District of Montana

BILLINGS  — A Billings man who admitted to distributing child pornography using social media was sentenced today to 14 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Stetson Lee Hubbard, 33, pleaded guilty in June to distribution of child pornography.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in January 2020, law enforcement began an undercover investigation using a social media application and posed as woman. Law enforcement entered multiple public groups that appeared to be focused on child pornography. While in one such group, a member of the group distributed child pornography. An investigation determined the distribution originated in Billings and ultimately led to Hubbard. When interviewed, Hubbard acknowledged using the social media application and that he may have distributed child pornography on that application. Law enforcement subsequently found more than 1,160 images of child pornography on Hubbard’s cellular phone.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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MISSOULA  — A Dillon man who admitted to recording himself having sex with a minor girl on multiple occasions was sentenced today to 18 years and four months in prison, to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Blaine Anthony Thomas Burger, 20, pleaded guilty in March to production of child pornography.

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

In a plea agreement filed in the case, the parties agreed that the evidence established the commission of two additional counts of production of child pornography involving two additional Jane Does, and that the agreement would be treated as if Burger had been convicted of the additional counts for purposes of calculating his recommended sentencing guideline range.

“Burger’s violent, perverse and destructive conduct caused a lifetime of damage to these girls. He built trust and developed relationships with them, and then abused and sexually exploited them for his own gratification. Protecting children from predatory conduct, like Burger’s, and holding offenders accountable remains a top priority for our office,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The government alleged in court documents that Burger preyed on three underage girls, torturing two of the girls, convincing both that he cared for them, and blackmailing a third girl until she sent him nude images of herself. Between October 2021 and May 1, 2022 in Dillon, Burger was in a dating relationship with Jane Doe 1, who was under the age of 18. On April 30, 2022, Jane Doe 1 told law enforcement that she had been in an abusive sexual relationship with Burger for the last several months. Jane Doe 1 further disclosed that Burger had sex with her on multiple occasions, recorded them having sex on his phone and kept the videos. When interviewed, Burger admitted to having sex with Jane Doe 1 more than 10 times after he learned that she was underage. Burger further admitted he had naked pictures of Jane Doe 1 on his phone. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Burger’s phone and recovered three videos that were recorded by Burger and depict him having sexual intercourse with Jane Doe 1.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, Dillon Police Department, Helena Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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BILLINGS  — A Billings man convicted of sending two videos of minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct to an undercover officer was sentenced today to three years and five months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Ethan Andrew Schilling, 25, pleaded guilty in January to a superseding information charging him with possession of child pornography.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in March 2022, law enforcement was conducting an undercover investigation and began corresponding with Schilling on a social media application. The undercover officer posed as the relative of a 12-year-old girl. Schilling’s intentions regarding the fictitious girl became increasing sexual in nature. Schilling offered that he had “pics” and sent the undercover officer two videos of a prepubescent minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In May 2022, law enforcement served search warrant at Schilling’s residence. During an interview with law enforcement, Schilling stated that he sent the videos and  acknowledged that it was illegal to send child pornography.

Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

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

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BILLINGS — A Billings man accused of threatening to kill Montana U.S. Sen. Jon Tester and threatening President Joe Biden appeared on an indictment on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Anthony James Cross, 29, pleaded not guilty to threats to injure and murder a United States Senator and to threats against the President. If convicted of the most serious charge, Cross 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. Cross was detained pending further proceedings.

The indictment alleges that on April 17, 2023 in Billings, Cross threatened to assault and murder Sen. Jon Tester with intent to retaliate against Tester on account of the performance of his official duties. The indictment further alleges that on April 10, 2023 in Billings, Cross knowingly and willfully made a threat to take the life of, and to inflict bodily harm upon, the President of the United States, in that he stated in part, “I will personally kill Joe Biden.”

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

The FBI conducted the investigation.

PACER case reference. 23-101.

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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BILLNGS — A Lame Deer man admitted on Monday to distributing methamphetamine on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation that he received through a large-scale narcotics trafficking operation based on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Jesse Laslovich said today.

Joseph John Simpson, 49, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Simpson faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that from May 2022 to July 2023, law enforcement obtained information from multiple sources that Simpson was distributing meth on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation and elsewhere. Simpson was affiliated with a large-scale, multiple-state narcotics trafficking operation centered on multiple properties on the Crow reservation, including one referred to as Spear Siding. Spear Siding was a source of meth for individuals, including Simpson.

The government further alleged that on July 13, a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer in Lame Deer observed a pickup truck that appeared to be stolen and was driven by an individual, later identified as Simpson. The officer pulled behind the truck, but it fled. The truck was stopped, and Simpson was taken into custody. Simpson had meth, a glass pipe and $328 on his person. The officer also observed four firearms and ammunition in the truck. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on the truck and found a duffle bag containing Simpson’s tribal identification card, approximately one pound of meth, a scale caked with possible meth residue, multiple plastic baggies and $305 in cash. Officers also found a submachine gun and a lockbox containing $9,120 in cash and an additional pound of meth.

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

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

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HELENA  — A carrier who delivered mail for the U.S. Postal Service was sentenced today after she admitted to stealing mail from her route in search of cash and gift cards from more than 90 victims, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris sentenced Katie Elizabeth Bowlds, 39, of Helena, to two years of probation and ordered $1,847 restitution. Bowlds pleaded guilty in April to possession of stolen mail.

“I hope the restitution ordered today will help make up for the missed birthday, anniversary, and special occasion gifts that Bowlds robbed from people, including kids, when she stole mail and rifled through greeting cards for cash and gift cards. Mail is necessarily private, and the public expects and deserves to have their mail delivered intact to its intended recipients. Bowlds’ actions eroded this trust, and I am pleased she is being held accountable for her criminal conduct,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The government alleged in court documents that in 2022, Bowlds worked as a contract delivery services carrier for the U.S. Postal Service on a rural route in Helena. In the spring of 2022, Bowlds stole hundreds of greeting cards from her postal route in search of cash and gift cards. Many of these greeting cards contained small denominations of cash and gift cards and were intended for birthdays, anniversaries and other life events. The cards never reached the intended recipients because of Bowlds’ thefts. Bowlds’ actions affected more than 90 victims.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS — A Garryowen man on Sept. 22 admitted to selling methamphetamine to others as part of a large-scale trafficking ring that was based on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Zachary Douglas Bacon, 35, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Bacon faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for Jan. 25, 2024. Bacon was released pending further proceedings.

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

The government further alleged that in October 2022, Bacon sold two ounces of meth to an individual and that the meth came from Spear Siding. Investigators also determined that  Bacon sold meth that he regularly obtained from Spear Siding to others.

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

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Sept. 21 was:

David Jesus Tapia-Padron, 33, of Butte, and Austin Perry King-Terrell, 29, of Butte, on charges of illegal importation of a tableting press. Tapia-Padron also is charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Tapia-Padron faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years imprisonment, a $5 million fine and at least three years of supervised release. King-Terrell faces a maximum of four years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release. Both defendants were released with conditions pending further proceedings. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.  PACER case reference. 23-15.

Lynsi Noel Barnes, 32, of Missoula, on charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Barnes faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years imprisonment, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Barnes was detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Service, Montana Highway Patrol, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and Shoshone County (Idaho) Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-38.

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

Esaias Stops Pretty Places, 19, a transient, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stops Pretty Places faces a maximum of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and a mandatory minimum of five years to life of supervised release. Stops Pretty Places was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-105.

