District of Montana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Billings man sentenced to 6 years in prison for possessing a firearm following a felony convictionRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced today to 72 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
In March 2025, a federal jury found Joshua David Heafner, 40, guilty of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on March 14, 2023, around 8:00 p.m., the Billings Police Department received a report of a hit and run at the intersection of North 31st Street and 6th Avenue North. Officers observed an unoccupied Volkswagen Passat in the middle of the intersection and witnesses described a man who resembled Heafner fleeing the scene on foot after the accident. Inside the car, officers saw a black pistol, some rounds of ammunition, and a methadone bottle with Heafner’s name on it. Heafner, who had outstanding arrest warrants at the time, was located near his residence, where he ran from the police before eventually being detained. Further investigation of the Passat revealed Heafner’s fingerprints in multiple locations on the driver’s side and on a cell phone found on the front driver’s side floorboard. Heafner was convicted of assault on a peace officer, robbery, and assault with a weapon, all felonies, in Billings in September 2013.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob Yerger and Julie Patten prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the ATF and the Billings 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 https://www.justice.gov/psn.
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Billings man sentenced to 12 years in prison for distributing meth and fentanylRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A man who distributed drugs 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.
Shannon Ray Emeline, 45, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on February 22, 2024, DEA agents arranged for a confidential source to purchase methamphetamine from Emeline. The deal took place in Emeline’s vehicle and the source paid him $2,000 for a quantity of meth.
In April 2024, agents with the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation searched a residence in Billings, where they located a significant quantity of methamphetamine. They subsequently learned Emeline had purchased the meth and was actively distributing the drugs in Billings.
On May 1, another confidential source told investigators Emeline was staying at a Billings hotel to meet with a source of supply. Agents surveilled the hotel and located Emeline’s vehicle in the parking lot. They performed a traffic stop, searched the vehicle, and seized a plastic bag containing meth and another bag containing fentanyl.
Investigators interviewed Emeline, who admitted renting the hotel room to facilitate the purchase of two pounds of meth. Agents subsequently searched the room and found a bag of meth, a bag of fentanyl, and $6,855.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Yerger prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the DEA, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Montana Highway Patrol.
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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Passenger pleads guilty to sexual assault charges during flight from Montana to TexasRead the Press Release
MISSOULA - A New Jersey man accused of sexual assault while flying from Bozeman, Montana to Dallas, Texas admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Bhaveshkumar Dahyabhai Shukla, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of abusive sexual contact in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Shukla faces up to 2 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. U.S. District Court Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for November 19, 2025. Shukla was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on January 26, 2025, Shukla was flying from Bozeman to Dallas on American Airlines. He was seated next to Jane Doe and Doe’s daughter. Jane Doe had a coat on her lap because she was cold. Shukla also placed his coat on his lap and initially acted as if he was sleeping but began using his right hand to rub Jane Doe’s left leg near her pocket on her hip. Jane Doe initially thought Shukla was trying to pick her pocket, so she and her daughter got up and went to the restroom to diffuse the situation.
Shukla continued rubbing Jane Doe’s inner and outer thigh throughout the flight. Doe was scared and firmly told him to “stop touching me.” Shukla said he was sorry and attempted to offer her something out of his bag. He also tried to talk to Jane Doe’s daughter, and Doe responded, “she’s fine. Don’t talk to my daughter.” As the flight continued, the plane hit some turbulence and the flight crew remained seated. Shukla continued to rub Jane Doe’s thigh and, frightened, she turned her back to him, at which point he started rubbing her lower back and buttocks.
A witness seated in the row behind Shukla and Jane Doe confirmed that Shukla inappropriately touched Jane Doe for a large portion of the flight.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno Baucus and Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The FBI, ICE and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Police conducted the investigation.
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Spokane man pleads guilty to drug chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - A Spokane, Washington man accused of possessing controlled substances admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Nicholas Benton Severns, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Severns faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years to 40 years, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 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 has been set for November 12, 2025. Severns was released on conditions pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in 2023, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services saw a white Chevy Malibu leave a known drug house in Browning and stopped it for speeding. The officer ran the driver through dispatch and determined he had no driver’s license, no insurance, and had a warrant for his arrest from Washington. Nicholas Severns, the passenger in the vehicle, and had an expired license.
As the traffic stop progressed, two other officers arrived and informed the driver and Severns they were going to run drug canine around the car. During a subsequent routine pat down for weapons, law enforcement saw a piece of foil used for smoking narcotics and arrested the driver and Severns. Both were searched incident and officers found a baggie of meth on the driver and burnt blue fentanyl on Severns. The car was sniffed, the canine indicated, and a state search warrant was obtained. During the search, law enforcement located 708 fentanyl pills in a fanny-pack belonging to Severns. During a subsequent interview, Severns admitted to dealing drugs, including dealing fentanyl in Browning.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The DEA and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services 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 sentenced for illegal reentryRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Mexican man who entered the United States illegally four times since 2019 was sentenced today to a sentence of time served and remanded to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol upon release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Odilon Valdes-De Jesus, 55, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of illegal reentry.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Valdes first entered the country without authorization in 2019. On October 3, 2019, he was encountered by El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents, processed for expeditated removal, and removed from the United States on October 4, 2019, through the Calexico, California Port of Entry. He crossed the border illegally again on October 5, 2019, and was removed from the United States a second time on October 6, 2019. He illegally entered again two days later, on October 8, 2019, and was removed for the third time on October 9.
When law enforcement encountered Valdes in Havre, Montana on May 13, 2025, he admitted he had no immigration documents to be in the United States legally, and later admitted he entered without authorization a fourth time around July 15, 2020, near Eagle Pass, Texas.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Myers prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol.
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 man sentenced to 15 years in prison for selling meth and fentanyl in BozemanRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A California man who distributed meth and fentanyl in Bozeman beginning in 2022 was sentenced today to 180 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Shante Maurice Anthony, 47, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that the DEA received information in 2024 that Shante Anthony had been selling drugs in Bozeman and the surrounding areas since 2022. Agents learned Anthony lived in California and would repeatedly travel to the Bozeman area to distribute meth and fentanyl. Informants told the agents Anthony would mail drugs to Bozeman and then fly to Montana, pick up the drugs, and distribute them. One source said Anthony had been following that pattern for five or six months and the DEA obtained flight records that confirmed Anthony was traveling to Bozeman an average of two times per month.
On November 20, 2024, Anthony was planning a trip to Bozeman the following day and sending a package that likely contained drugs. On November 22, 2024, he contacted the Postal Service to check the status of the package. The DEA contacted a Postal Inspector, who located the parcel at the Bozeman Post Office. The package was searched and the agents seized 1,000 fentanyl pills and a quarter-pound of meth. Text messages and phone conversations between Anthony and others confirmed he was distributing the drugs.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case and the investigation was conducted by the DEA and 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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Belgrade man sentenced to 6 years in prison on drug chargesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Belgrade man who intended to distribute fentanyl was sentenced today to 72 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Justin Olen Brown, 40, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on February 23, 2024, Brown was stopped by law enforcement while driving near Ramsey, Montana. The officers saw three lock boxes and multiple items of drug paraphernalia in the car and applied for a search warrant, which led to the seizure of 173 grams fentanyl.
Brown admitted to buying the fentanyl pills in Spokane, Washington, and said he was planning to sell them pills in Montana. Brown also admitted he had taken similar trips to obtain fentanyl pills for sale in the past.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations.
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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Martin City man pleads guilty to child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA - A Martin City man accused of producing child pornography admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Raymond Owen Bonner, Jr., 40, pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography. Bonner faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 to 30 years, a $250,000 fine, and not less than 5 years to a lifetime of supervised release for production of child pornography, and a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 to 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and not less than 5 years to a lifetime of supervised release for distribution of child pornography.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. U.S. District Court Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing has been set for November 19, 2025. Bonner was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in August 2024, an FBI undercover agent was operating in applications known for trafficking in child sexual abuse material. The agent found that a user had posted messages to a chat room in one such application in June 2024 and July 2024 stating that user had access to a six-year-old girl (Jane Doe) and was sexually abusing that child. The user, later identified as Bonner, posted images and videos of his abuse that verified his hands-on access to Doe. Bonner told other users in the chat room he was Doe’s babysitter.
