District of Montana

MISSOULA — A Washington man who admitted to bringing methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl pills to Montana for distribution was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Ryan Creighton Doak, 49, of Everett, Washington, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that on Feb. 2, 2023, Doak was the passenger in a vehicle, driven by his girlfriend, that was stopped in Montana. Law enforcement arrested Doak after a Montana Highway Patrol trooper located a device for smoking drugs and a small amount of heroin on Doak. Investigators executed a search warrant on the vehicle and recovered a firearm, more than 100 grams of meth, and nearly 3,000 fentanyl pills. Doak admitted to investigators to making several trips to Montana to distribute controlled substances. The government estimated that Doak brought to Montana 12,000 to 14,000 fentanyl pills and 1.5 to 1.75 pounds of meth in three months.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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.

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GREAT FALLS — A Minnesota man convicted by a federal jury for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl in Havre and Billings in 2021 was sentenced today to eight years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

After a 2 ½ day trial in September 2023, a jury found Rembrandt Carlos Kemp, 33, of Fridley, Minnesota, guilty of conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, as charged in an indictment.

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

The government presented evidence at trial showing that in January 2021, law enforcement began investigating fentanyl distribution in Havre by two individuals identified as Kemp and co-defendant Chantel Azure. Investigators conducted a controlled buy of fentanyl pills from Azure. During the sale, law enforcement observed Azure arrive in a vehicle with two male passengers inside. Agents saw Azure get out of her car, get into another vehicle where the sale occurred, and return to her vehicle with the two men still inside.

Law enforcement then initiated a traffic stop of Azure and her two occupants. Kemp was located in the front passenger seat and his co-defendant, Martaveon Scott, was in the back seat. Azure and Kemp were arrested on warrants and Scott was arrested for providing a false name. Kemp was found with 4.32 grams of actual methamphetamine and a digital scale. Scott was found with 28.43 grams of actual methamphetamine and 100 pills of fentanyl. An additional 2.9 grams of actual meth was found in the trunk of the vehicle along with a .22 caliber AR-15 style rifle. Additionally, $1,378 was found with Kemp and Scott in the car, including the $800 cash used for the controlled buy.

Azure was sentenced to 28 months in prison for her conviction in the case. Scott is pending sentencing for his conviction in the case.

U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Tri-Agency Task Force, Havre Police Department 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.

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GREAT FALLS — The former operations manager for the Blackfeet Tribe today admitted to stealing more than $78,000 in federal COVID-19 relief funding the tribe received by fraudulently submitting requests for repayments to the tribe after falsely claiming to buy COVID-19 supplies, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

James Cameron McNeely, 43, pleaded guilty to theft from an Indian tribal government receiving federal funding. McNeely 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 June 6. McNeely’s release was continued pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that from about October 2021 until October 2022, McNeely, while employed as the Blackfeet Tribe’s operations manager, submitted requests for repayment to the tribe, and received such payments, after falsely claiming to purchase COVID-19 supplies on behalf of the tribe from Amazon. In reality, McNeely never purchased the supplies, and he was not entitled to the money he claimed and received, which totaled approximately $78,415. The tribe reimbursed McNeely with checks issued from the bank account containing American Rescue Plan Act funds, which were allocated to the tribe following a $1.9 trillion stimulus bill as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA — A Texas man who admitted stealing more than $100,000 from Montana banks as part of an organized group that used forged checks and stolen identities to defraud banks was sentenced today to four years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $103,149 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Shanetwann Clayton Waldon, 46, of Dallas, Texas, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that Waldon, working with several co-defendants, traveled from Texas to Montana, Idaho and Wyoming to pass fraudulent checks at smaller financial institutions. Waldon targeted rural areas because they were a “little ‘country’ and the bank process was slower than in Texas.” In 2022 and 2023, Waldon made at least four trips to Montana, and on 10 occasions, entered a new bank and stole thousands of dollars. Waldon presented a fake identity to evade detection by law enforcement and used forged instruments to create debts in the name of others. In Montana, Waldon targeted banks in Hamilton, Bozeman, Billings and Missoula. He persisted in the scheme months after his initial co-defendants had been arrested. In total, Waldon and his codefendants stole $141,822 from 30 bank branches in three states. Waldon’s total amount owed of $103,149 is payable to six Montana banks, including First Interstate Bank, TrailWest Bank, First Security Bank, Opportunity Bank of Montana, Farmers State Bank and Western Security Bank.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case. The FBI, U.S. Secret Service, police departments in Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, Livingston, and Laurel, Montana, the Yellowstone County (Montana) Sheriff’s Office; police departments in Chubbock, Pocatello and Kemmerer, Idaho, the Bannock County (Idaho) Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police; and police departments in Evanston and Mountain View, Wyoming, and the Teton County (Wyoming) Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS — A Wyoming man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in the Miles City area was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Elmer Richard Petersen, 45, of Gillette, Wyoming, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in October 2021, law enforcement stopped Petersen in Miles City upon information that he was trafficking drugs. He was released from the scene and his car was seized. Officers executed a state search warrant on the car and recovered a 9mm pistol, approximately three pounds of meth and $10,000 cash. In December 2021, police received a tip that Petersen was back in Miles City. Officers located Petersen at a local hotel and attempted to arrest him on a warrant from Wyoming. Petersen fled but was arrested after a short foot chase. The arresting officer located a .380-caliber pistol in Petersen’s pocket. Petersen was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior felony conviction in Wyoming.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Highway Patrol and Miles City 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.

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BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine after getting caught with four pounds of meth was sentenced on Jan. 25 to 10 years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

 Gary Michael Byrd, 52, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to a superseding information charging him with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in 2023, the Billings Police Department received information that Byrd was trafficking meth from his residence. Law enforcement pulled over Byrd and arrested him on an outstanding warrant. During a search, officers found more than $5,600 cash in his pocket. Officers executed a search warrant at a workshop where Byrd was suspected of storing drugs and recovered approximately four pounds of meth from a toolbox. Four pounds of meth is the equivalent of 14,496 doses.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration and Eastern Montana 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.

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BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man who admitted to distributing methamphetamine on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation that he received through a large-scale narcotics trafficking organization based on the Crow Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 20 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Joseph John Simpson, 49, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

“Armed with multiple firearms, including a submachine gun, Simpson was a prolific and dangerous drug dealer who trafficked nearly 10 pounds of meth on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. He was considered the best customer of an extensive drug conspiracy based on the Crow Reservation with ties to Washington traffickers and a cartel in Mexico. To put it simply, Simpson is dangerous, and the people of the Northern Cheyenne and Crow Nations can rest easier knowing he will spend the next 20 years in federal prison,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In court documents, the government alleged that from May 2022 to July 2023, law enforcement obtained information from multiple sources that Simpson was distributing meth on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation and elsewhere. Simpson is one of approximately two dozen defendants related to a large-scale, multiple-state narcotics trafficking organization centered on multiple properties on the Crow reservation, including one referred to as Spear Siding. Simpson was considered the “best client” of the organization and was a “top dealer” of meth on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, along with being the source for other dealers. Simpson is responsible for the distribution of almost 10 pounds of meth, which is the equivalent of 36,240 doses. The government alleged Simpson was integral to the operation, partially because he made sure his sources got paid.

