District of Montana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Great Falls Felon Sentenced for Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that 31-year old Daniel Gonzalez of Great Falls was sentenced to 30 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the hearing.
In June of 2017, Great Falls law enforcement searched for Gonzalez in relation to a shooting that had occurred in Great Falls. Officers were aware that Gonzalez typically carried a firearm and had an outstanding warrant. On June 12, 2017, officers received information that Gonzalez was still in town. Detectives subsequently located Gonzalez sitting in the passenger seat of a car in a parking lot. They could not see any other occupants in the car. Officers approached the car and arrested Gonzalez.
Detectives received permission to search the car and retrieved a black handgun from underneath the passenger seat where Gonzalez had been seated. The handgun was loaded with round in the chamber; the magazine also contained several rounds of ammunition.
Gonzalez admitted that he was a heroin user and had been seeking drugs. He also admitted that the gun found underneath the passenger seat of the car was his firearm. He said he had received the firearm as payment for a heroin deal that had occurred a few months prior. Gonzalez added that it was necessary to carry a gun in Great Falls because everyone had a firearm.
Gonzalez has an extensive criminal history that includes prior convictions for thefts, burglaries, assaults, and domestic violence, and is prohibited from possessing firearms.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Great Falls Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Great Falls Businessman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Jay Nash, 50, of Great Falls, Montana, pleaded guilty to Wire Fraud and Money Laundering during a federal court hearing on May 16, 2018, in Great Falls, Montana, before U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris. Nash faces a federal prison sentence of up to 30 years, a $500,000 fine, restitution of over $800,000, and a $200 special assessment.
In an Offer of Proof, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Weldon and Thomas Bartelson stated the Government would have proved Nash obtained a warranty deed on the property owned by a victim. The parties entered into a Promissory Note, which outlined that Nash would pay the victim an amount equal to the value of the house. The Promissory Note was secured by a mortgage, which was never filed with Cascade County. Four months later, Nash took out mortgages on the property totaling over $180,000. Nash ultimately sold the property and did not give the proceeds of the sale to the victim.
As part of the investigation, agents tracked where Nash spent the victim’s money from the two mortgages and the ultimate sale of the house. Agents discovered that Nash spent the money on boats, furniture, sex toys, his mother’s house, and other unrelated living expenses. None of those expenditures were approved by the victim, nor was the money given for that purpose.
The investigation also revealed three other victims. Similarly, Nash entered into promissory notes with these additional victims and spent the money on unauthorized purchases, including ATVs, tax payments to the IRS, and a motorhome. In one example, Nash spent over $430,000 of victim money in less than 120 days.
Sentencing is set for September 27, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., at the Missouri River Courthouse, in Great Falls, Montana, before U.S. District Court Judge Brian M. Morris.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and local law enforcement.
Department of Justice Hosts Protecting Houses of Worship Training ProgramRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - The U.S. Attorney’s Office is hosting a training program to share best practices for security at houses of worship.
The Protecting Houses of Worship program will take place on Monday, May 14, 2018, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church in Billings.
The program will provide faith-based community leaders and members with information to help them develop and implement security measures, share information, and address potential risks, such as active shooter situations. The program will also include information on additional training and grant programs that may be available.
Speakers include U.S. Attorney Kurt G. Alme and representatives from the Billings Police Department, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service and United States Attorney’s Office organized the program.
All faith-based community leaders and members are welcome to attend. To obtain more information and/or RSVP for the event please e-mail [email protected].
Protecting Houses of Worship FlyerMinnesota Man Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HELENA – Nathan Eli Johnson, a 34-year-old resident of Saint Paul Minnesota, entered a plea of guilty today to possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. U.S. Senior District Judge Sam Haddon presided over the hearing.
On Saturday November 12, 2016, a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputy made a traffic stop on Johnson’s Chevy Tahoe while traveling eastbound on Interstate I-90. The deputy had seen two vehicles traveling 95 miles per hour in an 80 mile per hour zone. The deputy was able to make a traffic stop on the Tahoe. The Tahoe was operated by Nathan Eli Johnson who held a suspended/revoked driver’s license out of Minnesota. Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) arrived to assist with the stop. During the contact with Johnson, MHP troopers could smell marijuana. Johnson told MHP that he had an eighth ounce of marijuana in his possession. Johnson gave MHP permission to search the Tahoe. When a trooper asked Johnson how much marijuana he would find, Johnson said, “I’m (expletive).” When the trooper again asked how much, Johnson said “a lot.” The trooper again confirmed consent to search and Johnson agreed.
During the search officers located 16 large duffel bags containing suspected marijuana. Each bag contained multiple pounds of marijuana. As a result of what was learned, JCSO requested assistance from the Southwest Montana Drug Task Force (SWMDTF) who helped to obtain a search warrant regarding additional items of contraband believed to be located in the Tahoe. Johnson stated that he had manufactured, processed, and transported approximately 388 pounds (approximately 175 kilograms) of marijuana which was located in the Tahoe. Johnson also stated he had been involved in the distribution, possession and manufacture of large amounts of marijuana for approximately six years. He stated he oversees the production and harvest of the marijuana in Oregon and transports and distributes the marijuana to multiple dealers in the St. Paul Minnesota area. Johnson stated during the six years he was operating as a large scale marijuana dealer he produced approximately 1,420 pounds of useable marijuana which he has sold for an approximate total of $1,704,000. This estimation appeared to investigators to be at the low end of the spectrum based upon the average street price of high grade marijuana in the St. Paul Minnesota area. Johnson further stated that upon returning to the St. Paul area, he had a group of 40 to 50 individuals he would contact for the purpose of distributing the marijuana.
Johnson’s sentencing hearing has been set for August 29, 2018 in Helena.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan R. Whittaker and investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, and the South West Montana Drug Task Force.
Helena Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
HELENA – Elbert Flores Hernandez, Jr., a 44-year-old Helena resident, was sentenced today to 56 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition on January 3, 2018. U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon handed down the sentence.
On January 3, 2017, law enforcement arrested Hernandez after he left a Helena area residence. After receiving consent to search the vehicle, officers found a Smith and Wesson, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, under the passenger seat where Hernandez was sitting. The pistol was loaded with twelve rounds of ammunition. At the time, Hernandez was a probation absconder with outstanding arrest warrants from Montana and Arizona.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force, Montana Department of Corrections Probation and Parole and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Former Babb Resident Sentenced to Prison for StrangulationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Tyrell Belgarde, a 28-year-old former resident of Babb, was sentenced to 27 months in prison follow by two years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the hearing. Belgarde previously entered a guilty plea to strangulation in February of 2018.
In July 2016, Belgarde was drinking alcohol with friends at a friend’s home on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Belgarde and the victim had an argument and Belgarde became angry, calling the victim several highly offensive names before biting the victim’s arm. Belgarde then grabbed the victim by the neck with both hands, and squeezed the victim’s neck until the victim lost consciousness.
In a sentencing memorandum filed in federal court, federal prosecutors noted that Native American women experience the highest rates of domestic violence compared to all other groups in the United States and that the seriousness of Belgarde’s conduct cannot be overstated. Belgarde’s pattern of conduct showed an escalation of violent abuse when he committed another violent assault on the same victim in Missoula in April of 2017 where he beat the victim and held a loaded gun to the victim’s head.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Cobell and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other federal, state, and local agencies.
Twin Bridges Man Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – Martin James Walsh, a 53-year-old resident of Twin Bridges, Montana, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeramiah Lynch presided over the hearing.
Beginning in October 2016, the South West Montana Drug Task Force (SWMDTF) used a confidential informant to purchase an 8 ball of methamphetamine from Walsh. The next month the SWMDTF again made an undercover purchase of ¼ ounce of methamphetamine from Walsh. In June 2017, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office used another confidential informant to purchase a small amount of heroin from Walsh. Based upon the purchases, sheriff deputies obtained a search warrant for Walsh’s residence in Twin Bridges. During the search of Walsh’s home they found a digital scale, several glass smoking pipes, a large box containing four bags of a white crystalline substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. Walsh was home at the time of the search. He was detained and read his Miranda rights. Walsh stated that he had been selling ounces of meth in Madison County as well as Bozeman and Butte. The amount of methamphetamine found in Walsh’s residence was approximately 260 grams or 2080 dosing units.
Further investigation by the Missouri River Drug Task Force learned that Walsh had been supplying large quantities of methamphetamine to a distributor in Bozeman. It was learned that between July 2016 through January 2017, Walsh had distributed 1357 grams, or 10,856 dosing units, of methamphetamine to his co-conspirator to be distributed throughout the Gallatin County area.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan R. Whittaker and investigated by the FBI, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, South West Montana Drug Task Force, and the Missouri River Drug Task Force.
