District of Montana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Aggravated sex abuse, arson sends Poplar man to prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS--A Poplar man who admitted sexually abusing a teenage girl and of burning down a house on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced this week to 10 years and one month in prison, six years of supervised release and ordered to pay $60,000 restitution, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Clifford William John Youpee, 32, pleaded guilty in April to aggravated sexual abuse and to arson of a dwelling in two separate cases.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided at the Oct. 23 hearing.
In court records filed in the case, the prosecution said that in September 2016, a teenage girl reported that Youpee had raped her the night before. The victim had fallen asleep in a house and awoke to Youpee putting his hand up her shirt. The victim told Youpee to stop but he held her down and raped her.
The arson occurred on Oct. 20, 2017 after Youpee and another person were upset that they were removed from staying in a residence used by people as place to live and sleep. To seek retribution for being removed, Youpee and the other person both decided to burn the house to the ground. Witnesses confirmed that Youpee and the individual were the only persons in the residence immediately prior to it burning. The fire marshal responded and concluded the fire was set intentionally because there were two separate origins in the residence. The Fort Peck Housing Authority was owed $60,000 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon prosecuted the cases, which were investigated by the FBI and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice.
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Jury convicts Montana City man in firearms caseRead the Press Release
HELENA – After a two-trial, a jury today convicted a Montana City man of a firearms violation, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
K. Jeffery Knapp, 42, was charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
The jury found Knapp guilty of the crime in a trial that began on Tuesday. Knapp faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Senior U.S. District Judge Charles C. Lovell presided. Knapp was released pending sentencing, which was set for April 16, 2020.
“Felons who possess firearms are a threat to community safety. Mr. Knapp’s conviction sends the message that persons illegally possessing firearms will be held responsible. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Bartleson, the prosecution team, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office for their work on the case,” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
The prosecution presented evidence at trial that on April 3, 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.
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Heart Butte man sentenced for distributing methamphetamine to minorRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—A Heart Butte man who admitted providing a minor with methamphetamine on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 33 months in prison and to six years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Gary Allen Jimenez, 24, pleaded guilty in July to distribution of a controlled substance to a person under 21 years of age.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The prosecution said in court records that in early 2017, FBI agents began investigating allegations that persons on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation were providing meth and other drugs to minors. A juvenile witness told law enforcement that Jimenez had provided her with meth on multiple occasions and that they smoked six or seven ounces together over a period of time. At the time Jimenez gave the juvenile meth, she was between 12 and 14 years of age.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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Justice Department Awards over $273.4 Million to Improve Public Safety, Serve Crime Victims in American Indian and Alaska Native CommunitiesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice announced on Oct. 18 that it has awarded over $273.4 million in grants, including $2.9 million to four tribes in Montana, to improve public safety, serve victims of crime, combat violence against women and support youth programs in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
“Violent crime and domestic abuse in American Indian and Alaska Native communities remain at unacceptably high levels, and they demand a response that is both clear and comprehensive,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “We will continue to work closely with our tribal partners to guarantee they have the resources they need to curb violence and bring healing to the victims most profoundly affected by it.”
In Montana, the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes on of the Flathead Reservation, the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe were awarded a total of $2,902,538 in funding.
The Chippewa Cree Tribe received $250,000, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes received $488,049, the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes received $1,714,489 and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe received $450,000.
“This funding will help address the unacceptable violence and domestic abuse suffered by many Native American women and girls in Montana. Through these grants, tribes will be able to provide more public safety and correctional alternatives for adults and children, along with services to reduce violence against women and support healing. We must continue to work closely with our tribal partners to stop the violence and abuse,” U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Nationwide, 236 grants were awarded to 149 American Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages and other tribal designees through the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation, a streamlined application for tribal-specific grant programs. Of the $118 million awarded via CTAS, just over $62.6 million comes from the Office of Justice Programs, about $33.1 million from the Office on Violence Against Women and more than $23.2 million from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. A portion of the funding will support tribal youth mentoring and intervention services, help native communities implement requirements of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and provide training and technical assistance to tribal communities. Another $5.5 million was funded by OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance to provide training and technical assistance to CTAS awardees.
The Department also announced awards and other programming totaling $167.2 million in a set-aside program to serve victims of crime. The awards are intended to help tribes develop, expand and improve services to victims by supporting programming and technical assistance. About $25.6 million of these awards were awarded under CTAS and are included in the $118 million detailed above.
CTAS funding helps tribes develop and strengthen their justice systems’ response to crime, while expanding services to meet their communities’ public safety needs. The awards cover 10 purpose areas: public safety and community policing; justice systems planning; alcohol and substance abuse; corrections and correctional alternatives; children’s justice act partnerships; services for victims of crime; violence against women; juvenile justice; violent crime reduction; and tribal youth programs.
The Department also provided $6.1 million to help tribes to comply with federal law on sex offender registration and notification, $1.7 million in separate funding to assist tribal youth and nearly $500,000 to support tribal research on missing and murdered indigenous women and children and other public safety-related topics.
The announcement is part of the Justice Department’s ongoing initiative to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
A listing of the announced CTAS awards is available at: https://www.justice.gov/tribal/awards. A listing of all other announced tribal awards are available at: https://go.usa.gov/xVJuE.
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Department of Justice Awards More Than $85.3 Million in Grants to Address School ViolenceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has awarded more than $85.3 million to bolster school security—including funding to educate and train students and faculty—and support first responders who arrive on the scene of a school shooting or other violent incident.
“These federal resources will help to prevent school violence and give our students the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive,’ said Attorney General William P. Barr. “By training faculty, students and first responders, and by improving school security measures, we can make schools and their communities safer.”
The grants award $1,626,347 in funding to three schools in the District of Montana to prevent violence. Schools receiving the grants are the University of Montana, $1 million; Polson School District #23, $476,347; and Browning Public School District 9, $150,000.
“We are pleased that the University of Montana, along with the Polson and Browning public school districts, will be receiving these funds to improve safety. Keeping our schools prepared to respond to potential threats is important to providing a safe environment where students, faculty and staff can do what they should do in school, focus on learning,” U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
President Trump signed the STOP School Violence Act into law in March 2018, authorizing grants that are designed to improve threat assessments, train students and faculty to provide tips and leads, and prepare law enforcement officers and emergency professionals to respond to school shootings and other violent incidents. The grant programs are managed by OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance, within the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services manage the programs and administer the grants, which include funds to:
- Develop school threat assessment teams and pursue technological solutions to improve reporting of suspicious activity in and around schools;
- Implement or improve school safety measures, including coordination with law enforcement, as well as the use of metal detectors, locks, lighting and other deterrent measures;
- Train law enforcement to help deter student violence against others and themselves;
- Improve notification to first responders through implementation of technology that expedites emergency notifications;
- Develop and operate anonymous reporting systems to encourage safe reporting of potential school threats;
- Train school officials to intervene when mentally ill individuals threaten school safety; and
- Provide training and technical assistance to schools and other awardees in helping implement these programs.
For more details about these individual award programs, as well as listings of individual 2019 awardees, visit https://go.usa.gov/xVJuV
About the Office of Justice Programs:
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
About the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services:
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 130,000 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.
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Strangulation murder of woman sends Box Elder man to prison for more than 21 yearsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—A Box Elder man who admitted strangling a woman to death on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced this week to 21 years and four months in prison followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Gavin Tyrone Sutherland, 35, pleaded guilty in May to second degree murder.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided at the Oct. 17 hearing. Judge Morris also ordered Sutherland to pay $3,500 restitution.
“Violence against Native American women is all too common in our country and must stop. Those who harm these wives, mothers, sisters and daughters will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
The prosecution said in court records that Sutherland strangled the victim to death on July 7, 2018 at the victim’s home on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. Late in the evening on July 6, Sutherland arrived at the victim’s home. Two other adults and the victim’s two-year-old child were present in the residence. Sometime after midnight, the victim became upset over some money she thought had been stolen from her and she called Sutherland into her bedroom. A few minutes later, the two other adults heard the victim scream and other noises and thought that Sutherland was trying to rob her. The two adults got scared and ran to a neighbor’s house. The victim’s body was found shortly after the murder by the victim’s 12-year-old son, who arrived at the house after being away.