The government further alleged that on July 13, 2023, a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer in Lame Deer observed a pickup truck that appeared to be stolen and was driven by an individual, later identified as Simpson. Law enforcement arrested Simpson after a high-speed pursuit and found him in possession of two pounds of meth, $9,000 in cash and four firearms, including an Uzi submachine gun. Simpson told law enforcement that the $9,000 was drug proceeds.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration 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.

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GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls woman who admitted to possessing stolen mail and wire fraud while working as a postal service contract driver was sentenced today to three years of probation and ordered to pay $5,641 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jacqueline Rose Hydock, 34, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to possession of stolen mail and wire fraud.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that while Hydock was a postal service contract driver responsible for transporting mail between the Black Eagle and Great Falls post offices, she stole checks and gift cards contained in some of the mail items. Hydock used stolen gift cards at Great Falls businesses and altered and deposited checks into her bank accounts in 2022. In letters to the court, one of the victims spent more than five hours and 100 miles of driving to rectify the damage caused after Hydock stole a check he had mailed. Another victim told the court that she is afraid to mail anything of value anymore, and that when her seven-year-old grandson opened his birthday card that no longer had its gift card inside, both were devastated.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Service, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and Great Falls Police Department conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to holding a knife to a person’s throat and stabbing another person who attempted to intervene was sentenced today to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jaylin John Ridesatthedoor, 21, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to assault with a dangerous weapon and to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that on June 28, 2022 near Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Ridesatthedoor pursued a vehicle that was occupied by his ex-girlfriend, identified as Jane Doe, and others. Ridesatthedoor slashed two of the tires, broke out a window and tried to pull Jane Doe from the vehicle. Once Jane Doe left the vehicle, Ridesatthedoor attempted to persuade Jane Doe to go with him. When she refused, Ridesatthedoor started swinging a knife he was holding at Jane Doe and then held it against her throat. Another occupant of the vehicle, John Doe, tried to pull Ridesatthedoor off Jane Doe, and Ridesatthedoor stabbed him in the chest. John Doe was flown to an area hospital for life-saving surgery.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A man and a woman who admitted to intimidation charges after they attempted to steal from a store on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation were sentenced today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Dustin Alan Robbins, 38, and Nicole Lynn Hicks, 37, both transients, pleaded guilty to intimidation in August 2023.

Robbins was sentenced to one year in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release.

Hicks was sentenced to time served of 262 days, to be followed by two years of supervised release.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that on Nov. 1, 2021, Hicks and Robbins, who are non-Indian, entered the Red Paint Creek Trading Post in Lodge Pole, on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. At the time, both had been excluded from the reservation by the Fort Belknap community for an incident that occurred near Hays in September 2021. Hicks took a 30-pack of beer without paying and left the store. A store employee, who is an Indian person, followed Hicks outside. Hicks put the beer on the ground as she was going through a fence. The store employee went to retrieve the beer and picked it up.

The government further alleged that Robbins assaulted the employee and threatened to burn down the store. After learning of the theft, the store manager, also an Indian person, went outside and saw Robbins assaulting the employee. The store manager yelled that she had called the police and picked up a large rock to defend the employee. Robbins stopped the assault and ran away with Hicks. As they were leaving, Hicks kept screaming and Robbins yelled threats, including that he was with the mafia and was going to burn down the store. Tribal police located Robbins and Hicks at a home on the reservation, despite their prior exclusion, and removed them from the reservation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Myers prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl after his drug distribution led to the near-death of a toddler who ingested a fentanyl pill was sentenced today to 13 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Shacotta Keenan St. Onge, 31, pleaded guilty in June 2023 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that the Russell Country Drug Task Force received information in the fall of 2022, that St. Onge was distributing drugs in the Great Falls area. Law Enforcement obtained meth and fentanyl pills from St. Onge in controlled buys and in February 2023, officers executed a search warrant on St. Onge’s residence and recovered fentanyl pills and meth. In April 2023, St. Onge sold fentanyl to the mother of a two-year-old girl. The pills were scattered about the mother’s residence, and the child ingested a pill, leading to her hospitalization and near death.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. Homeland Security Investigations, the Russell Country Drug Task Force, the Great Falls Police Department 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.

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BILLINGS — A Hardin felon who illegally possessed firearms and used them to kill eagles and sell their parts for profit was sentenced today to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Harvey Alvin Hugs, 60, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to felon in possession of firearms.

Hugs’ sentence is to run concurrently to a three-year prison sentence he received in U.S. District Court in South Dakota for conviction of violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act because his crimes there were deemed as relevant conduct to his firearms offense.  

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

The government alleged in court documents that Hugs was prohibited from possessing firearms because he was convicted in 2002 of felony involuntary manslaughter in U.S. District Court in Montana and was sentenced in 2014 for two separate state felony convictions in Big Horn County. Hugs illegally possessed firearms and used them to kill eagles and sell their parts for profit. Hugs engaged in this conduct for more than a year and sold multiple eagle parts to the same informant. When law enforcement executed a search warrant of Hugs’ property in March 2021, officers recovered ammunition in his home; a loaded rifle, spent shells, ammunition and eagle parts in his white Chevrolet Silverado; and another rifle, two boxes of ammunition, spent shells and eagle feathers in his red Chevrolet Silverado. The investigation recovered body parts from 21 different eagles.

Hugs was charged and convicted in a jury trial in U.S. District Court in South Dakota on three counts of violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act for the sale and shipment of eagle parts to the informant. Hugs was sentenced to one year in prison on each count, to run consecutively, and ordered to pay $70,000 restitution. Hugs has appealed the restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the 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.

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BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man who admitted to robbing a Billing bank while armed with a knife and attempting to flee on a city bus was sentenced today to five years and three months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Elmer Brady, 68, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to bank robbery.

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

The government alleged that on March 23, Brady entered Stockman Bank in downtown Billings, approached a teller and told her, “I already took care of your security guard.” Brady then wrote on a deposit slip, “This is a …” with the last word being unreadable. Brady slid the note to the teller and demanded $9,000 or else he would kill her. The teller told law enforcement that Brady said he was armed with a weapon and would use it if she didn’t give him the money. Fearing that Brady was going to kill her and others in the bank, the teller gave Brady all the money in her cash drawer, and he left the bank. Brady attempted to leave the area on a City of Billings bus, but a bank guard alerted the bus driver, who ordered Brady to get off. Brady complied and police officers arrested him a short time later as he was walking toward the Billings Public Library. In a search of Brady, officers found a large knife in his jacket pocket and determined he was on state probation. Law enforcement searched Brady’s bag and recovered $6,361 in U.S. currency, a pair of binoculars, rubber gloves and a metal pipe.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case. The FBI and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA — A Troy man was charged this week with evidence tampering related to the shooting and killing of a grizzly bear on his property in 2020 and the discarding of the bear’s GPS collar in the Yaak River, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

An information filed in U.S. District Court on Jan. 22 charges Othel Lee Pearson, 80, of Troy, with tampering with evidence, a felony, and failure to report taking of grizzly bear, a misdemeanor. Pearson faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the evidence tampering charge and a maximum of six months in prison and a $25,000 fine on the failure to report charge.

