District of Montana

GREAT FALLS  — A federal jury today convicted a Browning man who was accused of raping a girl in Heart Butte, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

After a two-day trial that began on March 21, the jury found William Ronald Blackman, 31, guilty of attempted sexual abuse and two counts of sexual abuse as charged in a superseding indictment.

Blackman faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other sentencing factors. Sentencing was set for Aug. 10. Blackman was released pending further proceedings.

“Blackman repeatedly took advantage of a teenage girl for his own sexual gratification, which is something she will have to continue to overcome for the rest of her life.  While the jury got it right, Blackman’s actions permanently harmed a child and unfortunately, no guilty verdict will change that. But the guilty verdicts rightly hold Blackman accountable.  I am extremely grateful to Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon, along with the FBI, for their diligent work on this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.

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MISSOULA  — A former Missoula nurse who admitted to diverting opioid drugs while working at St. Patrick Hospital was sentenced today to three years of probation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Caitlin Ashley Evans, 37, pleaded guilty in November 2022 to obtaining controlled substances by fraud, deception and subterfuge.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in October 2021, a St. Patrick Hospital official reviewed drug distribution data and discovered that Evans was ordering opiates, including oxycodone, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, at much higher rates and in greater amounts than her peers. Another nurse also reported suspicious activity by Evans to her supervisor. Hospital administrators spoke with Evans, who admitted to diverting drugs from the hospital while working since the fall of 2020. Evans explained that she had been taking waste amounts of hydromorphone and morphine two to three times a week by exchanging the drugs for saline before disposing of them.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

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BILLINGS  — A Billings man who admitted that he went to a location expecting to meet a boy for sex and was arrested in an undercover investigation was sentenced today to five years and 11 months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Kyle Ray Schwindt, 22, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to attempted coercion and enticement.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on July 14, 2022 law enforcement conducted an undercover operation in Billings in which officers assumed the identity of a fictitious 13-year-old male online. On that day, Schwindt contacted the fictitious profile. During those communications, an undercover officer claimed to be a 13-year-old boy and told Schwindt of being 13 years old. The discussion became increasing sexual in nature and led to plans to meet at a location in Billings. On July 15, 2022, Schwindt was arrested when he arrived at the meeting location and later admitted he traveled to the location to meet a 13-year-old boy for a sexual encounter.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Bryan T. Dake prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office.

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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MISSOULA  — A Stevensville man convicted in a large-scale operation to make and distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine pills that looked like legal prescription drugs, which he sold by the thousands while illegally possessing a firearm, was sentenced today to 16 years in prison, to be followed by seven years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Andrew Kyle Whittecar, 38, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, prohibited person in possession of a firearm and money laundering.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on April 27, 2022, the Minnesota Highway Patrol made a traffic stop of Whittecar’s vehicle. Whittecar appeared to be under the influence of narcotics, and the trooper suspected Whittecar may be trafficking drugs. The trooper ultimately searched the vehicle and found $3,000 in cash, three grams of cocaine, more than 5,000 blue fentanyl pills, 1,000 orange pills that contained methamphetamine, a loaded Glock 17 semi-automatic handgun and an additional loaded magazine.

The government further alleged Whittecar later told law enforcement that the fentanyl and meth pills were designed to look like Percocet and Adderall, that he made between 10 to 15 trips over the last year from Seattle, Washington, to Madison, Wisconsin, with the same quantity of fentanyl: approximately 5,000 pills.

Law enforcement also received reports that Whittecar, while incarcerated, had enlisted family members to move items from his shed in Stevensville to another property somewhere in the country. Investigators executed a search warrant for the Stevensville property, which Whittecar was in the process of buying, and found a backhoe blocking entrance to a storage container. After moving the backhoe and entering the container, agents found two pill presses, dyes, chemicals and other substances indicative of manufacturing counterfeit pills. Some of the press heads had symbols and markings that were consistent with the pills recovered from Whittecar’s vehicle. Investigators also located a jar and a plastic baggie that contained fentanyl.

Law enforcement searched storage units used by Whittecar and found boxes containing lab equipment and glassware, which appeared consistent with a clandestine fentanyl laboratory. Drug Enforcement Administration chemists determined that the chemicals and equipment located in the storage units were sufficient to produce fentanyl. Agents also located a large assortment of gun parts and ammunition.

Additionally, a search of Whittecar’s three cell phones revealed suspected coded language for drug production and distribution. In March 2021, Whittecar communicated with Yangzhou Nuoya Machinery Company Ltd to import pill presses and custom dyes and punches, and he agreed to wire money to the company.

The government also alleged that Whittecar laundered his drug profits by buying several high-end vehicles, a backhoe, a trailer and additional equipment to continue his enterprise. Whittecar forfeited a 2015 Cadillac Escalade, a 2008 Ford F-450, a 2019 Ford F-450, a flatbed trailer, a backhoe, $3,000 in currency and the Glock 17 handgun and ammunition as part of his conviction in the case.

Whittecar was convicted in 2019 of three federal felonies in Washington and was prohibited from possessing a firearm for life.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Minnesota State Patrol, West Central Minnesota Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office.

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 Cascade woman accused of illegally receiving approximately $126,000 in federal student aid through a scheme in which she enrolled others in courses at Great Falls College, Montana State University, admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Ricci Lea Castellanos, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to aggravated identity theft. Castellanos faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the conspiracy crime, and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft 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 Aug. 3. Castellanos was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court document that between January 2016 and December 2019, Castellanos enrolled  unwitting family members and others in online classes at Great Falls College, Montana State University. When doing so, Castellanos, and others, applied for and received federal student aid totaling approximately $126,219, none of which was allowed. In addition, Castellanos and others fraudulently used and submitted multiple American Indian Tuition Waivers. Castellanos and others created and used false tribal enrollment forms from Native American Tribes, all of which were designed to result in larger student living expense refunds. Castellanos and others then diverted the money. In addition, Castellanos and others used the identify of a person, Jane Doe 1, to apply for enrollment with Great Falls College in August 2017. When applying, Castellanos forged Jane Doe 1’s signature and received $2,378 in financial aid into her bank account, Castellanos then immediately withdrew the money in cash. Jane Doe 1 had reported her identity stolen to the Great Falls Police Department.

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

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GREAT FALLS  — A Browning man convicted of sexually abusing two girls approximately 20 years ago on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 18 years and nine months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

A federal jury convicted Michael James Burke, 43, on Oct. 22, 2022 of two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and of abusive sexual contact of a child following a two-day trial.

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

The government alleged in court documents and at trial that Burke committed numerous sexual acts against victims Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 over an extended period of time in Browning. Burke sexually abused Jane Doe 1 between 2000 and 2003 and Jane Doe 2 between 1999 and 2002. Both victims were under the age of 12 at the time. Burke threatened the victims and told them both that no one would believe them. The victims ultimately disclosed the sexual abuse to officials in 2017.

The government said in its sentencing memo that the victims sustained significant emotional trauma and included a statement from Jane Doe 1 about how the sexual abuse has affected her life. In her statement, Jane Doe 1 said she grew up with depression, anxiety, PTSD and low self-esteem.