Sutherland told investigators he intentionally killed the victim by choking her and that he had fled the scene and the state after the murder.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Cobell prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Rocky Boy’s Criminal Investigations.
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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 Oct. 15 was:
Elvin Ricardo Perez-Villar, 30, of Mexico, on charges of illegal reentry. If convicted of the most serious crime, Perez-Villar faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Perez-Villar was detained pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol. Pacer case reference. 19-77.
Lucia Marlene Mendez, 34, of Tampa, FL, on charges of attempted transportation of illegal aliens. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mendez faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Mendez was released pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol. Pacer case reference. 19-76.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Oct. 15 was:
Allan Roy Goodman, 42, of Missoula, on charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Goodman faces a maximum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Goodman was detained pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the FBI and Montana Regional Violent Crimes Task Force. Pacer case reference. 19-43.
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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California man sentenced to more than 15 years in Missoula meth trafficking investigationRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—A California man who admitted conspiring to bring methamphetamine to Missoula for distribution was sentenced today to 15 years and 10 months in prison and to five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Justin Michael Allen, 33, of Glendora, CA, pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy to distribute meth and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The prosecution said in court records that in January, the Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force received information that an individual on state probation was involved in distributing meth. Task force officers worked with the probationer as a confidential informant and learned that Allen was coming to Missoula to bring the informant meth. Officers arrested Allen on Feb. 11 when he entered a store in Missoula. Allen told the officers to check his jacket pocket, and they found a 9mm pistol. Officers served a warrant on the vehicle Allen used to travel to Montana and seized three packages that were determined to contain 1,204 grams, or about 2.6 pounds, of pure meth. That quantity of meth is the equivalent of about 9,422 doses. Two other persons who traveled with Allen also were arrested.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Racicot prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Missoula HIDTA.
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.
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Spokane man sentenced to more than 10 years for meth traffickingRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—A Spokane man accused of bringing pound quantities of methamphetamine to Missoula for distribution was sentenced today to 10 years and one month in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Donald Shawn Gilbrech, 51, pleaded guilty in July to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
In court records filed in the case, the prosecution said that in February, a confidential informant stored a backpack containing meth at Gilbrech’s request. The informant consented to a search of the backpack and law enforcement recovered almost four pounds of meth. Four pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 14,496 doses. Another informant told law enforcement that Gilbrech was a meth distributor and had delivered more than one pound of meth to Missoula in the summer of 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and the Montana Regional Violent Crimes Task Force.
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.
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Methamphetamine trafficking in Sanders County sends man to prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—An undercover investigation of methamphetamine trafficking in Sanders County led to a Thompson Falls man being sentenced to prison on Thursday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Derek Alan Dembowski, 41, was sentenced to eight years in prison and four years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty in July to distribution of meth and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The prosecution said in court records that during an undercover investigation, a confidential informant bought a half-ounce of meth from Dembowski on Jan. 21in a monitored buy which Dembowski also possessed firearms and ammunition. The informant had purchased meth from Dembowski on two previous occasions. When arrested by a Sanders County Sheriff’s Office deputy on Feb. 12, Dembowski had a loaded revolver, ammunition and a small amount of meth. Dembowski admitted to law enforcement that he distributed meth and had possessed firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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.
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Browning man sentenced for assaulting womanRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—A Browning man who admitted hitting a woman in the face after their vehicle struck an ambulance on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 18 months of probation, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Christopher Harwood Mason, 55, pleaded guilty in July to assault by striking, beating or wounding, a misdemeanor.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided.
The prosecution said in court records that on Dec. 30, 2018, the Blackfeet Emergency Medical Services personnel were on a call in Browning when their ambulance was struck from the rear by a vehicle driven by Mason. The EMS personnel saw Mason back up and park in his driveway. They then observed Mason exit the vehicle, go around to the passenger side and begin hitting the victim, a woman, in the face. Law enforcement photographed injuries and blood on the victim’s face. Mason was transported to the hospital for assessment of potential injuries from the crash. Mason admitted to Glacier County Sheriff’s Office law enforcement at the hospital that he had struck the victim in the face.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Glacier County Sheriff’s Office.
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Washington man sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for possessing meth, heroin for distributionRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—A Washington man convicted of possessing methamphetamine and heroin for distribution after his arrest following a high-speed chase was sentenced this week to 15 years and eight months in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Juan Jose Camarena, 37, of Tacoma, WA, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided at the Oct. 10 hearing. Judge Molloy also ordered forfeiture of $6,750 and ammunition.
The prosecution said in court records that a Montana Highway Patrol trooper arrested Camarena on Oct. 24, 2018 after a high-speed chase on Interstate 90 in which speeds approached 120 mph. Law enforcement served a search warrant on Camarena’s 2006 Mercedes and seized 9mm ammunition, drug paraphernalia, $6,750 in U.S. currency and drugs, including meth and heroin.
Camarena admitted to drug task force officers that he had fled the MHP trooper because he had “pounds” of drugs in his car and was concerned for his safety. He admitted stealing the drugs from a person in Missoula who owed him a debt. Camarena also admitted throwing drug evidence out of the car during the chase. Officers recovered about 3.1 pounds, which is the equivalent of about 11,234 doses, of meth and 99 grams of heroin from the car. In addition, Camarena was prohibited from possessing ammunition because of a prior conviction.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Montana Highway Patrol, the Missouri River Drug Task Force and the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Police Department.
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.
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Missoula man sentenced to 12 years for child pornography crimesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—A Missoula man who admitted to multiple child pornography crimes was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, 10 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $3,000 restitution, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Mark Allen McNeely, Sr., 51, pleaded guilty in June to a dozen counts, including distribution of child pornography, transportation of child pornography and receipt of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
In court records filed in the case, the prosecution said that on Nov. 20, 2018, a Missoula Police detective and member of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant on McNeely’s residence. An examination of a laptop seized in the search determined it had been used to search for, download and store images and videos of child pornography. The laptop also had been used to communicate with others in chatrooms on child pornography. The detective also obtained records from Skype and Facebook that were associated with accounts used by McNeely. Those records showed that McNeely distributed images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct on multiple dates.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Missoula Police Department, Bozeman Police Department and ICAC 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 (ICAC) Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Oct. 8 was:
Emily Kaye Marie Gourneau, 32, of Poplar, on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gourneau faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Gourneau was detained pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the FBI, Wolf Point Police Department and Fort Peck Tribal law enforcement. Pacer case reference. 19-74.
Allesandro Shalamar Foursouls, 27, of Harlem, on charges of assault by strangulation and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a dating partner. If convicted of the most serious crime, Foursouls faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Foursouls was detained pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services. Pacer case reference. 19-73.
Zachary Shawn Kendall, 27, of Fort Belknap Agency, on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and domestic abuse by habitual offender. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kendall faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Kendall was detained pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services. Pacer case reference. 19-75.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Oct. 8 was:
Wyatt Michael Grayson, 23, of Billings, on charges of possession of a stolen firearm and receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment. If convicted of the most serious crime, Grayson faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Grayson was detained pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Pacer case reference. 19-117.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Oct. 8 was:
Biranna Nicole Sparling, 32, of Ronan, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Sparling faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release. Sparling was detained pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Pacer case reference. 19-46.
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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Harlem man sentenced to prison for domestic abuseRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—A Harlem man was sentenced to 21 months in prison and three years of supervised release on Oct. 10 for conviction on domestic abuse charges, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Jerel Edgar Johnson, 35, of Harlem, pleaded guilty in June to domestic abuse by a habitual offender.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The prosecution said in court records that Johnson assaulted the victim twice in June 2018 near Snake Butte on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Johnson had been convicted of at least two separate prior domestic assaults in tribal court. The victim sought medical treatment for her injuries and reported the abuse. The victim reported that Johnson had hit, kneed, slapped and choked her.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Fort Belknap Police Department and the FBI.
