District of Montana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Billings man sentenced to more than 24 years in prison for multiple sex crimes spanning approximately 30 years on the Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Billings man who was a prolific sex offender and preyed on the most vulnerable and marginalized Native Americans in Montana for decades by molesting, sexually assaulting, drugging, trafficking, and exploiting any defenseless person without regard to their sex, age or biological relationship was sentenced yesterday to 290 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
James Kirby King, 58, was found guilty by a federal district judge in September 2024 of the following charges:
- Aggravated sexual abuse of a child, one count
- Incest, two counts
- Sexual exploitation of children, three counts
- Aggravated sexual abuse by rendering unconscious or drugging the victim, two counts
- Sexual abuse, two counts
- Attempted aggravated sexual abuse by rendering unconscious or drugging the victim, one count
- Attempted sexual abuse, one count
- Sexual abuse of a minor, one count
- Aggravated sexual abuse by force, one count
- Attempted possession with the intent to sell child pornography in Indian Country, one count
- Possession of child pornography in Indian Country, one count
- Attempted sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, one count
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents and at trial, the government presented evidence that led to convictions for offenses against victims identified as Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2, Jane Doe 3, Jane Doe 4, Jane Doe 10, and other multiple victims. Some of the victims were under the age of 12 at the time, some were under the age of 16, and some were adults. Most of the conduct occurred on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, where King once lived, and in Billings, where King lived more recently. The charged conduct began as early as approximately 1992 and continued until his arrest in 2023.
As alleged in court documents, for more than a decade King repeatedly molested, drugged, assaulted and sexually exploited Jane Doe 1, whose first memory of the molestation was when she was five years old in 1996. In approximately 1994 or 1995, when Jane Doe 2 was 14 years old, King gave her a small amount of alcohol at his residence and she “went blank.” Jane Doe 2 later awoke and became aware of King kneeling between her legs and taking pictures of her. In addition, King attempted to sexually exploit Jane Doe 3 on numerous occasions and forced numerous sex acts on her both as a child and later as an adult on the Fort Belknap Reservation and in Billings. King drugged and raped Jane Doe 4 on the Fort Belknap Reservation when she was in her 20s and he was in his 40s. And King attempted to sex traffic by coercion Jane Doe 10 in October 2023.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Myers and Ryan Weldon prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services and Great Falls Police Department.
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Poplar man appears on triple homicideRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A man accused of killing three people in Poplar on September 11 appeared yesterday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Michael J. Ackerman, a/k/a Michael J. Littlebull, 73, appeared on a complaint alleging he committed three counts of second-degree murder. Second degree murder carries maximum penalties of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Ackerman was detained pending further proceedings.
The affidavit in support of the complaint alleges an individual called the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office on September 14, 2025, to report Ackerman admitted killing three people in Poplar. Deputies interviewed Ackerman and he said on September 11 he was using methamphetamine with the three victims, believed they were “setting him up,” and shot and killed them with his Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol. Ackerman told the deputies the bodies were in his residence in Poplar. Fort Peck Tribal law enforcement responded to the residence and found the three victims dead from apparent gunshot wounds.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley is prosecuting the case. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, the Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice, and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office.
The complaint is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
PACER case reference. 25-106.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
Harlem man pleads guilty to sexually abusing a minor on the Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - A Harlem man who sexually abused a minor on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Ivan Daniel Raining Bird, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse of a minor. Raining Bird faces a term of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for January 29, 2025. Raining Bird was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that John Doe was about 13 years old when he received a Facebook Message from a user who went by “Ivey” and appeared to be a woman. “Ivey” turned out to be the defendant, Ivan Raining Bird, who was in his late twenties at the time. Doe and Raining Bird continued to message, and Raining Bird eventually invited Doe over to his house.
When Doe arrived at Raining Bird’s house, he realized Raining Bird was a man dressed as a woman. Doe and Raining Bird shared substances and Raining Bird performed oral sex on Doe. For several months, Raining Bird committed similar assaults on Doe.
The FBI investigated Doe’s disclosure of the abuse and interviewed Raining Bird. Raining Bird admitted sharing drugs with teenagers in the past and specifically admitted he knew John Doe was a minor and sexually assaulted him on multiple occasions.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.
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Great Falls convicted felon sentenced to over a year in prison for illegally possessing firearmRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Great Falls convicted felon who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced yesterday to 16 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Montana Lee Covington, 21, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on the afternoon of June 1, 2024, Great Falls Police were dispatched to the Grizzly Inn based on reports someone had threatened another person with a gun. When police arrived, they saw the person identified as the suspect in a Jeep in the parking lot. An officer stopped the Jeep and requested the names of the driver and passenger. The driver identified himself while the passenger, Covington, gave a name the officer knew to be false because the officer recognized Covington from previous interactions and confirmed with a booking photo he was the passenger. The officer asked both occupants of the Jeep whether there was a gun in the vehicle, and the driver showed the officer a rifle on the passenger side of the vehicle with Covington. The rifle was taken into evidence, along with 110 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition.
Officers spoke with the victim, Jane Doe, who told them Covington had threatened to shoot her. Doe also said she had seen Covington sitting in the passenger side of the Jeep with a rifle, loading a magazine with bullets. Officers also spoke with the driver, who similarly reported Covington had threatened Doe and had been sitting in the passenger seat with the rifle. Covington denied threatening Doe with a gun but admitted telling her he had guns in the car.
Covington is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a felony theft conviction in Montana state court for which he received a four-year suspended sentence. His probation and parole conditions from that conviction prohibit him from possessing firearms and ammunition, and he acknowledged he knew felons were prohibited from possessing firearms.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the ATF and Great Falls Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Fort Belknap man sentenced to 7 years in prison for assault on the Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Fort Belknap man who assaulted an individual with a baseball bat on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 84 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Jeremy Owen Walker, 39, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on July 15, 2023, law enforcement was dispatched to the emergency room at Harlem Hospital to investigate a possible assault. The victim, Jane Doe, told law enforcement she had been sleeping at her house when the defendant, Jeremy Owen Walker, burst into her room and beat her with a baseball bat. According to Jane Doe, Walker came to the house and left with another person who was not involved in the assault.
Walker hit Jane Doe on the head with the baseball bat, and when she put her arms up to protect her head, he hit her arms as well. Walker broke Jane Doe’s arm so the bone was visible, and she was diagnosed with a compound fracture of her left arm and a fractured wrist. She underwent surgery to repair the fractures in July 2023. During surgery, medical hardware was placed in her arm and she experienced prolonged complications from her injury and the hardware. She underwent a second surgery in December 2023 to remove a broken plate and screws from her arm.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services.
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Browning woman sentenced to one year in prison for assault on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Browning woman who assaulted an individual on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced yesterday to 13 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Kodie Rae Ground, 30, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on May 29, 2024, John Doe was sitting in his parked car in Browning, Montana. Kodie Ground knocked on the window and asked for a ride. Although Doe declined to give her a ride, she opened the door, got in the car, and told him to take her somewhere. Ground refused to get out of the car, so Doe said he would take her to the police station. En route, Doe continued to ask Ground to get out of the car, and she continued to refuse. Doe tried to get her out while stopped at a traffic light, and she became angry. Ground beat John Doe on the head while holding an unknown object. She took the keys out of the ignition and exited the car. When Doe got out of the car, Ground threw his keys at him and walked away.
