District of Montana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Names U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme as Vice Chair of the Native American Issues SubcommitteeRead the Press Release
BILLINGS— United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the appointment of United States Attorney Kurt Alme as Vice Chair of the Native American Issues Subcommittee (NAIS) of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC). United States Attorney Trent Shores from the Northern District of Oklahoma will serve as Chair.
United States Attorney Shores stated, “The Native American Issues Subcommittee plays a vital role in developing national policy for Indian Country justice. U.S. Attorney Alme and I will be stalwart advocates for these important issues.”
United States Attorney Alme added, “The Department of Justice is fortunate to have U.S Attorney Shores as Chair of the NAIS. Not only is he an experienced prosecutor, but as a Native American, he has a unique perspective on law enforcement issues impacting tribal communities. We look forward to working together with tribal leaders to combat the opioid and methamphetamine epidemic and reduce violent crime in Indian Country.”
The AGAC was created in 1973 to serve as the voice of United States Attorneys and to advise the Attorney General on policy, management, and operational issues impacting the offices of the U.S. Attorneys. The NAIS is made up of U.S. Attorneys from across the United States whose Districts contain Indian Country or one or more federally recognized tribes. The NAIS focuses exclusively on Indian Country issues, both criminal and civil and is responsible for making policy recommendations to the Attorney General of the U.S. regarding public safety and legal issues that impact tribal communities.
Washington Man Sentenced to over 5 Years in Prison for Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – Eric David Fletcher, a 36-year-old resident of Washougal, Washington, was sentenced today to 66 months in prison followed by 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen handed down the sentence.
On December 12, 2014, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (“MTDCI”) completed a controlled drug purchase wherein a Confidential Source (“CHS”) purchased approximately three ounces of methamphetamine for $3,300.00 from Judy Collins and her supplier/son, Eric Fletcher. They met at the La Quinta Inn in Butte, Montana to do the transaction. The CHS and Fletcher discussed future purchases of approximately a half-pound of methamphetamine and discussed meeting halfway between Butte and Washington for the transaction. Fletcher also stated that he would normally pick up at least a half-pound on a regular basis and bring it over to Butte for resale. That methamphetamine was later sent to the DEA Western Regional Laboratory. Analysis of the drug evidence revealed 81.4 grams of actual methamphetamine with a purity of 97.8%.
On January 24, 2015, the FBI and MTDCI used the same CHS to communicate with Fletcher. They learned that Fletcher was on his way from Washington to Montana with a drug load. The CHS advised investigators that Fletcher would be soon arriving in Saint Regis, Montana. Investigators saw Fletcher’s vehicle exit the highway and enter the Motel 6 parking lot. Officers conducted a traffic stop of Fletcher’s car. As officers patted Fletcher down for weapons/officer safety they discovered a plastic baggie containing suspected heroin. A search warrant for Fletcher’s vehicle was obtained and executed by officers. The search resulted in officers finding a .22 caliber pistol, ten rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, a digital scale, and a plastic baggie containing suspected methamphetamine. The suspected methamphetamine found in Fletcher’s car was later sent to the DEA Western Regional Laboratory for testing and revealed that there was 108.5 grams of methamphetamine with a purity of 98.2%. After the traffic stop, Fletcher waived his rights and agreed to talk with investigators. He admitted his role in the drug conspiracy. He told investigators that he had made approximately 12 to 18 trips from Washington to Montana beginning in September or October of 2014 and that he had distributed between three and eight ounces each time he made the trip. Fletcher further told investigators that he still owed his source of supply in Washington money because of methamphetamine that had been fronted to him.
Fletcher’s co-conspirator Judy Collins previously pled guilty to drug trafficking on August 10, 2016, and was sentenced to 72 months in prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan R. Whittaker and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Montana Division of Criminal 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 Cavan in Billings on January 25, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- BRANDON LEE REYNOLDS, a 34-year-old resident of Acton, appeared on charges of felon in possession of firearms. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, REYNOLDS 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. 17-147
- BRANDON CARL RUSSELL, a 29-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, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and distribute of methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, RUSSELL 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. 18-12
- TIMOTHY FREDERICK WOOD, a 46-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, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, WOOD 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. 18-12
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on January 24, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- IRVING URIEL GALINDO SANTOS, a 29-year-old resident of Mexico, appeared on charges of illegal reentry. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, SANTOS faces 20 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol. PACER Case Reference. 18-05
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on January 23, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- BRANDON JAMES BELAKOVICH, a 43-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of distribution of methamphetamine. . If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, BELAKOVICH faces 40 years in prison, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the FBI Task Force. PACER Case Reference. 18-06
- DAVIDA KESHA BLAINE, a 42-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, BLAINE faces 40 years in prison, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release. The case was investigated by Department of Homeland Security. PACER Case Reference. 18-07
- GRADY EWING MAYS, a 66-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of failure to register as a sex offender. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, MAYS 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. 17-131
- SHAWNA MAE SMITH, a 39-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, SMITH 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. 18-13
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.
Glendive Man Gets Federal Jail Time for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Glendive man will spend over 6 years in federal prison for downloading and possessing child pornography to his computer. Shawn Michael Wentz, 28, previously pleaded guilty in October 2017 to possession of child pornography stemming from a May 2015 investigation by the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigation (HSI).
U.S. District Susan P. Watters sentenced Wentz Thursday to 78 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. Wentz also agreed to forfeit the computer he used to possess the child pornography and is required to register as a sex offender.
In May 2015, agents were investigating individuals downloading and possessing files depicting child pornography that were obtained from the internet. Through IP address records, an HSI agent determined a computer at Wentz’s residence in Glendive, Montana, had child pornography files available for download. Pursuant to a federal search warrant, agents searched Wentz’s residence in June 2015 and seized items included a desktop computer. A Certified Forensic Examiner determined the computer contained image and video files depicting child pornography including sexually explicit images of prepubescent children.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office identified in its sentencing memorandum that based on the names of the files he possessed, Wentz was “interested in child pornography files that depicted prepubescent girls being anally raped by adult males, children as young as two years old engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and files with sadistic and extremely sexually-violent titles.”
U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said, "Prosecuting offenders who possess child pornography, especially of young children, is important to reducing the demand for photos and saving children from being victimized on camera. I want to congratulate AUSA Cyndee Peterson and HSI for their good work in this case. This office will continue to work with the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to aggressively prosecute those who exploit our children.”
This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, Project Safe Childhood attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation. It is implemented through partnerships including the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children. Investigative agencies involved in the case include Homeland Security Investigations.
Billings Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Meth OffenseRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—Billings resident Michael James Chapman was sentenced yesterday to 132 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over Chapman’s sentencing.
In March 2016, drug-task-force agents in Billings received information that Chapman, 47, was involved in the local distribution of methamphetamine. On April 6, 2016, agents located Chapman at a hotel in Billings and began surveilling him. During their surveillance, they observed Chapman conduct a hand-to-hand drug transaction. Officers stopped Chapman’s vehicle a short time later and he agreed to speak with agents about methamphetamine trafficking. His statements led to the seizure of approximately 2.75 pounds of methamphetamine from various locations in and around Billings. Historically, Chapman admitted to obtaining approximately six pounds of methamphetamine from sources in Utah for redistribution in the Billings community.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sullivan and 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.
Belgrade Woman Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
BUTTE – Shannon Marie Leavitt, a 30-year-old resident of Belgrade, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison followed by four years supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen handed down the sentence.
In late September 2016, investigators from the Missouri River Drug Task Force used a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine. The confidential informant used Leavitt to arrange the drug deal. Again on October 3, 2016, investigators again used a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine from Leavitt. The informant and Leavitt went to her father’s, Richard Clarke, house to pick up the methamphetamine. During that transaction, Leavitt told the informant that she was in business of dealing meth with her father.
Investigators also learned that methamphetamine was being shipped through the United States Mail to the Clarke/Leavitt address. Investigators were then notified by the U.S. Postal Service about an express mail package being shipped to that address. Investigators had a K9 from the Bozeman Police Department sniff the package. The K9 positively alerted on the package for the presence of drugs. Investigators obtained a search warrant for Clarke/Leavitt residence. They then delivered the package to the residence. Later that afternoon, Richard Clarke returned to the home, retrieved the package, and went inside. Investigators then executed the search warrant at the house and found evidence of drug dealing. When they searched the Express Mail package, investigators found that it contained a candle and a tennis ball. There was an obvious hole in the tennis ball and investigators pulled a package out of it that contained 10.4 grams of methamphetamine. The candle was cut open which revealed the bottom half had been hollowed out and then resealed in a manner which made it look as though it had not been tampered with. The hollowed out portion of the candle held a package with 29.1 grams of methamphetamine.
Leavitt was interviewed after the search and admitted her role in the conspiracy. She said she was getting an ounce of methamphetamine a week for the past month from her source in Salt Lake City. She further said that she had previously driven to meet her source halfway between Montana and Salt Lake to get methamphetamine. Leavitt also stated that she would send her source the money through Western Union or Wal-Mart to Wal-Mart.
Richard Clarke has also pled guilty to his role in the drug conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 21, 2017.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan R. Whittaker and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Bozeman Police Department, and the United States Postal Service. 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.
Mancha Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Killing His WifeRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Thomas Edward Mancha, a 61-year-old resident of Browning, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment, for the murder of his wife on New Year’s Day, 2017. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris presided over the hearing.
