District of Montana

BILLINGS — A Mexico citizen accused in trafficking 29 pounds of methamphetamine from Denver, Colorado, to the Bozeman and Billings communities admitted to a drug crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Victor Daniel Mejia Ocampo, 22, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with possession with intent to distribute meth. Ocampo 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. 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. Ocampo was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that during an investigation in mid-July 2022, law enforcement made a controlled purchase of cocaine from co-defendant Isidro Vega Carmona in Bozeman. Ocampo was with Carmona during the purchase. About a month later, law enforcement arranged to buy four pounds of meth from Carmona and Ocampo and made another controlled purchase of the drug in Bozeman. Carmona told the buyers that people were bringing the meth from Denver, Colorado.

The government further alleged that in October 2022, Carmona offered to sell an undercover person 25 pounds of meth for $100,000. On Oct. 12, 2022, Carmona contacted the undercover and confirmed that another co-defendant, Risela Soberanes, was driving the 25 pounds of meth to Billings from Denver and that he would meet the undercover in Billings. Carmona and Ocampo traveled together from Bozeman to Billings, where both were arrested, along with Soberanes. Ocampo removed a large rolling suitcase, which contained 25 pounds of meth, from the trunk of a vehicle that had been driven by Soberanes to a Billings residence. Carmona was arrested as he walked with the suitcase toward a downtown hotel to meet the undercover person. Ocampo drove toward the hotel and was arrested after he parked the vehicle. Twenty nine pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 105,000 doses.

Carmona was sentenced recently to 14 years in prison, while Soberanes was sentenced to two years in prison for their convictions in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Missouri River Drug Task Force.

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

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BILLINGS  — A Billings felon who admitted to illegally possessing a firearm after law enforcement found a gun in his vehicle, which had stopped in the middle of the road near Hardin, was sentenced today to 37 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Cody Lawrence Big Hair, 32, pleaded guilty in February to prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

U.S District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

The government alleged in court documents that shortly after midnight on April 23, 2022, a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer came upon a pickup truck stopped in the middle of the road near Hardin, in Big Horn County. The officer conducted a wellness check and found Big Hair, the driver and sole occupant, who initially gave a false name and admitted he had been drinking and doing drugs. Big Hair also said he was “trying to kill somebody.” Big Hair was in possession of a .22-caliber bold action rifle, three knives and a pair of brass knuckles. Big Hair had a felony conviction in 2021 in Big Horn County and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.

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

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BILLINGS  — A Hardin man with felony convictions was sentenced today to 21 months  in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after law enforcement found a firearm in a stolen truck he was driving during a pursuit that began near Billings and ended on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Casey Wallace Leider, 32, pleaded guilty in February to felon in possession of a firearm.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The federal sentence is in addition to a 16-month sentence the Crow Tribal Court imposed on Leider for conviction for conduct from the same incident.  

In court documents, the government alleged that in July 2021, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office deputies pursued a stolen Ford F-350 truck driven by Leider from the Lockwood area and onto the Crow Indian Reservation. The Bureau of Indian Affairs authorized the deputies to continue the chase onto the reservation. The pursuit involved police vehicles and a helicopter. The pursuit eventually ended near Pryor when the truck left the roadway and broke down in a field. Law enforcement arrested Leider, who told a deputy that he was high. Inside the truck was a pistol in plain sight. Leider had two felony convictions and was prohibited possessing firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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

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MISSOULA — The U.S. Attorney’s Office held its second United Against Hate event today in Missoula with a meeting of federal and local law enforcement representatives and members of the LGBTQI+ community, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

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

“Our United Against Hate Initiative is a reflection of the United States Department of Justice’s priority to bring people together to discuss how we can work collaboratively to fight hate crimes and prevent violence. It is timely and appropriate to hold this meeting during Missoula PRIDE’s celebrations so we can hear directly from the LGBTQI+ community and people of Missoula. No one should be violently targeted because of their gender identity or who they love and if they are, our office will not hesitate to hold them accountable. Earlier this week, a Basin man was sentenced to 18 years in prison for federal hate and firearm convictions after firing bullets into the home of a Basin woman because she identified as an LGBTQI+ community member. We are determined to protect the civil rights of all Montanans and to ensure all of us, regardless of our sexual orientation or gender identity, have equal protection under law,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The meeting, held at the University of Montana Alexander Blewett III School of Law, provided an opportunity for members of the LGBTQI+ community to have a better understanding of hate crimes and hate incidents, how to report them to law enforcement and to learn about available resources.

Speakers at the Missoula event included U.S. Attorney Laslovich and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Vestal, civil rights coordinator for the office. In addition, the event featured a panel discussion and question and comment session that included U.S. Attorney Laslovich, FBI Supervisory Special Agent Charles Sampson, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Equal Opportunity Lead Specialist Kate Boyd, Missoula Police Department Detective and LGBTQI+ Liaison Ethan Smith, Missoula County Attorney Chief Deputy Matt Jennings and the University of Montana’s Associate Vice President of Conflict, Resolution and Policy Alicia Arant.

The District of Montana will be holding additional United Against Hate events in the coming months in communities across the state. The first United Against Hate event was held on April 19 in Billings with members of the faith community.

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BILLINGS  —  Two Mexico citizens convicted of trafficking 29 pounds of methamphetamine from Denver, Colorado, to the Bozeman and Billings communities were sentenced this week to prison terms, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Isidro Vega Carmona, 28, was sentenced on June 15 to 14 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Carmona pleaded guilty in February to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and to possession with intent to distribute meth.

Co-defendant Risela Anahid Heredia Soberanes, 33, was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. Soberanes pleaded guilty in January to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

According to court documents, law enforcement arrested Carmona in October 2022 in Billings as he was walking with a rolling suitcase containing 25 pounds of meth toward a downtown hotel to deliver the drugs to an undercover person. Officers also arrested Soberanes at a residence on Broadwater Avenue as she was sitting in Carmona’s vehicle. Soberanes admitted to transporting the 25 pounds of meth from Denver for delivery to Carmona.

The government alleged that during an investigation in mid-July 2022, law enforcement made a controlled purchase of cocaine from Carmona in Bozeman. Another co-defendant, identified at Victor Ocampo, was with Carmona during the purchase. About a month later, Carmona and another person, known as “Guero,” agreed to sell an undercover individual four pounds of meth. In late August, the undercover went to Carmona’s residence to purchase the four pounds of meth. Investigators determined that Soberanes had transported the meth from Denver to Carmona on behalf of “Guero.”