Doe went to Blackfeet Hospital because he could not move the left side of his body. A CT scan revealed he had a subdural hematoma (a brain bleed), so he was flown to Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, where he underwent a craniotomy.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the BIA and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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Poplar men plead guilty to sexual abuse on the Fort Peck Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - A pair of Poplar men who sexually abused their victim on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation admitted to charges this week, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Chandler Duran Longtree, 19, and Payton Robert Richard Montclair, 19, each pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse. Each defendant faces life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years to a lifetime of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Longtree’s sentencing was set for January 14, 2026. Montclair’s sentencing was set for January 21, 2026. Both defendants were detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on January 18, 2025, Jane Doe was drinking with a group of young people. She eventually separated from her friend and went with the defendants, Chandler Longtree and Payton Montclair, both 18 at the time, to Longtree’s house. While at the house, she was sexually assaulted by Longtree and Montclair. Doe reported the assault and underwent an exam from a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), which revealed evidence consistent with a sexual assault.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice conducted the investigation.
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Havre man sentenced to 4 years in prison for illegal possession of multiple firearmsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Havre man who illegally possessed firearms was sentenced today to 48 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Emil Martin Lundstrom, 59, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on October 10, 2017, Emil Martin Lundstrom was sentenced to 20 years with 5 years suspended on eight counts of felony theft in the Montana Seventeenth Judicial District Court, Phillips County.
On September 6, 2024, law enforcement responded to a Havre business to remove Lundstrom from the property because his employment was being terminated due to theft from the business. Officers learned from the owners Lundstrom had previously been found with bullet shell casings in his work pickup and they knew he was not allowed to be in possession of firearms because he was on probation.
A probation search was executed on Lundstrom’s work pickup. A Ziploc bag with what appeared to be several rounds of 9mm full metal jacket cartridges was found in the pickup.
Law enforcement also searched Lundstrom’s residence and a camper on his property. In the residence, officers found several rifle barrels and rifle buttstocks in a back bedroom under bed sheets, and three firearms in the walk-in closet of Lundstrom’s bedroom, along with a safe containing cash.
In the camper, officers seized pistols, rifles, and shotguns in the living and kitchen areas and a .22 caliber pistol in a black case under the bed mattress.
When the officers asked Lundstrom if they had recovered all the firearms, he suggested they check a pile of items in the garage, which led to the discovery of another rifle in a gun case.
During an interview with law enforcement, Lundstrom admitted he knew he was prohibited because he was on probation. He also said he had acquired many of the firearms before he was placed on probation in 2017, but he purchased additional guns from individuals after being placed on probation. Lundstrom said he bought firearms through private parties after being placed on probation because he could not purchase them from an FFL. He also obtained hunting permits to hunt with firearms for several years after being placed on probation, which he knew would last for the next 20 years.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the ATF, Hill County Sheriff’s Office, and Montana Probation and Parole.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Jury finds previous sex offender guilty of coercion and child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A previous sex offender from Billings who attempted to obtain nude photos from a person he was thought was 12 years old was found guilty by a federal jury today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Following a one-and-a-half-day trial, Steven Dwayne Scott, 51, was found guilty of one count of attempted coercion and enticement and one count of possession of child pornography. Scott faces 10 years to lifetime imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years to a lifetime of supervised release on both counts of conviction.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for January 8, 2026. Scott was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents and at trial that in March 2024, law enforcement, acting in an undercover capacity and posing as a 12-year-old juvenile female, electronically reached out to Scott on Facebook. Scott accepted the invite and the two parties began conversing. The communications eventually transitioned to KIK.
The communications lasted from roughly March 7, 2024, until May 28, 2024. During the chats, Scott was put on notice of the “child’s” age, indicated he should not be talking to her yet continued, and sought pictures of her, including nude pictures. On May 21, 2024, Scott sent the “child” images of a gift card and payment for possible nude images from her. Scott provided instructions to the undercover officer as to the best way to verify money was on the card. Thereafter, on May 27, 2024, Scott sent a $25 Amazon gift card to the “child,” again for the purpose of obtaining images from the child. The last communication law enforcement received from Scott was on May 28, 2024.
When law enforcement reached out to Scott, he was a registered sex offender as a result of a 1997 conviction for Sexual Abuse of a Minor, issued in the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota.
Finally, in 2018 Scott corresponded with multiple juvenile females online. One of those children was Jane Doe 1. A law enforcement investigation stemming from Jane Doe 1’s disclosure led to a search warrant of Scott’s Snapchat account and the discovery of his interest in juvenile females. Sexually explicit images of Jane Doe 2 were discovered on Scott’s Snapchat account.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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Browning woman sentenced to over 2 years in prison for embezzling from Heart Butte School DistrictRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Browning woman who took over $30,000 from Heart Butte School District was sentenced today to 25 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Jonnie Jo Fransis Spotted Eagle, 37, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that while working for the Heart Butte School District, Spotted Eagle embezzled funds by using school credit cards and purchase orders, presenting such orders to local grocery stores, and obtaining and using gift cards for her own personal benefit, none of which was authorized. While doing so, Spotted Eagle forged the name of school employees to cover up the fraudulent transactions.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Weldon and Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI.
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Poplar man pleads guilty to sexually abusing two victims on the Fort Peck Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - A Poplar man who sexual abused two victims on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Emmett Alfred Buckles, 41, pleaded guilty to 2 counts of sexual abuse of a minor. Buckles faces a term of 15 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years to a lifetime of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for January 14, 2026. Buckles was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in March of 2024, Jane Doe 1 was forensically interviewed and disclosed she was sexually abused by Buckles. Doe 1 described that on January 22, 2024, she was drinking and doing drugs when Buckles contacted her via Facebook. Doe 1 was over the age of 12, but under the age of 16. Buckles was 39. Buckles then joined Doe 1 and they hung out together.
Later in the night and into early next morning Doe 1 and Buckles ended up at his house in Poplar. While there, Buckles sexually abused Doe in an assault that Doe described lasting hours. Doe described the layout of Buckles’ bedroom and various items in his room.
Law enforcement obtained Facebook messages between Jane Doe 2 and Buckles. Doe 2 was over the age of 12, but under the age of 16. Doe 2 was subsequently interviewed and described that in January 2024 she was using meth with Buckles, and he shot her up with meth. Buckles then sexually assaulted her. Doe 2 drew a sketch of Buckles’ room that described a similar layout to what Doe 1 observed.
Federal agents executed a search warrant at Buckles’ house in Poplar. During the search, law enforcement officers observed that many details regarding the layout of Buckles’ bedroom were consistent with both Jane Does’ statements. This included the layout and various items of personal property.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice conducted the investigation.
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Political consultant pleads guilty to defrauding multiple victims of over $250,000Read the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - A political consultant from Helena accused of defrauding several clients admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Abbey Lee Cook, 35, pleaded guilty to 3 counts of wire fraud. Cook faces maximum penalties on each count of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for January 12, 2026. Cook was released with conditions pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in January 2021, Cook registered the business Abbey Lee Cook and Associates, LLC with the State of Montana. Cook, through her business, provided political campaign compliance services for multiple candidates and political action committees (PACs) in Montana. Her services included, but were not limited to, establishing bank accounts, depositing political donations, and filing campaign financial reports with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practice (COPP) on behalf of her clients.
In and around 2021 Cook starting volunteering for Victim 2, an issue advocacy PAC in Montana. Her primary duty was to file reports with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices (COPP). Cook obtained signature card authority for Victim 2’s bank account and, commencing in September 2021, began to issue checks from Victim 2’s account to her business account without authorization. These fraudulent transfers and checks, which ranged in value from $800 to $15,000, resulted in a loss to Victim 2 of roughly $82,000. One such fraudulent transfer occurred on March 20, 2023, when Cook wrote a check from Victim 2’s account to her business account, without authorization, in the amount of $3,000.00. Another occurred on August 23, 2023, when Cook wrote a check from Victim 2’s account to her business account, without authorization, in the amount of $15,000.