“For a good majority of my pre-teens I was afraid for my life and my family’s life because of the threats that were made. If I said anything or told anyone about what happened I was afraid of someone or myself getting severely injured, which is why it took me so long to get help,” Jane Doe 1 said in her statement. “I do my best to avoid anything that triggers all of the horrible memories, which is quite stressful. Having gone through all of this I’m very physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. …I’m still healing from all of this and know I will unfortunately be dealing with this for the rest of my life.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and  Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.

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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 March 14 was:

Matthew Raymond Schroeder, 47, of Lakewood, Colorado, on charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Schroeder faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Schroeder was remanded pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-150.

Appearing on March 13 was:

Keegan Tait Roll, 28, Camille Ann Rounds, 46, and Deborah Lynn Renenger, 32, all transients, on charges of possession to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, the defendants face a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. All of the defendants were remanded pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-41.

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

Kayla Denise Smith, 25, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Smith faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Smith was detained pending further proceedings. The Great Falls Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-102.

Ryan Mark Jensen, 43, of Bremerton, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jensen faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Jensen was detained pending further proceedings. The Great Falls Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-22.

Ryan Creighton Doak, 48, of Everett, Washington, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, 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, Doak faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charge and 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 a drug trafficking crime. Doak was detained pending further proceedings. The Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-16.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on March 13 was:

Lindsay Ann Rumph, 34, of Butte, and Eric Anthony Navarro, 32, of Missoula, on charges of conspiracy to possess controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Navarro faces an additional charge of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, the defendants face a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charge and five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Rumph and Navarro were detained pending further proceedings. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, FBI and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-17.

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

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GREAT FALLS — Two Wolf Point residents suspected in the kidnapping and assault of a girl on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in 2021 today admitted their roles in the abduction, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Dylan Troy Jackson, 22, and co-defendant Kaylee Jade Jackson, 19, each pleaded guilty to kidnapping of an individual under 18. The defendants face a mandatory minimum 20 years to a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other sentencing factors. Sentencing was set for July 26 for Dylan Jackson and Aug. 3 for Kaylee Jackson. Both defendants were detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged that on Sept. 15, 2021, a group of individuals lured a 15-year-old girl, identified as Jane Doe, out of her house in Wolf Point and kidnapped her. That evening, after telling Kaylee Jackson about how Jane Doe had wronged him, co-defendant Cheri Cruz Granbois offered to pay Kaylee Jackson to lure the victim from her house so she could be assaulted. Kaylee Jackson accepted the offer and accompanied Granbois and others, including Dylan Jackson, to Jane Doe’s home. Kaylee Jackson lured Jane Doe out of her house, and the situation escalated. Some of the individuals in the group assaulted the victim. When eyewitnesses yelled that they were going to call the police, some of individuals kidnapped Jane Doe, forcing her into a vehicle and driving to a vacant field where the assault continued. Dylan Jackson helped to seize and abduct the victim.

Co-defendants Patti Jo Annunciata Mail, Lavanchie Patricia Goodbird and Elmarie Amelia Weeks have pleaded guilty to charges in the case and are pending sentencing. Granbois has pleaded not guilty to charges and is pending trial.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wendy A. Johnson and Ryan G. Weldon are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Fort Peck Law Enforcement, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Wolf Point Police Department.  

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BILLINGS  — A man who admitted to illegally possessing firearms after he supplied two stolen guns to two women, who robbed a Billings liquor store and later ditched them at an elementary school playground, was sentenced today to 37 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Darwin Dalton Sutherland, 29, a transient, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in March 2022, Sutherland participated in a residential burglary in which 12 firearms were stolen. Sutherland admitted he possessed all 12 stolen firearms and that he gave two of them to two women, Makayla Fetter and Taliah Ramirez, who then robbed a Billings casino at gunpoint. Sutherland was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a felony conviction for burglary in Cascade County.

After the robbery, Fetter and Ramirez attempted to flee law enforcement, crashed their car on property at Ponderosa Elementary School and ditched the stolen firearms on the playground. Officers recovered one of the firearms, while the next day, a student found the second gun. Fetter was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, and Ramirez was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for convictions related to the armed robbery.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.

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

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BILLINGS — A man admitted today that he sexually abused a boy in Lodge Grass, on the Crow Indian Reservation in 2021, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Nathaniel Bartell Plainbull, 34, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with sexual abuse of a minor. Plainbull faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime 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. Plainbull’s release was continued pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in June 2021, Plainbull and others were drinking and socializing at various locations on the Crow Indian Reservation. Eventually, the group returned to a home in Lodge Grass where some continued to drink. One of the individuals, a woman, tried to open a bedroom door but found it locked and went to sleep in the living room. The woman tried the bedroom door later, opened it and saw Plainbull, naked, on the bed with the victim, identified as John Doe, who was under the age of 16 at the time. The woman ultimately reported to law enforcement in March 2022 what she had seen in June 2021 while being interviewed on another matter. FBI agents interviewed John Doe, who described sexual abuse by Plainbull.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.

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MISSOULA — A Dillon man accused of recording himself having sex with a minor girl on multiple occasions admitted to a child pornography charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Blaine Anthony Thomas Burger, 19, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography. Burger faces a mandatory minimum 15 years to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. A sentencing date was set for July 12 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. Burger was detained pending further proceedings.

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

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

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, Dillon Police Department, Helena Police Department and FBI.

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

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BILLINGS — A Billings man suspected of coercing a minor girl in New York to make and send him sexually explicit images of herself admitted to child pornography crimes today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jeffrey Eugene Herbert, 34, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Herbert faces a mandatory minimum 15 years to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, five years to a lifetime of supervised release and special assessments on the charge of production of child pornography. Herbert faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, five years to a lifetime of supervised release and special assessments on the charge of possession of child pornography.

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. Herbert was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that in June 2022, a 13-year-old girl, identified as Jane Doe 1, and her parents, located in New York, reported to law enforcement that Jane Doe 1 had been coerced to produce child pornography while using the social messaging application, Triller. The girl’s parents reported that someone with a specific Triller account had been sexually exploiting their daughter. In a forensic review of Jane Doe 1’s phone, law enforcement learned the girl was being sexually exploited by another user on Triller with a separate account name, “amberbaby 14141.” There were approximately 870 communications between the two accounts in June 2022.  The investigation determined that  “amberbaby 14141” was connected to Herbert’s residence.