Investigators responded to Bonner’s address in Martin City on September 5, 2024. Bonner fled his residence prior to law enforcement’s arrival. In a home near Bonner’s residence, FBI agents located Jane Doe. Doe and others verified that Bonner was her babysitter and later identified Bonner as the person abusing her in the images and videos he had distributed. The FBI also seized several devices from Bonner’s home, including a cell phone.
The FBI searched the phone and found images and videos of Doe that were the same as the images and videos of Doe posted by Bonner to the chat room. Bonner was located by law enforcement and arrested on September 19, 2024.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The FBI and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office conducted the 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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Shelby woman convicted of attempting to harbor illegal aliensRead the Press Release
Note: The U.S. Attorney's quote was corrected on July 10, 2025, at approximately 1:20 p.m.
GREAT FALLS – A Shelby woman who attempted to harbor illegal aliens was found guilty by a federal jury yesterday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Following a two-day trial, Kristin Louise Mitchell, 41, was found guilty of one count of attempted harboring of illegal aliens. Mitchell faces 5 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 November 5, 2025. Mitchell will remain released on conditions pending further proceedings.
“Mitchell attempted to harbor illegal aliens. Those who are illegally in the United States need to leave. Those who try to hide them, especially aliens like Porfirio Alexander Suarez, who allegedly possessed a firearm in November 2023 when he was encountered by law enforcement in Texas, are committing a crime and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I want to thank the Assistant U.S. Attorneys who prosecuted this case, the staff in our office for their assistance, and the law enforcement agents from the Toole County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, and the U.S. Border Patrol for their hard work on the case.” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
The government alleged in court documents that on February 21, 2025, a Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) officer encountered individuals during a traffic stop in Gallatin County. The stop was predicated on the vehicle displaying fictitious plates. The MHP officer cited the driver, Suarez, for the license plate violation and released the vehicle. On February 25, 2025, a Sweetgrass Station Border Patrol Agent ran a registration check on a temporary Montana vehicle tag in Shelby that came back to the same vehicle cited in the February 21 stop.
On March 4, 2025, Border Patrol Agents observed Mitchell driving the same vehicle with two male occupants, including Suarez. Officers from the Toole County Sheriff’s Office also saw Mitchell driving the car and they conducted a traffic stop when the car failed to stop at an intersection. Mitchell was driving and told the deputies the two men with her were political asylees and did not speak English. The deputies contacted Border Patrol for assistance.
A Border Patrol agent responded to the call and recognized Mitchell due to a prior encounter at the northern border. The agent attempted to speak with the two passengers in English and then in Spanish. When the agent asked the men about their citizenship, Mitchell answered for them and claimed they were political asylees from Venezuela. She also referred to one of the individuals as her boyfriend. Neither of the men could produce any documents to verify their status.
The three occupants of the vehicle, including Mitchell, were detained and taken to the Sweetgrass Border Patrol Station. Records checks on the other passengers revealed their identities as citizens of Venezuela, and neither had a record of being legally admitted into the country. Mitchell is a United States citizen and has multiple prior convictions for immigration offenses.
Meanwhile, while the traffic stop was ongoing, other Border Patrol officers surveilling Mitchell’s home saw a third man outside the house; this man matched a description of one of the men encountered during the February 21 MHP stop in Gallatin County. He was detained and admitted he had been previously removed from the United States. Border Patrol determined this individual as a citizen of Honduras.
One of the individuals was deposed in April 2025 and testified he was working on a commercial construction site near Bozeman for a man who refused to pay them, leaving him stranded. One of the Venezuelans knew Mitchell and they decided to drive to Shelby to stay with her. En route to Shelby, the men stopped at a Walmart and bought bottles of margaritas. They were stopped in East Helena and the driver was arrested for DUI. Mitchell was contacted and drove from Shelby to East Helena to bail the driver out of jail and collect the car, which was released to her. The three aliens then stayed with Mitchell at her home in Shelby for a few days before they were arrested.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol, Montana Highway Patrol and Toole 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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Bozeman man pleads guilty to cyberstalkingRead the Press Release
MISSOULA - A Bozeman man accused of sending threatening emails to a student at Montana State University admitted to charges yesterday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Rex Wu, Jr., 23, pleaded guilty to one count of cyberstalking. Wu faces 5 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. U.S. District Court Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing has been set for November 6, 2025. Wu was released on conditions pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that the MSU Police Department contacted the FBI in February 2023 because a student was receiving harassing and threatening communications. The emails were racially charged and included threats to kill the student and other members of the campus group she was affiliated with. The messages were sent from several accounts, including some on platforms that make it difficult to identify the owner. Law enforcement eventually identified Wu as the likely culprit by linking an IP address at a local apartment to him, as well as online donation records and various Gmail accounts. FBI agents interviewed Wu in Bozeman on February 27, 2025, and he admitted sending several harassing emails to the MSU student.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Starnes prosecuted the case. The FBI and Montana State University Campus Police conducted the investigation.
Mexican man sentenced for possessing fraudulent immigration documentRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Mexican man who entered the country illegally was sentenced today to sentence of time served of 121 days in prison and remanded to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol upon release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Luis Alberto Vega-Lili, 57, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of use or possession of fraudulent immigration document.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on March 11, 2025, Vega-Lili was found on a train in Havre. When he spoke to the Border Patrol agent, he acknowledged his Mexican citizenship and that he did not have immigration paperwork that would allow him to enter or remain in the United States. He provided a Mexican passport that was issued in North Carolina. In 2008, he submitted an incomplete application for naturalization because he was married to a United States citizen, but she passed away. During a secondary security search of Vega-Lili’s cell, agents found a fraudulent social security card and fraudulent permanent resident card in the sole of his boot. The permanent resident card contained information belonging to a person from India who was born in 1973 and living in Texas.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol.
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 sentenced for possessing fraudulent immigration documentRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Mexican man who possessed fraudulent immigration documentation was sentenced today to sentence of time served of 131 days in prison and remanded to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol upon release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Francisco Alcocer-Sanchez, 62, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of use or possession of fraudulent immigration document.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on February 28, 2025, Alcocer-Sanchez was arrested by local law enforcement in Fairview, Montana/McKenzie County, North Dakota during a DUI stop. He provided an expired licensed permanent resident (LPR) card bearing his picture, but another name and alien number. Law enforcement noticed the LPR card was missing security features. On March 1, 2025, law enforcement verified Alcocer-Sanchez’s true identity and his prior removal from the United States. He later acknowledged his Mexican citizenship and his illegal status in the United States.
Alcocer-Sanchez’s immigration history shows he was granted status as a Lawful Permanent Resident on February 12, 1991, but that status was revoked on June 25, 1998, following his conviction for importing cocaine, an aggravated felony. There is no record he applied for readmission into the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol, Fairview Police Department and McKenzie North Dakota 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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Mexican man sentenced for illegal reentryRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Mexican man who entered the country illegally was sentenced today to a sentence of time served of 73 days in prison and remanded to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol upon release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Jose Luz Rojas-Flores, 35, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of illegal reentry.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Rojas-Flores was first removed from the United States in April 2012. He also was removed in November 2013 after serving a 30-day sentence for illegal entry and in April 2015 after serving a 60-day sentence for illegal entry.
On April 26, 2025, the Havre Police Department requested assistance with a traffic stop where five individuals were encountered. None of them spoke English and all presented Mexican identification documents. Rojas-Flores presented a Mexican Voter Identification card but no documents permitting him to enter or remain in the United States. Later, he admitted he last crossed into the United States in January 2020 near El Paso, Texas.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol and Havre 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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Honduran man sentenced for illegal reentryRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Honduran man who entered the country illegally was sentenced today to sentence of time served of 74 days in prison and remanded to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol upon release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Enys Jose Rosales-Lara, 39, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of illegal reentry.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on April 23, 2025, law enforcement observed a vehicle in Havre and conducted a traffic stop. Rosales-Lara was in the back seat of the vehicle. He presented investigators with a Honduran Identification Card, possessed no other identification documents, and was taken into custody. He admitted he entered the United States most recently on September 17, 2023, near El Paso, Texas. He also admitted he had no petitions or lawful right to remain in the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol and Havre 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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Harlem man pleads guilty to sex abuse charges on the Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - A Harlem man accused of sexual abuse on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Ross Vincent Dale, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse. Dale faces maximum penalties of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years to a lifetime of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing has been set November 5, 2025. Dale was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in January 2022, Jane Doe was taken to Benefis in Great Falls for a sexual assault examination. Doe alleged she was sexually abused by the Ross Dale on New Year’s Eve or in the early morning hours of New Year’s day, 2021-2022.