During this period, Cook filed false reports with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices (COPP), materially underreporting the amount of money she was taking from Victim 2.
Victim 1 hired Cook in connection with a 2024 campaign for statewide office. Cook’s duties included, among other activities, monitoring and paying bills on behalf of the campaign and preparing internal financial reporting documents. In her job, Cook had access to Victim 1’s campaign account. Commencing in March 2024, Cook began to wire money from Victim 1’s campaign account to her own account without authorization. These fraudulent transfers occurred through October 2024 when Victim 1’s campaign noticed an issue and Cook’s access to the bank account was terminated. During this period, Cook filed false reports with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices (COPP), materially underreporting the amount of money she was taking from Victim 1.
Victim 5, a Montana State representative, hired Cook in approximately in June 2023 for campaign-compliance work. Cook was provided signatory authority for Victim 5’s campaign bank account and, commencing in approximately June 2023, began to fraudulently write checks or transfer money to her business without authorization. The total loss to Victim 5 was roughly $53,100 and included a check issued on or about November 8, 2023, for $3,000.
During the period of the alleged fraud Cook took active steps to conceal her activity. In addition to the multiple false filings with the COPP, she also ignored inquiries from her victims concerning certain financial transactions and transferred money between victims’ accounts without their knowledge and authorization. One such transfer occurred on or about July 2, 2024, when Cook transferred approximately $26,000 from Victim 2’s account to Victim 4’s campaign account. Victim 4, a candidate for statewide office, had also retained Cook’s services at the time. When flagged by representatives for Victims 2 and 4, Cook falsely said she was redirecting payments that were misdirected. When told to put that representation in writing, she never did. In a subsequent interview with law enforcement, Cook admitted she transferred the money without authorization or knowledge of Victims 2 and 4, for the purpose of covering financial obligations on behalf of Victim 4.
During the period of the scheme a significant percentage of the money fraudulently transferred to her account was used by Cook to pay her personal credit card, loan payments for vehicles, and payments for commercial property. In June 2025, Cook admitted much of this conduct to law enforcement. The total loss to her victims because of Cook’s fraudulent conduct, as reflected in the Information, exceeded $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
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Mexican man sentenced to prison for illegal reentryRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Mexican man who was in the United States illegally was sentenced yesterday to 15 months imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Rigonaldo Diaz-Chixna, 30, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to illegal reentry.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on December 10, 2024, Diaz-Chixna, a Mexican citizen was arrested in Bozeman for obstructing a peace officer and for two outstanding warrants. Law enforcement officers conducted fingerprint analysis which confirmed Diaz-Chixna’s most recent removal from the United States was on or about July 19, 2022. This removal occurred after his felony conviction for illegal reentry on June 3, 2022, in the District of Montana. There is no indication in Department of Homeland Security files that Diaz-Chixna ever applied for or obtained the permission of the United States Attorney General or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter the United States.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Clarke prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security and Bozeman Police Department.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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California woman sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug charges on the Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A California woman who trafficked significant amounts of drugs on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Ashley Joceyln Cortez, 25, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that from October 2023 until May 21, 2024, Cortez trafficked substantial amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. She made four trips for a co-defendant beginning in November 2023. Cortez estimated she transported 23 pounds of meth, 4,500 fentanyl pills, five ounces of fentanyl powder, and three ounces of cocaine. She also estimated she transported $230,000 and watched a co-defendant distribute drugs out of her house in Box Elder.
On May 21, 2024, law enforcement executed a state search warrant at the co-defendant’s residence in Box Elder. During the execution of the search warrant, a law enforcement agent saw Cortez hiding in a bathroom with the water running. After detaining her, the agent noticed a large amount of methamphetamine and cocaine in the bathtub with the water running. It was apparent to the agent Cortez was attempting to destroy evidence. During the search, law enforcement seized approximately 64.5 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 98 grams of cocaine, and about 64 fentanyl pills. They also found approximately $8,800 in cash and a firearm.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, ATF, Tri-Agency Task Force, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services, and Hill County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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South Dakota man sentenced to over 12 years in prison for sexually abusing two victims on Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – An South Dakota man who sexually abused two victims on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 148 in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Farron Gene American Horse, Sr., 40, was found guilty by a jury in April 2025 of sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged at trial and in court documents that American Horse sexually abused the victims in September and October 2020 in Hays, on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. In October 2020, one victim, identified as Jane Doe 1, who had attained the age of 12 years but had not yet reached the age of 16 years, disclosed being sexually abused by American Horse. About this time, another victim, identified as Jane Doe 2, who also had attained the age of 12 years but had not yet reached the age of 16 years, disclosed that American Horse had touched her.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey Hendricks and Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services.
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Mexican man sentenced for illegal reentryRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Mexican man who entered the United States illegally was sentenced yesterday to a sentence of time served and remanded to U.S. Border Patrol upon release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Enrique Hernandez-Rodriguez, 51, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to illegal reentry.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on July 26, 2025, Enrique Hernandez-Rodriguez, an alien and citizen of Mexico, who was last removed from the United States in January 2021, was found near Chinook, Montana without having received permission to reenter the country.
Hernandez-Rodriguez’s alien registration file shows a history of criminal and immigration violations dating to 2007, including a conviction for negligent driving in Washington, driving with a revoked license in North Dakota, and two prior removals from the United States.
In this case, Hernandez-Rodriguez was stopped by the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) on July 26, 2025, east of Chinook, Montana. MHP requested assistance from Border Patrol agents who later arrived at the location. Record checks revealed Hernandez-Rodriguez had no pending or legal immigration documents that would allow him to be in the United States. He also admitted to being a Mexican citizen and acknowledged he was in United States without any immigration documents.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The U.S. Border Patrol and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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East Helena man convicted of illegal possession of guns and ammunitionRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – An East Helena man who possessed guns and ammunition illegally was found guilty by a federal jury yesterday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Following a two-day trial, Justin Curtis Huckaby, 43, was found guilty of two counts of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Huckaby faces 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for January 8, 2026. Huckaby will remain in custody pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents and at trial that Huckaby was convicted of a felony in the Montana Thirteenth Judicial District on June 5, 2019. He was sentenced to a period of custody of up to 15 years, with 5 years suspended, followed by a period of supervision with the Department of Corrections. Huckaby’s judgment set out the conditions of his supervision, which included a prohibition of “using, owning, possession, transferring, or controlling any firearm, [or] ammunition….” That condition was also read to Huckaby in open court.
On June 13, 2023, Huckaby signed the Firearms and Voting Regulations form, which states:
I further understand that my right to possess or own firearms or ammunition is suspended while under supervision. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing or receiving firearms or ammunition [Title 18, United States Code Section 922(g)(1)]. Therefore, I understand I could be prosecuted for a violation of Federal law. I also understand that I could be punished for violating my conditions of supervision AND federally prosecuted.That same day, Huckaby signed his conditions of probation and parole. Condition 15 states: “Weapons: I will not use, own, possess, transfer, or be in control of any firearms, ammunition (including black powder), or weapons.”
On August 5, 2024, around 4 a.m., law enforcement officers responded to a casino in East Helena, Montana. Officers were informed Huckaby was at the casino and had drugs and a firearm in his vehicle. Upon arrival, law enforcement contacted Huckaby who was in the driver’s seat of his white Chevrolet pickup parked outside the casino. Huckaby confirmed he was on parole but denied there was anything his truck that would violate his parole. During contact with Huckaby, law enforcement saw a glass pipe with burnt residue on the center console. The pipe later field tested positive for methamphetamine. A probation search was then authorized and performed on the vehicle.