A court date for Pearson’s appearance has not yet been set. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

“As alleged, Pearson discarded a GPS collar on a grizzly bear and hid the bear’s claws and an ear tag in an attempt to avoid criminal prosecution for unlawfully killing a grizzly bear. Such conduct is illegal and, as shown here, will result in the prosecution of a federal felony,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The parties informed the court that there is a plea agreement in the matter, and it is anticipated that Pearson has agreed to plead guilty to both charges in the information. The plea agreement calls for the government and defendant to jointly recommend a sentence of three years of probation and an $8,000 fine. In exchange for guilty pleas, the United States agrees not to prosecute another individual in connection with the taking of the grizzly bear, and Pearson agrees to cooperate with the United States regarding the skull of a second grizzly bear discovered on National Forest System lands near his property.

As alleged in court documents, on Nov. 19, 2020, Pearson shot and killed a sow grizzly bear on his residential property, using a .270 rifle. Pearson cut a GPS collar that had been fitted to the bear and discarded the collar nearby in the Yaak River. Pearson also cut paws, ear tags and an identifying lip tattoo from the bear carcass. Pearson then concealed the bear’s claws and an ear tag in a hollowed-out tree on National Forest System land near his residence. As further alleged, Pearson tampered with these identifying objects to impair the criminal prosecution for the unlawful killing of the grizzly bear. Pearson did not report the killing of the grizzly bear to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within five days of occurrence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Tanner is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted the investigation. 

PACER case reference. 24-4.

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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HELENA — A Helena man who admitted to falsely claiming to have served in the U.S. Navy so he could receive healthcare benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs was sentenced today to three years of probation, with 180 days of home confinement, and ordered to pay $46,075 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Patrick John McKenna, 66, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to healthcare fraud.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in August 2021, McKenna applied for healthcare benefits with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Health Administration and indicated on his application that he had served with the U.S. Navy from 1981 to 1984. Based on his representation of military service, McKenna was approved for healthcare benefits and received VA-funded counseling services. McKenna then applied for additional benefits with the VA Veterans Benefits Administration based on claimed service-related disabilities. VBA representatives searched multiple record systems and were unable to find any record of McKenna’s service.

In an interview with agents from the VA Office of Inspector General, McKenna admitted that he did not serve in the U.S. Navy and that he had applied for healthcare benefits because of the high cost of private healthcare. Agents determined that McKenna’s scheme resulted in a loss of $39,200 to the VHA and $6,975 to the Helena Veteran Center, for a total loss of $46,075.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shannon L. Clarke and Timothy J. Racicot prosecuted the case. The VA Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man was sentenced today to 14 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after he admitted to shooting and killing another man in 2022 on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Terence Arturo Limberhand, 32, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to voluntary manslaughter.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $8,000 restitution.

The government alleged in court documents that on the night of June 21, 2022, Limberhand was driving a four-wheeler and approached the victim, identified as John Doe, who was standing outside of a house near Lame Deer. Limberhand had a dispute with John Doe and an affiliate, leading Limberhand to believe that he and his family may be in danger. Limberhand shot John Doe multiple times before fleeing on the four-wheeler. John Doe was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Five days later, Limberhand went to a ranch outside of Lame Deer and told individuals there that he had been threatened. Bureau of Indian Affairs officers arrested Limberhand a short time later.

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

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BILLINGS — A Billings felon who admitted to illegally possessing a gun after he lied to law enforcement about his identity because of outstanding warrants was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Patrick Lee Tellez, 50, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to felon in possession of a firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on Dec. 30, 2022 in Billings, a Montana Highway Patrol officer conducted a traffic stop on a speeding car in which Tellez was a passenger. Tellez lied about his identity because he had outstanding warrants. Tellez refused the trooper’s order to get out of the vehicle and had to be tazed. When Tellez did get out of the car, the trooper saw a pistol that had been shoved into the passenger seat. Tellez had six prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case. The Montana Highway Patrol 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.

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BILLINGS — A Crow Agency man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine as part of a large, multiple-state conspiracy that was based on the Crow Indian Reservation was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jeffrey Prettypaint, 30, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court allowed Prettypaint to self- surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

In court documents and in court, the government alleged that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, investigated a large-scale, multiple-state narcotics trafficking organization that was centered on multiple properties on the Crow Indian Reservation. The properties, including one known as Spear Siding, were a source of supply of meth for both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Reservations and the Billings community from about January 2022 to March 2023. Prettypaint is one of approximately two dozen defendants charged in the conspiracy and was considered to be in the mid-level of the conspiracy.

The government alleged that Prettypaint was directly involved with major players above him in the drug distribution ring and could go to Spear Siding and other property to get meth. In February of 2023, Prettypaint sent the following text message to one of the main co-conspirators and suppliers:

“..we picked up 3oz this morning but we need 4oz, Hahaha, ask [co-conspirator] if he can tip me hahaha 3+3+4=10 zips in 5 days, and Tell [co-conspirator 2] may I please have an Xmas bonus or some crystal tips. Pretty sure [co-conspirator 3] n I clesring [sic] a quarter pound a day not. Everyone coming to us.”

Prettypaint also was aware of a co-conspirator having a “safe house” where they could get fentanyl and meth. In September 2022, Prettypaint told an individual that the person could buy a pound of meth from Spear Siding for $6,000. The individual went to Spear Siding and purchased a half a pound of meth for $3,000. Further, Prettypaint excelled at dealing meth and suggested in his own messages ways to make it better. In discussing expanding the business with Prettypaint, a top co-conspirator told Prettypaint to be thinking about a “few other peeps who might want to purchase or who can be great distributors,” as well other locations. Prettypaint responded that they needed to “expand to other locations and start using cash apps.” Throughout the investigation, law enforcement determined that Prettypaint was being supplied meth from sources for Spear Siding and was redistributing meth.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration 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.

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MISSOULA — A Missoula man with felony convictions was sentenced today to two years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing firearms, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Heath Lynn Schmoeckel, 42, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to two counts of prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in January 2022, law enforcement responded to a single vehicle crash and located Schmoeckel in a ditch near Interstate 90. Officers located a bandana containing a pistol nearby. Schmoeckel told officers he took the pistol from the crash and tried to dispose of it. The government further alleged that in August 2022, Montana probation officers responded to Schmoeckel’s workplace, examined his vehicle and saw an AR-15 rifle on the passenger seat. Schmoeckel had the keys to the vehicle in his possession. In both instances, Schmoeckel was on supervision for prior felony offenses. Schmoeckel was prohibited from possessing firearms because of two state convictions for felony drug crimes.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Lowney prosecuted the case. The Montana Highway Patrol, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, Missoula Police Department and Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation.

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man admitted today to assaulting a woman at his residence on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation in 2021, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Gabriel Evan Jordan, 26, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Gabriel 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 May 30. Jordan was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on Nov. 16, 2021, the victim, identified as Jane Doe, visited Jordan at his residence. Jordan held Jane Doe down and assaulted her, which resulted in serious bodily injury.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer S. Clark and Stephanie D. Robles are prosecuting the case. The FBI, Rocky Boy’s Police Department, Hill County Sheriff’s Office and Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A Browning woman who admitted to stabbing a man, biting a federal correctional officer and robbing a local store in three separate incidents on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to four years and eight months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jada Mulon Wells, 21, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury, assault on a federal officer and robbery.

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

In court documents, the government alleged the three separate crimes involved different victims and occurred over a few months in late 2022 and early 2023.