Doe lived with her grandmother/guardian at the time. On New Year’s Eve, Doe’s grandmother and aunt traveled to Wolf Point, leaving Doe at the house alone. Dale contacted her on New Year’s Eve and brought alcohol. Doe took a video of herself and Dale drinking. At some point, Doe must have passed out because she woke up in her bed to her headboard banging against the wall. Dale was behind her, vaginally raping her. She tried to remain calm until he finally left the house. She told her grandmother immediately upon her return home from Wolf Point.
Dale was interviewed. Although he claimed he was not in Harlem but in Billings with his kids on New Year’s Eve, DNA testing resulted in his DNA being found in Doe’s underwear, extracted from semen that was present on Doe’s underwear.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Myers prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.
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Lame Deer woman pleads guilty to sex trafficking a minorRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - A Lame Deer woman accused of sex trafficking a minor admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Veronica Clarice Baker, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor. Baker faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years to a lifetime of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. U.S. District Court Judge Susan P. Watters will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing will be set at a later time. Baker was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that sometime prior to April 9, 2023, Baker met Dr. Usman Khan on a social media website for people interested in a commercial sex relationship. Then, on or about April 9, 2023, Baker and Khan communicated for the purpose of arranging a commercial sex date between Khan and Jane Doe 1. Baker had known Jane Doe 1 for some time and Doe had, on occasion, watched Baker’s children. Baker knew Jane Doe 1, who was under the age of 18 at the time, was a minor.
On April 9, 2023, while Baker and Khan were texting about Baker providing Jane Doe 1 for the purpose of a commercial sex date, Baker and Doe were in a hotel room in Billings. Baker sent Khan pictures of her and of Jane Doe 1 and she and Khan discussed rates. Ultimately, Baker agreed to transport Jane Doe 1 to Khan’s residence for the purpose of a commercial sex date. Baker left Jane Doe 1 at Khan’s residence and Jane Doe 1 and Khan engaged in sexual activity. Khan paid Jane Doe 1 for the encounter, and Doe provided some of the money to Baker.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the 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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Wyoming man sentenced to 3 years in prison for attempted robbery on Fort Peck Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Wyoming man who attempted a robbery on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced yesterday to 36 months in prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Jesse Alex Sutherland, 37, pleaded guilty in December 2024 to one count of attempted robbery.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on the evening of November 21, 2023, the defendant, Jesse Alex Sutherland, went with a co-defendant to a remote residence on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. The co-defendant was armed with an AR-15 style rifle. The two men met with a third person outside the home. While still outside the residence the co-defendant fired one round into the ground and six into the air. He and the defendant then broke into the residence. The two men assaulted the two occupants of the home, and the co-defendant struck them with the rifle while demanding access to a safe.
Sutherland was seen on surveillance video before and after the attempted robbery. He was arrested shortly thereafter wearing the same hoodie he wore during the attempted robbery.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, BIA and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law & Justice.
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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Browning man sentenced to prison for death on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Browning man who caused a death on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 18 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Douglas Dean McDonald, 29, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to one count of involuntary manslaughter.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on the afternoon of June 9, 2024, Douglas Dean McDonald was driving a sedan with his family at 118mph before he changed lanes and struck and killed John Doe, who was operating a motorcycle. Doe’s wife was a passenger on the motorcycle but was not seriously injured.
Doe and his wife were riding their motorcycle about five miles outside of Browning heading east toward Cut Bank to see the bison herd. There were none, so they decided to turn around. As Doe was executing the U-turn, McDonald, who was traveling at a high rate of speed, went into the westbound lane and struck the motorcycle. The accident severed Doe’s leg, and he died at the scene.
A witness came upon the crash shortly after it occurred. The witness reported that McDonald and his wife flagged the witness down and wanted a ride to Browning. She reported that there were other individuals at the scene telling McDonald he needed to stay at the scene. When law enforcement arrived, McDonald admitted to consuming twisted teas the night before and smoking a bowl of marijuana at noon that day. He gave a PBT at the scene that was positive for alcohol with a BAC of .02.
McDonald consented to a blood draw. Law enforcement drove him to the hospital for the blood draw. During this interaction, the officer could detect the smell of alcoholic beverages emitting from his person. At the hospital, McDonald attempted to run away from law enforcement, fleeing through the emergency doors and had to be chased down in the parking lot.
Montana Highway Patrol conducted the crash investigation. They mapped the scene and analyzed the electronic data from McDonald’s vehicle. Five seconds before the deployment event (collision) McDonald was going 118mph. The data showed that the vehicle slowed to 114mph two seconds before the deployment event, and then slowed to 99mph one second before. The speedometer of the vehicle was frozen at 98mph after the crash. MHP determined that if McDonald had been going the posted speed limit of 70mph, Doe would have been able to successfully execute the U-turn.
The toxicology report indicated that in addition to alcohol and marijuana, McDonald had fentanyl, methamphetamine, norfentanyl, amphetamine, and gabapentin in his system.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, and Montana Highway Patrol.
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Billings man pleads guilty to child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - A Billings man accused of distributing child pornography admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Kole David Kuntz, 41, pleaded guilty to 2 counts of distribution of child pornography. With respect to each count, Kuntz faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years to 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a $35,000 special assessment, a $5,000 special assessment, and 5 years to a lifetime of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. U.S. District Court Judge Susan P. Watters will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing will be set at a later date. Kuntz was released on conditions pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on November 16, 2024, law enforcement created an undercover online persona on a social media site posing as an adult male with a minor daughter. Soon after establishing the account, another account, later attributed to the defendant, reached out and inquired about the fictious daughter.
The conversations became increasingly sexual and, for example, when the defendant learned the “daughter” was 12 years of age, he indicated that he “could have a lot of fun with her.”
On November 21, 2024, the defendant recommended they switch to a more secure application and both parties did so. Then, to ensure that he was “serious,” the defendant sent a roughly 45-second video of a female, aged between 12 and 14 years of age, removing her swimsuit and exposing her vagina to the camera. Then, on November 22, 2024, and after additional communications during which the defendant indicated that “6-14 is the money range I think,” he distributed a roughly 56-second video of a minor female performing oral sex on an adult.
Law enforcement connected the communication to the defendant and a search warrant for his residence in Billings was executed. A subsequent review of his electronic media led to the discovery of the communications referenced above.
The defendant was interviewed by law enforcement and admitted that he was the individual referenced in the communications above and that he previously shared images and videos.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the 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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Minnesota sex offender sentenced to over a year in prison for failing to registerRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Minnesota man who failed to register as a sex offender was sentenced today to 16 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Jeremiah Robert Wiberg, 42, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to one count of failure to register as a sex offender.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Jeremiah Wiberg is required to register as a sexual offender under SORNA following a 2007 federal conviction for receipt of child pornography. Wiberg has been on federal supervised release for the past eight years and has been revoked off supervised release multiple times.
Following his sentence of incarceration after being revoked from supervision, Wiberg was released from the BOP in Louisiana on November 8, 2023. Per his travel itinerary with BOP he traveled to Billings, Montana the same day. Wiberg arrived in Billings that day, but he did not check in with United States Probation on that day, nor did he register under SORNA upon his arrival in Billings. His whereabouts were unknown.
It was determined through records and witness statements that Wiberg was in Montana for a period of a few weeks after he arrived in Billings. Wiberg traveled to Roundup and then left the state. He never registered in Montana.
On December 27, 2023, law enforcement received information that the Wiberg was staying in Minnesota. Wiberg was subsequently located at a VFW in Forrest Lake, Minnesota. He was arrested on a federal warrant for violating his supervised release. Wiberg had not registered in Minnesota.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Probation Office, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.
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Mexican citizen sentenced for illegal reentryRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Mexican man who entered the United States illegally was sentenced today to 6 months in prison to be followed by removal from the United States, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Miguel Angel Lozada-Dominguez, 36, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of illegal reentry.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on April 7, 2025, law enforcement had contact with the defendant in St. Regis. Lozada-Dominguez seemed to be soliciting money by approaching bystanders while holding a notebook with handwritten English phrases. Lozada-Dominguez told officers that he was a citizen of Mexico, he did not possess valid immigration documents and had no legal authorization to enter the United States. He did not claim any United States citizenship or lawful status. He was arrested and transported to a local jail for reinstatement of a prior order of removal. In an interview, the defendant stated he entered the United States by crossing the border undetected through Del Rio, Texas.