During the search, a loaded 9mm handgun was located under the driver’s rear passenger seat. It was loaded with 9mm caliber ammunition. A box of 9mm caliber ammunition was also located in a backpack. Huckaby later admitted to touching and handling the firearm earlier that day.
Huckaby also threatened to shoot an individual after he suspected the individual took his 8-ball of methamphetamine and money that he won at other casinos that evening.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and State of Montana Probation and Parole.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Box Elder man sentenced to over 2 years in prison for illegally possessing firearm on Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Box Elder man who illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced yesterday to 32 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Franklin Troy Caplette, 40, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on October 12, 2024, Caplette possessed a 9mm semi-automatic pistol in a chest holster during his arrest for violating his federal supervised release. Because he attempted to run from law enforcement prior to his arrest, a responding officer had to discharge his taser twice before Caplette was arrested.
In June 2013, Caplette was sentenced in federal court to 62 months of imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. His supervised release was revoked five times in that case. In February 2021, Caplette was sentenced to 42 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in a different case, again in federal court.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The ATF, Hill County Sheriff’s Office, Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services, and U.S. Probation Office conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Previously convicted felon sentenced to over 9 years in prison for illegally possessing firearmsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – An Auburn, Washington man who illegally possessed several firearms was sentenced today to 115 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Mallory Nehemiah Brown, 44, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on June 9, 2004, Brown was convicted of bank robbery in the Eastern District of California. Brown was sentenced to 51 months in prison to be followed by 36 months of supervised release. The conditions of his supervision included that Brown was not allowed to own, possess, or have access to a firearm or ammunition.
On January 8, 2024, Brown boarded an Amtrak train in Seattle, WA, with a black duffel bag and several long boxes. Brown placed his bags and boxes on the luggage rack. The train was bound for Washington D.C., with a stop in Chicago, IL.
On January 9, 2024, the train stopped in Libby, MT, based on a complaint by other passengers about Brown. Law enforcement contacted Brown and removed him from the train. The train conductor located Brown’s bag and boxes on the luggage rack. Inside, he discovered four firearms, ammunition, magazines, a suppressor, eight firearms receivers, night vision googles, a tactical vest, and other assorted accessories. Law enforcement took custody of the bags and inventoried their contents.
Brown denied the bags belong to him. However, several Amtrak employees identified Brown as the person who loaded the bags on the train. Further, one of the boxes had a shipping label on it addressed to “Mallory Brown”.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the ATF, FBI, Libby Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and Montana Probation and Parole.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Idaho woman sentenced to 11 years in prison for trafficking drugs on the Flathead Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – An Idaho woman who possessed methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intention of selling on the Flathead Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 132 months in prison to be followed by 7 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Nicole Lynn Shain, 40, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on July 1, 2024, law enforcement officers were patrolling in Pablo, MT, when they observed a black SUV with an Idaho license parked near an area frequented by persons actively addicted to controlled substances. Investigators circled the block to surveil the vehicle, but upon returning to the area where they’d seen the SUV, it was no longer there.
Several hours later, investigators again saw the SUV parked in Ronan, MT. The SUV had a single occupant, Nicole Shain. Investigators learned Shain had been previously convicted of distributing dangerous drugs in Idaho. Investigators stopped Shain after observing her dispose of a piece of tin foil with drug residue on it. Investigators applied for a search warrant for Shain’s vehicle, and found inside 26.8 grams of methamphetamine, several grams of fentanyl powder and 1,092 pills containing fentanyl. These quantities of drugs significantly exceeded a user amount.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. Homeland Security Investigations and Flathead Tribal Police conducted the investigation.
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Columbia Falls man sentenced to over 4 years in prison for illegal gun possessionRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Columbia Falls man who possessed a firearm illegally was sentenced today to 51 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Zachary Matthew Gargasz, 38, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on October 6, 2017, Gargasz was convicted in Flathead County District Court of Operation of a Clandestine Drug Laboratory and sentenced to 10 years with the Montana Department of Corrections, with all that time suspended. On November 9, 2018, Gargasz signed a Firearms Regulation Form acknowledging he was prohibited from possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
On December 1, 2023, Gargasz reported to his probation officers for a scheduled visit. Officers searched his vehicle and discovered 11 rounds of .45 ammunition in the center console. Officers also located two AR magazines taped together in opposite directions, loaded with 63 .233 caliber rounds, behind the passenger seat. Probation officers then searched Gargasz’s home and found underneath Gargasz’s mattress a .45 caliber handgun loaded with seven rounds. At a later revocation hearing on April 11, 2024, Gargasz admitted to possessing the firearm.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The ATF and State of Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Arizona man arraigned on charge of attempted child enticementRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – An Arizona man with ties to Missoula, accused of attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity, appeared today for arraignment, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Manuel Flores, 71, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. The maximum penalties for the offense are ten years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Flores was detained pending further proceedings.
The indictment alleges that on or between June 2024 and August 17, 2025, at Missoula, in Missoula County, in the State and District of Montana, and elsewhere, including Arizona, the defendant, MANUEL FLORES, knowingly used a means of interstate commerce, including the internet and a cellular phone, to attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce any individual who had not attained the age of 18 years to engage in sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney is prosecuting the case. The FBI’s Montana Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
The charging document is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Anyone who has information about possible crimes committed by Flores, or the physical or online exploitation of any children, are encouraged to call the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office at (801) 579-1400 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
PACER case reference. 25-41.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Kalispell man sentenced to over 2 years in prison on illegal firearm possessionRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Kalispell man who possessed a firearm illegally was sentenced today to 32 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Caelus James Hattel, 22, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in August 2023, Hattel was convicted of criminal endangerment, a felony, and criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony, in Flathead County District Court. Hattel was sentenced to five years to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services, with four of those years suspended, on each count, to run concurrently.
On September 26, 2024, the owner of Raven Rock Armory in Kalispell, MT, reported that a white male with a beanie and hand tattoos stole a Ruger SR-1911 10mm stainless steel pistol from his store, then fled. On October 3, 2024, Law enforcement officers contacted Hattel and located the stolen Ruger SR-1911 inside Hattel’s pants against his inner left thigh. The owner of Raven Rock Armory identified Hattel as the thief who took the firearm in September.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, and Kalispell Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Livingston man sentenced to 2 years in prison on drug chargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Livingston man who trafficked methamphetamine was sentenced today to 24 months in prison to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Kyle Richard Lewellen, 43, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in March of 2020, law enforcement began investigating Lewellen and others for distributing methamphetamine in Livingston and elsewhere in Montana. Investigators obtained the data from the phones of Lewellen and his co-conspirators. There were text messages between them discussing methamphetamine trafficking as well as using the trunk lining in Lewellen’s vehicle as a place to hide drugs while transporting them. In those exchanges Lewellen offered to quickly flip any drugs a co-conspirator could front him. He also negotiated the price of ounces of methamphetamine in coming shipments.
On September 20, 2022, a co-defendant was interviewed by law enforcement. He described how another co-defendant would use Lewellen’s car for meth trafficking and how Lewellen would wire them money for ounces of methamphetamine. On November 15, 2022, another co-defendant was interviewed and described “renting” Lewellen’s car for drug runs and that he would pay Lewellen an ounce of methamphetamine in exchange. The co-defendant said this happened approximately 10 times.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Godfrey prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Missouri River Drug Task Force and the Park County Sheriff’s Office.
