District of Montana

BILLINGS  — A Lodge Grass woman who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine as part of a large-scale conspiracy based on the Crow Indian Reservation was sentenced on Dec. 14 to five years and three months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Ranita Roselle Redfield, 47, 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, engaged in a large-scale, multiple-state 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 in 2022 and 2023. The investigation identified Redfield as one of the members of the organization. Redfield communicated with multiple co-conspirators regarding the distribution of meth, and she often sold meth in ounce quantities.

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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BILLINGS  — A Baker man who admitted to possessing child pornography was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Dane Ralph James Curry, 40, pleaded guilty in August to possession of child pornography.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $2,511 restitution.

In court documents, the government alleged that in October 2021, law enforcement began an investigation of Curry after it received reports that he had produced child pornography. A minor person, identified as Jane Doe, disclosed to law enforcement that Curry arranged to take sexually explicit picture of her and provided her with alcohol for that purpose. This conduct led to a search warrant of a social media account associated with Curry and the discovery of child pornography on the account.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.

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 federal jury on Dec. 12 convicted a Crow Agency man of sexually abusing two girls on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

After a two-day trial that began on Dec. 11, the jury found Edwin Ivan Don’tMix, 59, guilty of abusive sexual contact of a child and abusive sexual contact of a minor. Don’tMix faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life 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 April 11, 2024. Don’tMix was detained pending further proceedings.

“For the second time in two days, our office has held accountable someone for sexually abusing young girls.  Here, Don’tMix victimized these two girls over eight years ago and if not for their bravery in reporting what he did to them, Don’tMix would not have been prosecuted.  These are tough cases to investigate and prosecute, and we are only successful when our office and our federal partners are relentless in getting to the truth, which is exactly what happened here.  I applaud and thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek, our office staff, the FBI, and Bureau of Indian Affairs for their dedication and hard work, without which we would not have gotten these verdicts,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that in January 2015, Jane Doe 2 disclosed to the FBI that Don’tMix touched her vaginal area over her clothes while she was sledding. Jane Doe 2 was 13 years old at the time. Jane Doe 2 also disclosed in the same interview, that in 2012 or 2013, she was asleep and awoke to Don’tMix touching her vaginal area over her clothes. The touching occurred at a Crow Agency residence. In October 2021, another child, Jane Doe 1, disclosed to a school counselor that Don’tMix touched her vaginal area over her clothes when she was either 6, 7 or 8 years old and that the touching happened three or four times at a Crow Agency residence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS  — A Billings man who admitted to stealing six firearms after breaking into a pawn shop in Billings was sentenced today to 18 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Eric Frederick Welch, Jr, 22, pleaded guilty in August to an indictment charging him with theft from a federal firearms licensee and possession of stolen firearms.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $3,025 in restitution.

In court documents, the government alleged that in the early morning hours of June 12, Welch broke into Yellowstone Pawn and stole six firearms. Welch had been released on conditions on state charges just over a month earlier, and he used a truck he had stolen two days before to conduct the pawn shop burglary. Welch fled from law enforcement and threw one of the stolen firearms before being arrested.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas K. Godfrey prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.

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

 

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BILLINGS — A Washington woman on Dec. 8 admitted her role in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking investigation that was centered on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

 Mariana Tyler Wallace, 23, of Okanogan, Washington, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Wallace 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. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Wallace was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, engaged in a large-scale, multiple-state, narcotics trafficking investigation centered on 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. Wallace is one of the individuals affiliated with the investigation.

The government alleged that individuals were living and storing meth at two residences on the Crow reservation. Co-conspirators from Washington were tasked with protecting the residence and distributing drugs. Wallace was one of those individuals who facilitated several drug transactions with another co-defendant.

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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GREAT FALLS  — A Great Falls woman who admitted to defrauding two businesses of approximately $500,000 while working as a bookkeeper to pay her personal expenses was sentenced today to 25 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Tara Durnell, 63, pleaded guilty in July to wire fraud and to mail fraud.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $492,309 in total restitution. Durnell was remanded into custody.

In court documents, the government alleged that beginning in at least 1997, Durnell embezzled from her employer, Kronebusch Electric, Inc., (KEI) a small company in Conrad, where she worked as a bookkeeper, to fund her personal lifestyle. Durnell used her access to pre-signed company checks and company bank accounts to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars toward personal credit card debt, personal car loan payments and debts belonging to family members. To conceal her scheme, Durnell used her access to the company’s accounting software to hide her illicit transactions and make them appear like legitimate businesses expenses. In total, Durnell embezzled almost $500,000 from KEI.

Durnell left employment with KEI when the scheme was discovered and found work as a bookkeeper with Mitchell’s Crash Repair in Great Falls. In January 2022, Durnell again used her access to the business’s pre-signed checks and bank accounts and to pay tens of thousands of dollars toward personal expenses. Durnell embezzled approximately $15,491 from Mitchell’s Crash Repair.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case.  The FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Great Falls Police Department conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS  — A federal jury today convicted a Lame Deer pastor of sexually abusing three children while they were staying at his home, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

After a six-day trial that began on Dec. 4, the jury found Dean Alan Smith, 67, guilty of aggravated sexual abuse, abusive sexual contact by force and two counts of abusive sexual contact by force and of a child. Smith faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release. The jury acquitted Smith of one count of abusive sexual contact of a child.

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 April 10, 2024. Smith was remanded into custody pending further proceedings.

“Pastor Dean Smith led a double life, one as a Pastor and the other as a sexual abuser of young children.  I am thrilled the jury held Smith accountable for sexually abusing these victims and I hope holding him accountable will help the victims start the long road of healing from the trauma they’ve suffered.  Obtaining justice is the hallmark of the work of both our office and our federal law enforcement partners and we have no greater responsibility than pursuing justice for victims of sexual abusers.  Today’s verdicts validate our continued unwavering pursuit of those abusers, for which all of us, as well as the victims in this case and their families, are grateful,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The government alleged in court documents and at trial that Smith was the pastor of a local church in Lame Deer, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, and that during his time on the reservation, he and his wife housed several foster children and temporarily hosted other children from the community. In approximately 2021 and 2022, four girls, identified as Jane Does 1, 2, 3 and 4, disclosed being sexually abused by Smith between 2017 and 2020 when they were staying or living at Smith’s home. The government alleged that Smith abused each of them, separately and in private, on multiple occasions. All of the victims were under the age of 12 at the time.

