three Billings residences, including a house where Fregia and Beres lived. Both Fregia and Beres were present during the search. Officers found almost 700 grams of meth, which is about 1.5 pounds and about 5,600 doses, sticking out of a clothes dryer vent, $14,538 in currency, jewelry, including a Rolex watch in Beres’ room, other drugs and various firearms and ammunition. Beres pleaded guilty to charges and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
During the search of a second residence, occupied by co-defendant Larry Barnett, agents found meth and a handgun. Barnett, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to seven years in prison, admitted he had received multiple pounds of meth from Fregia and Beres and had seen both men with firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin Rubich and Julie Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, the FBI and the Billings Police Department.
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 36% from 2013 through 2018. 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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Big Arm man admits making sexually explicit videos of minor girlRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Big Arm man accused of making child pornography videos and sending an image to an undercover agent today pleaded guilty to charges, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Billy Dean Smith, 55, pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child. Smith faces a minimum mandatory 15 years to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided and set sentencing for Nov. 6. Smith was detained.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution said that in January, an undercover FBI agent was investigating a KIK chat group known to exchange child pornography. KIK is a mobile phone app that allows users to exchange instant messages over the internet. Smith exchanged messages with the undercover agent where he described sexually abusing a girl, who was under the age of 18. Smith sent a sexually explicit image of the girl to the undercover agent. Agents obtained a search warrant for Smith's cell phone, seized it and conducted a forensic analysis of its contents. The forensic examiner located the sexually explicit image of the girl that Smith had sent the agent. The examiner also located other videos and images of the girl. The images were created in January and February using the cell phone. The video contained child pornography of the girl. Smith admitted he had filmed the sexually explicit videos of the girl.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee Peterson is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, Project Safe Childhood attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation. It is implemented through partnerships including the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children.
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Busby woman sentenced to prison for endangering childrenRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—A Busby woman convicted of severely neglecting two young children who were in her custody, causing them serious injury, was sentenced today to one year in prison and three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Edith Wolfblack, 60, pleaded guilty in December to two counts of criminal child endangerment.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The prosecution said in court records that in October 2018, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Social Services removed two children, who were under the age of 14, from Wolfblack’s home on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. The children had been placed in Wolfblack’s care in 2013. During the years in Wolfblack’s custody, Wolfblack failed to take the children to doctor’s appointments, many that were meant to address ongoing health issues, thereby inhibiting proper development of the children. Medical records also indicated severe malnutrition and a significant failure to grow. The children were hospitalized after being removed from the home. Since removal, the children have continued to grow and thrive medically.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Dake prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the BIA and FBI.
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Glendive man admits making child pornography videosRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Glendive man today admitted producing and possessing videos containing images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Anthony Dwayne Boldt, 44, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography and to possession of child pornography. Boldt faces a minimum mandatory 15 years to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and from five years to life of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Boldt was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution said law enforcement received information in January that Boldt may have been filming sexual activity with a juvenile girl. Law enforcement also received digital storage cards that came from Boldt's residence. The cards contained files confirming the reported activity.
Law enforcement served a search warrant on Boldt's residence and seized multiple items of electronic media. A forensic analysis of the media found videos of the defendant and the victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct in addition to other victims, including prepubescent children, engaging in similar conduct. In an interview with law enforcement, the victim confirmed that she was person depicted with Boldt in many of the videos and that Boldt had sexually assaulted her since about 2014.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, Project Safe Childhood attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation. It is implemented through partnerships including the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children.
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Billings man admits strangling partner on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man today admitted he strangled his partner during an argument at a residence on the Crow Indian Reservation and also was an habitual domestic assault offender, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Leslie Charles Hogan, Jr., 37, pleaded guilty to assault of a dating partner by strangulation and to domestic assault by an habitual offender. Hogan faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on each crime.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Hogan was released on conditions pending further proceedings.
The prosecution said in court records that on May 17, 2017, the victim and Hogan, who were in a relationship, were in the victim's residence when the couple got into a verbal argument. The fight turned physical. Hogan pushed and shoved the victim then pushed her up against a wall and strangled her until she was almost unconscious. The assault stopped when another person in the residence struck and pushed Hogan to halt the strangulation.
The victim sought immediate medical attention and experienced pain in her neck and throat. The victim returned to the hospital three days later because she was having problems swallowing.
Hogan has two prior convictions for domestic assault.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Suek is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Montana Pharmacy Settles Controlled Substances Act Violations for $125,000Read the Press Release
HELENA—A pharmacy in Ennis, Montana settled potential violations of the Controlled Substances Act by agreeing to several substantive changes to its practices and paying a fine of $125,000, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The Ennis Pharmacy and Yesterday’s Soda Fountain, Inc., entered into a civil settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana on July 7, 2020. The terms of the settlement include that Ennis Pharmacy shall check the criminal history of any potential employee handling controlled substances, and only a registered pharmacist may order Schedule II controlled substances for the pharmacy. In addition, Ennis Pharmacy will make 11 monthly payments for a total fine of $125,000.
“Opioid abuse causes tremendous harm in our communities. It is critical that all pharmacies and other providers follow the rules to be sure that controlled substances are not misused,” said U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme. “We take very seriously any violations of the Controlled Substances Act, particularly those which could lead to diversion of opioids.”
The settlement agreement recites that in April, 2019, Drug Enforcement Administration investigators conducted a routine inspection of Ennis Pharmacy. During that inspection and subsequent investigation, they discovered numerous potential civil violations of the Controlled Substances Act, including:
- Failing to report at least seven thefts or losses of controlled substances to DEA,
- Failing to take a proper inventory of its stock of controlled substances,
- Allowing pharmacy staff to use the owner’s credentials to order controlled substances, and
- Allowing staff to make manual adjustments to inventory records without proper explanation.