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Stevensville man sentenced for illegal firearms possessionRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—A Stevensville man who was on probation was sentenced to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release after law enforcement officers found a loaded revolver and methamphetamine in his vehicle, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Terry Wayne Nunnery, II, 30, pleaded guilty in June to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The prosecution said in court records that on June 12, 2018 a search of Nunnery’s vehicle in Missoula led to the recovery of meth and a loaded revolver. Records indicated that Nunnery had been convicted of a felony. When questioned by law enforcement, Nunnery admitted he possessed the firearm in violation of his probation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
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.
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Federal grant of $200,000 to help Yellowstone Substance Abuse Connect develop community planRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—A $200,000 federal grant has been awarded to help fund efforts of Yellowstone Substance Abuse Connect to increase prevention and treatment efforts as part of a larger initiative to reduce violent crime in the community, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme announced today.
The Office of National Drug Control Policy awarded $200,000 to the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, which will fund Yellowstone Connect and their efforts.
The grant is the second major award from ONDCP for this effort. Last October, a $358,741 grant launched Yellowstone Connect and their project to create a community plan by 2020 for prevention, treatment and diversion.
Yellowstone Connect was organized though the leadership of United Way of Yellowstone County and Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative reinvigorated two years ago to reduce violent crime. Yellowstone Connect is a coalition of more than 82 area nonprofit organizations and governmental entities. The community plan will be available to other communities.
“We are excited to receive this second grant, which will continue the important work Yellowstone Connect is doing create a community plan to address substance abuse. Enforcement is only a part of the solution to reducing violent crime. We need the community’s help and support to reduce drug demand through prevention, treatment and drug court diversion,” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
“I want to thank all of our PSN federal, state and local law enforcement, and probation and parole partners for their outstanding work to make this community safer. I also want to thank the Rocky Mountain HIDTA Executive Board and other members of the Montana Sub Committee, including Bryan Lockerby, administrator of the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Billings Police Chief Rich St. John. In addition, I want to recognize United Way of Yellowstone County for its leadership, the City of Billings for administering the grant, and all of the Yellowstone Connect partners for their commitment to reducing the demand for meth in this community,” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
“These additional HIDTA funds are game-changing for the coalition’s ability to move to action. I want to thank Project Safe Neighborhoods and our HIDTA partners for making this possible -- especially U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme, and Billings Police Chief Rich St. John. I also want to thank our entire Substance Abuse Connect executive team, consultants, and all two hundred plus coalition members who have contributed to the work so far. With this new funding, I believe we will soon be celebrating prevention, treatment, and diversion wins,” said Kristin Lundgren, United Way’s Director of Impact.
Through PSN in Yellowstone County, federal, state and local law enforcement and probation and parole identified methamphetamine trafficking as the leading cause for an increase in violent crime and have focused on arresting and prosecuting drug traffickers, armed robbers and violent felons with firearms. The enforcement partners also recognize that meth prevention, treatment and court diversion are necessary to reduce violence.
Yellowstone Connect, established in May 2018, has worked with a series of consultants to complete an in-depth assessment of substance abuse in the community, map services and gaps, learn about what is working elsewhere, and engage the community in a rigorous planning process to establish priorities for action in prevention, treatment, and diversion. Their plan will be completed by December 31, 2019.
For more information about Yellowstone Connect, contact Kristin Lundgren, at 406-272-8505.
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Browning man sentenced to five years in prison for distributing, receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—A Browning man who admitted using his phone to access and distribute child pornography from his dorm room at the University of Montana was sentenced today to five years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $18,000 restitution, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Dylan LaPlant, 22, pleaded guilty in June to distribution of child pornography and receipt of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court records filed in the case, the prosecution said an investigation began in March 2018 when an FBI special agent in New York notified an FBI special agent in Montana that during an ongoing child porn investigation, agents had discovered an instant messenger application account in Montana that was linked to the receipt and distribution of numerous child pornography images. The investigation identified LaPlant as a participant in group chat sessions and a chat member who sent multiple links to images and videos of child pornography to other group members.
During an interview with FBI agents in April 2018, LaPlant admitted he had been a student at the University of Montana, and while in his dorm room, he would access the internet with his smart phone. He admitted to accessing group accounts that contained messages and links to child pornography and that he used his phone to view the material and forward links to other group users.
FBI agents served a search warrant on LaPlant’s home in Browning and seized electronic devices that were found to contain more than 500 images and videos of child pornography.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Bozeman man sentenced to more than three years in prison for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—A Bozeman man who admitted to viewing and downloading child pornography for years was sentenced today to 41 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Bruce Alan Gagne, 59, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography in June.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Judge Molloy also ordered the forfeiture of computer equipment and USB storage devices seized in the case.
The prosecution said in court records that in May 2018, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office received a USB storage device, or thumb drive, with suspected images of child pornography and that the device was known to belong to Gagne. A detective examined the thumb drive after getting a search warrant and determined the device contained images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. A Bozeman Police detective, who is a member of the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, got a warrant to search Gagne’s residence. During the search, officers seized numerous items including a USB device and laptop, which were examined and found to contain images and videos of child pornography. The child pornography included prepubescent children. In an interview the day of the search, Gagne admitted he had viewed and downloaded child pornography for years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bozeman Police Department, ICAC Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations.
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Former Fort Peck tribal law enforcement officer sentenced for theft, tax evasionRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—An ex-law enforcement officer for the Fort Peck Tribes was sentenced today to six months in prison, two years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution and back taxes for stealing $40,000 from a tribal program intended to help youth, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Willard Wilson White III, 44, of Glasgow, pleaded guilty in June to wire fraud and to income tax evasion.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Judge Morris also ordered White to pay $40,000 restitution to the tribes and $18,050 to the IRS.
“Mr. White’s illegal actions violated the trust placed in him as a law enforcement officer, hurt the youth of the Fort Peck Tribes and all taxpayers. Today’s sentencing sends the message that not only will those who steal from our tribes and federal government be disgorged of their profits, but they also will go to prison,” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
The prosecution said in court records that White was employed as a law enforcement officer for the Fort Peck Tribes. In June 2015, White approached the tribe’s Law and Justice Committee with a proposal to create a facility and programs to help troubled youth. White said he needed $40,000 to establish the proposed Family Justice Center. White posted about the project on Facebook.
White spent the money in less than 30 days and provided no services to the Fort Peck Tribes. Bank records indicated that White had $32.39 in his bank account before depositing the tribe’s money. The day of the deposit, White went to Williston, N.D., and withdrew $305 from his account at an ATM at Whisper’s, which is a local strip club. White continued spending money at retail stores and also bought a Jeep. In addition, White withdrew more than $11,000 in cash in less than three weeks.
Various tribal members saw White posting on Facebook and spending the money and instructed White to return the leftover money. White never did.
The investigation also showed that White omitted on a 2015 tax return the $40,000 of income from the tribes. He also claimed child dependents he was not entitled to claim to obtain a $5,860 refund while paying nothing in federal taxes. White’s tax evasion efforts resulted in him owing $10,184 to the IRS.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Weldon and Karla Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Fort Peck Tribes, the Department of Interior’s Office of Inspector General and IRS Criminal Investigation.
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Browning woman sentenced for death of pedestrianRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—A Browning woman convicted of involuntary manslaughter for hitting and killing a pedestrian while driving 90 mph on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $3,500 restitution, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
After a three-day trial in March, a jury convicted Shayanna Marie England, 21, of involuntary manslaughter.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The prosecution presented evidence at trial that England had been drinking and driving throughout the night of Jan. 15, 2018 when she veered into the oncoming southbound lane on BIA Route 1, near the post office, and turned back, striking the victim. The victim, who had been with England and others earlier in the night, had been standing in the northbound land near an intersection. The victim was carried on top England’s vehicle as it left the roadway and crashed into a ditch. The victim was transported to the Indian Health Services Clinic in Browning where he died from injuries.
An investigation determined that England’s vehicle was traveling at approximately 90 mph on a road with a posted speed limit of 35 mph.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Montana Highway Patrol.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared 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 Oct. 3 was:
Susan Kaytlin Scott, 52, of Shelby, on charges of false statement during a firearms transaction and transfer of a handgun to a juvenile. If convicted of the serious crime, Scott faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Scott was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Toole County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 19-69.