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

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MISSOULA — A Missoula woman accused of stealing a $40,000 pickup truck from the U.S. Forest Service admitted to a theft crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Kasey Nichol Hugs, 39, pleaded guilty to theft of government property. Hugs faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for April 10, 2024 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Hugs was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on Dec. 26, 2020, a white Dodge Ram 2500 crew cab pickup truck, valued at approximately $40,000, was stolen from the Missoula Forest Service Fire Sciences Laboratory. Surveillance footage showed a female, later determined to be Hugs, walking among the parked vehicles attempting to gain access to them. Hugs eventually opened the driver door of the Dodge and drove it off the lot. On Jan. 19, 2021, the truck was located on the side of Highway 200 in Lincoln. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and found documents bearing the name, Kasey Hugs, a gray backpack that Hugs appeared to be wearing the night she stole the truck and several receipts from Missoula businesses. Surveillance video on the dates and times listed on the receipts depicted Hugs at those businesses.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Forest Service and Missoula Police Department conducted the investigation.

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

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Dec. 5 was:

Daniel Mark Miller, 60, of Tucson, Arizona, on charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Miller faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Miller was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-128.

Jamicca Yvonne West, aka Charlie, 24, of Tacoma, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, distribution of heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. If convicted of the most serious crime, West 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 charges 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 firearm charge. West was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-92.

Cole Two Moons, 24, of Lame Deer, on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and strangulation. If convicted of the most serious crime, Two Moons faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Two Moons was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-126.

Appearing on a criminal complaint was:

Brent Michael Waller, 42, of Joliet, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Waller faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Waller was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Carbon County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-160.

Paul Franklin, 41, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Franklin faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Franklin was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-157.

The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.

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MISSOULA  — An Anaconda man who was convicted by a federal jury of attempting to coerce and entice a minor into engaging in sexual intercourse and of possessing child pornography was sentenced today to 12 years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

After a three-day trial that began on July 24, the jury found Christopher Todd Boudreau, 42, guilty of attempted coercion and enticement and possession of child pornography.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court also ordered $21,000 in restitution.

In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that in July 2022, law enforcement, working in an undercover capacity on the internet, received a “friend request” from Boudreau. The undercover provided a phone number, and Boudreau initiated a text conversation. The undercover identified herself as a juvenile girl. Communications progressed, and Boudreau arranged to meet the undercover in Missoula. Boudreau repeatedly indicated his interest to engage in intimacy and stated that intimacy meant “sex.” Law enforcement arrested Boudreau on July 28, 2022, when he arrived at a location to meet the undercover. Law enforcement served a search warrant on Boudreau’s residence and found electronic media that contained thousands of images and videos of child pornography.   

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Brian C. Lowney prosecuted the case. The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office 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 Billings man convicted by a federal jury of trafficking methamphetamine after investigators intercepted a package containing the drug hidden in false bottom cans was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

After a two-day trial that began on July 10, the jury found Shane Edward Johnson, 54, guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and prohibited person in possession of ammunition.

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

In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that from about April 2020 until October 2021, Johnson, who has a prior federal drug conviction, conspired to distribute meth in the Laurel and Billings communities. In October 2021, law enforcement intercepted a package shipped through the U.S. Postal Service from California to Laurel. Officers executed a search warrant on the package and found two pounds of meth inside four plastic candles. A co-defendant took possession of the package in a controlled delivery. Law enforcement converged on the residence to execute a search warrant and encountered Johnson and the co-defendant. Agents located a backpack, belonging to Johnson, that contained baggies of meth, a digital scale, approximately $1,000 and two loaded handgun magazines. Johnson was prohibited from possessing ammunition because of his prior felony conviction.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie R. Patten and Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case. The U.S. Postal Service, FBI West, Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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

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GREAT FALLS  — A Browning man who admitted to striking a woman with his vehicle and killing her in 2021 on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to one year and a day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jordan Joseph Morgan, 31, pleaded guilty in July to involuntary manslaughter.

In a plea agreement in the case, the parties agreed that a specific recommendation of 12 months and one day imprisonment was appropriate.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $10,600 in restitution.

In court documents, the government alleged that on the evening of Nov. 8, 2021, Morgan encountered the victim, identified as Jane Doe, who was known to him, in Browning. The two argued. Morgan got into his vehicle, while Jane Doe stayed by the open window at Morgan’s door. Morgan pulled forward with Jane Doe still at his door and holding onto the open window. After a short distance, the vehicle pulled to the right, throwing Jane Doe under the vehicle. Morgan continued driving and ran over Jane Doe.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori Harper Suek and Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS  — Two Busby residents convicted of methamphetamine and firearms crimes after the drug and guns were found in a vehicle in which they were traveling were sentenced to prison terms today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jamesey Maria Jefferson, 33, was sentenced to seven years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release.

Co-defendant Ivan Eaglefeathers, 21, was sentenced to six years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release.

Both defendants pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute meth and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that on Sept. 12, 2021 on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, law enforcement officers stopped a car that had run two stop signs, was traveling at a high rate of speed and was believed to have been seen at an earlier shooting. Officers detained Jefferson, Eaglefeathers and two others who were in the car. A federal search warrant was served on the car, and officers found approximately 48 grams of meth, $2,000 in cash, drug paraphernalia, ammunition and three firearms. The guns were a .17-caliber rifle, an AR-style 5.56mm rifle and a 9mm handgun. Jefferson admitted to investigators that she possessed the meth, the .17-caliber rifle and the 9mm handgun. A video of Eaglefeathers and a co-defendant shows Eaglefeathers outside of the vehicle on the same day with a gun in his hand. Eaglefeathers admitted to having one of the rifles in the car and to having shot it in the air.