Former Sidney Resident Sentenced to 60 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Tiffaney Ann Boland was sentenced to 60 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the hearing.
Boland previously entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In September 2016, law enforcement received information that one of the “Sidney Shuttle” drivers may be selling drugs while operating the shuttle. Law enforcement conducted three controlled purchases from the driver and two additional purchases from the driver’s supplier, Boland and another coconspirator. Boland is responsible for approximately 70 grams of actual methamphetamine, which converts to 560 individual dosage units of the drugs which would have reached drug users in Montana.
In a sentencing memorandum filed in federal court, federal prosecutors noted that the “distribution of methamphetamine is crippling communities” and that “Boland’s actions are serious and have a direct impact on society.” It continued by noting that buyers begin purchasing from a lower-level dealer, like the Sidney Shuttle driver, but transition to buying larger quantities from people like Boland. Prosecutors also noted “The distribution of methamphetamine will not be tolerated and others, include[ing] those in and around the Sidney area who are engaging in the sale of methamphetamine, should understand that the road for this conduct leads to federal prison.”
The Boland case was investigated by the Montana Department of Criminal Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other federal, state, and local agencies.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Fugitive Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – Martin Jay Hope, a 57-year-old federal felon, was sentenced today to 15 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to escape on January 24, 2018. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen handed down the sentence.
In November 2008, Hope was sentenced to 312 months custody in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. In March 2017, Hope was re-sentenced to ten years imprisonment. His projected release date was October 27, 2017. Hope was to serve the last month of his sentence at the Butte Prerelease Center. In late September, Hope left California for the Butte RRC using transportation and bus tickets purchased by the BOP for his transfer. He should have arrived in Butte on September 28, 2017. The following day, the BOP notified the United States Marshals Service that Hope failed to report to the Butte RRC as scheduled. Hope was arrested on September 30, 2017, in Longview, Washington. He was returned to BOP custody shortly after his arrest. According to Hope, he absconded in order to see his mother and his sister. While at the bus station, someone offered him methamphetamine and he accepted it.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Unites States Marshals Service, United States Probation Office, and Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Great Falls Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – Brian Denelson Willman, a 31-year-old Great Falls resident, was sentenced today to 25 months in prison followed by 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm on January 10, 2018. U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris handed down the sentence.
On July 21, 2016, Willman possessed a stolen, Stevens .22 caliber rifle in Great Falls, Montana. The day before, a Great Falls residence was burglarized and six firearms were taken, including a Stevens Arms Company, model Number 26 Crackshot, .22 caliber, single shot rifle, with no serial number. A neighbor took a picture of the car involved and provided the picture and other information to the police. The Great Falls Police Department tracked down the owner of the car and learned that Willman was using the car. After a high speed pursuit, the police arrested Willman. The Stevens .22 caliber rifle was found in the trunk of the car. After his arrest, Willman called a friend from jail and discussed the stolen firearm found in the trunk of the car. At the time, Willman was on absconder status with Montana Probation and Parole. MT P&P received Willman on parole from Arizona through the interstate compact after his conviction for aggravated assault there.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Russell Country Drug Task Force and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Butte and Helena Area Drug Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
HELENA – Brandon James LeClair, a 42-year-old Butte resident, was sentenced today to 168 months in prison followed by 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm on October 17, 2017. U.S. District Judge Charles C. Lovell handed down the sentence.
LeClair trafficked an ounce of methamphetamine each week from October 2016 until mid-December 2016 with his codefendant, Travis Stephens. Their drug trafficking allegedly stopped after LeClair stole a safe from Stephens in mid-December 2016. The safe contained one pound of methamphetamine and approximately $10,000.
On January 25, 2017, law enforcement was called to their Helena area motel room to investigate a violent confrontation. At that time, LeClair possessed a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol. LeClair’s criminal history includes two prior federal convictions for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in May 1999, and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm in August 2007. LeClair was held responsible for distributing 12 ounces of methamphetamine. That converts to 2718 individual doses of the drug.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force, Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Agency and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Butte Drug Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
HELENA – Travis Holly Stephens, a 30-year-old Butte resident, was sentenced today to 168 months in prison followed by 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on October 17, 2017. U.S. District Judge Charles C. Lovell handed down the sentence.
From October 2016 until January 2017, Stephens distributed methamphetamine herself and with others in Montana. On January 25, 2017, law enforcement responded to a disturbance at her Helena area motel room. Stephens was found with one pound of pure methamphetamine as well as a loaded Bersa firearm in her car trunk. She was held responsible for distributing one pound of methamphetamine. That converts to 3624 individual doses of the drug.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Officials Announce Results of Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative to Fight Violent Crime in Yellowstone CountyRead the Press Release
Yellowstone County PSN Fact Sheet BILLINGS – Today, United States Attorney Kurt Alme and Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito announced the preliminary results of collaborative efforts to reduce violent crime in Yellowstone County under the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, including the court appearances and arrests of 17 subjects facing federal or state charges for armed robbery, trafficking methamphetamine, and illegally possessing firearms.Last fall, United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions directed all United States Attorneys to reinvigorate the Department of Justice initiative known as Project Safe Neighborhoods to reduce violent crime in communities. Since that time, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies launched a Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative for Yellowstone County. Participating agencies include the Billings and Laurel Police Departments; Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office; Montana Department of Justice Highway Patrol and Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Department of Corrections Probation and Parole Division, U. S. Marshal’s Service, U.S. Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigations, and Homeland Security Investigations. The initiative also calls for prosecutors from the Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office, Montana Department of Justice Prosecution Services Division and the U. S. Attorney’s Office to prosecute defendants in both state and federal courts.
“As I said in Billings on Friday, Project Safe Neighborhoods is proven to work,” Attorney General Sessions said. “Under PSN, I've directed our U.S. Attorneys to target the most violent criminals in the most high-crime areas, and to work with people in the community to develop a customized crime-reduction plan. That's exactly what U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme has done in Yellowstone county and across Montana. I want to thank him, our federal agents, and all of our fabulous state and local law enforcement partners who have made this initiative a success for the people of Montana. This initiative is more proof that this local, community-based model really works.”
County Attorney Twito said: “The message of Project Safe Neighborhoods is clear, if you commit armed robbery, push methamphetamine or commit a firearms offense, you will be arrested and you will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
A second part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative is to support methamphetamine substance abuse prevention and treatment. Attorney General Tim Fox, whose office is implementing the AID Montana initiative, stated, “Combating the effects of Montana’s growing substance abuse crisis will take comprehensive and collaborative efforts across the state. I want to thank U.S. Attorney Alme, Chief St. John, County Attorney Twito and Sheriff Linder for their incredible work in Yellowstone County to crack down on violent crime. My office’s Aid Montana initiative will continue to strategically target all aspects of substance abuse in our state, and I look forward to what we will accomplish.”
U. S. Attorney Alme said: “In addition to violent crime, meth is causing our jails to fill, overwhelming our foster care system, overcrowding our treatment facilities, burdening our hospitals, and leaving many in our community with little more than addiction. All of us in law enforcement want to support the drug courts, probation offices, treatment facilities, schools, health and mental health care facilities, foster care providers, drug prevention groups and other governmental and community organizations in creating a community response to address this problem. Our goal is to help keep our community safe by supporting those who keep people from using methamphetamine and help users become sober.”
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana is up almost 35 % through 2016 from its low in 2010. According to data from the Billings Police Department, violent crime in Billings increased 75 % from 2010 through 2017. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault.
In response, last month, federal, state and local law enforcement began a concerted effort in Yellowstone County to arrest armed robbers, methamphetamine dealers and traffickers, and felons and other prohibited persons not allowed to possess firearms under federal law.
The following suspects have recently been arrested under the Project Safe Neighborhoods Yellowstone County initiative and have appeared in federal and state courts on the following charges:
- Christopher Alan Esrey, 31, from Billings, for robbery;
- Dante King, 35, from Oakland, California, for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person;
- Dustin Houston, 35, from Billings, for trafficking methamphetamine and carrying or possessing a firearm;
- Maurice Joseph Fregia, AKA Frosty, 31, from Manteca, California, for trafficking methamphetamine;
- Chad Allen Beres, 31, from Manteca, California, for trafficking methamphetamine;
- Daniel Ellis Pappas, 51, from Billings, for trafficking methamphetamine;
- Molly May Fogle, 19, from Billings, for trafficking methamphetamine;
- John Cameron Swift 51, from Billings, for trafficking methamphetamine and carrying a gun;
- Scott Allen Wortman, 46, from Billings, for trafficking methamphetamine and heroin, and carrying a gun;
- Brian Pretty Weasel, 29, from Billings, for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person;
- Lance Ratcliff, 32, from Natrona County Wyoming, for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person;
- Lionel Duane Bennett, 54, from Billings, for trafficking methamphetamine and carrying a firearm;
- Joshua Allen Kroll, 37, from Billings, for endangering the welfare of a child and trafficking and possessing multiple controlled substances including methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone, hashish, mushrooms, marijuana, zolpidem, methylphenidate, diazepam, tramadol, and temazepam;
- Tabitha Lydia Marie Delao, 34, for endangering the welfare of a child and trafficking and possessing multiple controlled substances including methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone, hashish, mushrooms, marijuana, zolpidem, methylphenidate, diazepam, tramadol, and temazepam.
