District of Montana

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on January 2, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon, RYAN JAMES PARKER, a 26-year-old resident of Box Elder and an enrolled member of the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation, pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Sentencing has been set for April 1, 2013. He is currently detained.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danna R. Jackson, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On June 14, 2012, near Box Elder on the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation, PARKER caused a collision between the vehicle he was driving and another vehicle in which an individual died.

PARKER was intoxicated at the time of the collision. According to tribal law enforcement, PARKER was arrested immediately following the collision and given a Breathalyzer test. The result showed his blood alcohol content was .25. The Airbag Control Module report indicated that PARKER was driving 91 mph at -5 seconds prior to the collision and 63 mph at -2 seconds prior to the collision. The posted speed limit on this area was 35 miles per hour.

PARKER faces possible penalties of 8 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision.

The investigation was conducted by a cooperative effort between the Montana Highway Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on January 8, 2013, before Chief U.S. District Judge Richard F. Cebull, RUDOLPH LEE SHANE, SR., a 64-year-old resident of Crow Agency, pled guilty to tampering with a victim. Sentencing has been set for April 10, 2013. He is currently released on special conditions.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia K. Hurd, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On February 23, 2012, the Federal Bureau of Investigation received a report alleging that SHANE had harassed a victim in a pending criminal case in federal court.

On February 21, 2012, SHANE had contacted the victim who described the meeting as intimidating and stated she was concerned for her safety. She believed he wanted her to "drop charges" or change her story. The victim did not initially know who he was and had no idea how SHANE knew how to find her.

On February 22, SHANE called the victim's cell phone twice and left a message. In addition, SHANE's daughter contacted the victim at the request of SHANE. SHANE had also called the victim's mother earlier in the case and asked her to talk to the victim about dropping the charges.

When interviewed, SHANE admitted the contact and indicated he did so because he believed that the victim would take pity on the defendant in the case and "do the right thing." When asked what he was thinking by contacting the victim, SHANE reported that he thought if the victim withdrew her complaint or changed her mind, it would help the defendant.

SHANE faces possible penalties of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release.

The investigation was conducted by a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on January 8, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon, ROBERT DEAN BOUCHER, a 52-year-old resident of Spokane, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Sentencing has been set for April 8, 2013. He is currently detained.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

During January 2012, detectives originally became alerted to a methamphetamine distribution ring from Washington state to Great Falls, Montana. In June 2012, detectives learned of an individual, M.E.A., who made repeated trips from Great Falls to Washington to obtain methamphetamine to re-sell in Great Falls. On June 29, 2012, a CI (confidential informant) informed the drug task force that M.E.A. was returning to Great Falls from Washington with methamphetamine. The task force arranged for a controlled drug buy from M.E.A. near the University of Great Falls. The CI purchased methamphetamine. The CI then continued to make numerous controlled drug buys from M.E.A. over the next few days.

Law enforcement located M.E.A.'s car in early July 2012, and the task force tracked this car from Great Falls to Spokane, Washington. The car stayed in Spokane for less than two hours before returning to Great Falls. Law enforcement initiated a traffic stop of the car just outside of Great Falls and they obtained two ounces of methamphetamine. M.E.A., the driver of the car, told law enforcement he had traveled to Spokane to buy methamphetamine from "Bert." He had been supplied by Bert, who was identified as Robert Boucher, since February or March 2012. In total, M.E.A. believed he had obtained and distributed approximately ten ounces of methamphetamine that he received from Boucher.

M.E.A. told law enforcement that Boucher provided him with a GPS system in order for M.E.A. to find Boucher's house in Spokane. Once M.E.A. obtained the methamphetamine from Boucher, M.E.A. would sell the methamphetamine by the gram for $100 around Great Falls. Boucher sold the methamphetamine to M.E.A. for $1400.00 an ounce.

M.E.A. and Boucher also dealt methamphetamine with R.L. and T.L. from T.L.'s house in Great Falls. The methamphetamine dealing continued into the fall of 2012. During the end of October 2012, detectives interviewed additional witnesses. One witness said T.L. was heavily involved in using and dealing methamphetamine. T.L. obtained her methamphetamine from Robert Boucher, and Boucher delivered methamphetamine to T.L. approximately once a week.