The government further alleged that Jane Doe 1 confirmed to law enforcement that she had communicated with “amberbaby 14141” and was the person in the images and videos sent to Herbert.  Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Herbert’s residence in October 2022 and collected approximately 20 pieces of electronic media. In an interview with law enforcement, Herbert admitted to using the “amberbaby 14141” account to coerce underage girls to produce sexually explicit content. Herbert also told law enforcement where child pornography would be located on his cellular phone, and investigators found a hidden folder that contained a video depicting a naked girl, approximately 10 years old, engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

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GREAT FALLS  — A Washington man who admitted to trafficking drugs in Cascade County and the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation after law enforcement seized more than five pounds of methamphetamine along with other drugs from his vehicle was sentenced today to 12 years and six months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jorge Perez, aka Chicago, 41, of Spokane, Washington, pleaded guilty in October 2022 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 March 2022, law enforcement learned that Perez was bringing large quantities of meth, heroin, cocaine and fentanyl from Spokane to the Great Falls area for distribution. The FBI’s investigation identified the vehicle Perez was driving and, with assistance from local law enforcement, stopped the vehicle outside of Great Falls in June 2022. Perez was the driver and sole occupant and had more than $4,000 cash on his person. Perez admitted there were pounds of drugs in the vehicle. Law enforcement seized approximately five pounds of meth, which is the equivalent of 18,120 doses, along with cocaine and fentanyl pills. In a second traffic stop in which Perez was a passenger, law enforcement found meth, cocaine and heroin in the vehicle. In a third traffic stop, on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, in which Perez was the driver and sole passenger, law enforcement found meth, cocaine and fentanyl.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol and Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement.

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 federal jury today convicted a Heron man of kidnapping his son in violation of a parenting plan and taking him to Costa Rica, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

A jury found Jacob Israel Strong, aka Jacob Israel Guill, 37, guilty of international parental kidnapping. The two-day trial began on March 14. Strong faces a maximum of three years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release.

 U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for July 27. Strong was detained pending further proceedings.

“Maintaining the safety of Montanans, especially children, is a top priority for our office, which is why I am pleased with the jury’s verdict. This case shows the extensive efforts we will make to bring kidnappers to justice, including working with law enforcement across international borders. I am grateful to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Lowney, along with the FBI, for investigating and prosecuting this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

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

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

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy J. Racicot and Brian C. Lowney are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.

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GREAT FALLS  — A Box Elder woman who admitted to shooting a woman in the face over a drug deal on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Tricia Friede Gardipee, 51, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

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

The government alleged in court document that on Aug. 13, 2021, Gardipee shot the victim, identified as Jane Doe, in the face with a .22-caliber rifle over a drug deal on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. Gardipee confronted Doe and some of her friends earlier that day in Havre. Doe picked up a brick and said she didn’t want any problems. The confrontation was because another woman ripped off Gardipee by selling her anxiety medication instead of fentanyl, and Gardipee was trying to get her money back. The government further alleged that Doe later drove with friends to a Box Elder residence. As Doe pulled into the driveway, Gardipee, along with others, pulled in behind them, blocking the car. Gardipee and her son, both armed, walked up to Doe’s car. Gardipee then shot Doe in the face. Doe was treated for injuries.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Myers prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department.

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BILLINGS  — An Ashland man was sentenced today to 37 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for sexually abusing a minor girl on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jordan Cody Washee, 30, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to abusive sexual contact.

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

The government alleged in court documents that the victim, identified as Jane Doe, reported that starting in 2011 and continuing through 2012, Washee sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions at her house. The victim was between the ages of 11 and 13 at the time.  

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office.

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GREAT FALLS — A Heart Butte man today admitted to murdering a woman after an argument on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Terrance Travis Aimsback, 34, pleaded guilty to second degree murder as indicted. Aimsback 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 July 26. Aimsback was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that Aimsback unlawfully killed the victim, identified as Jane Doe, with malice aforethought. On Nov. 24, 2022, Aimsback called 911, claiming Jane Doe would not wake up, although she was still breathing. Law enforcement officers arrived and immediately noticed Jane Doe was cold and had died hours earlier. When interviewed, Aimsback admitted he killed Jane Doe. Aimsback and Jane Doe began arguing, and Aimsback beat Jane Doe with a stick. Jane Doe died from the injuries. Aimsback and Jane Doe were in a romantic relationship at the time of the murder.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.

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GREAT FALLS  — A Box Elder man who admitted to sexually abusing a child for approximately four years on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 14  years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Isaiah Morsette, 32, pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact in September 2022.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in June 2022, Morsette informed law enforcement that he had been having sexual contact with a child beginning in about 2016 or 2017. At the time the victim was under the age of 12 years. The victim confirmed the sexual abuse and alleged that Morsette had threatened to kill him on multiple occasions when he attempted to defend himself.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda L. Myers and Timothy J. Racicot prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement.

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GREAT FALLS — A woman passenger appeared in federal court today on a firearm charge after the driver allegedly shot and wounded a Great Falls Police Department officer during an attempted a traffic stop of their car on March 7, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Nikki Marie Snell, 38, of Harlem, had an initial appearance on a criminal complaint accusing her of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Snell faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on March 7, Great Falls Police Department officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a car. The driver, a man, ran from the car with a large brown purse and is suspected of subsequently shooting an officer. Investigators identified Snell as the only passenger in the car and detained her. Officers also recovered the large brown purse that had been in the man’s possession. The court documents further alleged the purse belonged to Snell and that it contained a loaded 9mm, semi-automatic pistol, along with a syringe, an empty baggie with suspected methamphetamine and a digital scale. The government alleged that Snell is prohibited from possessing a firearm, ammunition, destructive device or any other dangerous weapon because of a prior federal felony conviction.

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

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

PACER case reference. 23-mj-32.

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

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

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on March 7 was:

Antonio Ledesma Rodriguez, aka Uncle, 52, and Jose Delrefugio Rodriguez, 27, both of Yakima, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, the defendants face a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Both defendants were detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Tri-Agency Task Force and Rocky Boy’s Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-106.

Stephen Jeffrey Vogel, 35, of Great Falls, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Vogel faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Vogel was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Great Falls Police Department and Cascade County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-26.

Titus Lee Pedraza, 40, of Box Elder, on charges of strangulation, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, Pedraza faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Pedraza was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-24.

Thomas Knife, aka Smurf, 40, of Box Elder, and Antonio Penalosa Infante, 36, of Spokane, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Knife also faces a charge of prohibited person in possession of a firearm, while Infante also faces a charge of distribution of controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, the defendants face a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charge and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other charge, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the charge of possessing a firearm in a drug trafficking crime. Both defendants were detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Rocky Boy’s Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-21.

Heriberto Rodriguez Acosta, 30, of Yakima, 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, Acosta faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Acosta was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Tri-Agency Task Force, Rocky Boy’s Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol and Kootenai County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-97.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on March 9 was:

Jeff David Burke, 37, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and attempted possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Burke faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Burke was released pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and U.S. Postal Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-15.

Michael Shane Oset, 47, of Livingston, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Oset faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Oset was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Park County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-18.

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

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GREAT FALLS  — A Browning man who admitted to assaulting and kicking a teenage girl in the face during an argument on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced on March 8 to five months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Jasper Ryan Rattler, 20, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on Feb. 12, 2021, Rattler was consuming alcohol with the then 16-year-old victim, identified as Jane Doe. After getting into an argument, Rattler assaulted the victim, including kicking her in the face. The assault caused the victim substantial injuries.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Myers and Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Spokane Law Enforcement Services.