The government further alleged that in October 2022, Carmona offered to sell the undercover 25 pounds of meth for $100,000 and that he would deliver it to Billings. On Oct. 12, 2022, Carmona contacted the undercover and confirmed that Soberanes was again driving the 25 pounds of meth to Billings from Denver and that he would meet the undercover in Billings. Law enforcement subsequently arrested Carmona and Soberanes in Billings.

Twenty-nine pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 105,000 doses.

Ocampo has pleaded not guilty to charges and is pending trial in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Missouri River Drug Task Force.

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

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

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on June 13 was:

Donna Rae Lamere, 66, of Great Falls, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lamere faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Lamere was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Russell Country Drug Task Force and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-44.

Jerry Scot Saunders, 34, of Great Falls, on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Saunders faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Saunders was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-46.

Mikayla Elizabeth Magnussen, 23, of Havre, 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, Magnussen faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Magnussen was detained pending further proceedings. The Tri-Agency Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-51.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on June 15 was:

Nancy Michelle Hartscok, 36, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hartscok faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Hartscok was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-69.

Appearing for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint on June 14 was:

Ryan William Newhart, 27, of Billings, on charges of 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 U.S. Postal Service and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-107.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on June 15 was:

Kyle Kenneth Smith, 32, of Kalispell, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Smith faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Smith was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Kalispell Police Department, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-5.

Amber Marie Cody, 40, of Butte, on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cody faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Cody was released pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-08.

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

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WASHINGTON -- A Montana man was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris to 18 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for shooting into a residence and attempting to shoot others with the intent of ridding a town of LGBTQI+ residents.

John Russell Howald, of Basin, was convicted by a federal jury on Feb. 17 of a hate crime involving an attempt to kill and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence for firing an AK-style rifle at the residence of a woman who was known within the town as lesbian and was home at the time, and then walking further into town intending to target others he perceived to be lesbian, queer, and gay. The trial lasted four days.

“This defendant is being held accountable for his horrific attempted mass shooting against the LGBTQI+ community in a Montana town,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Howald set out to rid the town of all LGBTQI+ members by killing them. He shot into the home of a lesbian resident, nearly killing her, with the hope of inspiring similar attacks around the country. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously defend the rights of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, to be free from hate-fueled violence. This Pride Month, we affirm our commitment to using the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act to hold perpetrators of hate-fueled violence targeting the LGBTQI+ community accountable.”

“Howald fired multiple shots into someone’s home based solely on her sexual orientation and only the heroic and brave actions of residents and law enforcement, as well as some good fortune, prevented a targeted mass shooting,” said U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich for the District of Montana. “It is the kind of conduct that has no place in Montana, which is why our office vigorously prosecuted Howald and why the justice system is holding him accountable for his actions. Our office has an unshakable commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect the civil rights of all Montanans, including our LGBTQI+ friends and family members.”

“Motivated by hatred of the LGBTQI+ community and armed with multiple firearms and high-capacity magazines, this defendant sought to intimidate - even terrorize – an entire community by shooting into the victim’s home trying to kill her for no reason other than her sexual orientation, this defendant did something distinctly un-American by depriving her of her sense of safety, freedom and privacy all at once,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “This 18-year sentence reflects the appalling nature of Howald’s actions. I want to commend the ATF Helena Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their extraordinary work ensuring justice, not only for the victim, but for the entire LGBTQI+ community.”

“The unfortunate reality is bigotry and hate exist in our communities. Still, as a diverse nation, we will not tolerate violence motivated by such bias,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. “The harm and trauma experienced by the victim, her family, and the entire community may be irreparable, but rest assured, the FBI is committed to protecting the civil rights of all.”

According to court documents, on March 22, 2020, Howald went on a self-described mission to rid the town of Basin of its lesbian, queer and gay community. Howald was armed with two assault rifles, a hunting rifle, two pistols and multiple high-capacity magazines that were taped together to speed reloading. Howald walked to the first victim’s residence and fired multiple rounds from an AK-style rifle into her property and home, all because of his belief regarding her sexual orientation. Hoping he had killed her, Howald set off toward other houses occupied by people who identify as lesbian, queer or gay.

Local residents, who knew Howald and happened to be leaving church, stalled him long enough for a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputy to respond and inadvertently recorded Howald yelling and firing more rounds with the same rifle, expressing his hatred toward the community’s gay and lesbian residents and his determination to “clean” them from his town. When the deputy arrived, Howald pointed the AK-style rifle at the officer, nearly starting a shootout in downtown Basin, and then fled into the hills, firing at least one round as he went. Law enforcement arrested Howald the next day and found him armed with a loaded pistol and a knife. In Howald’s car, officers found an AR-style rifle and a revolver. During a search of Howald’s camper, officers found an AK-style rifle, a hunting rifle, and ammunition.

Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Laslovich, Special Agent in Charge Gibson and ATF Director Dettelbach made the announcement.

The FBI, ATF and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut for the District of Montana and Trial Attorney Eric N. Peffley of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

GREAT FALLS —A Great Falls man accused of lying about his income to receive Medicaid while he had cancer admitted to fraud charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Dustin Tempel, 38, was arraigned on and pleaded guilty to an information charging him with health care fraud. Tempel 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. 9. Dustin Tempel was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that investigators uncovered false IRS form 1099s for Dustin Tempel while investigating his mother, Lynn Tempel, who was the finance manager for William Tempel Construction and was sentenced for fraudulently inflating construction costs when building a home for a victim in Great Falls. Investigators determined from a review of bank records that Dustin Tempel received money approximately every two weeks from Lynn Tempel, and that $286,969 of income to Dustin Tempel was underreported during a five-year period.

The government further alleged that in November 2016, Kelly Tempel, Dustin Tempel’s wife, applied for Medicaid, which is a health care benefit. When applying, the Tempels underrepresented their income, claiming they made only $1,692 per month, which was false. If the Tempels had reported their actual income, Dustin Tempel would not have qualified for Medicaid. Investigators further determined that the Tempels had applied for a bank loan for a 2019 Ford F350 in the amount of $63,589 and claimed they made $8,000 in gross monthly income. As a result, from November 2017 to September 2020, Dustin Tempel received $75,493 from Medicaid that he was not entitled to receive.

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

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BILLINGS — A former Colstrip Police Department officer who admitted to directing a minor girl to send him sexually explicit pictures and videos of herself was sentenced today to eight years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Hossein Cristiano Luigi Borhan, 49, of Billings, pleaded guilty in February to an information charging him with receipt of child pornography.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $4,237 restitution.

