District of Montana

HELENA — A federal judge recently sentenced two Montana men to prison for trafficking about a pound of methamphetamine in the community, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris sentenced defendant Jordan Jawan Gonzales, 33, of Helena, on Oct. 16 to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Gonzales pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute meth.

The judge also sentenced defendant, Troy Duane Hemen, 36, of Butte and Bozeman, on Oct. 15 to four years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Hemen pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute meth.

In court documents, the government alleged that in January 2023, Gonzales and Hemen conspired to have approximately one pound of meth delivered to Gonzales in Helena. Both men were on state supervision for felony drug possession convictions.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Helena Police Department and Lewis and Clark 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 Justice.gov/PSN.

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MISSOULA — A former Missoula credit union employee accused of embezzling approximately $390,000 from the vault and swapping the real money with fake funds admitted to a theft charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Edward Arthur Nurse, 35, of Missoula, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with theft from credit union. Nurse faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 25, 2025. Nurse was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that from about July 2023 to June 2024, Nurse embezzled from his employer, Park Side Credit Union in Missoula. In June 2024, an employee discovered $340,000 in cash in the credit union’s vault had been replaced with fake funds from a company that provides fake currency as props for movies and entertainment productions. Nurse was identified as a potential suspect because his primary role was managing and balancing money in the vault. In the previous seven months, financial records showed cash deposits totaling $117,751, with each deposit for more than $10,000, into Nurse’s bank account. In addition, financial information from a local casino reflected that from March 2024 to May 2024, Nurse put more than $56,000 in cash into the business and cashed out slightly more than $8,000.

After the credit union discovered the thefts, Nurse claimed to an FBI special agent that he did not usually carry much cash and, aside from a vacation to Las Vegas, Nevada, he had not made any recent large purchases or cash deposits. The investigation determined that during the first six months of 2024, Nurse had purchased $410,000 in fake currency from a prop money company and had the money delivered to a post office box in Nurse’s name. The credit union was later informed that approximately $50,000 in fake money had been received by the Federal Reserve in July 2024. Those funds were returned and determined to be fake bills from the prop money company.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI with assistance from the Missoula Police Department, conducted the investigation.

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Oct. 25 was:

Matthew Ray Tack, 40, of Florence, on charges of failure to register as a sex offender. If convicted of the most serious crime, Tack faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Tack was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Montana Sex and Violent Offender Registry conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-60.

Appearing on Oct. 24 was:

Francisco Javier Barrera Reyes, 32, of Bozeman and Mexico, on charges of illegal reentry. If convicted of the most serious crime, Reyes faces a maximum of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Reyes was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-20.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Oct. 24 was:

Kaitlyn Marie Smotherman, 34, of Sand Springs, on charges of tampering with a consumer product and acquiring drug by fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Smotherman faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Smotherman was released pending further proceedings. The Food and Drug Administration, Drug Enforcement Administration and Garfield County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-136.

Alyssa Kathleen Zitur, 18, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of stolen firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Zitur faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Zitur was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-151.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Oct. 23 was:

Michael Shawn O’Neill, 59, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, O’Neill faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. O’Neill was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Russell Country Drug Task Force and Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-76.

Appearing on Oct. 22 was:

Robert Ray Harr-Juarez, 50, of Great Falls, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Harr-Juarez faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Harr-Juarez was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-57.

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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GREAT FALLS — A Reed Point man who admitted to possessing a stolen firearm found in a stolen vehicle that crashed near Helena following a pursuit was sentenced today to eight years and eight months years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

The defendant, Jarred Lane Saunders, 26, pleaded guilty in June to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $18,252.98 restitution.

“Stolen firearms and drugs are a dangerous combination. Here, Saunders likely stole 23 guns from a vehicle parked at a Billings hotel, then was arrested in Helena after a pursuit and found in possession of fentanyl and one of the stolen guns. Saunders’ criminal conduct posed a serious threat to public safety, and we remain united with our law enforcement partners in getting these offenders off our streets,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The government alleged in court documents that on Oct. 12, 2022, Billings police officers responded to a report of 23 firearms that had been stolen from a vehicle parked in a hotel parking lot. Saunders likely stole the 23 firearms because his fingerprints were found at the scene and then brought stolen firearms and fentanyl in a stolen car to Helena. On Oct. 15, 2022, the Montana Highway Patrol pursued a stolen Mercedes, which had been taken in Billings on Oct. 11, 2022. The Mercedes eventually crashed in a private driveway, and Saunders was arrested by Helena police officers. At his arrest, Saunders complained that he ingested 15 to 20 fentanyl pills. A search warrant was executed on the Mercedes, and officers found approximately 300 fentanyl pills, a small amount of methamphetamine and a .22-caliber pistol that had been stolen from the vehicle in Billings. A witness told Billings police of seeing Saunders with three duffle bags full of guns. That person received three of the firearms knowing they were stolen. At the time Saunders possessed the firearms, he was an unlawful user of controlled substances.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department, Montana Highway Patrol, Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Helena 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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GREAT FALLS — A federal judge today sentenced a Great Falls man to 13 years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl pills in the community, U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The defendant, John Meade Ogburn, 45, pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

“Repeat federal felons will be pursued aggressively, especially drug traffickers. After previously serving federal time, Ogburn resumed his criminal lifestyle, trafficked large quantities of fentanyl pills and meth in Montana and has earned a stiffer federal prison sentence. We remain undeterred in holding repeat drug dealers, like Ogburn, accountable," U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The government alleged in court documents that drug task force officers learned in the fall of 2023 that Ogburn was a source of supply of meth and fentanyl. In November 2023, law enforcement intercepted a package that was found to contain approximately 1,757 fentanyl pills and determined that Ogburn was responsible for arranging the shipment.  The investigation led to a traffic stop in early February 2024 of two vehicles, one driven by Ogburn and another driven by his girlfriend, as the vehicles traveled back to Montana from Washington. In a search of the vehicles, law enforcement found approximately two pounds of meth wired under the vehicle driven by Ogburn’s girlfriend. Ogburn admitted in a recorded jail call that he was responsible for placing the meth under the vehicle and that his girlfriend did not know it was there. At the time, Ogburn was on supervised release for a previous federal drug offense in which he served more than a decade in prison.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Russell Country Drug Task Force, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Great Falls Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol 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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MISSOULA — A Martin City man accused of producing and distributing images of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct appeared on Oct. 22 for arraignment on charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

The defendant, Raymond Owen Bonner, Jr., 39, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with production of child pornography and distribution of child pornography. If convicted, Bonner faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to life of supervised release on the production charge, and a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to life of supervised release on the distribution charge.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Bonner was detained pending further proceedings.

The indictment alleges that between about June 2024 and Sept. 5, 2024 in Martin City, in Flathead County, Bonner coerced a minor, identified as Jane Doe, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual images and that he distributed visual images of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct using a computer.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting 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.

Charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

PACER case reference. 24-57.

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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MISSOULA — A federal judge on Oct. 22 sentenced two brothers from California to lengthy prison terms for their roles in a large trafficking ring that distributed pounds of methamphetamine and tens of thousands of fentanyl pills in the Butte and Helena communities, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Defendant Martin Topete, 33, of Mira Loma, California, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Topete’s brother, Johnathan Topete, 28, of Mira Loma, California, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Both defendants pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. The Topete brothers are the last defendants in the case to be sentenced.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.

“Drugs, cash, and guns. Virtually every case we prosecute includes each of these, but this case is even worse because of the amounts of each and that it was a family affair. The Topete brothers were among eight Montana and California defendants who brought a staggering amount of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills to the Butte and Helena communities over approximately six months. The brothers will collectively serve 30 years in federal prison, we’ve removed more drugs and guns from our streets, and we will continue pursuing justice against those who poison our state and nation,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In court records, the government alleged that from June 2022 until about January 2023 in Butte and Helena, the Topete brothers and six other co-defendants conspired to traffic meth and fentanyl. In June 2022, the Utah Highway Patrol stopped an individual traveling in a vehicle carrying 3.5 pounds of meth and 6,000 pills containing fentanyl and learned that the individual was transporting the drugs to Butte for distribution by “Esco,” who was co-defendant Juan Felipe Vidrio Fuentes, of Anaheim, California. Law enforcement further learned that Fuentes was staying at Whitehall residence along with at least one co-defendant, James Andrew Stringari, of Whitehall, and that Fuentes was supplying both fentanyl and meth throughout the Butte area from the Whitehall residence. In addition, law enforcement corroborated information about meth and fentanyl trafficking that implicated Fuentes, Stringari, co-defendant Janet Dean White, of Butte, and another co-defendant.

During the investigation, law enforcement intercepted packages containing thousands of pills that were mailed from California to a Whitehall address and a Butte address. Law enforcement also learned that Fuentes had relocated to a house in Helena. Investigators conducted coordinated raids of the Helena and Butte addresses. In the Butte residence, law enforcement located approximately six pounds of meth, 208 grams of fentanyl, $15,000 cash and seven firearms. In the Helena residence, law enforcement located approximately seven pounds of meth and 68 grams of fentanyl.