This civil settlement agreement is not an admission of any liability by Ennis Pharmacy, nor a concession by the United States that its potential claims were not well-founded.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Kakuk and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Dishong represented the United States in this matter, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Former Custom Carbon Processing official sentenced to prison, fined for violating Clean Air Act for actions leading to explosion of Wibaux oil processing plantRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – The former president of Custom Carbon Processing, Inc. was sentenced today to 18 months in prison, three years of supervised release and fined $50,000 for his actions related to an explosion that injured three workers at the company’s oil processing plant in Wibaux, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
A jury in September found Peter Margiotta, 63, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, guilty of all three counts in an indictment, including conspiracy, Clean Air Act—general duty and Clean Air Act-knowing endangerment.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters took restitution under advisement and will issue a ruling later. Margiotta was released pending assignment to a federal prison.
“By failing to comply with the law in the construction and operation of a plant that handled hazardous materials, Mr. Margiotta endangered his employees, three of whom were injured in the explosion. Companies doing business in Montana must follow environmental regulations," U.S. Attorney Alme said.
“By knowingly operating an oil processing facility without appropriate safeguards, the defendant endangered workers and the public,” said Bert Marsden, Resident Agent in Charge of the Environmental Protection Agency’s criminal enforcement program. “Today’s sentencing reflects the egregious nature of the defendant’s actions.”
“Employees expect that their employers prioritize their safety by ensuring adherence to Federal safety regulations. In hazardous material transportation and processing, this expectation is paramount,” stated Cissy McCune, Regional Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. “Our work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and agents from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which resulted in the sentencing of Mr. Margiotta, is a testament to our commitment to protecting the safety of our nation’s transportation workforce.”
“The hard work and dedication of our federal partners to bring justice for victims and hold Mr. Margiotta accountable for his unacceptable actions is to be commended,” said Rita Lucero, Acting Regional Administrator for OSHA’s Denver Region. “OSHA will continue to collaborate with federal agencies to hold employers accountable if they violate federal workplace safety and health laws that place their employees at risk of serious physical harm and death.”
During a five-day jury trial, the prosecution presented the following evidence:
Margiotta was president and CEO of Custom Carbon Processing, a Wyoming company that constructed the Michels Disposal Well and Oil Reclamation Facility in Wibaux in 2012. The construction was done in ways that allowed extremely hazardous hydrocarbon vapors and air pollutants to be released into the air.
On July 4, 2012, Margiotta directed the opening of the plant before implementing appropriate electrical wiring, ventilation and other safety measures. On that date, the project manager emailed Margiotta: “The control panels must be moved asap with the explosion proof wiring. We also run the risk of killing someone, not only our operators but also customers.”
Margiotta also directed employees to accept shipments of highly volatile and flammable “natural gas condensate” or “drip gas” into the operations in a purported effort to help thin and process the slop oil at the plant.
Margiotta disregarded repeated warnings from the plant’s foreman that the natural gas condensate was not effective in thinning the slop oil and instead was creating a dangerous situation because of its highly volatile and flammable nature.
On Dec. 29, 2012, the plant accepted a delivery of natural gas condensate. During the offloading of the material, hazardous and flammable vapors from the condensate filled the plant building and spread out the open bay doors where the truck delivering the condensate was located. The vapors reached an ignition source, triggering an explosion that injured three employees and extensively damaged the plant, the truck and trailer involved in the delivery.
This Clean Air Act prosecution was of national significance not only for the extent of the harm caused, but also because it is the first trial conviction under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 7413(c)(5), which imposes increased penalties for anyone who knowingly releases hazardous air pollutants knowing that, at the time of the release, they have put someone in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury. It is also the first conviction under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 7412(r)(1), which places a general duty on owners/operators of facilities handling extremely hazardous substances to prevent and mitigate the consequences of accidental releases of those substances.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Dake and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Nelson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
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Montana Psychiatrist Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of an OpioidRead the Press Release
Helena—A Montana psychiatrist who admitted to unlawfully prescribing and abusing an opioid was sentenced today to five years of probation and ordered to pay a fine of $4,000, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. In addition, as part of his sentence the psychiatrist cannot prescribe any controlled substance during his five years of probation.
Richard E. Mitchell, 35, pleaded guilty in March to unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution said that Mitchell is a physician who was previously employed as a psychiatrist at the VA Medical Center at Fort Harrison near Helena. On April 24, 2019, Mitchell wrote a prescription for Norco, which contains the opioid Hydrocodone and is a controlled substance, for a woman who was not a patient of the VA Medical Center. Mitchell was with the woman at the pharmacy when she filled the prescription, where the pharmacist recognized Mitchell and noted his unusual behavior. After obtaining the prescription, Mitchell and the woman later crushed some of the opioid pills and snorted them.
Law enforcement was notified by the pharmacist who filled the opioid prescription of Mitchell’s erratic behavior while at the pharmacy. When questioned by law enforcement, Mitchell admitted that he was in a romantic relationship with the woman and that they had crushed and snorted some pills containing Hydrocodone.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Kakuk and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Dishong prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
California man charged with possessing drugs for distributionRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS -- The U.S. Attorney’s Office today announced that Mitchell Joseph Wright. 40, of Los Angeles, CA, appeared on Monday on a criminal complaint charging him with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
If convicted of the most serious crime, Wright faces a minimum mandatory five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. The charging documents are merely accusations and Wright is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided and continued Wright's detention pending further proceedings.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Service, Russell Country Drug Task Force, Cascade County Sheriff's Office and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case.
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Project Safe Neighborhoods Missoula County continues violent crime decrease for second yearRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—For the second straight year, murders, robberies and aggravated assaults in Missoula County have decreased as law enforcement continues investigating and prosecuting methamphetamine trafficking, firearms offenses and armed robberies through Project Safe Neighborhoods, announced federal, state and local prosecutors today.
Crime statistics show that in Missoula County, these violent crimes decreased by 9.2 percent in the 12-month period ending May 2020. Overall, violent crime has decreased 25.7 percent since PSN was launched in May 2018, and 85 fewer people were the victim of a violent crime than in the 12 months before PSN began.
PSN is a reinvigorated U.S. Department of Justice initiative that targets the most violent criminals in high-crime areas and works with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and community partners to reduce crime.
PSN Missoula County’s partners include the U.S. Attorney’s Office; Missoula County Attorney’s Office; Montana Department of Justice’s Prosecution Services Bureau, Highway Patrol and Division of Criminal Investigation; the Montana Department of Correction’s Adult Probation and Parole Division; the Missoula Police Department; the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office; Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Marshal’s Service.