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GREAT FALLS — A Wolf Point man suspected in a convenience store robbery in Billings and armed carjackings in Billings and Cascade County appeared for arraignment on March 7 on multiple charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Santana Cruz Ledeau, 26, pleaded not guilty to an indictment filed on March 2 charging him with robbery affecting commerce, two counts of carjacking, attempted carjacking and two counts of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ledeau faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the robbery charge and a mandatory minimum seven years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and three years of release on the firearm charge.

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

The indictment alleges that on June 11, 2022, Ledeau robbed On the Run, a gas station convenience store in Billings, and threatened an employee, identified as John Doe #1. The indictment further alleges that on Sept. 30, 2022 near Billings, Ledeau brandished a firearm while carjacking a vehicle from a victim identified as Jane Doe. In addition, Ledeau is accused of using a firearm while carjacking a vehicle from a victim identified as John Doe #3 on Oct. 17, 2022 near Cascade, in Cascade County, and attempting to carjack a vehicle from a victim identified as John Doe #2 near Ulm, in Cascade County, also on Oct. 17, 2022.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica A. Betley and Jeffrey K. Starnes are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by 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.

PACER case reference. 23-23.

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

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

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on March 2 was:

Justin Jose Romo, 29, of Kalispell, on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Romo faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Romo was detained pending further proceedings. The Northwest Drug Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-14.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on March 1 was:

Jermaine David Richardson, 28, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Richardson faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Richardson was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department and U.S. Probation Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-19.

Appearing on Feb. 28 was:

Anthony Omarel Kenner, 29, of Tacoma, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kenner faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug trafficking 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. Kenner was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-127.

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

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

Appearing for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint was:

Antonio Penalosa Infante, 36, of Spokane, Washington, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Infante faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charge and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge. Infante was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Rocky Boy’s Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-26.

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 Lame Deer man today admitted to allegations that he sexually abused a minor boy over several years on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Loy Matthew Bryant, 51, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor. Bryant faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to a lifetime 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. Bryant was detained pending further proceedings.

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

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

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BILLINGS  — U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich, along with federal and local law enforcement officials, today addressed gun violence in the Billings community saying they are committed to keeping citizens safe by investigating and prosecuting the most dangerous offenders who carry and use firearms in drug trafficking or violent crimes, persons who illegally possess guns and those who possess stolen or illegal guns.

During a news conference at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich;  Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Acting Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard, of Denver; Billings Police Chief Rich St. John; and Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito, acknowledged the homicides, non-fatal shootings and other gun violence that have been occurring throughout the Billings area and discussed law enforcement’s strategy for combatting gun crimes.

“There is no doubt that the gun violence racking the Billings community is a serious problem, often leading to tragic results. All citizens have a right to feel safe in their home and their community, which is why our office has made combatting gun crimes a top priority. Through the investigative hard work of our law enforcement partners and the dedication our assistant U.S. attorneys, our federal firearms convictions are on the rise. This coordinated response is critical to reducing violent crime and to getting dangerous offenders off the street,” U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

"ATF is committed to combating violent crime and illegal firearms trafficking. Crime guns, whether they are stolen, straw-purchased, or obtained through other illegal means, are too often found at the scenes of violent crimes, in the hands of violent offenders,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. “Our priority is to identify trigger pullers and disband criminal organizations using ATF technology and resources, in partnership with local law enforcement and prosecuting offices."

“Violent crime has dominated the headlines of late causing our citizens to question whether Billings is a safe place to live,” Billings Police Chief Rich St. John said. “The crime concerns are real and gun violence is at the forefront.  The increase in gun violence among our youth brings urgency to resolving the problem.  Ideally, we would like to stop the violence from occurring in the first place and much work is going into that effort.  At the same time, the BPD along with our partners have re-doubled our efforts in enforcement and prosecution.  We have made progress, but that is no solace to the families and friends who have lost loved ones.  So, we will continue to partner and aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who commits or aids these senseless acts,” he said.    

“Yellowstone County has seen far too much gun violence over the past several years.  This gun violence does not seem to be slowing and is a challenge that we must overcome by working together,” Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito said. “The YCAO is proud to work with local and federal law enforcement partners developing best and new strategies to target Yellowstone County’s most dangerous gun offenders.  I appreciate U.S. Attorney Laslovich and his efforts to put a federal focus on our community and prosecute these dangerous offenders. These are the offenders in our community who use illegally obtained firearms to enforce their meth or fentanyl drug distributions or hurt or intimidate others,” he said. 

Federal prosecutions for firearms crimes in Montana are increasing. In the past two years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has obtained a record number of convictions on firearms offenses, with 153 convictions 2022 and 157 convictions in 2021. The third highest number of firearms convictions was in 2018, with 132 convictions.   

The gun violence, officials said, is being driven mostly by drug trafficking activity involving methamphetamine and fentanyl and by armed robbers seeking to obtain money to buy drugs. The ATF has seized numerous firearms and illegal guns while investigating violent crimes. The agency identified several trends that are contributing to the gun violence in the Billings community:

• Firearms are usually stolen, often from vehicles, or are straw purchased, where a person illegally buys a gun for another person who is prohibited from possessing firearms.
• Almost all shootings are related to drugs.
• Most of the shooters have prior convictions and are on state or federal supervision or are known to the criminal justice system.

Law enforcement said they are working to reduce gun violence through coordinated, multi-agency investigations and prosecutions and through the federal initiative, Project Safe Neighborhoods, to ensure that persons who violate federal firearms laws are indicted in federal court and sentenced to federal prison, where there is no parole.

Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if a person falls into one of nine prohibited categories, including being a felon, an unlawful user of a controlled substance or an illegal alien. Federal statutes also make it illegal to purchase, or even attempt to illegally purchase, firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally buying a firearm on behalf of another. Lying on an ATF form used to lawfully purchase a firearm and possessing stolen or illegal guns also are federal crimes. In addition, drug dealers who carry firearms to further trafficking activity or persons who possess guns to commit violent crimes face mandatory minimum sentences.

Recent federal prosecutions in Montana include:

• Rodney Trimble, of Billings, was sentenced to 18 years in prison in February for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and for prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Trimble, who had been recently released from a pre-release center, admitted to possessing meth, fentanyl pills and heroin found in his vehicle and told officers he also had been dealing the drugs from the pre-release center. Trimble further admitted to having two firearms he had obtained from “a couple of tweakers on the street” because someone had broken into his residence.

• Joel Zamora, of Billings, was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in prison in March 2022 for possession with intent to distribute meth. Law enforcement found in Zamora’s vehicle a loaded handgun under the driver’s seat, almost one pound of meth in a metal box and $3,500 cash.

• Anthony Ray Morgan, of Billings, was sentenced to nine years and nine months in prison in April 2022 for possession with intent to distribute meth. In two traffic stops, law enforcement found Morgan in possession of meth and firearms. In a search of his home, officers found a handgun that had a laser sight and loaded magazine, a rifle, U.S. currency concealed in a soft body armor carrier and approximately 3.75 pounds of meth.