In the first assault, the government alleged that on Nov. 5, 2022, Wells, who had been drinking alcohol, went to a family member’s home in Browning and assaulted the victim, identified as John Doe, over a bottle of alcohol. Wells struck John Doe, kicked him in the head while he was on the ground and stabbed him four times. John Doe was transported to a local hospital then flown to Benefis hospital in Great Falls where he underwent life-saving surgery.  

In the second assault, the government alleged that after Wells’ arrest on Nov. 6, 2022, she was incarcerated at the Browning Jail, a federal correctional facility operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. While being processed into the jail, Wells bit the hand of Jane Doe, a federal correctional officer, as she was being escorted to a holding cell. The bite broke the skin of Jane Doe’s hand.

In the robbery, the government alleged that on Jan. 13, 2023, Wells went with another person to a quilting store in Browning to try to sell a buffalo skull. The cashier, identified as Jane Doe 2, declined to buy the buffalo skull. Wells became agitated and ultimately grabbed a pair scissors. Holding them at waist high, Wells demanded that Jane Doe 2 open the till. Jane Doe 2 complied, and Wells took almost $300 from the till and stuffed it into her jacket.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, BIA and Cut Bank Police Department conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A Texas man accused of threatening to shoot a neighboring guest while both were staying at a motel in Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, admitted to a criminal charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Ronnie Wayne Bone, 57, of Bastrop, Texas, pleaded guilty to intimidation. Bone faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $50,000 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 May 29. Bone was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on Aug. 19, 2022, Bone, a non-Indian, was staying at a motel in Browning while on a motorcycling tour with a friend. The victim, identified as John Doe, who is a member of the Blackfeet Indian Tribe, and his family also were staying at the motel. Late that night, an unknown man knocked on the door to Bone’s room and then walked away. Bone, who was intoxicated, came out of his room and immediately started verbally accosting John Doe, who was outside his own room several doors away from Bone’s. Doe, who had been cleaning out his car, tried to explain to Bone that he was not connected to the man who had knocked on Bone’s door. The government further alleged that Bone continued to yell at Doe, telling him that he was from Texas and in Texas they shoot people like him. Bone called Doe racial slurs and then retrieved a .40-caliber pistol. Bone pointed the gun at Doe and his wife, who came outside to see what was happening. Bone continued to spew vitriolic and racist comments while threating to shoot them.

In addition, the government alleged that when law enforcement arrived, officers recovered a pistol loaded with a .40-caliber hollow point bullet from Bone’s room. Bone claimed he was lying in his bed minding his own business when someone started beating on his door and being obnoxious. Bone told officers he grabbed his gun and was like, “hey what’s up dude?” He further claimed Doe used racist comments against him, that he felt threatened and that he did not point the weapon at anyone. Bone’s claims were disputed by several independent witnesses, who saw Bone’s intimidation of Doe and heard his racist comments while threatening Doe.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case. The Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Glacier County Sherriff’s Office, and FBI conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A New Mexico man suspected of stealing items of significant historical value from the Montana Historical Society, including letters by the wife of renowned Western artist Charlie “C.M.” Russell, and then selling them on eBay appeared on Jan. 16 for arraignment on charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Brian Anthony D’Ambrosio, 49, Sante Fe, New Mexico, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with theft of major artwork, interstate transportation of stolen property and wire fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, D’Ambrosio faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. D’Ambrosio, who appeared by video, was released pending further proceedings.

The indictment alleges that from about April 2022 to September 2023, D’Ambrosio stole objects of cultural heritage that were more than 100 years old and worth more than $5,000 from the Montana Historical Society, a museum located in Helena. D’Ambrosio, while claiming to conduct research at the Montana Historical Society, stole items of significant historic value, including letters written by Nancy Russell, the wife of Western artist Charlie “C.M.” Russell. As alleged in the indictment, D’Ambrosio then sold and attempted to sell the items on eBay for a profit. D’Ambrosio fraudulently induced buyers to purchase the items by omitting that he had stolen them from the Montana Historical Society, making it appear as if he had authority to sell and transfer the items to others when he did not.

An indictment is only an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan G. Weldon and Jennifer S. Clark are prosecuting the case. The FBI and Helena Police Department conducted the investigation.

PACER case reference. 23-20.

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 man accused of beating an elderly small business owner while demanding money admitted to an assault charge on Jan. 16, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Frederick Melvin Noon, Jr., 39, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Noon 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 May 29. Noon was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on March 21, 2023, Noon assaulted the victim, identified as John Doe, a small business owner who is in his 70s, while demanding money. Noon was intoxicated when he walked into the business and asked for money. At first, Doe refused, and Noon became progressively angrier. Doe eventually gave Noon a few one-dollar bills, but Noon was not satisfied. Noon wanted Doe to go into a storeroom for the “other money,” and Doe told him no. Noon grabbed Doe from a chair and threw him to the floor. Noon then grabbed Doe by the face and threw him into the back room. Noon took the money Doe had handed over and left. After the assault, Doe called for help and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services officers responded. Officers arrested Noon about 20 minutes later at a convenience store. Doe was transported to a Blackfeet Hospital and then transferred to another hospital for treatment of injuries.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case. The Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A Helena man today admitted to illegally possessing homemade bombs and a silencer after being accused of attempting to attack a Helena Public Schools building, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Logan Sea Pallister, 25, pleaded guilty to possession of unregistered destructive devices and to possession of an unregistered silencer. Pallister 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 May 22. Pallister was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in May 2022, the Helena Police Department received information from an individual that Pallister possessed multiple bombs, had access to multiple firearms and had been making threats of committing an attack at a local high school. The person also indicated that Pallister discussed a desire to commit a Columbine-style attack at the high school and planned to use pipe bombs in addition to firearms. Further, Pallister had shown the individual numerous firearms and a large amount of ammunition that he kept in his car and had purchased a black trench coat and the same type of duffle bag used by the shooters in the attack at Columbine High School. The government also alleged that Pallister showed the individual a small propane cannister with a fuse sticking out of one end that he had retrieved from his car and had told the person it was a bomb he had made. Pallister also threatened to kill the individual if the person told anyone about the device. The individual reported the encounter to law enforcement.

On May 31, 2022 at about 4 a.m., police officers arrested Pallister as he was walking toward his car from his residence, wearing a black trench coat and carrying a bag. During a search of Pallister, officers found eight firearms that were concealed on his person. Law enforcement served search warrants on his home and car. In Pallister’s car, officers found nine additional firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, loaded magazines, firearm accessories, a Fram oil filter that appeared to have been modified to function as a homemade silencer and a green ammunition can that contained four suspected homemade pipe bombs. In Pallister’s residence, officers found additional firearms and ammunition, firearm components, money order documents, receipts and online orders related to chemicals, suspected chemical precursors for making explosives and a suspected homemade explosive mixture known as flash powder.

A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives expert examined the pipe bombs, determined that they contained an explosive mixture that, when ignited, would result in an explosion, and concluded the four pipe bombs were destructive devices. An examination of the Fram oil filter found it had a threaded adapter attached to one end, multiple rounds had been previously fired through it and that it was intended to diminish the sound of a firearm, making the device a silencer. The suppressor and destructive devices were not registered as required by law and their possession is a violation of federal firearms laws.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Helena Police Department, Lewis & Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Lewis & Clark County Attorney’s Office.