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

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BILLINGS — A Lodge Grass man suspected of being a leader in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking operation based on the Crow Indian Reservation and of beating a woman with a weapon admitted to charges on Nov. 30 in two separate cases, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Wendell Monroe Lefthand, 54, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Lefthand faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. In a separate case, Lefthand pleaded guilty to assault of a spouse resulting in substantial bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. Lefthand faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

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

In court documents in the drug trafficking case, the government alleged that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, conducted a large-scale 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. Lefthand is one of the individuals affiliated with the investigation.

The government further alleged that Lefthand and other family members occupied the Spear Siding property. The investigation determined that Lefthand was the source of supply for others until his arrest in June 2022. The investigation also determined that Lefthand was a leader of the operation at the property and had amassed a significant drug debt. After his arrest on an unrelated matter, Lefthand continued to influence the operation by directing individuals to provide others with marijuana and meth.

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

In the assault case, the government alleged that on April 4, 2021, Lefthand and his wife, along three of his wife’s relatives, were staying in a camper near Lodge Grass. Lefthand and his wife verbally argued throughout the day and the argument turned physical. Lefthand’s wife grabbed an item to defend herself because Lefthand had abused her before. Lefthand’s wife ended up on the ground, and Lefthand hit her with a metal bar or piece of wood. Lefthand’s wife and the relatives fled on foot and hid in a ditch by the highway before flagging down a ride. Lefthand’s wife was treated for injuries a few days later.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is prosecuting the assault case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI 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 Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Nov. 28 was:

Roxanna Rae Lewis-Stella, 59, of Lewistown, on charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lewis-Stella faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the wire fraud charge and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft charge. Lewis-Stella was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Fergus County Sheriff Office and Montana Adult Protective Services conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-105.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Nov. 28 was:

Joshua Allen Morgan, 39, of Billings, on charges of attempted sex trafficking of a minor and commission of sex offense by a registered sex offender. If convicted of the most serious crime, Morgan faces a  mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release on the attempted sex trafficking charge and a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, consecutive to any sentence imposed on the sex trafficking charge. The FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-137.

Tracey E. Flowers, 50, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Flowers faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Flowers was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-134.

Shannon Tyrone Seminole, 39, of Lame Deer, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth, distribution of meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. If convicted of the most serious crime, Seminole faces one year to 40 years in prison, a $2 million fine and at least six years of supervised release on the drug charges and a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge. Seminole was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-140.

Windelyn Valdo Shoulderblade, Jr. 33, a transient, on charges of failure to register as a sex offender. If convicted of the most serious crime, Shoulderblade faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Shoulderblade was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-141.

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  — The U.S. Attorney’s Office held a United Against Hate meeting Wednesday evening in Pablo, on the Flathead Indian Reservation, with members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes community and federal, tribal and local law enforcement, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

 United Against Hate is an initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Justice focused on improving the prevention of hate crimes and hate incidents by building relationships at the local level. Through this initiative, the Justice Department seeks to create and strengthen partnerships among law enforcement, community leaders and residents.

“Hate crimes and incidents create fear, divide our communities, and tragically, can turn violent. Through our United Against Hate initiative, the U.S. Justice Department is committed to fighting hate crimes and preventing violence by bringing people together to discuss how we can combat this behavior. Last month, the FBI released its statistics for 2022, which showed that less than 2 percent of all reported hate crimes were committed against an American Indian or Alaska Native, and that none of those was reported to have occurred in Montana—a first since 2015. We know that statistics tell only part of the story, and we know more hate crimes against American Indian or Alaska Natives are occurring and are going unreported or are underreported. Our hope is that by having meetings like this, we can stress the importance of identifying hate incidents and crimes and reporting them to law enforcement. If we can prove a person violently acted out due to their racist beliefs, we will seek to hold such conduct accountable by aggressively pursuing a hate crime prosecution. I thank our close partner, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, for joining us in this important work,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes appreciate the United Against Hate initiative led in Montana by U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich. We know that many of these types of crimes against Indigenous peoples are underreported or go unreported altogether. With this type of community outreach, we want our community to feel empowered when they are faced with hate crimes, and that people have the tools and knowledge to engage with law enforcement to help stop these destructive instances,” CSKT Chairman Tom McDonald said.

The meeting with CSKT is one in a series of meetings the U.S. Attorney’s Office is holding throughout Montana and provided an opportunity for the tribal community to have a better understanding of hate crimes and hate incidents, how to report them to law enforcement and to learn about available resources. Approximately 30 persons attended the meeting, which was held at the Tribal Council Chambers in Pablo. Additional Justice Department information and resources about hate crimes are available at https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.

Speakers at the event included U.S. Attorney Laslovich and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon, from the Missoula Division Office. In addition, the event featured a Hate Crimes Panel Discussion and question and comment session that included U.S. Attorney Laslovich, FBI Special Agent Charles Sampson and CSKT Police Chief Craige Couture. CSKT Chairman Tom McDonald and CSKT Councilwoman Jennifer Finley provided welcoming and concluding remarks.

The District of Montana will be holding additional United Against Hate events in coming months in communities across the state.

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MISSOULA—Three Montanans accused of trafficking fentanyl in the Missoula and Helena communities admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Nikolas Loren Pellant, 34, and Lynsi Noel Barnes, 32, both of Missoula, and Beau James Breneman, 44, of Helena, each pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. The defendants face a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing for Barnes and Breneman was set for March 28, 2024, while sentencing for Pellant was set for March 29, 2024 before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. All the defendants were detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in October 2022, federal agents intercepted a package that contained more than 300 fentanyl pills and was addressed to Pellant. Officers arrested Pellant when he accepted the package in a controlled delivery. The investigation determined that Pellant and his girlfriend, Barnes, had been selling fentanyl in the Missoula are for several months and that they acquired the drug through the mail and by making weekly trips to Spokane, Washington. The government further alleged that in January, the Montana Highway Patrol stopped Barnes as she was returning from one such trip and seized more than 450 fentanyl pills and other evidence of drug distribution from her vehicle.

