District of Montana

BILLINGS  — A Lodge Grass man who admitted assaulting a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer, who was pursuing a co-defendant for operating a stolen vehicle in Lodge Grass, on the Crow Indian Reservation, was sentenced today to one year in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Earl Landon Old Chief, Jr., 36, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to assault on a federal officer.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on March 14, 2021, BIA officers were pursuing co-defendant Darnell Lee Not Afraid, of Pryor, who was driving a stolen truck at high speeds through residential neighborhoods in Lodge Grass. Not Afraid stopped at a residence, got out of the truck and ran away. The officer pursued on foot into a residential yard as a crowd began to gather and drew his Taser. Not Afraid turned toward the officer and grabbed a revolver from his waistband. The officer dropped his Taser, drew his service pistol and fired multiple times at Not Afraid, striking him at least once in the arm. After the shooting, the crowd, including Old Chief, became angry at the officer and some of the crowd accosted him. It is disputed whether Old Chief threw a bottle at the officer’s head, narrowly missing him, but it is not disputed that Old Chief pointed the officer’s Taser at the officer’s face and then threw it at the officer’s head. The officer did not activate the Taser, but when Old Chief pointed it at him, the officer knew it had been activated because the Taser’s flashlight and red dot were on.

Not Afraid was sentenced earlier to a mandatory minimum five years in prison for pleading guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of assault on a federal officer, a crime of violence.  A third co-defendant, Darwyna Caylynn Catherine Bullshows, was sentenced to time served for conviction in the case.

BILLINGS  — A Billings man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine after he was arrested in Rosebud County was sentenced today to 70 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Stefan Shane Hickel, 34, pleaded guilty on August 11, 2022, to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in September 2021, a drug task force in Billings was investigating Hickel for drug trafficking. Hickel had absconded from state supervision on a distribution charge. Law enforcement received information that Hickel was at a motel in Forsyth. Officers executed a search warrant and found Hickel with meth and drug paraphernalia in the room. Hickel admitted to being both a user and distributor of meth.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas K. Godfrey prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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 Billings felon who was arrested by Billings police officers while searching for two escaped jail inmates admitted today to illegally possessing a firearm, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jeffrey Wayne Follet, 34, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm as charged in an indictment. Follett faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least 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. Follett was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on Sept. 12, 2022, Billings Police Department officers were looking for two escaped inmates from the Yellowstone County Detention Facility and received information that the inmates were hiding at an apartment building on South 27th Street. A passenger car approached the east side of the apartment complex, and four persons left the apartment and got into the car. Two of the persons matched the description of the escapees. Police attempted a traffic stop on the car, but it fled. Officers performed a maneuver in which they pinned the car near an intersection. Follet was in the rear passenger side of the car and got out holding a pistol. Officers ordered Follet to drop the gun. Officers saw Follet drop the gun behind his back and run north on the sidewalk. Officers chased and arrested Follet. Follet was on Montana state supervision for a felony conviction and was prohibited from possessing firearms. The firearm was a loaded, 9mm pistol.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas K. Godfrey is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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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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 on Feb. 3 for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint was:

Ryan Creighton Doak, 48, of Washington, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Doak faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Doak was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Missoula Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference 23-10.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen and pleading not guilty on Feb. 2 was:

Jamey Wayne Charon, Jr., 26, of Manhattan, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of meth and prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Charon faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Charon was detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference 22-28.

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

Anthony Riley Smith, 28, of Missoula, on charges of sexual exploitation of a child, transportation of child pornography and distribution and receipt of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Smith faces a mandatory minimum 15 years to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Smith was detained pending further proceedings. The Missoula Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-34.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen and pleading not guilty on Feb. 1 was:

Sheldon Anfernee Mykal Fisher, 29, of Ronan, on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fisher faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Fisher was detained pending further proceedings. The Flathead Tribal Police, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-01.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy and pleading not guilty on Jan. 30 was:

Kenton Alan Shaull, 59, of Auburn, Washington, on charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity. If convicted of the most serious crime, Shaull faces 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and a lifetime on supervised release. Shaull was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-04.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Feb. 1 was:

Terrance Travis Aimsback, 34, of Heart Butte, on charges of second degree murder. If convicted of the most serious crime, Aimsback faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Aimsback was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-07.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Feb. 3 was:

Alexandre Zdenek Davis, 26, of Billings, on charges of false statement during firearms transaction, felon in possession of a firearm, false statement in applying for a passport and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Davis faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release and a mandatory minimum two years consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft charge. Davis was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-106.

