District of Montana

GREAT FALLS  — A Wolf Point man who admitted to attempted carjacking and a firearms crime stemming from a violent crime spree that began with an armed carjacking in Yellowstone County and ended in Cascade County with another carjacking was sentenced today to 11 years and two months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Santana Cruz Ledeau, 27, pleaded guilty in May to attempted carjacking and to using, carrying and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $500 restitution.

There is no parole in the federal system, however a defendant may be eligible for a reduced sentence not exceeding 15 percent of the overall sentence by earning credit for good behavior.

“Ledeau terrorized two communities during his armed carjacking rampage, causing schools and residents to shelter-in-place and putting people in fear of having their vehicles stolen at gunpoint. It is a miracle no one was killed or seriously injured. But Ledeau still inflicted severe trauma on the victims he randomly attacked, and he nearly ran over two deputies with the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office as they were attempting to stop him,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said. “Ending Ledeau’s crime spree and holding him accountable would not have happened without the extraordinary dedication to public safety by local, state, and federal law enforcement, many of whom jeopardized their own lives to bring Ledeau to justice. I am grateful to and proud of the Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Attorney’s Office, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Musselshell County Sheriff’s Office, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office, Billings Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their outstanding work on this case.”

The government alleged in court documents that on Sept. 30, 2022, in Billings, Ledeau accosted a woman as she tried to get out of her car in a hospital parking lot. Ledeau pointed a gun at her, demanded keys and sprayed pepper spray her in the face. He then carjacked the woman’s vehicle and fled. The woman described the gun as “red with some silver.” Law enforcement found the car a few days later in Musselshell County.

The government further alleged that a few weeks later, on Oct. 17, 2022, Ledeau and a female companion were driving around Great Falls in a white truck that was later discovered to be stolen from North Dakota. Ledeau got into a fight outside a motel and fired a pistol into the air. He fled the scene and was involved in a hit-and-run car accident. Great Falls police were unable to stop Ledeau, who drove south on Interstate 15 toward Ulm. When he neared Ulm, Ledeau exited the interstate, drove up behind a Buick sedan, got out of the truck and demanded the Buick from the man driving it. The driver refused to give up his car. Ledeau then pointed a pistol at the car and shot through the rear driver’s side window. The window shattered, and the bullet traveled into the trunk, where it was recovered. The driver sped away, and Ledeau took off down Interstate 15 in the stolen truck.

The government further alleged that Ledeau made it to Cascade where he ran out of gas. There, a man offered to take Ledeau to get gas, and Ledeau and his companion got into the man’s car. However, once in the car, Ledeau threatened the driver with a knife and demanded the vehicle. The driver jumped out of the car and noticed law enforcement beginning to arrive. Deputies attempted to stop Ledeau, but he drove the stolen car at the officers, who had to flee out of his path.

As deputies continued trying to stop Ledeau, Ledeau drove back onto Interstate 15 at a high rate of speed and traveled the wrong way on the interstate. Ledeau eventually exited the interstate and crashed near Simms. At the crash scene, officers found Ledeau in possession of a pistol that appeared to be the same gun he used in the Billings carjacking and a bottle of Southern Comfort whiskey. Ledeau was intoxicated and belligerent, and agents recovered numerous cartridges, ammunition and empty ammunition boxes from the truck. The gun had a red stock and dark colored slide and was determined to be a 9mm pistol.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica A. Betley and Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case. The Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Attorney’s Office, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Musselshell County Sheriff’s Office, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office, Billings Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.

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

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BILLINGS  — A Washington woman was sentenced today to 10 years and one month in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, after she was caught while trying to flee law enforcement and admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in the Billings community, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Lyzette Vargas, 41, of Spokane, Washington, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in September 2022, agents with the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force learned that Vargas was distributing large quantities of fentanyl pills in Billings. Law enforcement pulled over a vehicle Vargas was driving, but as the officer approached, Vargas switched seats with a passenger, who then sped away. A short time later, officers located the vehicle, which was abandoned. In a search of the area, law enforcement located Vargas, who tried to flee but was caught and arrested. Agents searched a bag Vargas had possessed and found it contained approximately 873 grams, which is almost two pounds, of meth.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, The 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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MISSOULA  — A Wyoming man was sentenced today to three years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, after he admitted he traveled to Montana with the intent to engage in sex with a minor, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jeremy George Lusk, 39, of Crowley, Wyoming, pleaded guilty in June to travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in January, law enforcement was working undercover and responded to an ad on a social media site that was looking for a sexual encounter. The undercover responded, asking the user, who was later identified as Lusk, if he had age limits. Lusk responded that he did not, and the undercover replied that she was 14 years old and lived in Bozeman. Lusk expressed hesitation with the undercover’s purported age before re-engaging and expressing a desire for someone her age. The communications led to Lusk sending a nude photo of himself and to sexually explicit conversations. Ultimately, the two discussed Lusk traveling to Bozeman to meet and have sex. Law enforcement arrested Lusk when he arrived in Bozeman from Wyoming believing he was going to meet the undercover. Inside his truck were lubricant jell, condoms and a sex toy.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case. The Bozeman Police Department, Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations 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 New Mexico man who admitted to cyberstalking a Poplar woman for more than two years was sentenced today to 21 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jicarilla Juan Tiznado, 23, of Dulce, New Mexico, pleaded guilty in June to cyberstalking.

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

The government alleged in court documents that from about June 2020 through October 2022, Tiznado repeatedly harassed and intimidated the victim, identified as Jane Doe, using his computer, cell phone, email and the Internet. Tiznado called, emailed and messaged Jane Doe hundreds of times, threatening to harm and kill her, kill her brother, harm her friends and relatives, send nude images of her to her teachers or post them to her school’s Facebook account. Tiznado also harassed Jane Doe by calling and emailing schools she attended, attempting to get her into trouble, submitting unsubstantiated complaints about her and her family to state and tribal agencies and calling 911 with a false report about her.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wendy A. Johnson and Amanda L. Myers prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Peck Law Enforcement conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS  — A Wolf Point woman who admitted to a murder charge in the death of child on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced on Oct. 30 to 16 years and three months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Heather Dawn Smith, aka Heather Dawn Yellow Owl, 33, pleaded guilty in May to second degree murder.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on Nov. 8, 2020 in Wolf Point, Smith beat the victim, a two-year-old child identified as Jane Doe. When Smith checked on the victim on Nov. 12, the child was unresponsive. The child was transported to the hospital in Wolf Point, where she was pronounced dead. The cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori Harper Suek and Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case. The FBI, Fort Peck Tribes Criminal Investigation and Wolf Point Police Department conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS  — A Poplar woman was sentenced today to five years and four months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after she admitted to a methamphetamine trafficking crime in which a customer died shortly after taking the drug, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Danyell Rose Black Dog, 23, pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on Aug. 27, 2021, Fort Peck Tribes law enforcement officers responded to a 911 medical call regarding a woman identified as Jane Doe. Doe was unresponsive and officers began CPR. Family members told officers at the scene that Doe had used meth prior to the 911 call. Emergency medical responders arrived and transported Doe to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The government further alleged the investigation determined that Doe would buy $5 or $10 worth of meth from Black Dog on a regular basis, and that Black Dog had sold to Doe two to three times a week. Black Dog sent text information to another individual in which she said she was on her way to sell Doe meth approximately 30 minutes before the incident and how she sold and delivered it to Doe. An autopsy of Doe conducted by the Montana state medical examiner listed the cause of death as methamphetamine toxicity.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS  — A Mexican national was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Evirso Real Ampude, aka Poncho, 48, pleaded guilty in May, to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in the fall of 2021, law enforcement learned that a Mexican national, known as Poncho and later identified as Ampude, was distributing meth and fentanyl on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. Several witnesses reported receiving meth, fentanyl or both from Ampude, and multiple witnesses reported working with Ampude to distribute drugs. In August 2022, Ampude was arrested during a traffic stop and was found in possession of a fentanyl pill and a half a gram of meth. In the vehicle was approximately $8,000 in cash and three cell phones.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ethan R. Plaut and Wendy A. Johnson prosecuted the case. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Border Patrol, Tri-Agency Task Force and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation.