The witness further provided that Boucher stored the methamphetamine in the hood and trunk of his car. He then divided the methamphetamine between the sellers who obtained the methamphetamine on credit. Boucher stayed in town at T.L.'s house until the money was collected. T.L. would then repackage the methamphetamine into eight-ball baggies and distribute it to other sellers.

On November 13, 2012, a witness contacted the drug task force and stated R.L. was selling methamphetamine. Law enforcement then arranged controlled drug purchases from R.L.. These purchases occurred at the Royal Motel in Great Falls. The following evening, detectives saw R.L. drive to T.L.'s house, where he stayed for a half hour before again returning to his motel room. A little while later, R.L. and a woman drove to a gas station. R.L. conducted a drug deal in the parking lot. Officers conducted a traffic stop on R.L.'s car shortly thereafter.

After ordering R.L. out of the car, officers found a glass container of methamphetamine in R.L.'s pocket. He spoke with law enforcement and said he had been dealing methamphetamine with T.L. R.L. regularly purchased two eight balls of methamphetamine per week from T.L. R.L. also identified Boucher as one of T.L.'s suppliers and said he delivered methamphetamine to T.L. once per week. Law enforcement seized over 50 grams of pure methamphetamine in this investigation.

BOUCHER faces possible penalties of a minimum 10 years in prison up to life in prison, a $10, 000,000 fine and 5 years supervised release.

The investigation was conducted by the Russell County Drug Task Force.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on January 8, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon, KEITH ALLAN DEVEREAUX, a 35-year-old resident of Great Falls, pled guilty to aiding and abetting the crime of robbery affecting commerce. Sentencing has been set for April 8, 2013. He is currently detained.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On February 21, 2012, around 10:00 p.m., Great Falls Police were alerted to a robbery at the Eagles Lodge. It was reported that three men had robbed a female employee at gun point and then sprayed her in the face with pepper spray. Officers arrived to find the employee absolutely hysterical. She was sobbing and told officers she believed she was going to be shot during the robbery.

Officers began their investigation and found $3,961 had been stolen from the money drawers. The inside of the building also smelled of pepper spray so badly that the police called the Great Falls Fire and Rescue in order to aerate the room. Police interviewed the victim two days later because she was too upset to speak until that point.

According to the victim, the last customer left the bar around 9:30 p.m. Once the customer left, the victim began to clean the west end of the bar. She did not recall hearing anyone come inside, but heard a male voice tell her to turn around. The victim turned around to see three men who were all dressed in black hooded sweatshirts with their faces fairly covered. One of the men pointed a handgun at the victim and yelled, "where's the money?" She believed two of the men had handguns, but could not identify which ones possessed the guns. Another man pointed a gun at the victim and made her walk to the end of the bar. The victim heard banging and slamming, and eventually one man said, "you'll be okay," and sprayed her in the face with pepper spray. The victim struggled to breathe, found her phone, and ran outside to call police.

On February 23, 2012, Great Falls police received a tip that John Gopher, Alicia Arthur, Anthony Gregori, and DEVEREAUX may have been involved in the robbery. The tip reported Gopher had bragged that over $2,000 had been stolen in the robbery of the Eagles Lodge. The person also relayed that Gopher, Gregori, Arthur, and DEVEREAUX had traveled to Billings, but would soon be returning to Great Falls.

Detectives arrested DEVEREAUX after he returned to Great Falls. DEVEREAUX told police he had been in the same car with Gopher, Arthur, and Gregori on the night of the robbery. But that he had returned home at some point. DEVEREAUX did tell the police, however, that he had been with Gopher and Arthur when they devised a plan to rob the Eagles Lodge. DEVEREAUX said he participated in the planning of the robbery, and added the Eagles Lodge looked like a hospital or old person's home. Gopher and Arthur also told police that DEVEREAUX had participated in the robbery.

Gopher, Arthur, and Gregori pled guilty to federal charges and have been sentenced.

DEVEREAUX faces possible penalties of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Great Falls Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on January 8, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen, JOSEPH WAYNE CREE MEDICINE, a 28-year-old resident of Browning, appeared for sentencing. CREE MEDICINE was sentenced to a term of:

• Prison: 35 months

• Special Assessment: $200

• Supervised Release: 3 years

CREE MEDICINE was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to two (2) counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On January 27, 2012, in the early morning hours, CREE MEDICINE went to the residence of P.M.F., which is located in Browning and within the exterior boundaries of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. CREE MEDICINE went there because his ex-girlfriend, T.R.M., was staying there. Upon arrival, CREE MEDICINE began to argue with T.R.M. P.M.F. exited her room and asked what was causing all of the ruckus.