Officials also encouraged the public to help law enforcement reduce gun violence by reporting stolen firearms so they can be returned to the owner if recovered, securing firearms in their homes, not leaving guns in vehicles and calling law enforcement when they see suspicious or criminal activity.

Removing violent criminals from the community is a key goal of the continuing work of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Yellowstone County. PSN is a U.S. Department of Justice initiative that brings together local, state, federal, and tribal agencies and stakeholders to address gun violence and other causes of violent crime in communities. PSN Yellowstone County has identified methamphetamine as the primary cause for violent crime in the community and is working diligently to arrest meth traffickers, armed robbers, and violent felons who possess firearms.

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BILLINGS — A Roundup man today admitted allegations that he coerced a minor girl into producing sexually explicit images of herself after providing the girl with a laptop, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Marshall Vincent Lucas, 42, pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement. Lucas faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to a lifetime in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years of supervised release. 

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

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.

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MISSOULA — A Kalispell man accused of threatening to injure and murder Montana U.S. Senator Jon Tester was arraigned on Feb. 23 on an indictment, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said today.

Kevin Patrick Smith, 45, pleaded not guilty to an indictment filed on Feb. 22 charging him with two counts of threats to injure and murder a United States Senator. If convicted of the most serious crime, Smith faces 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Smith was detained pending further proceedings.

According to court documents, on Jan. 30, Smith allegedly made numerous threatening calls to Sen. Tester by phone, leaving voicemails at Sen. Tester’s office in Kalispell. In one instance, Smith stated:

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

“I will never stop.…And I would love to destroy you and rip your (obscenity) head from your shoulders. That is no problem. Call that a threat. Send the FBI.

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

According to court documents, Smith allegedly acknowledged in the recording that he threatened Sen. Tester and such threats were “on purpose.”

Court documents further allege that on Feb. 1, the FBI contacted Smith and instructed him not to threaten physical violence toward Sen. Tester. On Feb. 10, Smith again called Sen. Tester, stating in one voice message, “I want you to understand. If I ever pull my trigger, I know what dies.”

 As further alleged in the indictment, Smith stated in another voicemail, “It is important for you to understand that I won’t live under your rule.…If it becomes time that I die, I’d take a significant number with me.”

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and U.S. Capitol Police.

PACER case reference. 23-15.

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

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

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Feb. 24 was:

Moises Zamora, 38, of Greely, Colorado, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Zamora faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Zamora was detained pending further proceedings. The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-20.

Appearing on Feb. 23 was:

Edwin Ivan Don’tMix, 59, of Crow Agency, on charges of abusive sexual contact. If convicted of the most serious crime, Don’tMix faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Don’tMix was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-147.

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

Bo Jordan Bradley, 31, of Bozeman, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bradley faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Bradley was released pending further proceedings. The Montana Probation and Parole and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-01.

Appearing on Feb. 21 was:

Joseph Anthony Schrantz, 35, of Missoula, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, prohibited person in possession of a firearm and unlawful taking of firearm form a licensed firearm dealer. If convicted of the most serious crime, Schrantz faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Schrantz was detained pending further proceedings. The Missoula Police Department, Montana Probation and Parole, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.  PACER case reference. 23-6.

Darcel Portra Saunders, 65, of Bozeman, on charges of wire fraud and money laundering. If convicted of the most serious crime, Saunders faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Saunders was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-02.

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 California man suspected of offering to sell an undercover agent a pistol and switches used to convert firearms from semiautomatic to fully automatic admitted to a firearm charge today, U. S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Drew Parker Seymour, 24, of Banning, California, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Seymour faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Seymour has a felony conviction in California for illegally possessing a firearm.  In March 2022 in Billings, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives learned that a person online offered to sell an individual illegal Glock switches, which are used to convert firearms from semiautomatic to fully automatic. The seller was later identified as Seymour. An undercover agent began communicating with Seymour, who offered to sell the agent Glock switches and a .45 caliber pistol. Seymour sent pictures of both. Seymour later withdrew his offer to sell the Glock switches. The undercover agent agreed to meet Seymour to buy the pistol. Earlier that day, before the meeting occurred, drug task force agents detained Seymour and his girlfriend at a U.S. Post Office in Billings as the couple was attempting to pick up a package of fentanyl. Law enforcement searched the couple’s motel room and located a .45-caliber, semiautomatic pistol hidden under a mattress. The pistol looked to be identical to the firearm in the pictures Seymour had sent, and Seymour’s fingerprint was recovered on the magazine of the gun.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department, U.S. Postal Service and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.

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 Busby man today admitted to strangling a woman while both were in a vehicle on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Tysawn Dantae Pine, 24, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with strangulation. Pine faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Pine and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, had been in a dating relationship. On April 9, 2022, Jane Doe was asleep when she heard knocking. Pine had left the evening before and had been drinking and using methamphetamine. Pine forced himself into the house and then told Jane Doe they were going to his grandmother’s house. They got into a car and Jane Doe started to drive. Pine refused to get out of the car when they arrived at his grandmother’s house. The two argued inside the vehicle, and Pine began assaulting and strangling Jane Doe. Later that day, Jane Doe was examined for injuries at the emergency room.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs.

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BILLINGS  — U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced today a $1,387,530 award to the Montana Board of Crime Control as part of the Justice Department’s Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program. The award to Montana was among 49 awards to states, territories and the District of Columbia.  

The investment of more than $231 million nationwide will fund state crisis intervention court proceedings, including but not limited to, extreme risk protection order (ERPO) programs that work to keep guns out of the hands of those who pose a threat to themselves or others. This investment in community safety is authorized by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, historic legislation to address and reduce gun violence. The awards are administered by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance.

“This grant to the Montana Board of Crime Control is an important part of the United States Justice Department’s effort to protect Montana communities from violent crime and gun violence. We are determined to ensure that our fellow Montanans are safe and secure. Importantly, these resources will give our communities tools to help prevent gun violence and support persons who are at risk of committing or becoming a victim of gun crimes,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In the award to the Montana Board of Crime Control, a Crisis Intervention Advisory Board (CIAB) will be formed from members of and be governed by the already existing Montana Board of Crime Control. The CIAB will discuss, inform and direct the state’s Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program strategies and funding priorities for the initial four-year grant period, from fiscal year 2023 to fiscal year 2026. Because Montana does not have Extreme Risk Protection Order laws, it is not anticipated the CIAB will pursue ERPO programs. The CIAB will consider court-based programs, such as drug, mental health and veterans’ treatment courts, including those that accept clients with firearm violations; behavioral health programs for persons at risk to themselves or others; and funding for law enforcement agencies to safely secure, store, track and return relinquished guns.

Signed into law by President Biden in June 2022, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is the most significant piece of federal gun safety legislation in almost three decades and comes as a response to recent mass shootings and to the far more common, but no less tragic, incidents of community gun violence. Including the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program, the law allocates a total of $1.4 billion to OJP over five years to develop, implement, and sustain meaningful investments in safer communities.