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

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GREAT FALLS  — A Browning woman who admitted to sexually abusing a boy on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 27 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Brittany Lynn Gervais, 26, pleaded guilty in May to sexual abuse of a minor.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in the early morning hours of Aug. 4, 2021, a relative of the victim, identified as John Doe, was outside her residence when she saw John Doe approach, with Gervais trailing. John Doe was 13 years old and has developmental delays. The relative saw blood on John Doe’s clothing and called an ambulance. The investigation determined that Gervais met John Doe at a residence in the early morning hours. The pair left the residence together and at some point, Gervais sexually assaulted him before walking with him back to his residence.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kalah A. Paisley and Wendy A. Johnson prosecuted the case. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Service conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — Two persons arrested recently as part of a multi-agency narcotics investigation appeared for arraignment on Oct. 26 on federal indictments alleging fentanyl trafficking charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Officers from multiple federal, state and local agencies previously arrested five persons on warrants as part of a coordinated takedown conducted on Oct. 12 in Great Falls.

The two defendants appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty were:

• Nicholas Cocklin, 28, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cocklin faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release. Cocklin was arrested on Oct. 21. Cocklin was detained pending further proceedings. PACER case reference. 23-95.

• Courtney Price, 27, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Price faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release. Price was arrested on Oct. 19.  Price was detained pending further proceedings. PACER case reference. 23-94.

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

Co-defendants or defendants in associated cases previously arraigned and pending trial are Alanna Corcoran, Natalie Crawford, Michael McIntire, Terry McIntire, all of Great Falls, and Paul Regimbal, of Fort Benton.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and Great Falls Police Department, with assistance from the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Russell Country High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Marshals Service, conducted the investigation.

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

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

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Oct. 26 was:

John Edward Szydlowski IV, 21, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Szydlowski faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Szydlowski was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-124.

Steven Edward Schlosser, 53, of Ballantine, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Schlosser faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Schlosser was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-123.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Oct. 26 was:

Juan Jose Romero, 39, of Butte, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Romero faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Romero was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-11.

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 Department of Justice joins survivors, victim service providers, advocates, and communities nationwide in recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This is a time to center the experiences of survivors, honor those who lost their lives to domestic violence; express gratitude to the countless individuals in the movement to end violence; and raise awareness on the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As part of its monthlong observance of DVAM, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana is proud to announce that the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded more than $4.7 million to Montana to bolster coordinated community responses aimed at bringing an end to domestic violence, as well as sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

Data from the most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate about 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner and reported an intimate partner violence-related impact during their lifetime. Domestic violence rates are even higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black individuals, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals.

The announced grants will reach Tribal nations, historically marginalized communities, underserved communities, college and university campuses, rural towns, culturally specific communities, and more. The funding prioritizes increasing access to justice, improving survivor safety, holding perpetrators accountable, and offering training and technical support to professionals addressing these crimes.

Specifically, Montana received the following funds for the 2023 fiscal year:

• OVW awarded $340,618 under State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program to enhance the coordination between courts, child protective services agencies, advocates, law enforcement, and community programs to encourage trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to domestic violence and sexual assault. The award will go to the Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
• OVW awarded $2.93 million under the Rural Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Assistance Program (Rural Program) to support programs by local government, community-based organizations, and medical providers in rural areas to improve the safety of survivors. The awards will go to Supporters of Abuse Free Environments, $743,863; Friendship Center of Helena, $748,539; St. Peter’s Health Foundation, $700,000; and Hi-Line’s Help for Abused Spouses, $743,233.
• OVW awarded $1.5 million under the Training and Technical Assistance Initiative to support training and technical assistance programs to enhance the efforts of grant recipients to implement projects supported by OVW funds successfully. The award will go to Inspire Action for Social Change Inc.

U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich for the District of Montana commented: “I am pleased to announce that Montana has been awarded funding from the Office on Violence Against Women. Domestic violence in all its forms must stop. As we continue to prosecute and hold offenders accountable, we must also work to support and help survivors and victims of this violent abuse. These grants will fund services, organizations and agencies that are doing important work in communities across Montana to provide victim services and to raise awareness to end this violence.”

“Every day, a vast network of dedicated individuals helps domestic violence survivors access multiple pathways to safety, justice, and healing,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “OVW understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing domestic violence. These funds will enable communities to increase capacity and strengthen a coordinated community approach to prevent and address violence in more comprehensive ways tailored to their communities. Together, with our grantees, we are building a future where individuals and families can live and thrive without the threat of intimate partner violence.”

OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through implementing VAWA and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities nationwide that are developing programs, policies, and practices to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.

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BILLINGS – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana joins the Drug Enforcement Administration in support of the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 28. The biannual event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at sites across Montana, including a DEA site in Billings. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

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

“Cleaning out medicine cabinets of expired or unused prescription drugs for drop off  during DEA’s Take Back Day is an easy and effective way to help stop the epidemic of overdose deaths and addictions, especially those involving opioids. I urge all Montanans do their part to keep loved ones, friends and their communities safer,” U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

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

The DEA will have a drop off location in Billings at the Billings Fire Station #5, 605 S. 24th Street W.

More than 15 sheriff’s offices, police departments and federal agencies across Montana are participating in Take Back Day. Information about collection sites and more information about event is available here: https://takebackday.dea.gov/

During the last Take Back Day held on April 22, 2023, 4,497 law enforcement participants at 4,955 collection sites across the country brought in a total weight of 663,725 pounds, or 332 tons, of drugs. This brings the total weight collected to 17.3 million pounds, or more than 8,650 tons, of prescription drugs collected in the history of the program. Collection results may include materials other than prescription drugs.

During the April event, Montanans turned in 2,255 pounds of prescription drugs at 30 collection sites. Twenty-nine law enforcement agencies participated. Total all time weight collected in Montana is 53,445 pounds.

In addition to DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 28, prescription drugs can be disposed of any day throughout the year at any of the 11,000 authorized collectors. For more information on collection sites, visit: https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Oct. 28 Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com.

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BILLINGS — A Billings man accused of threating to murder U.S. Representative Kevin McCarthy appeared today for arraignment on an indictment, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Richard Lee Rogers, 44, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with threats to injure and murder a member of the United States Congress and with harassing telephone calls. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rogers 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. Rogers was released pending further proceedings.