The evidence showed that Martin Topete was one of the leaders of the conspiracy and communicated with his co-conspirators to coordinate resupplies of drugs. Martin Topete worked closely with Fuentes, including directing drug runs from to California for resupply and dictating drug flow to Fuentes for distribution. Martin Topete also would direct other co-conspirators to Fuentes when he did not have drugs to distribute.

The government further alleged that Johnathan Topete aided in the distribution of thousands of fentanyl pills and pounds of meth and helped launder the profits. Johnathan Topete also procured guns for the conspiracy and was a participant in tracking a January 2023 package, which contained almost 3,000 fentanyl pills. Johnathan either threatened or assisted in threatening a co-conspirator after that package was delayed and was subsequently discovered to have possessed or aided in the possession of almost six pounds of meth and seven firearms.

Co-defendant Fuentes was sentenced to 30 years in prison, Stringari was sentenced to 16 years in prison and White was sentenced to 15 years in prison. A federal jury convicted all three defendants of trafficking crime during a trial in April. Co-defendant Wayne Johnson II, of Santa Ana, California, who pleaded guilty in the case, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Co-defendant Trevor Allen Handy, of Butte, was sentenced to three years and six months in prison, and co-defendant Agatha Noriz Carranza, of Whitehall, was sentenced to three years in prison. Handy and Carranza also pleaded guilty to charges.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, Montana Highway Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri River Drug Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Utah Highway Patrol and Utah State Bureau of Investigations conducted the investigation.

The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

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MISSOULA — A federal judge today sentenced a Georgia man to four years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for a scheme that involved recruiting homeless individuals to cash fraudulent checks at Montana financial institutions, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Akia Demetrius Hills, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty in June to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court also ordered $226,500.69 in restitution.

In court documents, the government alleged that Hills and others stole mail and checks, and then fraudulently used the identities of various individuals to cash fraudulent checks throughout Montana financial institutions. On May 10, 2019, Hills and others instructed a man to enter numerous banks to attempt to cash a fraudulent check. Eventually, one bank accepted the fraudulent check, which totaled $6,734. Hills traveled across the country to defraud banks and attempted to use homeless individuals to cash fraudulent checks at banks.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA — A Missoula man convicted by a federal jury of trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl in the community and possessing firearms in relation to drug dealing was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

After a two-day trial in June, the jury found Keith Andre Green, 50, guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of firearms and ammunition in furtherance of a drug trafficking crimes as charged in an indictment.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. 

“Green flooded the Missoula area with pounds of meth and thousands of fentanyl pills, poisoning an untold number of Montanans. But he was even more dangerous because he traded drugs in exchange for firearms. It’s the kind of danger we should not have on our streets and indeed, he won’t be after today’s significant sentence. For the next 15 years, Green will no longer be able to peddle drugs and guns, and we will continue to pursue those like him to ensure they end up in federal prison, too,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that from about May 2022 until September 2023, Green and others trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl in Missoula and Mineral counties and possessed firearms. Law enforcement received information that Green was a major drug distributor and that he went to Spokane, Washington, three to five days a week and received about one pound of meth and a boat of fentanyl, which is 1,000 pills, on each trip. Green also traded drugs for firearms. Law enforcement executed search warrants in February 2023 on Green’s vehicle and residence and another search warrant on his residence in September 2023. Officers seized a total of 4,205 fentanyl pills and approximately 2,204 grams, which is approximately 4.8 pounds, of meth. Officers located approximately six firearms and ammunition at his residence.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Missoula County Attorney’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 Justice.gov/PSN.

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GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man suspected of supplying methamphetamine to local dealers, laundering the proceeds and storing more than 100 pounds of the drug and a firearm in an Arizona storage unit admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Daniel Allen Wakeford, 60, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute meth and to money laundering. Wakeford faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised released on the drug charge. He also faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than the greater of the value of the property, funds or monetary instruments involved in the transactions or $250,000 and three years of supervised release on the money laundering charge.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 19. Wakeford was detained pending further proceedings.

“The staggering amount of meth we seized was enough for approximately one-third of Montanans to use. This case shows we will go anywhere and pursue anyone for the harm they’re causing Montanans. Wakeford’s guilty plea is validation of these efforts,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement learned that Wakeford was involved in distributing meth in the Great Falls area and elsewhere and that numerous individuals had received meth from him for resale from approximately 2020 to 2024. In February 2024, law enforcement apprehended in Billings an individual who possessed meth. The individual outlined how he assisted Wakeford in packaging several hundred thousand dollars in cash, had received meth from Wakeford in Great Falls and that Wakeford indicated he was conspiring to distribute a significant amount of meth.

The investigation determined that Wakeford did not have a significant source of legitimate income, however, in November 2022, Wakeford paid approximately $16,534 for a new snowmobile in Great Falls. After Wakeford was indicted in the case, law enforcement searched his Great Falls home and located documents for a storage unit he leased in Phoenix, Arizona. Law enforcement arrested Wakeford in Utah on a federal warrant while he was driving a motorhome valued at more than $40,000. Inside the motorhome, law enforcement located more than $60,000 in cash and additional documents related the storage unit. Federal agents in Arizona served a search warrant on the storage unit and located more than 100 pounds of meth, which is the equivalent of approximately 362,400 doses, and a firearm. The items are pictured here:

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS, Great Falls Police Department and Russell Country Drug Task Force 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 — A federal jury today convicted a Colorado man of drug trafficking after a high-speed pursuit and search of his vehicle led to the recovery of approximately six pounds of methamphetamine, U.S Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

After a two-day trial that began on Oct. 21, the jury found Moises Zamora, 39, of Greely, Colorado, guilty of possession with intent to distribute meth as charged in an indictment. Zamora faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 20, 2025. Zamora remained detained pending further proceedings.

“This drug dealer was caught with almost six pounds of methamphetamine while dangerously attempting to flee a Yellowstone County Deputy Sheriff. With their actions, our law enforcement partners kept more than 21,000 doses of meth from poisoning our community. More work is required, and I am confident such work on other people will yield the same result as Zamora – guilty of drug trafficking,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that on Nov. 11, 2022, a Yellowstone County Sheriff’s deputy pulled into a convenience store parking lot in Billings and noticed a passenger car parked in an obscure manner, away from the pumps or store entrances. As the deputy drove toward the car, he saw the driver, later identified as Zamora, point toward his patrol vehicle and then slouch in the seat. The deputy believed this behavior to be consistent with nefarious acts and pulled behind the vehicle to investigate. Zamora reversed his car and drove away. The deputy activated his lights and siren, but Zamora continued driving, and a high-speed pursuit began. The pursuit lasted almost 10 minutes and involved speeds reaching 80 mph, with Zamora driving recklessly and entering the lane of oncoming traffic. Zamora finally stopped when he came to a dead end and was arrested.

The deputy observed two blue “M30” pills, later confirmed to be fentanyl, in the backseat. Law enforcement determined Zamora had a warrant for his arrest and was booked into the Yellowstone County Detention Center. Law enforcement served a search warrant on Zamora’s car and located approximately six pounds of meth, two fentanyl pills, three cell phones and drug paraphernalia. Six pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 21,744 doses.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and FBI conducted the investigation. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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BILLINGS — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana joins the Drug Enforcement Administration in support of the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26. The biannual event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at sites across Montana. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

The DEA will be hosting a collection site at the Firehall in Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The Firehall is located at 128 2nd Ave. NW.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in homes are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses from these drugs.

“Getting rid of expired or unused prescription drugs, especially opioids, is an important step all Montanans can take to help fight the national epidemic of drug overdoses. I urge everyone to participate in the DEA’s Drug Take Back Day by cleaning out their medicine cabinet. It’s an easy way to help make our communities safer,” U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

“Prevention of drug misuse starts at home. For over a decade DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has provided our community a safe and easy way to get rid of unnecessary medications,” said DEA Montana Resident Agent in Charge Cesar Avila. “This past spring we collected more than 2,200 pounds of unneeded medications throughout Montana, and, with your help, we hope to collect even more this Saturday.”

Numerous sheriff’s offices, police departments and federal agencies across Montana are participating in Take Back Day. Information about collection sites and more information about event is available here: https://takebackday.dea.gov/

During the last Take Back Day held on April 27, 2024, 4,607 law enforcement participants at 4,869 collection sites across the country brought in a total weight of 670,136 pounds, or 335 tons, of drugs. This brings the total weight collected to 18.5 million pounds, or more than 9,285 tons, of prescription drugs collected in the history of the program. Collection results may include materials other than prescription drugs.

During the April 2024 event, Montanans turned in 2,270 pounds of prescription drugs at 25 collection sites. Twenty-six law enforcement agencies participated. Total all time weight collected in Montana is 56,824 pounds.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the October 26 Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com.