In addition, the government alleged that in January 2022, law enforcement received reports of a rash of fentanyl overdoses in Lewis and Clark County. An investigation determined that co-defendant Breneman was distributing heroin laced with fentanyl and that he had warned at least one customer to use small and diluted quantities of the drug because it was dangerous. Breneman admitted to distributing heroin laced with fentanyl. On May 31, Breneman and Barnes were passengers in a vehicle that was stopped in Shoshone County, Idaho. Law enforcement searched the car and found more than 300 fentanyl pills. Officers also found a plastic bag containing more fentanyl pills concealed on Breneman’s person.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Service, Montana Highway Patrol, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and Shoshone County (Idaho) Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS  — A Babb man who admitted assaulting his dating partner on three separate occasions within a year was sentenced today to four years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Zachary James Cassidy, 33, pleaded guilty in June to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and two counts of assault of a dating partner resulting in substantial injury.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Cassidy and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were in a romantic relationship between March 2022 and January 2023. During that time, Cassidy assaulted the victim on three separate occasions. In June 2022, Cassidy and the victim were at a bar in St. Mary when Cassidy became upset with Jane Doe. Cassidy assaulted the victim in the bar, dragged her outside and continued the assault. Cassidy then dragged Jane Doe to a truck and drove to his residence, where he continued the assault. Jane Doe woke up on a couch, was alone and could not move. When found, she had to be carried to a car. Jane Doe sought medical attention the next day for multiple injuries and returned to the hospital a month later for follow up. In August, Cassidy assaulted Jane Doe at his residence. When a friend sought to intervene, Cassidy assaulted her, told her she was trespassing and that he was going to shoot her. Jane Doe went to the hospital after that assault for treatment of injuries. A third assault occurred on Jan. 9 as Cassidy and Jane Doe were traveling from Doe’s family residence toward Babb. Cassidy started getting mad at Jane Doe and his truck ultimately got stuck in the snow. Cassidy assaulted Jane Doe, who refused to get out of the truck. A neighbor witnessed the assault and called law enforcement. A standoff between Cassidy and officers ended with the use of chemical agents.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol, conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A Fort Belknap man suspected of making threats to blow up the school in Dodson, near the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, was arraigned Tuesday on charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Jacob Erwin Wilson, 40, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with false information and hoaxes. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wilson faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. Wilson was detained pending further proceedings.

As alleged in the indictment, on Aug. 29, near Dodson, near the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Wilson placed a phone call to 911 and to the Dodson school and stated he was going to blow up the school.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

PACER case reference. 23-111.

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 Cut Bank man accused of assaulting and then shooting and wounding a woman at a residence on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Luke Charles Wells, 32, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and to using a firearm during a crime of violence. Wells faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the assault charge and a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for April 3, 2024. Wells was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on July 16, Wells was intoxicated at a residence west of Cut Bank, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, when he became angry at the victim, identified as Jane Doe. Doe was in a bathroom when Wells broke down the door and began assaulting her. Doe ran outside to escape. Wells chased her, pulled out a pistol and continued chasing her. Doe tripped and fell, and Wells started shooting at the ground around her. Wells then hit Doe in the head with the gun several times before shooting and wounding her in the chest.

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

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BILLINGS – A Billings felon who was on state probation and led law enforcement on a vehicle chase before crashing admitted to illegally possessing a firearm that was found in the vehicle, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Christopher Samuel Fear, 38, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Fear faces a maximum of 15 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. Sentencing was set for March 27, 2024. Fear was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on Jan. 11, after 2 a.m., a Montana Highway Patrol officer attempted a traffic stop of a vehicle for traveling 85 mph in a 65-mph speed zone. The trooper activated his emergency lights, but the driver of the vehicle accelerated and fled. The vehicle eventually crashed into a fence in Billings. Officers approached the vehicle and saw that it was empty. Officers noticed a pistol on the floorboard and found Fear hiding under the front end of the vehicle. Fear claimed others were in the vehicle but refused to identify them, and there was no evidence of other occupants. Fear was on state probation at the time for a drug conviction and had an outstanding probation violation arrest warrant. Law enforcement later searched the vehicle and found 216 fentanyl pills, 20 grams of methamphetamine and baggies and a loaded .357-caliber semi-automatic pistol.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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 woman today admitted to methamphetamine trafficking charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jacklyn Marcel Garcia-Littlebird, 58, pleaded guilty to distribution of meth. Garcia-Littlebird faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Garcia-Littlebird was detained pending further proceedings.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in August 2022, Garcia-Littlebird sold approximately one ounce of meth to an individual at a location on the Crow Indian Reservation. Garcia-Littlebird was indicted as part of large-scale narcotics trafficking investigation on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian reservations and elsewhere in Montana.

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

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GREAT FALLS — The former operations manager for the Blackfeet Tribe was arraigned today on charges accusing him of stealing federal COVID-19 relief funding the tribe received, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

James Cameron McNeely, 43, of Browning, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with theft from an Indian tribal government receiving federal funding, wire fraud and theft from an Indian tribal organization. If convicted of the most serious crime, McNeely 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. McNeely was released pending further proceedings.

The indictment alleges that the Blackfeet Tribe received federal grant funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to aid public health and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. As alleged, from about October 2021 to October 2022, while working as the tribe’s operations manager in Browning, McNeely stole more than $5,000 from the tribe by fraudulently submitting requests for repayment to the tribe after falsely claiming to purchase COVID-19 supplies on behalf of the tribe from Amazon.

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

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.

PACER case reference. 23-106.

The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl

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MISSOULA — A Butte man suspected of receiving illegally imported pill presses from China and trafficking cocaine and other drugs admitted to a drug charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

David Jesus Tapia-Padron, 33, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Tapia-Padron faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for April 10, 2024 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Tapia-Padron was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that in September 2022, two industrial tablet presses were illegally imported from China to the United States and addressed to a warehouse in Anaconda. The Drug Enforcement Administration intercepted the presses and then had them delivered. The DEA determined that co-defendant Austin King-Terrell, of Butte, had ordered the presses for Tapia-Padron and provided them to him. Agents later searched Tapia-Padron’s residence and found large quantities of marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms and a vacuum sealed package containing one kilogram of cocaine. Agents also located distribution paraphernalia, a money counter and money bands throughout the home. In addition, the investigation determined that Tapia-Padron paid King-Terrell to buy what King-Terrell referred to as a “kief press.” Kief is a concentrated form of marijuana. Tapia-Padron regularly sold King-Terrell marijuana and offered him psilocybin mushrooms. King-Terrell pleaded guilty recently to illegal importation of a tableting machine and is pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case. The DEA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations 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 Nov. 22 was:

Sonja Mae Mercado, 32, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mercado faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Mercado was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-106.