“By using his position as a law enforcement officer, Borhan violated the public’s trust and used a minor girl for his own sexual gratification. Our office has no greater responsibility than to protect our children from sexual exploitation and we will do whatever it takes to hold accountable those who seek to harm them. Today, we did just that,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The government alleged in court documents that between August 2021 and April 2022, while serving as a Colstrip police officer, Borhan was engaged in an online messaging relationship with a minor girl, identified as Jane Doe. Borhan used his position as a police officer to gain the trust and friendship of the girl and carried on a secret relationship with her for almost a year under the guise of being her mentor, counselor and therapist. The conversation became sexual in nature, and Jane Doe complied with Borhan’s instructions to send him pictures and videos of herself engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In an interview with law enforcement, Borhan admitted to sending Jane Doe approximately 20 sexual pictures and videos of himself and estimated receiving hundreds of sexual images and videos from her.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office and Colstrip Police Department.

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man admitted today to trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl pills in the community, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Shacotta Keenan St. Onge, aka Shaq, 30, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. St. Onge faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment, 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. 9. St. Onge was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that in the fall of 2022, the Russell Country Drug Task Force learned that St. Onge was distributing drugs in the Great Falls area. Law Enforcement used undercover agents and confidential informants to make controlled buys of meth and fentanyl pills from St. Onge in January. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on St. Onge’s residence in February and recovered fentanyl pills and meth.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut is prosecuting the case. Homeland Security Investigations, the Russell Country Drug Task Force, the Great Falls Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation.

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

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GREAT FALLS  — A Great Falls woman who admitted to dealing methamphetamine and heroin for a drug trafficking organization in Mexico was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Katie Marie Marceau, 38, pleaded guilty in March to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Marceau was a significant drug dealer in Great Falls and had direct connections to a drug trafficking ring in Mexico. Leaders of the organization sent workers to Great Falls to distribute meth and heroin and to recruit local workers, like Marceau, to distribute drugs. The workers typically distributed the drug in Great Falls for a few months, and then the leaders rotated to the next worker to avoid law enforcement detection. In late 2020, Marceau became the new designated worker for the drug organization and sold meth and heroin to undercover officers. Marceau also was on state supervision at the time when she engaged in this drug activity.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case. The Great Falls Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Russell Country Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.

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

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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 June 6 was:

Jaylin John Ridesatthedoor, 19, of Browning, on charges of attempted kidnapping, assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ridesatthedoor faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Ridesatthedoor was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Glacier County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-38.

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

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BILLINGS — A Roberts man accused of kidnapping a woman in Wyoming and holding her at his residence until she escaped appeared today in federal court on a kidnapping charge, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Adolfo Vargas Lepe, 59, had an initial appearance on a criminal complaint charging him with kidnapping. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lepe faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

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

The government alleged in court documents that from April to May 29, Lepe kidnapped a woman, identified as Victim #1, from a residence in Lander, Wyoming, and took her to his residence in Roberts, where the victim was not free to leave. Lepe is accused of repeatedly assaulting and mentally abusing the victim. The victim escaped on May 29 and called 911 for help.

A criminal complaint is only 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, Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, Billings Police Department and Lander, Wyoming, Police Department conducted the investigation.

PACER case reference. 23-100.

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

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BILLINGS — A Laurel man today admitted he illegally possessed firearms and ammunition after law enforcement found 35 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition in his residence, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Nicholas Steven Capella, 38, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition as charged in an indictment. Capella faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in August 2022, members of the Billings Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit were surveilling a residence in Laurel when Capella and another person left the house and got into a vehicle that was parked outside. Capella had a pistol holstered on his hip. Officers converged on the vehicle, placed Capella and the other person in custody and advised them of their rights. A search warrant was executed at the residence. During the search, Capella agreed to open a gun safe, which contained a large cache of firearms. Law enforcement seized 35 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Capella was prohibited of possessing firearms because of felony convictions in Washington.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich is prosecuting the case. The Billings Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.

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

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BILLINGS — A Red Lodge man accused of illegally possessing a short barrel, privately-made AR-15 style semi-automatic rifle after he was suspected of violating a protective order admitted to a firearm crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

James Faddis Kennedy, 73, pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered firearm. Kenned faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $10,000 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 sentencing factors. Kennedy was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged that on Oct. 19, 2022, the Red Lodge Police Department received a theft report that Kennedy had removed a “no trespassing” sign from a fence at the complainant’s residential property. The complainant had documented the incident on video and had video of Kennedy taking a gun into his house. The complainant further indicated that Kennedy was prohibited from possessing firearms because of an Order of Protection. The investigation determined that an Order of Protection was issued on July 2, 2022 and prohibited Kennedy from threatening to commit or committing violence against the complainant. The order contained a provision that said, “Respondent shall not possess the following firearms,” but listed no specific firearms. Law enforcement executed a state search warrant on Kennedy’s residence on Nov. 17, 2022. Officers found multiple firearms and gun parts, including a privately made model AR-15 style, 5.56 mm, semi-automatic rifle with no serial number. The rifle had an overall length of 30.5 inches and a barrel length of 10 inches. There is no record of the firearm in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Red Lodge Police Department conducted the investigation.

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

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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:

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on June 2 was:

Robert Terrance Williams, III, 45, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Williams faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Williams was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-152.

Appearing on May 31 was:

Nathaniel George Castro, 26, of Hardin, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse. If convicted of the most serious crime, Castro faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Castro was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-43.

Appearing on May 18 was:

Tyler Brady Miller, 37, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Miller faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Miller was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-63.

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

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BILLINGS — A Billings man today admitted to distributing child pornography using social media, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Stetson Lee Hubbard, 33, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography. Hubbard faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime 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 Sept. 27. Hubbard was detained pending further proceedings.

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

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

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

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GREAT FALLS  — A Browning man with felony convictions was sentenced today to 35 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing guns, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Kyle Lynn Brown, 49, pleaded guilty in January to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that beginning in 2022, law enforcement began receiving information that Brown was possessing firearms and dealing drugs on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. In May 2022, law enforcement stopped Brown and found him in possession of a .40-caliber handgun. In July 2022, law enforcement stopped Brown again and found him in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine and a loaded handgun. Brown had a prior federal felony drug conviction and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A Wolf Point woman suspected in the death of a child on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation admitted to a murder charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Heather Dawn Smith, aka Heather Dawn Yellow Owl, 32, appeared for arraignment on a superseding information charging her with second degree murder and pleaded guilty to the crime. Smith faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and 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. 1. Smith was detained pending further proceedings.