"The continuing decline in violent crime in Missoula County is great news for the community. This focus on taking meth dealers and the most dangerous offenders off the street is working. But we're not done. We also must reduce demand for meth through a comprehensive prevention, treatment and diversion plan. I want to recognize the cooperation and hard work of all of our PSN partners for making Missoula County a safer place to live," U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
“Our continued success in reducing violent crime in Missoula County is due to hard work, multi-agency collaboration, and targeted enforcement,” Montana Attorney General Tim Fox said. “I am proud of our city, county, state, and federal law enforcement officers and prosecutors and the great results we have achieved working together.”
"Working together with our law enforcement and justice partners is beginning to pay off. We’re bringing the highest risk offenders to justice while, at the same time, building a foundation for local drug treatment and prevention efforts. I am proud of our law enforcement team’s great work,” Missoula County Attorney, Kirsten Pabst said.
From 2011 to 2017, the City of Missoula’s violent crime rate had increased 49 percent. Methamphetamine was identified as a primary cause of the increase.
In the 24 months PSN has been in effect, Missoula’s murders, robberies and aggravated assaults have fallen 25.7 percent to 246 crimes.
Since May 1, 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s office has charged 73 defendants with federal meth trafficking, armed robbery and firearms crimes.
In addition, 60 pounds of meth, representing 217,440 doses and having an estimated $450,000 street value, have been seized in the federal cases. Law enforcement officers also have seized 65 firearms, including three semi-automatic assault-style rifles. The U.S. Marshals Service Violent Offender Task force has served 938 federal and state warrants on violent offenders in Missoula County.
Since May 2018, Missoula County Attorney's Office has charged 39 persons identified as high risk with charges including meth or heroin possession, assault with a weapon, burglary, deliberate homicide and strangulation.
In addition to continuing its enforcement strategy to further cut the violent crime rate by reducing the meth supply, PSN is working with a community coalition called Missoula Substance Abuse Connect. A coalition of more than 30 nonprofit and government organizations, coordinated by United Way of Missoula County, has formed to develop a community plan to reduce the demand for meth through prevention and treatment.
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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 June 25 was:
Cheyenne Willow Ironshell, 22, of Butte, 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, Ironshell faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Ironshell was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-31.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on June 25 was:
Joshua Patrick Vanatta, 30, of Bainville, on charges of prohibited person in possession of ammunition and possession of a destructive device. If convicted of the most serious crime, Vanatta faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Vanatta was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-40.
Jalissa Haley Fern Spotted Bear, 31, of Wolf Point, on charges of robbery and assault with intent to commit robbery. If convicted of the most serious crime, Spotted Bear faces a maximum 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Spotted Bear was released pending further proceedings. The Fort Peck Department of Law and Justice investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-28.
If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Former Rocky Mountain Bank loan officer admits fraud, money laundering crimesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A former Rocky Mountain Bank loan officer accused of approving loans to a bank customer while at the same time profiting from private, undisclosed loans to the customer today pleaded guilty to fraud crimes, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Stephen Phillip Casher, 46, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and to money laundering. Casher faces a maximum 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters set sentencing for Nov. 5 and continued Casher's release.
Casher was charged in a 14-count superseding indictment alleging bank fraud and related crimes. A jury trial began on June 22. The prosecution and Casher reached a plea agreement during trial.
The prosecution presented evidence in court records and at trial that Casher worked as a market president for Rocky Mountain Bank (RMB) from about November 2011 until January 2017. During that time, Casher was one of the people responsible for approving bank loans to Larry Price, Jr. or one of Price's related companies. Casher, along with several private investors, also made large, private, high interest loans to Price. Though Casher helped approve many bank loans to Price, neither Casher nor Price disclosed the private loans to RMB. Casher never informed RMB that he had a conflict of interest that might impair his impartiality in reviewing loans involving Price.
In September 2014, RMB loaned H&P Investments $3.75 million. Price controlled H&P investments and acted as an unlimited guarantor of the loan. Casher was one of the bank officials who approved this loan and was responsible for collecting Price's personal financial statement and providing it to the bank. A few days before the bank loan, Casher, along with a private investor, privately loaned Price $900,000. The private loan was specifically concealed and omitted from the personal financial statement that Casher had arranged for Price to sign on the same day the private loan was executed, resulting in a false entry in RMB's books.
In June 2015, RMB loaned Seven Lands Holdings approximately $1.18 million. Price controlled Seven Lands Holdings and acted as a personal guarantor of the loan. Price used the loan to buy five houses and turn them into rental properties. In early 2015, several private investors associated with Casher loaned Price $1.5 million. Casher brokered this deal and eventually received $20,000 as a "thank you" from the private investors.
One of homes Seven Lands Holdings was buying belonged to Casher and, as a result, he was removed from RMB's chain of approval. Nevertheless, Casher provided lender information on the loan and was involved in preparing loan documents. Neither Casher nor Price informed RMB about the $1.5 million private loan before the bank loaned Seven Lands Holdings $1.18 million. RMB's entry misrepresented Price's net worth and liquidity. Casher personally profited from this RMB loan because he received a large portion of loan funds from the sale of his house.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin Rubich, Zeno Baucus and Timothy Tatarka are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and the IRS.
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Department of Justice Announces $42 Million to Combat Illegal Manufacture and Distribution of Methamphetamine and OpioidsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – The Department of Justice‘s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) this week announced nearly $42 million in funding to support state-level law enforcement agencies in combating the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and prescription opioids.
In the District of Montana, the Montana Department of Justice will receive $1 million in funding to support investigations into methamphetamine trafficking.
"I am pleased the Montana DOJ will receive this COPS funding to help combat methamphetamine trafficking across our state. Methamphetamine is Montana's number one drug problem and contributes to violent crime across the state. These funds will make a difference," U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
"Meth is killing Montanans and inflicting tremendous damage to our families and communities. I am grateful that the US Department of Justice has extended and expanded the anti-meth grant funding that we first received in 2018. We will use these new funds, in conjunction with 2019 state legislation, to create an additional criminal interdiction team focused on stopping drug traffickers," Montana Attorney General Tim Fox said.