In addition, the United States Marshal’s Violent Crime Task Force has arrested three additional subjects on Yellowstone County warrants related to Project Safe Neighborhood offenses, i.e., those involving methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbery, or various federal gun crimes.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney Alme thanked all of the members Project Safe Neighborhoods – Yellowstone County for their work to make the community safer.
Helena Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
HELENA – William Paul Cox, Jr, a 35-year-old Helena resident, was sentenced today to 37 months in prison followed by three years supervised release after pleading guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on November 17, 2017. U.S. District Judge Charles C. Lovell handed down the sentence.
On April 4, 2016, Cox was arrested in Helena, Montana, on outstanding warrants. The Missouri River Drug Task Force searched Cox’s vehicle pursuant to a warrant. They found a loaded .40 caliber, semi-automatic pistol in the suburban. Two days later, Cox asked a friend to get a green bag out of the back of the suburban because it contained personal items. He told the friend to leave the red bag in the speaker box because it contained a “boom boom.” Cox described the location MRDTF where they found the loaded .40 caliber pistol. Cox was previously convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and sentenced to 40 months imprisonment in 2005.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Montana Teacher Sentenced to over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MISSOULA - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Jason Morris was sentenced to 132 months in prison, lifetime supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Chief U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen presided over the hearing.
Morris previously entered a guilty plea to the receipt of child pornography. In the summer of 2013, Morris, of Heron, Montana, met a minor online and began an internet relationship. During their communications, which lasted until approximately the fall of 2014, Morris became aware of the minor’s age and engaged in sexually explicit conversation with him. In January 2014, Morris received sexually explicit images of the minor. In November 2015, law enforcement executed a search warrant of Morris’s residence and collected several items of electronic media. Multiple images and videos of child pornography were discovered on Morris’s media. Following the search of his residence, Morris fled to Mexico, where he was ultimately arrested on the instant charges in April 2017.
In a sentencing memorandum filed in federal court, federal prosecutors noted the seriousness of Morris’s actions and the need to protect children from him.
Judge Christensen sentenced Morris to over 10 years in federal prison, with lifetime supervised release to follow. Because there is no parole in the federal system, Morris will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, Morris does have the opportunity to shorten the term of custody by earning credit for good behavior. However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.
U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme applauded the efforts of law enforcement, “I want to congratulate law enforcement and the prosecutor for their dogged efforts to bring this defendant to justice. Our children deserve to be allowed to grow up free from sexual exploitation from adults, especially those in positions of trust.”
“Under our Operations Predator program, our Homeland Security Investigations special agents actively target those who sexually exploit children, while also rescuing their victims,” said Steven W. Cagen, special agent in charge of HSI’s Denver Office, which oversees Montana. “However, we place a higher priority on targeting predators who have positions of public trust, like Morris did as a teacher.”
The Morris case was investigated by Special Agent Bybee of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and other federal, state, and local agencies. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zeno Baucus.
Helena Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
HELENA – Mario Antonio Alicea, a 28-year-old Helena resident, was sentenced today to 37 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to felon in possession of firearms on November 16, 2017. U.S. District Judge Charles C. Lovell handed down the sentence.
On April 25, 2016, Alicea sold a Ruger, model Mark II, .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol for $180. It was loaded with eight rounds of ammunition but there was not a round in the chamber. At around the same time, Alicea also sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant. After he was arrested, Alicea admitted that he traded methamphetamine to acquire the gun.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Great Falls Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – Antonio Todd Tigart, a 21-year-old Great Falls resident, was sentenced today to 14 months in prison followed by 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to prohibited person in possession of firearms on January 17, 2018. U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris handed down the sentence.
On June 26, 2017, officers with the Great Falls Police Department ran Tigart for warrants after he walked past a civil standby. Tigart had an active arrest warrant for the revocation of his felony, criminal endangerment conviction in February 2017. A loaded Springfield Armory .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol was tucked into his waistband. Further investigation revealed that the firearm was stolen in December 2016.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Great Falls Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Fort Peck Meth Dealer Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Landon Dupree, a 32-year-old resident of Poplar, was sentenced to 70 months in prison, four years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris presided over the hearing.
Dupree previously entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In January 2017, Dupree was arrested on an outstanding warrant for violating the terms of his supervised release, drugs and drug paraphernalia on his person during the subsequent arrest.
In July 2017, the Montana Highway Patrol stopped the vehicle Dupree was driving and following a search of the vehicle, located a digital scale, methamphetamine, and syringes. Dupree was a mid-level distributor selling methamphetamine on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, primarily in Poplar.
In a sentencing memorandum filed in federal court, federal prosecutors noted, “Methamphetamine … is destroying lives, breaking up families, and undermining tribal cultures”. It continued “Dupree’s conduct contributed directly to this problem. He provided meth to people needing a quick fix and seemingly fails to understand the broad implications of his criminal conduct.”
Judge Morris sentenced Dupree to more than five years in federal prison, with four years of supervised release to follow. Because there is no parole in the federal system, Dupree will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, Dupree does have the opportunity to shorten the term of custody by earning credit for good behavior. However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.
The Dupree case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice, Montana Highway Patrol, and other federal, state, and local agencies.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Canadian Drug Firm Admits Selling Counterfeit and Misbranded Prescription Drugs Throughout the United StatesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – Kristjan Thorkelson, a resident of Manitoba, Canada, together with several Canadian companies associated with Thorkelson, including Canada Drugs, Rockley Ventures, and River East Supplies, admitted today to widespread illegal sales of misbranded and counterfeit prescription drugs in the United States. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen sentenced the Canadian companies to forfeit $29,000,000 of the proceeds of their illegal scheme, to pay a fine of $5,000,000, and to five years of probation. The court sentenced Thorkelson individually to pay a fine of $250,000 and to five years of probation with the first six months in home confinement. Thorkeleson and the associated companies were also ordered to permanently cease their illegal operations, surrender to the United States all domain names and websites from their businesses, and cooperate with the United States Justice Department and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in any further criminal investigations.
In 2010, it came to the attention of the FDA that Canada Drugs was shipping to health care providers in the United States prescription drugs that were unapproved in the United States, labelled with foreign languages, and that lacked adequate instructions for use. During this time, Thorkelson was CEO of Canada Drugs. Further investigation revealed that various entities affiliated with Canada Drugs were smuggling unapproved and misbranded drugs intended for sale in foreign countries into the United States, including for sale to providers in Montana. To facilitate its sales, Canada Drugs purchased other companies engaged in this business and used the brand names, drug inventories, and customer lists of those companies to further its illegal operations. One of those companies was Montana HealthCare Solutions, owned by Montana resident Paul Bottomley, who was separately prosecuted for similar conduct. In order to avoid detection, Canada Drugs and its affiliated companies falsified customs forms concerning the value of the drugs shipped into the United States.
In two instances, Canada Drugs, through its subsidiary River East Supplies, distributed counterfeit cancer drugs Avastin and Altuzan (the Turkish version of the drug) in the United States. Testing of vials of the drugs recovered from these shipments revealed that both contained no active ingredient. In 2012, Thorkelson and others at Canada Drugs became aware that they had shipped counterfeit Avastin and Altuzan to medical clinics in the United States. Thorkelson denied “selling or offering Avastin,” even while the company attempted to recall the suspect drugs. At no time did Thorkelson notify the FDA or other authorities in the United States that counterfeit cancer drugs containing no active ingredient had been shipped to providers in the United States.
United States Attorney Kurt Alme stated, “By circumventing the FDA approval process, Thorkelson and the Canada Drugs companies jeopardized the health and safety of Americans. The FDA approval process is important for the protection of public health and safety, and we will diligently prosecute those who put unknown and unapproved substances into the American prescription drug market. But as this case shows, American providers and consumers need to beware when purchasing drugs on the internet.”