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

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Wolf Point man who was arrested after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase throughout Cascade County admitted today to trying to steal a vehicle from a man near Ulm and to brandishing a gun while carjacking a vehicle from a woman in Billings, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Santana Cruz Ledeau, 27, pleaded guilty to attempted carjacking and to using, carrying and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Ledeau faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the attempted carjacking charge and a mandatory minimum of seven years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the charge of brandishing a firearm.

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. 26. Ledeau was detained pending further proceedings.

A plea agreement reached by the parties calls for Ledeau to plead guilty to two counts of assault on a peace officer in the Montana Eighth Judicial District Court, Cascade County, following the resolution of the federal case. In addition, if the Court accepts the plea agreement at sentencing, the government will seek to dismiss additional charges of robbery affecting commerce, two counts of carjacking and one count of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence as charged in an indictment.

The government alleged in court documents that on Sept. 30, 2022, in Billings, a woman was delivering laboratory samples to a hospital clinic. As she arrived at the parking lot, a man dressed in a red hooded sweatshirt approached her as she attempted to leave her car. The man, later identified as Ledeau, demanded her keys and pointed a gun in her face. As she dug inside her purse for the key fob, Ledeau produced a can of pepper spray and sprayed her in the face. Ledeau then took her car, a Nissan, and fled. Hospital personnel who witnessed the incident from a distance treated the victim for her injuries. During an interview with law enforcement, the victim described the gun as “red with some silver.” The victim’s car was later recovered in Musselshell County. Fingerprints in the car matched those of Ledeau.

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

In addition, the government alleged that Ledeau returned to I-15 and traveled south to Cascade where he ran out of gas. Ledeau approached a second man, who agreed to give Ledeau and his female companion a ride to a gas station. However, law enforcement arrived, and Ledeau yelled at the second man to get out of the car. Ledeau then got into the driver’s seat and led officers on a high-speed chase throughout the county. Ledeau traveled south on I-15, exited at Wolf Creek and traveled north on Montana Highway 434. During the case, the female companion repeatedly called 911 because she was in fear for her well-being. Eventually, Ledeau turned east on Highway 200, lost control and crashed into a ditch near Simms. At the crash scene, officers saw Ledeau holding a pistol before tossing it to the ground. The gun had a red stock and dark colored slide and was determined to be a SCCY Industries, model CPX-2, 9mm caliber pistol.

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

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

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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:

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on May 25 was:

Kellen Kantrell Norman, 19, of Polson, on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of an unregistered firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Norman faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release on the drug possession crime 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 crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Norman was released pending further proceedings. The Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-27.

Appearing on May 22 was:

Darcel Portra Saunders, 65, of Bozeman, on charges of bank fraud, wire fraud and false statement to lending institution. If convicted of the most serious crime, Saunders faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release. Saunders was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-2.

Appearing in Great Falls before Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris and pleading not guilty on May 25 was:

Matthew Martin Brockie, 41, of Harlem, on charges of abusive sexual contact of a child. If convicted of the most serious crime, Brockie faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Brockie was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-19.

Appearing on May 23 before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston was:

Carlos Mauricio Manrique-Frias, 27, of Mexico, on charges of transportation of child pornography, possession of child pornography and illegal entry into the United States. If convicted of the most serious crime, Manrique-Frias faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Manrique-Frias was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-50.

Nicole Lynn Hicks, 36, a transient, on charges of robbery, assault with intent to commit a felony and intimidation. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hicks faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hicks was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-25.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on May 25 was:

Patrick Lee Tellez, 49, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Tellez faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Tellez was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-65.

Jarod Vahre Millar, 39, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Millar faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Millar was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-62.

Jeremy Ray Fisher, 36, of Billings, and James Kendall Wiles, 41, a transient, on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Wiles also is charged with prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fisher and Wiles faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release on the bank fraud crime and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, on the aggravated identity theft crime. Fisher and Wiles were detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-60.

Nicholas Steven Capella, 38, of Laurel, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Capella faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Capella was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-59.

Deana Louann Thomas, 41, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Thomas faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Thomas was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Montana Probation and Parole investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-51.

Appearing on May 24 was:

Benjamin Carl Tedlund, 31, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession of a stolen firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Tedlund faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Tedlund was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-50.

Gregory Shawn Sanchez, 58, of Lame Deer, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Sanchez faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Sanchez was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-117.

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

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MISSOULA  — A federal judge today convicted a Billings felon of illegally possessing a firearm after a bench trial, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen found Gregory Richard Boyd, 40, guilty of prohibited person in possession of firearm. The trial lasted two days.

Boyd faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. The court set sentencing for Sept. 27. Boyd was detained pending further proceedings.

“Boyd possessed a 9mm pistol despite having been previously convicted of a felony and knowing he was banned from having guns or ammunition. Firearms in the hands of felons are a threat to community safety, and we will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute violent offenders. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian C. Lowney and Timothy A. Tatarka, along with and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department, for their work on this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The government alleged in court documents that on April 10, 2019, Billings police officers served a search warrant on Boyd’s residence. Officers permitted Boyd to leave the residence, and he left in a Chevy Blazer. During the search, officers found a 9mm pistol under clothing in a bedroom. The gun’s magazine contained 10 9mm bullets. Two days later, law enforcement learned Boyd had not shown up for work since the search and eventually learned that he had fled to California. On April 17, 2019, law enforcement learned that Boyd’s Chevy Blazer, along with another of his vehicles, was at an autobody shop. The shop owner told law enforcement that Boyd had asked if he could leave the vehicles on his property. Officers searched the Blazer and found a box of 9mm ammunition. The box was missing 10 rounds, and the ammunition was the same brand as the bullets found in the pistol seized from Boyd’s residence. An analysis of the pistol found that Boyd’s DNA was likely on the gun. Boyd was convicted of a federal felony in July 2007.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian C. Lowney and Timothy A. Tatarka prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.