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

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GREAT FALLS — A commercial truck driver from Canada today admitted to a cocaine trafficking crime after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found approximately 30 kilograms of cocaine in watermelon pallets as the driver was attempting to enter Canada at the Montana border, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Kareshmaa Kaur Jagroop, 42, of Ontario, Canada, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine as charged in a superseding information. Jagroop faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least 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. The court set sentencing for May 23. Jagroop was released on conditions to a treatment center in Montana pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in July 2021, a commercial truck was northbound on Interstate 15 near the Sweetgrass Port of Entry in Toole County. As it approached the border in the outbound lane, Customs and Border Protection officers signaled the truck to stop, but the driver ignored the signal and continued past the outbound booth. Officers chased down the truck, which eventually stopped, and had the driver, Jagroop, reverse the truck back to the outbound booth for inspection. As part of the inspection, Jagroop drove through a screening machine, which showed potential anomalies in the trailer. Officers conducted a manual search and unloaded the contents with a forklift. Officers removed two pallets of watermelons and saw a plastic bag that contained approximately 30 kilograms, which is about 66 pounds, of cocaine. During an interview, Jagroop told officers she entered the United States about one week prior to the stop and delivered produce to supermarkets in Oregon and California. She eventually admitted that she was hauling cocaine for a group in Canada.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS — A Billings man was sentenced today to four years and three months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for conviction of a child pornography crime after he and another individual were arrested when they arrived at a park to meet a fictitious teenage boy, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jeffrey Mayes Wilkerson, 40, pleaded guilty in May to possession of child pornography.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that on July 14, 2022, in Billings, an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 13-year-old boy received a message on a social media platform from Wilkerson’s co-defendant, Kyle Ray Schwindt. Communications between the undercover and Schwindt turned sexual and were later connected to Wilkerson. The communications led to setting up a meeting in a park on July 15, 2022. Officers arrested Schwindt and Wilkerson when they arrived. Investigators served a search warrant on Wilkerson’s cellphone and found 172 files depicting child sex abuse material. Schwindt was sentenced previously to five years and 11 months in prison for his conviction in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Bryan T. Dake prosecuted the case. The FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Bozeman Police Department conducted the investigation.

This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, Project Safe Childhood attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation. It is implemented through partnerships including the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children.

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BILLINGS  — A Billings man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and a firearms crime as part of large-scale conspiracy in which he obtained pounds of the drug from properties on the Crow Indian Reservation for distribution in the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation and Billings communities was sentenced on Jan. 11 to 25 years in prison, to be followed by eight years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Roderick Plentyhawk, 38, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

“Plentyhawk was among the top drug dealers in this extensive drug conspiracy and worked with out-of-state traffickers in Washington with connections to one of Mexico’s cartels to bring this highly-addictive poison to two Montana Indian reservations and the Billings community. He dealt in large, pound quantities and carried guns for protection. He belongs in federal prison, which is exactly where he will be for the next quarter century. I am proud of the extraordinary work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners in pursuing and shutting down this far-ranging conspiracy,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The government alleged in court documents and in court that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, investigated a large-scale, multiple-state narcotics trafficking organization that was centered on multiple properties on the Crow Indian Reservation. The properties, including one known as Spear Siding, were a source of supply of meth for both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Reservations and the Billings community from about January 2022 to March 2023. Plentyhawk is one of approximately two dozen defendants charged in the conspiracy and was one of the main individuals affiliated with the investigation.

 Plentyhawk would receive meth from the Crow Reservation locations and redistribute it in the Northern Cheyenne and Billings communities. He also provided meth to other drug dealers, including to some co-conspirators. In addition, investigators obtained meth from Plentyhawk in controlled purchases. The investigation determined that Plentyhawk was selling significant amounts of meth and was indebted to a main source of supply for somewhere between $20,000 to $30,000, which is the equivalent of approximately four to five pounds of meth. Plentyhawk was directly involved with the most major players in the conspiracy, including those who were bringing drugs from Washington to Spear Siding. Proceeds from the drugs went to Washington and eventually to Mexico. The government further alleged that Plentyhawk went to Spear Siding nine to 10 times, purchased pound quantities and carried guns in his backpack.

When federal law enforcement officers arrested Plentyhawk on March 29, 2023 following a high-speed chase in Billings, Plentyhawk had a stolen, loaded 9mm pistol on his person. Plentyhawk had a previous felony conviction and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration 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.

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GREAT FALLS — An East Glacier man who admitted to beating one victim and stabbing another victim in two separate assaults on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced on Jan. 10 to a total of 41 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Frank David Francis Boy, 25, pleaded guilty in 2023 to assault with a dangerous weapon and to assault resulting in serious bodily injury for separate incidents.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in the first assault, Boy was drinking alcohol with friends in East Glacier on Sept. 18, 2022. The group then went for a drive and ended up in Browning at a house party, where the victim, identified as John Doe lived. Boy and Doe arm-wrestled and then got into a wrestling match, which led to a disagreement. Boy and his companions were told to leave, but Boy refused. Boy’s companions pulled Boy from the residence, and as they were walking away, Boy turned around and began to engage with Doe. Boy walked toward Doe, who was backing up, and stabbed Doe several times in the shoulder and back areas. Doe was flown to a Great Falls hospital for treatment of injuries.

In the second assault, the government alleged that on March 22, 2023, Boy and others were drinking alcohol and driving around when they drove toward East Glacier. The victim, identified as John Doe 2, was reclined in the front passenger seat and fell asleep. Another passenger told Boy that Doe 2 would assault her later and this may have initiated the assault on the victim. Boy stopped the vehicle in the middle of an intersection and began assaulting Doe 2, striking him repeatedly in the face and causing serious injuries. Doe 2 ultimately was flown to a Great Falls hospital for treatment of injuries.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the cases. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigations.

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BILLINGS — A Billings felon who admitted to illegally possessing a rifle after fleeing law enforcement was sentenced today to 16 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Devin Miranda American Horse, 34, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in February 2023, while conducting routine night patrol, a Billings police officer saw four or five people sitting in a car outside of a residence. Before the officer made any contact, the driver got out and fled. The officer chased but did not catch the driver. As he ran by the car, the officer recognized American Horse as the front seat passenger. The car fled the scene and was stopped a short time later. The only remaining occupant, who was the owner and now driver, told officers that American Horse had fled with a rifle. Police found American Horse hiding in some bushes and a rifle nearby. American Horse was arrested on a parole violation for a 2019 felony drug conviction in Yellowstone County. She was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the 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.