Dylan Jace Arrow Top Knot, 19, of Browning, on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, Arrow Top Knot faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Arrow Top Knot was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 19-67.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Oct. 1 was:
Bradley Scott Lane, 37, of Missoula, on charges of conspiracy to possess methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lane faces a minimum mandatory five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Lane was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and Missoula Police Department investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 19-39.
Adrian Hernandez Altamirano, aka Candelario Hernandez Altamirano, 42, of Mexico, on charges of illegal re-entry. If convicted of the most serious crime, Altamirano faces a maximum two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Altamirano was detained pending further proceedings. The Bozeman Police Department and Department of Homeland Security investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 19-22.
Gerald Allen Hiler, 47, of Helena, and Morgan Victor Pitsch, 25, of Helena, on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery affecting commerce, robbery affecting commerce and brandishing firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hiler and Pitsch face a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Hiler and Pitsch were detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and the Missouri River Drug Task Force investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 19-6.
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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Great Falls man sentenced to five years in prison for receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—A Great Falls man who admitted receiving child pornography on his computer was sentenced today to five years in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Lothar Konrad Krauth, 81, pleaded guilty in April to receipt of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Judge Morris also ordered $9,000 restitution.
The prosecution said in court records that agents from the Great Falls Homeland Security Investigations team received a CyberTipline report in October 2018 from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. NCMEC reported that the user of an internet provider address in Great Falls had uploaded an image of a nude prepubescent boy. An investigation found the address belonged to Krauth. HSI and Great Falls police executed a search warrant at Krauth’s residence on Oct. 26, 2018 and seized about 20 items of electronic media, including a desktop computer, external hard drives, thumb drives and more. A search of the electronic media found thousands of images of child porn, including images of prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Bartleson and Cyndee Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
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Great Falls heroin trafficker sentenced to more than 11 years in prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—A woman who admitted possessing heroin for distribution as part of a Great Falls methamphetamine and heroin distribution ring was sentenced today to 11 years and four months in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Jacqueline Marie Kirkaldie, 32, of Great Falls, pleaded guilty in July to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
An investigation into a meth and heroin ring in Great Falls began in September 2018 by the Russell Country Drug Task force and Drug Enforcement Administration, the prosecution said in court records.
Investigators became aware that Kirkaldie redistributed meth and heroin for the group, which included co-defendants Anthony Beltran and David Awberry. Beltran has pleaded not guilty and is pending trial. Awberry has pleaded guilty and awaiting sentencing. Kirkaldie possessed with intent to distribute meth and heroin from September 2018 until April.
Prosecutors allege that Beltran had a California source for drugs and that he used numerous individuals, including Kirkaldie, to redistribute the drugs in Great Falls. A witness told law enforcement that he or she bought heroin from Kirkaldie and had seen her in possession with distributable amounts of heroin and meth. When arrested at a casino in on Jan. 5, Kirkaldie had two baggies of heroin. Another individual told law enforcement of receiving heroin from Kirkaldie. In April 2019, law enforcement seized 2,191 grams, or about 4.8 pounds, of actual methamphetamine from a home where the group stored their drugs. The amount of meth seized from the home is the equivalent of about 17,395 doses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Russell Country Drug Task Force.
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.
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Ex-manager of Wibaux oil processing plant that exploded sentenced for Clean Air Act violationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—The former project manager of an oil processing plant that exploded in Wibaux in 2012, injuring three employees and extensively damaging the facility, was sentenced today to two years of probation and fined $5,000, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Mark Hurst, 44, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, pleaded guilty on Feb. 27 to Clean Air Act-negligent endangerment.
On Sept. 27, a jury in Billings convicted co-defendant Peter Margiotta, 62, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, of all three counts related to the plant explosion. The jury found Margiotta guilty of conspiracy, Clean Air Act-general duty and Clean Air Act-knowing endangerment. Margiotta was president and director of Custom Carbon Processing, Inc., a Wyoming company that constructed the Michels Disposal Well and Oil Processing facility in Wibaux in 2012. Hurst testified against Margiotta at trial.
“As project manager, the defendant was aware of the danger to the employees and the public at the facility, notified management, and yet the plant continued to operate. Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for his actions. Compliance with environmental regulations is required and violators will be prosecuted,” U.S. Attorney Alme said. “I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Dake, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric E. Nelson, the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General for their work in prosecuting and investigating this case.”
“We believe today’s sentencing sends a strong message to those responsible for properly handling hazardous material,” said Jeffrey Dubsick, Regional Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. “Working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, we will continue our vigorous efforts to protect against those who would risk the safety of the public and the environment for personal gain.”
“By knowingly operating an oil processing facility without appropriate safeguards, the defendant endangered workers and the public,” said Jeff Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of the Environmental Protection Agency’s criminal enforcement program. “Today’s sentencing reflects the egregious nature of the defendant’s actions.”
At Margiotta’s trial, the prosecution presented evidence that Custom Carbon constructed the plant in ways that allowed hydrocarbon vapors, extremely hazardous substances and hazardous air pollutants to be released into the air. The plant opened on July 4, 2012 before appropriate electrical wiring, ventilation and other safety measures were installed.
The prosecution in court documents presented evidence that Hurst, who was the project manager, was aware of the ventilation and electrical problems. In a July 4, 2012 email from Hurst to Margiotta, Hurst noted the risks posed at the plant because of its design and construction. Referring to the electrical panels, Hurst wrote, “We also run the risk of killing someone, not only our operators but also customers.”
In a November 2012 email Hurst sent to Custom Carbon management, he again noted “outstanding deficiencies” at the Wibaux plant, including issues with venting, and wrote, “I wanted all things venting into the building to be vented out the building.” Hurst continued to work at the plant as its project manager and the plant remained open.
On Dec. 29, 2012, the plant accepted a delivery of highly volatile and flammable natural gas condensate or “drip gas.” During the offloading of the material at the plant, hazardous and flammable vapors from the natural gas 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, causing an explosion that injured three employees and extensive damage to the plant, the truck and trailer involved in the delivery.
AUSA Bryan Dake and SAUSA Eric Nelson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General.
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Billings woman sentenced to prison for meth traffickingRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—A Billings woman who admitted trafficking methamphetamine after law enforcement found meth, drug making materials and $10,000 in silver coins in a residence she shared with her father was sentenced today to five years in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Brittany Nicole Green, 40, pleaded guilty in March to possession with intent to distribute meth.
Green’s father, Gregory Paul Green, 64, was sentenced in August to three years in prison. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided at both sentencings.
Prosecutors said in court records that law enforcement became aware of Gregory Green in December 2018 after a package that was addressed to Green was intercepted in Port Huron, MI. The package was labeled “Organic Fitness Vitamin” and opened by law enforcement. The package contained 1,471 Xanax pills. Investigators determined that 112 packages from various locations, including Canada, had been shipped to Green’s residence since December 2017.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Green’s house after the package was accepted by a person at the residence. Officers found meth, drugs and drug paraphernalia. In Green’s room was a computer displaying the “dark web” and a screen showing where the Greens were selling Xanax across the country. Agents also found meth totaling about 229 grams, or 8 ounces, along with packages and extensive packaging material, including hundreds of feet of glass tubing, glass beakers, a 100 pound butane tank and recipes for combining drugs. In addition, agents seized about $10,000 in silver coins.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin Rubich and Bryan Dake prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, the FBI and the Billings Police Department.
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.
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Strangulation, assault sends Browning man to prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—A judge today sentenced a Browning man who admitted to strangling and assaulting a dating partner in two separate attacks on the Blackfeet Reservation to 51 months in prison and three years of supervised release, U.S Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Ralph Kelly Gallineaux, Sr., 42, pleaded guilty in June to strangulation of a dating partner and to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Judge Morris also ordered $6,817 restitution for the victim’s burned truck.
The prosecution said in court records that Gallineaux strangled the victim, a dating partner, on April 8 after the two had purchased alcohol and had driven to Durham to drink. On the drive back to Browning the two started arguing. During a three-hour period at Gallineaux’s residence, he assaulted, strangled and attempted to smother the victim. The victim told investigators she thought she was going to die and that Gallineaux told her he was not scared of killing someone. When the assault ended, Gallineaux told the victim to leave his house while holding a lit blow-torch. Gallineaux let the blow-torch go out and threw it outside. Law enforcement recovered the blow-torch in the victim’s truck, which he burned.