“FDA regulations are in place to protect patients and help ensure the medicines they receive are safe and effective,” said Catherine A. Hermsen, acting director of the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations. “The U.S. drug supply is among the safest in the world, but when drugs from outside the FDA’s closed supply chain enter the U.S., patients are put at risk. For the protection of consumers, the FDA will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who attempt to evade FDA’s regulations.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad Spraker and Special Assistant United States Attorney Paul Joseph, and investigated by the U.S. FDA Office of Criminal Investigations. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs also provided significant assistance in this matter. The Department also thanks its law enforcement colleagues in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Barbados.
Livingston Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
HELENA – Ryan Frank Cervantes, a 27-year-old resident of Livingston, Montana, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison followed by 10 years supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute. U.S. Senior District Judge Charles C. Lovell handed down the sentence.
From July 2016 to May 2017, Cervantes was involved in a large drug conspiracy operating in Gallatin and Broadwater Counties. Cervantes worked for Ed Ellington who was considered to be the biggest drug supplier in the Bozeman and Belgrade area.
On December 7, 2016, the Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Krystal Rego. Investigators met with a Confidential Informant (“CI”) prior to the purchase. The CI had arranged to buy about 3.5 grams of methamphetamine from Rego. The CI went to meet with Rego at the Super 8 Motel in Bozeman. Rego met the CI in the parking lot and together they went into the hotel. A short while later, investigators observed Rego come back outside the hotel where she met up with Cervantes to get the methamphetamine. Rego then went back to the hotel room and gave the methamphetamine to the CI. Shortly thereafter, the CI left and met back up with investigators.
Just as Cervantes had been the drug supplier for Rego, the investigation showed that Cervantes was a supplier to at least 40-50 other people. Cervantes source of supply was Ed Ellington. During the scope of the drug conspiracy Cervantes was held responsible for distributing 226 grams of methamphetamine. That converts to 1808 individual doses of the drug which reached drug users in Montana.
Ed Ellington was also charged and has plead guilty in this case. Mr. Ellington is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2018.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan R. Whittaker and investigated by the FBI and the Missouri River Drug Task Force.
Helena Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
HELENA—John Shannon Finley, Jr., 24, of Helena, Montana, was sentenced to 121 months in prison, 10 years supervised release, and a $100 surcharge by Senior United States District Court Judge Charles C. Lovell on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Finley, Jr. was arrested after making several trips to Washington state to obtain methamphetamine. The court found Finley, Jr. was responsible to possessing with intent to distribute between 4,000-12,000 individual doses of methamphetamine.
The charge against Finley, Jr. is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Phoenix Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – Clarence Edward Henderson, a 50-year-old former resident of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to felon in possession of firearms in August 2007. Henderson did not appear at his sentencing hearing set in May 2009 and was arrested in North Carolina in November of last year. U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy handed down the sentence.
In late December 2005, Henderson and two other men were sent by their employer to a Gallatin County residence to take a woman back to Phoenix, Arizona, after the Christmas holiday. She agreed to return to Arizona so her family would not be harmed. The three men wore “Special Agent” badges. Law enforcement seized two pistols, magazines, ammunition, a set of handcuffs, and a knuckle knife. Henderson said he handled the firearms during the drive between Arizona and Montana and his employer, provided the firearms for his use. Henderson was arrested for impersonating a police officer and possession of a firearm by a felon. Henderson’s prior felony convictions include robbery in Ohio and aggravated assault, possession of methamphetamine, attempted transportation of methamphetamine for sale, and forgery from Arizona.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Bozeman Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Montana Men Receive Prison Sentences for Meth OffensesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA - Hugh Shawgo, a 45-year-old resident of Libby, and Michael Norton, a 42-year-old resident of Kalispell were sentenced today to 156 and 78 months in prison respectively to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Both pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and Shawgo pleaded guilty to the additional charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. United States District Judge Donald W. Molloy handed down the sentences.
Beginning in August of 2017 and continuing through September 13, 2017, Shawgo and Norton would fly via Norton’s private plane to Spokane, Washington to pick up methamphetamine, which was later to be redistributed in Northwestern Montana. Members of law enforcement recovered 426 grams of methamphetamine and a .40 caliber handgun from Shawgo’s bag on Norton’s plane. The methamphetamine recovered from Shawgo was more than 98% pure and contained 3408 doses which were headed for users in Montana.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott and investigated by the Northwest Drug Task Force.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Livingston Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – Joseph Alan Nyhart, a 35-year-old resident of Livingston, was sentenced today to 36 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of firearms in December. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters handed down the sentence.
In May 2016, Nyhart and his codefendant Austin Gottfried Schwarz, both prohibited from possessing firearms, were arrested after a lengthy, high-speed chase with law enforcement. Nyhart was the passenger. It was immediately obvious to the officers that both were under the influence of a drug. The officers seized two loaded rifles from the stolen truck. The officers determined that either Nyhart or Schwarz loaded the rifles after they stole the truck.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Godfrey and Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force, Montana Probation and Parole, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Park County Sheriff’s Office, Stillwater Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, and Columbus Police Department.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Federal Jury Convicts Former Montana Resident of Wire Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BUTTE – Following an eight-day trial with testimony from thirty-two government witnesses, Joseph Brent Loftis, 63, of Corona Del Mar, California, was convicted by a Montana jury of five counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering. Loftis faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment for each count of wire fraud and ten years of imprisonment for each count of money laundering. He further faces a maximum $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release on each count. After trial, Loftis stipulated to a forfeiture order of $1,662,749.10. Chief U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over the case.
Evidence presented at trial by Assistant United States Attorneys Chad Spraker and Adam Duerk showed that from 2009 through 2013 Loftis solicited approximately $3 million from investors based upon false representations that he owned leases on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Loftis also made misrepresentations regarding whether he had received a degree from the University of Oklahoma, amounts of oil being produced from wells, and whether he was using an independent accounting firm.
After receiving investor funds, Loftis typically provided investors with a few checks totaling about $1000 and then stopped payments altogether. Once investors complained, Loftis provided excuses regarding disputes about ownership or issues with drilling. In some instances, Loftis offered to return the investors’ money and entered a rescission agreement for the investment. Loftis, however, failed to return the investors’ money or issued a check cancelled through a stop payment. Loftis also falsely represented to investors that he owned oil and gas leases in Oklahoma and Texas though Loftis had defaulted on purchase agreements for the leases.
In 2011, Loftis took steps to complete a transaction known as reverse merger in which Prism would become a subsidiary of a publically traded company. Based upon Loftis’s representations that he needed capital to continue Prism’s operations until his company could receive equity in the public markets, Loftis obtained a $1.9 million bridge loan from investor funds. After Loftis received the loan proceeds, he failed to carry out the steps needed to complete the merger and kept the bridge loan proceeds while spending $190,000 of the funds on a luxury RV.
Also in 2011, Loftis relocated to Texas and began soliciting funds from investors in a newly formed company Great Northern Energy. Loftis continued to misrepresent his education and denied having a criminal record despite a 1995 felony conviction for bank fraud and false statements to a financial institution.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 20, 2018, at 9:00 a.m., in the Russell Smith Courthouse in Missoula, Montana. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.
Montana Men Sentenced to Prison for Meth OffenseRead the Press Release
MISSOULA - Christopher Cole, a 46-year-old resident of Billings, and Nathan Hale, A 39-year-old resident of Frenchtown, were sentenced today to 72 months and 120 months in prison respectively to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy handed down the sentence. The methamphetamine recovered from Cole was more than 98% pure and contained 1352 doses.
Between December of 2013 and March of 2015, Cole and Hale conspired to distribute several pounds of methamphetamine throughout the Flathead Valley. They were obtaining this methamphetamine from out of state suppliers who were believed to be directly related to a Mexican Cartel.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott and investigated by the Northwest Drug Task Force.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Information: Federal Court ArraignmentsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office announced that those persons listed below were arraigned before the U.S. Magistrate and the indictments handed down by the Grand Jury unsealed.