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GREAT FALLS — A Browning man accused of shooting and wounding his neighbor with a crossbow on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Alonzo Gene Skunkcap, 22, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Skunkcap 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. The court set sentencing for May 15. Skunkcap was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on Oct. 1, 2023, Skunkcap was outside of his residence and a neighbor, John Doe, was in his driveway working on a vehicle. Skunkcap made a comment in which he threatened to shoot Doe’s dog. Doe responded that if Skunkcap shot his dog, he would shoot Skunkcap. Skunkcap then retrieved a crossbow from his residence and, without saying anything further, fired the crossbow at Doe, who was standing by a fence. The bolt pierced the side of Doe’s neck. After the assault, Skunkcap went back into his house and waited for law enforcement. Skunkcap told officers he shot Doe because he didn’t know how to deal with threats, was scared and that it was just his “instinct.” Doe removed the bolt himself, suffered two puncture wounds and sought medical attention. Because of the location of the wounds, Doe did not suffer serious injury or life-threatening injury.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case. The Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and FBI conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A man accused of making threats to blow up the Dodson school admitted to a hoax crime on Jan. 8, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Jacob Edwin Wilson, a transient, pleaded guilty to false information and hoaxes as charged in an indictment. Wilson 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. The court set sentencing for May 9. Wilson was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on Aug. 29, 2023, Wilson called both the 911 emergency number in Blaine County and the Dodson school, located near the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, and said he was “about to blow Dodson school up.” Law enforcement responded, and because school was in session that day, the superintendent and principle evacuated students and staff from the school on buses to a nearby church parking lot. First responders from the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, Malta Fire Department and U.S. Border Patrol responded, set up security around the school and searched the school for an explosive device. No explosive device was found in the school.

In the meantime, Wilson called 911 again and asked for someone to give him a ride off the reservation, said he was at an individual’s house and that he needed a ride from anyone except the Fort Belknap police. The 911 operators traced the call to the individual’s residence, which was located on the Fort Belknap Reservation. Officers located Wilson and arrested him.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Fort Belknap Tribal Police, Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Border Patrol and Malta Fire Department conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man today admitted to sexually abusing a teenage girl he had contacted through social media and convinced to come to his home on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jonathan Ray Gonsalez, 39, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse. Gonsalez faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to life 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. The court set sentencing for May 8. Gonsalez was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on Jan. 3, 2023, Gonsalez initiated contact with the victim, a 16-year-old identified as Jane Doe, though Facebook Messenger. Gonsalez attempted to lure her to his home, and Jane Doe eventually arrived at Gonsalez’s residence around 10 p.m. A short time later while in Gonsalez’s residence, Jane Doe got scared and wanted to leave, but the residence was isolated, and the temperature was below freezing. Jane Doe asked Gonsalez to have someone pick her up. Jane Doe fell asleep while waiting for the ride. Jane Doe then awoke to Gonsalez sexually abusing her. After he was done, Jane Doe left the residence and called 911 for help. A Rocky Boy’s Police Department officer found Jane Doe and picked her up on the road near Gonsalez’s residence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Myers is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA — A Washington man suspected of conspiring to unlawfully kill bald and golden eagles on the Flathead Indian Reservation and then illegally sell them on the black market across the United States and elsewhere appeared for arraignment today on multiple charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Travis John Branson, 48, of Cusick, Washington, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with conspiracy, unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles and Lacey Act violations. If convicted of the most serious crime, Branson 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. Branson appeared on a summons and was released pending further proceedings.  Co-defendant, Simon Paul, failed to appear on a summons, and the court ordered that a warrant be issued for his arrest. 

As alleged in the indictment, from about January 2015 until about March 2021, near Ronan, on the Flathead Indian Reservation, Paul and Branson conspired to illegally kill and offer for sale bald and golden eagles. Investigators uncovered messages from Branson and others describing the illegal taking of eagles by stating, “[O]ut [here] committing felonies,” and telling buyers he was on “a killing spree” to obtain eagle tail feathers for future sales. Paul, Branson and others hunted and killed eagles on the Flathead Reservation and elsewhere. In total, the defendants killed approximately 3,600 birds, including eagles. Paul and Branson then illegally sold eagle feathers and parts on the black market for significant sums of cash across the United States and elsewhere.

The indictment further alleges that Branson traveled from Washington to the Flathead Reservation to shoot bald and golden eagles, and that Paul was a “shooter” and “shipper” of eagles for Branson.

The indictment also alleges that on Dec. 17, 2020, Branson sent a text message to a purchaser with a photo of a golden eagle tail set. On the same date, Branson received a PayPal purchase for the golden eagle tail set. Two days later, Paul mailed the golden eagle set from St. Ignatius, Montana, to Texas. On Dec. 21, 2020, Branson received a text message from the purchaser that said, “Got that thang from Simon. And the mirror feathers. Tnks.” In addition, the indictment alleges that on March 13, 2021, Branson and Paul returned to a previously killed deer to lure eagles and that Branson shot a golden eagle. Paul cleaned the golden eagle and both defendants placed various golden eagle parts in a vehicle for transport.

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act was enacted in 1940 to protect the bald eagle, recognizing that the bald eagle is not only a bird of biological interest but also this country’s national symbol. In 1962, Congress extended the Act to protect golden eagles.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan G. Weldon and Randy Tanner are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Flathead Tribal Law Enforcement conducted the investigation.

PACER case reference. 23-55.

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  — A Lodge Grass man suspected of participating in a large-scale drug conspiracy based on the Crow Indian Reservation admitted on Jan. 4 to a methamphetamine trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Daniel Jiminez-Chavez, aka Raton, 40, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Jiminez-Chavez 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. The court set sentencing for May 1. Jiminez-Chavez was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, conducted a large-scale, narcotics trafficking investigation centered on multiple properties on the Crow Indian Reservation. The properties, including one referred to as Spear Siding, were a source of supply of meth for both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations from about January 2022 through March 2023. Jiminez-Chavez, aka Raton, is one of the individuals associated with the investigation.

The government alleged that Jiminez-Chavez began staying at a house near Spear Siding, known as the Bloodman residence. While at the residence, Jiminez-Chavez distributed meth to others and was in contact with individuals in the conspiracy.

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

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BILLINGS — A Billings man admitted today to threatening to kill Montana U.S. Senator Jon Tester in voicemail messages, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Anthony James Cross, 30, pleaded guilty to threats to injure and murder a United States Senator. Cross faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three 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. The court set sentencing for May 1. Cross was detained pending further proceedings. 

Under the terms of a plea agreement in the case, if the court accepts the agreement at sentencing, the government will seek to dismiss count two of the indictment, which charges Cross with threats against the president.

The government alleged in court documents that on April 17, 2023, at 5:34 a.m. and 5:37 a.m., two voicemails were left at Sen. Jon Tester’s Billings, Montana and Washington, D.C. offices. In the first voicemail, the caller stated that “Jon Tester…is gonna die a horrible death and so is your family…you’re not gonna do anything about this.” In the second voicemail, the caller stated, “I swear to God, you and your family will suffer such a horrendous death. And its not going to be by some white boy, no its gonna be by some Indian like me…I’m gonna kill every single one of your (obscenity) family members.” Law enforcement determined that the phone number associated with the calls was attributed to Cross.

The government further alleged that on April 25, 2023, Google contacted the FBI regarding multiple comments made to YouTube videos flagged as threatening. The comments were attributed to Cross’s YouTube account. Some of the comments made in April 2023 included:

• “I’m going to kill every trans I see.”
• “We are actively hunting down and killing any trans in our major cities. You won’t hear about it until trump overcomes his ‘indictment’ and Biden loses the ‘re-election.’”
• “I will personally kill Joe Biden.”

During an interview with law enforcement, Cross admitted to making the comments posted on YouTube and to using his cellular phone to make the comments.