“The scourge of opioid and methamphetamine use continues to take a devastating toll on our nation’s communities,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “By providing these resources to law enforcement to help combat the further spread, the COPS Office is demonstrating our commitment to this Administration’s priority of reducing drug use and protecting our citizens from this public health and safety crisis.”
Drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase in the United States. Deaths from drug overdose are up among both men and women, all races, and adults of nearly all ages, with more than three out of five drug overdose deaths involving an opioid. More than 130 people die every day in the United States after overdosing on opioids, while methamphetamine continues to be one of the most commonly misused stimulant drugs in the world and is the drug that most contributes to violent crime.
Through the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP), the COPS Office is awarding $12 million to 12 state law enforcement agencies. These state agencies have demonstrated numerous seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures. State agencies are being awarded three years of funding through CAMP to support the location or investigation of illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine, including precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine trafficking.
The Montana Department of Justice is being awarded $1 million through the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP).
The COPS Office also is awarding more than $29.7 million in grant funding to 14 state law enforcement agency task forces through the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF). AHTF provides three years of funding directly to state-level law enforcement agencies with multijurisdictional reach and interdisciplinary team (e.g., task force) structures, in states with high per capita rates of primary treatment admissions for heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and other opioids. This funding will support the location or investigation of illicit activities through statewide collaboration related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.
The AHTF and CAMP funding has a tremendous impact on state investigative and seizure work. During the five month period between October 2019 and February 2020, current AHTF grantees reported the seizure of over $4 million in cash and 1,213 firearms. Similarly, for CAMP, grantees reported seizures of more than $7 million in cash and 1,577 firearms.
The complete list of COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/camp-award
The complete list of Anti-Heroin Task Force Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/ahtf-award
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 135,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Cut Bank man sentenced for child pornography, firearms crimesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—A Cut Bank man who admitted posting messages on a website offering to trade child pornography and illegally possessing firearms was sentenced on Monday to five years in prison and 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Shawn Andrew Andersen, 42, pleaded guilty in March to attempted receipt and distribution of child pornography and to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution said that in September 2018, Andersen posted messages on a website offering to trade child pornography. Andersen's messages said he had child pornography links to share with other users or that he was seeking child pornography links in return for sending his own links. Andersen posted his online identity information so others could contact him to trade child pornography links.
Law enforcement agents served a search warrant on Andersen's residence on May 16, 2019 and found four rifles in a gun safe and a rifle in his vehicle. At the time Andersen possessed the firearms, he knew he had been dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Army and was prohibited from possessing them.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, Project Safe Childhood attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation. It is implemented through partnerships including the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children.
This case also 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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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 June 15 was:
Terry Lee Wells, Jr., 34, of Havre, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wells faces a minimum mandatory five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release. Wells was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Great Falls Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tri-Agency Drug Task Force investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-36.
Randal James Whitford, 37, of Box Elder, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Whitford faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Whitford was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Tri-Agency Drug Task Force and Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-37.
Appearing on June 18 was:
Kyle Frank Russette, 25, of Box Elder, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Russette faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Russette was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-29.
If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Lame Deer man admits attempting to sexual abuse minorRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Lame Deer man today admitted allegations that he attempted to sexually abuse a minor in 2018, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Jason Jay Tallbull, 39, pleaded guilty to attempted sexual abuse of a minor. Tallbull faces a maximum 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years to a lifetime of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Tallbull was detained pending further proceedings.
The prosecution said in court records that Tallbull and the victim, a boy who was between the ages of 12 and 16, were at Tallbull's residence on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation in December 2018. Tallbull was drunk and the victim joined him in the basement, where both were drinking and talking. At some point, the victim tried to leave, but Tallbull made a sexually-charged comment and grabbed the victim's hand to pull him close. The victim tried to resist and hit Tallbull, but Tallbull overpowered the victim and knocked him out.
The victim woke up on Tallbull's bed and was not wearing the same clothes. The victim had injuries on various areas of his body and underwent a sexual assault examination. Law enforcement responded to Tallbull's house. Blood samples from Tallbull's mattress belonged to both the victim and Tallbull.
When interviewed by the FBI, Tallbull said he and the victim had been drinking in the basement. He said he did not remember exactly what occurred, but that he felt like something happened. Tallbull admitted he was probably physically attracted to the victim.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Dake is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Ex-tribal police officer sentenced for abusing child Fort Peck Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS– A Wolf Point man and former tribal police officer who admitted touching a child’s genitals on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced today to time served of 324 days in custody and two years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Mychal Thomas Damon, 28, pleaded guilty in February to felony child abuse.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The prosecution said in court records that the crime occurred in May 2018 when the victim, who was under the age of 14, and her mother spent the night at Damon’s house. During the night, the victim got up and sat with Damon on a recliner. Damon placed his hand inside the girl’s shorts and touched her in the genital area.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cassady Adams and Lori Suek prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and the Wolf Point Police Department.
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Department of Justice Announces Launch of Civil Rights Reporting PortalRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON—The Department of Justice this week announced the launch of the Civil Rights Reporting Portal. This new online tool will make it easier for the public to report a civil rights violation.
“The department is committed to upholding the civil and constitutional rights of all people in the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Reporting Portal will make it easier for the public to connect with us, which in turn makes us more effective at upholding these important rights. I encourage the public to use this portal to report civil rights violations.”
“We hold our civil and constitutional rights dear. Montanan’s who have suffered a violation of those rights can now use this portal to report them, including voting, housing and land use, lending and credit, public accommodations, education, employment, policing, prisons, disability and service member rights and more." U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said today.
The new Civil Rights Reporting Portal – located at civilrights.justice.gov – will consolidate over 30 unique reporting pathways. The portal will dramatically ease the burden on victims of civil rights violations to identify the proper reporting channel. The form is fully accessible to people with disabilities. It is also available in both English and Spanish, with more languages to be added over the next year.
Individuals who believe they may have been a victim of a civil rights violation can learn how to report violations to the Department by visiting civilrights.justice.gov. When appropriate, the Civil Rights Division staff will refer complainants to other agencies that are responsible for handling specific types of complaints.