At an earlier hearing, Mancha pleaded guilty to second degree murder. On January l, 2017, Mancha was involved in an altercation with his wife at the Lewis and Clark Camp Disappointment Monument, which is located along the north side of U.S. Highway 2, approximately 13 miles east of Browning. A witness arrived on the scene and observed Mancha holding his wife by the hair or back of shirt collar. When the witness threatened to call 911, Mancha released his wife and she ran away from him. However, Mancha got into a Dodge pick-up truck and intentionally drove the truck directly into her as she ran, knocking her to the ground. According to the witness, Mancha turned the truck around and drove over his wife a second time. The victim died at the scene from massive internal injuries and a severed spine.
After killing his wife, Mancha fled the scene and drove to a train crossing near the small community of Blackfoot. He waited in front of an oncoming train in an apparent suicide attempt. Although he later denied that he was trying to kill himself, Mancha admitted that he was angry with his wife because she was divorcing him.
Judge Morris sentenced Mancha to 20 years in federal prison, with five years of supervised release to follow. Because there is no parole in the federal system, Mancha will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, Mancha 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 stated, “We are pleased with the court’s sentence today, and our sympathies go out to the victim’s family and the Blackfeet tribal community for their loss. I also want to thank all of the people who helped successfully prosecute this case, including AUSA Jeff Starnes, the FBI agents and BIA law enforcement officers who worked on this case, and the victim and witness staff members from our respective offices.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, the Blackfeet Law Enforcement Service and various other federal, state, and local agencies.
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Lange Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison on Meth ChargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—Michael Lange, a 57-year old resident of Billings, Montana, was sentenced today to 216 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 and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan P. Watters issued the sentence.
In September 2016, agents began an investigation into a broad drug-trafficking organization selling large quantities of methamphetamine in the Billings area. Michael Lange was identified as a large distributor for the organization, so agents applied for and received search warrants for his cell phone content and ultimately his residence. His text messages indicated that he was selling methamphetamine along with cocaine to a number of individuals. On October 11, 2016, agents executed a search warrant on Lange’s residence in Billings. There, they discovered 1202 grams of methamphetamine, 442 grams of cocaine, and $27,400 in United States Currency. Lange was interviewed by agents on two occasions and admitted to participating in the conspiracy and to obtaining approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine for redistribution. Lange formerly served three terms in the Montana Legislature, including a term as majority leader during the 2007 Legislature.
U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme stated: “AUSA John Sullivan’s good work makes clear that no one is above the law. If we are to improve the safety and quality of life of our communities, we must stop the trafficking and sale of 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.
Billings Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Four FirearmsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Susan Watters sentenced Todd Thomas Malmstrom, a 53-year-old resident of Billings to 24 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
Malmstrom previously entered a guilty plea to felon in possession of a firearm. In February of 2017, Malmstrom was contacted by law enforcement officers after he was found in possession of a stolen vehicle in Billings, Montana. Malmstrom was carrying a loaded .45 caliber handgun in a holster on his belt at the time of his arrest and he had three additional firearms stored inside the stolen vehicle.
Malmstrom admitted to ATF agents that he had possessed the four firearms and that he knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his prior felony conviction. In 2013, Malmstrom was convicted of another federal gun crime – subject of a court order in possession of a firearm.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Cobell and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Yellowstone 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.
Felon Sentenced for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
HELENA—Jeremy Michael Sullivan, 44, of Boulder, Montana, was sentenced to 30 months in prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and a $100 surcharge by United States District Court Judge Sam E. Haddon on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 for possessing a firearm as a prohibited felon. Sullivan was arrested after being investigated for selling a stolen handgun. Sullivan was previously convicted of felony theft in Utah.
The charge against Sullivan is the result of an investigation by the Boulder Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case.
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 Cavan in Billings on January 11, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- WILSON ALEXIS FAJARDO FAJARDO, a 28-year-old resident of Mexico, appeared on charges of illegal re-entry. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, FAJARDO faces 2 years in prison, $250,000 in fines an 1 year supervised release. The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. PACER Case Reference. 18-01
- CANDELARIO MOLINA-MOLINA, a 34-year-old resident of Mexico, appeared on charges of illegal re-entry. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, MOLINA-MOLINA faces 2 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 1 year supervised release. The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. PACER Case Reference. 18-02
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on January 11, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- CLAYTON PAUL MARTELL, a 32-year-old resident of Poplar, appeared on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, MARTELL faces 40 years in prison, $5,000,000 in fines, and 4 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. PACER Case Reference. 18-02
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on January 10, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- MIKKEL DERRIK SHIELDS, a 33-year-old resident of Poplar, appeared on charges of burglary. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, SHIELDS faces 10 years in prison, $50,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference. 18-03
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on January 9, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- MANUEL PAZ SANCHEZ, JR., a 31-year-old resident of Sacramento, California, appeared on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, SANCHEZ 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. 18-03
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on January 9, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- LEROY BEAUCHAMP, a 36-year-old resident of Wolf Point, appeared on charges of felony child abuse. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, BEAUCHAMP faces 10 years in prison, $50,000 in fines and 3 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. 17-78
- GEORGE LEON GOODRIE, a 44-year-old resident of Great Falls, appeared on charges of robbery affecting commerce, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, GOODRIE faces life in prison, $250,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Great Falls Police Department. PACER Case Reference. 17-81
- BOBBY LEE LAMERE, a 42-year-old resident of Great Falls, appeared on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and counterfeiting obligations or securities of the United States. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, LAMERE faces 20 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Great Falls Police Department. PACER Case Reference. 17-82
- NOVA BIG LEGGINS, a 28-year-old resident of Wolf Point, appeared on charges of felony child abuse. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, BIG LEGGINS faces 10 years in prison, $50,000 in fines and 3 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. 17-78
- EDWARD ANTHONY TORRES, a 22-year-old resident of Babb, appeared on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, TORRES 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. 18-04
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on January 8, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- CYNTHIA MIREYA LOZANO, a 25-year-old resident of Merced, California, appeared on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. If convicted of the most serious charge in the indictment, LOZANO faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Montana Highway Patrol. PACER Case Reference. 17-145
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.
Billings Man Sentenced for Unlawfully Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—Jason Bradley Mize, a 37-year old resident of Billings, was sentenced today to 27 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Susan Watters presided over the hearing.
On August 25, 2016, Mize was pulled over for speeding by a Billings Police Department officer. Mize initially provided the officer a false name and date of birth and was arrested after the officer discovered that Mize was lying about his identity and that his driver’s license was revoked. A drug-detecting K-9 later alerted on Mize’s vehicle, so officers impounded it and applied for a search warrant. During the execution of that warrant, officers found a Kimber 9mm semi-automatic pistol in the center console along with Mize’s Montana identification card. During an in-custody interview with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Mize admitted to being in possession of the firearm. Mize is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law by virtue of several felony convictions.
Judge Watters sentenced Mize t0 27 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release. Because there is no parole in the federal system, Mize will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court, less any good time received, which will not exceed 15 percent of the overall sentence.
The case was investigated by the Billings Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sullivan.
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.
Kidnapper Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Brian M. Morris sentenced Jacob Ryan Murie, a 38 year-old resident of Box Elder, to 115 months of prison and three years of supervised release.
Jacob Murie purchased methamphetamine from a woman in Great Falls, Montana. After realizing the drugs were fake, Murie returned to confront the woman. Murie found the woman (soon-to-be victim) in a trailer home in Great Falls and beat her with a pistol. As a result of the trauma from the assault, the victim urinated in her pants. Murie then kidnapped the victim, placed her in a vehicle, and drove to the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. After the kidnapping, Murie admitted on Facebook to another individual that he indeed kidnapped the victim. When interviewed, the victim told law enforcement that she was kidnapped—and she was deathly afraid of Murie. The victim escaped when she was released and directed by Murie to steal items in Havre, Montana, to repay the drug debt.
In a sentencing memo filed with the Court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon stated, “This case involved all three realms of crime: drugs, kidnapping, and an assault. . . . Murie’s actions were calculated. And worse yet, he bragged about them when speaking with others on Facebook.”
This case was investigated by the Russell Country Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Because there is no parole in the federal system, the truth in sentencing guidelines mandate that Murie will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, Murie 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 Issues Statement Regarding Marijuana Prosecutions in MontanaRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme of the District of Montana has issued the following statement regarding marijuana prosecutions: “Yesterday, the Attorney General rescinded the Cole Memo on marijuana prosecutions and directed that federal marijuana prosecution decisions be governed by the same principles that govern all federal prosecution decisions. The United States Attorney’s Office in Montana is guided by these principles in marijuana prosecutions -- focusing in particular on identifying and prosecuting those who create the greatest safety threats to our citizens and communities. Consistent with the Attorney General’s latest guidance, we will continue to take this approach in all of our work with our law enforcement partners throughout Montana.”
Meth Dealer Sentenced to 60 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Renae Dawn Bighorn was sentenced to 60 months in prison, four years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters presided over the hearing.
Bighorn previously entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In April 2015, law enforcement officers working for a Billings area drug task force became aware that Bighorn was dealing methamphetamine and other substances in Billings and the Bakken area of North Dakota. An undercover agent contacted Bighorn to discuss the purchase of narcotics and Bighorn agreed to sell the agent one ounce of methamphetamine. Two days later, Bighorn sold methamphetamine to the undercover agent as previously agreed. Forensic testing revealed that Bighorn sold 26 grams of pure methamphetamine to law enforcement.