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Honduran man sentenced for illegal reentryRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Honduran man who was in the United States illegally was sentenced today to three months in prison, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Nahun Esau Suazo-Varela, 48, pleaded guilty in June 2025 to illegal reentry.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on May 22, 2025, law enforcement identified a vehicle in Havre, Montana registered to an individual who had overstayed the terms of admission into the United States. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and identified the defendant, Nahun Esau Suazo-Varela, as the passenger in the vehicle. He presented his Honduran passport and acknowledged he had no immigration documents allowing him to legally be in the United States. Suazo-Varela was transported to the Havre Border Patrol Station, where he acknowledged he had illegally crossed into the United States after his deportation near McAllen, Texas, in October 2010.
Between 2006 and 2010, Suazo-Varela had numerous law enforcement contacts in Ohio for traffic-related offenses. He was ordered removed from the United States on September 30, 2010.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the United States Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Helena man sentenced to over 10 years in prison on drug chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Helena man who trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl was sentenced today to 148 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
David Alan Moorse, 39, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement received information David Moorse was distributing fentanyl powder in Montana. Moorse told one source he had a good hook up in Helena and sent pictures of a brick of fentanyl powder.
On January 9, 2025, Moorse was located at a casino in Helena, Montana, and arrested for a state probation violation warrant. He had 94 grams of methamphetamine, 106 grams of fentanyl pills and 25 grams of fentanyl powder in his vehicle. Moorse admitted in an interview that he sold one to ten fentanyl pills a day to make a little money to buy a few grams of meth for personal use. Moorse denied distributing a large quantity of drugs despite the quantity located in the car. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Moorse’s phone and found messages related to distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Hays woman pleads guilty to strangulationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Hays woman who strangled another woman on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Rochelle Lynn Jones, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of strangulation. Jones faces 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for December 17, 2025. Jones remains detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on June 10, 2024, Jones and Jane Doe consumed alcohol and got into an argument. Jones choked Jane Doe and Jane Doe said she could not breathe and lost consciousness momentarily. Two witnesses observed the strangulation and intervened to stop the assault. The witnesses contacted the police for help.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Hendricks prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.
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Great Falls man convicted of illegal possession of guns and ammunitionRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Great Falls man who possessed guns and ammunition illegally was found guilty by a federal jury today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Following a one-and-a-half-day trial, Ian Allister Tomlinson, 45, was found guilty of one count of felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Tomlinson faces 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for December 17, 2025, in Great Falls. Tomlinson will remain released on conditions pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents and at trial that Tomlinson was convicted in the District Court for the First Judicial District of the State of Idaho of felony possession of a controlled substance. On July 9, 2024, Tomlinson appeared in person and was sentenced to a minimum fixed and determinate period of custody of one year followed by an indeterminate period of custody of up to one year, for a total unified sentence not to exceed two years. The Court suspended the sentence for two years and placed Tomlinson on probation for a period of two years. That same day, Tomlinson signed an acceptance of probation statement, acknowledging he understood the conditions of his probation. Thereafter, Tomlinson’s supervision was transferred to the State of Montana Probation and Parole.
In August 2024, Tomlinson signed an acknowledgement that his right to possess or own firearms or ammunition was suspended while on supervision. Specifically, he signed a Firearms and Voting Regulations form which states:
I further understand that my right to possess or own firearms or ammunition is suspended while under supervision. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing or receive firearms or ammunition [Title 18, United States Code Section 922(g)(1)] Therefore, I understand I could be prosecuted for violation Federal law. I also understand that I could be punished for violating my conditions of supervision AND federally prosecuted.The next day, Tomlinson signed his conditions of probation and parole. Condition 15 states: “Weapons: I will not use, own, possess, transfer, or be in control of any firearms, ammunition (including black powder), or weapons.”
On October 4, 2024, a witness contacted the Probation and Parole Office and reported that Tomlinson had a gun safe with several guns inside it a local storage unit. Probation and Parole officers located Tomlinson at his place of employment. He provided the combination to the gun safe and admitted he had several firearms in the safe as well as some of his personal paperwork.
Probation and Parole officers located five rifles, six pistols, miscellaneous ammunition, Tomlinson’s passport, and other paperwork belonging to him inside the safe. They also recovered surveillance footage from the storage facility showing Tomlinson accessed the storage unit a few days prior to the search.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Starnes prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by State of Montana Probation and Parole Office with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Former US Forest Service law enforcement officer sentenced for fraudRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Thompson Falls man who falsified time and attendance records was sentenced today to 5 years of probation, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $13,923.77.
Nathan J. Snead, 48, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to theft of government money.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Snead was required to work 40 hours of regular time per week, and he was compensated for administratively uncontrollable overtime, which is premium pay designed to compensate law enforcement officers (LEOs) for irregular and unscheduled overtime duty.
Snead documented his regular and overtime hours on his Time and Attendance Record for each pay period and signed the following certification: “I certify that the above information on hours worked, and leave used is true and accurate.” He also completed a record of overtime for each pay period in which he provided a case number and justification for the overtime and signed the following certification: “I certify that the official duties were performed as described above and were administratively uncontrollable.”
On May 2, 2023, based on information Snead was not working his claimed hours, agents installed a GPS tracker on his government-issued patrol vehicle to monitor his movements. The tracker data showed Snead’s patrol vehicle was stationary at his house during hours he claimed to be working.
On several occasions, Snead certified on his Time and Attendance Record he worked an 8-hour regular shift. However, his patrol vehicle remained stationary at his house for the entire 8 hours. Additionally, Snead claimed overtime hours when his patrol vehicle was stationary at his house for much of his regular shift and for the entire period of claimed overtime.
Agents also evaluated Snead’s law enforcement statistics from 2021 through 2023. His productivity levels, measured via incident reports and the issuance of violation notices, were much lower than other similarly situated LEOs.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Clarke prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Forest Service, Law Enforcement and Investigations, Office of Professional Responsibility.
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Deer Lodge man sentenced to prison on illegal firearm possessionRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Deer Lodge man who possessed a firearm illegally was sentenced today to 21 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Christopher Allen Rochon, 42, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on June 17, 2022, Rochon was convicted of criminal possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute in Powell County. He was sentenced to six years to the Montana Department of Corrections, with four of those years suspended.
On April 20, 2024, law enforcement officers stopped Rochon’s vehicle for a traffic infraction outside Anaconda. They conducted a probation search of the vehicle and found a backpack that contained a Hi-Point 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a 9mm box of ammunition with 45 rounds. Rochon admitted he had used the firearm previously.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Anaconda Police Department and State of Montana Probation and Parole Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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California woman pleads guilty to conspiracy to smuggle aliens into the United StatesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A California woman accused of conspiring to smuggle her husband, an illegal alien, into the United States admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Tracy Routh Lautenslager, 53, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to bring aliens into the United States at a location other than a designated port of entry. Lautenslager faces 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for January 6, 2026. Lautenslager was released with conditions pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on April 1, 2025, a vehicle operated by the defendant entered the United States through the Roosville, Montana Port of Entry (POE), then proceeded to the Swisher Lake area. Later that morning, the U.S. Border Patrol was alerted to a lone male walking across the international boundary line from Canada to the United States. Border Patrol responded and searched for the man who entered illegally. However, after searching, they were unable to locate him and believed he returned to Canada.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) was able to apprehend the man and escorted him to the Roosville, British Columbia (BC) POE to be identified and processed. The man is the defendant’s husband, a citizen of Great Britain, and has no lawful status in the United States.