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GREAT FALLS — A Browning woman accused of beating and injuring child in a residence on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to child abuse and assault charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Micah Lynn Brown, 25, pleaded guilty to felony child abuse and to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury of an individual under 16 years, as indicted. Brown faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $50,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the child abuse charge and a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years in prison on the assault charge.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 19, 2025. Brown was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on March 21, Brown was drinking when she returned home to a residence she shared with a boyfriend and children. The boyfriend confronted Brown about her drinking and then left the house to use the phone at a nearby residence. When he returned about 10 minutes later, the front door was blocked by a couch that had been moved. Upon entering, the boyfriend heard the victim, identified as Jane Doe, who was under the age of three, screaming and found her injured in a backroom. Brown was in the same room but didn’t say anything. The boyfriend removed the children from the home and called law enforcement. Witnesses told law enforcement that the victim had soiled her diaper and threw it on the ground, angering Brown, who then assaulted the child. The victim was treated for injuries at the Browning Community Hospital.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and the FBI conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A Tennessee man who admitted to mailing fentanyl pills to a Great Falls couple that led to the overdose death of the husband was sentenced yesterday to six years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

The defendant, Malice Clark, Jr., aka Greg Clark, aka “Greed”, 58, of Memphis, Tennessee, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $9,000 restitution.

“The Defendant’s nickname, Greed, encapsulates what our state and nation are facing regarding our drug epidemic. Those who are greedy are preying on those who are addicted, so much so that the greedy are killing people, which the Defendant’s fentanyl distribution did here. It’s as tragic as it is illegal, which is why we will remain relentless in our pursuit of those poisoning our communities,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The government alleged in court documents that from February 2021 to April 2022, Clark repeatedly mailed small quantities of fentanyl from his home in Tennessee to his friend, the victim, John Doe, and his wife in Great Falls. On April 5, 2022, Doe and his wife received a package of fentanyl in the mail from Clark. That evening, both Doe and his wife took some of the fentanyl. At about 2:20 a.m. on April 6, 2022, Doe’s wife called 911 and reported that Doe had overdosed. Doe was found unresponsive and pronounced dead. An autopsy confirmed that Doe’s death was caused by acute fentanyl intoxication. Law enforcement collected pills that were determined to be fentanyl from Doe’s home. Doe’s wife admitted they had obtained the pills from Clark through the mail.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Russell Country Drug Task Force, Great Falls Police Department, Memphis (Tennessee) Police Department, FBI, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Medical Examiner Office conducted the investigation.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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GREAT FALLS — A Butte man who admitted to trafficking cocaine and fentanyl after law enforcement stopped his vehicle in Butte and found 1,700 fentanyl pills and cocaine taped to the steering column was sentenced yesterday to five and one-half years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

The defendant, Adam Hassan Abdel Aziz, 40, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

In court documents, the government alleged that on June 1, 2023, drug task force officers conducting surveillance on the home of a suspected drug trafficker in East Helena saw Aziz arrive, go inside the residence and leave a short time later. Surveilling officers notified drug task force members, and the Montana Highway Patrol later stopped Aziz’s car near Butte. Aziz was on state parole at the time and consented to a search of the car, during which officers observed drug paraphernalia. During another search authorized by Aziz’s parole officer, law enforcement located a package containing a bag of approximately 1,700 fentanyl pills and 27 grams of cocaine taped to the underside of the car’s steering column. Aziz admitted he had acquired approximately four to five thousand fentanyl pills in the last month and had paid approximately $10,000 for the drugs.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, Montana Highway Patrol, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Probation and Parole and Drug Enforcement Administration 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 — United States Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) John Newman will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election.  AUSA Newman has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Montana, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

United States Attorney Laslovich said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.  The Department will address these violations wherever they occur.  The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.  The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).   

United States Attorney Laslovich said, “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.  In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Newman will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.  He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 406-542-8851.”

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.  The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 801-579-1400.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.

United States Attorney Laslovich said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate.  It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Oct. 11 was:

Johntay Jujuan Taylor, 27, of Texas, on charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Taylor faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release. Taylor was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI; U.S. Secret Service; Chubbock, Pocatello and Kemmerer, Idaho, Police departments; Bannock County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office; Idaho State Police; Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, Livingston and Laurel, Montana, Police departments; Yellowstone County, Montana, Sheriff’s Office; Teton County, Wyoming, Sheriff’s Office; and Evanston and Mountain View, Wyoming, Police departments conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-13.

Appearing Oct. 10 was:

Keegan Allan Strelnik, 42, of Florence, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Strelnik faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Strelnik was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Probation Office and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-54.

Nicole Lynn Shain, 39, of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Shain faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Shain was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations and the Flathead Tribal Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-50.

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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MISSOULA — The former executive director of the Whitefish Housing Authority today admitted to embezzling at least $100,000 from the organization, which receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Dwarne Lamont Hawkins, 46, pleaded guilty to theft from organization receiving federal funding. Hawkins faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Feb. 7, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Hawkins was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that from about May 2023 to January 2024, while working as the executive director for the Whitefish Housing Authority, Hawkins embezzled from the organization. The Whitefish Housing Authority provides safe, decent and affordable housing options for low-income families in the Whitefish community and received approximately $468,616 in federal funds from HUD during the period of the indictment. Hawkins stole housing authority money by diverting and inflating payroll, fraudulently paying personal expenses with the Whitefish Housing Authority credit card and creating and paying fraudulent invoices to businesses over which he had control. As an example, in January 2024, Hawkins created bogus invoices from companies in which he held a controlling interest. Hawkins paid the invoices by fraudulently wiring money from the housing authority for $76,750 on Jan. 16, 2024 and for $23,250 on Jan. 22, 2024, for a total of $100,000. The investigation identified approximately $150,000 in restitution.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS — A federal jury today convicted a Lame Deer man of raping a woman in a residence on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

After a three-day trial that began on Oct. 7, the jury found the defendant, Adriano Sparkxxx LeBeaux, 20, guilty of aggravated sexual abuse as charged in an indictment. LeBeaux faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 7, 2025. LeBeaux was detained pending further proceedings.

“LeBeaux preyed on the victim by luring her to a basement where he put a knife to her throat and raped her. Violence against women, especially sexual violence, inflicts long-lasting trauma on the victims. I am grateful the jury held LeBeaux accountable for his conduct and hope that the victim will find some measure of healing knowing that LeBeaux faces significant incarceration. I want to thank our prosecution team, the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Northern Cheyenne Investigative Services for their work on bringing LeBeaux to justice,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that on March 8, 2023, the victim, identified as Jane Doe, met up with LeBeaux at a residence in Lame Deer, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. LeBeaux told Doe the police were on their way to search the house and that they needed to hide in the basement. Jane Doe had been drinking and did not want to be arrested because the Northern Cheyenne Reservation is a dry reservation. Hiding in the basement seemed like a good idea to Jane Doe. The victim did not think LeBeaux was drinking.

While in the basement, LeBeaux told Jane Doe to lie down in a corner on the floor, and she fell asleep or passed out. At some point, Jane Doe awoke and LeBeaux was holding her down by the neck. Jane Doe passed out, and when she awoke again, LeBeaux was holding a knife to her throat and then raped her. Jane Doe left the residence and went to the Indian Health Service Clinic where she underwent a sexual assault exam. An analysis of DNA indicated strong support that LeBeaux was the contributor to male DNA identified in the sexual assault exam.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Northern Cheyenne Investigative Services conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA — A Kalispell man today admitted to pointing a laser at an airplane while it was in flight over Kalispell, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Nolan Wayne Hamman, 32, pleaded guilty to aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft as charged in an indictment. Hamman faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Feb. 6, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Hamman was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on Nov. 25, 2023, a flight instructor operating a plane over Kalispell called 911 to report a person shining a laser pointer at her plane while she was flying with a minor student. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded and located Hamman on the ground with the laser pointer. Hamman admitted to shining the laser at the plane while it was in flight.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Federal Aviation Administration, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and Kalispell Police Department conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA — A former bookkeeper who admitted to embezzling approximately $159,000 from her employer, a Kalispell firearms manufacturing company, was sentenced today to five months in federal prison followed by six months of home confinement and three years of supervised release, fined $20,000 and ordered to pay $174,572 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Teri Anne Bell, 58, of Columbia Falls, pleaded guilty in June to wire fraud.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court also ordered Bell to perform 175 hours of community service.