Judge Watters sentenced Bighorn to 60 months in federal prison, with four years of supervised release to follow. Because there is no parole in the federal system, Bighorn will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, Bighorn 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 Billings Police Department, the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Agency, 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.
Great Falls Felons Sentenced for Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that 49-year old William Turton of Great Falls was sentenced to 18 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment, and 40-year old Mathew Lederer of Great Falls was sentenced to 24 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 October 2015, the Great Falls Police Department responded to a rash of burglaries throughout town. Officers arrested numerous suspects responsible for these burglaries and learned that stolen items from the burglaries were stashed at William Turton’s residence in Great Falls. Officers also learned that Turton acted as a facilitator in order to trade stolen items for drugs. Officers obtained and executed a search warrant at Turton’s home. There, officers discovered two firearms, drugs, and related paraphernalia. Their search recovered a Smith & Wesson revolver and an Iberia semi-automatic pistol. At the time of the discovery, the owner of these firearms had not yet reported them as stolen.
Detectives spoke with Turton, who admitted he arranged trading stolen property in exchange for firearms in order to support his own methamphetamine habit. At the residence, the officers also encountered Mathew Lederer. Officers arrested and questioned Lederer. During Lederer’s interview, he denied any involvement with the revolver or pistol found at the defendant’s house, although when questioned, he was able to adequately describe the firearms and admitted to having handled them. He said Turton had acquired the firearms in exchange for drugs.
On November 9, 2015, a man contacted the Great Falls Police Department to report that he had discovered two firearms were missing from his gun safe. This man believed that Lederer was behind the theft of the pistol and revolver—the same two guns previously discovered at Turton’s residence, as Lederer had been a guest at this man’s home for the first few weeks of October 2015. Law enforcement ultimately confirmed that Lederer had stolen the pistol and revolver.
In late November 2015, a victim of one of the earlier burglaries contacted police and stated he believed he had found a listing for his stolen shotgun. The victim identified that an individual was attempting to sell the Benelli Super Nova shotgun on Facebook. An officer went to this individual’s home and the individual said he purchased the firearm from Turton for $250. In addition to the Benelli, the individual said Turton also had a Remington 7mm rifle which he was unwilling to sell. The individual provided the shotgun to the officer, who confirmed the shotgun matched the description of the shotgun stolen during one of the burglaries.
Both Turton and Lederer have extensive criminal histories that include prior convictions for thefts, burglaries, and drugs, and both are 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.
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.
Deer Lodge Man Sentenced in Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
HELENA—On Wednesday, January 3, 2018, United States District Court Judge Sam Haddon sentenced Chase Ryan Storlie, 33, of Deer Lodge, Montana, to 360 months in prison, 5 years’ supervised release, and a $100 surcharge for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Storlie was part of a conspiracy to distribute up to 20 pounds of methamphetamine through Deer Lodge, Montana, each month between January 2016 and January 2017. Members of the conspiracy, including Storlie, possessed firearms in connection with the drug trafficking crimes.
Other members of the conspiracy included Jeff Allen Trask, Hector Ricardo Gonzalez, and Christian Jesus Ruiz. The court previously sentenced Trask to 54 months imprisonment; Gonzalez to 260 months; and Ruiz to 60 months.
The conspiracy ended on January 24, 2017, when the authorities arrested Gonzalez and Ruiz in Mineral County, Montana, in possession of 20 pounds of methamphetamine and two handguns. The methamphetamine was destined for Storlie in Deer Lodge.
The charges against Storlie and his codefendants are the result of an investigation by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigations, the Missouri River Drug Task Force, the Helena Police Department, the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, the Powell County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Montana Highway Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case.
United States Attorney Kurt Alme explained, “This case is an important part of our Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is focused on reducing violent crime in Montana. Storlie and his co-defendants were distributing enormous amounts of drugs, enough to supply south central Montana with approximately 870,000 individual doses of methamphetamine. As with so many of our drug crimes, Storlie and his co-conspirators possessed firearms in connection with their drug trafficking. Anytime you combine such large amounts of drugs with guns, violence and addiction will result.” Alme also praised the collaborative work of the law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in the case.
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 Cavan in Billings on December 21, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- VERNELLE LYNN BADBEAR, a 39-year-old resident of Wyola, appeared on charges of second degree murder. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, BADBEAR faces life in prison, $250,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference. 17-127
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on December 21, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- CALVIN RED THUNDER, JR., a 48-year-old resident of Brockton, appeared on charges of abusive sexual contact. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, RED THUNDER faces life in prison, $250,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice. PACER Case Reference. 17-85
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on December 20, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- DANIEL GONZALEZ, a 29-year-old resident of Great Falls, appeared on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, GONZALEZ 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. 17-80
- KAREEM HIDARA, a 33-year-old resident of Winnipeg, Manitoba, appeared on charges of conspiracy to export a controlled substance, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, HIDARA 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. 14-30
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.
Firearm and Drug Trafficking Lands Washington Man in PrisonRead the Press Release
HELENA — On Thursday, December 21, 2017, United States District Court Judge Sam Haddon sentenced Christian Jesus Ruiz, 23, of Sunnyside, Washington, to 60 months in prison, 5 years’ supervised release, and a $100 surcharge for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Ruiz was part of a scheme by multiple conspirators to distribute very large amounts of methamphetamine through Deer Lodge, Montana each month between January 2016 and January 2017. Members of the conspiracy, including Ruiz, possessed firearms in connection with the drug trafficking crimes they committed in Montana.
Other members of the conspiracy included Jeff Allen Trask, Chase Ryan Storlie, and Hector Ricardo Gonzalez. The court previously sentenced Trask and Gonzalez. Trask was sentenced to 54 months in prison and five years of supervised release for his role in the conspiracy. Gonzalez was sentenced to 260 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Storlie faces sentencing on January 3, 2018.
Gonzalez and Ruiz’s involvement in the conspiracy came to a sudden end on January 24, 2017, when the authorities arrested them in Mineral County, Montana, in possession of 20 pounds of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was destined for Deer Lodge.
The charges against Ruiz and his codefendants are the result of an investigation by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigations, the Missouri River Drug Task Force, the Helena Police Department, the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, the Powell County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Montana Highway Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Criminal Chief Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Thaggard and Assistant United States Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case.
United States Attorney Kurt Alme explained, “I want to thank our law enforcement partners for helping us bring these defendants to justice. The volatile combination of methamphetamine and guns is closely associated with a rise in violent crime in communities across Montana. The Department of Justice is committed to reducing violent crime in those communities and prosecuting Ruiz and his co-defendants is another positive step toward that goal.” Alme also praised the collaborative work of the law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in the case.
Washington Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Prison for Trafficking over 60 Pounds of Methamphetamine into MontanaRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Juan Ramon Delgadillo-Meza, a 41 year-old resident of Ephrata, Washington, was sentenced to 151 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment. The sentence also includes a $1.3 million dollar money judgment. Delgadillo-Meza was convicted of conspiracy to 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). U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the hearing.
In mid-June of 2015, agents with the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Big Sky Safe Streets Task Force began an investigation into a methamphetamine trafficking organization responsible for transporting methamphetamine from Washington into Belgrade and Billings, Montana for distribution. Agents identified Juan Ramon Delgadillo-Meza as one of the individuals who transports methamphetamine from Washington to Montana.
In August 2015, agents conducted surveillance and saw Delgadillo-Meza meet with an individual in Billings who was later identified as one of Delgadillo-Meza’s distributors. Agents then learned through hotel records, surveillance video and surveillance that Delgadillo-Meza continued to travel to Montana from September through November.
On November 15, 2015, a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper stopped Delgadillo-Meza for a traffic violation near Manhattan. The vehicle was later searched pursuant to a warrant and approximately 886 grams of pure methamphetamine was seized.
The investigation continued into January 2016 when agents searched the residences of Delgadillo-Meza’s distributors in Billings and Belgrade. During those searches, agents seized approximately 356 grams of pure methamphetamine from a storage facility in Billings.
Sources later confirmed that Delgadillo-Meza began traveling to Billings in 2014 and would transport two pounds of methamphetamine every two weeks. He sold each pound of methamphetamine for approximately $12,500.
Delgadillo-Meza’s Montana distributors were previously convicted and sentenced for narcotics and money laundering offenses in U.S. District Court. The sentence for one of the distributors included the forfeiture of his house, vehicle, and U.S. Currency held in a bank account.
The Delgadillo-Meza case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, 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.
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 December 14, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- LAFAVEN DESHAWN ADAMS, a 46-year-old resident of Paramount, California, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone, and possession with intent to distribute oxycodone. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, ADAMS faces 20 years in prison, $1,000,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Russell Country Drug Task Force. PACER Case Reference. 17-49
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on December 12, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- KORDELL KYLE BIG KNIFE, a 23-year-old resident of Box Elder, appeared on charges of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, BIG KNIFE 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. 17-79
- WACEY MOUNTAIN CHIEF, a 30-year-old resident of Browning, appeared on charges of strangulation. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, MOUNTAIN CHIEF 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. 17-83
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Lynch in Missoula on December 12, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- TYRELL BELGARDE, a 27-year-old resident of Browning, appeared on charges of strangulation and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, BELGARDE 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. 17-72
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on December 5, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- CHERYLE WHITE HAWK JORDAN, a 50-year-old resident of Sidney, appeared on charges of mail fraud, false claim to the federal government, and false statement to federal agent. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, JORDAN faces 20 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Interior Office of Inspector General. PACER Case Reference. 17-74
- GEORGIE ELAINE RUSSELL, a 36-year-old resident of Box Elder, appeared on charges of theft from an Indian tribal government receiving federal grants, theft from an Indian tribal organization, and false statements regarding federal funding. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, RUSSELL faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the U.S. Department of Interior Office of Inspector General. PACER Case Reference. 16-46
If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system 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.