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

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GREAT FALLS  — A Clancy man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and possessing a homemade firearm was sentenced on May 25 to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Matthew Phillip Hamper, 43, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to possession with intent to distribute meth and to possession of an unregistered firearm.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in 2021, law enforcement learned that Hamper, who was on state supervision, was selling meth in the Helena area and identified him as the supplier in several controlled purchases. Montana probation officers conducted a search of Hamper’s home and an RV parked next to the main house. Inside the RV, officers found nearly four pounds of meth and several firearms, including a homemade single shot “slap gun.” The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives determined that the “slap gun” met the definition of a destructive device and that it was not registered in the National Firearms Regulation and Transfer Record.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Missouri River Drug Task Force, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Montana Probation and Parole.

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

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MISSOULA — A Whitefish man accused of fraudulently voting the ballot of another elector in the 2020 general election appeared for arraignment on criminal charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Donald Samuel Hill, 52, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with false information in voting and with fraudulent voting. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hill faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release.

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

“Our voting laws are in place to protect the right of every citizen to cast their ballot and to have that ballot counted. We are committed to enforcing those laws to ensure free and fair elections and will seek to hold accountable persons who attempt to violate them,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The indictment alleges that on Oct. 10, 2020 in Flathead County, Hill knowingly gave false information about his name, address and period of residence in the voting district for the purpose of voting in a general election. The indictment further alleges Hill knowingly and willfully defrauded the residents of Montana of a fair and impartially conducted election and that he allegedly completed and signed the ballot of another elector, identified as Person A, and submitted the ballot to the Flathead County Elections Office.

Indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys John M. Newman and Timothy J. Racicot are prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

PACER case reference. 23-21.

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

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BILLINGS  — A man who admitted to bringing pounds of methamphetamine to the Billings area community for distribution was sentenced today to eight years and six months years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Alex Valladares, 25, of Fresno, California, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that between July 2021 and March 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives learned that Valladares was a source of supply for meth in Billings area and acted as a go between for local Montana distributors and larger suppliers in Mexico. Valladares also was identified as being the supplier of approximately 5.8 pounds of meth seized in a March 2021 traffic stop. The government alleged that Valladares was bringing large quantities of meth to Montana as part of a larger criminal conspiracy, and Valladares described receiving pound quantities for distribution. In addition, the government alleged Valladares possessed firearms and described transporting guns to California to eventually make their way to Mexico.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas K. Godfrey prosecuted the case. The Drug Enforcement Administration and ATF conducted the investigation.

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

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BILLINGS  — A Lame Deer man who admitted to sexually abusing a child in 2015 on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was sentenced today to nine years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jordan Joseph Backer, 27, pleaded guilty in February to abusive sexual contact.

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

The government alleged that in 2021, law enforcement received a Cybertip from Facebook that indicated an account associated with Backer had an image of suspected sexual abuse of a child, resembling Jane Doe. Law enforcement responded to Backer’s residence but were unable to make any determinations about the child’s identity or what had happened. In September 2022, Jane Doe disclosed that Backer had sexually abused her in 2015, when she was approximately six years old and visiting family on the reservation. When interviewed, Backer admitted to sexually abusing Jane Doe.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI and Northern Cheyenne Investigative Services conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man suspected of driving under the influence admitted today to causing the death of his passenger when he crashed in the Browning area, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Emil Saunders Day Chief, 41, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Day Chief faces a maximum of eight 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. 25. Day Chief was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on July 19, 2022, Day Chief picked up the victim, Jane Doe, in Heart Butte. Day Chief was driving, while Jane Doe was a passenger. Soon thereafter, a witness saw Day Chief drive by at approximately 90 mph. Day Chief’s car then veered off the road, overcorrected, flipped and rolled two times before coming to a stop on the driver’s side. Jane Doe went through the windshield and the vehicle rolled over her. The witness found Day Chief still in the driver’s seat with one arm trapped under the car and a beer can in his other hand. The witness and others lifted the car, and Day Chief got out. Law enforcement arrived and found Jane Doe deceased and lying in the road. Officers also saw beer cans in the car and scattered around the scene and an empty jar from a marijuana dispensary. Day Chief was transported to a hospital for treatment. An investigation determined that Day Chief had a blood alcohol content of .335 percent and that his blood was positive for opiates and THC. Jane Doe died of blunt force injuries.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Montana Highway Patrol and Glacier County Sheriff’s Office  conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS  — A Great Falls man who admitted to trafficking fentanyl in the community was sentenced today to 30 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Kevin Clarence Bell, 45, pleaded guilty in January to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in October 2021, law enforcement in Great Falls began receiving information about individuals distributing fentanyl pills and that the distributors received fentanyl pills in the mail from out-of-state sources. In November 2021, law enforcement seized 372 fentanyl pills from Bell’s son and co-defendant Ian Stewart. Following Stewart’s arrest, agents learned that Bell was making trips to Phoenix, Arizona, and the group was receiving packages of fentanyl from Phoenix. In January 2022, law enforcement seized a package intended for Bell and another individual. The package contained 642 fentanyl pills, which was worth approximately $25,000 to $30,000. Stewart has pleaded guilty to charges in the case and is pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case. The Russell Country Drug Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Great Falls Police Department conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS  — A Washington man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine after law enforcement seized 11 pounds of the drug from him in a traffic stop in Glendive was sentenced today to 11 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Charles Antonio Gray, 47, pleaded guilty in November 2022 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on June 16, 2021, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper conducted a traffic stop in Glendive of a vehicle in which Gray was a passenger, along with two other occupants. Gray was traveling from California to North Dakota. A search of the vehicle led the trooper finding a leather bag that contained five vacuum sealed packages in the trunk. Gray claimed ownership of the bag. The meth seized weighed approximately 11.4 pounds, which is the equivalent of 41,313 doses.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case. The Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Montana Highway Patrol, conducted the investigation.

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Poplar woman today admitted to a methamphetamine trafficking crime after a customer died shortly after taking the drug, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Danyell Rose Black Dog, 22, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Black Dog faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Oct. 18. Black Dog was detained pending further proceedings.

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

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

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

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BILLINGS  — The former safety manager at the Signal Peak Energy LLC underground coal mine near Roundup was sentenced today for conspiring to make false reports about a mine accident in which an employee had his fingers crushed, resulting in partial amputation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Curtis Floyd, 47, of Billings, was sentenced to two years of probation and fined $2,000. Floyd pleaded guilty in January to an information charging him with conspiracy to submit false statements in mine records.

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

In a plea agreement reached in the case, the parties agreed that a term of probation was appropriate.