Individuals who believe they are a victim of criminal violation of their civil rights, such as misconduct by law enforcement officers, a hate crime, or human trafficking, should contact their local FBI office.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Armed home invasion over heroin sends Helena man to prisonRead the Press Release
HELENA—A Helena man who admitted sending threatening text messages and participating in an armed robbery of a couple involved in heroin trafficking last year was sentenced today to 11 years and seven months in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Kielan Brett Franklin, 34, pleaded guilty in January to robbery affecting commerce and possession of a firearm in furtherance of violence.
U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon presided.
The prosecution said in court records that Franklin provided a couple with $1,200 to go to Washington to buy an ounce of heroin. The couple returned with less than an ounce because the price was higher in Washington. When the couple did not immediately give Franklin the heroin, Franklin began sending the couple threatening text messages on March 7, 2019.
Several hours later, on March 8, 2019, Franklin's girlfriend and co-defendant, Arielle Rose Cowser, knocked on the couple's door and said she needed to enter because Franklin had broken up with her. The female victim let Cowser enter and a short time later, Cowser let in Franklin and two other co-defendants, Gerald Allen Hiler and Morgan Victor Pitsch.
Hiler brandished a handgun and Pitsch possessed one during the robbery. Both wore masks. The defendants fled when they realized the female victim had called 911. The robbers took a small amount of heroin, the female victim’s wedding ring, her cell phone and a purse.
Hiler and Pitsch pleaded guilty to charges in the case. Hiler was sentenced to 11 years and seven months in prison, while Pitsch was sentenced to six years and six months in prison. Cowser was convicted by a jury of charges for her role in the crime and was sentenced to one year and one day in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Bartleson and Tim Racicot prosecuted the case, which was investigated by FBI, Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri River Drug Task Force.
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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Bozeman pilot fined for landing helicopter in Bob Marshall WildernessRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—A Bozeman man who landed a helicopter in the Bob Marshall Wilderness in May has paid the maximum $500 fine, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said today.
Samuel L. Schwerin, 48, of Bozeman, received the notice for the violation, a federal misdemeanor, after landing a helicopter on the South Fork of the Flathead River in the Bob Marshall Wilderness on May 16.
The U.S. Forest Service investigated the incident after receiving a report on May 19 by a person traveling on horseback and who saw a helicopter parked on a gravel bar on the South Fork of the Flathead River.
The Forest Service, in consultation with the U.S. Attorney's Office, issued Schwerin the violation notice, which was processed on June 12 through the U.S. Courts' Central Violations Bureau (CVB). The CVB handles violation notices issued and processes payments for infractions committed on federal property. The Code of Federal Regulations identifies penalties for this violation under 36 CFR section 261.1b. The maximum penalty is a $500 fine, six months in prison or both.
"Wilderness areas were created to be free of motorized activity, including helicopters. Montanans cherish places like the Bob Marshall not only for their spectacular mountains, rivers, meadows and wildlife but also for the quiet and solitude they provide. People who violate the wilderness regulations will be investigated and prosecuted," U.S. Attorney Alme said.
“We take concerns about the proper use of our national forests and wilderness areas very seriously,” said Flathead National Forest Supervisor Kurt Steele. “Many members of the public took the time to share their thoughts on the incident and their appreciation for the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. It is a world-renowned jewel that plays an important role in our landscape level ecosystem and our tourism economy.
"We appreciate the public reporting these types of incidents so our Forest Service law enforcement professionals and partners at the Department of Justice can investigate and appropriately prosecute them,” Steele said.
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Box Elder man admits child porn, sexual abuse of minor chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Box Elder man accused of having sex with a minor pleaded guilty on Monday to charges, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Christopher Brown, 32, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and sexual abuse of a minor. Brown faces a maximum 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the sexual abuse of a minor charge and a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release on the child pornography charge.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Judge Morris set sentencing for Sept. 30. Brown was detained.
The prosecution said in court documents that on Jan. 21, a Rocky Boy's Police Department officer was on patrol at about 11 p.m. on Lower Box Elder Road on the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation when he observed a vehicle parked at the rodeo grounds. Because there was no rodeo occurring at that time of night, the officer decided to check on the vehicle. As the officer approached, the vehicle's headlights came on and the driver attempted to drive away. The officer initiated a traffic stop.
As the officer approached the vehicle, he observed the back windows were fogged over. Brown identified himself as the driver. Reclined in the passenger seat was a minor female, identified in court records as Jane Doe. At the time, Jane Doe was between the ages of 12 and 16. Brown and the minor girl told the officer separately that the other had initiated their meeting that night. The officer arrested Brown on an outstanding warrant.
In an interview with the FBI, Brown admitted he had been in a sexual relationship with Jane Doe since 2018, and had had sexual intercourse with her six times on the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation. Brown also admitted to making a video of a recent sexual encounter with Doe and that the video was on his cell phone.
Jane Doe confirmed that she had had sexual intercourse with Brown several times and that Brown had made a video recording of them having sex in January 2020.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Cobell is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services.
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Billings meth trafficker sentenced to 10 years in prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—A Billings man who admitted trafficking methamphetamine he received through the mail was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Jose Antonio Escobedo, 48, pleaded guilty in February to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court records filed in the case, the prosecution said drug task force agents developed information that Escobedo was wiring large sums of money to McAllen, Texas, a border city known for drugs. Agents suspected he was receiving drugs through the mail.
In August 2019, the U.S. Postal Inspector contacted law enforcement regarding a suspicious package sent to Escobedo from McAllen, Texas. A search warrant served on the package found that it contained a vacuum sealed package of meth. The package was delivered to Escobedo's residence. After Escobedo retrieved the package, law enforcement officers served a search warrant for the residence. Agents located the package in the bedroom. The package contained 163.8 grams of meth. Escobedo also had $9,574 on his person. In addition, agents located wire transfers dating to May 2019. The transfers corresponded with packages Escobedo received from Texas.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI Transnational Organized Crime West 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 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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Deer Lodge man sentenced to prison for crimes after $390,000 stolen from armored truckRead the Press Release
HELENA – A former GardaWorld employee convicted at trial of spending stolen money from an armored truck on gambling, day trading and a trip to France, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
After a four day trial in January, a jury found John Gregory Alexander Herrin, 30, of Helena, guilty of one count of interstate transportation of stolen property and eight counts of money laundering.