Lozada-Dominguez’s records showed he was convicted for illegal entry and ordered removed from the United States on January 24, 2019. Further review of records showed that he did not seek or receive authorization from the Attorney General to reenter the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
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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Wolf Point man pleads guilty to assault on Fort Peck Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - A Wolf Point man accused of assault another individual on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Roger Sylvan Bissonette, III, 23, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Bissonette faces 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and 3 years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Court 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 October 30, 2025. Bissonette was released on conditions pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on January 27, 2024, the defendant, Roger Sylvan Bissonette III, and several friends, including co-defendants and the victim, John Doe, were in a yard in Wolf Point, Montana, playing a game of “slap-boxing.” The fighting escalated and the group broke up. Doe approached the house demanding to get his phone back. A confrontation between Doe, Bissonette, and his co-defendants ultimately ensued in the driveway.
Several people witnessed the assault. One witness described seeing Bissonette and co-defendants hitting John Doe. The witness described seeing one person hit Doe with a bat, then the other two started hitting Doe as well, with Bissonette using a hammer. Another witness saw Bissonette and his co-defendants approaching Doe while he backed away. The witness described the three then “jumping” Doe.
Bissonette told law enforcement that Doe was chasing others around the yard with a knife, so he went into the house to get a weapon, and one of the residents gave him a hammer. Bissonette said that after one co-defendant hit Doe with the bar, Doe went down, but as he was getting back up, a co-defendant stabbed him in the chest. It was then that Bissonette started hitting Doe in the head with the hammer. He continued to hit Doe even when Doe was down. None of the independent witnesses reported Doe having a knife.
Doe died at the scene before law enforcement could arrive. According to an autopsy, Doe died from blunt and sharp force injuries to the head and chest.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law & Justice, Wolf Point Police Department, and State of 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 Justice.gov/PSN.
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Dodson man pleads guilty to strangulation on the Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - A Dodson man accused of strangling a woman on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Skychief Chiefstick Lewis, 29, pleaded guilty to strangulation. Lewis faces 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and 3 years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Court 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 October 29, 2025. Lewis was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on September 13, 2024, Skychief Chiefstick Lewis was with Jane Doe. Lewis was mad at Doe, who was sick, because she was sleeping. This resulted in an argument. Lewis then strangled Doe, who later described not being able to breathe as Lewis strangled her with his hands. Lewis also strangled her a second time during the same assault.
Law enforcement was contacted and responded. Officers approached and saw a silver car leaving the house at a high rate of speed. Law enforcement stopped the car. Doe was driving and Lewis was in the passenger seat. Officers noted redness around Doe’s face and saw that Doe’s shirt and sweatshirt were torn around the neck area. Red marks and bruising on Doe’s neck were later noted. Doe described the strangulation by putting both of her hands to her throat.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.
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Billings man pleads guilty to illegal possession of firearmRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - A Billings man accused of illegally possessing a firearm admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Damian Andrew Roman, 26, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Roman faces 15 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. U.S. District Court Judge Susan P. Watters will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing will be set at a later time. Roman was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that Damien Andrew Roman was convicted in 2021 of two felony offenses in the United States District Court for the District of Montana. These convictions prohibit his possession of firearms or ammunition.
On December 18, 2024, Damian Roman was driving a car that got into a crash in Billings. Before law enforcement arrived at the crash, an eyewitness saw Roman throw a bag over a nearby fence. Responding officers walked along the fence line and found a brown Louis Vuitton bag. Inside the bag was a Glock, Model 48, 9mm caliber pistol loaded with an extended magazine with eighteen (18) rounds of 9mm caliber ammunition.
ATF subsequently ran a check on the firearm and determined it was originally purchased by Roman’s family member. Law enforcement conducted a fingerprint analysis of the firearm and located a partial print on the magazine that was inserted into the firearm. The print was positively identified as belonging to Roman.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The ATF and Billings Police Department 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 Doctor Pleads Guilty to Charge Related to ProstitutionRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - A Billings man accused of using a cell phone to arrange for commercial sex admitted to a charge today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Usman Hanif Khan, 52, pleaded guilty to use of a facility of interstate commerce to aid in racketeering. He faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided, and District Court Judge Susan P. Watters will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing will be set at a later time. Khan was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that prior to April 9, 2023, Khan met a woman on a social media website for those interested in a commercial sex relationship. Then, on or about April 9, 2023, Khan communicated with the woman for the purpose of arranging a commercial sex date with Jane Doe, a minor. Khan and the woman communicated via text messenger and utilized cell phones to arrange the date and discussed, among other items, the particulars of the commercial sex date. On the evening of April 9, 2023, the woman transported Jane Doe to Khan’s residence for the purpose of a commercial sex date. Khan and Jane Doe engaged in a sex act, after which Khan contacted the woman to arrange transportation of Jane Doe and provided Jane Doe with money for the encounter.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the 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 more than 4 years in prison for death on the Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Hays man who fatally stabbed a woman on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 51 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $4,050 in restitution, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Tonylee Andrew Sears, 24, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to one count of voluntary manslaughter.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in the early hours of January 13, 2024, law enforcement responded to reports of a stabbing at Sears’ home. Officers found the victim, Jane Doe, on the floor of the living room, bleeding. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers interviewed both Sears and a witness. The witness said he and Jane Doe had gone over to Sears’ house to drink alcohol and hang out. According to the witness, Sears and Jane Doe got into an argument that escalated. Sears ultimately grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed Jane Doe while she was on the ground. The witness pulled Sears off Jane Doe and called 911. Sears threw the knife in the kitchen sink.
When Sears was interviewed, he also told officers he and Jane Doe had gotten into an argument during which Jane Doe said something about Sears’ parents—both of whom are deceased—that aggravated him. Jane Doe and Sears then ended up in a scuffle on the floor. Sears admitted he stabbed her while they were rolling around on the floor.
During the investigation, officers recovered a knife from the kitchen sink, which still had blood on the blade and on the handle. Additionally, Jane Doe’s body was autopsied. The autopsy report concluded Jane Doe’s cause of death was a stab wound to the trunk: a knife pierced her heart, almost immediately killing her.
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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2025 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day AnnouncementRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced yesterday that it has reinvigorated efforts to protect American seniors from transnational schemes that cost seniors billions of dollars, often stealing their life savings. In the past few weeks alone, DOJ prosecutors have arrested and filed cases against foreign fraudsters and domestic actors who have knowingly facilitated foreign-based crimes.
“Our office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who would exploit our elderly friends, neighbors, and family members. We appreciate the efforts of our federal, state, local, and tribal partners to identify elder abuse in all its forms, physical, psychological, and financial. But we also need everyone’s help by checking on older adults, especially those with few family members close by, and watching for signs and abuse or unusual financial transactions. U.S. Attorney Alme said.
See the U.S. Attorney’s Office Public Service Announcement on Elder Fraud: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/video/district-montana-elder-fraud-psa-60-seconds.
The DOJ is highlighting a number of recent prosecutions, including one here in Montana, to protect American seniors. These include cases against those who engage in, and knowingly facilitate, romance fraud, lottery fraud, tech support fraud, and grandparent scams. Romance fraud is a confidence scheme where a perpetrator feigns romantic interest with a victim only to later extract money or property under false pretenses. Lottery fraud schemes trick victims into believing they have won a non-existent lottery or sweepstakes prize in order to extract fake fees, taxes, or other fabricated charges from the victim. Tech support fraud scams involve perpetrators tricking victims into believing that their computer or phone has a problem, often through fake pop-up messages, and to later seek funds from the victims in order to “fix” the “problem.” Grandparent scams, another type of confidence scheme, involve scammers impersonating a grandchild or close family member who experiences a fictitious emergency and needs money from the victim as soon as possible.
Recently in Montana, an FBI and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office investigation resulted in the arrested a man allegedly involved in an India-based scheme that claimed to be U.S. Marshals targeting the elderly and resulted in the theft of over $1 million from an elderly victim. https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/india-based-amazon-scam-leads-almost-1-million-dollar-loss-elderly-victim-missoula
Recovering Victim Loss
Victims face many challenges in financially recovering from fraud schemes—and that is even more true for elderly victims. Many retired seniors are no longer earning income and cannot count on market appreciation to grow their retirement savings. Perpetrators may have already spent or forwarded victim funds beyond the reach of United States law enforcement. Victims may not have the resources to pursue legal action or hire legal representation. These, and other reasons, make it critically important that the DOJ work hard to achieve substantial victim restitution in cases we investigate and prosecute.