“As Signal Peak Energy’s safety manager, Floyd had a duty to make sure  miners were safe and protected and to document and report accidents. Floyd not only failed the miners, but he also flaunted mandatory mine health and safety reporting regulations. We expect mines and their managers to operate in compliance with all regulations, and when they don’t, they will be held accountable,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“The Mine Safety and Health Administration relies on accurate and timely reporting data to inform our investigations and address safety and health hazards. These reports also help mine operators uphold their legal obligation to keep miners safe and healthy by advising the industry of necessary changes to prevent future incidents. Floyd’s failure to report this data undercuts this system and puts miners at risk. We thank the Department of Justice for its vigorous enforcement of the Mine Act and helping MSHA protect the nation’s miners,” said Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson.

“Protecting the health and safety of our nation’s miners requires a team effort, which starts with mine operators following crucial safety and health laws and regulations. When mine operators violate their obligations or attempt to cheat the system, the Department of Labor will not hesitate to use every available tool to uphold the law, including partnering with other agencies. We are grateful for the Department of Justice’s critical partnership to keep all our nation’s miners safe,” said Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda.

The government alleged in court documents that in 2018, Floyd was the safety manager at the Signal Peak Energy coal mine and was responsible for overseeing safety-related accidents and injuries, ensuring that all such incidents were properly reported as required by federal law. Instead, the government alleged, Floyd went along when management needed an accident covered up. Floyd dropped off injured miners at the hospital instead of escorting them inside or let them go home, knowing they would lie to doctors about how they got hurt, and he let required safety reports disappear instead of making sure the reports were filed.

In early 2018, John Doe 1, a miner, had his fingers crushed while loading mining materials. The injury eventually required partial amputation. As Floyd was taking John Doe 1 to the hospital, Dale Musgrave, the former vice president of underground operations, called the injured miner and directed him to falsely claim that the injury was unrelated to his work. Musgrave told John Doe 1 that he would make it worth his while. Floyd told John Doe 1 he would support whatever decision was made. The injured miner agreed to not report the incident. Floyd and Musgrave were required to complete a U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration Mine Accident, Injury and Illness report, but they never completed or submitted a report for this incident. They also failed to report John Doe 1’s injury on another MSHA quarterly report.

This prosecution was part of a broad corruption investigation into Signal Peak Energy’s management and operations that resulted in criminal misdemeanor convictions of the company for willful violation of health and safety standards and felony convictions of some former mine managers and associates for embezzlement, tax evasion, bank fraud, money laundering, drugs and firearms violations. Musgrave was sentenced to probation and fined $20,000 for his conviction in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin M. Rubich, Zeno B. Baucus and Timothy Tatarka prosecuted the case. The IRS Criminal Investigation, FBI, Department of Labor and Environmental Protection Agency conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS  — A Cut Bank woman who admitted to manslaughter and assault charges after the vehicle she was driving crashed head on into another vehicle in East Glacier, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, was sentenced today to 37 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release,  U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Feather Lynn Stillsmoking, 32, pleaded guilty in December 2022 to involuntary manslaughter and to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $8,661 restitution.

In court documents, the government alleged that on March 12, 2022, Stillsmoking was driving an Oldsmobile west on US 2 into East Glacier at a high rate of speed. As she was negotiating a left-hand curve, the car rotated counterclockwise because of the speed, crossed the centerline and collided head on with an eastbound Nissan. A passenger, identified as John Doe, who was in the Oldsmobile, died at the scene of blunt force injuries. The driver of the Nissan, identified as Jane Doe, suffered serious injuries. An analysis of Stillsmoking’s blood found alcohol, amphetamine and methamphetamine. Stillsmoking told investigators that she drank a fifth of vodka prior to the crash. Investigators determined that the Oldsmobile was traveling at 102 mph five seconds before impact. The speed limit at the crash location is a 25-mph restricted speed zone.

In the government’s sentencing memo, John Doe’s mother and Jane Doe described how the crash has affected their lives. “There is no greater pain than having your child gone from you in a blink of an eye and there is nothing you can do about it,” John Doe’s mother said in her statement. Jane Doe described having surgeries and ongoing pain, seeking mental health counseling and experiencing financial stress from being unable to work for six months while being the main source of income for her family. “This happened at a time in my life, I will be 75, when I was hoping I could stop working, but I can’t,” Jane Doe said in her statement.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS  — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana will be receiving four new full-time federal prosecutor positions, including two positions dedicated to addressing cases arising in Indian Country, one position for violent crime and one position for eLitigation work, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

The U.S. Department of Justice allocated additional resources for U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country from funding within the President’s budget passed last year.

“These new Assistant United States Attorney positions are a significant investment from the Justice Department and will strengthen our ability to address public safety across the state, especially in Indian Country,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

One of the new Indian Country prosecutors will be located in either the Great Falls or Helena branch office, while the second new position will be in the Billings branch office. Duties will include prosecuting assaults, burglaries, sexual assaults, murders, and drug cases, and serving as a liaison between the reservation and the U.S. Attorney. Prosecutors assigned to Indian Country, which is a legal term in federal law, prosecute major crimes arising in six Montana Indian reservations within federal jurisdiction, including the Blackfeet, Rocky Boy’s, Fort Belknap, Fort Peck, Crow and Northern Cheyenne.

The new violent crime prosecutor will be assigned to the Billings branch office, while the eLitigation prosecutor will be assigned to either Missoula, Helena or Billings. The eLitigation position will be the district’s first lawyer assigned to this field and will focus on enhancing the District’s electronic litigation efforts, particularly in the intake, processing, and production of discovery in criminal and civil cases.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana currently has 31 Assistant U.S. Attorneys working in its criminal and civil divisions in branch offices located in Missoula, Helena, Great Falls, and Billings. The hiring process is underway and expected to take several months. When the four positions are added, the office will have a total of 35 assistant U.S. attorneys.

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BILLINGS —A Busby man today admitted to armed methamphetamine trafficking on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation after law enforcement found the drug and three firearms in a car in which he was traveling, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Ivan Eaglefeathers, 20, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime as charged in a superseding information. Eaglefeathers faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and a mandatory minimum of five years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set 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. Eaglefeathers was detained pending further proceedings.

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

Co-defendant Jamesey Maria Jefferson of Busby pleaded guilty to charges in the case and is pending sentencing.

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

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

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

Jomo Kenyatta Johnny Hill, 50, of Jackson, Mississippi, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hill 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 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 crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Hill was detained pending further proceedings. The Montana Highway Patrol and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-88.

Curtis Leo Crazymule, 45, of Lame Deer, on charges of assault of intimate and dating partner resulting in substantial bodily injury and assault of an intimate and dating partner by strangulation. If convicted of the most serious crime, Crazymule faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Crazymule was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, FBI and Indian Health Service conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-44.