Gabriel Cowan Metcalf, 49, of Billings, on charges of unlawful possession of firearm in a school zone. If convicted of the most serious crime, Metcalf faces a maximum of five years imprisonment, a $100,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Metcalf was released with conditions pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-103.

Appearing on Sept. 19 for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint was:

Cameron Dimich-Laster, 26, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Dimich-Laster faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years imprisonment, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Dimich-Laster was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations, the Billings Police Department and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-139.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Sept. 19 was:

Donovan Orville Horton, 51, of Vaughn, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth, distribution of meth near a school and drug user in possession of firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Horton faces a mandatory minimum of one year to 40 years imprisonment, a $2 million fine and six years of supervised release. Horton was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Great Falls Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-88.

Merlyn Roger Marceau, 40, of Browning, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse. If convicted of the most serious crime, Marceau faces a maximum of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Marceau was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-89.

Larry Thomas McDaniel, 45, of Great Falls, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, McDaniel faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years imprisonment, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release. McDaniel was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Great Falls Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-61.

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 Missoula man convicted by a federal judge of multiple firearms crimes was sentenced today to 21 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

After a two-day bench trial, U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen found Michael Blake DeFrance, 30, guilty on May 1 on all counts charged in a second superseding indictment, including prohibited person in possession of a firearm and three counts of false statement during a firearms transaction. The court presided at sentencing and ordered DeFrance to self-report to the Bureau of Prisons.

“DeFrance was previously convicted of partner or family member assault after he assaulted his then partner, Jermain Charlo.  Because of this, he lost his right to possess firearms and yet he made false statements on firearms forms so he could illegally obtain guns at a pawn shop. Keeping guns out of the hands of those who are prohibited from having them is critical to the safety of others, particularly women, domestic partners, and families, and I applaud and thank Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer S. Clark and Timothy J. Racicot and the FBI and Missoula Police Department for their hard work in holding DeFrance accountable for these crimes,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that on June 27, 2018, a Missoula Police Department detective located a .357-caliber revolver and a box of .357-caliber ammunition in the console of DeFrance’s truck. Two .22-caliber rifles were located under the back seat. On Oct. 2, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant on DeFrance’s residence and located a .357-caliber revolver on a desk by the front door. The detective recognized this gun as the revolver DeFrance had in his truck in June. DeFrance also had two rifles in his bedroom. When asked if he knew he was not supposed to have guns, DeFrance replied, “I was never clear on that.”

The government further alleged that in May 2013, DeFrance was sentenced for partner or family member assault on Jermain Charlo in Sanders County. DeFrance signed a waiver of rights form in which he acknowledged his rights, which included – on a list of possible consequences of pleading guilty – the loss of firearms rights. The same form contained space for DeFrance to explain the basis for his guilty plea, and his form stated, “On 4-14-2013, in Sanders County I caused bodily injury to my girlfriend.”

In addition, the government alleged that on three occasions in 2018, DeFrance completed Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives forms at a Missoula pawn shop in which he represented that he had not been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Prior to and after the assault in 2013, Charlo stayed with DeFrance in a camper on property belonging to the DeFrance family. Charlo and DeFrance were in an intimate relationship.

The government alleged DeFrance was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had been convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence and that he knowingly made false written statements in 2018 at a Missoula pawn shop in connection with his acquisition and attempted acquisition of three firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer S. Clark and Timothy J. Racicot prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force and Missoula Police Department.

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

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GREAT FALLS  — A Great Falls felon who admitted to illegally possessing two firearms at his business following a standoff with law enforcement was sentenced today to 32 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Stephen Jeffrey Vogel, 35, pleaded guilty in May to prohibited person in possession of firearms.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on Dec. 11, 2022, law enforcement attempted to conduct a welfare check on a woman, identified as Jane Doe, at a gas station near a business she shared with Vogel after receiving a report that Doe may have been assaulted and was attempting to hide. Officers arrived just after Doe left the gas station and crashed a vehicle in front of the business. Vogel was present but ignored commands from officers and locked himself inside the shared business. Doe, who had an injury on her forehead, reported that Vogel had threatened her with a firearm and assaulted her. Great Falls Police Department officers then engaged in a nearly three-hour standoff with Vogel before he peacefully surrendered. In a search of the business, officers located a loaded 9 mm semi-automatic pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun hidden above ceiling tiles. A review of Vogel’s jail calls confirmed he hid the firearms knowing law enforcement would seize them if discovered. Vogel was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a 2013 felony conviction.

An assistant U.S. attorney prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Great Falls Police Department and Cascade County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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

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GREAT FALLS  — A Great Falls man who admitted conspiring to bring large quantities of methamphetamine from California to Montana for distribution was sentenced today to 14 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Joshua Daniel Wilson, 48, pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in May 2021, Wilson was to have a received a shipment of meth through UPS for redistribution in Great Falls. However, the package was damaged in transit, and UPS employees in Billings discovered meth. Billings Police officers seized the package and found it contained approximately two pounds of meth, which is the equivalent of about 7,248 doses. Drug task force officers in Great Falls took possession of the package and made a controlled delivery. Wilson later admitted that he was obtaining packages of meth in the mail from California for resale and used the address of another person for the shipments.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Russell Country Drug Task Force 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 — A former employee with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) in Butte admitted today to stealing federal funding for assistance programs by submitting false information on applications, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Heather Marie Bugni, 34, of Butte, pleaded guilty to theft of government money, property or records. Bugni faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Feb. 1, 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. Bugni was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that Bugni was employed by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services as a client services coordinator from October 2015 to July 2021. Bugni processed applications, conducted interviews and approved benefits for multiple public assistance programs, including the federal programs Medicaid, which is medical assistance for low-income persons, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is a nutrition assistance program for low-income individuals and families.