Leo Antonio Rodriguez, 43, unknown address, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rodriguez faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Rodriguez was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-139.

Appearing for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint was:

Tirrell Lewis, 43, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lewis faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Lewis was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-504.

Appearing on Nov. 21 was:

Sonny Leroy Carsten, 42, of Billings, on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Carsten faces a maximum of 30 years in prison,  $1 million fine and five years of supervised release on the bank fraud charge and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft charge. Carsten was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Columbus Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-133.

Ali Sage Hausmann, 24, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth and false statement during a firearms transaction. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hausmann faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Hausmann was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-108.

Joshua Lee Jackson, 33, a transient, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jackson faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Jackson was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-135.

Patrick Allen Justice, Jr., 25, of Billings, on charges of bank robbery. If convicted of the most serious crime, Justice faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Justice was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-136.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Nov. 22 was:

Haley Rushel Hickman, 23, of Libby, on charges of theft of mail. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hickman faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hickman was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-47.

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 Washington man known by sources as the “Kingpin” for the quantity of drugs he distributed throughout the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced on Monday to 10 years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conviction on trafficking charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Anthony Penalosa Infante, 36, of Spokane, Washington, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Infante worked as a large-scale meth and fentanyl distributor from Washington who distributed drugs throughout the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. Between October 2022 and February 2023, Infante was collectively in possession of more than 10 pounds of meth, nearly 4,000 fentanyl pills and approximately 37 grams of cocaine. Infante was identified by sources as the “Kingpin,” and he carried firearms while dealing drugs.

During a traffic stop in December 2022, officers recovered 100 fentanyl pills, two pistols, cocaine and methamphetamine from the vehicle in which Infante was a passenger. Infante later said the drugs were his and intended only for personal use. In a second traffic stop of Infante on the reservation 10 days later, officers located a half pound of meth, approximately 100 fentanyl pills, cocaine and a loaded 9mm magazine. Additionally, in January, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of 100 fentanyl pills from Infante. In a third traffic stop of Infante on the reservation, officers located meth and 76 fentanyl pills. In February, the FBI executed a search warrant of the residence where Infante had been staying and recovered 10.27 pounds of meth, 3,568 fentanyl pills and $1,973 in cash. Ten pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 35,240 doses.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ethan R. Plaut, Amanda L. Myers and Stephanie D. Robles prosecuted the case. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Rocky Boy’s Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation.

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

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BILLINGS — A Billings felon who was on state probation admitted today to illegally possessing numerous firearms, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Erik Joseph Perlberg, 48, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Perlberg faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on April 4, Perlberg attempted to collect a firearm at Scheels in Billings. When a store employee asked why a family member had to complete an ATF form, Perlberg replied that he was prohibited because he was on felony probation. The firearm was not provided to Perlberg. An investigation led to an interview in which Perlberg acknowledged to his probation officer that he could not possess a firearm but had them at his residence and that the keys to the gun safe were at his place of employment. When law enforcement went to his employer for the keys, officers were shown a firearm that Perlberg possessed in a toolbox. During a search of Perlberg’s residence, law enforcement found numerous firearms and determined that 18 of the guns had been manufactured outside the state of Montana. Perlberg was convicted of felony DUI in Yellowstone County in 2021 and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case. 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 Lodge Grass man today admitted to assaulting and injuring his girlfriend on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Brian Allen Kruger, 61, pleaded guilty to assault of a dating or intimate partner resulting in substantial injury. Kruger faces a maximum of five 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 March 20, 2024. Kruger remains detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on Feb. 28, 2021, Kruger assaulted his girlfriend, identified as Jane Doe, while at a house in Lodge Grass, on the Crow Indian Reservation. Kruger and Jane Doe were drinking and talking and got into an argument. The argument escalated, and Kruger punched Jane Doe in the face and knocked her off the chair where she was sitting. Kruger continued hitting Jane Doe as she headed down a hallway. While Kruger went to the kitchen to get some more vodka, Jane Doe escaped out of a window and ran to a neighbor’s house. The neighbor called 911, and Jane Doe was treated for injuries at the Indian Health Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda L. Myers and Lori Harper Suek are prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA  — An Oregon man who brought methamphetamine to Missoula for distribution was sentenced today to eight years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Tracy Jean Bell, 60, of Beaverton, Oregon, pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy to distribute meth.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that law enforcement in Missoula made a controlled purchase of meth in April 2021 from co-defendant Devin Neil Farley. To identify the supplier, law enforcement located Bell, who admitted to possessing approximately 14 ounces of meth in his vehicle and to supplying Farley. Bell also admitted to traveling to Montana from Oregon on numerous occasions to distribute meth. Farley previously was sentenced to eight years in prison for his conviction in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the investigation.

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

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MISSOULA  — A Missoula man who paid minor girls to have sex with him was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Cody Alan Harrington, 29, pleaded guilty in July to two counts of sex trafficking of children.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that for seven years prior to his arrest, Harrington consistently targeted 14- and 15-year-old minors to engage in illegal sexual activity. In November 2022, two women, identified as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, contacted the Missoula Police Department to report that when they were under the age of 18, Harrington had paid each of them to engage in sexual intercourse with him on multiple occasions. Jane Doe 1 reported that she had met Harrington over Snapchat in the summer of 2019, when she was 14 and Harrington was 25, and that Harrington offered to pay her to have sex with him. Jane Doe 1 engaged in commercial sex with Harrington for the first time in August 2019 in Missoula County, after which Harrington paid her $300. Harrington paid her on at least two other occasions in 2019 to have sex with him. Harrington also interacted with Jane Doe 2, while interacting with Jane Doe 1, and knew Jane Doe 2 was a minor because she told him her age. Jane Doe 2 reported that she engaged in commercial sex with Harrington for the first time in August 2020, when she was 15, and that he paid her $400. Jane Doe 2 further reported Harrington paid her to engage in sex with him on multiple occasions from when she was 15 to 17, all in Missoula County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Lowney prosecuted the case. The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, Missoula Police Department and FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force 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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MISSOULA  — A Kalispell man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in the Flathead community after he led law enforcement on a high-speed chase before getting caught was sentenced today to 14 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Kenneth Martin Chandler, 43, pleaded guilty in July to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in April 2021, the Flathead County Street Crimes Unit attempted a traffic stop of Chandler’s vehicle. Chandler then led officers on a high-speed chase through Kalispell before eventually crashing into another vehicle. Chandler fled the scene on foot but was soon arrested. In a later search of Chandler’s vehicle, officers located meth, heroin, drug paraphernalia, more than $9,000 in U.S. currency, and two assault-style rifles. Law enforcement also learned that Chandler was distributing meth in the Flathead area.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The Northwest Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and FBI conducted the investigation.