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Lynch in Missoula on March 20, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- KATHERINE MARIE WAAYENBERG, a 30-year-old resident of Helena, appeared on charges of wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, WAAYENBERG faces 20 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office. PACER Case Reference. 18-05
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on March 20, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- RICHARD PAUL HALL, a 59-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, HALL faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the FBI Task Force. PACER Case Reference. 18-21
- THEO BRUCE MYERS, a 42-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, MYERS faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the FBI Task Force. PACER Case Reference. 18-24
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on March 15, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- JAIR DE JESUS CARRILLO-GUARDADO, a 34-year-old resident of Mexico, appeared on charges of illegal reentry of deported alien. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, CARRILLO-GUARDADO faces 20 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. PACER Case Reference. 18-33
- VIOLET C. CRNICH, a 34-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, CRNICH faces 40 years in prison, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and Eastern Montana HIDTA. PACER Case Reference. 18-16
- CHRISTIAN DANIEL TAKESENEMY, a 20-year-old resident of Crow Agency, appeared on charges of failure to register as a sexual offender. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, TAKESENEMY faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. PACER Case Reference. 18-30
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on March 14, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- GORDON LARRY AHENAKEW, JR., a 31-year-old resident of Browning, appeared on charges of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to intimate and dating partner. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, AHENAKEW faces 5 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference. 18-07
- SCOTT JORDAN KOHL aka RYAN WADE DUPREE, a 30-year-old resident of Poplar, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, DUPREE faces 40 years in prison, $5,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice. PACER Case Reference. 18-20
- THOMAS NELSON TOMKO, II, a 24-year-old resident of Poplar, appeared on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, TOMKO faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference. 18-17
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 so that you stay current and not miss any important developments in the case.
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.
Butte Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – John William Wheeler, a 28-year-old resident of Butte, was sentenced today to 84 months in prison followed by 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm in October. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters handed down the sentence.
Wheeler and his associates possessed and sold methamphetamine from approximately January 2016 until June 2016. He also traded methamphetamine for stolen firearms. Wheeler received 10 to 15 stolen long guns for an ounce of methamphetamine. During a probation search of his residence, approximately 2.5 ounces of methamphetamine, a handgun, ammunition, marijuana, and $1900 in cash were seized.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Godfrey and Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force, Montana Probation and Parole, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Park County Sheriff’s Office.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Wyoming Man Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Emmanuel Arce-Gaxiola., a 29 year-old resident of Rock Springs, Wyoming, was sentenced to 48 months in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a $300 special assessment. Arce-Gaxiola was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).
In May 2015, Arce-Gaxiola sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on two separate occasions in Billings. Agents with the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force then executed search warrants on his vehicle and hotel room and seized approximately 388 grams of pure methamphetamine.
In total, agents seized 415 grams of pure methamphetamine during the investigation. That converts to 3,320 individual dosage units of the drug that reached drug users in Montana.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Drug Offense Lands California Man in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—Ronald Andrew Smith, a 36-year old resident of Selma, California, was sentenced today to 240 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan P. Watters handed down the sentence.
On February 19, 2017, Smith was pulled over by a Montana Highway Patrol trooper outside of Big Timber, Montana. While speaking to Smith during the course of the traffic stop, the trooper suspected that Smith was engaged in criminal activity. When the trooper informed Smith that he would be impounding his vehicle and applying for a search warrant, Smith attempted to start his car and flee. In the process, he punched and kicked an officer assisting with the stop and four Tasers had no effect on Smith as he was able to get the car in gear and flee.
During his flight on Interstate 90, Smith drove at upwards of 100 miles per hour, forced a number of cars off the road, and tried to wreck a semi-truck in an attempt to stop the pursuit. Eventually, Smith’s car got stuck in the snow on a side road, and he fled on foot into the mountains where he avoided arrest until the following day. While searching for Smith, law enforcement officers came upon two plastic-wrapped packages containing approximately 937 grams of methamphetamine. Smith confessed to trafficking methamphetamine after his arrest and drew a map for investigators to a location where he hid an additional 1188 grams of methamphetamine the night before while avoiding capture. Smith was held responsible for just shy of two kilograms of pure methamphetamine, which converts to nearly 16,000 individual dosage units of the drug that would have reached drug users in Montana absent the timely efforts of law enforcement.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in conjunction with the Montana Highway Patrol and the Sweetgrass County Sheriff’s Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting a 12-Year-Old Montana GirlRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – On Monday, Jaycob Tyler Kutzera, 24, from Redlands, California, was scheduled to appear for a jury trial in U.S. District Court. Kutzera was charged with 35 counts of sexual exploitation of a child in violation of federal law. Shortly before the trial was set to commence, Kutzera pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of a child and the United States agreed to dismiss the remaining counts. In court filings, Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee Peterson stated that in April 2016, the mother of a 12-year old girl contacted the Great Falls Police Department. The mother, formerly of Great Falls, stated that she had looked through her daughter’s cell phone and saw sexually explicit communications between her 12-year old daughter and a male. The mother also saw sexually explicit images. During its investigation, the Great Falls Police Department determined the 12-year old girl engaged in sexually explicit communications with Kutzera via Facebook and other online applications. Kutzera requested sexually explicit images of the girl during their online chats. Great Falls Police Detective Jesse Slaughter traveled to California, seized Kutzera’s cellular phone and computer pursuant to a search warrant, and interviewed Kutzera. During the interview, Kutzera admitted that he knew the girl was 12 years old, yet he continued to engage in the sexually explicit communications with her. He also continued to receive images and videos of the child engaged in sexual conduct. He also sent the child images of himself masturbating. Kutzera’s conduct continued from April through October 2016.
Sentencing is set on June 13, 2018. Kutzera faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and not less than 5 years of supervised release on each count. U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris ordered Kutzera released pending sentencing.
This case was investigated by members of the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Great Falls Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and FBI Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory.
Woman Sentenced in Prison Bribery and Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—Rachel Leanna Ross, 26, of Somerville Tennessee, was sentenced to 14 months in prison, 3 years supervised release, and a $100 surcharge by United States District Court Judge Dana L. Christensen on Friday, March 2, 2018 for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances—methamphetamine and Suboxone—into the Montana State Prison The charges were part of a scheme where Erin Bernhardt, an employee in the prison laundry, smuggled the controlled substances into inmates at the prison in exchange for bribes. The crimes occurred between April and August 2015.
The court previously sentenced other members of the scheme to the following sentences: Cordero Robert Metzker, to three years’ imprisonment; Erin Bernhardt, to 14 months’ imprisonment; Ian Scott Barclay to 92 months’ imprisonment; and Lauren Hoskins to 14 months’ imprisonment.
The charge against Ross is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspector, the Montana Department of Corrections-Division of Investigations, the Montana State Prison Warden and his staff, and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigations. Criminal Chief Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Thaggard and Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Starnes prosecuted the case.
United States Attorney Kurt Alme stated, “I applaud the efforts of the Warden and his staff and the cooperative efforts of law enforcement involved in this investigation to keep drugs out of the Montana State Prison and root out corrupt employees. The sentences issued by the court send a powerful message that those who prey upon the addictions of inmates will be investigated, prosecuted, and imprisoned.”
Lavina Man Sentenced to over Three Years for Possessing a RifleRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Troy Willoughby was sentenced to 44 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the hearing.
Willoughby previously entered a plea of guilty to a single-count indictment charging him being a felon in possession of a firearm. In November 2016, law enforcement in Golden Valley County responded to a domestic assault involving Willoughby. The victim of the assault later told law enforcement that Willoughby had a rifle even though he was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Willoughby was later asked about the rifle. He initially denied possession of the gun, but later admitted he had it and told law enforcement where it was hidden. Law enforcement subsequently found the Savage, Model III, .270 caliber, bolt action rifle and ammunition.
Willoughby is prohibited from possessing a firearm following a previous felony conviction in Golden Valley County.
In a sentencing memorandum filed in federal court, federal prosecutors noted, “Willoughby is 54 years old and has spent numerous years within the criminal justice system.” Willoughby has six previous felony convictions, including, convictions for partner/family member assault and domestic violence. He has assaulted his family members, including his grandmother, his girlfriend and his girlfriend’s son. Prosecutors noted that Willoughby “has a propensity for violence” and “seemingly does not take the criminal justice system seriously.”
The Willoughby case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with Golden Valley County Sheriff’s Office and other federal, state, and local agencies.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Information: Federal Court ArraignmentsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office announced that those persons listed below were arraigned before the U.S. Magistrate and the indictments handed down by the Grand Jury unsealed.