The government further alleged that Bugni approved applications, entered false information and incorrect wage information that resulted in her boyfriend’s mother receiving $13,869 in Medicaid benefits and $848 in SNAP benefits and her boyfriend’s father receiving $63,303 in Medicaid benefits. Bugni also applied for SNAP benefits on behalf of her daughter and filled out the application posing as her boyfriend. Bugni intentionally provided an incorrect address for them and later called DPHHS, posing as the boyfriend’s mother, and verified the incorrect address. Bugni knew that if she had provided the correct address, her own income would have made her daughter and boyfriend ineligible for SNAP benefits. Bugni received $11,309 in SNAP benefits from this conduct.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Kakuk is prosecuting the case. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA  — A Mexican citizen who admitted to trafficking fentanyl in the Kalispell area after law enforcement seized 12,000 fentanyl pills, more than $72,000 in U.S. currency and a pistol from his vehicle was sentenced today to seven years and three months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Cuauhtemoc Cervantes Samaniego, 30, pleaded guilty in May to a superseding information charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Samaniego trafficked fentanyl in the Kalispell community from about May 2022 through Oct. 5, 2022. Investigators received information that Samaniego was in Kalispell with a large amount of fentanyl to distribute. At about 2:50 a.m. on Oct. 5, 2022, law enforcement officers located Samaniego at a gas station in Kalispell and searched his vehicle. Officers found 12,000 fentanyl pills, $72,687 in U.S. currency and a 9mm pistol. An individual later told an agent that Samaniego had met with a person prior to law enforcement stopping him and that Samaniego had provided the person fentanyl pills. The person gave Samaniego a firearm.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case. Homeland Security Investigations, the Northwest Drug 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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BILLINGS  — A Billings felon who was on probation when officers found him wearing a bandana over his face and a carrying semi-automatic rifle wrapped in a blanket as he walked down a residential street was sentenced today to 30 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Fermin Joseph Vasquez, 39, pleaded guilty in May to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on April 27, 2021 in Billings, a 911 caller spotted Vasquez walking down a residential street with his entire face concealed by a bandana with eyeholes cut out, wearing a black jumpsuit and carrying what appeared to be a shotgun or rifle wrapped in a blanket. When he saw officers approach, Vasquez began doing lunges with the gun over his shoulders. Officers suspected Vasquez was under the influence of drugs. Officers disarmed and handcuffed Vasquez. Vasquez admitted he was a felon and on probation. The gun was a .22-caliber semi-automatic rifle. Vasquez had four prior felony convictions and was on supervision at the time he possessed the firearm.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten 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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GREAT FALLS — A Browning man accused of firing a gun into an occupied house during a dispute admitted to an assault crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Gerald Anthony Bullchild, 47, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Bullchild faces a maximum of 10 years 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 Feb. 29, 2024. Bullchild was released on conditions pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on March 28, 2021, Bullchild drove to the home of a former girlfriend, identified as Jane Doe, to speak with their minor child. When the child refused to go with Bullchild, Bullchild started yelling and honking at Jane Doe. Jane Doe went outside to speak with Bullchild, where he continued yelling and called her profane names. Bullchild left and returned later, yelling and honking. Jane Doe refused to leave the home and Bullchild continued yelling and honking. Finally, as Bullchild started to leave, he fired a pistol round into Jane Doe’s living room. The bullet traveled through the front wall of the house and lodged in the couch, where it bumped against the leg of a child on the couch.  Law enforcement recovered a spent .45-caliber shell casing and an empty .45-caliber magazine from the vehicle. The round recovered from the couch was a .45-caliber bullet.

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

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MISSOULA  — A federal jury today convicted a Virginia man of attempting to solicit a minor for sex during an undercover investigation in Billings, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

After a two-day trial that began in Missoula on Sept. 18, the jury found Mark Samuel Baker, 57, of Gore, Virginia, guilty of attempted sex trafficking of a minor as charged in an indictment. Baker faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date will be set. Baker was detained pending further proceedings.

“Baker got caught in an undercover sting when he tried to arrange to have commercial sex with an individual he thought was a minor under 16. His conduct exploits children and contributes to the scourge of sex trafficking, which our office will continue to aggressively prosecute. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Kelsey A. Sabol and the FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Billings Police Department for their investigation and prosecution of this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In court documents and during trial, the government alleged that from July 11, 2022 to July 13, 2022, Baker knowingly attempted to recruit and solicit a minor to engage in commercial sex. During the investigation, an undercover officer used the internet to post an advertisement purporting to be a female escort who was the minimum allowed posting age of 18. About six hours later, the undercover agent received a message in response to the ad from a phone number later identified to be Baker’s. Law enforcement responded on July 12, 2022 asking if Baker wanted “a date.” Law enforcement and Baker communicated over the next two days. One of the exchanges included: Law enforcement asks, “Are u ok if I’m not 18.” Baker responds, “Yes as long as you are ok I’m 49.”  Law enforcement writes, “I’m almost 16 if ur cool w that.”

Baker and the undercover discussed how much time $80 would buy, and Baker said he wanted sex with the undercover officer. Baker also sent pictures of the cash he would use and of himself. They then made plans to meet in Billings and go to Baker’s hotel. Law enforcement arrested Baker on July 13, 2022 when he showed up at the designated time. A call was then placed to the phone number law enforcement had been texting, and a smartphone in Baker’s vehicle lit up with the undercover’s number. Law enforcement found $375 in cash, a hotel passkey and four condoms on Baker’s person.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Kelsey A. Sabol are prosecuting the case. The FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A Billings man accused of harassing and threatening witnesses in Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, in an ongoing federal investigation admitted to obstruction charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jesse Ray Blackman, 41, pleaded guilty to two counts of obstructing justice by retaliating against a witness as charged in a superseding indictment. Blackman faces a maximum of 20 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 Jan. 31, 2024. Blackman was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that beginning in October 2022, Blackman maintained an ongoing campaign of harassment against his ex-girlfriend, identified as Jane Doe, and her boyfriend, identified as John Doe, in Browning. Using the Messenger feature of Facebook, Blackman sent messages from multiple Facebook accounts to Jane Doe, threatening to harm both her and John Doe. Blackman also called Jane Doe’s place of employment multiple times a day and threatened her. In December 2022, Jane Doe obtained a restraining order against Blackman from the Blackfeet Tribal Court. The order enjoined the parties from having verbal and physical contact, but the threats continued. In March 2023, an FBI agent interviewed Blackman about his conduct. Blackman admitted to using Facebook to send messages to Jane Doe and that the messages could be viewed as threats. The agent advised Blackman that Jane Doe and John Doe were witnesses in an ongoing federal investigation, and that threats against them as witnesses could be criminal. The agents advised Blackman to cease all contact with them. Blackman contacted both Jane Doe and John Doe in April with the intent to retaliate against them for information they gave to law enforcement relating to the threats. In a phone call to Jane Doe on April 4, Blackman said, “I can’t believe what you did to me! You’re going to pay for it bitch!”

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

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MISSOULA — Kenton Alan Shaull, a 59-year-old Washington man who traveled to Missoula expecting to meet a child for sex, was sentenced today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy sentenced Shaull to 10 years in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release. The defendant pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor in April 2023 after he had been arrested in an undercover investigation. 

The government alleged in court documents and in statements in court that from January to May 2022, Shaull used his cellular phone to communicate on an internet-based social media service with a profile he believed belonged to a child, identified as “E,” who was under the age of 14. Shaull reaffirmed multiple times his belief that “E” was a child under the age of 14. Shaull also expressed his desire to engage in sexual activity with “E” and sent several sexually explicit videos of himself. Shaull further expressed his desire to meet “E” in person for sexual activity and traveled to Missoula on May 14, 2022 to meet with “E” at a pre-determined location, where law enforcement officers arrested him.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Lowney prosecuted the case. The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

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.

BILLINGS  — Vincent Charles McCall, 21, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced today for passing stolen and forged checks amounting to over $40,000, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters sentenced McCall to 2½ years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay $30,446 in restitution to the victims of his crimes. The defendant pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in May 2023.

“Crimes like McCall’s harm both financial institutions and their customers and often require victims to spend significant time and energy piecing their credit histories back together. The investigation and prosecution of these cases calls for cooperation and coordination among different law enforcement agencies and I’m grateful to the Secret Service and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, and AUSA Colin Rubich, for bringing McCall to justice.” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The government alleged in court documents that beginning in January 2023, and continuing until his arrest on February 14, 2023, McCall participated in a scheme to defraud various financial institutions by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises by passing stolen and forged checks at various bank branches across Montana. McCall forged signatures to obtain funds from victims’ accounts. 

McCall would travel from Texas to other states and pass fraudulent checks for real bank accounts belonging to real people. He presented banks with high quality fraudulent IDs when asked for identification. Beginning in January, McCall started hitting banks across Montana, including branches in Bozeman, Choteau, Fairfield, and Billings. All told, McCall successfully stole approximately $39,682.00 and attempted to steal another $4,888.00 for a total intended loss of approximately $44,570.00.