The indictment alleges that on Feb. 3, near Shepherd, Rogers threatened to assault and murder Kevin McCarthy, who is a member of the U.S. Congress and was the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, with the intent to retaliate against him for the performance of his official duties. The indictment further alleges that on Feb. 3, Rogers made repeated interstate phone calls to harass a person at the called number.

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, which was investigated by the FBI and U.S. Capitol Police.

PACER case reference. 23-112.

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 Justice Department on Oct. 20, through its Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS), announced that it has awarded 182 grants to 111 American Indian and Alaska Native communities, totaling more than $96.7 million. Included in the awards are grants totaling $3.2 million to three tribes in Montana.

“This grant program was created in recognition of the fact that Tribes are in the best position to determine how to meet the most urgent public safety challenges facing their communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “These resources will go directly to supporting Tribes’ efforts to bolster their law enforcement capabilities, combat gender-based and domestic violence, and provide support to victims. The Justice Department will continue to serve as partners to Tribes as they work to ensure the safety of their communities.”

“The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that our resources support Tribal sovereignty and address acute public safety challenges in Indian Country and in rural Alaska,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, who announced the awards Oct. 20 in remarks to the Alaska Federation of Natives in Anchorage. “We are committed to working with our Tribal partners to make our resources more accessible to Tribal communities.”

“I am pleased three of our tribal nations in Montana will be receiving funds to help improve and support their critical work in making their communities safer. The money will help in a variety of ways, from strengthening justice programs, law enforcement, and public safety to supporting services for victims of domestic violence and services for youth,” said U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich, for the District of Montana.

Montana tribes receiving CTAS grants are:

Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation, $1,435,232 total.

• Tribal Justice Infrastructure Program (Bureau of Justice Assistance), $1,335,237.
• Tribal Youth Program (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention), 99,995.

Crow Tribe of Indians, $500,000 total.

• Tribal Youth Program (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention), $500,000.

Northern Cheyenne Tribe, $1,328,909 total.

• Public Safety and Community Policing (COPS Office), $629,138.
• Comprehensive Tribal Justice Systems Strategic Planning (Bureau of Justice Assistance), $149,831.
• Children’s Justice Act Partnerships for Indian Communities (Office for Victims of Crime), $449,992.
• Tribal Youth Program (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention),  $99,948.

The tribal grant awards are designed to help enhance Tribal justice systems and strengthen law enforcement responses, improve the handling of child abuse cases, combat domestic and sexual violence, support tribal youth programs, and fund an array of services for American Indian and Alaska Native crime victims. The awards are administered through the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS).

In addition to the CTAS awards, several other Justice Department components announced grant awards to Tribes. For example, OJP’s Office for Victims of Crime has awarded almost $70 million through the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside to provide services for crime victims in tribal communities and to increase the quantity and quality of victim-centered services available to assist tribal victims of human trafficking in urban areas.

The Justice Department also awarded more than $8.5 million through OJP's Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking to 24 tribes to assist in their compliance with federal law on sex offender registration and notification.

Of the more than $96.7 million in grants awarded under CTAS, a streamlined application that helps Tribes apply for tribal-specific grant programs, OJP made more than $66 million in awards, and the COPS Office made nearly $30 million.

The COPS Office used these funds to assist 49 Tribes in hiring personnel, equipment, and training grants to expand the implementation of community policing. Specifically, this funding can be used to hire or re-hire full-time career law enforcement officers, Village Public Safety Officers and school resource officers and to procure essential equipment, technology, and training to assist in initiating or enhancing tribal policing efforts.

About the Office of Justice Programs

OJP provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation's capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice, assist victims, and uphold the rule of law.

More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

About the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services

The COPS Office is the federal component of the Justice Department responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Justice Department agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime-fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served. Since 1994, the COPS Office has appropriated more than $20 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to over 13,000 state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 136,000 officers.

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MISSOULA  — A Missoula man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl in the community after a traffic stop in which officers found drugs, a firearm and some cash was sentenced today to six years and six months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Eric Anthony Navarro, 33, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Navarro was involved in importing meth and fentanyl into Montana to be sold in the Missoula area using short term property rentals. On Feb. 4, law enforcement pulled over a vehicle, in which Navarro was a passenger, for a traffic stop. Navarro was taken into custody. In a later search of the vehicle, law enforcement recovered meth, fentanyl pills, heroin, a firearm and $279 in cash.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, Missoula Police Department and Missoula 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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BILLINGS  — A man who admitted making numerous racially-motivated harassing calls to an African American woman employed at a Billings church was sentenced today to 18 months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Joshua Leon Hiestand, 41, formerly of Dillon, pleaded guilty in June to harassing phone calls.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $617 restitution.

“When Hiestand, a white man, went to a Billings church looking for help, an elderly African American woman who worked there responded with kindness and assistance. In return and for nearly two years, Hiestand launched a barrage of harassing hateful and racist calls and voicemails at her and the church. His racist conduct isn’t just abhorrent, it is illegal. We are better than this,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In a statement to the court, the victim, identified as Jane Doe, said Hiestand’s messages contained racist rants and obscenities. “The first message made me sick. I literally started shaking. What he said really frightened me. I get high anxiety when I listen to those messages,” Jane Doe said.

In court documents and statements in court, the government alleged that in November 2020, Hiestand, a white man, went to a church in Billings looking for a job and money. Jane Doe, an elderly African American who works at the church, gave him a gift card. Several days later, Hiestand left a voicemail for Jane Doe and, using a racial epithet, said he would give more money to the church if it did not employ an African American. The next month, Hiestand reached Jane Doe on the phone and referenced his “white friends” and, again, how he would contribute to the church if it did not employ African Americans. Hiestand’s behavior escalated. In another voicemail from Hiestand, he stated, “Nobody wants you here.”  Jane Doe contacted the Billings Police Department, and officers identified Hiestand as the caller. In a telephone interview with law enforcement, Hiestand apologized for his conduct. But his behavior continued. In August 2021, Hiestand left another voicemail and, using a racial epithet, told Jane Doe that the “world is going to end because of your black ass race.” Hiestand’s conduct continued for approximately the next 19 months. Hiestand also made similar threatening and racially motivated calls to Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the southern United States. The investigation determined that Hiestand placed the calls from outside of Montana.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI and Billings 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 Oct. 19 was:

Jacci Christen Heinemann, 32, of Livingston, on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Heinemann faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Heinemann was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-115.

Edward Anthony Torres, 27, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Torres faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Torres was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-52.

Appearing on Oct. 17 was:

Sayra Longfox, 25, of Lodge Grass, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Longfox faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Longfox was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-102.

Appearing for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint on Oct. 16 was:

Eric Stephen Hadnott, 44, of Billings, on charges of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hadnott faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $100,000 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 investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-146.

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

David Scott Retzer, 41, of Livingston, on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Retzer faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Retzer was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-115.

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 Corvallis woman who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and carrying a gun to protect herself while distributing drugs was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Brittany Nicole Lewis, 33, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on April 8, 2022, in Ravalli County, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle Lewis was driving. In a later search of the vehicle, officers found one pound of meth. Lewis admitted that she sold meth and that the meth in the vehicle belonged to her. She also admitted that she used a firearm to protect herself while distributing drugs.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation.

