District of Montana

GREAT FALLS  — A Browning man who was convicted by a jury of raping a girl in Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, was sentenced on Aug. 15 to eight years and four months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

After a two-day trial in March, the jury found William Ronald Blackman, 31, guilty of attempted sexual abuse and two counts of sexual abuse.

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

In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that Blackman sexually abused the victim, identified as Jane Doe, on three occasions when she was physically incapable of declining participating in a sexual act. Jane Doe, who was approximately 15 years old at the time, had passed out from alcohol intoxication and woke up to Blackman sexually abusing or having intercourse with her. The assaults occurred in 2019 and 2020. The victim ultimately reported the sexual abuse to a counselor.

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

XXX

GREAT FALLS  — A Poplar man who admitted sexually abusing a woman on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced today to four years and eight months in prison, to be followed by 30 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Shane Daniel Freemont, 33, pleaded guilty in February to sexual abuse.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in September 2020, Freemont was at his residence, drinking with a group of individuals. One of the individuals, identified as Jane Doe, was drinking with Freemont and blacked out from intoxication. Despite her level of intoxication, Freemont had sex with Jane Doe. The victim was physically incapable of declining to participate in or to communicate unwillingness to engage in sex.

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

 

XXX

GREAT FALLS  — A Colorado man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Moises Zamora, 37, of Denver, Colorado, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in September 2021, near Box Elder, on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, law enforcement arrested Zamora and recovered meth from his pocket and his truck. The meth was meant for distribution to others.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy J. Racicot and Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

XXX

GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man appeared in federal court today on charges of making threats to a federal agent and illegal possession of firearms after law enforcement officers arrested him earlier in the day, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Paul J. Valenzuela, 55, appeared for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint charging him with threats to a federal official and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Valenzuela faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Valenzuela was detained pending further proceedings.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Valenzuela, who has felony convictions, illegally possessed a firearm, and that on Aug. 7, he made threats to an FBI officer in text messages in which he which he refers to having access to firearms and stated, “Shoot at me I shoot back.”

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

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

PACER case reference. 23-72.

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

XXX

BILLINGS — A Billings man today admitted to trafficking methamphetamine after law  enforcement seized approximately four pounds of the drug from a workshop, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Gary Michael Byrd, 52, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Byrd faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release.

U.S. 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. Byrd was released pending further proceedings.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove is prosecuting the case. The Billings Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation.

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

XXX

 

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

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Aug. 11 was:

Erik Joseph Perlberg, 48, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and illegal possession of a machine gun. If convicted of the most serious crime, Perlberg faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Perlberg was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-90.

Appearing on Aug. 10 was:

Caeland Delmon Ackerman, 22, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ackerman faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Ackerman was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-81.

Appearing on Aug. 8 was:

Joseph Simpson, 49, of Lame Deer, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Simpson faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charges 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 charge. Simpson was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-91.

Anatoliy Samoyednyy, 46, of Sparta, Missouri, on charges of involuntary manslaughter. If convicted of the most serious crime, Samoyednyy faces a maximum of eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Samoyednyy was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-83.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnson and pleading not guilty on Aug. 8 was:

Jarek William Hahn, 30, of Helena, on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and drug user in possession of firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hahn faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Hahn was detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force and FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-16.

Henry Gabryl Youpee, Jr., 20, of Poplar, on charges of burglary. If convicted of the most serious crime, Youpee faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $50,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Youpee was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Peck Tribes’ Department of Law and Justice investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-68.

Patricia Wells, 58, of Heart Butte, on obstruction of justice by witness tampering, obstruction of justice by evidence tampering and obstruction of an official proceeding as charged in a superseding indictment. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wells faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Wells was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-47.

Timothy Edward Gonser, 55, of Great Falls, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gonser faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Gonser was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Great Falls Police Department and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-75.

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

Adrian Anthony Aragon, 52, of Butte, on charges of wire fraud, theft of government money and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Aragon faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, $250,000 fine and three years of supervised released on the wire fraud charge, and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release, on the aggravated identity theft charge. Aragon was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Department of Interior Office of Inspector General investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-7.

Appearing on Aug. 7 was:

Jesse Trujillo, 27, of Bozeman, on charges of conspiracy to possess meth with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Trujillo faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Trujillo was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-13.

Agatha Noriz Carranza, 33, of Whitehall, on charges conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl. Appearing on July 27 on the same charges were co-defendants Juan Felipe Vidrio Fuentes, 25, of Anaheim, California; Martin Topete Garcia, 32, of Mira Loma, California; Johnathan Topete, 27, of Mira Loma, California; and Anthony Wayne Johnson II, 46, of Santa Ana, California. Martin Garcia, Johnathan Topete and Anthony Johnson II face an additional charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious charge, all defendants face a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charges. If convicted of the firearm charge, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. All defendants were detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Highway Patrol and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-10.

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

 

XXX

BILLINGS — A Lame Deer woman accused of selling methamphetamine on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation admitted to a trafficking crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Adrienne Dawn Laforge, 34, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Laforge faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Dec. 8. Laforge was detained pending further proceedings.

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

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.

XXX

 

BILLINGS — A Busby man accused of hitting and injuring his dating partner admitted to an assault crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Weston Francis Littlewhiteman, 31, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. Littlewhiteman faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

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

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey A. Sabol is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI conducted the investigation.

XXX

 

BILLINGS  — A Billings man convicted of robbery and gun crimes for stealing a car at gunpoint in Billings and leading law enforcement on a chase into Big Horn County was sentenced today to 11 years and nine months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Joseph Wayne Cantrell, 30, pleaded guilty in April to Hobbs Act Robbery and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on Jan. 8, 2022, the victim was sitting in his 2017 Subaru Outback in a parking lot in Billings when Cantrell approached his driver’s side door. The victim told Cantrell to go away. Cantrell then pulled out a handgun, and the victim immediately surrendered his car to Cantrell, who drove off in it. Less than an hour later, law enforcement found Cantrell with the car. Cantrell fled and led law enforcement on a chase from Yellowstone County into Big Horn County. Law enforcement deployed spike strips to stop Cantrell and could hear gunshots coming from the car. The car wrecked a short time later and Cantrell fled with the firearm into a field. The car’s passenger side window had been shot out. After a standoff lasting several hours, Cantrell threw the firearm away and was arrested. The firearm was a 9mm semi-automatic pistol.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas K. Godfrey and Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Billings Police Department, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Probation and Parole, conducted the investigation.