U.S. Judge Sam E. Haddon presided.
In evidence presented at trial, the prosecution said that on Nov. 20, 2013, three bags containing $390,000 went missing from a GardaWorld truck. Helena employees initially loaded the money into a truck and drove to Missoula, where they met Missoula employees and transferred some currency bags to another truck for local delivery. While in Missoula, the Helena employees left their truck locked, but unattended, several times while servicing banks and ATMs before continuing to Kalispell. After arriving in Kalispell, employees discovered three bags containing $390,000 were missing.
Herrin worked for Garda from 2012 until 2014. An internal investigation by Garda was unable to definitively implicate anyone in the theft.
Not long after the theft, the prosecution said, Herrin’s financial situation drastically changed.
Herrin went to Las Vegas twice in 2014, stayed in a high-end casino, gambled and went shopping with a female companion. He made large cash deposits at the casino and bought a watch for $22,600 with cash. On return from his first trip, Herrin deposited a casino cashier’s check for $123,500 and $37,350 cash, for a total of $160,870, into his checking account. Prior to the deposit, Herrin’s account had a $945.65 balance.
Herrin told the bank teller he went to Las Vegas with $500 and won $160,000 gambling. While the teller was counting the cash, a Garda courier came into the bank to make a pick up. Herrin walked away from the counter and sat at an online banking station until the courier left. He then returned to the counter to complete his transaction.
On his second trip to Las Vegas, Herrin’s buy in at the casino was $50,100 cash and he lost $50,000. He also used his Visa credit card to buy more than $30,000 in merchandize from luxury retail stores and transferred money from his checking account to pay down the card balance.
After the second Las Vegas trip, Herrin went to his bank with a shoe box full of $20 bills for deposit into his checking account. The day before the deposit, the account balance was $3,550. Herrin told the teller he wasn’t sure how much money was in the box but that he had “another big score” in Vegas. He thought he had about $120,000.
Herrin told the teller he didn’t have a job but was doing some day trading. During the transaction, another Garda courier entered the bank. Herrin had already turned his back on the courier, seemingly in an effort not to be seen by the Garda employee.
In addition to the Las Vegas trips, Herrin started day trading in 2014. He opened an account with Ameritrade, deposited $111,100 and had significant losses. His losses were inconsistent with statements he made to bank employees that he was making money day trading.
In March 2014, Herrin traveled to France with a female companion and charged the trip to his Visa card. The trip cost more than $20,000.
Herrin then moved to Springfield, MO, and used his Visa card to enroll in college and for living expenses.
By the fall, Herrin’s financial situation became dire. In January 2015, he owed $17,753 on his Visa card, and in February 2015, Ford Motor Credit repossessed his car, which he had purchased about one month before the Garda theft.
In interviews with law enforcement, all of the Garda employees denied knowledge about and involvement in the disappearance of the $390,000. A former employee, who was also a roommate of Herrin’s, indicated that Herrin had showed him a casino check for gambling proceeds purportedly won in January 2014. He also indicated Garda employees left trucks unattended from time to time against company policy and that a broom handle could be used to unlock the trucks. The former employee also told law enforcement he had seen Herrin unlock a truck using a broom handle.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tim Racicot and Michael Kakuk prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and the Secret Service.
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Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Bureau of Justice Statistics National Crime Victimization Survey in 2014 estimated that more than 13 percent of seniors are victims of financial fraud annually, and only one in 44 cases of financial abuse is reported. Montana, Maine and Florida have the largest proportion of residents age 65 and older, at 19 percent. Montana also has the sixth highest proportion of seniors living alone, at almost 30 percent.
"All of us in Montana need to be vigilant to protect our large number of senior friends, family and neighbors. We not only have a high percentage of seniors living alone, but the coronavirus also has isolated many even further and generated a host of new scams targeting them. If you are a victim of fraud or abuse, or you know someone who may be – report it," U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. “We will prosecute senior scams to the full extent of the law.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has brought federal charges in several cases of elder fraud. In two recent cases:
- A former loan officer for a Billings bank admitted to stealing more than $243,000 in customer funds for his own benefit. One of the customers was a mentally incompetent elderly man. When confronted, the loan officer made misrepresentations to hide the thefts. The loan officer was sentenced in January to 57 months in prison and ordered to pay $195,949 restitution.
- A Fairfield man, who posed as a financial services manager, stole more than $700,000 from a Montana family and then spent the money for his own benefit. The offender was convicted and sentenced to 28 months in prison and ordered to pay $719,340 restitution to the family and $165,195 restitution to the IRS.
The U.S. Attorney's Office and Department of Justice also have produced a Public Service Announcement to help fight elder fraud. The PSA may be viewed here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/video/district-montana-elder-fraud-psa-60-seconds
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
Major strides have already been made to that end:
- Eastern Montana Elder Justice Council: Created in 2019 to address exploitation, abuse and neglect of Montana's aging population. The task force is composed of members representing public and private sectors in areas of criminal and civil law, finance, health care, insurance and general senior and disability services and advocacy.
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a Nationa1Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate service. The online link to the hotline is: https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/.
- Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors.
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
- Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
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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 June 8 was:
Richard Morris Little Nest, 29, a transient, on charges of possession of an unregistered firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Little Nest faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Little Nest was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-44.
Christopher Michael Emter, 41, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Emter faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Emter was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-43.
Appearing on June 9 was:
Anthony Dwayne Boldt, 43, of Glendive, on charges of production of child pornography, possession of child porn and attempted witness tampering. If convicted of the most serious crime, Boldt faces a minimum mandatory 15 years to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine plus a $5,000 special assessment and five years to life of supervised release. Boldt was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-35.
Appearing on June 10 was:
Chad Henry Swoboda, 36, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession, 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 released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-47.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on June 9 was:
Rhonda Lee Mueller, 60, of Bozeman, on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mueller faces a minimum mandatory five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. The U.S. Postal Service, Missouri River Drug Task Force and FBI investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-08.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John Johnston and pleading not guilty on June 9 was:
Joshua Patrick Vanatta, 30, of Bainville, on charges of possession of ammunition by a felon, possession of an unregistered firearm and possession of a firearm without a serial number. If convicted of the most serious crime, Vanatta faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Vanatta was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-39.