The victim ran to the hospital and reported the assault. The victim had bruises and scratches on her back, bruising on her neck and injuries to her ears.
The victim also reported to law enforcement that Gallineaux had assaulted her previously in July 2018, when he punched her multiple times in the face and broke her nose. The victim had called 911 and went to the IHS Hospital in Browning.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
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Billings methamphetamine trafficker sentenced to 15 years in prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—A Billings man who admitted supplying meth to others for distribution and to having firearms was sentenced today to 15 years and one month in prison and to five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Chad Allen Beres, 32, pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possessing with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The prosecution said in court records filed in the case that Billings Police officers arrested co-defendant Christopher Hurst at a hotel on Feb. 27, 2018. During a search of the room, officers found meth and a firearm. Hurst admitted receiving from four to eight ounces of meth nearly every day from his suppliers and that he had received at least 15 pounds of meth that he distributed.
Agents identified Beres as a supplier of Hurst’s and also learned that co-defendant Larry Barnett also got meth from Beres. Agents served a search warrant on Beres’ residence and seized about 700 grams of meth, which is about 1.5 pounds and the equivalent of about 5,600 doses. Agents also seized three shotguns and two handguns.
Hurst and Barnett were both convicted in the case. Hurst was sentenced to 12 years in prison while Barnett was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, the FBI and BPD.
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.
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United States Recovers over $137,000 Resolving Allegations that Federal Gas Lessee Violated the False Claims ActRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS— U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme today announced the settlement of a civil lawsuit and recovery of $137,500 in an oil and gas royalty dispute involving federal leases.
The settlement arises from allegations that Charles Janksy, and his two companies, Somont Oil Company and Ferdig Oil Company, violated the federal False Claims Act by failing to pay money owed to the Department of the Interior’s Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) for natural gas produced from federal leases located in Montana.
Jansky owns or is the controlling shareholder in both Somont and Ferdig. Somont holds a number of federal gas leases. The leases obligate Somont to pay the United States royalties on the value of the gas it produces. Each month, companies with federal leases are required to report to ONRR the amount of royalties due and then pay the amount owed.
The settlement resolves claims by the United States that Jansky and Somont failed to properly pay their full royalty obligation for gas produced from Somont’s federal leases in Montana from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2016. The United States alleged that Somont and Jansky improperly treated their dealings with Ferdig as arms-length transactions, when in fact, Somont and Ferdig share common ownership. The United States alleged this caused Somont to knowingly underreport its royalty obligations.
“Companies that extract resources from federal lands must pay what they owe. We will hold accountable any company that tries to avoid its obligations,” said U.S. Attorney Alme.
“The obligation to properly pay federal mineral royalties is essential to the responsible development of oil and gas from public lands, and we are committed to work with our partners at the Department of Justice, Office of Natural Resources Revenue, and the Office of the Solicitor, to ensure that companies operating federal leases meet their legal responsibilities,” said Ron Gonzales, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of the Interior-Office of Inspector General’s Energy Investigations Unit.
The U. S. Attorney’s Office acknowledges the cooperation and teamwork demonstrated by governmental entities involved in today’s recovery. Special thanks are extended to the Office of Natural Resources Revenue, the Department of the Interior’s Office of the Solicitor, and the Department of the Interior’s Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan L. Dishong represented the United States.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office representative appointed to the Montana Missing Indigenous Persons Task ForceRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Cobell has been appointed as the office’s representative on the Montana Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force.
The task force met today at the DoubleTree hotel in Billings. The task force was created by the Looping in Native Communities Act or LINC Act, which was passed by the 2019 Montana Legislature.
Montana Attorney General Tim Fox appointed Cobell based on a recommendation from the task force after it received a request from U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme. Cobell is a prosecutor in the Great Falls office and serves as the tribal liaison coordinator.
“We are pleased to be included on this new task force and know AUSA Cobell will represent us well. We support the state’s effort to better determine the scope of and help find missing Indigenous persons, and we look forward to working with the task force on this important issue that affects the entire state,” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
In June, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Montana Department of Justice, FBI and BIA co-sponsored a training for the public and law enforcement on how to use missing persons databases and alerts, what families can do when a loved one goes missing and related topics. A second training will be held on Oct. 16 in Billings at the First Interstate Bank Operation’s Center.
Later this year, the office is facilitating training to tribal governments and members on how to enter and review information in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, or NamUS, which is an online database available to the public and law enforcement.
The U.S. Department of Justice, BIA and Mt Department of Justice have provided or are working to provide all tribal and BIA law enforcement access to the state Criminal Justice Information Network and the National Crime Information Center Missing Person’s File.
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Two men sentenced in Bozeman drug probe after investigators find nearly five pounds of meth in vehicleRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—Two men convicted of methamphetamine trafficking charges were sentenced to prison today after an investigation in which law enforcement seized almost five pounds of meth from a vehicle, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Victor Manuel Ortega-Yescas, 51, of Bozeman, was sentenced to three years in prison, followed by referral to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation. Ortega-Yescas pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute meth.
Co-defendant Carmelo Enrique Ruiz-Morales, 45, of Bozeman, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, followed by referral to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation. Ruiz-Morales pleaded guilty in June to distribution of meth.
The prosecution said in court documents that the defendants were identified as sources for meth in Bozeman. A confidential informant working with the Missouri River Drug Task Force made three controlled buys of two ounces each time from Ruiz-Morales in late 2018. Investigators then set up a controlled buy with Ruiz-Morales, and the informant bought one pound of meth for $7,500. One pound of meth is the equivalent of about 3,624 doses.
Law enforcement began investigating Ortega-Yescas as a potential source after observing Ruiz-Morales meeting with him. A search warrant served on Ruiz-Morales’ phone showed a large number of text messages between the two men that indicated Ortega-Yescas supplied meth to Ruiz-Morales. Investigators learned that Ortega-Yescas would take 15-hour drives to Lynwood, CA, spend a few hours there and return to Montana. On Feb. 8, Ortega-Yescas drove to Lynwood, arrived the next day and reentered Montana on Feb. 10. Officers pulled him over in Big Sky and executed a search warrant on his Ford Expedition. Officers found a large quantity of meth, which was found to be 2,146 grams, or 4.7 pounds, of 99 percent pure meth. That amount of meth is the equivalent of about 17,032 doses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force and Montana Highway Patrol.
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.
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Jury convicts former Custom Carbon Processing president of Clean Air Act violations stemming from explosion of Wibaux oil processing plantRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – After a five day trial, a jury today convicted the former president and director of Custom Carbon Processing, Inc. of multiple violations of the federal Clean Air Act after a 2012 explosion at the company’s oil processing plant in Wibaux injured three employees and caused extensive damage to the plant, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The jury found Peter Margiotta, 62, 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. Margiotta faces a maximum 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine for an individual, a $1 million fine for an organization and three years of supervised release on the knowing endangerment crime.
The jury trial began on Sept. 23.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters did not immediately set a sentencing date and continued Margiotta’s release.
“Cutting corners in the construction and operation of the oil processing plant violated the Clean Air Act, compromised the safety of employees and resulted in an explosion that injured three workers. Mr. Margiotta’s conviction should send the message that compliance with environmental regulations is required and that we will prosecute violators,” U.S. Attorney Alme said. “I also want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Dake, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric E. Nelson, the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General for their work in prosecuting and investigating this case.”
“We believe today’s conviction sends a strong message to those responsible for properly handling hazardous material,” said Jeffrey Dubsick, Regional Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. “Working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, we will continue our vigorous efforts to protect against those who would risk the safety of the public and the environment for personal gain.”
"The defendant ignored warnings and knowingly put his employees and the public at risk by constructing and operating his facility without appropriate safeguards," said Jeff Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of the Environmental Protection Agency's criminal enforcement program. "This case highlights the importance of a risk management program that protects public health and the safety of our communities," Martinez said.
The prosecution presented evidence at trial of the following:
Margiotta was president and director of Custom Carbon Processing, Inc., a Wyoming company, which constructed the Michels Disposal Well and Oil Reclamation Facility in Wibaux in 2012. The construction was done in ways that allowed hydrocarbon vapors, extremely hazardous substances and hazardous air pollutants to be released into the air.