As a part of the scheme, on February 14, 2023, McCall attempted to pass a check at a Western Security Bank branch in Billings on Old Hardin Road for $4,888.00. He gave the teller a fraudulent ID to disguise his identity. The teller grew suspicious and called the police. When the police arrived, McCall attempted to flee but was apprehended and arrested.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office.

GREAT FALLS – A Tennessee man accused of dealing fentanyl pills which resulted in an overdose death appeared in federal court on drug charges on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Malice Clark, Jr., aka Greg Clark, aka “Greed,” 57, had an initial appearance on an Indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of controlled substances resulting in death.  If convicted, Clark faces a maximum of life imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine and at least 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John T Johnson presided.  Clark was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court document that between February 2021 and April 2022, Clark knowingly possessed fentanyl with the intent to distribute it to other people and that he did knowingly distribute fentanyl to John Doe, which caused John Doe’s death. 

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes is prosecuting the case.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Great Falls Police Department conducted the investigation.

PACER case reference. 23-41.

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

GREAT FALLS — Alex George Deserly, 43, of Box Elder, was sentenced today after admitting to an assault charge for strangling a woman on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris sentenced Deserly to 30 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. The defendant pleaded guilty to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to an intimate partner in April 2023. 

The government alleged in court documents that on June 25, 2022, medical personnel and law enforcement responded to the victim’s home for a report of a domestic assault. Deserly had left the home prior to the police arriving. The victim told law enforcement that she had confronted Deserly over messages she had seen and asked him how long he had been using methamphetamine. Deserly grabbed the victim, shoved her into a wall and strangled her. The victim tried to escape, but Deserly continued to assault and strangle her until he eventually stopped. The victim was treated for injuries.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Rocky Boy’s Police Department.

BILLINGS — Edward Leroy Widner III, 29 of Forsyth, was sentenced today for assaulting two men with a gun in one assault and assaulting a woman with a metal bar in a separate assault, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Both assaults were committed in Lame Deer, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation.

U.S. District Court Judge Susan P. Watters sentenced Widner to 10 years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.  The defendant pleaded guilty on May 11, 2023, to five charges in a superseding information charging him with two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon.

The government alleged that on May 22, 2022 at Lame Deer, Widner assaulted two victims, John Doe 1 and John Doe 2, with a firearm. Widner went to John Doe 1’s residence and first assaulted Doe 2 in the living room by hitting him in the head with a pistol. Widner dragged Doe 2 into a bedroom occupied by Doe 1 and told Doe 1 to get up or Doe 2 was going to die. Widner then hit Doe 1 repeatedly in the face. At some point, the gun discharged, and a round went through the bed, a wall and into the ground outside of the residence. Doe 1 suffered serious injuries.

The government further alleged that in March 2020 at Lame Deer, Widner assaulted Jane Doe 1, who sought medical attention for serious injuries. At the time, Doe 1 declined to name her assailant citing increased danger if she were to speak to law enforcement. Doe 1 reported that Widner assaulted her with multiple objects, including a metal pipe. In a recent interview with the FBI, Doe 1 identified Widner as her assailant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case which was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Northern Cheyenne Investigative Services and Bureau of Indian Affairs.

GREAT FALLS  — A federal jury today convicted a Minnesota man of trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl in Havre and Billings in 2021, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

After a 2 ½ day trial that began on September 11, the jury found Rembrandt Carlos Kemp, 32, of Fridley, Minnesota, guilty of conspiracy to distribute or to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, as charged in an indictment. Kemp faces 5 to 40 years in prison, a $5,000,000 fine and at least 4 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 January 31, 2024. Kemp was detained pending further proceedings.

“As Kemp’s conduct demonstrates, the tentacles of drug trafficking reach every corner of Montana, from our biggest city to our smaller communities on the Hi-Line. I’m grateful for the diligent investigative efforts of the Tri-Agency Task Force, the Havre Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration and to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Lowney and Benjamin Hargrove for bringing Kemp to justice. We remain committed to working with all our law enforcement partners to combat illegal drug distribution across the state,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The government presented evidence at trial showing that on January 11, 2021, an investigation was initiated regarding a female and male distributing fentanyl in Havre, Montana. Based on information provided by a confidential source and after reviewing public Facebook profiles, law enforcement determined that the female was Chantel Azure and the male was Rembrandt Kemp. On January 13, 2021, the source successfully conducted a controlled buy of fentanyl pills from Azure. During the sale, law enforcement observed Azure arrive in a vehicle with two male passengers inside. Agents saw Azure get out of her car, get into the source’s vehicle where the sale occurred, and return to her vehicle with the two men still inside.

After continued surveillance, law enforcement initiated a traffic stop with Azure and her two occupants inside the vehicle. Kemp was located in the front passenger seat and his co-defendant, Martaveon Scott, was in the back seat. Azure and Kemp were arrested on warrants and Scott was arrested for providing a false name. Kemp was found with 4.32 grams of actual methamphetamine and a digital scale. Scott was found with 28.43 grams of actual methamphetamine and 100 pills of fentanyl, which weighed approximately 9.6 grams. An additional 2.9 grams of actual meth was found in the trunk of the vehicle along with a .22 caliber AR-15 style rifle. Additionally, $1,378 was found with Kemp and Scott in the car, including the $800 cash used by the source for the controlled buy.

Martaveon Makei Scott previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 29, 2023 in front of Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris.

Chantel Marie Azure previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. She was sentenced in December 2022 to 28 months in prison followed by 4 years supervised release.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Lowney and Benjamin Hargrove are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Tri-Agency Task Force, Havre Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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.

MISSOULA  — A 58-year-old resident of Port Orchard, Washington was sentenced today after being found guilty of trafficking methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine in Lake County last year, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy sentenced David Loren Waldeck to 23 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. A jury found the defendant guilty in April 2023.

“We all know the consequences that accompany the distribution of dangerous drugs in our Montana communities. We are committed to helping our law enforcement partners, federal, state, local and tribal, hold traffickers like David Waldeck accountable as we continue to work to stem the tide of poisonous substances from entering our state.” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The government alleged in court documents and at trial that on Oct. 24, 2022, Flathead Tribal police officers stopped and arrested an individual on outstanding warrants and learned that a person, named “David,” was in Kalispell and coming back to Polson that day with meth and fentanyl to distribute. The police officers stopped Waldeck later that day and located 4,212 fentanyl pills, approximately 837 grams, or 1.8 pounds of meth, and approximately 489 grams, or a little more than one pound, of cocaine in his vehicle.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer S. Clark and Amanda L. Myers prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Flathead Tribal Police Department.

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.

MISSOULA — Bobby Manuel Argo, 23 of California, was sentenced today after receiving child pornography of a minor girl he befriended while living in Missoula, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy sentenced the defendant to 6 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. The defendant pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography in May 2023. 