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

XXX

MISSOULA  — A Polson man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl was sentenced today to five years and six months years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Thomas Joseph Duran, 42, pleaded guilty in April to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in June 2022 in Lake County, Montana Highway Patrol troopers made a traffic stop and later searched a vehicle in which Duran was a passenger. Law enforcement recovered meth, fentanyl, $8,135 in U.S. currency and firearms. Duran admitted that he distributed the drugs in exchange for money. Co-defendant Andrew Joseph Shields, of Kalispell, who was the driver of the vehicle, was sentenced recently to 11 years and three months in prison for his conviction in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. 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.

XXX

BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man accused of holding up a bank in downtown Billings and attempting to flee in a city bus admitted to a bank robbery charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Elmer Brady, 68, pleaded guilty to bank robbery as charged in an indictment. Brady faces a maximum of 25 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and 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. Brady was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged that on March 23, Brady entered Stockman Bank, located in downtown Billings, approached an employee, identified as Jane Doe 1, and told her, “I already took care of your security guard.” Brady then wrote on a deposit slip, “This is a …” with the last word being scribbled and unreadable. Brady slid the note to Jane Doe 1 and made several threatening statements demanding $9,000 or else he would kill her. Jane Doe 1 told law enforcement that Brady made statements that he was armed with a weapon and would use it if she didn’t give him the money. Fearing that Brady was going to kill her and others in the bank, Jane Doe 1 gave Brady all of the money in her cash drawer, and he left the bank. Brady attempted to leave the area on a City of Billings bus, but a bank guard alerted the bus driver, who ordered Brady to get off the bus. Brady complied and police officers arrested him a short time later as he was walking toward the Billings Public Library. In a search of Brady, officers found a large metal knife in his jacket pocket and determined Brady was on state probation. Law enforcement searched Brady’s bag and recovered $6,361 in U.S. currency, a pair of binoculars, rubber gloves and a metal pipe.

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

           

XXX

 

MISSOULA— A Kalispell man with a felony conviction was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release for illegally possessing firearms, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Matthew Ryan Cubberly, 36, pleaded guilty in April to prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered firearm.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that Cubberly was convicted of a felony drug crime in Flathead County and was on state supervision when probation officers suspected a probation violation and conducted a home visit in March 2022. During a search of Cubberly’s residence, the officers found two 12-gauge shotguns next Cubberly’s bed. Both guns had the stocks cut off, and the barrels were less than 18 inches in length. Neither firearm was registered with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Cubberly was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his felony conviction.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Lowney prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Kalispell Police Department and Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation.

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

XXX

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

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on July 27 was:

Leota Lynn Beartusk-Martinez, 38, a transient, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Beartusk-Martinez faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Beartusk-Martinez was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 22-130.

Derry Jerel Howard, 42, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Howard faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug charges and a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge. Howard was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-86.

Shaynee Renee Gibbs, 45, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gibbs faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release on the drug charge and a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge. Gibbs was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Billings Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, Laurel Police Department, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-39.

Dawn Marie Guevara, aka Dawn Marie Owen, 42, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Guevara faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release. Guevara was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 19-01.

Appearing on July 25 was:

Sean Wesley Colwell, 43, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Colwell faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Colwell was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service and Montana Probation and Parole investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-76.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on July 28 was:

Raymond Perez Ramos, 30, of Long Beach, California, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ramos faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Ramos was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Service and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-13.

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.

XXX

MISSOULA  — A Missoula man who admitted to producing sexually explicit images of a child and downloading sexually explicit images of children from the internet was sentenced today to  30 years in prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Anthony Riley Smith, 29, pleaded guilty in March to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

U.C. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court also ordered $133,560 restitution to the victim.

“Smith committed unspeakable crimes against a vulnerable child.  His heinous conduct merits the lengthy sentence that the judge imposed today,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said. “I want to thank the Missoula Police Department for being part of the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task and for its hard work rendering justice in this case. We will continue to work with the ICAC Task Force to investigate and prosecute such egregious crimes committed against children. Our office remains committed to prosecuting offenders like Smith and to seeking sentences like today’s, which ensures that he will never harm another child again.”

“Crimes against children are a priority for the Missoula Police Department,” Missoula Police Chief Michael J. Colyer said. “Thorough investigations are an invaluable part of seeking justice for victims, and we hope our role will somehow help victims along the path to recovery. Bringing these complex cases to a successful resolution is the result of tireless work by committed members of the Missoula Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and we will continue to invest in protecting children in the future.” 

In court documents, the government alleged that in August 2021, a Missoula Police Department detective, who is a member of the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, investigated multiple CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tips related to sexually explicit images of children being uploaded online. The investigation led to Smith. Law enforcement searched his residence pursuant to a warrant and seized electronic devices. Investigators determined that Smith had produced child pornography of a prepubescent boy with a cellular phone, and that his desktop computer contained images of the boy engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Smith admitted he had been collecting child pornography for more than a year.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson prosecuted the case. The Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Missoula Police Department and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, a defendant will likely serve all of a sentence imposed by the court. A defendant may be eligible for a sentence reduction for “good behavior,” however, this reduction will not exceed 15 percent of the overall sentence.

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.

XXX

MISSOULA  — A Kalispell man convicted of trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl was sentenced today to 11 years and three months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Andrew Joseph Shields, 40, pleaded guilty in March to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in June 2022 in Lake County, Montana Highway Patrol troopers made a traffic stop of a vehicle Shields was driving. During the stop, the trooper saw a firearm in the vehicle. In a later search of the vehicle, law enforcement found 478 grams, or a little more than one pound, of meth, fentanyl, additional firearms and more than $8,000 in cash.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. 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.