Richard Williams Brooks, 81, of Hamilton, on charges of wire fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Brooks faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Brooks was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-23.

Appearing on May 16 was:

Justin Heigis Windecker, 43, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Windecker faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Windecker was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-34.

Appearing on May 15 was:

Mark Steven Elkshoulder, 56, of Billings, on charges of failure to register as a sex offender. If convicted of the most serious crime, Elkshoulder faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Elkshoulder was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-35.

Appearing on May 12 was:

Stephen “Mutt” John Parker, 60, of Lame Deer, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Parker faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and a mandatory minimum of five years to a lifetime of supervised release. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-30.

Appearing on May 11 was:

Tristen Jay Peters, 26, of Billings, on charges of attempted possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Peters faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Peters was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-48.

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

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BILLINGS— A Busby woman on May 18 admitted to trafficking methamphetamine while possessing a firearm after officers found the drug and three firearms in a car in which she was traveling, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Jamesey Maria Jefferson, 33, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense as charged in a superseding information. Jefferson faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and at least five years of supervised release on the firearm crime.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set 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. Jefferson was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on Sept. 12, 2021 on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, law enforcement officers stopped a car that had run two stop signs, was traveling at a high rate of speed and was believed to have been seen at an earlier shooting. Officers detained Jefferson and three other people who were in the car. A federal search warrant was served on the car and officers found approximately 48 grams of meth, $2,000 in cash, a scale and drug paraphernalia, ammunition and three firearms. The guns were a .17-caliber rifle, an AR-style 5.56mm rifle and a 9mm handgun. Jefferson admitted to investigators that she possessed the meth, the .17-caliber rifle and the 9mm handgun.

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

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BILLINGS  — A Billings man who admitted to lying about a firearm in a shooting during testimony before a federal grand jury was sentenced today to four years of probation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Caleb Jason Olson, 21, pleaded guilty in January to an indictment charging him with false declaration before a grand jury.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Olson was the driver in an attempted drug robbery that involved a shooting in the fall of 2019 and provided a shotgun to one of his passengers. Olson then lied in December 2021 to a federal grand jury investigating the incident when asked about the firearm. Olson had been placed under oath and advised that he could face criminal liability should he make a false statement during his testimony. Olson falsely testified that he didn’t know there were any firearms in his vehicle, when he knew that he had, in fact, brought a firearm in his car that night.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus, Bryan T. Dake and Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS — A woman passenger today admitted to methamphetamine trafficking and firearm crimes after the driver allegedly shot and wounded a Great Falls police officer during an attempted traffic stop in March, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Nikki Marie Snell, 38, of Harlem, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth and to prohibited person in possession of a firearm as charged in a superseding information. Snell faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug crime and a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three 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 Oct. 19. Snell was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that in July 2022, the Russell Country Drug Task Force in Great Falls learned that Snell was trafficking meth in the community and either supplied other distributors or distributed it herself. In August 2022, agents twice obtained meth from Snell through another individual.

The government further alleged that on March 7, Great Falls police officers attempted a traffic stop of a car from Billings, but the car fled. Officers did not pursue but looked in the area for the vehicle and its occupants. Officers found the car and saw a man, later identified as the driver, and Snell, the passenger, walking away from it. Snell stopped and complied with the officers, while the driver ran away while carrying a brown purse. An officer chased the driver, who shot the officer numerous times, wounding him. During the pursuit and shooting, the driver dropped the purse. Officers recovered the purse and found a 9mm semi-automatic handgun inside. The handgun was a different firearm from the one used in the shooting. Snell admitted that the recovered purse was hers and that she knew it contained the handgun. Snell has a prior federal felony conviction for assault and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Great Falls Police Department conducted the investigation.

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

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GREAT FALLS  — A North Dakota man who admitted to trafficking fentanyl in the Great Falls community after law enforcement found hundreds of fentanyl pills and a loaded firearm in a vehicle he was driving, was sentenced today to five years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Kelly Sterling Wait, 45, of Williston, North Dakota, pleaded guilty in January to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in October 2022, Russell Country Drug Task Force agents surveilling a motel room in Great Falls observed Wait and an associate leave the room, get into a vehicle and drive a short distance. Law enforcement officers stopped the vehicle, which Wait was driving. Wait had a loaded 9mm pistol in his immediate possession, 186 fentanyl pills and more than $3,000 in cash. Officers found additional fentanyl pills in the trunk and passenger seat area.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Russell Country Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Highway Patrol and Great Falls Police Department.

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GREAT FALLS  —  A Great Falls man who admitted to selling methamphetamine to an undercover officer 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.

John Robert Terry, 38, pleaded guilty in December 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 early 2020, law enforcement learned Terry was dealing meth in Great Falls. Witnesses told agents that they bought meth from Terry and that he kept firearms near where he stored meth at his house. Law enforcement conducted five controlled purchases of meth from Terry and found him in possession of meth during a stop of his vehicle because he had outstanding warrants.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case. The FBI, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration and Russell Country Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.

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

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

Brandon Thomas Weatherwax, 32, pleaded guilty in January to strangulation.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in October 2022, Weatherwax was at home with the victim, Jane Doe. Weatherwax repeatedly assaulted Jane Doe, including strangling her until she became unconscious.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kalah A. Paisley and Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.

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BILLINGS — A Billings man today admitted to a child pornography crime after he and another individual were arrested in an undercover investigation when they arrived at a park to meet a fictitious teenage boy, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jeffrey Mayes Wilkerson, 39, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. Wilkerson faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime 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. If the court accepts the plea agreement reached in the case, Wilkerson will serve no less than 51 months of imprisonment.  The court set sentencing for Sept. 14. Wilkerson was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on July 14, 2022, law enforcement conducted an undercover investigation in Billings in which investigators assumed the identity of a 13-year-old boy on a social media site. The undercover profile was contacted the same day by  co-defendant, Kyle Ray Schwindt. Communications between the undercover and Schwindt were later connected to Wilkerson. The communications led to setting up a meeting in a park on July 15, 2022. Law enforcement arrested Schwindt and Wilkerson when they arrived at the park. Investigators served a search warrant on Wilkerson’s cellphone and found multiple videos of child pornography and a text exchange with Schwindt relating to the fictitious 13-year-old. The videos contained images of prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Schwindt was sentenced to five years and 11 months in prison for his conviction in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Bryan T. Dake are prosecuting the case. The FBI and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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

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GREAT FALLS —A Havre man suspected of punching and strangling a woman on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation admitted to an assault crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Titus Lee Pedraza, 40, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury of a spouse, intimate or dating partner. Pedraza faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and not more than 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. 12. Pedraza was detained pending further proceedings.