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on March 1, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- JACK RAYMOND TOME, a 63-year-old resident of Stockett, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, TOME faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Russell Country Drug Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations. PACER Case Reference. 18-17
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on March 1, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- DAWAN DEONTE JONES, a 26-year-old resident of Laurel, appeared on charges of failure to register as a sex offender. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, JONES faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. PACER Case Reference. 18-23
- DOUGLAS CAMPBELL RALEIGH, a 42-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, RALEIGH faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Eastern Montana HIDTA. PACER Case Reference. 18-27
- SAFARA ECHO SHORTMAN, a 30-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, SHORTMAN faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Eastern Montana HIDTA, and Montana Division of Criminal Investigations. PACER Case Reference. 18-28
- SHAWNA MAE SMITH, a 39-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, SMITH faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the FBI Task Force. PACER Case Reference. 18-29
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on February 27, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- CHRISTOPHER ALLEN JONES, a 33-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, JONES faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference. 18-10
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on February 26, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- THOMAS BLAZE HORN, a 30-year-old resident of Lodge Grass, appeared on charges of failure to register as a sex offender. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, HORN faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. PACER Case Reference. 18-22
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on February 23, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- MICHAEL ARNOLD DELACK, a 48-year-old resident of Big Timber, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, DELACK faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. PACER Case Reference. 18-17
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Lynch in Missoula on February 22, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- PHILLIP DEVON JOHNSON, a 25-year-old resident of Spokane, Washington, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, JOHNSON faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. PACER Case Reference. 17-24
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on February 22, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- STEVE JOAQUIN COLUNGO, JR., a 56-year-old resident of Boise, Idaho, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, COLUNGO, faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. PACER Case Reference. 17-60
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 so that you stay current and not miss any important developments in the case.
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.
California Woman Sentenced for Distributing Pounds of Methamphetamine in Great Falls and LewistownRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that 50-year old Jody Dowd Wooten of Yuba City, California, was sentenced to 174 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the hearing.
In March of 2017, the Russell Country Drug Task Force received information regarding a woman distributing methamphetamine in Great Falls, Montana. Over the next two months, the task force purchased methamphetamine from this woman, and further identified her methamphetamine supplier as the defendant, Jody Wooten.
On June 15, 2017, through additional investigation, detectives located Wooten in Lewistown, Montana. Detectives had acquired information that Wooten possessed a large amount of methamphetamine, and had recently distributed methamphetamine to various people in Great Falls and Lewistown. Officers observed Wooten driving through Lewistown and stopped her car. After finding she was the sole occupant of the car, officers obtained a search warrant and searched Wooten’s car.
During the subsequent search, detectives seized $9,319.00, as well as 20 metal cans in a black bag. A further search of the cans revealed approximately eight pounds of methamphetamine and 20 pounds of marijuana. The DEA lab analyzed the methamphetamine and determined it contained 3502.6 grams of actual methamphetamine. Wooten is being held responsible for possessing eight pounds of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it back into Montana communities. That converts to 28,016 individual dosage units of the drug that could have reached drug users in Montana.
Wooten has an extensive criminal history that includes prior felony convictions for narcotics, burglaries, and embezzlement.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley and investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Russell Country Drug Task Force.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Former Glendive Resident Sentenced to over Two Years for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Frank Banks was sentenced to 30 months in prison, two years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the hearing.
Banks previously entered a plea of guilty to a two-count indictment charging him being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On November 23, 2015, law enforcement was notified that Banks was standing outside the Manor Apartments in Glendive and he was holding a gun. During a December 2015 search of Banks’ apartment law enforcement found a Hi-Point, model C9, 9mm Luger semi-automatic pistol in his bedroom. Officers also found a box of 9mm ammunition inside the apartment and six rounds of ammunition in Banks’ pocket. Banks is prohibited from possessing a firearm from a previous felony conviction from the state of Washington.
In a sentencing memorandum filed in federal court, federal prosecutors noted, “Banks has been involved in the criminal justice system since the age of 18; he is now 59 years old. Banks has a lengthy criminal history, with a number of violent offenses.” In arguing for a sentence to promote a respect for the law and provide adequate deterrence, it continued, “The government has a strong interest in protecting the public and restricting improper access to firearms.” In a letter filed with the district court, Banks acknowledged that he “became guilty of these charges weeks before that incident” and that he was guilty as soon the gun was “brought into our home.”
The Banks case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with Glendive Police Department and other federal, state, and local agencies.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Billings Couple Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – Raymond Thomas Tetzlaff, a 35-year-old resident of Billings, and Crystal Busby-Tetzlaff, a 36-year-old resident of Billings, were sentenced to prison today after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in November. Raymond Tetzlaff received 216 months in prison and 5 years of supervised released. Crystal Busby-Tetzlaff received 120 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters handed down the sentences.
The Tetzlaffs and their associates possessed and sold methamphetamine in 2016 and early 2017. Specifically, the Tetzlaffs were bringing pounds of methamphetamine into Billings for distribution. During the investigation, law enforcement executed search warrants at their residence and a storage unit. Over six pounds of pure methamphetamine and drug distribution supplies were seized. That converts to 21,744 individual dosage units of the drug which was seized before reaching drug users in Montana. Additionally, Raymond Tetzlaff was found in possession of two loaded firearms during his arrest at the residence.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Godfrey and investigated by the Eastern Montana Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencings are a part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Utah Man Sentenced for Selling Oxycodone Pills on Fort Peck Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that 32-year old Tacuma Wallace of Ogden, Utah, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the hearing.
On May 12, 2016, law enforcement in Roosevelt County received information that Wallace was selling drugs out of a hotel in Wolf Point, Montana. On May 16, 2016, officers witnessed the defendant leave the hotel and get into his rental car in the parking lot. The officers then observed Wallace engage in numerous people approach the car and receive drugs from Wallace.
Wallace and another man then left the parking lot in a truck. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the truck, and Wallace quickly opened the back door and tried to get out and run away. Meanwhile, another officer spoke with the driver who explained that he had known Wallace for two months and Wallace sold pills on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. The driver admitted he had purchased pills from Wallace at least 20 separate times, and he had just purchased a pill from Wallace for $70.00. The driver also stated Wallace specifically makes trips to Wolf Point to sell pills. Law enforcement tested pills possessed by the defendant and confirmed they were Oxycodone pills. Law enforcement also confirmed that Wallace was one of the biggest suppliers of pills to the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley and investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Conrad Man Sentenced to Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – Jonathan Paul Schulz, a 48-year-old resident of Conrad, Montana, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris handed down the sentence.
Investigators first learned about Schulz’s possible illegal possession of firearms because of posts to his Facebook account. Schulz had made comments such as “i am a convicted fellon as well however the Constitution says nothing about it :) some of the later laws that water down our rights deal with that, so in my opionion **** the law that says we cant arm ourselvs. I stand with the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Indipendance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to look em in the eyes as thay take their last breath.” In later postings, Schulz bragged that he had thousands of rounds of ammunition and mortar with hundreds of rounds hidden in an “outpost.” Additionally, Schulz posted photographs of himself with several rifles and a Judge pistol. Referring the Judge, Schulz stated, it was “one of two new additions to my arsenal” and that “this one goes everywhere I do.” In later posts, Schulz talked about how it was time to start killing cops.
On August 4, 2016, FBI agents executed a federal search warrant at Schulz’s residence. During the search, agents found a Smith & Wesson, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. The pistol was located on top of the kitchen cabinets. The firearm was loaded including one round in the chamber. It was later learned that Schulz had stolen the firearm from his father-in-law. During the search, agents also found various caliber ammunition in the garage. Because Schulz had a prior felony conviction from the State of Texas, he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan R. Whittaker and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Information: Federal Court ArraignmentsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office announced that those persons listed below were arraigned before the U.S. Magistrate and the indictments handed down by the Grand Jury unsealed.
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on February 13, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- DANIEL JAMES BLEVINS, a 41-year-old resident of Browning, appeared on charges of domestic abuse by habitual offender, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, BLEVINS faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference. 18-08
- COREY SADDLER, a 27-year-old resident of Box Elder, appeared on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, SADDLER faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference. 18-13
- JAMES DANIEL SMALLBOY, a 23-year-old resident of Box Elder, appeared on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, SMALLBOY faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference. 18-13
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on February 13, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- JORDEN SAMUEL BUTLER, a 28-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, BUTLER faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. PACER Case Reference. 18-08
- JEREMY ALAN CORKILL, a 34-year-old resident of Molt, appeared on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, CORKILL faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. PACER Case Reference. 17-142
- GEORGE LOWRY WEEKS, a 45-year-old resident of Laurel, appeared on charges of felon in possession of firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, WEEKS faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. PACER Case Reference. 18-14
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 so that you stay current and not miss any important developments in the case.
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.
Drug Offenses Land Texas Man in Prison for 7 YearsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – Bryan Tate Dollar, 37 of Haslet, Texas, was sentenced today to 84 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Dana L. Christensen handed down the sentence.
Beginning in March of 2016 and continuing through December of 2016, Dollar brought methamphetamine from Las Vegas, Nevada and distributed it in the Billings and Missoula areas. Upon arrest for this activity, members of law enforcement recovered more than 250 grams of pure methamphetamine and a firearm from Dollar. Dollar pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in November of last year.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott and investigated by FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Circle Man Who Received and Possessed Child Pornography Sentenced to 7 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Matthew Stoney Olson was sentenced to 84 months in prison, 20 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters presided over the hearing.