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

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BILLINGS – U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich for the District of Montana joins the U.S. Department of Justice in observing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM),  paying tribute to victims and survivors, and saluting the dedication of advocates, service providers, justice professionals, law enforcement officers, and first responders who work tirelessly in support of survivors.

Domestic, dating and intimate partner violence can have long-lasting impacts and consequences. Approximately one in four women and one in seven men will experience severe domestic violence in their lifetimes. However, rates are disproportionately higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, women of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and two-spirit people, and people with disabilities. DVAM provides an opportunity to spread awareness about domestic violence and encourage everyone to play a role in ending gender-based violence.

“We want Montanans to know that we are here to support victims and survivors of domestic violence--not just in October, but every month,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said. “Domestic violence harms individuals, families and communities and provides each of us with the responsibility in helping to end this abuse.”

Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Justice Department violent crime reduction initiative, the District of Montana is working with federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute firearms crimes, which is crucial for combatting domestic violence. Domestic violence abusers who have access to a gun are five times more likely to kill their partners. In addition, abusers use guns to inflict fear, intimidation and coercive control. Under federal law, persons with domestic violence misdemeanor and felony convictions and those subject to domestic violence protective orders are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office also has an essential role in prosecuting crimes in Indian Country, including domestic violence crimes that involve assault of intimate or dating partners. Holding violent domestic offenders accountable is critical for stopping the abuse and ensuring justice and safety for survivors.  

To find support in Montana, visit https://www.justice.gov/ovw/local-resources. For immediate help for domestic violence victims: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (@ndvhofficial) at 1-800-799-7233 or Strong Hearts Native Helpline (@strongheartsdv) at 1-844-762-8483. To learn more, please visit www.Justice.gov/OVW

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GREAT FALLS  — An East Helena man who admitted to possessing an unregistered shortened shotgun was sentenced today to two years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Joshua Alan Roberts-Sprinkle, 36, pleaded guilty in May to possession of an unregistered firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on Oct. 27, 2022, Roberts-Sprinkle possessed three firearms—a loaded AR-style rifle, a shortened shotgun and a loaded .40-caliber handgun, when law enforcement arrested him on an outstanding warrant in East Helena. Officers located the firearms, ammunition, a glass container with methamphetamine residue and a ballistic vest when they executed a search warrant on his vehicle. A Savage Arms/Stevens shotgun, model 94, .410-caliber, with a shortened stock and barrel, was located in the trunk. The recovered shotgun had a barrel length of approximately 14 inches and an overlength of approximately 21 ½ inches. The shotgun was originally manufactured with an overall length of 44 inches and a barrel length of 28 inches. The shortened shotgun was not registered as required by law and the possession of it is a violation of federal firearms laws.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, East Helena Police Department and Helena Police Department conducted the investigation.

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

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GREAT FALLS  — A woman passenger who admitted to methamphetamine and gun crimes after an attempted traffic stop led to the driver shooting and wounding a Great Falls police officer was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Nikki Marie Snell, 38, of Harlem, pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute meth and to prohibited person in possession of a firearm as charged in a superseding information.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in mid- 2022, the Russell Country Drug Task Force in Great Falls learned that Snell was trafficking meth in the community and acquired meth that agents traced to Snell. Then on March 7, 2023, Great Falls police officers attempted a traffic stop of a car from Billings, but the car fled. Officers found the car and saw a man, later identified as the driver, and Snell, the passenger, walking away from it. Snell stopped and complied with the officers, while the driver ran away with Snell’s brown purse. An officer chased the driver, who shot the officer numerous times, wounding him. During the pursuit and shooting, the driver dropped the purse. Officers recovered the purse and found a 9mm semi-automatic handgun inside. The handgun was a different firearm from the one used in the shooting. Snell admitted that the recovered purse was hers and that she knew it contained the handgun. Snell had a prior federal felony conviction for assault and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Great Falls Police Department, with assistance from the Russell Country Drug Task Force, conducted the investigation.

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

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BILLINGS  — A Laurel man who admitted he illegally possessed firearms and ammunition after law enforcement found 34 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition in his residence was sentenced today to five years and eight months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release,  U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Nicholas Steven Capella, 39, pleaded guilty in June to prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition as charged in an indictment.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in August 2022, members of the Billings Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit were surveilling a residence in Laurel when Capella and another person left the house and got into a vehicle that was parked outside. Capella had a pistol holstered on his hip. Officers converged on the vehicle and placed Capella and the other person in custody. A search warrant was executed at the residence, and Capella agreed to open a gun safe, which contained a large cache of firearms, including assault style rifles with high-capacity magazines. Law enforcement seized approximately 34 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Capella was prohibited from  possessing firearms because of felony convictions in Washington.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department 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 Helena man today admitted to a firearms crime after law enforcement found an unregistered machine gun, along with other firearms and silencers, during a search of his home, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Justin Arthur Berger, 36, pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered machine gun. Berger 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 March 20, 2024. Berger was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in December 2022, a friend of Berger’s notified the FBI in Helena that Berger had made statements about wanting to harm others in a mass shooting and that Berger expected he would be killed by law enforcement during a shootout. The friend also reported that Berger had several assault rifles and silencers. Law enforcement learned through an investigation that Berger indicated he was depressed, that he knew a lot about firearms and that he had manufactured a part what would convert an AR-15 into a fully automatic weapon. In addition, Berger had been seen firing rifles with the silencers attached at a makeshift shooting range. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Berger’s home and located several firearms, including AR-style firearms, firearms components, a suspected short-barreled rifle, silencers and components for assembling silencers.

One of the firearms seized was determined to be a machine gun because it was capable of firing more than one round by a single function of the trigger. There was no record of Berger having registered a machine gun in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Helena Police Department conducted the investigation.

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

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BILLINGS  — A Billings woman was sentenced today to two years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for a drunken driving crash that seriously injured her passenger, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jamie Nicole Selage, 27, pleaded guilty in June to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on Jan. 16, 2022, Selage was driving drunk and had a blood-alcohol concentration of .316 percent when she swerved into the wrong lane on U.S. Highway 212, ran off the road and crashed in a ditch as she approached Lame Deer, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. Both Selage and her passenger had to be extricated from the vehicle. The passenger suffered serious injuries and required hospitalization.