 

XXX

MISSOULA  — A Manhattan man with felony convictions was sentenced today to  seven years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking meth and illegally possessing a firearm, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jamey Wayne Charon, Jr, 26, pleaded guilty in March to possession with intent to distribute meth and to prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in March 2022, the Missouri River Drug Task Force was investigating Charon for distributing meth in Bozeman and conducted controlled purchases of meth from him on two occasions. Law enforcement searched Charon’s vehicle after he was arrested for another offense and found meth packaged in jeweler bags. Charon admitted to selling meth twice a week since February 2022. In addition, law enforcement found a .40-caliber pistol with 12 bullets in his bedroom in Bozeman. Charon was on probation at the time for felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, FBI, Bozeman Police Department and Park 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.

XXX

MISSOULA  — A Heron man convicted at trial of kidnapping his son in violation of a parenting plan and taking him to Costa Rica was sentenced today to three years in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

At a two-day trial in March, a jury found Jacob Israel Strong, aka Jacob Israel Guill, 37, guilty of international parental kidnapping.

 U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court also ordered $6,948 restitution.

The government alleged in court documents and at trial that in January 2020, Strong and his ex-wife entered into a parenting plan for their then two-year-old son as part of a divorce proceeding. Prior to a court date in August 2021, Strong failed to return their son to his mother as scheduled. The mother was unable to locate Strong and contacted the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement also was unable to contact Strong. The Sanders County Attorney’s Office subsequently charged Strong with felony parental interference and a state arrest warrant was issued for Strong.  

In September 2021, the FBI opened an investigation to assist Sanders County in the search for Strong and his son. In January 2022, the FBI discovered Strong and the child were living in Costa Rica and learned that Strong and his son left the United States in approximately October 2021, near Midland, Texas. Strong paid a man to transport them to Costa Rica, and Strong and the child lived with the man for about six weeks. In May 2022, the FBI received specific information about Strong’s whereabouts, and Costa Rica officials arrested and deported him back to the United States. The child’s mother traveled to Costa Rica to take custody of her son and returned with him to the United States.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy J. Racicot and Brian C. Lowney prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

XXX

MISSOULA  — A Glendive woman convicted of stealing more than $119,000 from an elderly man whose finances she managed was sentenced today to three years and four months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release,  U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Gina Larae Mann, aka Gina Larae Neva, 54, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court also ordered $119,269 restitution.

“Mann preyed upon a recently widowed victim instead of helping him.  Even worse, she helped herself by spending his money for her own benefit.  Mann’s conduct destroyed the financial security, good credit, and peace of mind of an elderly man who trusted her.  Our office will continue to hold accountable those who exploit the most vulnerable among us and I applaud Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter and the IRS Criminal Investigation for investigating and prosecuting this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“Ms. Mann abused the trust of a vulnerable man for her financial gain. Now she will pay for her crimes by serving a federal prison sentence where she will not be able to take advantage of anyone else,” said Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office. “As a community, it is our responsibility to care for our elders. As a law enforcement community, it is our duty to hold individuals accountable who abuse their position of trust and steal from the people that are under their care.”

The government alleged in court documents that Mann offered to help the victim, a recently widowed elderly man who was familiar with Mann and trusted her with his taxes and bookkeeping. After gaining control of the victim’s bank account, Mann stole more than $119,000 through various methods, including taking money directly from the victim and opening several lines of credit in his name without his knowledge.

The scheme caused the victim financial ruin and destroyed his credit. In a statement provided to the court, the victim said of Mann’s conduct, “She ruined my life and I will live with it for the rest of my life, trying to fix the mess she has created.”

Mann’s scheme began in early 2018 and continued until late 2019 when the victim discovered the fraud after receiving overdraft notices from a credit union. When interviewed, Mann told federal agents that the victim wanted to be a partner in her business and claimed she used ATM cash advances from a credit card to pay for her business location, car payments and insurance. Neither statement was true. The victim was not aware of and did not authorize any of Mann’s withdrawals or credit card transactions. The government further alleged that Mann transferred funds directly to her business and her own account, sent thousands of dollars to her husband and withdrew more than $1,000 at a casino and liquor store in Billings.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case. The IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.

XXX

 

MISSOULA  — A federal jury on July 26 convicted an Anaconda man who was arrested in an undercover investigation of attempting to coerce and entice a minor into engaging in sexual intercourse and of possessing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

After a three-day trial that began on July 24, the jury found Christopher Todd Boudreau, 42, guilty of attempted coercion and enticement and possession of child pornography. Boudreau 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 Donald W. Molloy presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for Nov. 29. Boudreau was detained pending further proceedings.

“Our office will not relent in our pursuit of those adults, like Boudreau, who seek to have sex with minors and possess thousands of images of child pornography.  It is the kind of conduct that has no place in our society, especially because it harms and sexually exploits children, which is why we will do everything we can to protect children from those who attempt to abuse them.  I am grateful to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Brian C. Lowney for prosecuting this case and the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office for conducting the investigation,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

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

 Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Brian C. Lowney are prosecuting the case. The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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

XXX

BILLINGS  — A Billings man with a felony conviction was sentenced today to two years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a gun after he accidently shot a person and fled, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Aaron Clifford Olson, 50, pleaded guilty in March to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents and in court that on Aug. 25, 2022, Billings Police Department officers responded to a shooting in which a witness said Olson had fled the scene. The victim had been shot in the back while in a car with Olson, who was sitting in the left rear passenger seat. Olson took off running after the gun went off. The firearm, a 9mm pistol, was recovered. Olson admitted to possessing it and to accidently shooting the victim. Olson had a previous felony drug conviction in Yellowstone County and was prohibited from possessing firearms. Olson was on supervision at the time of the shooting.

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

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

XXX

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

Kileen Moria Hagadone, 57, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging her with six counts of wire fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft. The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison, $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. The penalty for aggravated identity theft is a mandatory minimum two years in prison, consecutive to any other punishment, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Hagadone was released pending further proceedings.