Olson was previously convicted at trial of receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. In early 2015, Olson routinely received child pornography by downloading it via a peer-to-peer sharing network. During that time, law enforcement officials with the Department of Homeland Security became aware of these downloads and obtained a search warrant for Olson’s home. The search warrant was executed and a large number of pictures and videos depicting child pornography were discovered on Olson’s personal computer.
In a sentencing memorandum filed in federal court, Assistant United States Attorney Colin Rubich stated that Olson represented a “predatory danger to the community” due to his “unwillingness to acknowledge his crimes and his refusal to seek treatment.”
United States Attorney Kurt Alme stated, “Children have the right to grow up free from exploitation by adults who film them and those who drive the market by purchasing the films. We encourage all Montanans to report situations to law enforcement where children may be at risk.
Judge Watters sentenced Olson to 7 years in federal prison, with 20 years of supervised release to follow. Because there is no parole in the federal system, Olson will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, Olson does have the opportunity to shorten the term of custody by earning credit for good behavior. However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, the Montana Department of Criminal Investigation, and other federal, state, and local agencies.
Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Oxycodone DistributionRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – Nishen Ramon Palmer, a 36-year-old resident of Baton Rouge, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone last August. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters handed down the sentence.
In late 2015, Palmer sold over 550 oxycodone pills to undercover agents for $20,000 in four separate transactions. The transactions occurred in Billings, Denver, and Houston. Palmer would stop in Billings on his way to or from California and Louisiana. The investigation ended in Spring 2016 when Palmer was arrested in Louisiana.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Tactical Diversion Squad and its task force officers.
Former Chief Financial Officer of Rocky Boy Health Clinic Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced that on February 14, 2018, U.S. District Judge Brian Morris, sentenced Kathy Ann Sutherland, 61, of Box Elder, Montana, to 12 months and 1 day of imprisonment and two years of supervised release for the crime of Wire Fraud. Sutherland must also pay $111,902.50 in restitution and a $100 special assessment.
Sutherland began working as the Cash and Grants Manager for the Rocky Boy Health Clinic of the Chippewa Cree Tribe in Box Elder, Montana. Ultimately, Sutherland became the interim Chief Financial Officer for the Health Clinic. In Sutherland’s roles at the Health Clinic, one of her duties included administering the employee loan programs. For example, Sutherland issued loan checks to Rocky Boy Health Board employees, including issuing loan checks to herself. Before a loan check could be disbursed, the applicant was required to fill out a loan application and submit it to the loan committee for approval. New loans were not to be issued if an individual owed over $800 to the loan program. Sutherland used her position to circumvent this process and take out over $111,902.50 in loans—far in excess of the $800 limit. Even assuming Sutherland continued to pay back the loans through payroll deductions, (which she ceased doing) Sutherland would have to work until she was at least 81 years old, assuming no interest accrued.
In a sentencing memo filed in federal court, Ryan G. Weldon stated, “Sutherland’s actions are particularly problematic when she knew about other prosecutions, and she was serving as the interim chief financial officer during some of her embezzlement. Her actions were calculated and without regard for the law.”
The Sutherland case was investigated by Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). This case is the latest in a series of prosecutions and convictions relating to public corruption, fraud, and theft in federal grants, contracts, and programs brought by the investigators and prosecutors of the U.S. Attorney’s Guardians Project, an anti-corruption strike force created in 2011.
Billings Man Nets 15 Years in Prison on Meth ChargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—Rocky Rollin Bettin, a 39-year old resident of Billings, Montana, was sentenced today to 180 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the sentencing.
Beginning in December 2016, drug task force agents were investigating a group of individuals responsible for the distribution of methamphetamine in the Billings area, including Bettin. Over the next several months, they received information from multiple individuals who identified Bettin as their source of supply. On June 2, 2017, a Missoula County Sheriff’s deputy patrolling near Frenchtown performed a traffic stop on a vehicle that Bettin was driving. Eventually, law enforcement officers searched the vehicle. Inside of a backpack found in the vehicle, officers discovered approximately 1.5 kilograms, or 3.3 pounds, of pure methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the FBI Transnational Organized Crime Western Task Force and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Repeat Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Pedro Carrasco, Jr., a 35 year-old resident of Billings, Montana, was sentenced to 168 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Carrasco was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 1956(h). The sentence also includes the forfeiture of a Glock, model 23, .40 caliber, semi-automatic pistol; a Smith & Wesson, model Bodyguard, .380 auto caliber semi-automatic pistol; 80 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition; 11 rounds of .380 ACP ammunition; and $4,655 in United States Currency.
In February 2016, a Montana State Highway Patrol Trooper pulled over a vehicle traveling eastbound on I-90 near Missoula for a traffic violation. During a consent search of the vehicle, the trooper seized 1,056.3 grams of pure methamphetamine concealed within a speaker box stored in the trunk of the vehicle. Drug Enforcement Administration agents later determined that the occupants of the vehicle intended to deliver the methamphetamine to Carrasco in Billings. Agents next executed a search warrant at Carrasco’s residence in Billings and recovered additional methamphetamine, two firearms, drug paraphernalia, digital scales, body armor, and $4,655 in US Currency. Agents also noted that Carrasco had surveillance cameras outside of his residence. After the search of his residence, Carrasco admitted to agents that he had been distributing methamphetamine in Billings from 2011 through February 2016.
In 2003, Carrasco was convicted in United States District Court, District of Montana, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846.
The Carrasco case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Internal Revenue Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force; Montana Highway Patrol; and multiple other federal, state, and local agencies.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Last of Six Defendants Sentenced for Gun and Drug Trade in Great FallsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that the last of six co-defendants was sentenced today for her role in a methamphetamine for guns trade that took place in Great Falls. 31-year old Monica Hulit of Great Falls was sentenced to 24 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the hearing. Dawn Evans of Kevin, Montana, was previously sentenced to 24 months for her role in this offense. Marty Krominga of Great Falls was previously sentenced to 28 months for his role in this offense. Alvin Roe of Lewistown, Montana, was previously sentenced to 33 months for his role in this offense. Richard Stampka of Great Falls was previously sentenced to 12 months and one day for his role in this offense. Story Wood of Livingston, Montana, was previously sentenced to 54 months for his role in this offense.
In the summer of 2015, various methamphetamine dealers became acquainted with each other at a local methamphetamine supplier’s home in Great Falls, Montana. During this time, various members of this group, including Monica Hulit and Story Wood, made drug runs to Washington and Idaho, in order to bring methamphetamine back to Great Falls for redistribution in the area, as well as to local Indian reservations. This group also discussed trading firearms in exchange for methamphetamine.
Following one late summer gathering at this Great Falls home, Hulit, Wood, and another male, left to go on an out-of-state drug run. A few days later, on August 23, 2015, the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office in Smelterville, Idaho, responded to a shoplifting report at the local Walmart. A deputy identified the suspects involved in the shoplifting as Hulit, Wood, and the other male. The deputy issued various citations to the Hulit, Wood, and the male, and observed they were all traveling together in a gold car with Montana license plates.
Two days later, on August 25, 2015, a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper stopped this same gold car for speeding on Highway 200 in Lewis and Clark County. The trooper identified Wood as the driver, Hulit as the front passenger, and the male as the rear passenger. All three individuals provided various inconsistent statements to the trooper, and Wood appeared to be extremely nervous and fidgety. Based on the behavior of Hulit, Wood, and the male, the trooper believed there may be illegal drugs in the car and requested consent to search the car. Wood denied consent, and the trooper impounded the car pending a search warrant. The trooper arrested the male on an outstanding warrant, and Hulit and Wood began to walk down Highway 200. The trooper called a towing company out of Wolf Creek to secure the car. The towing company arrived and towed the gold car, identified as a Honda Accord, to a secure impound lot in Wolf Creek pending the execution of a search warrant.
The following day, August 26, 2015, troopers went to find the car in Wolf Creek and discovered the fence to the secure storage lot had been damaged. They discovered that someone had tampered with the evidence tape adhered to the gold Honda Accord, and it appeared someone had entered the car since it had been towed to the lot. Subsequently, the troopers found drug-related paraphernalia in the car, and reported the suspicious incident to the local drug task force offices.