In court documents, the government alleged that from May 2018 until about December 2021, Bell, while working as a bookkeeper for Falkor SID Inc., a firearm manufacturing and distribution business in Kalispell, stole more than $150,000. Bell altered descriptions in Quickbooks to make it appear money was spent on legitimate business expenses when, in fact, the money went to pay down Bell’s personal credit card balances. In addition, Bell wrote herself a check for $10,000. In the fall of 2021, Falkor’s owners suspected Bell was stealing money from the company, and a financial audit determined that Bell completed 45 unauthorized transactions totaling $159,131 in Falkor funds. When confronted, Bell denied any wrongdoing. After she was terminated, Bell filed a grievance and demanded to be reinstated. The business owners were forced to spend an additional $15,441 to determine the extent of Bell’s fraud and to obtain legal counsel regarding her employment claim. Bell used the stolen funds for personal expenses, including hotels in Las Vegas and at Quinn’s Hot Springs, payments to retail and liquor stores, collection agencies and streaming services.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA — A Canadian national was sentenced today to 18 months in prison and fined $10,000 for using fake names to buy firearms in several Montana cities to take back to Canada to sell, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Haptei John Kozak, 27, of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, pleaded guilty in May to four counts of false statements during firearms transactions.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court also imposed three years of supervised release and ordered the forfeiture of 12 firearms.

“Black market firearms smugglers like Kozak contribute to the epidemic of gun violence nationally and internationally because these weapons often end up in the hands of criminals. As this case shows, we will work aggressively with our national and international law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who attempt to traffic firearms across our border,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

"Gun crime has no boundaries, making our efforts to uncover and dismantle illegal firearms trafficking channels crucial," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. "Traffickers who move firearms from lawful commerce into the hands of violent offenders are directly contributing to the cycle of violence at our borders and beyond. We are grateful for the hard work from our partners at the US Customs and Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the US Attorney’s Office District of Montana for their partnership in this investigation and mutual pursuit of justice.”

"Today, justice has been served. The courts have delivered a firm and unwavering message to those who seek to profit from violence and chaos,” said HSI acting Special Agent in Charge Tim Lenzen. “Let this be a clear warning: we will not tolerate those who fuel crime through the black market. We will find you, you will be prosecuted, and justice will prevail."

The government alleged in court documents that an investigation by the ATF determined that Kozak, aka Tyler John Cossack, had purchased 12 pistols, mostly 9mm pistols, in four multiple-sale purchases from Sept. 9, 2023 through Oct. 16, 2023 in Montana. Kozak is a Canadian citizen with a Canadian passport. The investigation found that Kozak used the name Tyler John Cossack to purchase the firearms and used a falsified Montana’s driver’s license with a false date of birth, a false Missoula address and a false driver’s license number.  Kozak provided false information to buy guns in Kalispell, Butte, Helena and Missoula, purchasing 12 firearms in 45 days. Kozak was arrested in March 2024 and had firearms that he recently purchased in his pickup truck. A review of his text messages and other evidence indicted that Kozak was purchasing the firearms in the United States and then transporting them back to Canada to sell.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The ATF, Homeland Security Investigations and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police conducted the investigation.

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Oct. 1 was:

Kevin Andrew Bacon, 50, of Manhattan, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bacon faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Bacon was detained pending further proceedings The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-33.

Heather Brook Jenkins, 45, of Bozeman, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jenkins faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Jenkins was detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-34.

Appearing on Sept. 30 was:

Taylor Gale Penny, 35, of Missoula, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Penny faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Penny was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-51.

Anthony Robert Catalusci, 64, of Three Forks, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Catalusci faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Catalusci was detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-34.

Travis Kurt Myers, 56, of Columbia Falls, on charges of pointing laser at aircraft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Myers faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Myers was detained pending further proceedings. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-54.

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 — U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich, for the District of Montana, today announced approximately 27 grant awards totaling $17,476,734 in Department of Justice funds to help state and local government agencies and community organizations support law enforcement programs and to provide services for crime victims. The grants were awarded by the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs.

“This money reflects the United States Justice Department’s strong commitment to keeping our communities safe. From assisting law enforcement to helping victims of crime to keeping people from entering the criminal justice system, these funds will have a significant impact on our state. We are proud of our partnerships across the state and appreciate the important work each of partners provides to Montanans,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.     

The awards announced are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about these and other OJP awards can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.

The following organizations and agencies receiving funding include:

• Montana Department of Justice: $323,742, Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 Competitive DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction
• Montana Legal Services Association (Helena): $440,000, Office for Victims of Crime FY24 Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
• Montana Board of Crime Control: $411,304, Bureau of Justice Statistics FY24 National Criminal History Improvement Program Supplemental Funding under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
• Missoula County: $700,000, Office on Violence Against Women FY24 Grants to Improve the Criminal Justice Response
• Haven (Bozeman): $750,000, Office on Violence Against Women FY24 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program
• Dawson County: $609,058, Office on Violence Against Women FY24 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program
• Missoula County: $750,000, Office on Violence Against Women FY24 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program
• Montana Legal Services Association (Helena): $500,000, Office on Violence Against Women FY 24 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program
• Domestic and Sexual Violence Services of Carbon County: $750,000, Office on Violence Against Women FY24 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program
• Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (Helena): $367,379, Office on Violence Against Women FY24 State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program
• Montana Board of Crime Control: $1,053,191, Office on Violence Against Women FY24 STOP Formula Grant Program
• Montana Board of Crime Control: $223,194, Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program Formula Grant
• Montana Board of Crime Control: $1,123,798, Bureau of Justice Statistics FY24 National Criminal History Improvement Program
• Montana Board of Crime Control: $61,877, Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 John R. Justice Formula Grant Program\
• Montana Department of Justice: $391,391, SMART FY24 Support for Adam Walsh Implementation Grant Program
• Montana Board of Crime Control, $812,352, Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program Formula Solicitation
• Haven (Bozeman): $535,974, Office of Violence Against Women FY24 Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking program
• Inspire Action for Social Change Inc. (Clancy): $250,000, Office of Violence Against Women FY24 Training and Technical Assistance Initiative.
• Montana Board of Crime Control: $3,017,090, Office for Victims of Crime FY24 Victim Assistance Formula Grant
• Montana Department of Justice: $640,000, Office for Victims of Crime FY24 Victim Compensation Formula Grant
• Montana Department of Justice: $600,000, Office of Justice Assistance Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction
• Montana Board of Crime Control: $96,208, Office of Justice Assistance Project Safe Neighborhoods Formula Grant Program
• Judiciary Courts of State of Montana: $655,496, Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 Adult Treatment Court Program
• Montana Legal Services Association (Helena): $450,000, Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 Invited to Apply-Law Enforcement Operations
• University of Montana: $675,000, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention FY24 Victims of Child Abuse Act Tribal Children’s Advocacy Centers Training and Technical Assistance
• Montana Board of Crime Control: $294,696, Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program-Formula
• City-County of Butte Silver Bow: $994,984, Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program

About the Office of Justice Programs

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime; advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its program offices – the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office for Victims of Crime, and SMART Office – can be found at www.ojp.gov.

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BILLINGS — The former postmaster of the Gardiner post office admitted today to allegations that she stole office bank deposits, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Tanya Lee Holbrook, 42, of Emigrant, pleaded guilty to misappropriation of postal funds and theft of government property as charged in an indictment. Holbrook faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on each charge.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Holbrook was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that Holbrook began working as a postmaster of the Gardiner post office in September 2022. In February 2023, the manager of postal operations in Montana contacted the U.S. Postal Services Office of Inspector General regarding concerns that Holbrook was stealing office bank deposits.

An investigation determined that Holbrook routinely issued money orders to herself and others but did not submit the funds for them to USPS. Between November 2022 and September 2023, Holbrook delayed approximately 48 bank deposits, totaling $46,755, from the Gardiner post office. While Holbrook usually sent the cash later when she was paid, she never provided funds for eight deposits, which totaled $24,443, from January 2023 to September 2023. When interviewed, Holbrook confessed to the thefts. Holbrook stated that she issued herself or family members money orders without remitting payment and then delayed sending the funds. Holbrook eventually fell so far behind that she was unable to pay for several deposits.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The USPS Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A Browning woman admitted today to lying to the FBI during an investigation of a fire at an apartment building on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Amorette Diederika Ground, 33, pleaded guilty to false statement. Ground faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 5, 2025. Ground was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on July 23, 2023, law enforcement and emergency services responded to multiple calls to Blackfeet dispatch of a fire at the Death Row apartments in Browning, on the Blackfeet Reservation. The burned apartment belonged to Blackfeet Housing Authority and had been rented previously by Ground. A state fire investigator arrived the next morning and determined that the fire was deliberately set. An FBI agent also arrived the same day and conducted interviews in conjunction with the fire investigator and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services. A witness reported that Ground had been at the witness’ house the evening before and that the fire broke out right after Ground left. That same day, the FBI interviewed Ground regarding her whereabout the night before. Ground denied being near the apartments on the previous evening. The agent advised Ground that it was a federal crime to lie to a federal agent. Ground continued to deny being at the witness’ house the day before. Eventually, Ground admitted to having been at the residence the night before.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation’s Fire Prevention and Investigation Section conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS — A Billings woman accused of trafficking methamphetamine and of buying a firearm for a juvenile in which the gun was used in a burglary admitted charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Ali Sage Hausmann, 25, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth and to false statement during a firearms transaction. Hausmann faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug charge and a maximum of 10 years in prison, $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release on the firearm charge.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 5, 2025. Hausmann was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on May 9, 2022, Hausmann purchased a Beretta 9mm semi-automatic pistol in Billings. Hausmann was accompanied by a juvenile, identified as H., and her boyfriend. Hausmann filled out an ATF Form 4473 and indicated she was the actual purchaser of the firearm. The next day, H. burglarized a home in Billings with the Beretta 9mm. Another juvenile who participated in the burglary told law enforcement that H. was in possession of a Beretta 9mm pistol. The other juvenile indicated that the firearm was purchased for H. by a female, known to him as Ali, the day prior to the burglary. Hausmann’s boyfriend confirmed to law enforcement that Hausmann purchased the Beretta 9mm for H. On May 25, 2022, Hausmann pawned the Beretta pistol.