Around the same time her husband was apprehended, Lautenslager returned to Canada to look for him. On suspicions of smuggling, she was denied entry and returned to the United States. Once in the United States she was interviewed by law enforcement. During the interview, she admitted she and her husband planned to have him circumvent the immigration process and avoid the point of entry because he did not have legal status in the United States. She indicated the plan was to drop her husband off at a location on the Canadian side of the border, drive into the United States, and then pick him up. She admitted that what she attempted to do was wrong.
The defendant’s cellular phone was collected and, pursuant to her consent, was searched. During a review of her phone law enforcement discovered text messages between her and her husband as the conspiracy was unfolding and discussing logistics.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Billings woman pleads guilty to methamphetamine chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Billings woman accused trafficking methamphetamine admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Raven Michelle Volkomener, 43, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Volkomener faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for December 17, 2025. Volkomener was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on May 4, 2024, law enforcement received reports of a car driving erratically south towards Billings on Highway 87. Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) identified the vehicle roughly five miles from Billings, observed it commit a traffic infraction, and pulled it over.
Law enforcement asked the driver to step out of the car and she was identified as Volkomener. She had an outstanding felony arrest warrant. She was taken into custody and that same day law enforcement, pursuant to a search warrant, searched the vehicle. Among other items discovered in the vehicle were four packages of suspected methamphetamine located in a backpack in the back seat. The methamphetamine was later analyzed and found to contain over 1,700 grams of pure meth.
Law enforcement also obtained a search warrant for the Volkomener’s cell phone. Among other evidence found on the phone were text messages from at least February 2023 to May 4, 2024, between Volkomener and a co-defendant. In those messages the two are corresponding about a trip by Volkomener to Great Falls in May 2024 to collect methamphetamine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeff Starnes and Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. Montana Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the and Montana Department of Criminal Investigations, conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Wyoming man sentenced to over 10 years in prison for sexual abuse on the Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Basin, Wyoming man who sexually assaulted a woman on the Crow Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 125 months in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,988 in restitution, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Duane Allen Swank, Jr., 36, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to sexual abuse.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on July 4, 2021, Swank was driving a stolen car with Jane Doe and two other passengers. At some point after Swank dropped off the two individuals, while in Billings, Swank sexually assaulted Jane Doe. They then drove toward the Crow Indian Reservation on back roads. During that drive, Swank stopped the car and raped Jane Doe. Following the rape, Swank fell asleep, and Doe was able to escape. DNA extracted from Jane Doe matched the DNA profile of Swank.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and BIA conducted the investigation.
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Big Timber man sentenced to 3 years in prison on drug chargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Big Timber man who possessed methamphetamine was sentenced today to 36 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
James Karl Ellis, 38, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on or about November 26, 2023, law enforcement received a video that showed the garage of Ellis’s residence located in Big Timber, Montana. The video depicted Ellis obtaining something from a large safe in the garage and then providing a bag containing what appeared to be a white powdery substance to a female. Deputies recognized the female as a known narcotics user. A search warrant for Ellis’s residence was obtained.
Ellis’s residence was searched on November 27, 2023. In the safe in the garage as well as in a locked closet in Ellis’s bedroom, law enforcement found approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine.
The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Sweetgrass County Sheriff’s Office and ATF.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
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Browning man arraigned on manslaughter and gun chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - A Browning man accused of killing an individual and possessing an unlawful firearm appeared today for arraignment, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Treyson Lee Sharp, 21, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm. The maximum penalties for involuntary manslaughter are 8 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. The penalties for possession of an unlawful firearm are 10 years of imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. Sharp was released pending further proceedings.
Count I of the indictment alleges that on or about December 28, 2024, at or near Browning, the defendant, without due caution and circumspection, killed Jane Doe, in the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, that is, he discharged a loaded firearm while pointing it at Jane Doe, killing her.
Count 2 of the indictment alleges that on or about December 28, 2024, at or near Browning, the defendant knowingly possessed a weapon made from a shotgun, which the defendant knew had an overall length of less than 26 inches and a barrel of less than 18 inches, which was not registered to him in the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley is prosecuting the case. The FBI, ATF, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
PACER case reference. 25-84.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Butte woman pleads guilty to drug chargesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Butte woman accused of distributing fentanyl admitted to charges yesterday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Brooke Rose Louise Cardonia, 33, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Cardonia faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for December 18, 2025. Cardonia was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that between February 2023 and March 2025, members of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) transported fentanyl into Montana for distribution. The DTO did so in part by utilizing local contacts in Montana, one of which was Cardonia. Cardonia both facilitated the distribution of fentanyl and connected a co-defendant to contacts in Montana that aided in the distribution efforts of the DTO.
In November 2024, Cardonia was arrested after a series of fentanyl overdoses occurred in Butte, MT, based on information developed by law enforcement that Cardonia supplied those victims with fentanyl. Cardonia spoke with law enforcement at that time and advised she worked with members of the DTO for the past two to three years to distribute fentanyl in Montana. Cardonia said the DTO provided her with a local resupply connection in Butte via her employment. She admitted using the connection to receive fentanyl from the DTO, which she then distributed.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Lowney and Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. Homeland Security Investigations, Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, DEA and IRS conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Mexican man pleads guilty to illegal reentryRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A man from Mexico accused of being in the United States illegally admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Daniel Yepez-Gaytan, 41, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien. Yepez-Gaytan faces 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen DeSoto presided. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for December 10, 2025. Yepez-Gaytan was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on April 23, 2025, Daniel Yepez-Gaytan, aka Daniel Guzman-Calderon, an alien and citizen of Mexico, who was last removed from the United States in November 2013, was found in Bozeman, Montana without having received express consent of the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States.
On April 23, 2025, law enforcement stopped a pickup truck driven by Daniel Yepez-Gaytan. He provided law enforcement with a Washington State driver’s license. After querying government databases, law enforcement was able to determine that Yepez-Gaytan was a foreign national present in the United States illegally, with no claim to citizenship or documentation pending to support any claim to legal status.
Yepez-Gaytan confirmed his identity, nationality, illegal entry, previous removals, and his lack of application to the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of Homeland Security for permission to re-enter after his removals.
Yepez-Gaytan’s alien registration file shows he was originally deported on July 30, 2004, through El Paso, Texas. He has three subsequent removals with the last removal date of November 14, 2013, through Laredo, Texas. Additionally, Yepez-Gaytan has two prior criminal convictions from 2011 for illegal entry and illegal reentry.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Billings man sentenced to 12 years in prison for operating drug distribution ringRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A man who trafficked a significant amount of methamphetamine in the Billings area was sentenced today to 144 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Mario Baudelio Nava, 38, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on April 2, 2024, law enforcement officers received information from a confidential source regarding a female who was a source of supply for methamphetamine. The details provided by the confidential source were familiar to the officers, and they were aware from other investigations that Mario Nava just moved into the same residence. Surveillance was conducted on the residence and Nava was identified coming and going.
Later on April 2, 2024, a female had contacted the confidential source and offered to meet and sell one ounce of methamphetamine for $350.00. Surveillance resumed on the residence and the female was observed walking from the residence to a prearranged meet location. Law enforcement contacted the female subject based on the belief she was in possession of methamphetamine. The female was then detained and admitted she was in possession of one ounce of meth.
During an interview, the female subject said she received the ounce of meth from Mario Nava and she had sold approximately 9 to 10 ounces of methamphetamine for Nava over the last 12 months. She further advised she believed Nava was currently in possession of approximately one-half pound of methamphetamine.