If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Helena woman sentenced in robbery of heroin traffickersRead the Press Release
HELENA—A Helena woman convicted by a jury of participating in an armed home invasion to rob a couple involved in trafficking heroin was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison and three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
After a three-day trial in February, a jury found Arielle Rose Cowser, 27, guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery affecting commerce and robbery affecting commerce.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
In evidence presented at trial, the prosecution said the FBI learned of a home invasion robbery in Helena in which the victims, a couple, were involved in trafficking heroin. Co-defendant Kielan Brett Franklin, who pleaded guilty and is pending sentencing, provided the couple money to travel to Washington to buy an ounce of heroin. The couple returned to Montana with less than an ounce. When the couple did not immediately turn over the heroin, Franklin sent them threatening text messages.
On March 8, 2019, Cowser went to the victims’ residence and asked to enter, saying she had broken up with Franklin. The female victim let Cowser inside and a few minutes later, Cowser let in Franklin and two other co-defendants, Gerald Allen Hiler and Morgan Victor Pitsch. Hiler and Pitsch, who also pleaded guilty, wore masks. Hiler was sentenced to 11 years and seven months in prison, while Pitsch was sentenced to six years and six months in prison.
Hiler brandished a handgun and Pitsch possessed one during the robbery. The defendants fled when they realized the female victim had called 911. The robbers took a small amount of heroin, the female victim’s wedding ring, her cell phone and a purse.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Bartleson and Tim Racicot prosecuted the case, which was investigated by FBI, Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri River Drug Task Force.
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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Billings woman admits transporting persons for prostitutionRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings woman accused of taking three people to the bus station in Billings for a trip to Georgia to engage in commercial sexual activity pleaded guilty to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Destiny Lachelle Nilsen, also known as "Diamond", 26, pleaded guilty to transportation of a person with intent to engage in prostitution. Nilsen 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. Nilsen was released pending further proceedings.
Court records filed by the prosecution said the evidence showed that in August 2019 Nilsen was affiliated with a co-defendant and was aware that the co-defendant was involved in commercial sex in Billings and elsewhere, including other states.
In August 2019, Nilsen drove the co-defendant and two women, identified as Jane Does, to the bus station. The co-defendant and the two Jane Does were going to Georgia to engage in commercial sex. Prostitution is illegal in Georgia. In a subsequent jail call, Nilsen admitted her participation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno Baucus and Bryan Dake are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Poplar man sentenced to prison for sexual contact with childRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—A Poplar man who admitted sexually abusing a child was sentenced today to four years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U. S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Lloyd Wallace Youpee, 93, pleaded guilty in January to abusive sexual contact.
U.S. District Judge Brian Morris presided.
The prosecution said in court documents that the sexual contact occurred on or about February 2018 to December 2018 in Poplar on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Youpee had sexual contact with the victim, who was under the age of 12. Youpee initially denied touching the victim but then admitted to the sexual assault. During an interview with investigators, Youpee indicated that he did not want kids to be around him while he is drinking. He told investigators that he knows how he is, clarifying that he likes sex.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassady Adams prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice.
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Billings man charged in coercion of minors, child pornography investigationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man accused of multiple crimes concerning an investigation into coercion of minors, sex trafficking, and child pornography appeared for arraignment today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Brandon Frank Stricker, 47, pleaded not guilty to a seven-count indictment charging him with coercion and enticement, receipt of child pornography, attempted sex trafficking of a minor, animal crushing and attempted witness tampering.
If convicted of the most serious crime, Stricker faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Stricker was detained pending further proceedings.
The indictment is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The indictment alleges that Stricker used the Internet, Facebook, and a cellular telephone to coerce four individuals who were younger than age 18 to engage in sexual activity from about June 2018 to about April 2020. The indictment charges Stricker with receiving child pornography by a computer and attempting to traffic a minor girl for commercial sex. In addition, the indictment charges Stricker with creating animal crush videos and with attempting to tamper with a witness.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
Pacer case reference. 20-46.
If the above case is f interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor its progress through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Shelby woman sentenced for handgun purchase for juvenileRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Shelby woman convicted of firearms crimes for lying while buying a handgun and then giving it to a juvenile was sentenced on June 4 to six months in prison, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
During a two-day trial in January, a jury found Susan Kaytlin Scott, 52, guilty of false statement during a firearms transaction and of transfer of a handgun to a juvenile, as charged in an indictment.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In evidence presented at trial, the prosecution said Scott bought a Taurus 9mm handgun for a 17-year-old boy on Nov. 21, 2018 at Scheels in Great Falls. In required background paperwork, Scott answered that she was the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm. However, Scott bought the handgun for the boy as an early birthday present. The boy and his friend were present during the purchase, and Scott used the boy’s debit card for the purchase. Following the sale, the boy kept the handgun, and ammunition, at another residence.
A juvenile witness told investigators that the boy kept the handgun in a holster in his bedroom and had a magazine loaded in the pistol but not a round in the chamber. The boy and three friends would take out the handgun, point it at things in the room or at each other. The witness also reported that the boy pointed the handgun at Scott during an argument.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Great Falls Police Department and Toole County Sheriff’s Office.
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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Meth trafficking and firearms crimes send Billings man to prison for 20 yearsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—A Billings man convicted of drug trafficking and firearms crimes after law enforcement found more than a pound of methamphetamine and loaded guns in his vehicle was sentenced today to 20 years in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
After a two-day trial in December, a jury found Julian Tyler Baughman, 37, guilty of all three crimes as charged, including possession with intent to distribute meth, prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
At trial, the prosecution presented evidence that Montana Violent Offender Task Force officers got a tip about Baughman’s location and arrested him in a vehicle in a Billings neighborhood on April 10, 2019. Baughman admitted he had a gun on him. While searching Baughman, officers found in a belly band holster a .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol loaded with 15 live rounds and a second magazine containing 11 live rounds of ammunition. Baughman also had $1,086 and a cell phone on his person.
Officers found in the vehicle a meth pipe, a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a loaded .357-caliber semi-automatic pistol, boxes of ammunition, an open U.S. Postal Service envelope containing about 1.6 pounds of meth and other items. The amount of meth found is the equivalent of about 5,800 doses.