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

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

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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:

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on May 12 was:

Max Gaylord Stout, 35, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and drug user and addict in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stout faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Stout was detained pending further proceedings. The Kalispell Police Department, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Crime Lab and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-62.

Tracy Jean Bell, 50, of Beaverton, Oregon, on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bell faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Bell was detained pending further proceedings. The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, Missoula Police Department, Northwest Montana Drug Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-23.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on May 10 was:

Mariana Tyler Wallace, 22, of Okanogan, Washington, 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, Wallace faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Wallace was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-55

Gregory Jacob Porterfield, 35, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution  of controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Porterfield faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Porterfield was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-54.

Savas Christian Lewis Howard, 26, of Billings, on charges of theft from a federal firearm licensee, possession of stolen firearms and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Howard faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Howard was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-53.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on May 9 was:

Marvin James Cole, 27, of Dodson, on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cole faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Cole was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Fort Belknap Law Enforcement, Montana Highway Patrol and Phillips County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-29.

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

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BILLINGS — A Forsyth man accused of assaulting two men with a gun in one assault and assaulting a woman with a metal bar in a separate assault, admitted to charges on May 11, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. Both assaults were committed in Lame Deer, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation,

Edward Leroy Widner III, 29, pleaded guilty to five counts in a superseding information charging him with two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. Widner faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on each count.

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. Widner was detained pending further proceedings.

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

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Northern Cheyenne Investigative Services and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS  — A Billings man who admitted to selling methamphetamine to an undercover agent was sentenced on May 10 to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Edward George Allen, 41, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that Allen trafficked methamphetamine in the Billings from April 2021 to about September 2021. Undercover agents purchased 2.5 ounces of meth from co-defendant Michael Brumfield and his source, Allen, for $1,600. Allen had three plastic baggies containing meth and gave them to Brumfield, who provided them to the undercover agents. Agents provided Brumfield and Allen the cash. Brumfield was previously sentenced to six years in prison for conviction in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls woman accused of embezzling more than $200,000 from two businesses while working as a bookkeeper appeared for arraignment on May 9 on fraud charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Tara Durnell, 63, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging her with 13 counts of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud. If convicted of the most serious charge, Durnell faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. Durnell was released pending further proceedings.

The indictment alleges that Durnell, while working as a bookkeeper, embezzled from Kronebusch Electric, Inc. (KEI), an electrical services company located in Conrad, and then from Mitchell’s Crash Repair, an auto repair shop in Great Falls, after she left KEI’s employment. From at least November 2013 to 2019, Durnell used her access to KEI’s business bank accounts and software to direct pre-signed checks to cover her personal expenses and then miscode the payments in the software to make the personal payments look like legitimate KEI business expenses. The indictment further alleges Durnell embezzled more than $200,000 from KEI to pay personal credit card debt, personal car loan payments and debts of family members. While employed at Mitchell’s Crash Repair, Durnell allegedly embezzled approximately $15,000 by using pre-signed checks to make unauthorized payments for personal expenses, including taxes on her home and a bar she owned in Conrad.

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

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

PACER case reference. 23-27.

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

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BILLINGS  — A man with multiple state and federal felony convictions was sentenced today to a total of five years and five months in prison for violating supervised release on prior convictions and for illegally possessing a firearm after law enforcement found a loaded gun in a vehicle he was driving when it crashed, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Travis Alan-Cody Pair, 39, a transient, pleaded guilty in January to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Pair also admitted to violating conditions of supervised release for two earlier convictions.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court imposed a 57-month sentence for the firearm conviction and ordered a consecutive eight months in prison in revocations of supervised release for prior federal convictions on felon in possession of a firearm and a drug trafficking crime.

The government alleged in court documents that in August 2022, Billings Police Department officers responded to a traffic accident involving a Subaru and detained the driver, identified as Pair, who attempted to walk away. Officers recovered a fully loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol that had a round in the chamber from the floor of the driver’s seat. Before the accident, a witness claimed that Pair displayed the gun to the witness after Pair noticed the witness following Pair’s car. At the time of crash, Pair was on state and federal supervision for felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.

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

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MISSOULA  — A Missoula man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in the community after law enforcement seized approximately seven pounds of the drug that were associated with him was sentenced today to five years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

James Allyn Batterton, 25, pleaded guilty in January to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in February 2022, law enforcement executed multiple state search warrants in Missoula and Beaverhead counties and seized approximately seven pounds of meth from two U.S. Postal Service boxes bound for addresses associated with Batterton. Officers also seized additional meth and firearms from multiple homes and vehicles belonging to Batterton. The government further alleged that Batterton imported meth into Montana through the U.S. Postal Service and resold it in Western Montana. Batterton is believed to have distributed nearly 30 pounds of the drug. Thirty pounds of meth is the equivalent of 108,720 doses.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.

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

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GREAT FALLS  — An East Glacier man was sentenced today to 11 years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after he admitted to murdering a man by shooting him after a birthday party on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Dillon James Wippert, 27, pleaded guilty in December 2022 to second degree murder.

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

In court documents and in court, the government alleged that on May 19, 2020, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services officers responded to a residence in the Bear Paw community, where family members had found the body of the 19-year-old victim, identified as John Doe, in his bedroom. Investigators determined that Wippert, friends and the victim had gathered at the victim’s residence on May 17, 2020 to celebrate Wippert’s birthday. As the party was ending and the attendees were coming down from the drugs they had consumed, Wippert pointed a firearm at another friend, scaring him. Wippert then argued with the victim over the incident. Eventually, everyone left, while the victim and Wippert remained. Sometime later, Wippert took a firearm and shot the victim in the arm and then in the back of the head.

The government further alleged that after his arrest, Wippert told law enforcement he had a panther in him and described himself as a weapon. When pushed for a motive for the killing, Wippert’s only explanation was that he held ill feelings and that the victim had given him an “evil smile” and given off “death threat energy.”

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kalah A. Paisley, Lori Harper Suek and Wendy A. Johnson prosecuted the case. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, with assistance from the Cut Bank Police Department, Glacier County Sheriff's Office, Mineral County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshals Service, conducted the investigation.

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