CREE MEDICINE then began assaulting P.M.F. Specifically, CREE MEDICINE knocked P.M.F. to the ground and began kicking her. P.M.F. begged CREE MEDICINE to stop. CREE MEDICINE eventually did, but turned back to T.R.M. He punched T.R.M. in the face and ripped a clump of hair from her head.

Both P.M.F. and T.R.M. went to the hospital. Upon arrival, both P.M.F. and T.R.M. described their pain level as a ten, which is the worst pain on the scale of one to ten. Dr. Bashir Sheikh prescribed hydrocodone to P.M.F. for the treatment of her pain. T.R.M. received a shot of Toradol the following morning. Toradol is a drug used for pain and is typically given to patients after surgery.

P.M.F. had cuts on her inner lip, bleeding, and severe bruising around her mouth, legs, and arms. A tooth of P.M.F. was also loose. T.R.M. had blood running down the side of her face from the location where the clump of hair had been ripped from her scalp. Additionally, the face, right eye, and lip of T.R.M. were bleeding and swollen. All of the above injuries were caused by CREE MEDICINE assaulting P.M.F. and T.R.M.

CREE MEDICINE informed law enforcement that by the early morning hours of January 27, 2012, he drank, along with another individual, two liters of Black Velvet and started to drink a half-gallon of whiskey.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that CREE MEDICINE will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, CREE MEDICINE does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was conducted by a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Blackfeet Law Enforcement.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on January 8, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon, JAMES KIRBY KING, a 46-year-old resident of Hays and an enrolled member of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, appeared for sentencing. KING was sentenced to a term of:

• Prison: 1 year

• Special Assessment: $100.00

• Supervised Release: 10 years

KING was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to abusive sexual contact.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danna R. Jackson, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

KING caused sexual contact with the victim when he touched her genitalia when he was moving her underwear aside to take pictures of her vagina. The victim was passed out at the time. The contact occurred in KING's home located on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that KING will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, KING does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Fort Belknap Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on January 8, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen, INDIAN LEIDER, a 20-year-old resident of Rocky Boy, was sentenced to a term of:

• Prison: 16 months

• Special Assessment: $100.00

• Supervised Release: 5 years

LEIDER was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to sexual abuse of a minor.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danna R. Jackson, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

LEIDER is an enrolled member of the Crow Tribe. On January 27, 2012, LEIDER was at a house party located on the Rocky Boy's Indian reservation. Also at the party were under-aged girls. LEIDER has sex with a girl who was thirteen. The girl was drinking and had reported to a medical provider that she "blanked out."

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that LEIDER will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, LEIDER does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was conducted by a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rocky Boy Law Enforcement and Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on January 9, 2013, before Senior U.S. District Judge Jack D. Shanstrom, DANIEL THOMAS MORROW, a 57-year-old resident of Billings, appeared for sentencing.

MORROW to a term of:

• Prison: 120 months

• Special Assessment: $ 200.00

• Supervised Release: 8 years

MORROW was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia K. Hurd, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia K. Hurd, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

Law enforcement developed a confidential source from Yakima, Washington, who could distribute methamphetamine in the Billings area. Around September 24, 2011, Cassandra Seal contacted the source and wanted to purchase methamphetamine. Communication between the two continued up until October 14th. Seal and the source set up a deal for half a pound of methamphetamine where half would be paid for and the other half would be fronted. Seal told the source she could sell the fronted four ounces in a few hours and come back with the cash.

On October 14, 2011, the source arrived in Laurel for the drug transaction.

Phone calls were exchanged and Seal arrived at the motel with MORROW and Ali Khan. The individuals talked for a while until the methamphetamine was displayed. Seal stated she had $7,000 cash on her for the deal. MORROW took the meth and spoke about the quality. MORROW poured the methamphetamine out of the bag and onto a plastic tray to further inspect it. Khan assisted him in getting the tray ready to pour the methamphetamine onto. MORROW and Khan then looked at and talked about the quality of it. Law enforcement entered the room and all three individuals were taken into custody.

As Khan was patted down, two semiautomatic handguns were located concealed on his person. One was in a shoulder holster, and it had a loaded magazine and a bullet in the chamber; the other one was in his sweatshirt pocket, and it had a loaded magazine.