Utah Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—Robert David Lund, a 53-year old resident of Salt Lake City, Utah, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison and five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan P. Watters issued the sentence.
During an investigation into a group of individuals responsible for the distribution of multiple pounds of methamphetamine in the Billings area, agents were led to Salt Lake City, Utah in search of the group’s supplier of methamphetamine. On June 7, 2016, they seized approximately one pound of methamphetamine from a coconspirator and identified Lund’s residence as the source of that methamphetamine. Later in the day, agents executed a search warrant on Lund’s residence. There, they discovered 3,333.5 grams of actual methamphetamine along with 957.2 grams of marijuana, a Winchester shotgun within arm’s reach of the methamphetamine, and $14,731 in United States Currency.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sullivan and 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.
Frenchtown Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – John Thomas Giblin, III, a 45-year-old resident of Frenchtown, was sentenced today to 108 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters handed down the sentence.
During three different occasions, Giblin sold a total of 215 Oxycodone pills, 40 Morphine pills, 35 Methadone pills, 29 Demerol pills, and 10 Valium pills valued at more than $9,000 dollars to an undercover agent from the Drug Enforcement Administration. On May 27, 2015, Giblin then made arrangements with the undercover agent to buy 1 kilogram of cocaine and ½ pound of methamphetamine in exchange for money, marijuana, and more prescription pills. Giblin agreed to meet the undercover agent in the parking lot of the Cracker Barrel restaurant in Missoula. Law enforcement surveilled the drug purchase and after the package containing the cocaine and methamphetamine was delivered to Giblin, he was arrested. Giblin had brought approximately $12,000 in cash to the drug deal. He was interviewed after the arrest and admitted that he was planning to re-sell the methamphetamine in order to make money.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan R. Whittaker and investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Jury Convicts Busby Man of First Degree MurderRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – Following a four-day trial with testimony from fourteen government witnesses, Dimarzio Swade Sanchez, 20, of Busby, was convicted by a Montana jury of first degree murder. Sanchez will be sentenced on March 29, 2018 and faces mandatory life in prison for the murder. He also faces a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters presided over the trial.
Evidence presented at trial by Assistant United States Attorneys Lori Suek and John Sullivan showed that on April 17, 2016, the victim received a ride from Dimarzio Sanchez, Angelica Jo Whiteman, Frank James Sanchez, and others. On the way to Crow Agency, an altercation ensued in the vehicle. The vehicle stopped on Castle Rock Road.
The evidence showed that the victim was beaten when Dimarzio and Frank Sanchez retrieved a gas can from the trunk of the vehicle. The victim was stripped naked, covered in gas and set on fire. All the remaining occupants of the vehicle then left the scene. The victim remained in the field for approximately fourteen hours until discovered and given emergency medical treatment. The victim, who suffered third degree burns and severe frostbite of the legs, was hospitalized in Salt Lake City until pronounced dead on June 28, 2016.
U. S. Attorney Kurt Alme stated, “We are pleased with the jury’s verdict. It is the result of hard work by Assistant U. S. Attorneys Lori Suek and John Sullivan, FBI and BIA law enforcement; and the victim and witness staff and other staff of the FBI and BIA and the U. S. Attorney’s Office. Our sympathies go out to the victim’s family and the Crow tribal community for their loss.”
Co-defendant Angelica Jo Whiteman, 19 of Lame Deer, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting first-degree murder on August 30, 2017. She is scheduled to be sentenced on January 3, 2018 and is facing life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Co-defendant Frank James Sanchez, 19 of Lame Deer, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony and accessory after the fact on March 14, 2017. Sanchez is scheduled to be sentenced on January 18, 2018 and is facing maximum punishment of fifteen years in prison, $125,000 fine and three years supervised release.
The case was a cooperative investigative effort between the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Missoula Man Sentenced to Prison on Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA - Yancy Lee McCrea, 31 of Missoula, was sentenced today to 132 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Dana L. Christensen handed down the sentence.
On June 3, 3016, law enforcement officers found Yancy McCrea, a Montana State fugitive, in his vehicle. They searched the car and seized approximately 95.9 grams of pure methamphetamine, two handguns, four magazines, 112 rounds of ammunition, and $3,350 in cash. McCrea pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in August of this year.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott and investigated by the Northwest Drug Task Force and the United States Marshals Service.
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 Cavan in Billings on November 30, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- ROBERT CHARLES SCOTT, a 37-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a person under a domestic order. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, SCOTT 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. 17-134
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on November 28, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- CHRISTOPHER RICHARD MUNDT, a 27-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of robbery affecting commerce. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, MUNDT faces 20 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 and the Billings Police Department. PACER Case Reference. 17-132
- HEATHER LYNN STOUT, a 36-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a stolen firearm. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, STOUT 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 and the United States Probation Office. PACER Case Reference. 17-137
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on November 28, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- RICHARD CEYNAR, a 34-year-old resident of Williston, North Dakota, appeared on charges of conspiracy to illegally hunt, kill, and traffic mountain lions, interstate transport and possession of illegally killed mountain lions and false labeling. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, CEYNAR faces 5 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. PACER Case Reference. 17-18
- ERNEST JABLONSKY, a 51-year-old resident of Plains, appeared on charges of conspiracy to illegally hunt, kill, and traffic mountain lions, illegal sale of outfitted mountain lion hunts, and false labeling. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, JABLONSKY faces 5 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. PACER Case Reference. 17-18
- MITCH THEULE, a 29-year-old resident of Townsend, appeared on charges of conspiracy to illegally hunt, kill, and traffic mountain lions, and illegal sale of outfitted mountain lion hunts. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, THEULE faces 5 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. PACER Case Reference. 17-18
- ANTONIO TODD TIGART, a 21-year-old resident of Great Falls, appeared on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, TIGART faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Great Falls Police Department. PACER Case Reference. 17-75
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on November 22, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- LARRY DARNELL SIMS, a 44-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, SIMS 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. 17-136
- ARSCENIO TONY NOT AFRAID, a 30-year-old resident of Hardin, appeared on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a unregistered firearm. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, NOT AFRAID 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. 17-109
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on November 21, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- CHRISTINA ANN JACKSON, a 42-year-old resident of Boise, Idaho, appeared on charges of transportation of a person with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. If convicted of the charges contained in the indictment, JACKSON 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. 17-117
- WHITEBIRD LIMPY, a 34-year-old resident of Lame Deer, appeared on charges of second degree murder. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, LIMPY faces life in prison, $250,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of India Affairs. PACER Case Reference. 17-130
- DEREK DEXTER SHOULDERBLADE, a 23-year-old resident of Ashland, appeared on charges of second degree murder. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, SHOULDERBLADE faces life in prison, $250,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference. 17-135
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on November 14, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- JAMES V. DAY, a 48-year-old resident of Thompson Falls, appeared on charges of conspiracy to illegally hunt, kill, and traffic mountain lions, and false labeling. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, DAY faces 5 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. PACER Case Reference. 17-18
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.
Fort Peck Meth Dealer Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Mauri Gourneau was sentenced to 40 months in prison, four years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris presided over the hearing.
Gourneau previously entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In April 2017, Gourneau was stopped by the Montana Highway Patrol on US Highway 2. Following a search of her vehicle and possessions, Gourneau was found in possession of a digital scale and a plastic baggie containing 76.7 grams of pure methamphetamine. Gourneau was selling methamphetamine on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, primarily in Poplar.
In a sentencing memorandum filed in federal court, federal prosecutors noted, “The distribution of methamphetamine is crippling communities, including the Indian reservations. Possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine is an offense against society as a whole and the mere existence of methamphetamine is detrimental.” It continued “[Gourneau’s] possession of over 70 grams of pure methamphetamine in alarming considering how many people could purchase from her and get high.”
Judge Morris sentenced Gourneau to over three years in federal prison, with four years of supervised release to follow. Because there is no parole in the federal system, Gourneau will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, Gourneau 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 Gourneau case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice, Roosevelt 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.
Former Postal Employee Sentenced to Prison and Ordered to Pay Almost $1.0 Million for Fraudulently Obtaining Workers' Compensation BenefitsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Deborah Joy Durand, a 55-year-old resident of Fruitland, Idaho, was sentenced to 15 months in prison, two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $903,316.48 in restitution and forfeiture. U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris Morris presided over the sentencing hearing.
At trial, the government presented the following evidence. Durand had a back injury from her job at the Post Office. She had back surgery and was unable to work for a period of time. But instead of returning to work when capable, Durand obtained total disability status. Special Agents from the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General obtained evidence that Durand was feeding horses, lifting hay bales, jogging in the mornings, clearing land, running chainsaws, removing stumps from fallen trees, building fences, mowing the lawn every week, riding horses twice a week, and many other physically challenging activities.