The FBI and United States Secret Service conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — An armed fentanyl trafficker from Washington who admitted to distributing the drug in the Great Falls community was sentenced on Jan. 4 to five years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Jerry Scot Saunders, 35, of Houkem, Washington, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that Saunders was a significant drug dealer in Great Falls and that in early 2022, law enforcement searched for him because he had absconded from his state probation officer. Detectives learned Saunders was distributing fentanyl in Great Falls and located him in a motel room. Law enforcement found Saunders in possession of two firearms and more than 600 fentanyl pills. The investigation determined that Saunders had been driving to Spokane, Washington, to purchase fentanyl pills to sell in Great Falls. Saunders had a prior felony conviction from 2018 in Flathead County and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica A. Betley and Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case. The Russell Country Drug Task Force 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.

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BILLINGS — A Forsyth businesswoman who admitted defrauding customers through her company, Rosebud County Insurance Inc., by spending their payments for insurance for her own personal expenses was sentenced today to four years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $155,436 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Kileen Moria Hagadone, 57, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court allowed Hagadone to self-report to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

 “When we pay our insurance premiums, we expect to have coverage when we need it.  Here, Hagadone’s clients, including a community college, logically thought they had coverage because they paid for it. But Hagadone did not just cheat them of coverage, she stole their hard-earned money and spent it for her own personal use. The good news is she did not get away with it, and the only reason she didn’t is because of the diligent and collaborative work of the office of the Montana State Auditor, FBI, and Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office in investigating this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“This is a shining example of inter-agency cooperation. In this case the Commissioner of Securities & Insurance (CSI) for Montana and the U.S. Attorney’s office on the federal side. CSI opened this investigation and worked closely with our federal counterparts to bring this to an appropriate and just conclusion. Ms. Hagadone was licensed with our agency in a position of trust. She breached that trust and put her clients in harm’s way. We are pleased to see justice for the victims and consequences to Ms. Hagadone,” said State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Troy Downing.

The government alleged in court documents that Hagadone’s company, Rosebud County Insurance Inc., was an insurance brokerage business that acted as an intermediary between customers and national insurance companies. Hagadone was to negotiate insurance contracts for her customers and then receive and transmit customer’s payments to the companies for the policies. Hagadone received clients’ premium payments but failed to send the money to the insurance companies, resulting in her customers not being insured. Instead, Hagadone repeatedly lied to her clients and embezzled the money for personal expenses. The scheme ran from about 2020 until April 2023.

The government further alleged that one of the victims was the Chief Dull Knife College of Lame Deer, which paid Hagadone $91,883 in 2021 for a whole year of insurance coverage. Hagadone was supposed to send the money to the insurance company. Instead, Hagadone kept the money and set up a fraudulent premium finance agreement by falsely impersonating an employee of the college. This allowed Hagadone to pay for the college’s insurance premium in installments, but she failed to make the installments and the college’s insurance was canceled in April 2022.  Hagadone concealed this cancelation from the college. Hagadone continued the scheme and in November 2022, she created a fictitious insurance policy for the college. She charged the college $98,893, which it paid. Hagadone stole the money and spent it. As a result, the college was unknowingly without insurance from about April 2022 until April 2023.

The government further alleged that Hagadone cheated and lied to other customers in a similar way, although the amounts paid were typically smaller.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case. The Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, FBI and Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS — A Lame Deer woman who admitted to selling methamphetamine on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation as part of larger drug trafficking activity on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Adrienne Dawn LaForge, 35, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in August 2022, law enforcement purchased meth from LaForge at a house in Lame Deer. An indictment accused LaForge of trafficking meth from about January 2022 through October 2022 on the Northern Cheyenne and Crow reservations. LaForge was affiliated with another Northern Cheyenne Reservation dealer, who also was trafficking on Crow, and others who were charged as a result of an investigation into a large drug trafficking conspiracy.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration 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.

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MISSOULA  — A Butte woman who admitted to trafficking fentanyl pills in the Bozeman area was sentenced today to four years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Amber Marie Cody, 40, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in July 2022 in Bozeman, Cody sold 100 fentanyl pills to an individual. A Gallatin County Sheriff’s deputy later stopped a vehicle in which Cody was a passenger for a traffic violation. Cody was arrested on a parole violation and placed in a patrol car, while officers searched her backpack. Officers located a large sum of cash and methamphetamine in the backpack. When the deputy returned to the vehicle, he noticed a bag of pills in the door pocket. Cody denied knowledge of the pills, but a patrol car video showed that Cody slipped one hand out of her handcuffs and removed a large quantity of pills from her bra. Cody then placed the pills in the door pocket and slipped her hand back into the handcuff.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case. The Missouri River Drug Task Force and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office 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 Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Dec. 28 was:

Sharon Ann Spang, 30, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Spang faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Spang was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-150.

Llima Orser Cameron, 42, of Belgrade, 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, Cameron faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Cameron was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Billings Police Department and Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-118.

Appearing on Dec. 27 was:

Michael Vaughn Henderson II, 45, of Billings, 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, Henderson faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Henderson was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Billings Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-46.

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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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 Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Dec. 21 was:

Dashawn Kiree Bryant, 31, of Billings, 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, Bryant faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Bryant was released pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-132.

Tirrell Lewis, 43, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lewis 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 crime and a mandatory five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Lewis was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-147.

Appearing on Dec. 19 was:

David Antonio Rodas Jr., 38, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rodas faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Rodas was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation.

PACER case reference. 23-138.

Robert Stuart Quam, 42, of Belgrade, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Quam faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug crimes and a mandatory five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Quam was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Billings Police Department and Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-118.

Appearing on Dec. 18 was:

Shelby Jean Tripp, 33, of Livingston,  on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Tripp faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Tripp was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Belgrade Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-125.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Dec. 18 was:

Juan Carlos Santoya, 48, of Belgrade, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine. If convicted of the most serious crime Santoya faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Santoya was released pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-20.

Piyush Mathew, 30, of Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, on charges of abusive sexual contact in aircraft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mathew faces a maximum of two years in prison, a $250,000 and five years to life of supervised release. Mathew was released pending further proceedings. The FBI conducted the investigation.

PACER case reference. 23-19.

Appearing on Dec. 15 was:

James Andrew Stringari, 51, of Whitehall, on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stringari faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years to life of supervised release. Stringari was detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Highway Patrol and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-10.

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 today announced that the Department of Justice has awarded $600,734 to the state of Montana to fund agencies and organizations that support youth and their families.

The grant, administered by the Montana Board of Crime Control, is from the Fiscal Year 2023 Title II Formula Grants Program, the Office of Justice Programs’ Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention.

“This grant -- and the organizations it will support—serves an important role in our efforts to help prevent youth from ending up in our criminal justice system and to improve their chances for success if they do. While the U.S. Department of Justice seeks to hold people accountable for their criminal conduct, supporting at-risk youth and their families contributes to the overall public safety and well-being of Montana communities, which is why this grant is so important,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

Montana’s FY23 Title II program will support efforts to advance the mission of the Youth Justice Council, the state’s advisory group, to improve the juvenile justice system. The Montana Board of Crime Control intends to monitor compliance with the Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Act, provide training and technical assistance, improve policies and procedures and award grants to evidence-based promising programs. The Youth Justice Council has prioritized community-based programs; delinquency programs; mentoring, counseling and training programs; school programs; mental health and substance use treatment; and Native American Tribal programs. These activities are expected to prevent delinquency, divert youth from system involvement, reduce recidivism, improve outcomes for youth involved in the justice system and increase public safety.