National Elder Fraud Hotline 2025 WEAAD Campaign
The National Elder Fraud Hotline is a free, national resource for older adults and their loved ones experiencing financial fraud. Supported by the DOJ Office for Victims of Crime, the National Elder Fraud Hotline is staffed by professionals who have experience working with older adults. Staff are continuously updated on the latest scams, are trained to make referrals and warm hand-offs for resources and services in the older adult’s local area and can assist older adults in placing a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a report which has the potential to freeze funds (although freezing funds cannot be guaranteed).
The DOJ urges individuals to be on the lookout for fraudulent lottery, prize notification, sweepstakes, and psychic scams. If you receive a phone call, letter or email promising a large prize in exchange for a fee, do not respond. Fraudsters often will use official-sounding names or the names of real lotteries or sweepstakes or pretend to be a government agent purportedly helping to secure a prize.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This DOJ hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
More information about the DOJ’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The DOJ provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
The DOJ notes that for all cases discussed above, facts included in a Complaint, Information, or Indictment are only allegations, and all defendants are innocent until proven guilty by evidence beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Hays woman appears on witness tampering and failure to report child abuse chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Hays woman accused of witness tampering and failing to report child abuse appeared this week for arraignment, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Chantel Lee King, 56, pleaded not guilty to a superseding indictment charging her with two counts of attempted obstructing justice by witness tampering and two counts of failure to report child abuse. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the superseding indictment, King faces 20 years imprisonment, $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John Johnston presided. King was released on conditions pending further proceedings.
Count 1 of the superseding indictment alleges that in September 2020, King knowingly attempted to intimidate and corruptly persuade another person, with intent to hinder, delay, and prevent the communication to a law enforcement officer or judge of the United States of information relating to the commission or possible commission of a federal offense, namely aggravated sexual abuse in Indian Country, sexual abuse in Indian Country, and abusive sexual contact in Indian Country, and took a substantial step towards the commission of the offense.
Count 2 of the superseding indictment alleges that in September 2020, King, a teacher, school counselor, instructional aide, teacher’s aide, and teacher’s assistant, employed by a tribal, Federal, public, and private school, knowing or having reasonable suspicion that Jane Doe 1 was abused in Indian Country, did fail to immediately report such abuse to the local child protective services agency or local law enforcement agency.
Count 3 of the superseding indictment alleges that in October 2020, King, a teacher, school counselor, instructional aide, teacher’s aide, and teacher’s assistant, employed by a tribal, Federal, public, and private school, knowing or having reasonable suspicion that Jane Doe 2 was abused in Indian Country, did fail to immediately report such abuse to the local child protective services agency or local law enforcement agency.
Count 4 of the superseding indictment alleges that in October 2020, King knowingly attempted to intimidate and corruptly persuade another person, with intent to hinder, delay, and prevent the communication to a law enforcement officer or judge of the United States of information relating to the commission or possible commission of a federal offense, namely aggravated sexual abuse in Indian Country, sexual abuse in Indian Country, and abusive sexual contact in Indian Country, and took a substantial step towards the commission of the offense.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
PACER case reference. 25-38.
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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Billings woman sentenced to 10 years in prison on drug chargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings woman who facilitated drug trafficking in Billings was sentenced today to 120 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Tashauna Lee Goss, 33, pleaded guilty in December 2024 to one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Chief U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in 2023, agents with the DEA investigated a drug trafficking organization based in Billings, Montana that was operating out of Tashauna Goss’ house. Goss was identified as working with Hispanic males trafficking drugs from Washington state.
Agents obtained information from a number of individuals throughout the investigation that Goss allowed these Hispanic males from Washington to use her house as a “stash house.” It was reported these individuals brought to Montana pounds of methamphetamine. Goss sold methamphetamine from these individuals to lower-level dealers in Billings.
Agents conducted a series of controlled buys from various individuals. On November 23, 2023, a controlled source purchased 52 grams of actual methamphetamine from Anthony Enemyhunter, one of Goss’s co-defendants who previously was sentenced to 128 months in prison for his involvement in drug trafficking. Enemyhunter received the meth he sold during the controlled buy from Goss and another co-defendant, Anita Ballesteros, who received a sentence of 96 months in prison in December 2024.
On January 19, 2024, agents executed a search warrant at Goss’ residence. They seized several firearms, a large amount of cash, and some methamphetamine. Two baggies of meth were located in Goss’s bedroom and weighed 2.65 grams and 7.7 grams, respectively.
Text messages retrieved from Ballesteros’s phone indicated Goss was selling methamphetamine in ounce quantities. On December 23, 2023, Goss texted Ballesteros, “I’m taking a break to get the heat off me just not gonna be moving like I was.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the DEA, ATF, State of Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Montana Highway Patrol.
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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Wolf Point man pleads guilty to assault on Fort Peck Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - A Wolf Point man accused of stabbing another individual on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Andy Kane Follet, 20, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Follet faces 10 years of imprisonment, 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 October 22, 2025. Follet was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on January 27, 2024, the defendant, Andy Kane Follet, and several friends, including co-defendants and the victim, John Doe, were in a yard in Wolf Point, Montana, playing a game of “slap-boxing.” The fighting escalated and the group broke up – Follet and his co-defendants returned to the Follet home. Shortly after they returned to the home, Doe approached the house demanding to get his phone back. Follet and his co-defendants exited the home and confronted Doe in the driveway.
Several people witnessed the assault. One witness described seeing Follet and co-defendants hitting John Doe. The witness described seeing one person hit Doe with a bat, then the other two started hitting Doe as well, with one of them using a hammer. Another witness went outside after hearing a commotion. He saw Follet and his co-defendants approaching Doe while he backed away. The witness described the three then “jumping” Doe.
One co-defendant hit Doe repeatedly in the head with a hammer. As Doe was trying to get up Follet stabbed Doe in the chest. In an interview with law enforcement, Follet said he thought Doe was wearing enough layers of clothes that he could not be injured by the knife. He also said Doe had cut him with a knife and that if didn’t do anything (after he was stabbed), his whole family would make fun of him. None of the independent witnesses reported Doe having a knife. The only knife found at the scene around Doe’s body was located in Doe’s pocket. A large knife with apparent blood was later located hidden in a hole in a wall of Follet’s home.
Doe died at the scene before law enforcement could arrive. According to an autopsy, Doe died from blunt and sharp force injuries to the head and chest. The stab wound to the chest consisted of a 6-inch penetration that perforated Doe’s sternum, heart, and esophagus.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice, Wolf Point Police Department, and State of 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 Justice.gov/PSN.
Washington man sentenced to 14 years in prison for possessing meth, fentanyl and heroinRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Tacoma, Washington man who possessed and distributed drugs that impacted Butte and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 14 years in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Scott Trent Miller, 42, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on September 11, 2024, law enforcement in Butte was informed by a source that Miller was routinely traveling from Washington to Montana to sell drugs. Law enforcement surveilled Miller at a hotel in Butte. They saw him leave and get into a car with another person. A traffic stop was conducted, and Miller denied a request to search the vehicle. During a pat search of Miller, officers found a marijuana pipe and $1,583 in cash. Drug paraphernalia was also found on the other person in the car.
An officer with a K9 dog was called to the scene and the K9 alerted to the scent of illegal drugs. A search warrant was issued, and officers seized a trash bag containing a large amount of methamphetamine, fentanyl powder, 100 fentanyl pills, and heroin.
Law enforcement reviewed Facebook records for Miller’s account, which showed him messaging individuals for the purpose of distributing drugs.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the DEA, State of Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Blackfeet Tribes Department of Law and Justice.
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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Honduran man sentenced on illegal reentry chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Honduran man who entered the U.S. illegally after two prior removals and corresponding convictions was sentenced today to 99 days in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Carlos Alexis Ponce-Lopez, 33, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to one of illegal reentry.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Ponce-Lopez was originally ordered removed by an Immigration Judge on November 11, 2011, in San Antonio, Texas and was removed on December 23, 2011. Ponce-Lopez illegally entered again on March 31, 2014. Ponce-Lopez’s original order of removal was reinstated and he was removed on August 18, 2014. On each of those occasions, Ponce-Lopez was also convicted in federal court for illegal entry prior to being removed.