Durand also participated in other physical activities including a lengthy three-day kayaking trip where she paddled approximately 30 miles in open ocean water, among other strenuous physical activities. Durand claimed she could not sit or stand for long, and she was “totally sedentary.” She even claimed she was unable to work in any capacity.
At trial, Durand was convicted of four counts of fraud related to obtaining workers’ compensation benefits. In total, Durand received over $664,828.16 based on her claims for workers’ compensation. Of that amount, she received $238,488.32 for wages, despite having the ability to work at least a desk job at the Post Office.
U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme stated, “The Federal Worker’s Compensation Program is there to help the truly injured. The public should be assured that individuals who defraud that Program in Montana will be held accountable. I applaud the efforts of the USPS Office of Inspector General and Ryan Weldon of our office in bringing this case to justice.”
This case was investigated by the USPS Office of Inspector General. Acting Executive Special Agent-in-Charge Jeff Krafels said, “The majority of Postal Service employees are dedicated, hardworking, and trustworthy professionals who would never consider engaging in criminal conduct. However, when attempts to defraud the Federal Workers’ Compensation Program arise, those acts will not be tolerated, and they will be vigorously investigated by the USPS Office of Inspector General. The Workers’ Compensation Program is designed to ensure that individuals injured during the performance of their duties receive appropriate medical care and compensation. The conviction and sentence in this case are a result of the commitment between the United States Attorney’s Office and the USPS Office of Inspector General, to ensure the integrity of the Federal Workers’ Compensation Program, and to hold those accountable for defrauding the program.”
Because there is no parole in the federal system, the truth in sentencing guidelines mandate that Durand will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, Durand 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.
Colorado Man Crossing the Montana/Alberta Border Sentenced to over 12 Years in Prison for Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – Ronald Ray Horner, 57, formerly of Walsenburg, CO, was sentenced today in federal court for transportation of child pornography. On April 6, 2017, Horner was found guilty by a jury following a two-day trial. U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris sentenced Horner to 154 months in prison. Following his release, Horner will be subject to supervised release for 7 years. In addition, Horner is also required to forfeit his laptop computer.
In her trial brief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee Peterson stated that on March 24, 2014, Ronald Horner was travelling north on I-15 and crossed the Coutts, Alberta border crossing into Canada. Horner was sent to secondary inspection because he was acting suspiciously. During secondary inspection, Canada Border Services agents inspected a Toshiba laptop computer belonging to Horner. On the laptop were over 200 video and image files depicting child pornography. The examiner also located Horner’s search history which showed Horner purposely sought out child pornography on the laptop. The files included depictions of prepubescent children being sexually assaulted by adults.
Horner was indicted by a federal Grand Jury on May 4, 2016. His trial was originally scheduled to commence on October 17, 2016, and Horner was released on conditions pending his trial including electronic monitoring. In September 2016, Horner cut his ankle bracelet, left a suicide note and fled the United States. The United States Marshals Service located the defendant in Uruguay. Horner returned to the United States in February 2017 to stand trial.
Several Canadian law enforcement agencies investigated the case including the Southern Alberta Internet Child Exploitation Unit, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Canada Border Services Agency. The United States DHS-Homeland Security Investigations and United States Marshals Service assisted the Canadian authorities with the investigation including the subsequent apprehension of Horner.
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 Cavan in Billings on November 17, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- KEVIN RAYMOND RUCKS, a 56-year-old resident of Dickinson, North Dakota, appeared on charges of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, RUCKS faces 40 years in prison, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. PACER Case Reference. 17-08
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on November 14, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- MICHAEL JASON TORREZ, a 44-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, TORREZ 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. 17-124
- DUSTIN LEE WOLFF, a 33-year-old resident of Missoula, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute and 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, WOLFF faces 40 years in prison, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the FBI Task Force. PACER Case Reference. 17-125
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on November 13, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- IRA LEFTHAND, JR., a 42-year-old resident of Lodge Grass, appeared on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, LEFTHAND 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. 17-115
If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system 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.
Montana U.S. Attorney's Office Hosting Meeting and Training on Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana, through its Joint Montana Human Trafficking Task Force, is hosting a meeting and training on the status of human trafficking for the regional human trafficking task forces from across the state. The training is in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center based in Washington, DC, the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking based in Colorado, and the Yellowstone County Area Human Trafficking Task Force. The training will take place at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Billings and at the Billings Public Library on November 14, 2017. The training is open to registered law enforcement personnel and others affiliated with the state and regional task forces. An evening session at Rocky Mountain College is open to the public and to the press.
The morning meeting and training is designed to discuss the current status of Montana’s state and regional task forces, as well as current trends, data, and research in human trafficking. Regional task forces in Montana include Missoula, Great Falls and Yellowstone County, with new task forces being established in Bozeman and Kalispell. A primary goal of the training is to discuss how each task force is operating through an assessment of their current operations, identification of potential gaps or areas for improvement, and establishing goals for each task force in the fight against human trafficking in Montana.
The afternoon session is dedicated to the Colorado Project, a product of the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking in Colorado. The Colorado Project was a research-based initiative in Colorado about human trafficking that then created a “replicable model for communities and states to utilize” and “establish a baseline of promising practices to understand what is working to combat human trafficking in the areas of prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships” (commonly referred to as the “4 Ps”).
This meeting and training builds off of several human trafficking trainings held in Montana over the last two years. This includes trainings in March 2016 held in Missoula and in May 2017 in Billings designed for law enforcement and other personnel in recognizing, investigating, and prosecuting human trafficking in Montana.
A community event is being held in the evening at Rocky Mountain College. The evening session, led by the Yellowstone County Area Human Trafficking Task Force, the FBI, and Deliver Fund is titled “Technology and Human Trafficking: Parents and Teachers Protecting Children in the Digital Age.” The event is from 6:00-8:00 PM at Rocky Mountain College’s Fortin Center. All members of the community are invited.
The morning and afternoon training is closed the public and the press. The evening session is open to the public and the press.
Whitehall Felon Sentenced for Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
HELENA - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that 67-year old William Kent Ross of Whitehall was sentenced to 15 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Charles C. Lovell presided over the hearing.
In August 2016, Ross possessed six firearms at his Whitehall, Montana residence. Local law enforcement notified ATF of Ross’s firearm possession after their early August encounter at his residence when he refused to provide a DNA sample in compliance with this sex offender registration requirements. The officer noticed two rifles in a gun cabinet with glass doors and the keys dangling from the lock. The officer noticed a second gun cabinet inside the residence. The six firearms included two revolvers (one was loaded), three rifles (one was loaded), and one shotgun. Ross has an extensive criminal history that includes prior sex crimes involving children and absconding from supervision.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jefferson 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.
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 November 8, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- BRIAN WALTER WEBER, a 41-year-old resident of Great Falls, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, WEBER 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. 17-76
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Lynch in Missoula on November 8, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- JASON MAXWELL MEHL, a 42-year-old resident of Missoula, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute heroin, and possession with intent to distribute heroin. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, MEHL faces 40 years in prison, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference. 17-29
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on November 7, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- DONALD FRIEDLICH MILLS III, a 33-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of tampering with consumer products, and acquiring fentanyl by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, and deception. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, MILLS faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. PACER Case Reference. 17-120
- MIGUEL MORALES, a 25-year-old resident of San Jose, California, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute and 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, MORALES 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. 17-108
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on November 7, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- CODY SWAN JACKSON, a 39-year-old resident of Browning, appeared on charges of involuntary manslaughter and attempted witness tampering. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, JACKSON faces 20 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. 17-73
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on November 6, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- BRIAN ALBERT BENTZ, a 36-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, BENTZ 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. 17-116
- CHARLES JESSE SANCHEZ, JR., a 52-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute and 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, SANCHEZ 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. 17-121
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on November 3, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- MICHAEL CHAVEZ, JR., a 64-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, CHAVEZ 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. PACER Case Reference. 17-122
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.
Bozeman Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
MISSOULA - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Max Edward Samaniego, 27, of Bozeman, was sentenced to 10 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Chief U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over the hearing.
On May 28, 2016, Samaniego possessed a Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number in Bozeman, Montana. The pistol was found after he was stopped for reckless driving.
From June until August 2016, Samaniego possessed numerous firearms that were stolen from a Bozeman area residence. Samaniego then traded four firearms to someone in Butte for a motorcycle. Samaniego gave one firearm to a neighbor who helped him out. Another firearm was given to a friend.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bozeman Police Department, and the Gallatin 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.
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Blackfeet Head Start Employees Appear in Federal Court on Indictment for Embezzlement of over $230,000Read the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - Ethyl Lee Grant, Allen Shane Goss, and Carol Hall Bird appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John Johnston on November 8, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., in Great Falls, Montana. The defendants face charges of Theft from an Indian Tribal Government Receiving Federal Funding and Wire Fraud. The charges stem from the defendants allegedly embezzling federal funds while working at the Blackfeet Head Start Program. The maximum available penalties for these offenses include up to 30 years in prison, $500,000 in fines, full restitution, and forfeiture.
In outlining the charges, the indictment explains the purpose of the Head Start Program. It was designed to help break the cycle of poverty, providing preschool children of low-income families with a comprehensive program to meet their emotional, social, health, nutritional, and psychological needs. The Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide services to over a million children every year, in every U.S. state and territory, in farmworker camps, and in over 155 tribal communities. The program is one of the longest-running programs attempting to address systemic poverty in the United States by intervening to aid children.