During the investigation into the firearm purchase, law enforcement learned that Hausmann was selling drugs. Information from Hausmann’s Facebook account indicated she sold and purchased meth, and that she bought the firearm for H. In December, law enforcement served a search warrant on Hausmann’s residence and located a small amount of meth in her room and a different firearm in her purse. Hausmann admitted to selling drugs.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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.

This case was prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted, and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.

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GREAT FALLS — A man accused of armed trafficking of methamphetamine and other substances on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation after he attempted to flee law enforcement during a traffic stop admitted to charges on Sept. 30, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

The defendant, David Victor Fast Horse, 36, residence unknown, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Fast Horse faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug charge and a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Jan. 30, 2025. Fast Horse was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on Aug. 30, 2022, tribal law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a pickup truck on Upper Road on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation because officers believed the driver had a tribal warrant for her arrest. A man jumped out of the front passenger seat and began running from the truck. A Rocky Boy’s police officer caught up with the man and found him retreating around a shed. He provided a fake name but was later identified as Fast Horse. Officer retraced Fast Horse’s path and located a green pistol and black case hidden near a woodpile where he had emerged. Fast Horse said he was given the gun and stuff and told to run. Officers opened the case and found 18 blue pills, which were determined in tests later to contain a mixture of substances, two small baggies with a small amount of meth, a digital scale and a car key. Fast Horse later admitted he sold meth, but not fentanyl, and that he had come to Rocky Boy’s to buy drugs from his friend. Fast Horse is prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior federal felony conviction for burglary.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Rocky Boy’s Police Department, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS — A federal jury convicted a Shepherd man today of charges accusing him of making repeated threatening and harassing phone calls, including threatening to injure former U.S. Congressman and Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

After a three-day trial that began on Sept. 30, the jury found the defendant, Richard Lee Rogers, 45, guilty of threatening to assault a member of Congress and two counts of harassing telephone calls as charged in a superseding indictment. Rogers faces a maximum of six years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the charge of threatening to assault a member of Congress, and a maximum of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the charge of harassing phone calls.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Jan. 31, 2025. Rogers’ release was continued pending further proceedings.

In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that on Feb. 3, 2023, Rogers made repeated and harassing phone calls to staff members who worked for former Rep. Kevin McCarthy, who was then Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. The jury found that during one of the calls, Rogers threatened to assault the Speaker. In addition to the harassing and threatening calls placed to the Speaker’s office, Rogers placed at least 150 harassing phone calls to telephone operators at the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center (NTOC) between Dec. 31, 2021 and Oct. 13, 2022.

On Feb. 3, 2023, the U.S. Capitol Police received a report from Speaker McCarthy’s office advising it had received a high volume of phone calls from Rogers. In the calls, Rogers identified himself and said he resided in Billings, Montana. U.S. Capitol Police identified the number used and confirmed it was associated with Rogers.

A staff member who spoke to Rogers reported that the calls consisted of Rogers harassing and swearing at the employees who were answering the calls in the Speaker’s office that day. The staff member reported that Rogers’ comments were at first sexual in nature prior to threatening to assault the former Speaker. An investigation determined that the phone number associated with Rogers called the Speaker’s office 147 times in 75 minutes on Feb. 3, 2023.

The government further alleged that records showed Rogers contacted the FBI’s NTOC more than 100 times between December 2021 and October 2022. During many of the calls, Rogers identified himself and provided his phone number and address when speaking to operators. Rogers behavior with the NTOC operators in many instances consisted of his yelling, berating, being uncooperative and using obscenities toward the employees. During several of the calls, NTOC operators informed Rogers that they were terminating the call because he was being abusive and harassing. During the investigation, an FBI special agent contacted Rogers on Oct. 13, 2022 regarding his numerous calls to NTOC. During the call, Rogers admitted to calling NTOC “thousands of times” and expressed anger with various political officials.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and U.S. Capitol Police conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS — A Hardin woman accused of biting a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer on the arm while law enforcement was attempting to arrest her during a disturbance on the Crow Indian Reservation admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Chrystal Joann Stewart, 36, pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer. Stewart faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Stewart was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on April 29, 2023, a BIA officer, identified as Jane Doe, responded to a call in Crow Agency about Stewart causing a disturbance at a residence. Stewart had knocked on the door, and residents let Stewart inside, where she collapsed and was unresponsive. The residents shook Stewart awake and it was obvious that Stewart was high. The residents called 911 because Stewart was scaring the children in the home.

Although communicating with Stewart was difficult because she was high, Officer Jane Doe convinced Stewart to leave the house. After Stewart walked out of the house, one of the residents told the officers that Stewart had grabbed a knife from the kitchen and put in her purse. Another officer had responded to assist Officer Jane Doe and saw the knife sticking out of Stewart’s purse. Stewart resisted and pulled away from the officer when he tried to grab her arm to take away the purse. Stewart repeatedly refused instructions to stop resisting and tried to get away by kicking and screaming at the officers. The officers ultimately tased Stewart, who continued to resist. Stewart then lunged at one of the officers and tried to run back into the residence. Officer Jane Doe was able to get one handcuff on Stewart, but Stewart then turned and bit the officer on the upper right arm. Stewart would not release the bite. Finally, with the help of emergency medial responders, the officers were able to get a second handcuff on Stewart and she released the bite. Officer Jane Doe was treated at the Indian Health Service for the bite injury, which broke the skin.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office if prosecuting the case the case. The BIA conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS — A Belgrade man accused of producing and distributing child pornography involving multiple minors appeared today for arraignment on a nine-count indictment, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Tyrell Forest Anderson, 35, also of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with three counts of production of child pornography, four counts of distribution of child pornography and two counts of transfer of obscene material to a minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Anderson faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Anderson was detained pending further proceedings.

The indictment alleges that on separate occasions in 2023 to March 2024, in Laurel and Bozeman, Anderson knowingly coerced three minors, identified as Jane Doe 1, 2 and 3, to produce sexually explicit images of themselves. The indictment further alleges that in February 2024 in Bozeman, Anderson distributed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct to three other minors, identified as Jane Doe 4 and 5 and John Doe 1, using a computer and the internet, and that Anderson, using Snapchat, sent obscene images to two minors, identified as Jane Doe 6 and 7, in Bozeman.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Bozeman Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.

The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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.

PACER case reference. 24-113.

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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GREAT FALLS — A Browning woman who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced on Thursday to three years and six months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

The defendant, Cynthia Ann Valenzuela, 28, pleaded guilty in January to possession with intent to distribute meth.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

The government alleged in court documents that in the spring of 2023, Valenzuela was stopped in multiple vehicles containing meth and other evidence of distribution. In April 2023, Valenzuela was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for a traffic violation along with her co-defendant. Both occupants were arrested. More than 15 grams of meth was seized from the Valenzuela’s person while being booked into jail. A search of the vehicle also yielded evidence of distribution, including baggies and a digital scale.  A month later, Valenzuela was in a different vehicle, again being driven by her co-defendant when they were again stopped by Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services for a traffic violation. The co-defendant was arrested and had a scale in his pocket. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and seized more than 170 grams of meth in a safe concealed as a book.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and Glacier County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS — A 17-year-old accused of shooting and killing a man, whose body was recovered from the Little Big Horn River in Crow Agency, on the Crow Indian Reservation, admitted to murder and firearm charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Orrin Richard Alden III, of Crow Agency, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with second-degree murder and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.  Alden faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the murder charge and a mandatory 10 years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The Court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Dec. 12. Alden remained in custody pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on May 5, 2024, an unidentified body was recovered from the Little Big Horn River in Crow Agency. The body was later determined to be an 18-year-old male identified as John Doe. An autopsy was conducted, and two bullets were recovered—one from the side of the torso, which pierced Doe’s heart and lodged on the opposite side of his torso, and another bullet, which appeared to have entered his nostril, pierced his brain and lodged in his skull. The medical examiner found indications of the possibility that the barrel was placed into the nostril prior to firing.