Meanwhile, on September 2, 2015, Great Falls police responded to a report that numerous storage units had been burglarized at a local storage unit complex in Great Falls. Officers went to the business and found someone had cut through the fence behind one of the storage buildings and had entered the property. The business had no surveillance equipment, but the officers noted that someone had cut the locks off three of the storage units, although it appeared that only one of the units had been burglarized. The owner of the burglarized unit arrived to speak with police, and subsequently observed that numerous firearms were missing from the unit.
On September 9, 2015, Great Falls police received a call from an employee at a local bar concerning a suspicious car in the parking lot. Great Falls police found the car, and identified the occupants of the car as Hulit, Wood, and the other male. Wood told the officers he had borrowed the car. The officers contacted the registered owner of the car who consented to a search of the car. As Hulit, Wood, and the other male got out of the car, Wood mentioned there might be a firearm in the car. Officers looked under the driver’s seat of the car and removed a loaded semi-automatic pistol.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the car and found additional firearms and ammunition in the trunk. Specifically, detectives found two bags in the trunk of the car that contained ammunition addressed to the father of the storage unit owner whose unit had been burglarized. Detectives also found four additional firearms in the trunk of the car, which included three rifles and a shotgun.
Detectives subsequently confirmed that the owner of the storage unit reported that all four of these firearms had been stolen from his unit during the September 2, 2015, burglary. The owner of the storage unit also positively identified that all four of the firearms had previously been stored in his storage unit. During further investigation, detectives learned that Marty Krominga and Dawn Evans were responsible for breaking into the storage unit and stealing the firearms that were recovered from the trunk of the car occupied by the defendant. Following the burglary of the storage unit, Krominga and Evans had immediately taken the stolen firearms to Hulit in order to trade the stolen firearms for methamphetamine.
Detectives also learned that Krominga and Evans had stolen a 12-gauge pump action shotgun from the storage unit, and subsequently provided it to a woman to pawn at a local pawnshop. Based on this information, detectives went to a Great Falls pawnshop and recovered the pump action shotgun, which had been pawned by the woman. Detectives contacted the storage unit owner, who identified the shotgun by its serial number, and confirmed it was one of the firearms stolen from his storage unit. Lastly, detectives learned that Hulit, Wood, Stampka and Roe were responsible for breaking into the secure impound lot in Wolf Creek in order to retrieve methamphetamine and a firearm from the car.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Great Falls Police Department.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Missoula Man Found Guilty of Sex Trafficking and Attempting to Coerce Minors into ProstitutionRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - A jury handed down guilty verdicts today in the sex-trafficking trial of Terrance Tyrell Edwards and Francine Joann Granados. The verdicts against Edwards were guilty on all charges, including three counts of Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion; three counts of Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Prostitution; one count of Obstruction of a Sex Trafficking Investigation; one count of Transportation of a Person with Intent to Engage in
Criminal Sexual Activity; one count of Distribution of Marijuana to Person under 21 Years of
Age; and one count of Tampering with a Witness, Victim, or Informant. The jury found defendant Granados guilty of Tampering with a Witness, Victim, or Informant.
Beginning in March of 2016, shortly after he was released from prison on prostitution charges, Edwards began forcing his first female victim in this case to engage in commercial sex in Missoula, Montana. Edwards physically and emotionally abused her, and threatened her life and the lives of her family members. Edwards took all of the money from the commercial sex encounters. As time progressed, Edwards added other women, as many as five. He followed the same pattern of grooming and abuse each time. Some of the abuse was well-documented, such as when Edwards struck one victim in his car with such force that her blood splattered on the seat belt, which was later identified as the victim’s blood.
Edwards advertised his victims on Backpage.com. They traveled from place to place in Montana and Utah, conducting commercial sex transactions where Edwards received the lion’s share of the money.
In September of 2016, Edwards convinced three minor females from Fargo, North Dakota, ages 15, 16, and 17, to join his group. Edwards drove them to Billings, and on the way, he supplied the underage girls with marijuana. Edwards was arrested in Billings shortly after arriving with the minor girls from North Dakota.
After Edwards was arrested, he and Granados began trying to influence the testimony of the various victims. In recorded jail calls played for the jury, Edwards and Granados discussed how Granados would reach out to the victims in an effort to influence their testimony. Despite warnings from the FBI to have no contact with the victims, Granados persisted. In other recorded jail calls, Edwards reached out to victims himself to influence their testimony.
In response to the verdicts, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme noted that today’s verdicts serve to emphasize comments from the Department of Justice last week, when the Attorney General stated:
“Bringing traffickers like this one to justice is one of the top priorities of the U.S. Department of Justice. We are using every tool at our disposal to eradicate human trafficking. We vigorously investigate and prosecute offenders. We fund training for local law enforcement officers in how to identify trafficking victims. We provide millions of dollars in grants to organizations that assist trafficking victims. And we take every opportunity to raise public awareness of the problem.”
Mr. Alme stated, “We are committed to bringing human traffickers like Edwards to justice I want to thank prosecutors Cyndee Peterson and Zeno Baucus, the FBI agents, and the victim/witness specialists and the staff of the FBI and our office for their good work in pushing this case through to a verdict. We will continue to do whatever we can to protect the vulnerable victims of these crimes, who in this case included three minor girls from North Dakota. I ask people from across Montana to help us spot these human trafficking crimes and report them to law enforcement.”
Livingston Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – Rian Lee Kvernes, a 28-year-old resident of Livingston, was sentenced today to 78 months in prison followed by 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in October. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters handed down the sentence.
Kvernes and his associates possessed and sold methamphetamine in early 2016. They also traded stolen firearms for methamphetamine. Specifically, he and an associate traded 10 to 15 stolen long guns for an ounce of methamphetamine in Butte. During the investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence and found 12 additional stolen firearms. They also found methamphetamine, drug distribution supplies, and a short-barreled shotgun behind his bedroom door.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Godfrey and Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Billings Man Sentenced for Great Falls Methamphetamine Distribution RingRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that 53-year old Michael Lira of Billings was sentenced to 150 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the hearing.
In the fall of 2016, the Russell Country Drug Task Force began investigating the defendant, Michael Lee Lira, for trafficking methamphetamine in Montana. Through further investigation, law enforcement became aware that the defendant, who lived in Billings, Montana, distributed methamphetamine for Great Falls resident, Robert Linn, Jr. Linn was previously sentenced to 276 months in prison for his role in this offense.
On April 8, 2017, law enforcement learned that the defendant planned to pick up methamphetamine from Linn that day. Agents also learned the defendant and Linn arranged to meet at a gas station near Lewistown, Montana. Law enforcement followed Linn throughout the early morning as he traveled around Great Falls. Linn eventually began to drive eastbound out of Great Falls toward Lewistown. Meanwhile, agents followed the defendant as he left Billings and drove toward Lewistown.
Around mid-morning, agents observed the defendant park next to Linn’s truck in the gas station parking lot. The defendant got out of his car and went to speak with Linn. A few minutes later, the defendant left Linn’s truck, retrieved a bag from his car, and placed the bag in the back passenger seat of Linn’s truck. Approximately 20 minutes later, the defendant and Linn got out of Linn’s truck. The defendant grabbed a black bag from Linn’s truck and placed it in the defendant’s car. Linn then drove back to Great Falls, while the defendant drove east and entered a neighboring colony outside of Lewistown.
Agents waited outside of a colony building for the defendant but eventually knocked on the door. A woman came to the door and stated that the defendant was in a trailer behind the building. Agents proceeded to the trailer and the defendant opened the door. Based on the gathered information, agents arrested the defendant and initially located a small baggie of methamphetamine in the defendant’s coat.
Soon thereafter, law enforcement searched the defendant’s car for the suspected methamphetamine. The defendant stated the contraband was located in a red toolbox in the back of the car. Agents located a large plastic bag inside the box, and seized four large bundles of methamphetamine contained in the bag. The DEA laboratory analyzed the methamphetamine seized from the defendant and determined the methamphetamine had a net weight of 1793 grams and a substance purity of 99%. This resulted in 1775 grams, or approximately four pounds, of actual methamphetamine. The methamphetamine seized from the defendant’s coat had a net weight of 4.264 grams and a substance purity of 99%. This resulted in 4.221 grams of actual methamphetamine.
During a subsequent interview, the defendant explained that he began by only selling an ounce of methamphetamine at a time. However, he quickly moved up to dealing more significant amounts of methamphetamine. The defendant believed he received a pound of methamphetamine from Linn by August and September of 2016. The defendant then recounted that he got two pounds of methamphetamine in December 2016, and an additional two pounds of methamphetamine in January and February 2017.
Lira has an extensive criminal history that include prior felony convictions for narcotics, burglaries, assaults, and firearms.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley and investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Russell Country Drug Task Force.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.