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

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MISSOULA — A Missoula man with prior federal felony convictions for gun-related crimes today admitted to illegally possessing multiple firearms, which had no serial numbers, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Luke Aldon Hayes, 42, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with felon in possession of a firearm. Hayes faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided and set sentencing for Feb. 14, 2024. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Hayes was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that Hayes had two prior federal felony convictions for firearms-related offenses when, on Aug. 9, while at work in Bonner, he accidentally shot himself in the foot. Hayes left work immediately and drove to his residence in East Missoula. Law enforcement responded to Hayes’ residence and eventually searched his mother’s car because she was seen moving a black, plastic case from the house to the vehicle. Officers seized the black case, which contained seven handguns. None of the guns had serial numbers, and one of them, a .40-caliber pistol, was accompanied by a high-capacity magazine capable of holding 22 rounds of ammunition. In addition, Hayes agreed to the forfeiture of firearms recovered on Aug. 9 along with other guns, ammunition and accessories recovered later by law enforcement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot is prosecuting the case. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime 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 — An Indian national today admitted to his role in stealing $150,000 from an elderly Montana woman through a computer-hacking scheme, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Sukhdev Vaid, 24, of India, pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Vaid faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 14, 2024. Vaid was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that a large enterprise originating from India was involved in stealing money from the elderly in the United States. In February, various fraudsters stole $150,000 from a 73-year-old woman, identified as Jane Doe, in Kalispell. The fraud occurred because of a pop-up notice that appeared on Jane Doe’s computer screen. The notice explained that Jane Doe was “hacked” and for her to call a number for customer support. Jane Doe complied, and fraudsters directed her to remove cash from her bank accounts for safe keeping at the “Fed.” Jane Doe complied and gave $150,000 in cash to the fraudsters.

In March, Jane Doe told the fraudsters she still had $50,000 in cash, which was a ruse set up by the FBI. Vaid traveled to Montana, along with co-defendant Eddly Joseph, of Gainesville, Florida, to steal the money from Jane Doe. Law enforcement arrested the pair when they arrived to collect the money. The investigation determined that the fraudsters remotely accessed Jane Doe’s computer, using UltraViewer, which they installed on her computer.

Joseph pleaded guilty in August to wire fraud and is pending sentencing.

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

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GREAT FALLS — Five persons arrested as part of a multi-agency narcotics investigation appeared for arraignment today on federal indictments alleging fentanyl trafficking charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Officers from multiple federal, state, and local agencies arrested the five defendants on warrants as part of a coordinated takedown conducted on Oct. 12 in Great Falls.

The five defendants are charged in three separate indictments alleging fentanyl trafficking in Cascade and Mineral counties. Each defendant pleaded not guilty and was detained pending further proceedings.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided.

The defendants include:

• Alanna Corcoran, 41, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Corcoran faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release. PACER case reference. 23-95.

• Natalie Crawford, 31, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Crawford faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. PACER case reference. 23-96.

• Michael McIntire, 56, of Great Falls; Terry McIntire, 44, of Great Falls; and Paul Regimbal, 50, of Fort Benton, on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Terry McIntire also is charged with distribution of fentanyl. The defendants face a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release. PACER case reference. 23-99.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and Great Falls Police Department, with assistance from the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Russell Country High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Marshals Service, conducted the investigation.

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 Billings man, formerly of Hays, was arraigned today on a 20-count federal indictment alleging child sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation, child pornography, aggravated sexual abuse and other crimes involving multiple victims dating back 31 years on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

James Kirby King, 57, pleaded not guilty to an indictment unsealed today in federal court.

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

As alleged in the indictment, from about 1992 to 2018 in Hays, on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, King sexually abused and attempted to sexually abuse minor children and adults.  In addition, King is accused of drugging minor children and an adult while sexually abusing and attempting to sexually abuse them; incest; sexually exploiting children; and child pornography crimes. The indictment identifies the victims as two minor girls, a victim both as a minor girl and a female adult, a female adult and one minor boy. Some of the victims were under the age of 12 at the time, some were under the age of 16 and some were adults.

The indictment charges King with:

• Aggravated sexual abuse of a child, three counts.
• Incest, four counts.
• Sexual exploitation of children, three counts.
• Aggravated sexual abuse—rendering unconscious and drugging victim, two counts.
• Sexual abuse, two counts.
• Attempted aggravated sexual abuse—rendering unconscious and drugging victim, one count.
• Attempted sexual abuse, one count.
• Sexual abuse of a minor, one count.
• Aggravated sexual abuse, one count.
• Attempted possession with the intent to sell child pornography in Indian Country, one count.
• Possession of child pornography in Indian Country, one count.

If convicted of the most serious crime, King faces a maximum of life of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

If you believe you are a victim of alleged sexual abuse by James Kirby King or have information related to the charged conduct in this case, please contact the FBI’s Havre Resident Agency: (406) 265-7181, option 20, and leave a message for the case agent.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda L. Myers and Ryan G. Weldon are prosecuting the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement conducted the investigation.

PACER case reference. 23-98.

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BILLINGS  — A Billings man who admitted to using stolen bank cards and identities to make purchases around Billings was sentenced today to three and a half years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jeremy Ray Fisher, 37, pleaded guilty in June to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $4,439 restitution.

“In Billings, it has become far too common for people like Fisher to steal credit cards, as well as others’ identities, to go on spending sprees around Billings at the expense of law abiding citizens.  And almost without exception, these criminals, like Fisher, are abusing drugs.  He has rightfully earned a significant prison sentence for his actions, where he will join others we have previously prosecuted for similar conduct, and we will be unwavering in our pursuit of those who seek to follow in Fisher’s footsteps,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“The defendant in this case stole identities and money from the victims and he is deserving of the sentence.  This type of crime is reprehensible and causes significant losses and damage to the victims.  The Billings Police Department, along with our partners, will be diligent in our investigations involving ID theft and fraud.  Similarly, this sentence reflects the seriousness that the U.S. Attorney’s Office views these cases, and I thank them for their continued support,” Billings Police Chief Rich St. John said.

In court documents, the government alleged that in August 2022, a victim, identified as Jane Doe, notified the Billings Police Department that a bank credit card had been stolen from her vehicle and used by someone earlier that day to make purchases around Billings. Jane Doe received fraud alerts from her bank notifying her that some purchases had been declined but two were successful. One of the successful transactions was made at a Cenex Zip Trip. An investigation identified Fisher on video surveillance as pulling up to the store, getting out of the passenger’s seat, entering the store and paying for an item and then driving away. Fisher later admitted to using stolen credit cards to make purchases and admitted to doing so at the Zip Trip. The government further alleged that Fisher had prior felony convictions and uses methamphetamine. When arrested, he was found to have stolen power tools, stolen coolers and the identification cards of multiple people.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation.

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HELENA — A Utah man accused of embezzling more than $700,000 from a Montana company admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Thomas Lynn Syddall, 50, of American Fork, Utah, who worked for a company owned by Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., pleaded guilty to wire fraud and to money laundering-concealment as charged in an indictment. Syddall faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction 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 March 20, 2024. Syddall was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that Syddall worked as a salesman for Information Technology Corporation, which was owned by Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co. From about March 2020 to about August 2021 in Helena, Syddall embezzled money through multiple means, including creating bogus purchase orders and invoices, stealing inventory and directing payments to fictitious companies and unauthorized vendors. Syddall then sold the inventory, none of which was authorized, on eBay and KSL Classifieds. When questioned by other employees about the discrepancies in orders and payments, Syddall sent lulling emails attempting to cover up and prolong the fraud. In addition, Syddall concealed financial transactions by laundering proceeds from the wire fraud into third-party accounts. Syddall  then directed the transfer of the money into accounts over which he had control. The government alleged the investigation has identified approximately $759,100 in restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon is prosecuting the case. The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation 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 on a criminal complaint on Oct. 12 was:

Robert Stuart Quam, 42, of Belgrade, on charges of possession a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, felon in possession of a firearm and distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Quam faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release on the drug charge and a mandatory five years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Quam was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Missouri River Drug Task Force and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-144.