On February 21, 2025, the Montana Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on I-90 near Billings, Montana. Ponce-Lopez was a passenger in the vehicle. The driver was cited and all three subjects were released, including Ponce-Lopez.
On March 4, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents found Ponce-Lopez at a house in Shelby, Montana. As they walked towards the home, Ponce-Lopez walked outside. One of the agents called out to Ponce-Lopez, “Carlos Ponce?” Ponce-Lopez responded in Spanish, “Si, es mi (Yes, that’s me).” The agents then conducted an immigration inspection. Ponce-Lopez said he was removed before and reentered illegally. He admitted he had no documents to enter, live, or stay in the United States legally and was not pending any immigration hearings. He was arrested and transported to the Sweetgrass Border Patrol Station for further processing.
There are no records within the Department of Homeland Security that Ponce-Lopez ever applied for readmission into the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol, Montana Highway Patrol, and Toole 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).
Box Elder woman sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for trafficking drugs on Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Box Elder woman who trafficked large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl while possessing a firearm on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 210 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Melody Rose Bernard, 50, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that from October 2023 to May 21, 2024, Bernard trafficked substantial amounts of meth, fentanyl, and cocaine to the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation in Hill County. One witness told law enforcement about making four trips for Bernard since November 2023 and estimated transporting 23 pounds of meth, 4,500 fentanyl pills, five ounces of fentanyl powder, and three ounces of cocaine for Bernard. The witness further estimated transporting $230,000 for Bernard and watched as Bernard distributed narcotics from her house in Box Elder and from her business, Ziah’s. The witness also admitted that a firearm located in the residence belonged to the witness and that Bernard had given it to the witness for protection.
Law enforcement learned from other individuals that Bernard was selling narcotics out of Ziah’s. One of the individuals described buying fentanyl pills two or three times from Bernard, received 25 to 40 pills each time and was charged $10 to $20 per pill. In an interview with another person, law enforcement learned Bernard was a source of supply for the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, dealing from 500 to 1,000 fentanyl pills at a time. Bernard’s common price for a pill was about $40, but she would sell them for as little as $10 or $20 per pill to customers willing to buy larger quantities.
On May 21, 2024, law enforcement executed a state search warrant at Bernard’s residence. Both Bernard and a codefendant were in the house. The codefendant was located hiding in a bathroom. The agent observed a large amount of meth and cocaine in the bathtub with the water running, and it was apparent to the agent the codefendant was attempting to destroy evidence. Law enforcement recovered meth, cocaine, fentanyl pills, approximately $8,800 in cash, and a firearm.
In addition, on March 27, 2024, another co-defendant purchased two firearms from North 40 Outfitters in Havre and immediately traveled back to Box Elder where the firearms were traded to Bernard in exchange for four oxycodone pills. The two firearms were recovered several hours later after they were used in a double homicide and were still in the possession of the homicide suspects. The co-defendant admitted to lying on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Form 4473 to buy the firearms for Bernard, a transaction known as a straw purchase. The firearms were a .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol and a 9mm semi-automatic pistol.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by FBI, ATF, 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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Billings man sentenced to 63 months in prison for possessing unregistered firearmRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man who possessed an unregistered firearm was sentenced today to 63 months in prison to be followed by 3 of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Derek Joseph Velarde, 37, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on or about July 1, 2024, law enforcement officers were called to a residence on Florine Drive in Billings, Montana to a report of a man with a firearm who was involved in a domestic dispute. Law enforcement responded and witnesses identified the man as Velarde. Witnesses reported Velarde had left the scene on foot. A few minutes later, police located Velarde a short distance away and detained him. Velarde was in possession of a Savage Arms .22 caliber rifle and had discarded it in some nearby bushes just prior to police detaining him. Police recovered the rifle, and a witness confirmed Velarde was in possession of that firearm during the domestic dispute. An ATF agent later determined the rifle was a firearm with an overall length of 15 inches and a barrel of 7 inches, that it was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, and that it was in operating condition.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Hendricks prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the ATF and Billings 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.
Wolf Point man pleads guilty to distributing meth to a minorRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - A Wolf Point man accused of distributing methamphetamine to a minor admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Brickie Cole Jackson, 36, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine to a person under 21 years of age. Jackson faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 1 year, a maximum term of 40 years, a $2,000,000 fine, and at least 6 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 October 30, 2025. Jackson was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in November 2023, law enforcement responded to Wolf Point High School after a student, Jane Doe, admitted drug use and tested positive. Doe, a 16-year-old female, disclosed she had gone to Jackson’s house, and he provided her with methamphetamine. Doe said she had gone to the house multiple times over multiple days and Jackson provided her with methamphetamine on several occasions in November.
In January 2024, Doe again admitted to hanging out with Jackson at his house over multiple days. He again provided Doe with methamphetamine.
Jackson was interviewed. He admitted providing Doe with methamphetamine but said he believed she was 18 years old. Jackson said Doe stayed with him on two occasions, and he gave her about a gram of meth each time she stayed at his house.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice, and Wolf Point Police Department 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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Havre man sentenced to 14 years in prison on drug chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Havre man who possessed fentanyl was sentenced today to 168 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Isaiah Starr Standingrock, 33, pleaded guilty in December 2024 to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on August 26, 2023, Standingrock attempted to evade law enforcement, leading to a high-speed pursuit on and off the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. During the pursuit, Standingrock called 911 several times, threatening to shoot officers and/or himself. Officers watched Standingrock throw various items out of his car window throughout the pursuit, including what appeared to be a gun (which was never recovered) and a blue Nike backpack (which was recovered and later searched). Standingrock later threw a pistol holster at officers during a brief standoff. Ultimately, Standingrock was taken into custody without incident.
In a search incident to arrest, officers seized $430 in various denominations of cash, as well as various empty syringes and a plastic bag. Officers observed what appeared to be fentanyl pills in plain view in the vehicle.
Officers then located a .40 caliber S&W round and a .38 caliber SPL +P round, as well as a syringe and tin foil in the blue Nike backpack. They recovered suspected fentanyl pills and fentanyl powder, a tube containing powder residence, a digital scale containing white powder, a flip phone and a gold iPhone from the vehicle search.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, U.S. Border Patrol, Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services, and the 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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Crow Agency woman pleads guilty to false statementsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - A Crow Agency woman accused of making false statements to federal law enforcement admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Micah Taryn Faith LaForge, 24, pleaded guilty to false statement. LaForge faces 5 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date has not yet been set. LaForge was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on January 18, 2023, a gunshot victim arrived at the emergency room at the IHS Crow/Northern Cheyenne Hospital in Crow Agency. He was pronounced dead upon arrival. He was transported to IHS in a vehicle driven by LaForge.
LaForge lied to medical personnel and a BIA Special Agent at the hospital and then later that same day to an FBI Special Agent and a different BIA Special agent. She told all of these individuals she was driving between Crow Agency and Dunmore when she saw the gunshot victim lying in the road. LaForge claimed she stopped and loaded him into the passenger side of her vehicle and drove directly to IHS. LaForge continued with the lie by traveling to the purported location where she claimed that she saw the gunshot victim lying in the road with a BIA Special Agent. The agent noted there was no evidence, i.e., blood, shell casings, sign of a struggle that would support LaForge’s claim that this was the location where she encountered the gunshot victim.
The gunshot victim was actually shot at a house on Crow River Road. The day after the initial statement, LaForge contacted law enforcement and admitted she had lied the day before. Her lie about finding the gunshot victim in the middle of the road stymied the investigation for over 15 hours as the investigators had only the false information she provided about the location, which kept the investigators from going to the residence where the victim was shot and collecting evidence. The firearm was never recovered.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI and BIA conducted the investigation.
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Roberts man found guilty of kidnapping and threatening one woman and two children while trafficking meth, fentanyl, and cocaineRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A man who lived for a time in Roberts, Montana was found guilty of three counts of kidnapping and one count of making an interstate threat, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. The same man had entered a plea of guilty the previous week with respect to trafficking large amounts of illegal narcotics.
Following a three-day trial, a federal jury on Wednesday found Adolfo Vargas-Lepe guilty of two counts of kidnapping two minors, one count of kidnapping an adult, and making an interstate threat. He was acquitted of a separate count of kidnapping an adult and possession of a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking. Lepe pleaded guilty last week to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 or more grams of pure methamphetamine, 400 or more grams of fentanyl, and cocaine. Lepe faces the following penalties:
- A maximum term of imprisonment of life for kidnapping an adult, a fine of $250,000, and five years of supervised release;
- A mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years and maximum term of life for each count of kidnapping a minor, a $250,000 fine, and five years to a lifetime of supervised release;
- Five years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for making a threat in interstate commerce; and
- A mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of life for the drug trafficking, along with a fine of $10 million and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.