“These awards will help meet two monumental public safety challenges — the alarming proliferation of gun violence in our country and the clear need for front-end interventions to slow the cycle of violence and victimization in our most underserved communities,” said BJA Director Karhlton F. Moore. “The Bureau of Justice Assistance is proud to make these resources available to states as a critical part of its mission to reduce and prevent crime and to promote a fair and effective criminal justice system.”

For a full list of awards, please visit: https://data.ojp.usdoj.gov/stories/s/O-BJA-2023-171458/b5xz-as5z/. These awards are the latest effort from the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs to implement this historic legislation.

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MISSOULA  — Two Washington men who admitted to drug trafficking charges after Montana law enforcement found heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl pills and a firearm in their vehicle during a traffic stop were sentenced today to prison, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Alex Stephen Schmidt, 50, of Colville, Washington, was sentenced to six and one half years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Schmidt pleaded guilty in September 2022 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Co-defendant Richmond James McKee, 52, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. McKee pleaded guilty in October 2022 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in October 2021, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle McKee was driving on Interstate 90 in Montana. The vehicle belonged to Schmidt. In a later search of the vehicle, officers found heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, a firearm and drug paraphernalia. The investigation determined that a confidential informant assisted Schmidt with selling drugs and that Schmidt was the individual who normally obtained the drugs.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, the Montana Highway Patrol and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office.

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 Bozeman man who admitted to using an online account to transport child pornography files was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jacob Michael Rieger, 23, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to transportation of child pornography.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in February 2022, the Bozeman Police Department, which is a member of the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), investigated Rieger for a child pornography crime. The investigation involved Rieger using an online account to transport child pornography files. At that time, Rieger was on probation with the Montana Department of Corrections for a prior child pornography crime. The Bozeman Police Department reported the investigation to Rieger’s state probation officer. The probation officer and ICAC officer searched Rieger’s residence, and Rieger admitted to using an online social media account to access child pornography. Records for Rieger’s online account showed that he was accessing and saving child pornography videos and images to the online account from approximately October 2021 through March 2022.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyndee L. Peterson and Brian C. Lowney prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bozeman Police Department and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

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

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MISSOULA  — A Kalispell woman who admitted to funneling millions of dollars overseas in a money mule scheme that defrauded victims was sentenced today to 57 months in prison, ordered to pay $2,043,340 restitution and to serve three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Theresa Anne Chabot, 58, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to unlicensed money transmitting businesses.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court also ordered Chabot to forfeit a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Chabot was ordered into custody.

“As a money mule, Chabot laundered millions of dollars collected through various fraud schemes across the country and sent proceeds overseas while keeping a share of the money for her own benefit. Chabot exploited and harmed numerous trusting victims and now rightfully faces the consequences of her criminal conduct. As this case shows, our office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who criminally exploit others,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“IRS special agents are experts at unraveling sophisticated financial crimes and disrupting international crime organizations,” said Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Denver Field Office. “Money mules like Chabot are the lifeblood of these fraudsters, enriching themselves and harming countless victims in the process. Today’s sentencing is a victory for all taxpayers and an example of the commitment we share with the FBI and other law enforcement partners to cut off the flow of money to criminals who think they are beyond our reach.”

“Money mules support criminal enterprises by adding a layer between those criminals and their victims, making it more difficult to trace and recover the funds,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheyvorea Gibson of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Acting as a money mule, whether you know it or not, is illegal. The FBI is committed to protecting the public from such predators and holding them accountable.”  

The government alleged in court documents that from about May 2017 until February 2021, Chabot, through her business, Avalanche Creek, LLC, collected money from various wire fraud schemes around the United States into her bank accounts. Chabot then funneled millions of dollars overseas, including to the United Arab Emirates, and received 10 percent of the funds into her accounts. The fraud loss was $5,449,395. Chabot preyed on the elderly, fantasies of love, friendships, purported oil investments, advance-pay schemes and gold and silver. In 2018, the Secret Service informed Chabot she was acting as a “money mule,” but Chabot ignored the warning and continued sending money overseas. When interviewed again by agents in 2020, Chabot admitted one instance in which she received $10,000 hidden in a stuffed animal and deposited the money into her account.

Chabot operated Avalanche Creek as a money transmitting business and was required to register it with the Department of Treasury. Chabot opened more than 50 bank accounts. Banks closed numerous accounts after reviewing the activity because of fraud or misuse. Despite the repeated bank account closures, Chabot would open new bank accounts that enabled her to receive proceeds.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation.

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MISSOULA  — A California man who admitted to a drug trafficking crime for shipping methamphetamine from the Sinaloa Cartel into the Butte community for redistribution was sentenced today to eight years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Heriberto Tavares, 30, of Anaheim, California, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that from about November 2018 to November 2019, Tavares served as a stash house for the Sinaloa Cartel. Tavares acted as the Amazon shipping services for the cartel, shipping drugs from Mexico into the United States at the direction of the drug trafficking leaders. In some instances, Tavares had 20 pounds of meth, which is the equivalent of approximately 72,480 doses, at a time in his home.

Law enforcement learned that Tavares was shipping drugs, which originated in Mexico, into Montana. During an undercover operation, an agent ordered meth from Humberto Villareal, of Sinaloa, Mexico, who was sentenced in 2021 to 17 years in federal prison for conviction of meth trafficking in the Butte area. In July 2019, law enforcement received a package, sent from Tavares, that contained 474 grams, or a little more than one pound, of meth and heroin. Agents paid for the drugs Tavares sent by wiring money to Ricardo Ramos Medina, in Sinaloa, Mexico. Medina was sentenced in 2020 to eight years in federal prison for conviction on trafficking pounds of meth and other drugs to the Butte area.

Tavares was indicted as part of an investigation into a large-scale drug trafficking organization that brought massive quantities of meth, counterfeit oxycodone pills and heroin into Butte for redistribution through out the state. The investigation resulted in federal convictions of 22 persons. Tavares is the last defendant to be sentenced.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Butte-Silver Bow Police.

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

Clay James Bad Hawk, 25, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to domestic abuse by a habitual offender.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in December 2021, Bad Hawk punched, slapped, kicked and strangled the victim, identified as Jane Doe, with whom he was in a relationship. Bad Hawk assaulted Jane Doe in a bedroom in his residence, and two girls from across the street yelled through the bedroom window at Bad Hawk that the police were called. Jane Doe hid until the porch until she was found by police. Jane Doe was treated for injuries at a local hospital. Bad Hawk had two prior domestic violence convictions from the Chippewa Cree Tribal Court.

The FBI, Chippewa Cree Tribal Law Enforcement and Rocky Boy’s Police Department investigated the case.

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WASHINGTON — A federal jury convicted a Montana man of hate and firearms crimes for firing an AK-style assault rifle at the residence of a woman, who identified as lesbian, and was home at the time.

After a four-day trial that began on Feb. 14 in Helena, the jury found John Russell Howald, 46, of Basin, guilty today of hate crime acts and discharge of firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence as charged in a superseding indictment.