The indictment explains that the Blackfeet Head Start Program received $8.0 million in federal funding during the period of the alleged embezzlement. According to the indictment, the fraud arose because the defendants and “others yet to be named” fraudulently claimed over 7,800 hours in overtime and inappropriately received over $232,000 in federal funds from the Head Start Program during a 15-month timeframe.
Trial is set for January 8, 2018 before United States District Judge Brian Morris, in Great Falls, Montana. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services, Office of Inspector General.
The indictment is merely a formal charging document. It is not proof of guilt and all persons indicted are presumed to be innocent of any crime until proof of guilt is established by trial or guilty plea.
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 Cavan in Billings on November 1, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- STEVEN MARSHALL MELCHER, a 34-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of felon in possession of firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, MELCHER 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. 17-119
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on October 23, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- DAVID DORROW ROUNDY, a 41-year-old resident of Laurel, appeared on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and possession of a stolen firearm. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, ROUNDY 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. 17-112
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on October 23, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- BRANDON CORDELL BENNETT, a 43-year-old resident of Great Falls, appeared on charges of sexual exploitation of a child and receipt of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, BENNETT faces 30 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and lifetime supervised release. The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and Great Falls Police Department. PACER Case Reference. 17-68
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.
Whitehall Felon Sentenced to Prison for Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
MISSOULA - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Terry Lynn Sturdevant was sentenced to 30 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Chief U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over the hearing.
On March 5, 2016, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a fight between two brothers with a knife in Whitehall, Montana. Sturdevant was fighting with his half-brother. According to medical personnel, he had a short-barreled revolver that he was pointing at his half-brother and a friend during the argument. Both Sturdevant and his half-brother sustained cuts during the fight.
By the time deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office arrived, Sturdevant had fled the house. Law enforcement officers found him in the backyard. In the same area, they also found a .22 caliber revolver loaded with one spent round and four live rounds. In 2009, Sturdevant was convicted of felony second degree burglary in the State of New York.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jefferson 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.
Livingston Felon and Pharmacy Burglar SentencedRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Bradlee Scott Ledford was sentenced to 36 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters presided over the hearing.
On January 2, 2016, Livingston Police Department responded to an alarm at The Plaza strip in Livingston. Ledford burglarized the Matt Long Photography Studio and Western Drug Store and Pharmacy. He stole two handguns and $475.00 from the photo studio and approximately 470 various prescription pills from the pharmacy. Ledford started in the photo studio, and then used one of the stolen handguns to smash the glass at Western Drug. Both handguns taken from the studio were retrieved - one in the trash near the building and one in the backyard of someone who lived nearby.
The Western Drug burglary was recorded on surveillance video, and from that video, police officers recognized Ledford in the act. The pharmacy supplied a list of the drugs and the amounts that were stolen. The replacement cost for the stolen prescription drugs is approximately $1400. There was also damage to the doors to enter the pharmacy and the store. Ledford was previously convicted in 2015 of felony theft in Yellowstone County.
Because there is no parole in the federal system, the truth in sentencing guidelines mandate that Ledford will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, Ledford 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 prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Livingston Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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 to Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – Terry Lee Feller, a 58 year-old resident of Billings was sentenced today to 33 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing a stolen firearm. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters handed down the sentence.
The case arose when Feller, a career thief with more than fifteen convictions dating back to 1983, was released from state prison in April 2015 and moved into a home in the 4200 block of Arden Ave. Shortly thereafter, homes in the neighborhood were burglarized. One the burglary victims confronted Feller’s landlord who told the victim that she had noticed Feller bringing several items into the home and she did not know where the items came from. The landlord allowed the neighbor/victim to search the home and she discovered several items of her missing property in a bedroom used by Feller. The neighbor/victim contacted Billings Police Department. When law enforcement arrived, they searched the home as well as a car that Feller was using. The search uncovered a stolen 9 millimeter pistol. Feller later admitted to law enforcement that he possessed the pistol and he knew it was stolen.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Starnes and investigated by the Billings Police Department 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.
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 Cavan in Billings on October 18, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- RODNEY TOMMIE STEWART, a 31-year-old resident of Crow Agency, appeared on charges of domestic assault by a habitual offender. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, VANCE faces 20 years in prison, $1,000,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. PACER Case Reference. 14-20
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on October 16, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- VERONICA RAYE VANCE, a 24-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, VANCE faces 20 years in prison, $1,000,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. PACER Case Reference. 16-83
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on October 10, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- TERRI RAYE BIXBY, a 46-year-old resident of Colstrip, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, BIXBY faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. PACER Case Reference. 17-70
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on October 10, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- BRIAN RUSSELL BLACKWELL, a 43-year-old resident of Helena, appeared on charges of failure to register. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, BLACKWELL 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. 17-13
- BRADLEY THORPE THOMPSON, a 32-year-old resident of Great Falls, appeared on charges of escape. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, THOMPSON faces 5 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. 17-70
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on October 5, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- SHANE MICHAEL COURTNEY, a 49-year-old resident of Anaconda, appeared on charges of receipt/distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, COURTNEY faces 20 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and lifetime supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. PACER Case Reference. 17-18
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on October 4, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- MATTHEW THOMAS JORDAN, a 40-year-old resident of Harlowton, appeared on charges of possession of an unregistered firearm. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, JORDAN faces 10 years in prison, $10,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. PACER Case Reference. 17-103
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on October 3, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- JEREMY JAMES McCUNE, a 42-year-old resident of Shepherd, appeared on charges of wire fraud. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, McCUNE faces 20 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. 17-105
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on October 2, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- TIFFANEY ANN BOLAND, a 51-year-old resident of Sidney, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, BOLAND faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the State of Montana Division of Criminal Investigations. PACER Case Reference. 17-100
- ANTHONY CORDELL COUTURE, a 48-year-old resident of Sidney, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, COUTURE faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the State of Montana Division of Criminal Investigations. PACER Case Reference. 17-100
- TODD MICHAEL HARRIS, SR., a 52-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute and 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, HARRIS faces 20 years in prison, $1,000,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the FBI Task Force. PACER Case Reference. 17-102
- JULIUS ANDREW KOCH, a 35-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of felon in possession of firearm and ammunition, and possession of a stolen firearm. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, KOCH 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. 17-104
- YOLANDA MARIE MEZA, a 30-year-old, residency unknown, appeared on charges of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, MEZA faces 40 years in prison, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Eastern Montana HIDTA. PACER Case Reference. 17-106
- BOBBY PAYNE, a 45-year-old resident of Sidney, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, PAYNE faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the State of Montana Division of Criminal Investigations. PACER Case Reference. 17-100
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on September 27, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- ERIC WAYDE MITCHELL, a 22-year-old resident of Baker, appeared on charges of possession of a firearm not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, MITCHELL 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. 17-107
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on September 27, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- BEN COLE BUCKLES, SR., a 49-year-old resident of Wolf Point, appeared on charges of sexual abuse of a minor. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, BUCKLES faces 15 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and lifetime supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference. 17-66
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Lynch in Missoula on September 26, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- ALICIA ROSE ROONEY, a 42-year-old resident of Boise, Idaho, appeared on charges of embezzlement and theft of labor union assets, and embezzlement and theft from employee benefit plan. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, ROONEY faces 5 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. PACER Case Reference. 17-26
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.
Great Falls Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – Robert David Linn, Jr., a 52-year-old resident of Great Falls, was sentenced today to 300 months in prison followed by 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in July. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris handed down the sentence.
In late 2015, the Russell Country Drug Task Force began investigating the defendant, Robert David Linn, Jr., for trafficking methamphetamine in Great Falls, Montana. Through further investigation, law enforcement learned that the defendant typically sold a pound of methamphetamine for $15,000, or an ounce of methamphetamine for $1,250. On occasion, the defendant sold smaller quantities of heroin. Law enforcement also acquired information that the defendant frequently traded methamphetamine for stolen property.
Throughout 2016 and 2017, law enforcement seized approximately five pounds of actual methamphetamine from various individuals in Great Falls who had all received their methamphetamine directly from the defendant. On April 8, 2017, law enforcement arrested the defendant after receiving information that he had recently received approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine through delivery by a shipping company.
Following the defendant’s arrest, law enforcement executed numerous search warrants. First, law enforcement went to a home in Great Falls where agents had information that the defendant stored his methamphetamine supply. There, agents seized 4359.2 grams, or approximately ten pounds, of actual methamphetamine from a concealed location in the home. Agents also seized 13 firearms located in extremely close proximity to the methamphetamine. These firearms included two semi-automatic rifles, four revolvers, and seven semi-automatic pistols. Upon further examination, two of the firearms possessed obliterated serial numbers, and agents discovered three of the firearms were stolen. Law enforcement also seized 202.2 grams of actual methamphetamine from the defendant’s truck. Lastly, in addition to the methamphetamine seizures, agents recovered over $250,000 in cash proceeds from the defendant and his associates.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley and investigated by the Russell Country Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration 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.
Great Falls Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS-- A Great Falls, Montana man was sentenced today for possession of child pornography. United States District Judge Brian M. Morris sentenced Manuel David Orozco, 42, to 120 months in prison, 10 years of supervised release, and a $5,100 special assessment. When he was arrested, Orozco was a Tier I sex offender, because he had been convicted of sex offenses against children in the state of Oregon.
The charge against Orozco was the result of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security, the Intermountain West Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory Computer Analysis Response Team, the Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case.