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 October 2, 2025. Lepe will remain in custody pending sentencing.
“Lepe’s victims endured unimaginable trauma that will stay with them forever,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Lepe demonstrated a complete disregard for human life and the law. He is a serious threat to the community and will be held accountable for his horrific crimes.”
“Lepe traumatized his kidnapping victims, including physically and sexually assaulting them, shooting one of them, and transporting them around the United States and into Mexico. While engaged in that conduct, he also distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine in communities in Montana and elsewhere. Lepe posed a significant danger to the public and the jury’s verdict should serve as a warning to others who would engage in such abhorrent behavior. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno Baucus and Ryan Weldon, the staff in our office, and the law enforcement agents from the FBI, BIA, Billings Police Department, and Carbon County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work on the case.” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
The government alleged in court documents that in November 2017 Lepe kidnapped Jane Does 1, 2, and 3, a mother and two daughters, and transported them to multiple states and into Mexico. While in Mexico, Lepe locked them in a house to prevent them from fleeing. Lepe plied Jane Doe 1 with methamphetamine and told her he transported drugs for a Mexican cartel. Lepe would not let Jane Doe 1 leave his sight because of her knowledge of his drug trafficking. He threatened to kill her and have cartel members kill her family, he continuously physically assaulted her, and he threatened her with a gun. In 2018, when Jane Doe 3 had returned to live with her mother (Jane Doe 1), Lepe sexually assaulted her at a residence in Billings.
In 2023, Lepe kidnapped Jane Doe 4, whom he had known for several years, from her residence in Wyoming, after sending her a text message from Montana that threatened to hurt her because she tried to get away from him. Jane Doe 4 ultimately agreed to travel from Wyoming to Montana with Lepe because of his threats to hurt her and her family. Once back in Montana, Lepe repeatedly abused Jane Doe 4. He beat her regularly, pistol whipped her, and shot her in the legs. She finally escaped in May 2023 by running away from his house, hiding in the dirt behind some bushes for several hours, and making her way to a nearby bar to call 911.
On May 31, 2023, two days after Jane Doe 4 had escaped, Carbon County Sheriff’s deputies saw Lepe driving a truck near Boyd, Montana, and tried to arrest him. He led the officers on a high-speed chase, ultimately rolling his vehicle, and was apprehended. In July, after listening to Lepe’s phone calls from the jail, which were translated from Spanish to English, law enforcement searched Lepe’s storage unit and seized about one pound of cocaine and two pounds of meth. They also found 12.5 pounds of meth and roughly 10,000 fentanyl pills in a backpack underneath a tree in the area where Lepe rolled his vehicle following the high-speed chase in May.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno Baucus and Ryan Weldon prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Billings Police Department, and Carbon 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.
Poplar woman sentenced to prison for making false statementsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Poplar woman who provided false statements to federal law enforcement was sentenced today to 9 months in prison to be followed by 2 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Annie Lee Kirn, 27, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of making a false statement.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on the evening of November 21, 2023, Kirn returned with her elderly friend to his residence on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Shortly thereafter, two men broke into the home. Armed with an assault rifle, the men assaulted the homeowner and another man and demanded money and access to a wall safe.
During an interview with federal law enforcement officers, Kirn said she saw the would-be robbers outside before the robbery and one of them kept trying to grab her, she then saw the gun and freaked out. She also told law enforcement the armed man told her to run, that she ran, and then he fired three or four times.
Law enforcement recovered and reviewed surveillance video from the home that showed a car with five people following Kirn’s truck into the yard. Two men, one of whom was armed with a rifle, approached the house while Kirn was getting out of the truck. After the homeowner went into the house, Kirn returned to the yard and visited with the two men. During that time, they discussed her relationship with the homeowner, Kirn offered to share a joint with the man armed with the rifle, they whispered about cash, and talked about the location of a safe. At one point, Kirn asked about the rifle, the armed man handed it to her, and she held it at the ready position before handing it back to the man. While they were outside, the man fired seven rounds from the rifle, primarily into the air.
In an interview in September 2024, law enforcement followed up with Kirn about the night of the robbery. When asked directly if she ever handled the firearm, Kirn said “hell no.” When asked if she had any conversations with the robbers, she said, “No…I didn’t talk with them at all.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, ATF, and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice.
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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Box Elder man pleads guilty to sexual abuse chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - A Box Elder man accused of sexually abusing a minor on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Peter Maxwell Houle, 35, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor. Houle faces 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 is set for October 9, 2025. Houle was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in December 2023, law enforcement officers were alerted to the possibility of a sexual relationship involving Jane Doe, an underage girl. Doe underwent a forensic interview during which she disclosed she had been in a “relationship” with Houle that started around the end of June or beginning of July 2022. At that time, Doe was 15 years old and Houle was 34.
According to Doe, she and Houle communicated over Facebook Messenger and she told him in those messages that she was 15. Over Messenger, Houle asked Doe whether she wanted to have sex with him. Around July 4, 2022, Houle went to Doe’s house where he and Doe had sexual intercourse.
Doe and Houle continued to have a sexual relationship that summer and Houle moved into her house in August 2022. Doe’s family was aware of the relationship between Doe and Houle and did not approve but allowed him to stay in exchange for helping around the house. Doe turned 16 in 2023, while the sexual relationship was still ongoing.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
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Manhattan man sentenced to 7 years in prison on drug chargesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Manhattan, Montana man who distributed methamphetamine was sentenced today to 84 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Kevin Andrew Bacon, 51, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in June 2022, law enforcement officers began investigating a drug trafficking ring operating in and around Butte. The conspiracy operated in part by sending drugs through the mail from California to Montana. For a substantial portion of the conspiracy, several of the conspirators operated out of a residence in Whitehall, MT.
The investigation led to the arrest of several conspirators in early January 2023 and the seizure of approximately 13 pounds of methamphetamine. On February 23, 2023, law enforcement located a package sent from California to “Kevin Bacon” in Manhattan, MT. Law enforcement searched the package and located 873.5 grams of actual methamphetamine inside.
On February 28, 2023, Bacon arrived at the post office in Manhattan and picked up the package. Bacon was arrested as he exited the building with the package. He told investigators he had a friend in Whitehall who sold methamphetamine, and that friend had asked Bacon to receive a package at Bacon’s P.O. Box, which Bacon knew would contain drugs.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Division of Criminal 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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Habitual offender sentenced to over 4 years in prison for domestic assault on Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Harlem man who assaulted his domestic partner was sentenced today to 51 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Nicholas Dee Birdtail, 53, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of domestic assault by habitual offender.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Birdtail and Jane Doe had been in a dating relationship for over three years and were married in tribal court in 2022. On September 2, 2023, Birdtail slapped Jane Doe across the face. The responding law enforcement officers saw a fresh handprint on the left side of Doe’s face. Doe also showed the officer bruises on her arms from the night before that were caused by Birdtail. At the time of the assault, Birdtail was released on bond for previous domestic violence charges against Doe. A condition of his bond was to have no contact with Doe.
Prior to September 2, 2023, Birdtail was convicted of multiple misdemeanor domestic assaults in Billings municipal court, and he was convicted of felony partner family member assault in Yellowstone County District Court. He also has a misdemeanor conviction for partner family member assault from Idaho.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services.
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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Coram woman pleads guilty to drug chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - A Coram woman accused of possessing methamphetamine on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Heather Marie Kushmaul, 37, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Kushmaul faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five 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 October 8, 2025, Kushmaul was released on conditions pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement learned that beginning in May 2024, Heather Marie Kushmaul and her co-defendant were coming from their home in Coram, Montana, to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation to deliver large amounts of methamphetamine. In October 2024, law enforcement arranged three controlled purchases of large amounts of methamphetamine from the defendants. During each of these controlled purchases, Kushmaul and her co-defendant traveled from their home in Coram to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and exchanged methamphetamine for money.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The FBI, BIA, DEA, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, and the Glacier County Sheriff’s 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 https://www.justice.gov/psn.