Appearing on an indictment and pleading not guilty on Oct. 10 was:

Glenn Gale Ware, 45, of Hardin, on charges of threats to injure or murder a federal law enforcement officer and harassing phone calls. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ware faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Ware was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-117.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston on a criminal complaint on Oct. 11 was:

Cesar Alberto Montiel-Gonzalez, 52, of Mexico, on charges of illegal entry into the United States. If convicted of the most serious charge, Montiel-Gonzalez faces a maximum of six months in prison, a $5,000 fine and one year of supervised release. Montiel-Gonzalez was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-94.

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 Box Elder man who admitted to assaulting a woman on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 22 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Titus Lee Pedraza, 40, pleaded guilty in May to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury of a spouse, intimate or dating partner.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on November 23, 2022, Pedraza was home with the victim, identified as Jane Doe, and the victim’s children. Jane Doe told Pedraza she wanted a babysitter so they could go gambling together. Pedraza, who was drunk, became enraged and accused Jane Doe of wanting to cheat on him. Pedraza then assaulted her by strangling and hitting her, causing serious bodily injury.

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

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A Montana man pleaded guilty today to buying firearms in Montana and selling them to individuals in Mexico.

Cristyan Jose Gonzalez-Carrillo, 37, of Bozeman, pleaded guilty to illegal export before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto.

According to court documents, an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) determined that from February 2020 to May 2020, Gonzalez-Carrillo purchased approximately 31 handguns. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Gonzalez-Carrillo’s residence in July 2020 and recovered firearms and ammunition, including semi-automatic handguns and AR style rifles. Receipts seized during the search were from multiple stores in Montana for the purchase of firearms during that period. In addition, the investigation determined that Gonzalez-Carrillo’s vehicle plate records would demonstrate multiple border crossings at San Ysidro, California, from April 2020 to June 2020. Investigators also learned that Gonzalez-Carrillo purchased and advertised firearms for sale on the platform WhatsApp and sold firearms to individuals in Mexico.

“Every day across America, the Department of Justice is fighting the twin epidemics of gun violence and drug poisoning that shatter our communities,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “To win that battle, we must root out and prosecute those who traffic illegal firearms to Mexico – where weapons end up in the hands of violent cartels that send deadly drugs back to the United States. Today’s guilty plea represents another step forward, but also a sobering reminder that the fight against cross-border firearms-trafficking is a nationwide challenge.”

“Buying guns in Montana and taking them to Mexico to sell is illegal,” said U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich for the District of Montana. “Fighting gun violence remains a top priority for our office and as today’s hearing showed, we will investigate and prosecute anyone who violates federal firearms laws.”

“Preventing unlawful firearms trafficking is a top priority of the ATF,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “Whether the unlawful trafficking is destined for a gang in the United States or a cartel in Mexico, we will work with our partners to stop it and hold accountable those who violate our nation’s firearms laws.”

Gonzalez-Carrillo faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for Feb. 15, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Gonzalez-Carrillo was detained pending further proceedings.

ATF investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott for the District of Montana is prosecuting the case.

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.

GREAT FALLS  — An Idaho man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in Great Falls and Helena was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Thomas Lee Dieruf, 40, of Osborn, Idaho, pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement in Great Falls and Helena identified Dieruf as supplying meth, and in January 2022, investigators arranged for a purchase of meth from Dieruf. After agreeing to the deal, Dieruf left his home in Idaho and traveled to Montana, where law enforcement detained him at a gas station in St. Regis. Officers executing a search warrant on his car located approximately a quarter pound of meth, a digital scale, plastic baggies and two pistols.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case. The Russell Country Drug Task Force, Missouri River Drug Task Force, FBI 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 Washington man who admitted coming to Great Falls to sell fentanyl pills was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Ryan Mark Jensen, 44, of Bremerton, Washington, pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that Jensen was a significant drug dealer in Great Falls and had come to Great Falls from Washington to sell fentanyl pills because the mark-up on the pills was so profitable. In September 2022, the Russell Country Drug Task Force learned that Jensen was distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl pills while staying at a local hotel. Investigators searched his hotel room and found a small backpack containing several hundred fentanyl pills and a digital scale. Law enforcement also found small baggies that appeared to have contained meth residue.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case. The Russell Country Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA — A Bozeman man accused of buying firearms in Montana and selling them to individuals in Mexico admitted today to illegally exporting guns, said U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich.

Cristyan Jose Gonzalez-Carrillo, 37, pleaded guilty to illegal export before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto. Gonzalez-Carrillo faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release at his sentencing set for Feb. 15, 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. Gonzalez-Carrillo was detained pending further proceedings.

“Every day across America, the Department of Justice is fighting the twin epidemics of gun violence and drug poisoning that shatter our communities,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “To win that battle, we must root out and prosecute those who traffic illegal firearms to Mexico – where weapons end up in the hands of violent cartels that send deadly drugs back to the United States. Today’s guilty plea represents another step forward, but also a sobering reminder that the fight against cross-border firearms-trafficking is a nationwide challenge.”

“Buying guns in Montana and taking them to Mexico to sell is illegal. Fighting gun violence remains a top priority for our office and as today’s hearing showed, we will investigate and prosecute anyone who violates federal firearms laws,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“Preventing unlawful firearms trafficking is a top priority of the ATF,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “Whether the unlawful trafficking is destined for a gang in the United States or a cartel in Mexico, we will work with our partners to stop it and hold accountable those who violate our nation’s firearms laws.”

The government alleged in court documents that an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) determined that from February 2020 to May 2020, Gonzalez-Carrillo purchased approximately 31 handguns. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Gonzalez-Carrillo’s residence in July 2020 and recovered firearms and ammunition, including semi-automatic handguns and AR style rifles. Receipts seized during the search were from multiple stores in Montana for the purchase of firearms during that period. In addition, the investigation determined that Gonzalez-Carrillo’s vehicle plate records would demonstrate multiple border crossings at San Ysidro, California, from April 2020 to June 2020. Investigators also learned that Gonzalez-Carrillo purchased and advertised firearms for sale on the platform WhatsApp, and sold firearms to individuals in Mexico.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott is prosecuting the case. ATF 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 member of the U.S. Air Force at the Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls today admitted to allegations that he obtained and sold images of child sexual abuse material using social media, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Brandon Earl Bankston, 23, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to sell child pornography. Bankston faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 14, 2024. Bankston was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that in the summer of 2021, the Great Falls Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was alerted that a suspect in Montana had uploaded videos containing known child sexual abuse material to an account on “X,” formerly known as Twitter. The task force also learned that a Snapchat user with a Montana address had posted an image of child sexual abuse material. The investigation determined that the internet provider addresses belonged to Bankston, an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force assigned to the 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base. Bankston admitted to Air Force investigators to possessing and distributing the child sexual abuse material in exchange for payment from users across various internet platforms.