The indictment alleges that Hagadone owned and operated Rosebud County Insurance Inc., an insurance brokerage business, and acted as an intermediary between her customers and national insurance companies. Hagadone was required to help negotiate insurance contracts for her customers and then receive and transmit payments as a fiduciary from the customers to the companies for the negotiated policies. Hagadone and her company had a trust account with First State Bank of Forsyth designed to receive these payments.

As alleged in the indictment, from about 2020 until April 2023, Hagadone devised a scheme to receive payments from customers but failed to transmit the funds to the insurance companies. Instead, Hagadone misappropriated the funds and spent the money on personal expenses. In some instances, Hagadone fraudulently withdrew the money for her own use from the company trust account. At other times, Hagadone improperly deposited customer payments into the company’s business account so she could use the money. To help conceal the thefts, Hagadone allegedly stole the identities of several customers by forging their signatures on third-party financing contracts. As a result of the alleged scheme, many customers had their insurance policies canceled without their knowledge and had to repay the insurance companies for policies they had already paid for.

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

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.

PACER case reference. 23-85.

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

XXX

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

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on July 18 was:

Jonathan Ray Gonsalez, 39, of Box Elder, on charges of sexual abuse, coercion and enticement and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gonsalez faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Gonsalez was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-65.

Joshua Raymond Suave, 34, of Great Falls, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and false statement during a firearms transaction. If convicted of the most serious crime, Suave faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Suave was detained pending further proceedings. The Great Falls Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 22-110.

Robert Ray Thoroughman, 61, of Fort Shaw, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Thoroughman faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Thoroughman was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Cascade County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-57.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on July 18 was:

Eric Fredrick Welch Jr., 22, of Billings, on charges of theft from a federal firearm licensee and possession of stolen firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Welch faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Welch was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-84.

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.

XXX

MISSOULA  — A Columbia Falls man with multiple felony convictions was sentenced on July 20 to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised, for illegally possessing a loaded shotgun, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Christopher Glenn Lakey, 35, pleaded guilty in March to prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. In sentencing Lakey, the court applied a enhancement under the Armed Career Criminal Act, which provides that a defendant convicted of felon in possession is subject to a mandatory sentence of 15 years of imprisonment if the defendant has three prior convictions for a serious drug offense or a violent felony.

The government alleged in court documents that on Jan. 18, 2022, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office learned that Lakey was leaving Columbia Falls in a pickup truck and may have  weapons in his possession. Deputies knew about an outstanding federal warrant for Lakey and located the truck. Lakey fled from law enforcement, driving at more than 100 mph toward Whitefish. During his flight, Lakey threw a stolen 12-gauge shotgun out the window. The shotgun was recovered the next day from the side of the road. The shotgun had one round chambered and four in the tube. Two 12-gauge shells were found during a probation search of his abandoned truck. Lakey had prior felony convictions for criminal endangerment, burglary and robbery and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Probation and Parole, Whitefish Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.

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

XXX

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

Carly Joy James, 41, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. James faces a mandatory minimum 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. Sentencing was set for Nov. 16. James was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, investigated 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. James is one of the individuals affiliated with the investigation. The government further alleged that James sold meth to individuals in August 2022 and in October 2022. In January, James was pulled over for a traffic violation, and a search of her vehicle revealed a firearm and approximately eight grams of meth.

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.

XXX

GREAT FALLS — A Browning man suspected in the death of a woman on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation appeared on July 18 on murder and sexual abuse charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Paul Andrew Vielle, 58, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with first degree felony murder, second degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse. Vielle faces a mandatory term of life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine if convicted of first degree felony murder.

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

The indictment alleges that on April 22, near Cut Bank John Coulee, in the Meriwether area on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Vielle killed the victim, identified as Jane Doe, by cold exposure and that he engaged in a sexual act by force against Jane Doe.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation.

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

PACER case reference. 23-67.

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

XXX

MISSOULA — A Bozeman man who is accused of interfering with a flight crew and engaging in abusive sexual contact with another person while a passenger on a flight from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Bozeman was arraigned on charges on July 18, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Hunter Andrew Dietrich, 42, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with interference with flight crew members and attendants and one count of abusive sexual contact in special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Dietrich faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the interference charge. He faces a maximum of two years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the abusive sexual contact charge.

U.S. District Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Dietrich was released pending further proceedings.

As alleged in the indictment, on Feb. 11, while aboard Delta Airlines Flight 3789 from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Bozeman, Dietrich assaulted and intimidated flight crew members and attendants, interfered with the performance of their duties and lessened their ability to perform their duties.  Additionally, the indictment alleges that while on the flight, Dietrich knowingly engaged in sexual contact with another person without that person’s permission.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Bozeman Airport Police conducted the investigation.

PACER case reference. 23-55.

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

XXX

BILLNGS — A Billings man with two prior federal felony convictions admitted today to illegally possessing a firearm, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Robert John Bigback, 28, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm or ammunition. Bigback 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 sentencing factors. Sentencing was set for Nov. 15. Bigback was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on March 9, Bigback’s mother found him sleeping in her house with a gun next to his head. His father brought the firearm, a Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol, to the United States Federal Probation Office. When Bigback woke up, his mother saw him frantically looking for something where the gun had been. Bigback told his mother he had been using methamphetamine, was paranoid and thought people were after him. Bigback had prior felony federal convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for distribution of meth, and he was prohibited from possessing firearms.

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

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

XXX

BILLINGS  — A Crow Agency man who admitted to sexually abusing a boy in Lodge Grass, on the Crow Indian Reservation, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Nathaniel Bartell Plainbull, 34, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with sexual abuse of a minor.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in June 2021, Plainbull and others were drinking and socializing on the Crow Indian Reservation and eventually went to a Lodge Grass residence where some continued to drink. Later, a woman opened a bedroom door and saw Plainbull, naked, on the bed with the victim, identified as John Doe, who was under the age of 16 at the time. The woman reported to law enforcement in March 2022 what she had seen in June 2021 while being interviewed on another matter. FBI agents interviewed John Doe, who described sexual abuse by Plainbull.