On July 4, 2012, Margiotta directed the opening of the plant before the implementation of 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.
Beginning in October 2012, 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 at the plant, hazardous and flammable vapors from the natural gas 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, causing an explosion that injured three employees and extensive damage to the plant, the truck and trailer involved in the delivery.
AUSA Bryan Dake and SAUSA Eric Nelson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Sept. 25 was:
Lloyd Wallace Youpee, 92, of Poplar, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. If convicted of the most serious crime, Youpee faces a minimum mandatory 30 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. The FBI and Fort Peck Law Enforcement investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 19-70.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto on a criminal complaint on Sept. 25 was:
Max Richard Arthur, 43, of Anaconda, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearms and possession of an unregistered firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Arthur faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Arthur was detained pending further proceedings. The Anaconda Deer Lodge County Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 19-03.
Appearing on Sept. 24 and pleading not guilty was:
Brandon Richmond Turner, 29, of Missoula, on charges of felon in possession of firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Turner faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Turner was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 19-36.
Appearing on Sept. 24 on a criminal complaint was:
Adrian Hernandez Altamirano, 42, of Mexico, on charges of illegal reentry. If convicted of the most serious crime, Altamirano faces a maximum two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Altamirano was detained pending further proceedings. The Bozeman Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 19-07.
Appearing on Sept. 23 and pleading not guilty was:
Carly Deann Halcro, 35, of Columbia Falls, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Halcro faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Halcro was released pending further proceedings. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 19-15.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan on Sept. 26 and pleading not guilty was:
Joshua A. Stops, 35, of Lodge Grass, on charges of assault by strangulation and suffocation. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stops faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Stops was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 19-120.
Matthew Stephen Hays, 31, of Baker, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hays faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hays was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 19-67.
Donald Raymond Foote, Jr., 49, of Cody, Wyo., on charges of stalking and interstate violation of a protective order. If convicted of the most serious crime, Foote faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Foote was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 19-95.
Appearing on Sept. 24 was:
Dominique Sebastian Paris, 32, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth, distribution of meth and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Paris faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Paris was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI-West task force and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 19-119.
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 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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Three Bozeman area men sentenced in drug overdose investigationRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—An investigation into Bozeman area pill overdoses in 2017 resulted in the sentencing today of three men convicted of drug trafficking and other charges, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Dylan Joseph Jardin, 21, of Bozeman, was sentenced to seven years in prison and three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $10,925 restitution and to forfeit $4,012. Jardin pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone and carfentanil.
Rady Charles Waters, 22, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison and three years of supervised release. Waters pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Artemus Lavelle Brock, also known as “Al Beezy”, 30, was sentenced to three years of probation. Brock pleaded guilty in June to possession of cocaine, a misdemeanor.
Chief U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
Prosecutors said in court documents that investigators uncovered a drug distribution ring that led to Jardin and the co-defendants after law enforcement in Gallatin County responded to a series of drug overdoses in September 2017.
Five persons who overdosed were revived after being given Narcan, which is an emergency treatment to restore breathing in cases of opiate and narcotic analgesic overdoses.
In interviews with law enforcement, Jardin admitted to distributing oxycodone pills and that he was aware of some of the overdoses. Jardin moved to Montana in 2015 and began selling cocaine, Xanax, meth, marijuana, oxycodone and other drugs. He obtained some of the pills through the dark web and had other sources who typically mailed drugs to him at various addresses in Bozeman. Jardin said he bought meth from sources in Las Vegas and sold drugs, including cocaine, to co-defendants Brent McCarthy, Waters and Brock.
Waters, prosecutors said, told law enforcement that he bought and received drugs from Jardin and acknowledged he had been selling cocaine.
McCarthy was convicted in the case and is pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Betley and Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Missouri River Drug Task Force.
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.
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Attorney General Fox, US Attorney Alme Announce Plans for Second Missing Persons TrainingRead the Press Release
HELENA – Attorney General Tim Fox and U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme announced their offices, together with the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, will co-sponsor a second missing persons training for the public and law enforcement. The event will take place at the First Interstate Bank Operations Center in Billings on October 16.
The first joint missing persons training was held in June in Helena. “Because we had strong interest in our first collaborative training, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme and I decided we wanted to offer a more convenient opportunity for law enforcement and the public on the eastern side of the state to attend,” Attorney General Tim Fox said. “Toward that end, we look forward to offering this second training to improve Montana’s response to missing persons cases, particularly those involving Native Americans.”
The event will provide instruction for law enforcement on accepting and entering a missing person’s report, use of missing persons alerts and advisories, and conducting missing persons investigations. A separate session for the public will offer information on how to report a missing person, give an overview of missing persons databases and alert systems, and discuss other resources that are available.
“We are pleased to be working again with Attorney General Fox, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to provide this important joint training on missing persons resources for all federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement in Montana and for tribal councils and members of the public,” U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. “By working with law enforcement and family and friends to better collect and share information about missing persons, particularly Native Americans, we can help bring more people home.”
Kalispell man, two California residents charged with methamphetamine traffickingRead the Press Release
MISSOULA--The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today that a Kalispell man and two persons from California appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto on criminal complaints charging them with methamphetamine trafficking crimes.
John Patrick Figueroa Araujo, 53, of Kalispell, Kristal Patricia Leonard, 34, of Huntington Beach, CA, and John Murray Barry, 39, of Palmdale, CA, are charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and with possession with intent to distribute. If convicted of the most serious crime, the defendants face a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release. All defendants were detained pending further proceedings.
The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Court documents filed in the case said investigators arrested the defendants on Sept. 18 as they were driving separately and that search warrants executed on their vehicles revealed approximately 31.5 pounds of methamphetamine, which is the equivalent of about 114,156 doses.
The case was investigated by the Northwest Montana Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Montana Highway Patrol, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Polson Police Department, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Police Department, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Kalispell Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Border Patrol and Two Bear Air. Pacer case reference. 19-61.
If this case is of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of it 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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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Sept. 16 was:
Lisa Marie Skunkcap, 36, of Browning, on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, Skunkcap faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Skunkcap was detained pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the FBI. Pacer case reference. 19-60.
If the above case is of 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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Belgrade man sentenced to 20 years in prison for child porn crimesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—Belgrade resident John Michael Whitehead, who admitted child pornography crimes after sending an undercover agent images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, was sentenced today to 20 years in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release and $3,000 restitution to one of the victims, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Whitehead, 36, pleaded guilty in March to distribution of child porn and receipt of child porn.
Chief U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
“Child pornography crimes will not be tolerated in Montana and those who seek to harm children for sexual gratification will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Every person who distributes or receives child pornography re-injures the victims,” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
“I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee Peterson, who prosecuted the case, along with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and Washington D.C. Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. I also want to thank our Montana law enforcement partners, including the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Bozeman Police Department, Belgrade Police Department, Lewis and Clark Sheriff’s Office, Helena Police Department and Montana Department of Child and Family Services,” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
"When crimes against children fall under the authority of the FBI, we will act swiftly to protect society's most vulnerable and investigate those who exploit them," said Paul Haertel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Salt Lake City Field Office. “The FBI is appreciative of our law enforcement partners’ expeditious assistance and cooperation in ensuring the safety and welfare of Montana’s children.”
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution said that in December 2018, an undercover agent with the FBI’s Task Force in Washington, D.C., was chatting online with Whitehead in a group known to exchange child porn. During the chat, Whitehead sent the agent an image of a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In January, Whitehead again sent the agent a video of a prepubescent child engaged in sexually explicit conduct with an adult male.
The investigation led to the execution of a search warrant of Whitehead’s residence on Jan. 9, 2019. Agents seized multiple items, including two smart phones. Whitehead admitted in an interview with agents that he had been using an app on his phone to trade child porn. Investigators found videos and images of child porn on the two phones.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the Washington D.C. Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
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Two Washington residents sentenced to prison for trafficking meth, possessing firearmsRead the Press Release
HELENA—A man and woman who admitted to meth trafficking and firearms crimes were sentenced today to prison after their vehicle was stopped near Missoula and law enforcement found more than a pound of meth inside, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Tavia Dion Blume, 40, of Monroe, WA, was sentenced to 14 years in prison and five years of supervised release.