Bankston told investigators that he obtained images and videos of the material through a messaging platform and stored the material on a cloud-based site in New Zealand. He further admitted to selling the child sexual abuse material to approximately 25 individuals. In a search of Bankston’s electronic devices, social media platforms, bank accounts and cloud-based storage applications, investigators determined he possessed approximately 5,000 images of child sexual abuse material and approximately 3,000 images and videos of the material saved in storage accounts. In addition, investigators determined Bankston received approximately $6,750 for child sexual abuse material sales from 42 separate transactions.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes is prosecuting the case. The Great Falls Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations 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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BILLNGS — A Lodge Grass woman today admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl as part of a large-scale, multiple-state narcotics organization that was centered on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Yvon Lizbeth Lopez-Flores, 29, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Lopez-Flores faces a mandatory minimum of five years of imprisonment, a $5 million fine and at least four 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. Lopez-Flores was detained 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. Lopez-Flores is one of the individuals associated with the investigation.

In July 2022, law enforcement learned that Lopez-Flores was identified as a distributor of meth and was working with several individuals on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations.

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 Lame Deer man accused of assaulting a woman on two separate occasions on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation admitted to multiple crimes today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Curtis Leo Crazymule, 45, pleaded guilty to assault of a dating partner resulting in substantial bodily injury, assault of a dating partner by strangulation and assault with a dangerous weapon. Crazymule faces a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, 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. Crazymule was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that Crazymule and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were in a romantic relationship when, in December 2022, Crazymule assaulted the victim while in a parked vehicle when she wanted to drive because of his level of intoxication. Crazymule headbutted, bit and strangled the victim, causing her to almost lose consciousness. The Bureau of Indian Affairs police responded, and the victim was transported by ambulance to a clinic in Lame Deer for treatment of injuries. In a second assault in January 2023, the government alleged that Crazymule assaulted Jane Doe at a residence with a baton, striking her on the head and knocking her unconscious. Two persons witnessed the assault. Crazymule denied striking the victim with a baton or any other object.

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

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GREAT FALLS  — A federal jury on Oct. 5 convicted a Hays man of sexually abusing a minor girl on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

After a three-day trial that began on Oct. 3, the jury found Daniel Jacob Werk, 38, guilty of sexual abuse of a minor, as charged in an indictment. Werk faces a maximum of 15 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 6, 2024. Werk was released on conditions pending further proceedings.

“Werk used his position with the Fort Belknap Grassland Restoration Project, which is intended to help at-risk Native youth, to recruit a minor girl into the program. Hours after learning the victim was only 15 years old, Werk, who was 36 at the time, started having repeated sexual encounters with the victim. Our office will work tirelessly with our federal law enforcement partners to hold anyone accountable who seeks to sexually abuse a child. The jury’s verdict is a validation of those ongoing efforts,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that from July 2021 to October 2021, Werk repeatedly sexually abused a 15-year-old girl on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Werk, who was the program coordinator for the Fort Belknap Grassland Restoration Project, a program designed to provide opportunities for at-risk Native youth,  recruited the girl, identified as Jane Doe, into the program and then repeatedly engaged in sexual acts with her.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The 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 Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto on a criminal complaint on Oct. 2 was:

Efren Zanabriga Zuniga, 35, of Mexico, on charges of transportation of child pornography and possession of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Zuniga faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Zuniga was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-65.

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 Dodson man today admitted an assault charge after he drifted into the oncoming lane while driving and crashed into another vehicle, seriously injuring the other driver, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Marvin James Cole, 27, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Cole faces a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 6, 2024. Cole was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged that on June 22, 2022, Cole crashed his GMC truck into a Dodge Avenger driven by the victim, identified as John Doe, on Highway 66 near Harlem, on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Doe suffered serious injuries and ultimately was treated at a hospital in Seattle. A toxicology report showed amphetamine and methamphetamine in Cole’s blood. Cole agreed that he likely drifted into the other lane when he looked at his phone.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Fort Belknap Law Enforcement, Montana Highway Patrol and Phillips County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA  — A Kalispell man accused of trafficking thousands of fentanyl pills and pounds of methamphetamine in the community was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Justin Jose Romo, 30, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that from March 2022 to September 2022, a Northwest Drug Task Force investigation determined that Romo was distributing meth and fentanyl in the Flathead Valley. Investigators learned from sources that Romo was distributing pound quantities of meth, thousands of fentanyl pills and possessed firearms on multiple occasions.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case. The Northwest Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.

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

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WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced on Thursday, Sept. 28, that it is awarding more than $4.4 billion to support state, local, and Tribal public safety and community justice activities. The grants, from the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will help build community capacity to curb violence, serve victims and youth, and achieve fair outcomes through evidence-based criminal and juvenile justice strategies.

Montana will receive $19,728,000 in grants in 35 awards from the Justice Department.

“Everyone in this country deserves to be safe in their communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “That is why, in addition to continuing our efforts to identify and prosecute the most violent criminals, the Justice Department is putting every available resource to work to support the efforts of our law enforcement and community partners nationwide. This significant investment will go directly to state and local programs that support the victims of crime, support officer safety and wellness, build the public trust in law enforcement essential to public safety, and help make all of our communities safer.”

“I am pleased to announce that Montana is receiving nearly $20 million in grant funding, which will further assist our office in making our communities safer, help reduce violent crime, and expand services for victims of crime. This money will provide much needed support to law enforcement and public safety professionals who work hard every day to keep us safe,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The more than 3,700 OJP grants being awarded this fiscal year will support state, local, and community-based efforts and evidence-based interventions that reduce violence, crime, and recidivism while delivering treatment and services to those at-risk of justice system involvement. Funding will expand partnerships between criminal justice professionals and behavioral health experts, help people safely and successfully transition from confinement back to their communities, reach crime victims in underserved areas, steer young people away from justice system contact, improve the management of sex offenders, and support a wide range of research and statistical activities that will help justice system professionals meet community safety challenges.

“Across the country, the Justice Department is working side-by-side with our partners in state and local law enforcement to combat violent crime by using our federal resources to amplify their work on the front lines,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “The billions of dollars in grants announced today will augment those efforts and the tools law enforcement is using to curb violence, counter deadly drug abuse, and promote safety and public trust. Together with our state and local partners, the Department will continue to do everything we can to protect the communities we all serve.”

“The Department of Justice is investing in community-based approaches to violence prevention, law enforcement health and wellness, Tribal courts, improved services for victims, research and data collection efforts, reentry programs, and much more,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “The grants announced today further our commitment to working with our state, Tribal, and local partners to increase public safety, build police-community trust, and ensure safe, healthy, and just communities for all.”

“Every sector of our society — not only the justice system, but nonprofit and faith-based groups, local leaders, and advocates, and people with lived experience who serve as credible messengers — plays a critical role in ensuring public safety and public health,” said OJP Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon. “The Office of Justice Programs is proud to make these substantial investments in building community infrastructure and supporting communities as co-producers of safety and justice.”