MORROW, Khan and Seal conspired with each other to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, and possessed the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.

Seal and Khan pled guilty to federal crimes. Seal has been sentenced and Khan is awaiting sentencing.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that MORROW will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, MORROW does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Billings Big Sky Safe Streets Task Force, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula, on January 4, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen, CHRISTOPHER J. LINDSEY, a 45-year-old resident of Helena, was sentenced to a term of:

• Probation: 5 years

• Special Assessment: $100.00

• Forfeiture: $288,000.00

LINDSEY was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to conspiracy to maintain a drug-involved premises.

The investigation was conducted by the following federal, state and local law enforcement agencies: the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations, Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection-Border Patrol, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These federal agencies were assisted by local High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task forces, the Northwest Drug Task Force, the Kalispell Police Department, the Flathead County Sheriff's Office, the Missoula Police Department, the Missoula County Sheriff's Office, the Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, the Great Falls Police Department, the Cascade County Sheriff's Office, the Central Montana Drug Task Force, the Billings Police Department, the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, the Dillon Police Department, the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office, the Park County Sheriff's Office, the Bozeman Police Department, the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office, the Belgrade Police Department, the Missouri River Drug Task Force, the Helena Police Department, the Lewis & Clark Sheriff's Office, and the Eastern Montana Drug Task Force - Miles City.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on January 9, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen, ARTHUR DION LONGEE, a 25-year-old resident of Poplar, appeared for sentencing. LONGEE was sentenced to a term of:

• Prison: 24 months

• Special Assessment: $ 100.00

• Supervised Release: 10 years

LONGEE was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to sexual abuse of a minor.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

During the evening of July 15, 2011, the victim went to the powwow in Poplar. While at the powwow, the victim sent a text message to LONGEE to see if there was a party occurring. The victim left the powwow to meet up with LONGEE and a few friends. At the party, the victim drank liquor and became pretty drunk. At one point, a fight broke out and the victim left the house with LONGEE as the morning sky started to get lighter. They walked to LONGEE's grandmother's house.

The next thing the victim remembered was waking up to LONGEE having sex with her. She told him to stop several times and finally he did. LONGEE then received a phone call from the police and he told the victim someone had turned him into the cops. He told the victim to shower and wash up good, and threw a towel at her.

Prior to the sexual assault, the victim's mother called the police to report her daughter was missing. An officer learned the victim had been last seen potentially with LONGEE. Officers went to LONGEE's house, and at one point, the victim peaked out the window and saw the police outside. But, LONGEE would not let her leave. The victim was later able to leave the house and told her mother she had been sexually assaulted.

A sexual assault examination was completed at the hospital and law enforcement collected physical evidence. The FBI Laboratory analyzed the swabs taken from LONGEE and it was determined that the victim was the major female contributor of DNA to this sample.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that LONGEE will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, LONGEE does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Peck Tribes Criminal Investigation Division.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on January 7, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon, ADRIEN JOHN MATUCK, a 26-year-old resident of Poplar and an enrolled member of the Hualapai Tribe in Arizona, appeared for sentencing. MATUCK was sentenced to a term of:

• Prison: Life

• Special Assessment: $100.00

• Restitution: $6,677.00

• Supervised Release: 5 years

MATUCK was sentenced after a federal district court trial in which he was found guilty of first degree murder. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica A. Betley and Kris A. McLean prosecuted the case for the United States.

At trial, the following evidence and testimony was presented to the jury.

During the evening of August 6, 2011, and into the early morning hours of August 7, 2011, in Poplar, MATUCK met up with a few other people, including R.B.,the victim.

At one party during the night, MATUCK, who is a former Marine, grabbed a man around the neck with his hands. MATUCK yelled he had killed a bunch of people while in the Marines while he lunged at this man.

Sometime around 4 a.m. on August 7, 2011, MATUCK, M.V., L.S., and J.W. went to J.W.'s car. The victim was passed out in the backseat of the car. M.V. told the victim to get up, and in response, the victim slapped M.V. MATUCK became angry and punched the victim.