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

XXX

 

GREAT FALLS  — A Great Falls man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine at a casino in the community was sentenced today to five years and eight months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

James Joseph Sangrey, 39, pleaded guilty in March to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in August 2022, the Russell Country Drug Task Force learned that Sangrey was dealing drugs at a casino in Great Falls. Law enforcement observed Sangrey meet for a few minutes in the parking lot with occupants of vehicles and believed that he was selling drugs. On Aug. 31, 2022, after a suspected drug deal, state probation officers arrested Sangrey as he tried to run out the back door of the casino. Officers served a state search warrant on Sangrey’s car and seized a backpack that contained baggies, a blow torch, a mirror with white residue and a scale. In the car, officers found two plastic baggies containing meth.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case. The Russell Country Drug Task Force, Great Falls Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation.

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

XXX

GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls woman who worked as a bookkeeper admitted today to defrauding two businesses in a scheme to pay personal bills, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Tara Durnell, 63, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and to mail fraud. Durnell faces a maximum of 20 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. Sentencing was set for Dec. 6. Durnell was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that between 1997 and 2019, Durnell worked as a bookkeeper for Kronebusch Electric, Inc., (KEI) a small company in Conrad. Durnell used her access to pre-signed company checks to make payments to cover personal expenses and then miscoded the payments in the accounting system to make them look like legitimate business expenses. As part of the scheme, Durnell used a pre-signed KEI check to make an unauthorized payment of $5,175 to the TNT Tavern for a personal debt. KEI eventually discovered the embezzlement when it sought to sell the company, and due diligence uncovered several hundred thousand dollars in miscoded transactions. Durnell left employment with KEI and found a job as a bookkeeper with Mitchell’s Crash Repair in Great Falls. In January 2022, Durnell used her access to the business’s pre-signed checks and mailed an unauthorized payment of $3,564 to the Pondera County Treasurer to cover a personal debt.

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

XXX

GREAT FALLS — A Browning man today admitted to a manslaughter charge for striking a woman with his vehicle and killing her in 2021 on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jordan Joseph Morgan, 31, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Morgan faces a maximum of eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

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

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. 6. Morgan was detained pending further proceedings.

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

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

XXX

BILLINGS  — A Lame Deer man who admitted to sexually abusing a minor boy on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 22 months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Loy Matthew Bryant, 51, pleaded guilty in March to sexual abuse of a minor.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters.

In court documents, the government alleged that Bryant sexually abused the victim, identified as John Doe, who was between the ages of 12 years and 16 years, for several years. In September 2022, John Doe, age 17, disclosed that Bryant started sexually abusing him when he was in about the sixth grade. When interviewed by law enforcement, Bryant admitted to having sexually abused the victim.

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

XXX

GREAT FALLS — A federal district judge today sentenced a Heart Butte man to 15 years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised released, for murdering a woman during an argument on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Terrance Travis Aimsback, 35, pleaded guilty in March to second degree murder as charged in an indictment.

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

“Aimsback earned this significant sentence based on his violent conduct that led to murdering his romantic partner. We will, and we must, hold perpetrators of violence against Native American women accountable. The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s movement is one of the most important causes of our time, which is why our office will continue to seek justice for victims to ensure Native women and girls are protected,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.   

The government alleged in court documents and in court that Aimsback murdered the victim, identified as Jane Doe, by beating her to death with a stick and then initially lying to law enforcement to try to cover up the death. On Nov. 24, 2022, Aimsback called 911, claiming Jane Doe would not wake up, although she was still breathing. Law enforcement officers arrived and found that Jane Doe had died hours earlier. When interviewed, Aimsback admitted he killed Jane Doe during an argument and that he beat her with a stick. Aimsback and Jane Doe were in a romantic relationship at the time.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy J. Racicot and Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services  and Pondera County Sheriff's Office conducted the investigation.

XXX

 

MISSOULA  — A federal jury on Tuesday convicted a Billings man accused of possessing over 50 grams of pure methamphetamine for resale hidden in false bottom cans and illegally possessing ammunition, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

After a two-day trial that began on July 10, the jury found Shane Edward Johnson, 54, guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and prohibited person in possession of ammunition. Johnson faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years to life in prison, a $20 million fine and at least 10 years of supervised release on the conspiracy conviction.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factor. Sentencing was set for Dec. 6. Johnson was detained pending further proceedings.

“The jury’s verdict is yet another example of our office’s efforts to hold accountable those who seek to poison our communities with drugs, in this instance, methamphetamine. These convictions make Laurel and Billings safer, as another dangerous drug dealer like Johnson won’t be on our streets for a long period of time. I am grateful to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie R. Patten and Zeno B. Baucus, along with the U.S. Postal Service, FBI, Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office for investigating and prosecuting this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

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

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

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

xxx

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 and pleading not guilty on July 6 was:

Larry Thomas McDaniel, 45, of Great Falls, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, McDaniel faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, 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 investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-61.

Kareshmaa Kaur Jagroop, 41, of Calgary, Alberta, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jagroop faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Jagroop was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 22-109.

Jada Mulon Wells, 20, of Browning, on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault on a federal officer and robbery. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wells faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Wells was detained pending further proceedings.The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Cut Bank Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-34.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on July 6 was:

Heather Marie Bugni, 34, of Butte, on charges of false statement to an agency of the United States, health care fraud and theft of government money. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bugni faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Bugni was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-09.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on July 6 was:

Yvon Lopez-Florez, 29, of Lodge Grass, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lopez-Florez faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Lopez-Florez was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-70.

Appearing on July 5 was:

Ryan William Newhart, 28, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Newhart faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Newhart was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, U.S. Postal Service and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-80.

Devin Miranda American Horse, 34, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, American Horse faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. American Horse was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-73.

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.

 

XXX

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

Keilee Shamrae Diaz, 34, pleaded guilty to distribution of meth. Diaz faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release.

U.S. 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. Diaz was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, 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. Law enforcement arrested Diaz and others during a take down in April.

The government further alleged that in September 2022, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of meth from Diaz and others. A controlled source communicated with Diaz through Facebook and arranged to buy an ounce of meth. The source met Diaz and co-defendant 1 in Hardin, and the group drove to the Spear Siding property. After a phone conversation at Spear Siding with co-defendant 2, a Spear resident, the group went back to Hardin. In Hardin, the group met up with co-defendant 2. Following this meeting, the source purchased the meth for $710 directly from co-defendant 1, who was with Diaz.