After getting a search warrant for Baughman’s phone, investigators found multiple photos of the 9mm pistol that Baughman had sent to people, conversations in which Baughman admitted to shooting himself in the foot with the .357 pistol and multiple messages consistent with Baughman dealing drugs.
Baughman had prior felony convictions in 2016 and therefore, was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Godfrey and Karla Painter 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. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 36% from 2013 through 2018. 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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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 June 1 was:
Wolfgang Alexander Lucas Vasquez, 27, of Rexford, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of a sawed-off shotgun. If convicted of the most serious crime, Vasquez faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Vasquez was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Flathead County Sheriff's Office investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-17.
Nicholas Steven Moskaloff, 19, of Kalispell, on charges of drug user and addict in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Moskaloff faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Moskaloff was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Flathead County Sheriff's Office investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-10.
Appearing on June 3 was:
Joshua James Chappa, 44, of Bozeman, on charges of conversion of secured property, false statements on loan application, wire fraud, theft of livestock and mail fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Chappa faces a maximum 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release. Chappa was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-5.
Appearing on June 4 was:
Russell Scott Wilkey, 50, of Three Forks, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wilkey faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Wilkey was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Broadwater County Sheriff's Office, Gallatin County Sheriff's Office and Glade's County Sheriff's Office investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-5.
Joshua Jay Schroeder, 39, of Butte, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Schroeder faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Schroeder was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration service investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-9.
If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Bozeman bookkeeper admits embezzling more than $400,000 from businessesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA–A Bozeman woman who worked as a bookkeeper for several businesses admitted this week to embezzling about $433,018 from the companies, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Anna Michelle Niles, 47, pleaded guilty on June 3 to wire fraud. Niles faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Niles was released pending further proceedings.
The prosecution said in court documents that from 2009 until 2018, Niles embezzled from Cresent Cross, LLP, Clair W. Daines, Inc., Genesis Partners, LLC, Bitterroot Turf Farm, Inc., and other related business entities while performing bookkeeping and accounting services. Niles defrauded the firms by diverting funds through checks, stealing cash, claiming leave she was not entitled to obtain, receiving unauthorized 401(k) loan payments and using business credit cards on personal expenses, none of which was authorized. The investigation found that Niles embezzled about $433,018 from the businesses. When interviewed by the FBI, Niles admitted to stealing from Cresent Cross, LLP, and writing checks from other businesses to cover up the fraud.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Browning man sentenced in gun violence crimeRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—A Browning man who admitted firing a gun during a confrontation in Browning on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to five years in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Arthur Thomas Westwolf, Jr., 26, pleaded guilty in January to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The prosecution said in court documents that Westwolf and another man, identified as John Doe, got into a confrontation on July 28, 2018 in front of a Browning residence. Westwolf returned to his truck and asked an occupant to give him his gun. Westwolf pulled a 9 mm caliber pistol from the truck and aimed it at Doe. Doe turned around and fled on foot. Westwolf then fired.
A witness reported the assault to law enforcement and said the vehicle left at a high rate of speed and headed toward East Glacier. Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services responded and located the vehicle, which was occupied by Westwolf and two others. All denied having the gun. Westwolf matched the description of the shooter, and he eventually admitted to firing the gun. The gun was located in the vehicle. When interviewed by federal investigators, Westwolf admitted to possessing the firearm and pointing it at the victim. He admitted to discharging the weapon but claimed he shot in the air.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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Billings meth trafficker sentenced to prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—A Billings woman who admitted methamphetamine trafficking charges was sentenced today to six years in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Sarah Marie Guckeen, 37, pleaded guilty in February to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The prosecution said in court records that in March 2019, law enforcement received a call from a woman who said she had recovered some meth. Guckeen had called the woman the day before about a package she was expecting to be delivered to the woman's house. When the package arrived, the woman got suspicious, opened the package and found meth. The package contained about a pound of meth, which is the equivalent of 3,624 doses.
In an interview with agents, Guckeen admitted to being the intended recipient of the meth package and that she was going to be taking over distribution for another person, whose source of supply was in California. The source of supply had sent Guckeen the pound of meth.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI task force, the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Billings 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 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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Reserve man sentenced for shooting man in the face on Fort Peck Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—A Reserve man who admitted shooting another man in the face with a .22-caliber rifle on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in 2018 was sentenced today to 46 months in prison and three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Jonathan Black Jr., 33, pleaded guilty in February to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court records filed in the case, the prosecution said the assault occurred on March 3, 2018 at a Reserve residence where Black lived with his sister and her children. Black called 911 in the evening and reported he had just shot someone in the face. Law enforcement arrived in the area and saw the victim driving away. An officer stopped the victim, who had facial wounds but the blood seemed to be clotting and there did not seem to be any immediate medical emergency. Because the victim appeared to be in stable condition, the officer placed him in his patrol car and began investigating the shooting.
At the residence, the defendant's sister and her children came out of the house. Black then came out and was arrested.
Meanwhile, an ambulance transported the victim to a nearby hospital. The victim ultimately went to Billings Clinic, where he was treated for facial injuries that included damage to his cheek and facial fractures. The victim had to have four teeth extracted because of the gunshot and had a bullet fragment at the base of his skull.
Black told law enforcement that he was cooking when he heard banging and the victim threatening his sister. Black thought the victim might kill his sister, so he retrieved a .22 caliber rifle from a closet. Black found the victim and his sister in the bathroom, so he kicked open the door, put the rifle in the victim's face and shot him. Black then placed the rifle on the kitchen table and called 911.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Montana City man sentenced to prison for firearms violationRead the Press Release
HELENA—A Montana City man convicted by a jury of illegally possessing a firearm was sentenced today to five years and thee months in prison and three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
A jury in October found K. Jeffrey Knapp, 42, guilty of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Senior U.S. District Judge Charles C. Lovell presided.
The prosecution presented evidence at trial that on April 3, 2019, law enforcement agents served a federal search warrant at Knapp’s home and found 16 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Two pistols were found on what appeared to be Knapp’s side of the bed. Knapp, having been convicted of two felonies in Colorado in 1994, knowingly illegally possessed firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
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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