“Protecting minors from predators like Bobby Argo is of paramount importance. We are committed to continue working with our law enforcement partners at the federal and local level to prevent Montana’s children from being victimized and to hold accountable those who seek to prey on them. I want to thank the agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the Missoula Police Department, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Hargrove, for investigating this case and bringing Argo to justice.” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In court documents, the government alleged that between 2021 and early 2022, Argo was living in Missoula and befriended Jane Doe 1, a girl who was under the age of 18. Jane Doe 1 confided in Argo that someone online was coercing her to send sexually explicit images of herself. Argo offered to help Jane Doe 1 and asked her to get him in touch with her extortioner. Instead of helping, Argo messaged the perpetrator separately and offered to assist him in further extorting Jane Doe 1 for explicit images of herself and others. In January 2022, law enforcement identified the perpetrator and, during a search of his social media account, learned he had been communicating with Argo about Jane Doe 1 and sharing explicit images of her with Argo. Law enforcement executed search warrants of Argo’s social media account, his residence in California and his cell phone and found child pornography in his possession, including a video of Jane Doe 1 engaged in sexually explicit content that he had received through the internet while he was still in Missoula.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Missoula Police Department.

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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.

MISSOULA  — A 34-year-old Missoula woman was sentenced today for possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl pills, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy sentenced Lindsay Ann Rumph to 70 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.  The defendant pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in April 2023.

The government alleged in court documents that on February 4, 2023, in Missoula County, a traffic stop was initiated on the vehicle Rumph was driving and a later search of the vehicle, pursuant to a Montana State search warrant, resulted in the recovery of methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, various drug paraphernalia, a firearm, and $279 in U.S. Currency. Rumph was interviewed after the traffic stop and admitted that drugs would be found in both the vehicle and on her person. In March of 2023, the U.S.  Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration Western Laboratory completed an analysis on the methamphetamine and determined it was more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force. 

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.

MISSOULA  — A 36-year-old Missoula man was sentenced today for possessing methamphetamine and over 3,500 fentanyl pills, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy sentenced Joseph Anthony Schrantz to 10 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.  The defendant pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in April 2023.

“All Montanans know drugs and guns are a deadly combination and the amount of fentanyl Schrantz possessed in this case is staggering and alarming. Today’s sentence should send the message to criminals inclined to illegally possess guns and traffic dangerous drugs that we are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring them to justice in our continuing efforts to protect our communities.” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The government alleged in court documents that on July 13, 2022, Missoula Police Department officers responded to Downtown Pawn for a report of a male that stole a Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun. Officers reviewed surveillance footage that showed Joseph Schrantz reaching over the counter, taking the firearm, and leaving the store. Later that day, officers recognized Schrantz driving a vehicle and initiated a traffic stop.  Schrantz confirmed he had stolen the gun and provided consent for officers to retrieve it from under the center console of the vehicle. Schrantz was also in possession of two small cork-topped glass bottles: one containing 82 round blue pills marked “M30”, the other containing a small amount of methamphetamine.  Lab testing reflected the pills were fentanyl and the meth was 100% pure. Law enforcement found another small baggie of meth and more than 100 additional fentanyl pills. In a key-code safe in the rear seat there were two large ziplock bags containing 3,451 fentanyl pills, one large ziplock bag containing 248 grams of 100% pure meth, distribution baggies, and a digital scale with residue. The center console held additional distribution baggies, and, on the floorboard, there was a black wallet with $734 in cash.  The vehicle was registered to Schrantz and another female. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Missoula Police Department, Montana Probation and Parole, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Drug Enforcement Administration.

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.

BILLINGS — Marshall Vincent Lucas, a 42-year-old Billings man, was sentenced on Tuesday for coercing a minor girl to engage in sexual conduct with him and into producing sexually explicit images of herself after providing the girl with a laptop, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen sentenced Lucas to 14 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.  The defendant pleaded guilty in February.

The government alleged in court documents that in September 2021, Lucas provided the victim, Jane Doe 1, who is under the age of 16 years, with a laptop for purposes of communicating with her. Lucas had met Jane Doe 1 through her mother. Lucas began to correspond with Jane Doe 1 using an alias. Through electronic and in-person communications, Lucas asked Jane Doe 1 how she felt about him and requested nude pictures of her and to engage in sexual conduct with him. Lucas persisted, and ultimately engaged in sexual conduct with Jane Doe 1 and she provided him with nude pictures of herself that she produced as his direction. Lucas also sent Jane Doe 1 nude pictures of himself and instructed her to delete electronic communications between them.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the Musselshell County Sheriff’s Office.

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

Appearing in Great Falls before Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris on a criminal complaint on Aug. 30 was:

Darius Rostas, 28, of Belgium, on charges of improper entry by alien. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rostas faces a maximum of six months in prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release. Rostas was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-82.

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Aug. 29 was:

Johan Siemens, 29, of Taber, Alberta Canada, on charges of illegal reentry. If convicted of the most serious crime, Siemens faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Siemens was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-84.

Cornelius Froese, 26, of Vaeuxhall, Alberta, Canada, on charges of transporting illegal aliens. If convicted of the most serious crime, Froese faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Froese was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-83.

Justin Arthur Berger, 35, of Helena, on charges of possessing an unregistered machine gun, possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle and possessing unregistered silencers. If convicted of the most serious crime, Berger faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Berger was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI and Helena Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-15.

Shawn Saddler, Sr., 56, of Box Elder, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor, and abusive sexual contact of a minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Saddler faces a mandatory minimum of 30 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Saddler was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-12.

Appearing on Aug. 28 was:

Jack Andrew Gillespie, 45, of Great Falls, 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, Gillespie faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Gillespie was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-74.

Appearing on Aug. 22 was:

Shawn Arrants, 36, of Bozeman, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Arrants faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Arrants was detained pending further proceedings. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Southwest Drug Task Force and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-13.

Heather Marie Dawn Follette, 37, of Fort Peck, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Follette faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Follette was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Montana Highway Patrol, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Fort Peck Tribal Police conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-43.

Brian Dean Bell, 40, of Dodson, on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. If convicted of the most serous crime, Bell faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the assault crime and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm crime. Bell was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Fort Belknap Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-03.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Aug. 29 was:

Rhonda Mae Felsman, 46, of Charlo, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Felsman faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Felsman was released pending further proceedings. The Northwest Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-33.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Aug. 31 was:

Azuriah Austin Stallcup, 19, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stallcup faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Stallcup was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-93.

Oliver Rowe, 32, of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rowe faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and three years of supervised release. Rowe was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-71.

Adolfo Vargas Lepe, 59, of Roberts, on charges of kidnapping. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lepe faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Lepe was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-79.

Appearing on Aug. 22 was:

Matthew Todd Stump, 53, of Joliet, on charges of possession of unregistered firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stump faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Stump was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Carbon County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-87.

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

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BILLINGS  — U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich today announced grant funding of nearly $6 million for Montana from the Department of Justices’ Office of Justice Programs to support victims of sexual assault and crime victims. The funding, totaling $5.96 million, is for three separate grant programs.

“I am pleased to announce these grants to the state of Montana for its important work in providing support services to crime victims, including victims of sexual assault. This funding demonstrates the U.S. Department of Justice’s commitment in fighting sexual violence and making sure every survivor can access support, safety, and justice in their communities. The grants also continue to help and support victims of crime through assistance and compensation programs,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The Montana Board of Crime Control will receive $787,911 from the Office on Violence Against Women’s Fiscal Year 2023 Sexual Assault Services Formula Program (SASP). The project period starts August 2023 and will end July 2025. These funds are made available through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This grant award was among a total of $51.8 million in SASP funding the Justice Department awarded in every state along with the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. This marks a significant increase of nearly 45 percent when compared to last year’s funding level.