Co-defendant Kyle Douglas Alverson, 25, of Lake Stevens, WA, was sentenced to 14 years and 11 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
Both Blume and Alverson pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to distribute meth and to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Senior U.S. District Judge Charles C. Lovell presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution said Blume and Alverson conspired with others to distribute meth and also possessed firearms for protection. The Montana Highway Patrol stopped a vehicle Blume was driving on Dec. 16. 2018 on Interstate 90 east of Missoula. Alverson was a passenger. Law enforcement seized the vehicle and served a search warrant on the vehicle. During the search, officers found three firearms and ammunition, seized about 692 grams, or about 1.5 pounds, of meth, $1,280 in U.S. currency and other items. One and a half pounds of meth is the equivalent of 5,436 doses.
When interviewed by law enforcement, Blume said she had started selling narcotics to pay off debts and admitted to having a gambling problem. Blume would buy meth and heroin from her source in Washington for resale in Montana. When arrested, Blume was on her fourth trip.
Alverson bought meth to resell from Blume and her source of supply. Together, Blume and Alverson decided he would get a Glock .380 caliber pistol, which was found in the vehicle. Blume admitted that she owned a Phoenix Arms .22LR caliber pistol and a Taurus 9mm pistol and had the firearms for protection from being robbed while dealing drugs. The two firearms also were found in the vehicle.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Montana Highway Patrol and the Missouri River Drug Task Force.
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.
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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 on Sept. 13 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto on a criminal complaint was:
Allan Roy Goodman, 42, of Missoula, on charges of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, conspiracy to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Goodman faces minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison and five years of supervised release. Goodman was detained pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force. Pacer case reference. 19-59.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris on Sept. 11 and pleading not guilty was:
Sean Henry White Bremner, 24, of Browning, on charges of sexual abuse of a minor, sexual exploitation of a child, receipt of child pornography and transfer of obscene material to a minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bremner faces a maximum 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Bremner was release pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the FBI. Pacer case reference. 19-65.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston on Sept. 11 and pleading not guilty was:
Logan Michael Burke, also known as Logan Old Chief, on charges of assault of dating partner by suffocation and assault of dating partner by strangulation. If convicted of the most serious crime, Burke faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Burke was detained pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services. Pacer case reference. 19-66.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan on Sept. 13 and pleading not guilty was:
Chase Woodenlegs, 29, of Busby, on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury, assault with a weapon and strangulation. If convicted of the most serious crime, Woodenlegs faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Woodenlegs was detained pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the FBI. Pacer case reference. 19-114.
Gregg Allen Johnson, 41, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most crimes, Johnson faces a minimum mandatory five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug count and a minimum mandatory 10 years to life, consecutive to any other sentence, on one of the firearms counts. Johnson was detain3ed pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Pacer case reference. 19-108.
Rane Sawyer Black, 21, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Black faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Black was released pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Pacer case reference. 19-96.
Appearing on Sept. 10 and pleading not guilty was:
Eric Shane Ennis, 40, of Shepherd, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ennis faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Pacer case reference. 19-106.
Jose Antonio Escobedo, 46, 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, Escobedo faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Escobedo was detained pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force. Pacer case reference. 19-113.
Cesar Hernandez-Rodriguez, 35, of Mexico, on charges of illegal re-entry. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hernandez-Rodriguez faces a maximum two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release. The case was investigated by the Border Patrol. Pacer case reference. 19-115.
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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Missoula woman sentenced to 10 years for possessing meth for distributionRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—Missoula resident Tiffany Rose Ramirez, who admitted to methamphetamine trafficking charges, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Ramirez, 31, pleaded guilty in April to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The prosecution said in court documents that on March 17, 2018 in Lake County, Ramirez was driving a vehicle that was pulled over and later searched pursuant to a search warrant. The search led to the recovery of methamphetamine. Two confidential informants told law enforcement that they obtained meth from Ramirez.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Northwest Drug Task Force.
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.
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East Glacier area man charged with involuntary manslaughter, assault in Glacier National ParkRead the Press Release
Great Falls – A man accused of causing the death of one person and of injuring another while driving in Glacier National Park in June was charged in U.S. District Court today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Leo James Hagan, 19, of East Glacier Park Village, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with involuntary manslaughter and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
The indictment is merely an accusation, and Hagan is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
If convicted, Hagan faces a maximum eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the manslaughter count, and a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the assault count.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Hagan was released pending further proceedings. A trial was set for Nov. 4, 2019.
The indictment alleges that Hagan was driving recklessly on June 11, 2019, near Lower Two Medicine Lake in Glacier National Park, when his actions caused the death of one person and seriously injured a second person.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the National Park Service, Montana Highway Patrol, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and the Glacier County Sheriff’s Office.
Pacer case reference. 19-71.
If 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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Ex-U.s. Fish and Wildlife Service Employee Sentenced in Child Porn CaseRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—Former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee Shawn Thomas Conrad was sentenced today to 84 months in prison followed by 20 years supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Conrad also was ordered to pay $15,000 restitution, $5,000 Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act assessment, and $100 special assessment.
Conrad, 49, of Billings, pleaded guilty in May to possession of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
“Exploiting children for sexual gratification is a serious crime and will not be tolerated. Every person who possesses child pornography re-injures the victim,” Attorney Alme said. “This sentence sends a strong message that whoever commits child pornography crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I want to thank Assistant U. S. Attorney Cyndee Peterson, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the FBI, the Billings Police Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their good work in this case.”
“Child pornography is a crime that leaves profound and long-lasting effects on the victims,” said Paul Haertel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office. “The FBI would like to thank the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Billings Police Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services for their assistance in bringing a child predator to justice.”
The prosecution said in court documents filed in the case that an investigation of Conrad, an agent for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, for a child pornography crime that began in early August 2018 by the Billings Police Department, which is a member of the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Having heard of the underlying police department investigation, Conrad’s supervisor went to Conrad’s home and seized an agency vehicle. Conrad said his personal hard drive was in the vehicle and asked for the hard drive. The supervisor did not return it. Conrad asked his supervisor again that evening for his hard drive.
The USFWS obtained a search warrant for the hard drive, which was examined. The BPD also served a search warrant at Conrad’s residence and seized a laptop computer, which was examined. Both the hard drive and laptop contained child porn images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, FBI, BPD and USFWS.
Montana Native Women’s Coalition Board ex-chairwoman charged with fraud in embezzlement of grant moneyRead the Press Release
BILLNGS—The former chairwoman of the Montana Native Women’s Coalition was arraigned today on charges in a 10-count indictment accusing her, and the Coalition’s ex-treasurer, of stealing federal grant funds to make unapproved trips to Las Vegas and to receive other unauthorized benefits, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Meredith McConnell, 50, of Busby, pleaded not guilty to seven counts charging her with theft from a program receiving federal funding, wire fraud, fraudulent travel claims and misprision of felony. McConnell was the Coalition’s chairwoman and the executive director of Healing Hearts.
Co-defendant Barbara Mary Daychief, 43, of Browning, the Coalition’s former treasurer, pleaded not guilty on Aug. 13 to six counts.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided and released McConnell pending further proceedings.
If convicted of the most serious crime, McConnell faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
The indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The indictment accuses McConnell and Daychief of stealing from Lame Deer-based coalition from about August 2017 until March 2018. The Coalition’s purpose is to help Native American victims of domestic and sexual violence. In addition, the Coalition brings together Native American leaders and state representatives who administer state and federal funds for domestic violence and programming to improve resources for Native women and tribal programs.
The Coalition receives funding from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women, which provides grants for victim services. From October 2017 to September 2018, the OVW awarded the Coalition $318,008 in federal funds.
In March 2017, the Coalition’s previous executive director, Toni Louise Plummer-Alvernaz, pleaded guilty to fraud for stealing from the Coalition. Plummer-Alvernaz was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison and ordered to pay $246,024 restitution.