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Box Elder man sentenced to over 5 years in prison for child sexual abuseRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Box Elder man who sexually abused a child was sentenced today to 68 months in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Brian Lee Bigbow, 48, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of abusive sexual contact by force and of a child.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in April 2021, a Montana DPHHS centralized intake report came in on an abuse of Jane Doe, who disclosed she was sexually abused by Brian Bigbow. During interviews, Doe provided details of the abuse. Doe said Bigbow hurt her and said the sexual abuse occurred when she was in Bigbow’s bed, and they were watching TV. He turned off the TV and the lights and “raped her” – which she described as sex when you don’t want it. Bigbow took off his pants and clothes and took off her clothes. Doe tried to push him away but could not. His private parts touched her private parts and it, “hurt really bad.” He was laying on her, touching her leg with his hand, and he tried to hold her hand. Bigbow told her not to tell anyone or he would hurt her. Doe did not remember how many times it happened – she just knew it was multiple times.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services
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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Browning man found guilty of attempted strangulation and assault charges on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Browning man who assaulted a woman on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was found guilty today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Following a one-and-a-half-day trial, a federal jury found William Alvin Potts, 62, guilty of attempted strangulation and assault by striking, beating, or wounding. Potts 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 was set for October 8, 2025. Potts will remain released on conditions pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on June 28, 2024, Potts physically assaulted Jane Doe. That morning a verbal argument escalated to name-calling. Potts then threw a chair to the side and grabbed Jane Doe by the neck. He pushed her backward while applying pressure to her throat and neck. Eventually he pushed her into the corner of the entry wall to the living room. Potts pushed her backward for approximately ten feet, at which point, their legs tangled, and Doe fell to the ground. Potts landed on top of Jane Doe and proceeded to physically strike her with his fists. A witness stopped the assault and physically pulled Potts off Jane Doe. Jane Doe experienced significant pain after the assault and sought treatment at the Browning Community Hospital. Doe suffered a spinal fracture and continues to experience pain.
Potts was interviewed by law enforcement and admitted to pushing Doe. He said he pushed her to make her go down the hall and they then both fell. He denied striking her.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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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Heart Butte sex offender sentenced to over 20 years in prison for abusing multiple childrenRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Heart Butte man who sexually assaulted several minors while being required to register as a sex offender was sentenced today to 272 months in prison to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Bradley Joseph Guardipee, 27, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of commission of a sex offense by a registered sex offender.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in July 2024, Jane Doe 3 disclosed she was sexually assaulted by Guardipee in 2022, when she was 11 years old. She said she was home sick from school and was left alone with Guardipee at a home in Heart Butte. She was taking a nap in another child’s bedroom while the other kids were at school. She woke up in pain to find her legs open and Guardipee on top of her penetrating her vagina with his penis. She reported she knew at least four other girls who were sexually abused by Guardipee. Forensic interviews followed and six girls disclosed some type of abusive touching by Guardipee.
Jane Doe 1 reported being sexually abused by Guardipee since she was about three years old. She recalled that on March 6, 2024, when she was 12 years old, she and Guardipee had taken his grandfather to dialysis in Browning. After they dropped his grandfather off, Guardipee told her she could drive and to sit on his lap. Guardipee grabbed Jane Doe by her arms and forced her onto his lap. Guardipee touched her on the breast and under her underwear, digitally penetrating her.
At the time of the March 2024 assault of Jane Doe 1, the defendant was required to register as a sex offender, though he never complied with that requirement. Guardipee was required to register after being convicted by a guilty plea on May 22, 2023, to sexual assault in Cascade County District Court.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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.
Great Falls man sentenced to prison for strangulation and child abuseRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Great Falls man who assaulted a woman and her child on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced yesterday to 31 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Lane Thomas Lamere, 37, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of strangulation and one count of felony child abuse.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on Friday, January 12, 2024, Lamere broke into the residence of Jane Doe 2, who was home with her three-year old daughter, Jane
Doe 1. Lamere dragged Jane Doe 2 to her back bedroom and choked her. Jane Doe 1 walked into the room while this was happening. When Lamere saw Jane Doe 1, he grabbed her head and put her into a headlock. Jane Doe 2 was able to get away, but Lamere would not let go of Jane Doe 1. When Jane Doe 2 could not get Lamere to let go of her daughter, she ran next door to get help from her neighbor, who called the police as they ran back to Jane Doe 2’s house.
When Jane Doe 2 and her neighbor returned to the house, Lamere was in the bathroom attached to the bedroom atop Jane Doe 1. The neighbor recalled seeing him bite Jane Doe 1 on her face. The neighbor also recalled Lamere squeezing Jane Doe 1, pulling her hair, and covering her nose and mouth. Both the neighbor and Jane Doe 2 tried to pull him off Jane Doe 1 and even struck him with a snow shovel, but he did not release Jane Doe 1.
Law enforcement bodycam footage shows the neighbor hysterically crying for help, but Lamere remained in the back bathroom on top of Jane Doe 1. When he refused to follow law enforcement orders to get off Jane Doe 1, an officer tased him. The officer then removed Jane Doe 1 from beneath Lamere. EMTs arrived and transported Jane Does 1 and 2 to Northern Montana Hospital. Jane Doe 1 was treated for various contusions to her body as well as bite marks to her arm and face.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services.
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.
Browning man sentenced to prison for sexually abusing a childRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Browning man who sexually assaulted a minor was sentenced yesterday to 30 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Delbert Dwayne Mowitch, 23, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of sexual abuse of a minor.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in January 2024, Mowitch met 12-year-old Jane Doe. In April 2024, a witness reported to law enforcement that Mowitch and Doe were in a sexual relationship.
Doe was interviewed and confirmed she and Mowitch had been together, and that she would stay at his house with him. She reported that when they were together they would drink alcohol and smoke dabs. She confirmed that during the time she stayed with Mowitch, they had sex twice. She said the first time it happened Mowitch was drunk, he took off her pants, and she just froze. He started penetrating her vagina with his penis and she described it hurting a great deal. She reported that during a second encounter, she remembered Mowitch asking her for sex and telling him no. She blacked out and when she woke up, she was in pain and had cramps. She saw a used condom she believed had been used on her. She reported Mowitch showed her a video from the night before purporting to show her consenting to the sexual act. Doe provided law enforcement screenshots of messages between her and Mowitch consistent with an ongoing relationship.
A second witness told law enforcement that Mowitch admitted in February 2024 that he had engaged in sexual intercourse with Doe. The witness reported Mowitch knew Doe’s age at the time they started talking.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
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.
Wolf Point man pleads guilty to sexual abuse chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - A Wolf Point man accused of sexually abusing two victims admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Jason Wise Spirit, 44, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual abuse. Wise Spirit faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life, a $250,000 fine, and five 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 is set for October 2, 2025. Wise Spirit was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on November 15, 2023, a victim referred to here as Jane Doe 1 started crying in class. She alleged Wise Spirit had sexually abused her older sister, referred to as Jane Doe 2. The FBI opened an investigation and both Jane Does 1 and 2 were interviewed on November 20, 2023. Jane Doe 1 said Wise Spirit sexually assaulted her more than 20 times on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation when she was between the ages of 6 and 9. She disclosed vaginal, anal, and oral sex while her mom was at work. Jane Doe 1 disclosed that Jane Doe 2 had also been abused.
Jane Doe 2 corroborated some of the information from Jane Doe 1’s interview but denied any abuse.
Jane Doe 2 was interviewed again on April 10, 2024, and disclosed she was afraid of Wise Spirit because he said he would kill her if she told anyone about the abuse. Jane Doe 2 described being forced to have anal and oral sex with Wise Spirit at their residence and in a car in a Walmart parking lot in Williston while their mom was at work.
Wise Spirit was interviewed and made partial admissions. He said both Jane Does 1 and 2 touched his penis at different times.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The 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.
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Washington man arraigned on drug chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - A Seattle man accused of distributing drugs on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation appeared yesterday for arraignment, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Jesse James Cochran, 31, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime charged in the indictment, Cochran faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years, a maximum term of 40 years, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John Johnston presided. Cochran was released pending further proceedings.
Count one of the indictment alleges that on or about October 2022, and June 2024, in and near the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, the Cochran knowingly and unlawfully conspired with his co-defendant to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of methamphetamine. Count two alleges that on or about October 2022, and June 2024, in and near Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Cochran knowingly and unlawfully possessed with the intent to distribute 40 grams or ore of fentanyl and aided and abetted the same.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Myers is prosecuting the case. The Tri-Agency Task Force conducted the investigation.
The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
PACER case reference. 24-92.
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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