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

XXX

BILLINGS  — A Busby man who admitted to strangling a woman while in a vehicle on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 22 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Tysawn Dantae Pine, 25, pleaded guilty in February to an indictment charging him with strangulation.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Pine and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, had been in a dating relationship. On April 9, 2022, Pine went to Jane Doe’s house at approximately 5:30 a.m. and demanded she open the door. Jane Doe refused and told Pine to leave because he was drunk. Pine then forced his way into the house and demanded she give him a ride to his grandmother’s house. Scared of Pine’s threats, Jane Doe drove him to his grandmother’s house and parked. The two argued inside the vehicle, and Pine began assaulting and strangling Jane Doe. Later that day, Jane Doe was examined for injuries at the hospital.

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

XXX

GREAT FALLS — A Browning man accused of shooting and wounding a man at a residence on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to an assault crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Lane Dale Spotted Eagle, 27, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Spotted Eagle faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Nov. 30. Spotted Eagle was ordered to inpatient treatment pending sentencing.

The government alleged in court documents that in the afternoon of July 12, 2022, Spotted Eagle, armed with a 9mm pistol, entered a bedroom in a Browning house and shot the victim, identified as John Doe. Spotted Eagle is a schizophrenic and was experiencing paranoia at the time of the assault. Law enforcement detained Spotted Eagle shortly after the assault in a vehicle in the driveway. Spotted Eagle was covered in blood and armed with an AR-15 rifle.

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

XXX

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

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on June 29 was:

Joshua James Groh, 41, of Billings, and Gary Michael Byrd, 52, of Billings, 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, Groh and Byrd face a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Groh and Byrd were detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-74.

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

Matthew Cory Glen Robocker, 27, of Shelby, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Robocker faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Robocker was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Toole County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Probation and Parole investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-48.

Heath Lynn Schmoeckel, 42, of Missoula, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Schmoeckel faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Schmoeckel was detained pending further proceedings. The Montana Highway Patrol, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, Missoula Police Department and Montana Probation and Parole investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-22.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on June 27 was:

James Cleveland Manywhitehorses, 42, of Browning, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Manywhitehorses faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Manywhitehorses was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference.23-55.

Bradley Bear Standing Rock, 26, of Havre, on charges of sexual assault, a misdemeanor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Standing Rock faces a maximum of six months imprisonment and a $500 fine. Standing Rock was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-59.

Jacqueline Rose Hydock, 33, of Great Falls, on charges of possession of stolen mail and wire fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hydock faces  maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hydock was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-54.

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

 

XXX

MISSOULA — A Wyoming man today admitted to a crime accusing him of traveling to Montana with the intent to engage in sex with a minor, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jeremy George Lusk, 38, of Crowley, Wyoming, pleaded guilty to travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Lusk faces a maximum of 30 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and a minimum of five years to life of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Oct. 30 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. Lusk was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in January, a Bozeman Police Department officer was working undercover and observed an ad on a social media application asking if anyone wanted to engage in sexual relations with a 38-year-old from Bridger, Montana. The ad stated the individual was looking for someone between the ages of 18 and 68. The undercover responded that she was 14 years old and lived in Bozeman. Lusk told the undercover to contact him when she turned 18, and the undercover responded telling Lusk to contact her if he changed his mind. Luck re-initiated contact the same day, and the conversation turned sexual. The communications led to Lusk sending a nude photo of himself. On Feb. 22 and through the morning of Feb. 23, Lusk wrote messages indicating his intent to travel to Bozeman and that he was on his way. Law enforcement determined Lusk lived and worked in Wyoming. After being directed to a specific location by the undercover, officers arrested Lusk when he arrived. Lusk admitted to having online sexually explicit discussions with a 14-year-old and had come to Bozeman with the intent to meet her for a sexual encounter.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case. The Bozeman Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.

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

XXX

BILLINGS — A man accused of making harassing telephone calls to African American woman who works at a Billings church and provided him assistance admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Joshua Leon Hiestand, 41, a transient, pleaded guilty to harassing telephone calls, a felony. Hiestand faces a maximum of two years imprisonment, a $250,000 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. Sentencing was set for Oct. 26. Hiestand was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on Nov. 12, 2020, a white male, who identified himself as Leon Hiestand, went to a church in Billings looking for assistance. Jane Doe, an African American who works at the church, provided him with a gift card. Several days later, the church received a voicemail from a caller, who, using a derogatory term, stated that he would give more money to the church if it did not  employ an African American. In Dec. 4, 2020, the church’s caller ID identified Hiestand as using the same number as in the voicemail. Jane Doe answered the phone, and the caller referenced his white friends and that he would have given more money if the church did not employ a black pastor. Hiestand left another voicemail that stated, “Nobody wants you here.” In January 2021, Hiestand left a voicemail and referenced the African American receptionist at the church. Jane Doe contacted the Billings Police Department. An officer contacted the number dialed to the church in January, and the caller identified himself as Hiestand. Hiestand then changed his name later in the conversation. Hiestand admitted to leaving the voicemails and apologized for his behavior. The officer advised Hiestand not to have further contact with the church.

Hiestand then left another voicemail in which he appeared upset and apologized for the previous calls. However, over the next 19 months, Hiestand called and left a series of voicemails at the church that, at times, were threatening and racially hostile. The investigation determined that Hiestand placed the calls from outside of Montana.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.

XXX

BILLINGS  — A California felon who was identified offering to sell an undercover agent a pistol and switches used to convert guns from semi-automatic firearms to fully-automatic was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U. S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Drew Parker Seymour, 24, of Banning, California, pleaded guilty in February to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Seymour has been convicted of four felonies, including this case, that involve him illegally possessing firearms. In March 2022 in Billings, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives learned that Seymour offered online to sell an individual illegal Glock switches, which are used to convert semi-automatic firearms into automatic machine guns. An undercover agent began communicating with Seymour, who offered to sell the agent Glock switches and a .45 caliber pistol. Seymour sent pictures of both. Seymour later withdrew his offer to sell the Glock switches. The undercover agent agreed to meet Seymour to buy the pistol. Before the meeting occurred, drug task force agents detained Seymour and his girlfriend at a post office in Billings as they attempted to pick up a package of fentanyl. In a search of the couple’s motel room, law enforcement located a .45-caliber, semi-automatic pistol hidden under a mattress. Seymour’s fingerprint was recovered from the gun’s magazine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department, U.S. Postal Service 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.