Due to the commotion, J.W. stopped the car and MATUCK got out of the passenger seat. L.S., M.V., and the victim also got out of the car. The victim punched MATUCK a few times in the face. M.V. walked away from the car and would not come back. MATUCK's nose bled from the punches he received from the victim and he pulled off his shirt to wipe his face. He pointed his finger at the victim and said, "I'm going to get you." He further added, "I'm a Marine, I know how to kill."

J.W., L.S., MATUCK, and the victim got back into the car and drove to J.W.'s trailer. L.S. and J.W. fell asleep soon thereafter. The victim sat in a recliner chair and also fell asleep, which left MATUCK as the only person awake in the trailer.

Y.H. and her son, G.G., live down the alley from J.W.'s trailer house. They heard their dog barking around 7 a.m. that morning. Y.H. looked out the window and saw MATUCK walking west and cut across their yard. Y.H. told G.G. what she observed. G.G. looked out the window and observed MATUCK go to the house next door and pull a piece of a gray shirt from his right pocket. He placed this piece of shirt under a stone rain gutter. MATUCK then asked the next door neighbor for kool-aid when she looked outside. MATUCK continued to walk through the neighborhood and stopped by another house until he got into a fight and was told to leave sometime around 9 a.m.

Meanwhile, L.S. and J.W. began to wake up in J.W.'s trailer. MATUCK was not in the trailer when they both woke up. The victim was still in the recliner and looked like he was passed out. L.S. yelled at the victim to get up. The back door opened and MATUCK came inside. J.W. asked MATUCK where he had been and MATUCK replied, "I don't know, I was upstairs." L.S. and J.W. did not know what MATUCK meant by that statement because the trailer was only one story. MATUCK then laid down on a mattress positioned on the living room floor in front of the recliner where the victim sat. L.S. went over to the victim and grabbed his face. The victim felt cold to L.S.'s touch and she observed his tongue was sticking slightly out with saliva dripping from his mouth. J.W. checked for a pulse and did not feel anything and he called 911.

Medical personnel pronounced the victim dead at the scene. Y.H. called the police when she learned MATUCK was a suspect in the victim's death. G.G. recovered the piece of shirt from beneath the rain gutter and Y.H. placed the evidence in a plastic bag. Investigators observed the piece of gray shirt was actually rolled into the shape of a ligature.

An autopsy revealed the victim died of a ligature strangulation. An instrument was

It appeared the ligature was tightened from behind, and pulled up and to the left of the victim's head. Petechial hemorrhages about the victim's eyes and lips indicated pressure was applied to the victim's neck for a period of at least 30 seconds.

The FBI laboratory analyzed a piece of fabric from the top rear of the recliner where the victim was found. MATUCK could not be excluded as a potential minor contributor of DNA to the fabric. The piece of shirt turned over by Y.H. was analyzed, as well. MATUCK and the victim could also not be excluded as potential contributors to of DNA to the fabric.

A carpet sample was taken from the floor behind the recliner. Yellow nylon carpet-type fibers that exhibited the same microscopic characteristics and optical properties as the fibers from this sample were found on MATUCK's shirt and shorts collected from him at the jail, as well as on fabric from the top of the recliner. These same fibers were also found on the shirt and plastic bag provided by Y.H.

The crime took place within the exterior boundaries of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that MATUCK will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, MATUCK does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Peck Tribes Criminal Investigation Division.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula, on January 3, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen, LUCAS WYMAN MULVAUGH, a 35-year-old resident of Belgrade, appeared for sentencing. MULVAUGH was sentenced to a term of:

Prison: 45 days

Special Assessment: $100

Forfeiture: $50,000

Supervised Release: 3 years

MULVAUGH was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to conspiracy to maintain drug-involved premises.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette L. Stewart, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

From approximately March 2009 until March 14, 2011, Randy Leibenguth, Stephanie Leibenguth, and MULVAUGH manufactured and distributed marijuana in the Bozeman/Belgrade area. The Leibenguths owned and operated Montana Cannabis Ministry/Montanans Cultivating Medicine (MCM). MULVAUGH owned and operated Outlaw Hill Health Institute (OHHI).

On March 14, 2011, law enforcement seized 539 marijuana plants from the Leibenguths at the MCM location and 892 marijuana plants from MULVAUGH at the OHHI location.

According to a man who worked for MULVAUGH on March 14, 2011, MULVAUGH and Randy Leibenguth were "business partners" until February 2011. In February 2011, MULVAUGH and Leibenguth were in a business dispute that ended their relationship.