Congress first authorized SASP in the VAWA Reauthorization of 2005. SASP is the nation’s first federal funding stream dedicated to providing direct intervention and related assistance to victims of sexual assault. The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) administers SASP funding according to a statutorily determined, population-based formula. States and territories, in turn, award the funds to rape crisis centers and other nonprofit, nongovernmental or Tribal agencies that provide direct intervention and related services to adult, youth, and child victims of sexual assault.

The Montana Board of Crime Control also will receive $4,910,121 from the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) as part of its Fiscal Year 2023 Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Formula Grant. The project period started October 2022 and will end September 2026. This grant award will provide money from the Crime Victims Fund to enhance crime victim services in the state.

The Montana Department of Justice will receive $270,000 from the OVC as part of its Fiscal Year 2023 Victims of Crime Act Victim Compensation Formula Grant. The project period started October 2022 and will end September 2026. This grant award provides resources from the Crime Victims Fund to enhance state victim compensation payments to eligible crime victims.

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BILLINGS  —  A Billings man who admitted to sexually abusing a girl in Busby, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, between 2009 and 2010, was sentenced today to four years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Travis Ridenour, aka Travis Lamere, 35, pleaded guilty in May to abusive sexual contact.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Jane Doe 1 disclosed that when she approximately 13 years old, in 2009, Ridenour sexually assaulted her as she was sleeping. Jane Doe 1 woke up, and Ridenour’s hand was underneath her underwear on her vaginal area.

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

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BILLNGS — A Billings woman with a felony conviction admitted today to illegally possessing a rifle after fleeing law enforcement, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Devin Miranda American Horse, 34, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. American Horse faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for Jan. 10, 2024 and ordered American Horse detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on Feb. 5, while conducting routine night patrol, a Billings police officer saw four or five people sitting in a car outside of a residence. The officer approached the car to check out the situation. Before the officer made any contact, the driver got out and fled. The officer recognized the driver from a recent shift briefing and had had previous contact with the person. The officer chased but did not catch the driver. As he ran by the car, the officer recognized American Horse as the front seat passenger. The car fled the scene and was stopped a short time later. The only remaining occupant, who was the owner and now driver, told officers that American Horse had fled with a rifle. Police found American Horse hiding in some bushes and a rifle nearby. American Horse was arrested on a parole violation for a 2019 felony drug conviction in Yellowstone County. She was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.

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

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GREAT FALLS — A man and a woman who had been excluded from the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation admitted charges yesterday after they were accused of stealing from a store and assaulting a store employee, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Dustin Alan Robbins, 38, and Nicole Lynn Hicks, 37, both transients, pleaded guilty to intimidation. The defendants face a maximum of 10 years in prison a $50,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for Jan. 24, 2024 and ordered Robbins and Hicks detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on Nov. 1, 2021, Hicks and Robbins, who are non-Indian, entered the Red Paint Creek Trading Post in Lodge Pole, on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. At the time, both were excluded from the reservation by the Fort Belknap community for an incident that occurred near Hays in September 2021. Hicks took a 30-pack of beer without paying and left the store. After realizing Hicks had not paid for the beer, a store employee, who is an Indian person, followed Hicks outside. Hicks put the beer on the ground as she was going through a fence. The store employee went to retrieve the beer and picked it up.

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

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man admitted today that he did not disclose he was a methamphetamine user when he attempted to purchase a gun from a firearms dealer, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Joshua Raymond Sauve, 35, pleaded guilty to making a false statement during a firearm transaction. Sauve 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 Jan. 24, 2024 and ordered Sauve detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in April 2022 in Great Falls, law enforcement received a 911 report of a person, later identified as Sauve, waving a gun in the air while walking in the middle of the street near a gas station. Officers found Sauve in the gas station’s restroom, ordered him out and seized a .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol from his waistband. Sauve told an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that he tried to buy the pistol at Scheels but received a delay on the purchase. Because of the delay, Sauve contacted someone else who could buy the same gun for him. Sauve also acknowledged that he had used meth for the last five years. Investigators determined that Sauve tried to buy the pistol at Scheels, a licensed firearms dealer, and knowingly made a false statement when he checked the box on the ATF purchase form indicating that he was not an unlawful user of a controlled substance. While Scheels did not allow Sauve to purchase the pistol, Sauve’s statement was capable of influencing Scheels into believing that the firearm could be lawfully sold to him.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley is prosecuting the case. The ATF 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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GREAT FALLS  — An Arizona man who admitted to trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin in the Great Falls community and to failing to appear after absconding before a jury trial was sentenced yesterday to seven years in prison, to be followed by three months of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Jose Manuel Villalobos Medina, 28, pleaded guilty in April to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and to failure to appear.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in March 2020, drug task force officers in Great Falls began investigating suspected drug trafficking at a local hotel. Officers saw Medina, a guest at the hotel, leave the hotel and drive an SUV across town to a restaurant parking lot where he left the SUV and got into a sedan. Law enforcement ultimately made a traffic stop of the sedan and arrested a passenger, who attempted to conceal a meth pipe, for possession of drug paraphernalia. During a search of the passenger at the detention center, officers located a gallon-sized bag in the passenger’s crotch area that contained heroin, fentanyl pills and meth. Officers also detained Medina. During a pat-down search of Medina, officers located a large quantity of cash stashed in his crotch area. In a search of Medina’s hotel room, law enforcement found multiple packages of meth, heroin and fentanyl pills, along with a large amount of cash, drug ledgers, paraphernalia and several forms of identification for Medina.

Medina initially pleaded guilty to a charge in December 2020 and then withdrew his plea in April 2021. A jury trial was scheduled for May 2021, but Medina failed to appear and absconded. Medina’s whereabouts remained unknown until November 2022 when he was arrested in New Mexico.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case. The Russell Country Drug Task Force 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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MISSOULA — A Kalispell man with a felony conviction admitted to a firearms crime after he gave a gun to another person who used it in a fatal shooting, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Kyle Kenneth Smith, 33, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Smith faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. A sentencing date was set for Jan. 3, 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. Smith was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on Sept. 10, 2020 in Kalispell, a shooting occurred that resulted in the death of an individual. Smith admitted in a later interview that he had personally handed a 9mm pistol used in the shooting to the shooter minutes before the event occurred. Smith had a previous felony conviction for criminal endangerment and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott is prosecuting the case. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, Kalispell Police Department, 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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GREAT FALLS —A Browning man accused of holding a knife to a person’s throat and of stabbing another person who attempted to help admitted to assault charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jaylin John Ridesatthedoor, 19, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Ridesatthedoor 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 Jan. 25, 2024 and ordered Ridesatthedoor detained pending further proceedings.

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

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

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HELENA—A Missoula doctor who operated clinics in Missoula and Kalispell that  dispense ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic that has some hallucinogenic effects, has agreed to pay the federal government $85,000 to settle alleged Controlled Substances Act violations that he distributed the drug from an unregistered location and failed to maintain records for his controlled substances, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Dr. William D. Stratford Jr. entered into a civil settlement agreement with the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana on Aug. 11. The terms of the agreement require Stratford to pay a settlement amount of $85,000, attend training on the Controlled Substances Act and comply with record keeping requirements. The agreement further prohibits Stratford from prescribing controlled substances to himself or any immediate family members or office staff for five years.