“This defendant is being held accountable for attempting to violently eliminate the entire LGBTQ community in a small Montana town,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This hate crime and violent campaign targeting the LGBTQ community is a reminder of the epidemic of hate violence targeting people based on their sexual orientation. All people have the right to feel safe in their homes and communities, regardless of who they love. The Civil Rights Division will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to safeguard the civil rights of LGBTQ people affected by hate violence, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure justice for victims of bias-motivated crimes.”

“The victim in this case was targeted by the Defendant for no other reason than her sexual orientation when he fired bullets at her home while she was inside of it. There will be zero tolerance by our office in prosecuting those who commit hate crimes against our fellow Montanans, as no one should have to live in fear of potentially deadly violence simply because of whom they love. I am pleased the jury agreed with us and I sincerely thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut and Trial Attorney Eric N. Peffley, Criminal Section, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice, along with the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Jefferson County’s Sheriff’s Office for investigating and prosecuting this case.” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“Hate crimes are especially devastating because a vicious act against one person is an attack on an entire community,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the Salt Lake City FBI. “I want to reassure Montana citizens the FBI is committed to defending and protecting the rights of all persons and encourage the public to report hate crimes to the FBI and local law enforcement.” 

According to court documents and statements in court, on March 22, 2020, Howald went on a self-described mission to rid the town of Basin of its lesbian and gay community. Armed with three rifles and two pistols, and knowing that the victim identified as a lesbian, Howald approached her residence on foot and fired an AK-style assault rifle at her property. Several rounds went through the victim’s fence and rounds hit her yard and porch. One round traveled through a wall of the home, bounced off the kitchen ceiling and lodged in a wall in the room. The victim was at home at the time but was not struck.

After firing at the victim’s house, the government alleged, Howald walked down the street toward other houses occupied by people who identify and are known locally as gay or lesbian. A church service had just finished and individuals leaving church saw Howald walking on the street, recognized him and approached. The individuals heard Howald talk about his mission of killing lesbian and gay people in town and saw his weapons. They approached and tried to talk Howald down. One of these people, a pastor, unknowingly had left on a recording device that he used for his sermons. The device recorded about 10 minutes of his interaction with Howald until Howald demanded that the pastor walk away. The recording captured Howald making statements that he might have killed a lesbian and that he hoped he had, and that he was going to get rid of lesbians and queers in Basin. The recording also captured Howald firing off several more rounds during his interaction with these individuals.

Responding to a 911 call to the scene, a Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputy ordered Howald to put down his guns. Howald refused, pointed a rifle at the deputy and fled on foot, firing at least one more shot as he went. Sheriff’s officers arrested Howald the next day and found that he had a knife and loaded pistol on his person and an AR-style rifle and revolver in his car. During a search of his camper, officers found an AK-style rifle, a hunting rifle and ammunition.

Howald faces a maximum of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the hate crime conviction and a mandatory minimum 10 years to life imprisonment, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,00 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm conviction.

The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for June 15 before Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris. Howald was detained pending further proceedings.

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.

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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 Feb. 16 was:

Harvey Alvin Hugs, 59, of Hardin, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hugs faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hugs was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-06.

Appearing on Feb. 13 was:

Andrew Jason Post, 35, of Sidney, on charges of possession of unregistered firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Post faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Post was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-09.

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

Arnold Galo Garay IV, 46, of Helena, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Garay faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Garay was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Probation and Parole investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-05.

Daniel Phillip Horn, 36, of Harlem, on charges of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to an intimate and dating partner. If convicted of the most serious crime, Horn faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Horn was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and Fort Belknap Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-11.

Javon Cortez Crosby, 26, of Southfield, Michigan, 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, Crosby faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Crosby was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Tri-Agency Task Force, Russell Country High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-72.

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

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BILLINGS  — A Billings woman who admitted to bringing large quantities of methamphetamine from Las Vegas, Nevada, to the Miles City area for distribution was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Denise Danielle Piccione, 38, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in June 2020, agents with the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation received information that Piccione was selling large amounts of meth in the Miles City area. An investigation led to a Montana Highway Patrol traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Piccione as she returned to Montana from Las Vegas. A search warrant was obtained for the vehicle, and officers seized 1,526 grams, or approximately 3.3 pounds, of meth. That quantity of meth is the equivalent of 11,959 doses. Piccione communicated with other co-conspirators about drug transactions and delivered meth to various locations and customers in Montana and North Dakota.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Eastern Montana 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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BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man today admitted to sexually abusing a child in 2015 on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jordan Joseph Backer, 26, pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact. Backer faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years of supervised release.

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

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 is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Northern Cheyenne Investigative Services.

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BILLINGS  — A Billings man was sentenced today to 12 years and three months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after he admitted to selling methamphetamine to an undercover agent and to trying to obtain a machine gun in exchange for meth, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

David Lawrence Bernach, 60, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that beginning in February 2022, Bernach was the target of a law enforcement investigation where he sold meth to an informant and then to an undercover agent. During those controlled purchases, Bernach was often armed. Bernach told an undercover agent he wanted to purchase “anything automatic’ and coordinated with the agent to obtain an automatic rifle (machine gun) in exchange for three ounces of meth. Law enforcement arrested Bernach when he arrived at a parking lot for the transaction. In a subsequent search of his property, law enforcement found several firearms. Bernach admitted to selling meth and that he had purchased two pounds of meth from his supplier every week for the past six months. He also told law enforcement that the firearms at his residence were for protection.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

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

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BILLINGS  — A Laurel woman who admitted to methamphetamine trafficking after investigators seized plastic candles containing the drug was sentenced today to three years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Nicole Jo Brent, 45, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in October 2021, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service located a suspicious package for an address in Laurel from an address in Turlock, California. A search warrant was obtained for the package and law enforcement found four plastic candles, with each containing about a half pound of meth. Task force agents made a controlled delivery of the package, and Brent took control of it. In a search of the residence, agents located the delivered package and seized additional grams of meth from Brent’s purse, safe and dresser. The investigation determined that Brent received 11 packages from Turlock, California, and that communications on her phone indicated she was selling meth.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

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 Colorado man who was convicted of trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl after Yellowstone County law enforcement found the drugs and a firearm in his vehicle during a traffic stop was sentenced today to 11 years and three months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

James Robert Harrelson, 49, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

The government alleged in court document that in April 2022, officers with the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force received information that Harrelson was trafficking drugs from Colorado to Billings. An investigation led to a traffic stop of Harrelson by Yellowstone County Sheriff’s deputies. Task force officers searched the vehicle and found meth, fentanyl pills, drug scales, plastic baggies, smoking devices, hypodermic needles and a 9mm handgun. Harrelson admitted that he was transporting the drugs from Colorado to Billings and that the handgun was his.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Eastern Montana 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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BILLINGS  —  A Billings man who admitted to distributing pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl pills and heroin over three months while residing at a Billings pre-release center and to illegally possessing firearms was sentenced today to 18 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Rodney Trimble, 48, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in June 2022, Billings Police officers learned that Trimble was in possession of a large amount of meth, fentanyl and heroin and was on state probation.  Montana Probation and Parole authorized a search of Trimble following a traffic stop. Trimble told officers that he was recently released from a pre-release center where he was serving time for distributing illicit drugs within a corrections facility. Trimble admitted to recently buying a pound of meth, approximately 100 fentanyl pills and some heroin and had the drugs in his vehicle. He further admitted that he had firearms at his residence that he obtained from “a couple of tweakers on the street” because someone had recently broken into his residence. Officers located approximately 1.4 pounds of meth, 49 grams of heroin and 24 fentanyl pills in Trimble’s vehicle, and a semi-automatic rifle and .357-caliber revolver in his residence. Trimble further admitted to distributing approximately 12 pounds of meth, 600 fentanyl pills and three ounces of heroin over three months, all while he was residing at the pre-release center. Twelve pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 43,488 doses.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Billings Police Department.