The female subject agreed to contact Nava for a ride and called him. Law enforcement followed Nava to the location of the original meet and took him into custody.
Law enforcement searched Nava’s vehicle under the conditions of his parole. During the search, detectives located and seized approximately 1397.63 grams of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a large amount of US currency, and a stolen 9mm handgun. Detectives then applied for and obtained a search warrant for Nava’s residence, where they located additional methamphetamine, US currency, and drug paraphernalia.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Eastern Montana HIDTA conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Billings woman sentenced to 10 years in prison for distributing methamphetamineRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings woman who trafficked methamphetamine in the Billings area was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Julia Renee Arvizo, 47, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that beginning in September 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated several methamphetamine dealers in the Billings area, one of whom was identified as Julia Arvizo.
In September and October of 2023, the DEA used confidential sources to purchase just under a pound and a half of pure methamphetamine from Arvizo. In November 2023, Arvizo told one confidential source it was no problem to provide three pounds of methamphetamine at one time.
During the investigation, law enforcement learned Arvizo traded methamphetamine for firearms, and a co-defendant estimated distributing between a quarter of a pound and a half a pound of methamphetamine for Arvizo every day.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten prosecuted the case. The DEA conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Mexican man pleads guilty to illegal reentryRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A man from Mexico accused of being in the United States illegally admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Eduardo Heriberto Mendoza-Almanza, 40, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien. Mendoza-Almanza faces 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen DeSoto presided. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for December 10, 2025. Mendoza-Almanza was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that Mendoza-Almanza was arrested on April 6, 2025, in Belgrade, Montana, after an officer stopped him for driving with no license plate light after dark. He was identified with his Mexico driver’s license. His driving privileges were suspended in Montana and revoked in New Mexico. He also had numerous active warrants. He was arrested for driving without a license.
Mendoza-Almanza has been removed from the U.S. on eight prior occasions:
- March 6, 2006
- February 2, 2007
- February 22, 2007
- February 25, 2007
- May 11, 2007
- January 11, 2008
- June 18, 2011
- September 5, 2023
He was convicted of felony illegal reentry in Montana Federal Court, District of Montana, Missoula Division, on March 15, 2023. He was sentenced to time served and removed. There is no record he applied for or was granted permission by the Attorney General or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to return to the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Kalispell woman sentenced to prison for fraudRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Kalispell woman who embezzled almost $500,000 from a local company was sentenced today to 14 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Rita Ann Pierce, 59, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to wire fraud.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Pierce Manufacturing is a family-owned business that began in 1974. The company began as a welding shop but morphed into a manufacturing shop. This case arose because Pierce Manufacturing was unable to figure out why it was not making any money. The company ordered an audit, which uncovered that Rita Pierce was embezzling money.
When stealing the money, Pierce was the bookkeeper. She covered the fraud by entering fraudulent names in the ledger and making the transactions appear legitimate despite the money flowing into her private bank account. The investigation determined Pierce embezzled approximately $496,881.03 during a four-year span, which was between 2016 and 2020.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
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Billings man sentenced to 20 years in prison for possession of drugsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man who possessed methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine was sentenced today to 240 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Dustin James Massey, 40, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on September 20, 2023, agents with the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation learned from a source that Dustin Massey was selling drugs in Billings and was known to have guns. Agents learned Massey was on federal supervision due to a prior federal conviction for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
On September 21, 2023, United States Probation officers, along with agents from the Montana DCI, attempted to conduct a probation search at Massey’s residence. Law enforcement went to Massey’s residence and knocked on the door, announcing their presence. Massey did not respond, and law enforcement breached the door of the residence. In response, Massey shot at officers forcing them to return fire, eventually shooting Massey. Officers disarmed Massey and noted the firearm he had been using was a Sig Sauer with an extended magazine.
Agents searched the residence pursuant to a search warrant. They seized approximately four pounds of methamphetamine, more than 12,000 fentanyl pills, and 49.4 grams of cocaine. They also seized three firearms: a Sig Sauer, model P320, 9x19 mm pistol, a Taurus, model G3, 9x19mm pistol, and a North American Arms, Model NAA-22LR, .22 caliber revolver.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten prosecuted the case. ATF and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
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Missoula accountant sentenced to 2 years in prison for defrauding clientsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Missoula accountant who defrauded clients by using their cash payments intended for income taxes for his own personal expenses was sentenced today to 24 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Clawson was also ordered pay full restitution of $1,309,591 to the victims as well as a $20,000 criminal fine.
William Arthur Clawson, 54, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to wire fraud and to corruptly endeavoring to obstruct and impede the administration of the internal revenue laws.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The government alleged that from about 2016 to 2021, Clawson used his businesses, Quantum Business Solutions and Endeavor Financial Insights, to defraud clients. Clawson offered accounting and tax preparation services to clients in Montana, Washington and Oklahoma, who were engaged in the cash-intensive medical marijuana industry. Clawson promised to assess the taxes owned by his clients and receive cash payments from them that he would use to pay his fees and the taxes they owed. Instead, Clawson paid only a small portion of the taxes his clients owed and used the remainder of the money on his personal expenses and unrelated debts. Through Clawson’s actions, his clients unknowingly fell behind in paying the taxes they owed.
The government further alleged that between 2019 and 2020, one of Clawson’s clients came under IRS scrutiny because of unpaid taxes. An IRS revenue officer contacted the company as part of efforts to collect taxes owed. The company called Clawson, who was serving as its accountant. Clawson instructed the company not to communicate with the IRS officer and said he would take care of the reported issue. Clawson falsely told the IRS officer that the company had cash flow issues that were making it difficult for the company to pay its taxes. Clawson acted corruptly by making other false statements to the IRS officer on the company’s behalf that Clawson knew would impede the government’s tax collection efforts. Clawson did this to conceal his misappropriation of funds the company gave him to pay its taxes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Hargrove is prosecuting the case. The IRS Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation.
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Convicted federal sex offender sentenced to 10 years in prison for possessing child sex abuse materialRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Terry man who possessed child sex abuse material was sentenced today to 120 months in prison to be followed by 30 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. He was also ordered to pay a $100 and a $5,000 special assessment.
Ronald Orrin Schultz, Jr., 45, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to one count of possession of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on June 18, 2023, a file of suspected Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM) was uploaded to KIK. The video file depicted a prepubescent male engaged in sexual activity with an adult. The Cybertip associated with the upload identified an IP address, screen name, and email address with the KIK account.
The investigation determined the upload originated from a residence in Terry, Montana. Law enforcement was aware that Schutlz, a convicted federal sex offender, lived there. A search warrant was obtained and executed on March 14, 2024. During the search, Schultz denied knowing anything about KIK. He did, however, identify where his electronic media would be discovered during the search and law enforcement collected it. A subsequent review of Schultz’s cellphone connected him to the KIK account. His other electronic media showed Schultz had an interest in minor females and he corresponded in a sexual nature with those he believed to be underage. The search warrant return relating to Schultz’s KIK account were even more incriminating and, for example, contained a limited number of CSAM images as well as videos of him masturbating and making representations that he likes underage girls and a willingness to go to jail as a result.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Prairie County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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Hays man sentenced to 4 years in prison on gun chargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Hays man who possessed illegal firearms was sentenced today to 48 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Wylon Alfred Plainfeather, 54, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm and one count of possession of an unregistered silencer.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on December 27, 2022, law enforcement officers responded to a Billings residence to search for a probationer. The probationer was not present, but officers searched the house and found three firearms in the basement.