This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, Project Safe Childhood attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation. It is implemented through partnerships including the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children.
Methamphetamine Conspirators SentencedRead the Press Release
HELENA – Barbara Jean Satrom, 33, of Missoula was sentenced today to serve 27 months in prison and five years on supervised release for her participation in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribution and distribution of methamphetamine. The charge stemmed from a one-count superseding information filed in May of this year. Satrom entered a guilty plea to the single count in June. U.S. District Court Judge Charles C. Lovell issued the sentence.
Judge Lovell previously sentenced Satrom’s codefendants on similar charges this summer. Tillian Jay Gonzalez, 33, of Yakima, Washington was sentenced to 130 months in prison and five years’ supervised release on June 15, 2017. Rebecca Jean Belling Frankforter, 33, of Helena was sentenced on June 20, 2017, to 40 months in prison and five years supervised release.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the United States was prepared to prove that during the month of May 2016, controlled purchases of methamphetamine were made from Tillian Jay Gonzalez, Barbara Satrom, and Rebecca Frankforter in Missoula and Helena, Montana. Gonzalez brought methamphetamine from Washington to Montana where Satrom and Frankfurter sold the methamphetamine for Gonzalez. Gonzalez also sold methamphetamine himself. The investigation ended with a pursuit of Gonzalez from Mineral County, Montana, to Shoshone County, Idaho.
On May 3, 2016, Barbara Satrom sold four ounces of methamphetamine to an undercover officer in Missoula, Montana. It was later determined through the course of the investigation that Gonzalez was Satrom’s supplier of the methamphetamine.
On May 6, 2016, Gonzalez sold four ounces of methamphetamine to the undercover officer in Missoula, Montana. On May 7, 2016, Gonzalez sold another four ounces to the undercover officer in Missoula, Montana.
On May 10, 2016, an undercover officer purchased eight ounces of methamphetamine from Gonzalez and Frankforter in Helena, Montana. Arrangements were made between the undercover officer and Gonzalez, for Gonzalez to deliver one pound of methamphetamine to the undercover officer on May 15, 2016.
On May 15, 2016, law enforcement attempted to stop Gonzalez as he entered Montana. A vehicle pursuit took place. After Gonzalez stopped his vehicle in Shoshone County, Idaho, he fled on foot. He was apprehended after he threw approximately four pounds of methamphetamine into the woods. Law enforcement seized the methamphetamine.
All of the methamphetamine purchased and recovered was sent to the DEA laboratory for testing. It was all 97 to 99 percent pure.
The case was investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart.
Washington Man Sentenced to Prison in Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
HELENA— A Kennewick, Washington man was sentenced today for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Sam E. Haddon sentenced Hector Ricardo Gonzalez, 30, to 260 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 surcharge. Gonzalez was part of a scheme by multiple conspirators to distribute very large amounts of methamphetamine through Deer Lodge, Montana each month between January 2016 and January 2017. Members of the conspiracy, including Gonzalez, possessed firearms in connection with the drug trafficking crimes they committed in Montana.
Other members of the conspiracy included Jeff Allen Trask, Chase Ryan Storlie, and Christian Jesus Ruiz. The court previously sentenced Trask to 54 months in prison and five years of supervised release for his role in the conspiracy. The two remaining members of the conspiracy, Storlie and Ruiz, face sentencing on January 3, 2018.
Gonzalez and Ruiz’s involvement in the conspiracy came to a sudden end on January 24, 2017, when the authorities arrested them in Mineral County, Montana, in possession of 20 pounds of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was destined for Deer Lodge.
The charges against Gonzalez and his codefendants are the result of an investigation by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigations, the Missouri River Drug Task Force, the Helena Police Department, the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Department, the Powell County Sheriff’s Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Montana Highway Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Criminal Chief Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Thaggard and Assistant United States Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case.
United States Attorney Kurt Alme explained, “This is an important step in the ongoing effort to stop the organized, unlawful distribution of controlled substances coming to Montana from other states and countries. The case is particularly important because the defendants possessed firearms in connection with drug trafficking, a prescription for violent crime of the sort the United States Department of Justice is committed to ridding from our communities. The Court’s sentence today sends the message that those who bring illegal drugs to Montana—particularly those who do so while armed—will be caught, prosecuted, and imprisoned.” Alme also praised the collaborative work of the law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in the case.
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 Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – Steven Neil Hopper, 29, of Billings was sentenced today to 70 months in prison and three years on supervised release for being a felon in possession of firearms. The charge stemmed from a one-count indictment in April of this year. Hopper entered a guilty plea to the single count in June. U.S. District Court Judge Susan Watters issued the sentence.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the United States was prepared to prove that on June 5, 2016, staff at a motel in Laurel, Montana, cleaned out Hopper’s room and found two rifles, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. Hopper was interviewed and admitted that he found the two firearms in his motel room. He handled them and wrapped them up. He had the only key to the motel room and everything in the room was his – except the firearms and drug paraphernalia. He could not explain how the firearms got into the motel room.
According to witnesses in the case, Hopper possessed two firearms when Hopper stayed at the Days Inn in Billings, days before he moved into the Laurel motel, and he possessed the same two firearms in his Laurel motel room. The firearms and ammunition taken into law enforcement custody in this case are: a Ruger .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle, a Remington .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle, and 135 rounds of assorted .40 caliber, .38 caliber, and 12 gauge ammunition.
Hopper was previously convicted of felony Impersonating a Public Servant and felony Robbery in violation of Montana law in February 2016 in Yellowstone County.
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 investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Laurel Police Department, along with the Montana Probation and Parole Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Announces Reinvigoration of Project Safe Neighborhoods and Other Actions to Reduce Rising Tide of Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
Today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced several Department of Justice actions to reduce the rising tide of violent crime in America. Foremost of those actions is the reinvigoration of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
In announcing this recommitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Attorney General issued a memo directing United States Attorneys to implement an enhanced violent crime reduction program that incorporates the lessons learned since Project Safe Neighborhoods launched in 2001.
In a statement on the program, the Attorney General said:
"According to the FBI, the violent crime rate has risen by nearly seven percent over the past two years, and the homicide rate has risen by more than 20 percent. We cannot be complacent or hope that this is just an anomaly: we have a duty to take action.
“Fortunately, we have a President who understands that and has directed his administration to reduce crime. The Department of Justice today announces the foundation of our plan to reduce crime: prioritizing Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that has been proven to work.
“Let me be clear – Project Safe Neighborhoods is not just one policy idea among many. This is the centerpiece of our crime reduction strategy.
“Taking what we have learned since the program began in 2001, we have updated it and enhanced it, emphasizing the role of our U.S. Attorneys, the promise of new technologies, and above all, partnership with local communities. With these changes, I believe that this program will be more effective than ever and help us fulfill our mission to make America safer."
The Attorney General also announced the following Department of Justice initiatives to help reduce violent crime:
-Additional Assistant United States Attorney Positions to Focus on Violent Crime – The Department is allocating 40 prosecutors to approximately 20 United States Attorney’s Offices to focus on violent crime reduction.
-More Cops on the Streets (COPS Hiring Grants) – As part of our continuing commitment to crime prevention efforts, increased community policing, and the preservation of vital law enforcement jobs, the Department will be awarding approximately $98 million in FY 2017 COPS Hiring Grants to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.
-Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) National Gang Strategic Initiative –The National Gang Strategic Initiative promotes creative enforcement strategies and best practices that will assist in developing investigations of violent criminal groups and gangs into enterprise-level OCDETF prosecutions. Under this initiative, OCDETF provides “seed money” to locally-focused gang investigations, giving state, local, and tribal investigators and prosecutors the resources and tools needed to identify connections between lower-level gangs and national-level drug trafficking organizations.
-Critical Training and Technical Assistance to State and Local Partners –The Department has a vast array of training and technical assistance resources available to state, local and tribal law enforcement, victims groups, and others. To ensure that agencies in need of assistance are able to find the training and materials they need, OJP will make available a Violence Reduction Response Center to serve as a “hot line” to connect people to these resources.
-Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGIC) – The Department has provided grant funding to support a comprehensive approach to identifying the most violent offenders in a jurisdiction, using new technologies such as gunshot detection systems combined with gun crime intelligence from NIBIN, eTrace, and investigative efforts. These FY 2017 grants were awarded to Phoenix, AZ, and Kansas City, MO.
-Expand ATF’s NIBIN Urgent Trace Program – The Department will expand ATF’s NIBIN Urgent Trace Program nationwide by the end of the year. Through this program, any firearm submitted for tracing that is associated with a NIBIN “hit” (which means it can be linked to a shooting incident) will be designated an “urgent” trace and the requestor will get information back about the firearm’s first retail purchaser within 24 hours, instead of 5 to 6 business days.
In Montana, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, violent crime increased each year from 2010 to 2016 resulting in a total increase of almost 35%.
Montana U. S. Attorney Kurt Alme explained, “Our office plans to reach out to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and community groups to identify the most significant violent crime problems and locations in Montana, and work together to try to prevent violent crime, ensure that the most violent criminals are prosecuted and make our communities safer.”
“The increase of substance abuse in Montana is fueling violent crimes at a frightening rate, tearing apart once safe and peaceful communities,” said Montana Attorney General Tim Fox. “I look forward to working with the U.S. Attorney’s office to reinvigorate Project Safe Neighborhood, cracking down on violent offenders and removing them from Montana communities.”