Grants will support five major community safety and justice priorities:

• Awards totaling more than $1 billion will promote safety and strengthen trust, helping communities tackle the proliferation of gun violence in America and restore bonds of trust between community residents and the justice system. Grants will support innovative and evidence-based strategies designed to prevent and reduce violent crime, support the health and safety of law enforcement and public safety professionals, promote rehabilitation and reentry success, and address the rise in hate crimes across the country.
• More than $437 million in grant awards will accelerate justice system reforms designed to achieve equal justice and fair treatment for all. Grants will expand access to services among historically underserved and marginalized communities, reduce counterproductive involvement in the justice system, increase opportunities for diversion, and build pathways to treatment for people with substance use and mental health disorders.
• Over $192 million will improve the fairness and effectiveness of the juvenile justice system by supporting developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive interventions for youth. Funding will ensure that young people are served at home in their communities whenever possible, are equipped to transition to a healthy adulthood free of crime, and are protected from violence and abuse.
• More than $1.7 billion will expand access to victim services by investing in programs that provide trauma-informed and culturally responsive services to victims. Funding will support thousands of local victim assistance programs across the country and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory, while helping these programs build their capacity to reach those disproportionately affected by crime and victimization.
• Over $418 million in awards will advance science and innovation to strengthen the base of knowledge that policymakers and practitioners can use to design and deploy effective community safety strategies. Awards will support research and data collection on a wide range of public safety issues, help maintain timely and accurate criminal history records, and improve the capacity of crime labs and forensic analysts to solve crimes, absolve the innocent, and deliver justice to victims.

In addition, OJP will award more than $611 million to continue its support of other previously funded programs and congressionally directed spending. More information about the awards announced today can be found by visiting www.ojp.gov/funding/fy23awards.

OAG/ODAG/OASG/OJP

23-1066

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 Sept. 28 was:

Garrell Robert Snell, 33, of Hardin, on charges of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. If convicted of the most serious crime, Snell faces a maximum of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Snell was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-113.

Brian Allen Kruger, 61, of Lodge Grass, on charges of assault of a dating or intimate partner resulting in substantial bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kruger faces a maximum of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Kruger was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 22-148.

Appearing on Sept. 26 was:

Marilee Dawn Hoffman, 36, a transient, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hoffman faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Hoffman was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-93.

Appearing on a criminal complaint on Sept. 25 was:

Luke Dovel, 28, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Dovel faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Dovel was detained pending further proceedings. PACER case reference. 23-143.

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

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HELENA  — A federal jury today convicted a Helena woman, who was accused of lying about her income and employment to illegally receive government benefits intended to help low-income individuals and families, of multiple crimes, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

After a four-day trial that began on Sept. 26, the jury found Nena Helene Siemens, aka Nena Suzanne Kruger, 59, guilty of two counts of false statement or representation made to a department or agency of the United States and one count of theft of government money.  Siemens faces a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, 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 March 6, 2024 and continued Siemens’ release pending further proceedings.

“Despite receiving significant income and running her own business, Siemens lied on numerous applications so she could receive federal assistance benefits for which she was not eligible. Siemens’ brazen and prolonged conduct took taxpayer-funded aid from families that truly need help. The jury held her accountable. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Kakuk and Jeffrey K. Starnes, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for their work on this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In December 2018, Siemens applied for program assistance benefits through the State of Montana, reporting that she had $1,500 in her bank accounts, no employment and no income. Based on the information, Siemens was approved to receive benefits through the Temporary  Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which is a program that provides cash assistance for families to meet basic needs.

The government alleged that the information Siemens provided for benefits was false. From March 2014 through August 2017, she lived with Dale Kruger, and they shared multiple bank accounts that had significant deposits of money. Siemens spent an average of roughly $20,000 per month. Siemens also owned and operated a business called Evergreen Dive Service in Washington. In addition, Siemens collected $750 in monthly rent from a couple living on property she owned with Kruger. Siemens never disclosed her living arrangements, accounts or income sources to the State of Montana, even though she routinely received notices from the state regarding reporting requirements for changes in income and other circumstances.

The government further alleged that starting in August 2017, Siemens began transferring and depositing large amounts of money into her personal accounts. Between January 2018 and February 2020, Siemens routinely had income of more than $10,000 per month, which includes bank account transfers, miscellaneous deposits and personal expenses charged to her dive service business accounts. These income sources were never disclosed to the state.

During a 2019 interview with an investigator, Siemens reiterated multiple times that she was not employed, had no income and no assets to liquidate. Contrary to these assertions, Siemens had substantial income in 2019. She purchased a Kubota tractor for $70,000 in June 2018 and a Desert Fox travel trailer for $31,000 in March 2019. In agreements to purchase these items, Siemens typically stated she was employed as the managing member of her business and that her income was between $6,000 and $10,000 per month.

The state of Montana ultimately suspended Siemens’ benefits in February 2020. By then, Siemens had received $2,552 in TANF benefits for which she and her family were not legally eligible. After the state of Montana suspended her benefits, Siemens continued her fraudulent conduct by filing a claim two months later for unemployment with the state of Washington, claiming she was “laid off” by her “employer,” the Evergreen Diver Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Kakuk and Jeffrey K. Starnes are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS — A Hardin man accused of selling methamphetamine as part of an investigation into large-scale drug trafficking based on the Crow Indian Reservation admitted to a distribution crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Anthony Springfield, 22, pleaded guilty to distribution of meth. Springfield faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four 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 Jan. 31, 2024. Springfield was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, investigated large-scale, multiple-state narcotics trafficking activity 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. Springfield is one of the individuals affiliated with the investigation. The government further alleged that in November 2022, law enforcement purchased meth from Springfield.

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

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

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BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to possessing an unregistered silencer that was recovered at a Billings bar after a shooting incident was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Elias Miguel Nava, 19, pleaded guilty in June to possession of an unregistered silencer.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on Oct. 16, 2022, Billings Police Department officers recovered a silencer at Bullwhackers Bar after a shooting incident. On Oct. 23, 2022, police officers recovered a .22-caliber pistol and other firearms at the Wild West Bar after a shooting incident involving Nava. The pistol was in the possession of Nava and one of his co-defendants at the time. Social media, photos and videos showed Nava and his co-defendant in possession of the pistol with the silencer that was recovered on Oct. 16 attached.

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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MISSOULA  — An Idaho man who admitted to threatening and harassing a woman in Montana was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by three of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Daniel August Meyer, 39, of Post Falls, Idaho, pleaded guilty in May to stalking.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in August of 2022, the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Meyer after the victim, identified as Jane Doe, reported that Meyer had threatened to kill her. Jane Doe reported that Meyer continually harassed her through phone calls and text messages after she moved to Missoula. In September 2023, Jane Doe discovered a tracking device on her vehicle believed to have been installed by Meyer. Meyer continued calling and leaving voice messages, including a message stating he was in town and on his way to her location. Law enforcement arrested Meyer on Sept. 14, 2023. A search of his vehicle led to the recovery of body armor, a sawed-off shotgun, and a large amount of ammunition. Meyer was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition because he was subject to a permanent Order of Protection from 2010.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force and Missoula Police Department conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA  — A Marion man who admitted to distributing fentanyl pills and methamphetamine in Flathead County was sentenced today to 10 years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Roger Ossie Nickerson, 40, pleaded guilty in May to distribution of controlled substances.

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

The government alleged in court documents that during an investigation by the Northwest Montana Drug Task Force in June 2022, an undercover agent purchased fentanyl from Nickerson. In addition, law enforcement received information from a source that Nickerson was distributing drugs and that the source had purchased pills and meth from him multiple times.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The Northwest Montana Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and Great Falls 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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