As law enforcement was preparing to leave the residence following the search, Plainfeather pulled into the driveway. He admitted owning all three guns and acknowledged one was a sawed-off shotgun and another, a .22 caliber rifle, had a tube on it. Plainfeather said he fired the gun with the tube and claimed it was not very effective at making it quieter. He said he got all the firearms from the reservation and that he traded for them. Law enforcement officers confirmed the firearms were in operable condition but not registered to Plainfeather (or anyone else) in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Hendricks prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the ATF, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Montana Probation and Parole.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Columbia Falls man sentenced to prison for pointing a laser at a helicopterRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Columbia Falls man who pointed a laser-mounted firearm at a helicopter was sentenced today to eight months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $15,000 fine, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Travis Kurt Myers, 57, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to one count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies received a report from a delivery driver that had a green laser pointed at his vehicle and then heard a gunshot in Columbia Falls, Montana. Another witness also reported Myers had pointed a gun at her and discharged it at the ground. As deputies were interviewing the witness, they continued to hear gunshots coming from the area. Aerial surveillance was requested.
A helicopter equipped with thermal-capable cameras was able to locate Myers outside his residence with a firearm. Myers repeatedly pointed the firearm with a laser mounted on it at the helicopter. The pilots were able to see the laser and able to capture it on their cameras. The pilots observed the gun being fired but were unsure if he had it pointed in their direction. Law enforcement officers on the ground near Myers’ residence could hear the helicopter in flight, supporting Myers had knowledge he was aiming the laser at the helicopter.
Law enforcement took Myers into custody without incident. They obtained a search warrant for the property and located numerous firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammo. They located an unregistered silencer and a rifle with a green laser attached.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the ATF and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.
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Three Forks man sentenced to 5 years in prison on drug charges in Gallatin CountyRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Three Forks man who distributed methamphetamine in Gallatin County was sentenced today to 63 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Anthony Robert Catalusci, 65, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The government alleged in court documents that the Missouri River Drug Task Force identified Anthony Catalusci as a suspect in an ongoing drug distribution investigation in Gallatin County, Montana that began as early as 2021. On April 6, 2021, a confidential informant bought 11 grams of methamphetamine for $500 from Catalusci. Three years later, in April 2024, an informant bought meth from a co-conspirator on three separate occasions and law enforcement later learned the drugs were supplied by “Tony.”
The task force investigators interviewed a source of information who said an Italian man named “Tony,” who lived in Clarkston, Montana, asked him to travel to Las Vegas to pick up packages of meth for “Tony.”
MRDTF also was working with a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine from another dealer. During one of the transactions, the recording captured the dealer stating he got his drugs from “Tony.” The source confirmed “Tony” was Anthony Catalusci.
In September 2024, law enforcement searched Catalusci’s house and seized a small quantity of meth. During the search, Catalusci admitted he was distributing methamphetamine.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Missouri River Drug Task Force.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Colorado man sentenced to 30 years in prison on drug chargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Greely, Colorado drug trafficker who led law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit was sentenced today to 360 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
In October 2024, a federal jury in Billings found Moises Zamora, 40, guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Zamora has a prior federal conviction in Montana for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and he received a sentence of imprisonment in that case of ten years. See US v. Zamora, CR 21-78-GF-BMM.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over this matter.
The government alleged in court documents and at trial that on November 11, 2022, a Yellowstone County Sheriff’s deputy pulled into a convenience store parking lot in Billings and noticed a car parked in an obscure manner, away from the pumps or store entrances. As the deputy drove toward the car, he saw the driver, later identified as Zamora, point toward his patrol vehicle and then slouch in the seat. The deputy found Zamora's behavior suspicious and pulled behind the vehicle to investigate. Zamora reversed his car and drove away. The deputy activated his lights and siren, but Zamora continued driving, and a high-speed pursuit began. The chase lasted almost 10 minutes and involved speeds reaching 80 mph, with Zamora driving recklessly and entering the lane of oncoming traffic. Zamora finally stopped when he came to a dead end and was arrested.
The deputy observed two blue “M30” pills, later confirmed to be fentanyl, in the backseat. Law enforcement determined Zamora had a warrant for his arrest and was booked into the Yellowstone County Detention Center. Law enforcement served a search warrant on Zamora’s car and located approximately six pounds of meth, two fentanyl pills, three cell phones, and drug paraphernalia. Six pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 21,744 doses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case. The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and FBI conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
Billings man sentenced to 7 months in prison for passport fraudRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – An illegal alien who lived in Billings and assumed the identity of a U.S. citizen was sentenced today to approximately 7 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Diego Xiap, 48, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of making a false statement in a passport application.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on February 3, 2021, Xiap, claiming to be John Doe 1, submitted Form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport at the post office in Billings. For proof of identity, Xiap used a Montana driver license number that belonged to John Doe 1, issued May 8, 2020, which was set to expire on November 9, 2027. For proof of citizenship, Xiap submitted a birth certificate filed on November 9, 1976, and issued on May 1, 2003.
Xiap’s application was deemed suspicious and eventually referred to a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent for investigation. The Agent quickly determined that Xiap, who appeared to have been living under John Doe 1’s identity for approximately 30 years, was not actually John Doe 1. The real John Doe 1 was born in Puerto Rico and has lived there his entire life. There are photos of Doe 1 in government records in Puerto Rico and he bears no resemblance to Xiap. Another DSS agent in Puerto Rico talked to John Doe 1’s brother and showed him photos of Doe 1 and Xiap. Doe 1’s brother immediately identified Doe 1 and said he had no idea who Xiap was. Further investigation revealed an Oregon Work ID card issued in the 1990s that was used by Xiap, but bearing the name of yet another different person, John Doe 2.
On April 24, 2024, the DSS agent tracked down Xiap in Billings. Initially, Xiap fled from his job when the agent showed up, but the agent was able to find him at home. Xiap gave a statement insisting he was really John Doe 1 but had no knowledge of any of his relatives or history in Puerto Rico. Xiap then told the agent he might tell the real story but needed to speak to an attorney first. The interview was terminated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Diplomatic Security Service.
Billings man sentenced to 14 years in prison on drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man who distributed drugs in the Billings area was sentenced today to 168 months in prison to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Tirrell Lewis, 45, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on November 3, 2023, law enforcement officers received a call that there were two gunshots in the vicinity of a residential address and the caller saw a gray Mustang leave the area very quickly. Officers spoke to the Lewis’s girlfriend on scene, and she said the sounds were fireworks. She also said she and Lewis were in a relationship and he had not been present at her residence. She allowed officers to look in her backyard where they found two spent rifle casings.
The caller told police Lewis had been at the residence and he and his girlfriend were arguing before the two gunshots and then the caller saw Lewis leave in the gray Mustang.
Later that evening officers located the Mustang. They attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled a short distance before stopping in front of Lewis’s girlfriend’s residence. Lewis got out of the car and fled on foot behind the residence. He circled the house and ran right into an officer who then arrested him. When Lewis was taken into custody, he was found to have $6,216.18 on his person.
On November 13, 2023, a search warrant was executed on the Mustang. Inside were 4 firearms, 91 rounds of assorted ammunition, 7 ounces of fentanyl, and 9 ounces of methamphetamine. The drugs were located in a backpack in the trunk. The fentanyl was in 3 bags inside. One contained 50 pills, one contained 1,003, and one contained 814. The methamphetamine was in two zip lock baggies next to a scale and 23 clean baggies. There was a paystub for Lewis and one of the handguns under the backpack.
Lewis is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a previous federal conviction.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Godfrey prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Billings Police Department, ATF, and DEA.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.