“Maintaining accurate records as required by the Controlled Substance Act is critical to make sure that controlled substances, such as ketamine, are not abused or misused. We expect  doctors and all providers to comply with these rules, and we take any violations of the regulations seriously. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Kakuk and the DEA for their work on this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“Doctors and health care professionals are entrusted with prescribing medications responsibly and in the best interests of their patients,” said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge James Stroop III of the Rocky Mountain Field Division.  “Failure to comply with the Controlled Substances Act can have serious public safety and health implications. The DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to keep our communities safe.”

In a Complaint, the United States contended that in May 2021, DEA investigators conducted an inspection of Stratford’s Missoula clinic, Big Sky Ketamine Care, and found violations of the Controlled Substances Act that included numerous failures to maintain complete and accurate records for his controlled substances. Stratford did not maintain as required a separate registration for controlled substances stored as his residence or at his Kalispell clinic. In addition, Stratford did not maintain as required records of receipt for ketamine and failed to provide distribution records as required for ketamine that was administered or distributed from May 2019 through February 2021. The DEA identifies ketamine as a Schedule III non-narcotic substance. The drug is a short-acting anesthetic and is used for short-term sedation and for treatment of resistant depression, post-traumatic stress, and other psychological conditions.

The settlement agreement is neither an admission of liability by Stratford nor a concession by the United States that its claims are not well-founded.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Kakuk represented the United States in this matter. The DEA conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS — A man and a woman accused in large-scale, multi-state drug investigation centered on the Crow Indian Reservation admitted to trafficking methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Darlon Richard Lefthand, 37, of Hardin, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute meth. Darlon Lefthand faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. Darlon Lefthand was detained pending further proceedings.

Frederica Lefthand, 52, of Lodge Grass, a co-defendant, pleaded guilty on Aug. 23 to possession with intent to distribute meth and to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Frederica Lefthand faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court set sentencing for Frederica Lefthand for Jan. 4, 2024 and ordered her detained pending further proceedings.

The court will determine any sentence for both defendants after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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

Darlon Lefthand is one of the individuals affiliated with the investigation. The government alleged that Darlon Lefthand would receive meth from these locations and would redistribute it. In September 2022, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of approximately one ounce of meth from Darlon Lefthand.

The government further alleged that Frederica Lefthand occupied the Spear Siding property and that she and other co-defendants stored meth on the property. The investigation determined that Frederica Lefthand was the source of supply for several co-defendants. In addition, law enforcement conducted two controlled purchases of meth from Frederica Lefthand in September 2022. On April 1, 2023, Frederica Lefthand was arrested following a vehicle pursuit and was found to be in possession of meth and a handgun. Frederica Lefthand admitted to selling meth to several individuals throughout the investigation. In addition, the government alleged that from June 2022 to February 2023, Frederica Lefthand made several wire transfers of money from drug transactions to an individual in Washington.

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

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

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MISSOULA  — A Kalispell man who admitted to threatening to kill Montana U.S. Senator Jon Tester in calls to his office was sentenced today to two and a half years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Kevin Patrick Smith, 46, pleaded guilty in April to threats to murder a United States Senator.

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

In court documents and in statements in court, the government said public discourse is the cornerstone of a free society and that criticism, disagreement, and even disdain are not only acceptable methods of expression, they also are constitutionally protected. “But there is a line. And Kevin Patrick Smith crossed that line – repeatedly,” the government said.

The government alleged that on Jan. 30, Smith made numerous threatening phone calls to Sen. Tester, a member of Congress, by leaving voicemails at Sen. Tester’s Kalispell office.

In one message, Smith said:

 “There is nothing I want more than to have you stand toe to toe with me. You stand toe to toe with me. I rip your head off. You die. You stand in a situation where it is physical between you and me. You die.”

Smith also left a message for Sen. Tester that said:

“I would love to (obscenity) kill you. I would love to see your FBI at my door. I would love to see something in the news.”

The government further alleged that Smith’s voicemails, including the frequency and threats of murder, rose to the level that the United States Capitol Police and FBI began investigating. Despite being warned by the FBI not to threaten public officials, Smith refused to stop. Smith acknowledged in the recordings that he threatened Sen. Tester and such threats were “on purpose.” Smith made the threats because he was upset with Sen. Tester’s political decisions.

In total, Smith left about 60 messages for Sen. Tester. After arresting Smith, law enforcement searched his residence and recovered 19 firearms, including four shotguns, five rifles, eight pistols, a home-made silencer and 1,186 rounds of ammunition.

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

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BILLINGS — A Forsyth woman accused of defrauding customers through her business, Rosebud County Insurance Inc., by spending client payments on personal expenses admitted fraud charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Kileen Moria Hagadone, 57, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and to aggravated identity theft. Hagadone faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the wire fraud crime and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, consecutive to any other punishment, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft crime.

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. Hagadone was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that Hagadone owned and operated Rosebud County Insurance Inc., an insurance brokerage business that acted as an intermediary between customers and national insurance companies. Hagadone was supposed to help negotiate insurance contracts for her customers and then receive and transmit payments  from the customers to the companies for the negotiated policies. Hagadone received these payments from customers but failed to send the funds to the insurance companies. Instead, Hagadone misappropriated the money for personal expenses. The scheme ran from about 2020 until April 2023.

The government further alleged that one of the victims was the Chief Dull Knife College of Lame Deer, which engaged Hagadone to find an insurance policy for the college. Hagadone did so, and the negotiated premium for the policy in November 2021 was $91,883. The college paid Hagadone the full amount at that time. Instead of sending the premium to the insurance company, Hagadone fraudulently contracted to finance the college’s insurance premium with a premium financing company and forged the signature of a college representative on the contract. The agreement enabled Hagadone to keep most of the payment without immediately cancelling the insurance policy. Eventually, Hagadone embezzled too much money from her business trust account and could not pay the financing payments she fraudulently created. As a result, by April 2022, the college’s insurance had been terminated. Hagadone concealed this from the college and falsely represented that the college was insured when it was not.

In addition, the government alleged that in November 2022, Hagadone falsely told the college that the insurance policy needed to be renewed, even though it had been cancelled and did not exist. Hagadone then created a false insurance contract for a policy that did not exist and induced the college to pay $98,893 for the fictious policy. Hagadone embezzled the entire payment, and the college was uninsured from April 2022 until April 2023. Hagadone cheated other customers in a similar way, although the amounts paid were typically smaller.

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

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MISSOULA  — A former Columbia Falls woman who admitted to defrauding Montana victims by creating and cashing fraudulent checks was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Joanna Marie Snyder, 59, of Boston, Massachusetts, and formerly of Columbia Falls, pleaded guilty in April to wire fraud.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court also ordered $7,299 restitution.