This grant serves hundreds of at-risk children and youth ages 0 to 17 each year. Many of these youth have experienced poverty, trauma, family dysfunction, substance use and mental health issues.

The Montana Board of Crime Control anticipates awarding funding to 14 agencies: Families First Learning Lab, Missoula; CASA of Missoula; Friendship House of Christian Service, Billings; YWCA of Missoula; Billings Public Schools; Center for Restorative Youth Justice, Kalispell; Chippewa Cree Tribal Court, Box Elder; Bitterroot Ecological Awareness Resources, Hamilton; Big Brothers Big Sisters, Butte, Yellowstone and Kalispell; and Boys and Girls Clubs, Havre, Missoula and Great Falls. The service area will cover eight counties, the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation and portions of the Flathead Indian Reservation.

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BILLINGS  — U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich today announced that the Department of Justice has awarded $152,772 to the Billings Police Department and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office for supplies and equipment.

The grant is from the Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, FY23 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program.

“Our top priority in Billings is fighting violent crime and we cannot do this effectively without the brave men and women of the Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office. They deserve our unwavering support and as far as the U.S. Department of Justice is concerned, we are putting money where our mouth is by providing them this grant to help keep officers safe and protect our community from dangerous criminals,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The grant award is for a joint application from the Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, with the police department acting as the grant administrator. The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office plans to use its $20,611 grant allocation to purchase equipment and supplies for its office and detention facility, including rechargeable flashlights and charging docks for the detention facility, batteries used for its tactical robot, helicopter and other radios and miscellaneous supplies. The sheriff’s office also plans to use the money to fix hail damage on the helicopter and to buy a portable radio. The Billings Police Department plans to use its allocation of $132,161 to purchase patrol SUV equipment, simulation ammunition, Point Blank vests, TASER training cartridges, uniforms, batteries, first aid supplies and promotional items.

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MISSOULA  — A Missoula man admitted today to trading videos and images of child pornography with others on social media sites, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Nicholas Geoffrey Combs, 28, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography. Combs faces 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.

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 April 17, 2024. Combs was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that in June 2022, Snapchat reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that a Snapchat user had uploaded two videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit content to its service. A law enforcement investigation determined that the Snapchat account belonged to Combs and that he had sent two videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit content to another Snapchat user. Combs admitted to an investigator to trading videos and images of minors engaged in sexually explicit content with other users on social media sites, including Reddit and Snapchat. Combs also admitted he was sexually attracted to minors, that he had solicited and received sexually explicit pictures from children with whom he interacted online and that he sometimes pretended to be a child to solicit the images. Law enforcement seized Combs’ electronic devices and determined that they contained thousands of images and videos of child pornography.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Lowney is prosecuting the case. The Missoula Police Department conducted the investigation.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 www.justice.gov/psc.

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BILLINGS  —A Lodge Grass man who admitted to illegally possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions was sentenced today to two and one-half years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Paul Nomee III, 61, pleaded guilty in August to felon in possession of a firearm.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that on Jan. 11, the Bureau of Indian Affairs responded to a report of a car that had crashed outside of Crow Agency, on the Crow Indian Reservation. While en route, the officer passed a vehicle with significant damage and matching the description in the report. Nomee was driver and only occupant. The officer believed Nomee had active tribal arrest warrants and took him into custody. Nomee told the officer he had a pistol in a shoulder holster he was wearing. The officer found a loaded pistol in the holster. Nomee had two prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case. The BIA and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS  — A Hardin man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine as part of a large-scale drug trafficking ring centered on the Crow Indian Reservation was sentenced today to seven years in prison, to be followed by five years of  supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Darlon Richard Lefthand, 37, pleaded guilty in August to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, investigated a large-scale, multi-state narcotics trafficking operation centered on multiple properties on the Crow Indian Reservation. The properties, including one known as Spear Siding, were a source of supply of meth for both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations. Darlon Lefthand is one of the individuals affiliated with the investigation.

The government alleged that Lefthand was considered in the mid-level of the distribution ring and was involved with major players above him. Lefthand could go to the Spear Siding property to obtain drugs for himself and others. Lefthand also used Facebook to obtain meth from Spear Siding and to set up drug deals. In September 2022, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of approximately one ounce of meth from Lefthand.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys are prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration 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.

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MISSOULA — A Florida man who admitted his role in an India-based computer hacking scheme that stole $150,000 from an elderly Kalispell woman was sentenced today to two years and nine months in prison and ordered to pay $1,236,470 in restitution to seven victims, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Eddly Joseph, 44, of Gainesville, Florida, pleaded guilty in August to wire fraud.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court also imposed two years of supervised release following Joseph’s prison sentence.

“Far too often, these internationally-based fraud schemes result in no accountability for those who prey on Montanans. But not this time. Due to the diligent work of the FBI, Joseph was caught and is now going to federal prison for running a predatory scheme by tricking and stealing from elderly victims across the country, including a Kalispell woman. As this case showed, we will turn over every rock to pursue these fraudsters, but the best thing Montanans can do to protect themselves is to not send money to people who randomly call soliciting money due to some kind of fake emergency, such as an alleged virus existing on your computer,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The government alleged in court documents that in February, Glacier Bank notified the FBI that Jane Doe, a Montana woman in her 70s, was the victim of a scam. The international, India-based scam included fraudsters tricking Jane Doe into giving them $150,000 for “safe-keeping.” The fraudsters made it appear as if victims had a virus on their computers and that their bank accounts were accessible to hackers. To “safekeep” the victims’ money, Joseph and others directed victims to withdraw cash and give it to them so the hackers could not access and steal the victims’ money. After learning of the scam, the FBI set up a ruse, claiming Jane Doe had an additional $50,000 for the fraudsters. When Joseph and others arrived to collect the money, the FBI arrested them. As a result of Joseph’s and others’ conduct, victims across the United States were repeatedly scammed, with a total loss of $1,236,470.

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

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BILLINGS — A Billings woman who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine as part of a large drug distribution ring based on the Crow Indian Reservation and was found with meth and a semi-automatic handgun during a traffic stop was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Nancy Michelle Hartsock, 36, pleaded guilty in August to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Hartsock is one of approximately two dozen defendants related to a large-scale conspiracy centered on the distribution of meth on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian reservations. On March 15, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop in Billings of a vehicle driven by Hartsock. In a subsequent search of her vehicle, officers found 28 grams of meth, drug paraphernalia and a firearm under the driver’s seat. Because she was on probation law enforcement searched her home and found a semi-automatic rifle and a small amount of meth.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys prosecuted the case. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Billings Police Department, Montana Probation and Parole and Eastern Montana 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.

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BILLINGS  — A Busby man who admitted hitting and injuring his dating partner on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was sentenced today to two years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Weston Francis Littlewhiteman, 31, pleaded guilty in August to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a dating or intimate partner.

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

The government alleged in court document that on Oct. 30, 2022, Littlewhiteman and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were drinking at a house in Busby, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. They argued, and Littlewhiteman left the home. Later that night. Jane Doe woke up and Littlewhiteman hit her in the face. Jane Doe was treated for injuries at the Indian Health Service in Lame Deer. At the time of the assault, Jane Doe and Littlewhiteman were dating partners.

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

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