Doe’s family last saw him alive on either April 27 or 28 as he was walking with a group of males toward the location on the Little Big Horn River where his body was recovered. Two of the males were identified by a photograph, and Alden was one of them. On the day Doe disappeared, a witness saw Doe with a black backpack that contained marijuana, a sizeable amount of methamphetamine and a large amount of cash. At approximately noon on April 27, surveillance video the Little Big Horn College Wellness Center recorded Alden walking with Doe and the other males. Doe had a black backpack and was wearing some of the same clothing as when his body was recovered approximately one week later.

The government further alleged that the group of males, including Alden and Doe, drank alcohol and smoked marijuana before walking to the river. Alden and one of the other males were overheard discussing that Doe was carrying $500 to $700. Alden, one of the males, and Doe got separated from the rest of the group. When that happened, a single shot was heard. Immediately after the first shot was heard, Alden was seen with a rifle in his hand. As Doe tried to run away, he grabbed his side and said, “You shot me, you shot me, Tripp (a nickname for Alden).” A second shot was heard. Minutes later, Alden and the male who was with him caught up with the rest of the group. They were laughing, and the other male had Doe’s backpack and the rifle. The barrel of the rifle was blown up on its tip.

The group then went to the basement of Alden’s house where Alden and the male who was seen carrying the backpack and rifle stripped off their clothing and put it in a black bag. The male used his shirt and rubbing alcohol to clean a hatchet. Another of the males asked if he could call an ambulance for Doe. The male who was with Alden when Doe was shot responded, “Are you … Stupid … No, if you call the ambulance all you’re going to find is just a non-living thing now.” Alden and the male took the rifle and black bag of clothing and stashed them in an abandoned building near Alden’s house.

When asked about the gun in the days following the shooting, Alden explained, “Bro it … blew up, when I … shot him in the neck … I had it so close that it just blew up … It blew the barrel up, like the tip of the barrel.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA — A Missoula woman who admitted conspiring to traffic methamphetamine and fentanyl was sentenced on Wednesday to six and one-half years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

The defendant, Robin Marie Holcomb, 42, pleaded guilty in May to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.

The government alleged in court documents that from May 2022 to September 2023, Holcomb and others distributed meth and fentanyl in the Missoula area. Law enforcement served a search warrant on a hotel where Holcomb was staying and located meth and 99 fentanyl pills. Holcomb attempted to call her sister to have her remove cash and drugs from Holcomb’s vehicle. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and located $20,520 cash, 794 grams, which is approximately one and three-quarters pound, of meth and 5,013 fentanyl pills.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration and Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force 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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GREAT FALLS — A Browning man accused of burning a woman on the hand with a hot knife in a residence on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Dale Ray Racine, 32, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Racine faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

A plea agreement in the case calls for a sentence of between 41 months and 51 months in prison and three years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Jan. 30, 2025. Racine remained detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in the early morning hours of Feb. 14, Racine was drinking at a residence in Browning. The victim, Jane Doe, also was present. At some point, Racine placed a green knife in a wood stove until it was red hot. Racine removed the knife from the fire and burned Doe with it. Doe reported to law enforcement and medical providers that Racine was trying to brand her neck. Doe held up her hand to stop the branding, at which point Racine intentionally burned her hand. Doe was treated for second-degree burns to her hand.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and FBI, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, investigated the case.

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MISSOULA — A Whitehall man convicted by a federal jury of trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl as part of a large drug ring that distributed drugs in the Butte and Helena communities was sentenced today to 16 years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, James Andrew Stringari, 52, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in a jury trial in April.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.

“Stringari played a critical role as the point-person between the leaders and lower-level dealers in this large drug trafficking conspiracy that brought at least 13 pounds of methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl pills to the Butte and Helena areas. He was especially dangerous because he possessed a firearm and encouraged others to do the same. But his extensive federal prison sentence means he will no longer be a danger to our communities, for which I am grateful,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In court documents, the government alleged that from June 2022 until about January 2023 in Butte and Helena, Stringari and seven other co-defendants conspired to traffic meth and fentanyl. In June 2022, the Utah Highway Patrol stopped an individual traveling in a vehicle carrying 3.5 pounds of meth and 6,000 pills containing fentanyl and learned that the individual was transporting the drugs to Butte for distribution by “Esco,” who was co-defendant Juan Felipe Vidrio Fuentes, of Anaheim, California. Law enforcement further learned that Fuentes was staying at Whitehall residence along with at least one co-defendant, Stringari, and that Fuentes was supplying both fentanyl and meth throughout the Butte area from the Whitehall residence. In addition, law enforcement corroborated information about meth and fentanyl trafficking that implicated Fuentes, Stringari, co-defendant Janet Dean White and another co-defendant.

Fuentes and White also were convicted in the April trial of conspiracy and possession charges. Fuentes was sentenced recently to 30 years in prison, while White was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

The government alleged Stringari was long-term, high-level participant in the six-month conspiracy. Stringari procured drugs and guns, facilitated communication between the leaders of the conspiracy and the lower-level dealers and connected multiple parts of the conspiracy together. Without Stringari, the government continued, the conspiracy would not have been able to reach as far into the Butte and Helena communities as quickly as it did, as his local contacts were integral to the conspiracy’s success.

During the investigation, law enforcement intercepted packages containing thousands of pills that were mailed from California to the Whitehall address and to a Butte address. Law enforcement also learned that Fuentes had relocated to a house in Helena.

Law enforcement conducted coordinated raids of the Helena and Butte addresses. In the Butte residence, law enforcement located approximately six pounds of meth, 208 grams of fentanyl, $15,000 cash and seven firearms. In the Helena residence, law enforcement located approximately seven pounds of meth and 68 grams of fentanyl.

Co-defendants Martin Topete Garcia and his brother, Johnathan Topete, both of Mira Loma, California, pleaded guilty and are pending sentencing. Co-defendant Trevor Allen Handy, of Butte, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years and six months in prison. Co-defendant Anthony Wayne Johnson II, of Santa Ana, California, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in prison, and co-defendant Agatha Noriz Carranza, of Whitehall, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years in prison.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, Montana Highway Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri River Drug Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Utah Highway Patrol and Utah State Bureau of Investigations conducted the investigation.

The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

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MISSOULA — A Missoula man who admitted to receiving and storing thousands of images and videos of child sexual abuse material from the internet was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Bryan Michael Balog, 31, pleaded guilty in May to receipt of child pornography.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court also ordered $39,000 restitution to 13 victims.

In court documents, the government alleged that in September 2022, Dropbox reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that a Dropbox user had uploaded images of child sexual abuse materials to its server. The Missoula Police Department investigated and determined that the Dropbox account belonged to Balog. Images in Balog’s account included children as young as babies engaged in sexually explicit conduct. A Missoula Police detective executed a search warrant at Balog’s home and spoke with Balog, who admitted he had been “saving” images and videos of child pornography from the internet since 2011. Electronic devices seized from Balog’s home contained thousands of images and videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Missoula Police Department, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and 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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MISSOULA — A federal judge today sentenced an Elmo man to three years in prison and ordered $95,722 restitution for stealing his deceased mother’s Social Security benefits and underreporting his income and assets to receive Social Security Administration benefits, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Gerry Alen Albus, 64, pleaded guilty in May to theft of government money and Social Security fraud as indicted.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court also ordered three years of supervised release after incarceration. Albus was ordered to self-report to the Bureau of Prisons.

In court documents, the government alleged that in May 2015, Albus was approved to receive Supplemental Security Income benefits from SSA and was advised of his legal obligation to accurately report his income, resources and household composition. In October 2016, Albus reported to SSA that he had moved to Elmo, lived alone and paid rent to his landlord, when in fact, he did not pay rent and his landlord was his romantic partner. In 2017, Albus and his partner converted his partner’s property into a dog grooming business.

The government further alleged that Albus did not disclose his ownership interest in property he co-owned in Florida with his mother or proceeds from the sale of the property in June 2017. Albus’ mother died in March 2017, but SSA continued to send her monthly payments until it learned of her death through this investigation. From March 2017 until November 2021, Albus took his mother’s SSA payments and used them for his personal expenses. Albus also failed to report other assets, including three vehicles, several bank accounts and proceeds from the dog grooming business.

In a May 2022 interview with SSA special agents, Albus admitted he took his mother’s benefits after her death because he felt he was “entitled” to them. SSA determined Albus received approximately $60,627 in SSI benefits for which he was ineligible and stole an additional $59,535 in SSA funds intended for his mother.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The SSA Office of Inspector General and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man on Monday admitted to assaulting a woman by cutting her face with a knife during an argument on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

The defendant, Colten Tyrone Small, also known as Colton Swan, 24, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Small faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on each charge.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Jan. 29, 2025. Small was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that in the early morning hours of May 3, 2023, Small punched the victim, identified as Jane Doe, in the face while he held a butcher knife in a residence in Box Elder, on the Rocky Boy’s Reservation. A witness to the assault told law enforcement that Small sliced Doe’s face in the residence. Small and Doe argued, and the fight got more aggressive. After Small cut Doe’s face, the witness beat up Small. There was some fentanyl and alcohol use occurring at the time. Doe was treated for facial injuries from the knife at Northern Montana Hospital.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Law Enforcement investigated the case.