Montana Department of Justice’s Division Criminal Investigation Administrator Bryan Lockerby stated, “My career has spanned over three decades in law enforcement and I’ve personally witnessed the growth of illegal drugs associated with the increase in violence, particularly with firearms. The past federal initiative of Project Safe Neighborhood had a direct impact on violent criminal offenders and I am confident that this announcement is a major step forward in providing additional tools to keep our communities safe."
Billings Police Chief Rich St. John added, “I am pleased to hear today that the Department of Justice is reinvigorating the Project Safe Neighborhood program to help us deal with the rising problem of violent crime in Billings. As I learned years ago, PSN can provide strong tools for taking the most violent offenders off of our streets and out of our community. I look forward to working with the U. S. Attorney’s Office to help focus our efforts on a common goal—a safer, less violent Billings where law-abiding citizens can continue to thrive.”
For questions related to the Montana Attorney General’s Office, please contact Communications Director Eric Sell at (406)444-2031.
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 Cavan in Billings on September 21, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- JOSHUA ABRAM DISKIN, a 47-year-old resident of Yuba City, California, appeared on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, DISKIN 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 and the Eastern Montana HIDTA. PACER Case Reference. 17-60
- RONALD DUANE KNAUB, a 68-year-old resident of Shepherd, appeared on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, KNAUB 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. 17-99
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on September 20, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- BRITTANY MARTELL, a 25-year-old resident of Poplar, 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, MARTELL 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 and the Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice. PACER Case Reference. 17-61
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on September 19, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- ROBERT ALAN CONNOLLY, a 67-year-old resident of Ranson, West Virginia, appeared on charges of failure to register/update registration as a sexual offender. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, CONNOLLY faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and lifetime supervised release. The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. PACER Case Reference. 17-60
- LANDON DUPREE, a 31-year-old resident of Poplar, 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, DUPREE 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 and the Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice. PACER Case Reference. 17-61
- STEPHAN DUANE KOROL-LOCKE, a 44-year-old resident of Great Falls, appeared on charges of attempted coercion and enticement. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, KOROL-LOCKE faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Great Falls Police Department. PACER Case Reference. 17-62
- JODY DOWD WOOTEN, a 50-year-old resident of Sacramento, California, 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, WOOTEN faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Russell Country Drug Task Force, and Lewistown Police Department. PACER Case Reference. 17-65
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls, on September 14, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- EDWARD DEAN CASSIDY, a 50-year-old resident of Browning, appeared on charges of abusive sexual contact. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, CASSIDY faces life in prison, $250,000 in fines and lifetime supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference. 17-59
- LEWIS PATRICK MARCHAND, a 57-year-old resident of Heart Butte, appeared on charges of failure to register. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, MARCHAND 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. 17-63
- JONATHAN PAUL SCHULZ, a 48-year-old resident of Conrad, appeared on charges of felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, SCHULZ 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. 17-64
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on September 12, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- MISTY NICOLE MARCUM, a 38-year-old resident of Bakersfield, California, appeared on charges counterfeiting and forging obligations or securities of the United States, and passing or uttering counterfeit obligations or securities of the United States. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, MARCUM faces 20 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. PACER Case Reference. 16-99
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.
Helena Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – Domenick James Howard, 29, formerly of Helena, Montana, was sentenced today in federal court for possession of child pornography. On May 31, 2017, Howard entered a plea of guilty to the charge. U.S. District Court Senior Judge Charles C. Lovell sentenced Howard to 120 months in prison. Following his release, Howard will be subject to lifetime supervised release. Howard was also required to forfeit two computers and an external storage device that he used to commit the crime.
In the court filings, Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson stated that Howard had previously been convicted of a sex offense against a child. Specifically, in November 2012, Howard was convicted of felony sexual assault for committing a hands-on sex offense against a 6-year old in Ravalli County. Because of that conviction, Howard was sentenced to the Montana Department of Corrections for 20 years, with 15 of those years suspended. In December 2014, Howard was conditionally released to the community and was being supervised by the Montana Probation and Parole. On April 13, 2016, Howard was arrested for probation violations and his electronic devices were seized and searched. An FBI Forensic Examiner examined Howard’s devices, and located image and video files depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct on Howard’s desktop computer, laptop computer, and a thumb drive. The United States said that at least one file depicted a female under the age of 12 involved in a sexual act with an adult male.
The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Helena Police Department, the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Las Vegas Businessmen Sentenced to Prison in Montana Public Corruption CaseRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Zachary Brooke Roberts and Martin Gasper Mazzara were sentenced to 20 months of prison and are required to pay $2.5 million in restitution to the Chippewa Cree Tribe. The shell company of Encore Services, LLC, was also convicted, and the court ordered it to pay the same amount of restitution. The sentencing occurred on August 25, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Brian Morris, in Great Falls, Montana.
Roberts and Mazzara, through a backdated and inflated 15% Fee Agreement, were paid over $3.5 million from the Chippewa Cree Tribe. Roberts and Mazzara then funneled money from Nevada back to Montana to Ideal Consulting. Ideal Consulting was a shell company used to distribute payments to Neal Rosette and Billi Anne Morsette, both of whom were tribal officials. This scheme was created to conceal from the tribal people the $1.2 million in kickbacks to Rosette and Morsette. Both Rosette and Morsette were previously sentenced for receiving bribes from Roberts and Mazzara.
Roberts and Mazzara engaged in the above scheme by inflating their invoices from 10% to 15%, submitting those false invoices to the Chippewa Cree Tribe, and then funneling and concealing the 5% that went back to the shell company of Ideal Consulting. In order to perpetuate the scheme, Roberts and Mazzara generated false invoices from Encore Services, LLC, and they also accepted false invoices from Ideal Consulting. For example, Ideal Consulting submitted invoices for “consulting” services to Roberts and Mazzara, but those invoices were bogus and no consulting services ever occurred from Ideal Consulting.
When the above scheme was discovered, Roberts and Mazzara, in October of 2012, backdated a “Joint Venture Agreement” by over 15 months to act as cover for the money paid to the tribal officials through Ideal Consulting.
In a sentencing memo filed in federal court, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan G. Weldon and Bryan T. Dake stated, “This case is about an insatiable appetite to make money at the expense of others. The defendants initially arrived on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation to use tribal sovereignty to circumvent maximum interest rates and other regulations under state laws. When that failed, the parties instead began to victimize the tribal people. In doing so, the defendants and others concocted a scheme to funnel money back to tribal officials, all of which totaled $1.2 million.” Weldon and Dake explained that it takes two sides to generate a corrupt transaction—a corrupt public official and a corrupt businessman. Both must be held accountable because both are essential to the creation of a corrupt transaction. “Such accountability also acts as a deterrent to remind future businessmen that sharp business tactics, when dealing with public officials, can easily end in the loss of everything—reputation, fortune, and freedom.”
The convictions of Roberts and Mazzara were for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. The convictions and sentencing of these defendants are 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. These cases were investigated by the Department of Interior, Office of Inspector General, Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue
Former Postal Employee Convicted for Fraudulently Obtaining Workers' Compensation BenefitsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced a federal court convicted Deborah Joy Durand of False Statements to Obtain Federal Employees’ Compensation Benefits, Wire Fraud, False Claims Relating to Workers’ Compensation Benefits, and Theft of Government Property. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris presided over the 3-day trial.
At trial, the government presented evidence that Durand had a back injury from her job at the Post Office. She had back surgery and was unable to work for a period of time. Instead of returning to work when capable, Durand lied to her doctors, embellished her symptoms, and ultimately obtained total disability. Agents from the Post Office conducted surveillance and saw that Durand was feeding horses, lifting hay bales, jogging in the mornings, clearing land, running chainsaws, removing stumps from fallen trees, building fences, mowing the lawn every week, riding horses twice a week, and many other physically challenging activities.
All total, Durand received over $693,403.63 based on her claims for workers’ compensation. Of that amount, she received $268, 892.18 for wages, despite having the ability to work at least a desk job at the Post Office.
In order to further prove the case, undercover federal agents called Durand and told her she won a free kayaking trip. During the ruse kayaking trip, Durand paddled approximately 30 miles in open ocean water over a three-day period. During the trip, Durand hiked, lifted heavy objects, and karate-kicked and judo-chopped an object held by an undercover federal agent. All of these activities were captured on video.
Two months after the kayaking trip, agents conducted a follow-up appointment with Durand to identify if she could work for the Post Office. Durand had no idea that the appointment was an undercover operation. During the interview, Durand claimed she could not sit or stand for long, and she was “totally sedentary.” She even claimed she was unable to work in any capacity.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. Executive Special Agent in Charge Joanne Yarbrough said, “The majority of Postal Service employees are dedicated, hardworking, and trustworthy professionals who would never consider engaging in criminal conduct. However, when attempts to defraud the Federal Workers’ Compensation Program arise, those acts will not be tolerated, and they will be vigorously investigated by the USPS Office of Inspector General. The Workers’ Compensation Program is designed to ensure that individuals injured during the performance of their duties receive appropriate medical care and compensation. The conviction in this case is a result of the commitment between the United States Attorney’s Office, and the USPS Office of Inspector General, to ensure the integrity of the Federal Workers’ Compensation Program, and to hold those accountable for defrauding the program.”
Sentencing is set for November 30, 2017, at 1:30 p.m., at the Missouri River Courthouse, in Great Falls, Montana.