According to X.X., X.X. purchased over $300,000 worth of marijuana from Randy Leibenguth. This was corroborated by bank records. X.X. purchased most of the marijuana from Randy Leibenguth, but also made purchases from Stephanie Leibenguth and MULVAUGH. Some purchases were at the storefront at the MCM location and a couple of purchases were from MULVAUGH at the OHHI location.

Testimony and documents generated by the conspiracy would have shown that the conspiracy involved the manufacture of at least 1,000 marijuana plants and at least 100 kilograms of a substance containing a detectable amount of marijuana during the above time frame.

Randy Leibenguth and Stephanie Leibenguth pled guilty to federal charges and are awaiting sentencing.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that ? will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, ? does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, the Missouri River Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Environmental Protection Agency - Criminal Investigation Division, and the Laurel Police Department.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on January 3, 2013, before Chief U.S. District Judge Richard F. Cebull, CRYSTAL GRETCHEN NOMEE, a 34-year-old resident of Lodge Grass, appeared for sentencing. NOMEE was sentenced to a term of:

Prison: 37 months

Special Assessment: $100

Supervised Release: 5 years

NOMEE was sentenced in connection with her guilty plea to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia K. Hurd, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

Leroy "Bucky" Smith came to the attention of law enforcement in approximately 2007 in Big Horn County and on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne reservations as it was common knowledge that he was a distributor of methamphetamine believed to be getting his supply from Billings. One individual gave law enforcement information about methamphetamine dealings with Smith from 2008 through June of 2010. Several confidential informants also provided information on Smith's distribution of methamphetamine, from 2007 to the present, as well as their further distribution of that methamphetamine.

During the investigation, law enforcement learned that NOMEE was one of the people who purchased methamphetamine for resale to customers in the area, as well as for her own personal use from approximately 2010 through October 2011. Law enforcement also received specific information that Smith was dealing with NOMEE.

On October 13, 2011, the two met at a parking lot in Hardin where Smith sold her 3.5 grams of methamphetamine. She was stopped a short time later and the drugs recovered. When questioned, NOMEE admitted her role within the conspiracy and admitted that she had a methamphetamine problem.

Smith pled guilty to federal charges and has been sentenced.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that NOMEE will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, NOMEE does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on January 4, 2013, before Chief U.S. District Judge Richard F. Cebull, CHRISTOPHER WENTLEIN, a 33-year-old resident of Billings, appeared for sentencing. WENTLEIN was sentenced to a term of:

Prison: 84 months

Special Assessment: $100

Supervised Release: 5 years

WENTLEIN was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On November 4, 2011, the drug task force in Billings conducted a controlled buy of methamphetamine from WENTLEIN using a confidential informant (CI). The CI bought .6 grams of meth for $30. Later on that same day, WENTLEIN was stopped and consented to a search of his car and house. The searches netted cash ($1,887) and methamphetamine (8.4 grams), as well as a marijuana pipe, marijuana, a digital scale, a gun, and ammunition. After the search, WENTLEIN identified his source as X.X. and agreed to cooperate.

On November 8, 2011, the task force bought two ounces of meth from X.X. using WENTLEIN as a CI. In an interview of WENTLEIN after the purchase, WENTLEIN admitted that he had bought approximately 30 ounces from X.X. over a period of six months. He admitted that he got the gun that was seized during the search of his car by trading meth for it.

Again, on December 30, 2011, the task force used WENTLEIN to buy one ounce of meth from X.X. The transaction took place at X.X.'s house. After the transaction, the task force obtained a search warrant for the house.

On January 2, 2012, X.X. was stopped on the interstate. X.X. agreed to talk with law enforcement and admitted that he was selling meth in Billings for approximately a year, and that he had been traveling to Denver to pick up meth for about 7 months. He admitted to getting 20-30 pounds of meth from his Denver source and selling it in Billings. X.X. admitted that he had traveled to Denver the previous week and bought 5 pounds of meth, which was in his bedroom.