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BILLINGS — A Billings man accused of texting with undercover law enforcement to arrange for sex with a minor girl and showing up at an agreed-upon location admitted to a racketeering crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Christopher Lynn Cliburn, 60, pleaded guilty to use of facility in interstate commerce in aid of racketeering as charged in a superseding information. Cliburn faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Cliburn was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on Nov. 16, 2023, law enforcement placed an ad on a website depicting a fictious 14-year-old girl. The ad suggested that the “girl” was willing to engage in sexual conduct for money. On Nov. 19, 2023, a phone number, later connected to Cliburn, responded to the ad. Cliburn and an undercover officer then engaged in a series of text communications in which the parties discussed meeting for commercial sex, potential sexual acts that the “girl” would perform and how much money Cliburn had. On Nov. 20, 2023, Cliburn indicated he was at the agreed-upon location in Billings and confirmed his presence by sending law enforcement a photograph.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office 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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MISSOULA — A federal jury convicted a Stevensville timber frame home builder on Sept. 20 of wire fraud and money laundering crimes in an alleged scheme in which he defrauded customers of more than $2 million by obtaining payments to build them homes but instead used the money for personal expenses and to pay other debts, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

After a five-day trial that began on Sept. 16, the jury found the defendant, Brett Mauri, 61, guilty of four counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering. Mauri faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release on the wire fraud counts, and a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or twice the amount of the criminally derived property involved in the transaction, and three years of supervised release on each count of money laundering.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court set sentencing for Jan. 30, 2025. Mauri’s release was continued pending further proceedings.

“Mauri stole nearly $2 million from people who trusted him to build their dream homes. He consistently lied to them and made excuses about the lack of progress on each project, some of whom didn’t have anything to show despite paying Mauri thousands and thousands of dollars. They didn’t just suffer monetary losses, but mentally and emotionally, too. I hope his forthcoming federal prison sentence gives them comfort knowing he can’t scam anyone else again,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that Mauri is the owner and operator of Bitterroot Timber Frames (BTF) and Three Mile Creek Post & Beam, LLC. According to Mauri and the company’s website, BTF built custom timber frame homes across the United States. Mauri claimed credit for large projects in some of America’s most popular ski towns between the 1990s and 2010s. The government alleged that between 2018 and 2022, Mauri defrauded nine individuals who hired him to build their timber frame homes. Many of the agreements were made by written contract, while some were formed by email or over the phone. Mauri obtained payments from these customers and lied to them about his operations and what he was doing with their money. Mauri ultimately provided little to nothing in return.

The scheme involved Mauri inducing customers to send him funds, which were ultimately deposited into his or his wife’s bank accounts. Mauri, and his wife, Carrie McEnroe, primarily used the money for personal living expenses and to pay other debts instead of building the homes as he promised. What work Mauri did perform on victims’ projects gave his operation the hallmarks of a Ponzi scheme. He frequently solicited new money from a victim and used the funds, in part, to cover past expenses that were often incurred on earlier projects. The scheme resulted in victims paying Mauri more than $2 million. In exchange, Mauri provided very little materials or services, and some victims received nothing at all. Victims had hired Mauri to build homes in the Montana communities of Whitehall, Victor, Corvallis and Missoula, and in New York, Utah, and Louisiana.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A Helena felon who admitted to illegally possessing a loaded AR-15 rifle found in his vehicle on the state capitol grounds in Helena was sentenced today to 21 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Joshua Nzeyimana, 23, pleaded guilty in April to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

In court documents, the government alleged that on Dec. 6, 2023, Nzeyimana, a convicted felon on state supervision, possessed a loaded AR-15 rifle in his vehicle on the state capitol grounds in Helena. The rifle was found during a probation search of the vehicle. The rifle had a round in the chamber and was loaded with a 17-round magazine. Nzeyimana was listed as an absconder in Montana Conweb. During an interview, Nzeyimana acknowledged possessing the rifle. He previously shot the rifle, firing a single round in an open field near Elk Park. Nzeyimana knew he could not legally purchase the rifle himself, so he used another person to buy it. In June 2023, Nzeyimana was convicted and sentenced to a four-year suspended sentence in two state felony cases, one for felony criminal endangerment and one for felony assault with a weapon.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Montana Highway Patrol, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Probation and Parole and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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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GREAT FALLS — A Browning man accused of beating and then using a belt to assault a woman on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Briar Joseph Crawford, 29, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Crawford faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

Chief U.S District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Jan. 29, 2025. Crawford was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on Aug. 6, 2023, Crawford went to Twin Lakes go fishing with the victim, identified as Jane Doe. They got into an argument, and Crawford began to severely beat Doe over several hours as they traveled from Twin Lakes to the East Glacier Cut Across Road. At one point, Crawford removed his belt, wrapped it around Doe’s neck, grabbed it and lifted her weight off the ground until she blacked out. Doe suffered numerous injuries from the prolonged assault.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A federal jury on Thursday found a Browning man guilty of distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a man in his home on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

After a three-day trial that began on Sept. 17, the jury found the defendant, Douglas Darren Malatare, 59, guilty of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl as charged in an indictment. Malatare faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years to life in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release on the distribution charge and a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the possession charge.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court set sentencing for Jan. 22, 2025. Malatare was detained pending further proceedings.

“Fentanyl is our nation’s deadliest illicit drug threat, as it is devastating families and communities. And we are fiercely determined to hold accountable those who are responsible for such devastation, especially when one’s drug trafficking results in another’s death. Malatare poisoned the Blackfeet reservation and made thousands of dollars doing it, including costing the victim his life. I applaud the jury for holding Malatare accountable and am relieved Malatare will no longer be poisoning the streets of Browning and the surrounding area,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that on Nov. 19, 2022, the mother of the victim, John Doe, with whom she shared a residence, found him deceased in his bathroom. Doe was 49 years old when he died, and his body showed no obvious signs of cause of death. Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and the Glacier County coroner investigated. In Doe’s bedroom, law enforcement found blue powder and a straw on top of a dresser. Doe’s mother reported that Doe had been at the residence the evening before. That evening, Doe’s friend, Malatare, had visited with Doe outside the residence. Doe and his mother then had dinner, during which she noticed Doe had a hard time staying awake. Doe’s mother found him unresponsive in the bathroom. Forensic testing and an autopsy conducted on Doe’s body showed that he had fentanyl in his blood and urine. Ibuprofen and hydrocodone also were detected in his body. A medical examiner concluded that Doe had died of acute fentanyl intoxication.

The government further alleged that a law enforcement search of Doe’s cell phone found a text exchange between Doe and Malatare the evening Doe overdosed. The exchange included:

Malatare to Doe: “Catch up with you lil bit bro, you looking.”

Doe to Malatare: “Yeah, I’ll be home. Just got off work. I can only afford half if you can stop by.”

An investigation determined that beginning in at least September 2022, an individual named “Doug,” and later identified as Malatare, was bringing fentanyl from Washington to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and that Malatare made several quick trips back and forth to Washington between September and December 2022. On Dec. 17, 2022, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services stopped Malatare for speeding and used a K-9 to conduct a sniff search on the car. The K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics. Law enforcement seized the car and obtained a search warrant. Officers searched a fanny pack before allowing Malatare to possess it and found a bag of blue and white pills that they suspected contained fentanyl. In a search of the vehicle, officers found a quantity of multi-colored fentanyl pills in the back seat behind a middle armrest. They also recovered a digital scale and multiple rolls of U.S. currency.  An analysis determined both the multi-colored pills and blue and white pills contained fentanyl. In total, the Drug Enforcement Administration lab found more than 600 fentanyl pills. A witness told law enforcement that Malatare was bragging that he purchased the pills for $2 per pill in Washington and sold them for $50 to $60 per pill in Montana. The pills seized from Malatare had an estimated street value of more than $30,000. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, DEA, and FBI conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA — A Butte woman convicted by a federal jury of trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl as part of a large drug ring that had a base Whitehall was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Janet Dean White, 57, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in a jury trial in April.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.