XXX

GREAT FALLS — A Babb man accused of assaulting his dating partner on three occasions within a year admitted to charges this week, U.S Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Zachary James Cassidy, 33, pleaded guilty on June 28 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and two counts of assault of a dating partner resulting in substantial injury. Cassidy faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

In a plea agreement reached in the case, the parties agreed that a specific term of between 48 months and 72 months of imprisonment is appropriate.

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 Nov. 30. Cassidy was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that Cassidy and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were in a romantic relationship between March 2022 and January 2023. During that time, Cassidy assaulted the victim on three separate occasions. In June 2022, Cassidy and the victim were at a bar in St. Mary when Cassidy became upset with Jane Doe. Cassidy physically assaulted the victim in the bar and dragged her outside using a chokehold. Cassidy continued assaulting Jane Doe in the parking lot, dragged her to a truck and drove to his residence, where he continued the assault. Jane Doe woke up on a couch, was alone and could not move. When found, she had to be carried to a car. Jane Doe sought medical attention the next day for multiple injuries and returned to the hospital a month later for follow up. In August, Cassidy assaulted Jane Doe at his residence. When a friend sought to intervene, Cassidy kicked the friend in the back and pushed her head into a truck. Cassidy told the friend she was trespassing and that he was going to shoot her. That night, a friend went to check on Jane Doe and tried to take the victim with her, but Cassidy wouldn’t let her. Eventually, Jane Doe’s family members came to get her and took her to the hospital for treatment of injuries. A third assault occurred on Jan. 9 as Cassidy and Jane Doe were traveling from Doe’s family residence toward Babb. Cassidy started getting mad at Jane Doe and his truck ultimately got stuck in the snow. Cassidy assaulted Jane Doe, who refused to get out of the truck. A neighbor witnessed the assault and called law enforcement.

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

XXX

BILLILNGS  — A Billings cattle rancher who admitted defrauding the Bureau of Land Management of fees in a grazing scheme in which he lied about the ownership and number of cattle he was grazing was sentenced today to four years of probation, fined $35,000 and ordered to pay $143,714 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Gene John Klamert, 71, pleaded guilty in January to mail fraud.

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

The government alleged in court documents that between 2017 and 2020, Klamert held a BLM grazing permit that allowed him to graze his cattle on public land near Winnett. The permit authorized Klamert to graze cattle he owned for a low monthly base rate, compared to private grazing fees, which are typically 10 times higher or more. Klamert’s BLM permit also authorized him to graze other people’s cattle, but he was required to report them and pay a surcharge for every head of cattle he grazed that he did not personally own.

BLM first discovered Klamert underreporting cattle in 2017. When confronted, Klamert admitted grazing 100 cattle that did not belong to him and that he did not report. Klamert actually grazed at least 620 cattle that he failed to report and thereby, avoided paying the required surcharge. Before the next grazing season, BLM reminded Klamert that he must report other people’s cattle he intended to graze and pay a surcharge for each. Klamert, however, ignored these warnings and continued misreporting cattle for the next three seasons. To hide the cattle and avoid the surcharge, Klamert submitted to the BLM fake bills of sale purporting to have purchased 1,515 head of cattle between 2018 and 2020 that he in fact did not own and never purchased. The fraudulent bills of sale enabled Klamert to avoid paying $65,612 in surcharge fees. Klamert also defrauded the BLM by continuing to graze other people’s cattle that he simply never reported. In total, Klamert grazed more than 2,000 cattle that he chose not to report, avoiding an additional $78,884 in surcharges to the BLM. Klamert defrauded BLM of a total of $144,497. He paid back $782 after his reprimand in 2017, bringing the fraud loss to $143,714.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin D. Hargrove and Bryan T. Dake prosecuted the case. The BLM conducted the investigation.

XXX

GREAT FALLS — A Washington man suspected of trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl on the Rock Boy’s Indian Reservation admitted to a drug crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Antonio Penalosa Infante, 36, of Spokane, Washington, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Infante faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five 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 Nov. 21. Infante was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in the fall of 2022, the FBI received reports that Infante was bringing controlled substances to the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. During a traffic stop in December 2022 by the Montana Highway Patrol, officers recovered a total of 91 fentanyl pills, two pistols, cocaine and methamphetamine from the vehicle in which Infante was a passenger. Infante later said the drugs were his and intended only for personal use. In a second traffic stop of Infante on the reservation 10 days later, officers located a half pound of meth, approximately 100 fentanyl pills, cocaine and a loaded 9mm magazine. Officers found a 9mm pistol in the police officer’s vehicle where Infante had been seated for transportation following the traffic stop. Additionally, in January, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of 100 fentanyl pills from Infante. In a third traffic stop of Infante on the reservation, officers located meth and 76 fentanyl pills. In February, the FBI executed a search warrant on a residence where Infante had been staying and recovered a large quantity meth  that was determined to be 9.8 pounds of the drug, which is approximately 35,515 doses.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ethan R. Plaut and Amanda L. Myers are prosecuting the case. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Rocky Boy’s Police Department, Tri Agency Task Force and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation.

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

XXX

GREAT FALLS  — Six Wolf Point residents convicted in the kidnapping and assault of a girl on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in 2021 were sentenced this month to prison terms for their roles in the attack, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

All six of the defendants pleaded guilty earlier to kidnapping an individual under 18. All defendants initially faced a mandatory minimum of 20 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. At the time of their sentencing hearings, however, they were eligible for sentences below the mandatory minimum.