Law enforcement seized approximately 5 pounds of meth during the search of X.X.'s house, as well as some guns, scales, cash, and drug paraphernalia. X.X.'s truck was searched on January 4, 2012, and some meth, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia were found.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that WENTLEIN will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, WENTLEIN does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on January 4, 2013, before Chief U.S. District Judge Richard F. Cebull, AVATAR MARVINJO SPRINGFIELD, a 25-year-old resident of Lodge Grass and an enrolled member of the Crow Tribe of Indians, appeared for sentencing. SPRINGFIELD was sentenced to a term of:

Prison: 9 months

Special Assessment: $25

Supervised Release: 1 year

SPRINGFIELD was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to simple assault of person under the age of 16 years.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Vincent Carroll, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On January 25, 2012, SPRINGFIELD, one of his friends, and the victim, who was 14-years-old at the time of the offense, were all drinking in a fifth-wheel trailer parked at a residence in Lodge Grass. According to the victim, she went into a back bedroom of the camper while SPRINGFIELD and his friend continued to drink in the front of the trailer. She then came back to the front of the trailer where SPRINGFIELD and his friend were, and she "blacked out." (The victim later told agents that on a scale of 1 to 10 - with 1 being sober and 10 being extremely drunk - she was a "10."). The next thing she remembered is "coming to" and SPRINGFIELD was hitting her in the face. The victim then went to her grandmother's where she spent the night. The victim was later taken to the hospital and treated for her injuries.

SPRINGFIELD was interviewed by law enforcement officers and stated that he was drinking with his friend and the victim in the fifth-wheel trailer. At one point, the friend saw the victim's mother driving around looking for the victim. SPRINGFIELD indicated that he told the victim to leave because he did not want any trouble from the victim's mother for drinking with the victim. When the victim refused to leave, SPRINGFIELD claimed that he and his friend attempted to leave, and the victim came at him and hit him in the back of the head. SPRINGFIELD explained that he then "spun around and hit [the victim] once" in the nose by "backhand[ing]" her.

The treating physician stated that the victim's injuries did not qualify as "serious bodily injury," but that the injuries did constitute "substantial bodily injury," because they involve: (A) a temporary but substantial disfigurement; and (B) a temporary but substantial loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member, organ or mental faculty.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that SPRINGFIELD will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, SPRINGFIELD does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Helena, on December 28, 2012, before Senior U.S. District Judge Charles C. Lovell, PAUL ROY SCHMIDT, a 57-year-old resident of Helena, appeared for sentencing. SCHMIDT was sentenced to a term of:

• Prison: 12 months

• Special Assessment: $300

• Money Judgment: $750,000

• Supervised Release: 4 years

SCHMIDT was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to manufacturing marijuana and money laundering.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette L. Stewart, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On May 20, 2011, a federal search warrant was executed. During the search law enforcement seized 289 marijuana plants, three gallon-size bags of marijuana, other marijuana ready for distribution, $913 taken from a cash register, assorted edibles - brownies, rice crispy treats, oatmeal bars, marijuana oils, lotions, soaps, creams; a ledger and a log book of items sold, and receipts for marijuana transactions.

During the investigation, law enforcement determined that SCHMIDT obtained money from the sale of marijuana. SCHMIDT had a bank account at Mountain West Bank. SCHMIDT knew the money was from the sale of marijuana. SCHMIDT deposited the money made from the sale of the marijuana into the bank account at Mountain West Bank. SCHMIDT then used the money he deposited from marijuana sales to promote the continuing marijuana grow and marijuana distribution center near Helena. SCHMIDT also wrote checks on this account for the purchase of marijuana.

The DEA laboratory tested some of the substances recovered from this investigation. The result of the testing confirmed that items seized from SCHMIDT on May 20, 2011, did contain marijuana.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that SCHMIDT will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, SCHMIDT does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on December 28, 2012, before Chief U.S. District Judge Richard F. Cebull, CHRISTIE ANN MEDICINE TAIL, a 35-year-old resident of Lodge Grass, pled guilty to distribution methamphetamine. Sentencing has been set for March 28, 2013. She is currently released on special conditions.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia Hurd, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

Law enforcement had information that defendant CHRISTIE MEDICINE TAIL was selling methamphetamine as part of a bigger drug operation in Big Horn County and on the reservations. On August 19, 2011, MEDICINE TAIL sold a confidential informant methamphetamine for $200 while at MEDICINE TAIL's residence in Big Horn County.

At trial, the United States would present the testimony of cooperating witnesses and agents, as well as narcotics and lab personnel to identify those narcotics.

MEDICINE TAIL faces possible penalties of 20 years in prison, a $2,000,000 fine and at least 4 years supervised release.

The investigation was conducted by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.