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

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared recently 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 Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Nov. 14 was:

Autumn Rose Rider, 28, of Browning, on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rider faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Rider was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-06.

Appearing on Nov. 7 was:

Thomasine Tachelle Wahl Salway, 21, of Browning, on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, Salway faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Salway was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-92.

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

Nov. 14 was:

Aubreh Lakhaie Barnes, 34, and Aurelia Dawn Lang, 49, both of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Both defendants were detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-128.

Jennifer Hall, 42, of Livingston, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hall faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Hall was detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-130.

Appearing on Nov. 7 was:

Eric Stephen Hadnott, 44, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hadnott faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Hadnott was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-129.

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 Crow Agency woman who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in a large-scale, multi-state drug operation that was 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.

Carly Joy James, 42, pleaded guilty in July to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, investigated a large-scale, multi-state drug trafficking operation centered on the distribution of meth involving 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. James was one of the individuals affiliated with the investigation. The government further alleged that James was involved in selling meth obtained from Spear Siding and distributing it in the Billings area in 2022. In January, James was pulled over for a traffic violation, and a search of her vehicle revealed a firearm and approximately eight grams of 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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GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to shooting and wounding another man during an argument in Browning on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to five years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Johnathan Charles Gifford Oldchief, 24, pleaded guilty in June to assault resulting in serious bodily injury, assault with a dangerous weapon and using a firearm during a crime of violence.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that on April 7, Oldchief spent the evening drinking with others at a residence in Browning. Shortly after midnight, five persons left the house in a vehicle driven by Oldchief. After driving less than two blocks, Oldchief and the victim, identified as John Doe, got into a verbal argument. Oldchief stopped driving and another person intervened. Oldchief ordered Doe out of the vehicle and Doe complied. After driving a short distance, Oldchief stopped the car, grabbed his 9mm pistol from the center console and got out. Oldchief approached Doe and shot him point blank in the abdomen. Oldchief returned to his car and left the scene. Emergency services responded and Doe was flown to a hospital in Great Falls where he underwent lifesaving 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 Browning man who admitted to trying to put a federal corrections officer in a chokehold while incarcerated at the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ jail on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 15 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Joseph Ernest Potts, 33, pleaded guilty in June to assault on a federal officer.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on Aug. 15, 2021, Potts was an inmate at the Browning jail, which is a federal correctional facility operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. A corrections officer, identified as John Doe, was supervising male inmates as they returned to their cells from the dayroom. Doe saw Potts pacing back and forth between his cell and a cell across the hallway. As Doe began closing Potts’ cell, Potts grabbed Doe around the neck and began struggling with him, attempting to put the officer in a chokehold. Other inmates pulled Potts off the officer. The officer reported pain and discomfort for more than a week after the assault.

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

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GREAT FALLS  — A Harlem man who admitted to shooting into an occupied house in Fort Belknap Agency on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 18 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Tyree Daniel Doney, 22, pleaded guilty in June to assault with a dangerous weapon.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $3,900 restitution.

In court documents, the government alleged that on Jan. 19, a man, identified as John Doe, was inside his residence with his family, including two children. John Doe heard multiple gunshots, and one bullet lodged inside his residence. John Doe feared that he or his family would be harmed from the drive-by shooting. Law enforcement learned that Doney was in the area at the time of the shooting, and Doney ultimately admitted to firing the gunshots into John Doe’s home. Doney did so, in part, because Doney was upset about a physical fight he had with John Doe four months prior. Officers recovered 9mm casings outside John Doe’s residence, 9mm casings inside Doney’s vehicle and the 9mm firearm inside Doney’s residence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS — A Billings man with two prior federal felony convictions was sentenced today to five years and 11 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised released, for illegally possessing a firearm, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Robert John Bigback, 28, pleaded guilty in July to prohibited person in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on March 9, Bigback’s mother found him sleeping in her house with a gun next to his head. His father brought the firearm, a Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol, to the United States Federal Probation Office. When Bigback woke up, his mother saw him frantically looking for something where the gun had been. Bigback told his mother he had been using methamphetamine, was paranoid and thought people were after him. Bigback had prior federal felony convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for distribution of meth, and he was prohibited from possessing firearms. Bigback possessed the gun while he was on federal supervised release for the federal convictions. The gun he possessed was stolen, although there was no indication he was involved in the theft.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Probation Office and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.