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

“This case is every parent’s worst nightmare. A Native American girl was lured out of her home, beaten, kidnapped, and left for dead in an open field on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said. “Our office stands with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s movement, seeking to ensure that Native women and girls are protected and that perpetrators of crimes like these are held accountable. I would like to personally thank law enforcement and the Fort Peck community for their help and quick actions. Without their efforts, this case easily could have resulted in the senseless death of a child on the reservation.”

Today, the court sentenced Patti Jo Annunciata Mail, 23, the sixth and remaining defendant, to 42 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release.

The government requested a sentence of 168 months for Mail. The sentencing guideline range for Mail was 87 months to 108 months.

Co-defendant Cheri Cruz Granbois, 21, was sentenced on June 15, and co-defendants Dylan Troy Jackson, 20; Elmarie Amelia Weeks, 22; Kaylee Jade Jackson 19; and Lavanchie Patricia Goodbird, 30, were sentenced on June 14.

The five co-defendants were sentenced as follows:

• Cheri Cruz Granbois was sentenced to 58 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. The government requested a sentence of 185 months in prison, which was within Granbois’ guideline range of 168 months to 210 months.

• Dylan Jackson was sentenced to 55 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. The government requested a sentence of 180 months in prison for Dylan Jackson, whose sentencing guideline range was 108 months to 135 months.

• Elmarie Amelia Weeks was sentenced to 49 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. The government requested a sentence of 170 months for Weeks, whose sentencing guideline range was 108 months to 135 months.

• Kaylee Jade Jackson was sentenced to 45 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. The government requested a sentence of 160 months in prison for Kaylee Jackson, whose sentencing guideline range was 87 months to 108 months in prison.

• Lavanchie Patricia Goodbird, 30, was sentenced to 41 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. The government requested a sentence of 140 months in prison for Goodbird, whose sentencing guideline range was 108 months to 135 months.

The government alleged in court documents that on Sept. 15, 2021, Granbois, seeking revenge on the victim, a 15-year-old identified as Jane Doe, recruited others to help him exact that end. Saying the victim had wronged him, Granbois paid Kaylee Jackson money to lure Jane Doe outside of her house in Wolf Point so she could be assaulted. That evening, after drinking, Goodbird drove the group to the victim’s house. When Jane Doe came out, the situation escalated. Some of the individuals in the group assaulted the victim in her front yard. When eyewitnesses yelled that they were going to call the police, some of individuals forced Jane Doe into the vehicle and drove her to a vacant field where the assault continued.

The government alleged that during the assault, Granbois directed others as to when and who could assault the victim and directed others to take items from Jane Doe, including a cell phone that could have been used to report the kidnapping. An eyewitness to the assault in the field described the victim screaming and then going silent. The eyewitness thought Jane Doe had been murdered. The victim suffered serious injuries.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan G. Weldon and Wendy A. Johnson prosecuted the case. The FBI, Fort Peck Law Enforcement, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Wolf Point Police Department conducted the investigation.

XXX

GREAT FALLS — A Harlem man accused of shooting an occupied house in Fort Belknap Agency on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation admitted to an assault crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Tyree Daniel Doney, 21, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Doney faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Oct. 15. Doney was released pending further proceedings.

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

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

XXX

MISSOULA  —  A former Hamilton man who admitted to making false statements to receive more than $70,000 in disability payments from the Social Security Administration was sentenced today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Aaron Lee Grossman, 51, of Washington, Utah, and formerly of Hamilton, pleaded guilty in February to false statements to a government agency.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court sentenced Grossman to three years of probation, with three months to be spent on electronic location monitoring, imposed a $20,000 fine, ordered $71,456 restitution to the Social Security Administration and required Grossman to perform 150 hours of community service.

In court documents, the government alleged that in 2011, Grossman applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments from the Social Security Administration. The agency approved Grossman’s application and advised him of his legal obligation to notify it if he experienced a change in his ability to work, returned to work or if his medical condition improved. In February 2020, the Social Security Administration learned Grossman had started a new business and not reported it as required. Additionally, the agency learned that Grossman received $36,210 from Lynch Insulation in 2019 for work he performed through Grossman Consulting, LLC. The agency then directed Grossman to update a Work Activity Report. Grossman did so but did not report making any money from Lynch Insulation. Had he reported the income, Grossman would have been ineligible for SSDI benefits. When confronted, Grossman lied to agents and claimed his wife earned those wages. However, records from Lynch Insulation indicted that Grossman, in fact, completed the work. In an interview in 2021, Grossman admitted he concealed his income from Lynch Insulation so he could maintain his government benefits. Grossman also underreported the value of his work for another company, owned by his father, from 2019 to 2021. Grossman’s father disclosed that Grossman’s hourly wage was set so low so he could maintain his disability payments.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case. The Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.

XXX

GREAT FALLS — A Browning man admitted today that he shot another man during an argument in Browning on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Johnathan Charles Gifford Oldchief, 24, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury, assault with a dangerous weapon and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Oldchief faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the assault crimes 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.

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 Nov. 16. Oldchief was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on April 7, Oldchief spent the evening drinking heavily with others. Shortly after midnight, five persons left the house in a vehicle driven by Oldchief. After driving less than two blocks, Oldchief and the victim, identified as John Doe, got into a verbal argument. Oldchief stopped driving and another person intervened to keep the two from coming to blows. Oldchief ordered Doe out of the vehicle. Doe complied, and another person also got out. After driving a short distance, Oldchief stopped the vehicle. Removing a pistol from near the console, Oldchief got out, approached Doe, racked the pistol and shot him point blank one time. Oldchief returned to his car and left the scene. Others called emergency services. Doe was flown to a hospital in Great Falls where he underwent lifesaving surgery. Law enforcement recovered a live round and a spent shell casing from the scene. Officers also recovered a 9mm magazine in a search of the vehicle. The bullet and a description of the gun matched a 9mm pistol that Oldchief bought in February.

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

XXX

GREAT FALLS — A Browning man suspected of trying to put a federal corrections officer in a chokehold while incarcerated at the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ jail on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Joseph Ernest Potts, 32, pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer as charged in an indictment. Potts 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 Nov. 16. Potts was detained pending further proceedings.

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

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

XXX