Two months later, the First Nations Development Institute held a two-day training for the Coalition in Billings, where it taught board members, including McConnell and Daychief, about conflicts of interest, whistleblower policies, code of ethics and financial oversight. The Coalition also received a special condition about reporting fraud in its September 2017 award package.
The indictment alleges McConnell and Daychief committed travel fraud, received travel payments on non-approved trips, including to Las Vegas, received and authorized double-payment for “days in service,” authorized unapproved construction projects and took other benefits they were not entitled to receive.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Weldon and Bryan Dake are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General.
Pacer case reference. 19-90. The case may be monitored through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, 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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Illegal possession of gun sends Billings man to prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—Jermaine David Richardson, a Billings resident who admitted possessing a semi-automatic pistol while having been convicted of a felony, was sentenced today to four years in prison and three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Richardson, 25, pleaded guilty in April to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
Evidence presented by the prosecution in court records said that in January 2018, a Billings Police Department detective received a video showing Richardson with what appeared to be a black pistol in his hand while in the hallway of a Billings hotel. Richardson refers to the pistol as a Hi-Point. Five months later, police officers saw a stolen vehicle parked in front of Richardson’s residence and were aware that Richardson was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a felony conviction in Illinois. Police officers ultimately executed a search warrant on Richardson’s residence and seized a .45-caliber semi-automatic Hi-Point pistol from his bedroom.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan McCarthy prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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.
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Butte pastor admits stealing from churchRead the Press Release
MISSOULA–The pastor of the United Pentecostal Church in Butte appeared today on wire fraud charges and admitted to embezzling $288,757 from the organization over a four-year period, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Kenneth Emmett Hogue, 66, of Butte, pleaded guilty to wire fraud as charged in an information during an initial appearance. Hogue 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. Hogue was released pending further proceedings.
Hogue’s sentencing was set for Dec. 12, 2019. Chief U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen is hearing the case.
The prosecution said in court documents filed in the case that Hogue began serving as pastor of the United Pentecostal Church in Butte in 1982. In April 2012, Hogue was elected secretary/treasurer of the Rocky Mountain District of the UPC. Hogue’s duties as secretary/treasurer included making church offering deposits at the bank, writing checks for church expenses, maintaining financial records and preparing annual financial statements in conjunction with the church’s annual conferences.
From June 2012 to July 2016, Hogue embezzled $288,757 from the church. He admitted the fraud to church personnel and during an FBI interview in March 2018. Hogue carried out the scheme by using a debit card that belonged to the District to withdraw cash from ATMs, by issuing an unauthorized check to himself from a District bank account and by opening a new bank account in the name of the District, without permission, and transferring money into that account. He later removed the transferred money using ATM transactions.
Assistant U. S. Attorney Tim Racicot is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Wolf Point woman who shot man over meth debt on Fort Peck Reservation sentenced to 121 months in prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—Wolf Point resident Desire Azkadelia Lambert, who admitted shooting a man in the chest after he left a meth deal without paying for the drug, was sentenced today to 121 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Lambert, 30, also known as Cassandra Lee Follette, pleaded guilty in May to assault with a dangerous weapon and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution said that on Sept. 13, 2018, the victim received methamphetamine from Lambert on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and left without paying Lambert. Lambert then borrowed her mother’s vehicle and obtained her firearm and drove to confront the victim. Lambert found the victim outside of a convenience store gas station in Wolf Point and pulled up next to the victim.
Lambert argued with victim, pulled out her gun, and shot the victim in the chest from her car. She fled the scene, disposed of the firearm, and went back to her mother’s house. Local law enforcement arrested Lambert at the residence on tribal charges. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the gun.
The victim was flown to a Billings hospital where he underwent surgery for a gunshot wound to his chest.
Approximately one month later, while in tribal custody, Lambert contacted the FBI and informed investigators that she had lied about the location of the gun when initially interviewed. Lambert was temporarily released from jail to the custody of the investigators so that she could take the agent to the location where she had hidden the firearm after the shooting. The firearm, a .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol, was under a disabled truck in a neighborhood on the reservation. Officers also found three rounds of ammunition and a pistol magazine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassady Adams prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice, Wolf Point Police Department, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and the Montana Highway Patrol.
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.
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New York City Man Admits to Making False Statements Involving International TerrorismRead the Press Release
Fabjan Alameti, a New York City resident who was arrested at a Bozeman shooting range, today pleaded guilty to charges of making false statements involving international terrorism to the FBI, announced U.S. Attorney Kurte Alme for the District of Montana.
Alameti, 21, pleaded guilty to two counts of false statements to a federal officer in a matter involving international terrorism. He faces a maximum eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Dec. 13, 2019 before Chief U.S. Judge Dana L. Christensen. Alameti was detained pending further proceedings.
In court records filed in the case, the prosecution said Alameti had been part of a terrorism investigation by the FBI in 2018. Alameti traveled to Bozeman in March 2019 and agreed to speak with an FBI agent. During that interview, Alameti said he had never talked about traveling overseas to fight for ISIS and that he had never wanted to hurt any Americans or anyone in the military, or words to that effect.
The statements were false because Alameti used a Facebook account and communicated with others that he wanted to travel overseas and fight for ISIS because he wanted to die a martyr’s death. Alameti also communicated with others about targeting people in the United States and identified targets as gay night clubs, a federal building and an Army recruiting center. Alameti admitted making statements to an individual that he wanted to “shoot people or something,” “I will attack random people to avenge the blood,” and “I’m going to Montana and gonna (sic) buy a gun since all they need is a background check and ID.”
Law enforcement arrested Alameti in April at a Bozeman shooting range after he allegedly took possession of a M1A he had rented.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Starnes and Trial Attorney Rebecca Magnone, from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
New York City Man Admits to Making False Statements Involving International TerrorismRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Fabjan Alameti, a New York City resident who was arrested at a Bozeman shooting range, today pleaded guilty to charges of making false statements involving international terrorism to the FBI, announced U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme for the District of Montana.
Alameti, 21, pleaded guilty to two counts of false statements to a federal officer in a matter involving international terrorism. He faces a maximum eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Dec. 13, 2019 before Chief U.S. Judge Dana L. Christensen. Alameti was detained pending further proceedings.
In court records filed in the case, the prosecution said Alameti had been part of a terrorism investigation by the FBI in 2018. Alameti traveled to Bozeman in March 2019 and agreed to speak with an FBI agent. During that interview, Alameti said he had never talked about traveling overseas to fight for ISIS and that he had never wanted to hurt any Americans or anyone in the military, or words to that effect.
The statements were false because Alameti used a Facebook account and communicated with others that he wanted to travel overseas and fight for ISIS because he wanted to die a martyr’s death. Alameti also communicated with others about targeting people in the United States and identified targets as gay night clubs, a federal building and an Army recruiting center. Alameti admitted making statements to an individual that he wanted to “shoot people or something,” “I will attack random people to avenge the blood,” and “I’m going to Montana and gonna (sic) buy a gun since all they need is a background check and ID.”
Law enforcement arrested Alameti in April at a Bozeman shooting range after he allegedly took possession of a M1A he had rented.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Starnes and Trial Attorney Rebecca Magnone, from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
Meth dealer in Billings sentenced to three years in prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—Gregory Paul Green, a Billings resident who admitted to meth trafficking crimes after law enforcement found meth in his home along with drug manufacturing materials and $10,000 in silver coins, was sentenced to three years in prison and three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Green, 64, pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
Prosecutors said in court records that law enforcement became aware of Green in December 2018 after a package that was addressed to Green was intercepted in Port Huron, MI. The package was labeled “Organic Fitness Vitamin” and opened by law enforcement. The package contained 1,471 Xanax pills. Investigators determined that 112 packages from various locations, including Canada, had been shipped to Green’s residence since December 2017.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Green’s house after the package was accepted by a person at the residence. Officers found meth, drugs and drug paraphernalia. In Green’s room was a computer displaying the “dark web” and a screen where Green was selling Xanax across the country. Agents also found packages, extensive packaging material, and drug manufacturing material, including hundreds of feet of glass tubing, glass beakers, a 100 pound butane tank and recipes for combining drugs. In addition, agents seized about $10,000 in silver coins.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin Rubich and Bryan Dake prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, the FBI and the Billings Police Department.
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.
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