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

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MISSOULA  —   A Missoula man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine after law enforcement found the drug in a backpack he had discarded was sentenced on Monday to 11 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Robert Dean Spearson, 40, pleaded guilty in July to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on Nov. 21, 2021, members of the Montana Violent Offenders Task Force attempted to arrest Spearson in Missoula. Spearson fled from officers and was found and arrested in an apartment. The apartment’s owner said Spearson has been in possession of a black backpack. Officers located the backpack and found approximately 77 grams of meth in separate baggies, a digital scale, empty small plastic baggies, a safe key, $660 cash, a laptop that listed Spearson as the user. An empty holster was attached to the outside of the backpack.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Missoula 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 Helena man who admitted to illegally possessing firearms while on state supervision for a felony conviction and working at a pawn shop was sentenced today to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Brandon Wade Kurns, 29, pleaded guilty in June to prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

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

The government alleged in court documents that from about June through July in 2021, Kurns, a convicted felon on state supervision, was a customer and briefly employed at Modern Pawn in Helena. In both capacities, he possessed firearms and ammunition. An investigation determined that Kurns handled firearms and ammunition inventory and possessed at least eight or more firearms. Kurns was convicted of felony criminal endangerment in 2020 in Lewis and Clark County and was prohibited from possessing firearms. A related investigation of Modern Pawn by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led to the convictions of other defendants on various crimes.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The ATF 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 corrections officer who worked at the Fort Peck Tribe’s detention center admitted today to a civil rights violation for assaulting an inmate, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Devin Gray Hawk, 20, of Poplar, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with deprivation of rights. Gray Hawk 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 April 3, 2024. Gray Hawk was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on April 8, 2022, the Fort Peck Tribe’s Department of Law and Justice contacted the FBI about an assault that day of an inmate, identified as John Doe, by a corrections officer, identified as Gray Hawk, at the Tribe’s Adult Detention Center. While John Doe was shackled and not resisting, Gray Hawk fired his Taser at John Doe and then, while John Doe was sitting on the floor, kicked him in the head, causing John Doe’s head to hit an open metal food tray slot on the cell door. John Doe was treated for injuries at Poplar Community Hospital and returned to the detention center.  The government alleged that Gray Hawk, while acting under color of law as a corrections officer, willfully deprived John Doe of the right protected by the Constitution and laws of the United States to be free from cruel and unusual punishment.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D. Vestal for the District of Montana and Trial Attorney Eric N. Peffley, of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section, are prosecuting the case.

The FBI conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS  — A Great Falls man who admitted to lying about his income to receive more than $75,000 in Medicaid health care benefits was fined $70,000 and sentenced to three years of probation today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Dustin Tempel, 39, pleaded guilty in June to health care fraud.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $75,493 restitution.

In court documents, the government alleged that during an investigation of Temple’s mother, Lynn Temple, for fraudulently inflating construction costs while building a home for a client in Great Falls, investigators learned that Tempel had underreported his income by more than $300,000 during a five-year period. During the period of underreporting, Temple applied for Medicaid, again underrepresenting his actual income. As a result, Temple received $75,493 from Medicaid that he was not entitled to receive from 2017 to 2020. Medicaid is a federal health care benefit program that provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women and elderly adults with disabilities. Lynn Temple, who was the finance manager for William Tempel Construction, was sentenced in April 2022 to 14 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $415,221 restitution for conviction on wire fraud.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA  — A Seeley Lake man who admitted to receiving child pornography after joining a Facebook group was sentenced  on Nov. 7 to eight years and six months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Charles Lief Isaacson, 62, pleaded guilty in June to receipt of child pornography.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in September 2022, Isaacson began communicating on Facebook with a profile he believed belonged to a child under the age of 14. Those communications eventually resulted in Isaacson’s arrest on Oct. 25, 2022, after he arrived at a location in Missoula County to meet the child. An investigation determined that in December 2021, Isaacson joined a Facebook group, called “Sweet Kids,” and was able to receive videos and images of minors involved in sexually explicit conduct. Isaacson also solicited one of the group’s members to send him child pornography outside of the group chat in a manner that would help them avoid detection by law enforcement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Lowney prosecuted the case. The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force 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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GREAT FALLS  — A Cascade woman convicted of illegally receiving approximately $126,000 in federal student aid through a scheme in which she enrolled others in courses at Great Falls College, Montana State University, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Ricci Lea Castellanos, 35, pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to aggravated identity theft.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court ordered $68,175 restitution.

The government alleged in court documents that between January 2016 and December 2019, Castellanos enrolled unwitting family members and others in online classes at Great Falls College, Montana State University. When doing so, Castellanos, and others, applied for and received federal student aid totaling approximately $126,219, none of which was allowed. In addition, Castellanos and others fraudulently submitted American Indian Tuition Waivers and  used false tribal enrollment forms to receive student living expense refunds. Castellanos also forged the signature of a person, Jane Doe 1, to apply for enrollment with Great Falls College and received $2,378 in financial aid into her bank account, which she withdrew in cash. Jane Doe 1 had reported her identity stolen to the Great Falls Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan G. Weldon and Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General.

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MISSOULA — The owner of an interior design company in Whitefish today admitted charges in a scheme in which she defrauded customers of approximately $900,000 and used the money for personal expenses, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jennifer Michele Helm, aka Jennifer Michele, 45, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and to aggravated identity theft. Helm faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the fraud charge and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release for aggravated identity theft.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for March 14, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Helm was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged that Helm, while doing business as Sage Interior Designs, LLC, Interior Design Services, and Jennifer Michele LLC, defrauded at least 12 customers of approximately $900,000 from 2016 through 2023. To execute the scheme, Helm entered into agreements with customers to provide goods and services, usually by promising to order furnishing and fixtures as part of construction and remodeling projects. In some instances, Helm presented her clients with invoices for items she knew she had not ordered and that clients never received. In addition, Helm convinced two clients, a married couple, to give her their credit card number, which she was authorized to make purchases on the couple’s behalf. Rather than make those purchases, Helm used the credit card and directed the proceeds of the transactions into her bank account. When interviewed by the FBI, Helm said she was responsible for any misspent funds. She also admitted she knew the money she obtained using the couple’s credit card was deposited into her personal bank account, but she did not remember how many unauthorized transactions she made with the card.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA  — A Kalispell resident with three felony convictions was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after law enforcement recovered 10 firearms from his home after three incidents involving firearms, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jose Angel Estrello, 40, pleaded guilty in June to prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Estrello had three prior felony convictions, including two convictions for robbery in California, and was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. In July 2022, Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of shots fired near McMannamy Draw and met with Estrello. Estrello was hostile toward the deputies and made comments about getting an AR-15 to defend himself against law enforcement. The next day, sheriff’s deputies responded to a disturbance involving a weapon in a campground. Deputies learned that Estrello exchanged words with another person about a parking spot, pulled a handgun out of his pocket and stated, “This is how we take care of this in Compton.” Deputies responded to a third incident involving road rage near Kalispell and determined that Estrello had pointed a gun at another family. In August 2022, law enforcement searched Estrello’s residence and located 10 firearms, seven magazines and assorted ammunition.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office 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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GREAT FALLS  — A Great Falls man who admitted to driving while under the influence of alcohol when he crashed his vehicle near Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, and killed his passenger, was sentenced today to three years and two months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Emil Saunders Day Chief, 42, pleaded guilty in May to involuntary manslaughter.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that on July 19, 2022, Day Chief was driving and picked up a passenger, identified as Jane Doe, in Heart Butte. Soon thereafter, a witness saw Day Chief drive by at approximately 90 mph. Day Chief’s car then veered off the road, overcorrected and rolled two times before coming to a stop on the driver’s side. Jane Doe went through the windshield and the vehicle rolled over her. Witnesses got Day Chief out of the vehicle, and an ambulance took him to the hospital in Browning. Law enforcement found Jane Doe deceased in the road. Officers saw beer cans in the car and scattered around the scene and an empty jar from a marijuana dispensary. An investigation determined that Day Chief had a blood alcohol content of .335 percent and that his blood was positive for THC. Jane Doe died of blunt force injuries.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Montana Highway Patrol and Glacier 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 Nov. 2 was:

Nicholas David Decker, 33, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Decker faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Decker was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-114.

Armondo Anthony Ronquillo, 37, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ronquillo faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Ronquillo was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-64.

Appearing on Nov. 1 was:

Billy Joe Chavez, 40, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Chavez faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Chavez was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-19.

Appearing on Oct. 26 was:

Joshua David Heafner, 39, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hafner faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Heafner was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-109.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Oct. 31 was:

Nicholas Geoffrey Combs, 28, of Portland, Oregon, on charges of distribution child pornography, receipt of child pornography and transportation of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Combs faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Combs was detained pending further proceedings. The Missoula Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-44.

Appearing on Oct. 30 was:

Efren Zanabriga Zuniga, 35, of Oaxaca, Mexico, on charges of production of child pornography, transportation of child pornography and receipt of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Zuniga faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Zuniga was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations and the Missoula Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-46.

Caleb Gerard Diamond, 24, of Missoula, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Diamond faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Diamond was detained pending further proceedings. The Missoula Police Department, Montana Probation and Parole and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-41.

Appearing on Oct. 27 was:

Bryan Michael Balog, 30, of Missoula, on receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Balog faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Balog was detained pending further proceedings. The Missoula Police Department and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-45.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint on Oct. 31 was:

Frank Espinoza, 32, of Venezuela, on charges of improper entry by alien. If convicted of the most serious crime, Espinoza faces a maximum of six months in prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release. Espinoza was detained pending further proceedings. The Border Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-102.

Fatima Brito, 29, of Venezuela, on charges of improper entry by alien. If convicted of the most serious crime, Brito faces a maximum of six months in prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release. Brito was detained pending further proceedings. The Border Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-103.

Diana Ruiz-Gomez, 26, of Mexico, on charges of improper entry by alien. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ruiz-Gomez faces a maximum of six months in prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release. Ruiz-Gomez was detained pending further proceedings. The Border Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-104.

Emilio Fernando Dominguez-Martinez, 24, of Mexico, on charges of improper entry by alien. If convicted of the most serious crime, Dominguez-Martinez faces a maximum of six months in prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release. Dominguez-Martinez was detained pending further proceedings. The Border Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-105.

Fredy Hernandez-Morales, 28, of Mexico, on charges of improper entry by alien. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hernandez-Morales faces a maximum of six months in prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release. Hernandez-Morales was detained pending further proceedings. The Border Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-106.

Viridiana Macias-Espinosa, 38, of Mexico, on charges of improper entry by alien. If convicted of the most serious crime, Macias-Espinosa faces a maximum of six months in prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release. Macias-Espinosa was detained pending further proceedings. The Border Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-107.

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 Billings woman on Nov. 2 admitted to trafficking methamphetamine as part of a large, multiple-state narcotics organization that was centered on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Melanie Rose Bloodman, 54, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Bloodman 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 Feb. 28, 2024 and continued Bloodman’s release pending further proceedings.

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

Investigators learned that Bloodman’s residence, located near the Spear Siding property, was being used to store and sell meth. In a search of Bloodman’s residence in April, law enforcement found more than one pound of meth.

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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BILLINGS  — A Billings woman who had absconded state parole and was arrested selling fentanyl from a Billings motel, was sentenced today to three years and five months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for illegal possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Deana Louann Thomas, 42, pleaded guilty in June to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in December 2022, law enforcement received information that Thomas was selling fentanyl with a man from a motel room in Billings. Thomas had absconded parole from the Montana Department of Corrections. Officers knocked on Thomas’ motel room door and arrested her on a warrant. During a search of the room, law enforcement located a .38-caliber revolver under one of the beds and two rounds of .38-caliber ammunition on a nightstand. Thomas admitted that the firearm was given to her for protection. Thomas was convicted in 2019 of felony escape in Yellowstone County and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

The United States Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Probation and Parole and U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation.

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Browning man accused in two separate cases of sexually abusing a teenager and of domestic assault on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to charges on Nov. 1, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Merlyn Marceau, 40, pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual abuse and to domestic assault by habitual offender. Marceau faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release for the crime of aggravated sexual abuse, and a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release for the crime of domestic assault by habitual offender.

A plea agreement reached in the cases calls for both matters to be sentenced at the same time and for the sentences in each case to run concurrent to each other.

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 March 27, 2024. Marceau was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on June 27, Marceau sexually abused a 13-year-old girl, identified as Jane Doe, in a shed at a residence. The government also alleged that on June 24, Marceau and a separate victim, also identified as Jane Doe and with whom he had been in a romantic relationship, began arguing. Marceau assaulted Jane Doe by striking her repeatedly. Marceau disclosed the assault to the FBI in an unrelated interview. Marceau had two prior domestic assault convictions from Browning Tribal Court.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Blackfeet Child Protective Services investigated the sexual abuse case, and the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the domestic assault case.

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