“White was among eight Montanans and Californians who were convicted in a conspiracy that brought at least 13 pounds of methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl pills to the Butte and Helena areas. We will not rest until every drug trafficker is brought to justice, and I’m confident those defendants will end up residing in the same place as White - federal prison,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In court documents, the government alleged that from June 2022 until about January 2023 in Butte and Helena, White and seven other co-defendants conspired to traffic meth and fentanyl. In June 2022, the Utah Highway Patrol stopped an individual traveling in a vehicle carrying 3.5 pounds of meth and 6,000 pills containing fentanyl and learned that the individual was transporting the drugs to Butte for distribution by “Esco,” who was co-defendant Juan Felipe Vidrio Fuentes, of Anaheim, California. Law enforcement further learned that Fuentes was staying at Whitehall residence along with at least one co-defendant, James Andrew Stringari, of Whitehall, and that Fuentes was supplying both fentanyl and meth throughout the Butte area from the Whitehall residence. In addition, law enforcement corroborated information about meth and fentanyl trafficking that implicated Fuentes, Stringari, White and another co-defendant.

Fuentes and Stringari also were convicted of conspiracy and possession charges during the April trial. Fuentes was sentenced recently to 30 years in prison, while Stringari is pending sentencing.

The government further alleged that in October 2022, law enforcement stopped a vehicle leaving the Whitehall residence. White was a passenger, and law enforcement found one pound of meth in her purse. In November 2022, law enforcement again stopped White in a vehicle and located three quarters of a pound of meth and more than 100 pills containing fentanyl. White also possessed several cell phones, which contained messages indicative of her drug distribution.

During the investigation, law enforcement intercepted packages containing thousands of pills that were mailed from California to the Whitehall address and to a Butte address. Law enforcement also learned that Fuentes had relocated to a house in Helena.

Law enforcement conducted coordinated stops and raids of the Helena and Butte addresses. In the Butte residence, law enforcement located approximately six pounds of meth, 208 grams of fentanyl, $15,000 cash and seven firearms. In the Helena residence, law enforcement located approximately seven pounds of meth and 68 grams of fentanyl.

Co-defendants Martin Topete Garcia and his brother, Johnathan Topete, both of Mira Loma, California, pleaded guilty and are pending sentencing. Co-defendant Trevor Allen Handy, of Butte, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years and six months in prison. Co-defendant Anthony Wayne Johnson II, of Santa Ana, California, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in prison, and co-defendant Agatha Noriz Carranza, of Whitehall, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years in prison.

Law enforcement conducted coordinated stops and raids of the Helena and Butte addresses. In the Butte residence, law enforcement located approximately six pounds of meth, 208 grams of fentanyl, $15,000 cash and seven firearms. In the Helena residence, law enforcement located approximately seven pounds of meth and 68 grams of fentanyl.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, Montana Highway Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri River Drug Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Utah Highway Patrol and Utah State Bureau of Investigations conducted the investigation.

The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

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BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to obtaining methamphetamine and fentanyl from the dark web for distribution in the Billings community was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Ryan William Newhart, 29, pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

In court documents, the government alleged that in May 2023, law enforcement received information that Newhart was distributing meth in the community and getting pound-quantities through the mail. In June 2023, officers obtained a search warrant for Newhart’s residence and seized 427 grams, or almost one pound, of meth and more than 40 grams of fentanyl pills. Newhart admitted to selling approximately 10 pounds of meth from September 2022 to June 2023 and that he obtained the drugs through the dark web for distribution in the community. Ten pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 36,240 doses.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and U.S. Postal Inspection 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 — Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has approved an initial set of 78 communities across 47 states, territories, and the District of Columbia for designation under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022.

The Justice Department - through its United States Attorney’s offices (USAOs) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Field Divisions - will partner with each designated jurisdiction to develop a plan to reduce intimate partner firearm violence and to prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders prohibited under 18 U.S. Code Section 922(g) from owning firearms. 

In the District of Montana, Gallatin County and Bozeman have been designated.

“Domestic gun violence not only leads to tragedy within families, but it also ripples through our communities. Everyone has a right to feel safe in their homes and communities. Reducing intimate partner firearm violence and getting dangerous offenders off the street are top priorities for our office. By continuing our commitment to work with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, and community stakeholders, we are making sure that persons who are prohibited under federal law from having guns are prosecuted and held accountable,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“Domestic abuse was once considered a private matter to be suffered alone in the shadows,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. “VAWA has steadily shone a light on this issue, resulting in significant decreases in domestic violence over the past few decades. We recognize firearms are often used by abusers to carry out acts of domestic violence. To combat this, we encourage our law enforcement partners to seek all available federal funds so we may continue to disrupt this violence and strengthen our support of all victims.”

"As the County Attorney in Gallatin County, I witness firsthand the devastating impact of domestic violence on families and communities,” said Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell.  “Gallatin County's designation as a VAWA jurisdiction and partnership with the US Attorney's Office marks a crucial advancement in our fight against domestic violence. By collaborating at both local and federal levels, we enhance our capability to tackle the complexities of these cases, especially those involving gun violence. Our joint efforts are not only aimed at reducing domestic violence and preventing homicides but also at providing robust support to survivors, ensuring they have the resources and protection necessary to rebuild and thrive. This initiative underscores our commitment to a safer, more just community."

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana is working with law enforcement to reduce gun violence through coordinated, multi-agency investigations through the federal initiative, Project Safe Neighborhoods, to ensure that persons who violate federal firearms law are charged, convicted and sentenced to federal prison, where there is no parole.

Communities have been designated in close coordination with community stakeholders. They include rural areas, suburban areas, urban areas, and Tribal communities. The Justice Department used data to identify communities that could benefit from increased focus on intimate partner violence resources and where the local jurisdiction is committed to partnering with the Department to increase the use of federal tools to prosecute offenders under 18 U.S.C. 922(g). The designation represents the partnership and coordination between the department and the local jurisdiction to ensure federal resources are being leveraged effectively to address intimate partner firearm violence.

The Justice Department anticipates additional jurisdictions to be designated as USAOs continue coordination with their local stakeholders.  All USAOs, with or without specific community designations under Section 1103, will continue to combat intimate partner firearm violence and prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders as part of their Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy and in support of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime. 

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BILLINGS — U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich today announced grant funding of more than $3.5 million for Montana from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs to support crime victims. The funding, totaling $3,657,090, is for two programs.

“Obtaining justice requires both accountability of the offender and support for crime victims. This funding demonstrates the Justice Department’s continuing commitment to ensuring that crime victims have access to assistance and compensation programs they need and deserve,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The Montana Board of Crime Control will receive $3,017,090 from the Office for Victims of Crime. The funds are from the Fiscal Year 2024 Victim Assistant Formula Grant through the Victims of Crime Act. The MBCC will provides funds from the Crime Victims Fund to enhance crime victim services in the state. These assistance funds are typically competitively awarded by the state to local community-based organizations that provide direct services to crime victims.  The project period began Oct. 1, 2023 and will end Sept. 30, 2027. MBCC is a quasi-judicial board appointed by the governor to promote public safety.

The Montana Department of Justice will receive $640,000 from the Office for Victims of Crime. The funds are from the Fiscal Year 2024 Victim Compensation Formula Grant through the Victims of Crime Act. The grant provides funds from the Crime Victims Fund to enhance State Victim Compensation payments to eligible crime victims. The Victims of Crime Act compensation funds provide financial assistance to Federal and State victims of crime. The project period began Oct. 1, 2023 and will end Sept. 30, 2027.

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BILLINGS — A Lame Deer woman admitted today to selling methamphetamine on the Northern Cheyenne Indian reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Emma Jewell King, 62, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. King faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. King was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that between December 2020 and January 2021, law enforcement learned that King was selling meth on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. A source told law enforcement that he or she started purchasing meth from King in early 2019 and would purchase three to four grams per week from her. King’s source of meth was from a home in Lodge Grass and from Washington. In March 2023, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of meth from King from King’s house. King told law enforcement in January 2024 that she was a drug dealer and had purchased one ounce of meth every week beginning in about July 2021 through March 2023.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.

The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

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BILLINGS —A Billings woman convicted at trial by a federal jury of trafficking methamphetamine by using her U.S. passport to bring the drug across the Mexico border and into California for mailing to Montana for distribution was sentenced on Sept. 13 to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

The defendant, Dawn Marie Guevara, 44, who was living in Tijuana, Mexico, was found guilty in a March trial of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Waters presided.

In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that Guevara conspired with others to distribute pounds of meth in the Billings community from about July 2018 to December 2018. Law enforcement learned that Guevara, who was living in Mexico, was selling meth to an individual through social media orders and arranging to have another person in Billings receive the meth and complete the transaction. While living in Mexico, Guevara recruited her niece, Ashley Chesmore, to deliver the drugs. Chesmore was prosecuted in 2019 and sentenced to four years in federal prison for her role in the case.

Investigators determined that Guevara would obtain meth in Mexico, cross into the United States using her U.S. passport and mail the meth from a post office in San Ysidro. Money collected from sales was wired to Guevara in Mexico. Border crossing information determined that Guevara entered the United States through the San Ysidro Port of Entry approximately 20 times between July 7, 2018 and Oct. 18, 2018. After her indictment in 2019, Guevara did not cross the border a single time between 2019 and 2023. Guevara was arrested in 2023 in the United States.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Postal Service 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.

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