The government alleged in court documents that in September and October 2019, Snyder engaged in a scheme to create counterfeit $20 Federal Reserve notes and obtained the identities and bank account information of Montana victims to create and cash fraudulent checks. An investigation found 19 fraudulently cashed checks drawn off a hospitality account associated with a Kalispell business. Several of the hospitality checks were made out to Snyder and had been deposited into accounts owned by Snyder at the Whitefish Credit Union.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The U.S. Secret Service, Polson Police Department, Kalispell Police Department, Columbia Falls Police Department and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS — A Billings man accused of illegally possessing a gun near a Billings elementary school appeared today in federal court on a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Gabriel Cowan Metcalf, 49, had an initial appearance on a criminal complaint charging him with possessing a firearm within a school zone. If convicted, Metcalf faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $100,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

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

The government alleged in court documents that from Aug. 2 to 17, the Billings Police Department received multiple calls and weapons complaints regarding Metcalf, who lives at 430 Broadwater Ave., walking on the sidewalk and around the area carrying a firearm. Broadwater Elementary School is directly across the street from Metcalf’s residence. The sidewalk and streets in front of Metcalf’s residence are public property within 1,000 feet from the school and are a “school zone” as defined in federal statutes.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents arrested Metcalf near his residence on Tuesday night, pursuant to a warrant issued by a federal judge, and executed a search on the residence at 430 Broadwater Ave.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas K. Godfrey is prosecuting the case. The ATF and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.

PACER case reference. 23-130.

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

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BILLINGS — A Billings woman admitted to a methamphetamine trafficking crime today after law enforcement found meth and a semi-automatic handgun in her vehicle during a traffic stop, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Nancy Michelle Hartsock, 36, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Hartsock faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million 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. Hartsock was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on March 15, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Hartsock. Officers noticed that Hartsock was nervous, animated, trembling and shaking and that there was an open container of Twisted Tea in the back seat. When asked if she had been drinking, Hartsock volunteered she was not allowed because she was on parole. After contacting Hartsock’s parole officer, law enforcement searched her vehicle and found 28 grams of meth, a digital scale, syringes and a 9mm semi-automatic handgun.  During a search of Hartsock’s house, law enforcement found an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, a firearm magazine, ammunition, drug paraphernalia and a small amount of meth.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys are prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Billings Police Department, Montana Probation and Parole and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the investigation.

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

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BILLINGS  — U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded $800,000 to the University of Montana to fund a program that provides assistance to victims of child abuse in tribal communities.

The grant is for the Fiscal Year 2023 Victims of Child Abuse Act Tribal Children’s Advocacy Centers Training and Technical Assistance program. The award is from the Office of Justice Programs’ Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention and is a continuation for a project that began in 2022 and will end in 2024.

“I want to congratulate the University of Montana on this grant award for its important work on behalf of native children. The project provides technical assistance and training to tribes and children advocacy groups as they develop, improve and expand responses to child abuse. This funding continues the U.S. Department of Justice’s commitment to addressing and preventing child abuse and trauma in tribal communities,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

With the project, the Native Child Advocacy Resource Center (NCARC), a division of the National Native Children’s Trauma Center at the University of Montana, will serve as the Justice Department’s Tribal Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC) Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) provider. NCARC will provide training and technical assistance to tribes and non-tribal CACs and multidisciplinary teams as they develop, improve or expand responses to child abuse in tribal communities. One of the goals of the project is to build a hub of curricula, resources and information on Children’s Advocacy Centers in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

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GREAT FALLS — Two Havre residents accused of distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine to the Fort Belknap and the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservations admitted today to a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Brittany Alice Bradley, 25, and Daniel First Raised, 32, each pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. The defendants face a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years of imprisonment, a $5 million fine and at least four 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 both defendants for Dec. 18. The defendants were detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that in June 2022, FBI agents learned that First Raised was distributing a significant amount of fentanyl on the Fort Belknap and the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservations and that Bradley distributed fentanyl and meth with First Raised. Law enforcement learned that the defendants likely received their drugs from a source in Yakima, Washington. Law enforcement conducted a series of controlled purchases of fentanyl and meth from Bradley and First Raised from August 2022 to September 2022.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Tri Agency Task Force conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA — A Florida man accused in an India-based computer hacking scheme that stole $150,000 from an elderly Montana woman admitted to a fraud crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Eddly Joseph, 43, of Gainesville, Florida, pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Joseph faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Dec. 20 before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Joseph was released on conditions 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. Joseph and co-defendant, Sukhdev Vaid, of India, fraudulently made it appear as if victims had a virus on their computers and that their bank accounts were accessible to hackers. To “safekeep” the victims’ money, Joseph and others directed the victims to withdraw cash so the hackers could not access and steal the victims’ money. Joseph and others would then meet the victims, take their cash, thereby stealing it. The government further alleged that Jane Doe received a pop-up on her computer explaining she was “hacked” and to call a number for customer support. When Jane Doe complied and called, the fraudsters directed Jane Doe to remove cash from her bank accounts for safe keeping at the “Fed.” Jane Doe complied and gave the fraudsters $150,000.

In March, Jane Doe told the fraudsters she still had $50,000 in cash, which was a ruse set up by the FBI. Joseph traveled to Montana, along with Vaid, to steal the money from Jane Doe and were arrested when they arrived. The investigation determined that the fraudsters used a remote access connection device to hack Jane Doe’s computer in January. Vaid has pleaded not guilty to charges and is pending trial.

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 — A Great Falls woman who transported mail admitted today to possessing stolen mail and wire fraud charges after depositing checks she had overwritten with her name, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jacqueline Rose Hydock, 33, pleaded guilty to possession of stolen mail and wire fraud. Hydock faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Dec. 13. Hydock was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that Hydock was a driver for a Great Falls postal service contract route, and her job was to transport mail between the post office annex in Black Eagle and the main post office in downtown Great Falls. In May 2022, Hydock opened a new account at Montana Federal Credit Union and then made a series of check deposits using an ATM and drive-up window. The checks, issued by various individuals and placed in the mail, had been overwritten in a black felt pen, with the payee’s name changed to Hydock’s. In addition, a woman mailed a birthday card to her grandson and enclosed a Walmart gift card. When the card arrived, there was no gift card in the envelope, which had been opened and taped shut. An investigation determined that the gift card was used on May 22, 2022 in Great Falls, and photos showed Hydock and another individual at the register for the transaction.

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

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BILLINGS  — A Pryor man convicted of beating a woman on the Crow Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 37 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Christian Aaron Monroy, 25, pleaded guilty in March to an indictment charging him with domestic assault by a habitual offender.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $1,000 restitution.

In court documents, the government alleged that in June 2021, the victim, identified as Jane Doe, was driving a car with Monroy as a passenger. Monroy began to tease Jane Doe, who accidently hit Monroy in the face with her elbow. Later, with Monroy now driving, Jane Doe threw a bottle of Monroy’s alcohol out of the window. Monroy stopped the car and began assaulting Jane Doe. Monroy continued assaulting the victim after they arrived at his home. Jane Doe received treatment for injuries at a Billings hospital. Monroy and Jane Doe were in a dating relationship at the time. Monroy had been convicted in January 2020 and June 2021 of partner or family member assault for assaulting previous girlfriends.

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

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BILLINGS — A Hardin accused of striking a woman in Lodge Grass, on the Crow Indian Reservation, admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Sergio Antonio Lopez, 33, pleaded guilty to assault by striking, beating or wounding, a misdemeanor, as charged in a superseding information. Lopez faces a maximum of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for Dec. 15. Lopez was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on Aug. 20, 2022 in Lodge Grass, bounty hunters, accompanied by Lopez, arrested an individual with outstanding state warrants at the home of the victim, identified as Jane Doe. The arrest occurred sometime after midnight. Jane Doe heard knocking at her door and it was Lopez. During the arrest, the individual was resisting, and Jane Doe assisted the individual in trying to stop the arrest. Lopez assaulted Jane Doe by pulling her hair, hitting and kicking her.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

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