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

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BILLINGS  — A Billings man who admitted to using federal and private benefits that belonged to his deceased mother was sentenced today to three years of probation and ordered to pay full restitution of $100,986, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Orin Raymond Champlin III, 62, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to theft of government property.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that Champlin was on a joint bank account with his mother, who was receiving government and private benefits. In June 206, Champlin’s mother died. Instead of reporting her death to the entities, Champlin continued to receive government benefits from the Social Security Administration and the Federal Employees Office of Personnel Management and a private annuity payment from MetLife for almost four years. Champlin used the money for his own personal expenses, including insurance for cars and daily expenses, totaling more than $100,000.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Social Security Administration and Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General.

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GREAT FALLS  — A Poplar man who admitted to hitting a police officer in the head with a hammer as law enforcement was responding to an assault at his home was sentenced today to 38 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Nolan James Hendrickson, 34, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to assault with a dangerous weapon.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in March 2022 on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Hendrickson assaulted and strangled a woman, identified as Jane Doe 1, at his mother’s apartment. Police responded and found Hendrickson strangling Jane Doe 1. The victim, identified as Jane Doe 2, a police officer, tried to stop the assault, but Hendrickson lunged at the officer and hit her in the face with a hammer. Another responding officer fired a round at Hendrickson but missed. As police arrested Hendrickson, he continued to be combative. Hendrickson acknowledged he had been using alcohol and methamphetamine. The victim was treated for injuries from the hammer assault.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Peck Department of Law and Justice.

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MISSOULA  —  A Missoula man who admitted to trafficking fentanyl pills in the community after law enforcement responded to a drug overdose death was sentenced today to 46 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $10,000 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jacob Eugene Odman, 39, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that on Feb. 18, 2022, law enforcement responded to a Missoula County residence for a reported drug overdose and found the victim, John Doe, deceased. Next to John Doe was a small blue pill engraved with “M30,” Officers recognized this pill as consistent with counterfeit Oxycodone, and lab testing determined that the pill contained fentanyl. A toxicology report confirmed that John Doe had fentanyl and a fentanyl metabolite in his blood when he died. The investigation determined that Odman provided fentanyl pills to John Doe the previous evening.  Law enforcement officers spoke with Odman, who denied any knowledge of pills and asked if John Doe was ok. Agents executed a search warrant on Odman’s residence and found 409 fentanyl pills. In addition, four days before John Doe’s death, Idaho State Police stopped an individual, searched his vehicle and found more than 300 fentanyl pills hidden in containers that looked like soda cans. Odman was texting the individual about purchasing a product and asked for travel updates. The individual texted Odman that, “Idaho is searching my car.” Odman responded, “Oh no.” The individual then said, “It’s in cans.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Missoula Police Department and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office.

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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 Feb. 9 was:

Matthew Ryan Cubberly, 36, of Kalispell, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cubberly faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Cubberly was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Kalispell Police Department and Montana Probation and Parole investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-3.

Appearing on Feb. 6 was:

Zachary Vernon Stephens, 34, of Bozeman, on charges of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stephens faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release. Stephens was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-20.

Jessica Elizabeth Garrett, 42, of Billings, on charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Garrett faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the wire fraud charge and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft charge. Garrett was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Missoula Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-03.

Appearing for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint was:

Lindsay Ann Rumph, 33, of Missoula, on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rumph faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charge and a mandatory minimum five years to life, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the firearm charge. Rumph was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-11.

Eric Anthony Navarro, 32, of Missoula, on charges of conspiracy to distribute meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Navarro faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charge and a mandatory minimum five years to life, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the firearm charge. Navarro was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-12.

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

Joseph Ernest Potts, 32, of Browning, on charges of assault on a federal officer. If convicted of the most serious crime, Potts faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Potts was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-104.

Appearing on Feb. 6 was:

James Lee Brown, 60, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Brown faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Brown was detained pending further proceedings. The Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-09.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Feb. 8 was:

James Joseph Sangrey, 39, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Sangrey faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Sangrey was detained pending further proceedings. The Great Falls Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-13.

Ralph Edward Page, 52, of Boulder, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Page faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Page was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Probation and Parole and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-06.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J, Cavan and pleading not guilty on Feb. 7 was:

Dane Ralph Jams Curry, 39, of Baker, on charges of conspiracy to produce child pornography, sex trafficking of a minor and destruction of records in a federal investigation. If convicted of the most serious crime, Curry faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Curry was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-05.

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 former Hamilton man today admitted to making false statements to receive disability payments from the Social Security Administration, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Aaron Lee Grossman, 50, of Washington, Utah, and formerly of Hamilton, pleaded guilty to false statements to a government agency, a felony. Grossman faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. In a plea agreement filed in the case, Grossman agrees to be responsible for complete restitution in the amount of approximately $71,456 to the Social Security Administration.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for June 27. Grossman was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that in 2011, Grossman applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments from the Social Security Administration. The agency reviewed and approved Grossman’s application and advised him of his legal obligation to notify it if he experienced a change in his ability to work, returned to work or if his medical condition improved. In 2019, Grossman received $36,210 from Lynch Insulation for work he performed through Grossman Consulting, LLC. In June 2020, Grossman submitted a Work Activity Report to the Social Security Administration and did not disclose this income. Had he done so, Grossman would have been ineligible for SSDI benefits. When questioned by Social Security Administration agents, Grossman claimed his wife earned those wages. However, records from Lynch Insulation indicted that Grossman, in fact, completed the work. In an interview in 2021, Grossman admitted he concealed his work for and income from Lynch Insulation so he could maintain his Social Security Administration benefits.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General.

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BILLINGS — A former Colstrip Police Department officer accused of communicating with a minor girl and directing her to send him pictures and videos of herself engaged in sexually explicit conduct admitted to a child pornography crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Hossein Cristiano Luigi Borhan, 49, of Billings, was arraigned on and pleaded guilty to an information charging him with receipt of child pornography. Borhan faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, a $5,000 special assessment and five years to a lifetime 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. Borhan’s release was continued pending further proceedings.

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. 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 is prosecuting 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 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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