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 West Yellowstone man who admitted to illegally possessing ammunition after having been convicted of possessing unregistered improvised bombs was sentenced today to three  years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Charles Gibson Bailey, 36, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to felon in possession of ammunition.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in May 2020, Bailey was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 40 months in prison for conviction of possessing unregistered improvised bombs. In February 2022, the probation office filed a petition to revoke Bailey’s supervised release following two encounters between Bailey and a West Yellowstone Police officer. The court revoked Bailey’s supervised release and sentenced him to three months in custody. During that same time, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated Bailey and executed a search warrant on his residence and vehicle in April 2022. Agents seized 14 .40-caliber bullets from Bailey’s truck. The headstamps on the bullets were obliterated.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy J. Racicot and Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the ATF, the West Yellowstone Police Department, and the Federal Protective 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 man convicted of trafficking methamphetamine in the Billings and Glendive communities was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Michael David Brumfield, 55, a transient, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in April 202, law enforcement obtained meth from Brumfield in controlled purchases. The total amount of meth seized during the investigation was approximately 153 grams.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the 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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GREAT FALLS — A Helena man accused of attempting to damage a Helena Public Schools building with pipe bombs was arraigned today on federal charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Logan Sea Pallister, 24, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with attempted property damage by use of fire or explosive, possession of unregistered destructive devices and possession of an unregistered silencer. If convicted of the most serious crime, Pallister faces a mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

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

The indictment alleges that on May 31, 2022, Pallister intended to maliciously damage by fire and explosive a Helena Public Schools building and that he took a substantial step toward the commission of the offense. The indictment further alleges that Pallister possessed pipe bombs and a silencer, which were not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Helena Police Department.

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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GREAT FALLS — A Wolf Point woman accused in the kidnapping and assault of a minor girl on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation admitted on Jan. 26 to her role in the kidnapping, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Patti Jo Annunciata Mail, 23, pleaded guilty to kidnapping of an individual under 18. Mail faces a mandatory minimum 20 years to a maximum of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and not less than 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 June 8. Mail was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on Sept. 15, 2021, a group of individuals lured a 15-year-old girl from her house in Wolf Point and kidnapped her. That evening, after drinking alcohol, Mail accompanied the group of individuals to the victim’s home. The victim was lured out of her home and the situation escalated. The group assaulted the victim in her front yard. When eyewitnesses yelled that they were going to call the police, some in the group kidnapped the victim, forcing her into a vehicle and driving away so that they could continue to assault her. Mail helped to seize, confine and abduct the victim, taking her to a vacant field in Wolf Point, where some in the group beat the victim again.

Co-defendants Lavanchie Patricia Goodbird and Elmarie Amelia Weeks have pleaded guilty to charges in the case and are pending sentencing. Co-defendants Cheri Cruz Granbois, Dylan Troy Jackson and Kaylee Jade Jackson have pleaded not guilty and are 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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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 Jan. 27 was:

Brandi Marie Hiatt, 43, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hiatt faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Hiatt was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-02.

Appearing on Jan 26 was:

Tyler Ryan Stonebraker, 27, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stonebraker faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Stonebraker was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-11.

Loy Matthew Bryant, 51, of Lame Deer, on charges of sexual abuse of a minor and abusive sexual contact of a minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bryant faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and a mandatory minimum five years to life of supervised release. Bryant was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-145.

Glen Fredrick Reitler, Jr., 42, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Reitler faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Reitler was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-10.

Appearing on Jan. 24 was:

Jaide Nicole Alexander, 28, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Alexander 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 crime and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearms crime. Alexander was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-20.

Brandi Alexandria Davitt, 33, a transient, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Davitt faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Davitt was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-130.

Appearing on Jan. 23 was:

Joshua Leon Hiestand, 41, a transient, on charges of stalking and harassing telephone calls. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hiestand faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hiestand was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-122.

Drew Parker Seymour, 24, of Banning, California, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Seymour faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Seymour was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-138.

Charles Burchell, 48, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth, distribution of meth, prohibited person in possession of a firearm and dealing firearms without a license. If convicted of the most serious crime, Burchell faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Burchell was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-03.

Carson Troy Tillet, 29, of Livingston, 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, Tillet faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Tillet 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. 23-12.

Lianna Rose Collins, 41, of Livingston, 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, Collins faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Collins 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. 23-04.

Kyle Richard Lewellen, 41, of Joliet, 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, Lewellen faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Lewellen 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 23-07.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Jan. 26 was:

Rembrandt Carlos Kemp, 32, of Fridley, Minnesota, 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, Kemp faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Kemp was detained pending further proceedings. The Havre Police Department and Tri-Agency Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference 22-86.

Porter James Hudshon, 23, of Tacoma, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hudshon faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Hudshon was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, U.S. Postal Service, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Peck Tribes Law and Justice Department and Bremerton, Washington, Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference 22-94.

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

 

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GREAT FALLS  — A Great Falls man who admitted to possessing child pornography images and videos was sentenced on Jan. 26 to 40 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Benjamin Thomas Urry, 30, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to possession of child pornography.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in February 2020, the Great Falls Police Department, which is a member of the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip led to Urry’s residence, where law enforcement seized cellular phones from Urry’s bedroom. Urry told law enforcement that he had used his phones and an online account to download child pornography.  In a search of Urry’s phones, law enforcement located images and videos depicting child pornography, including images of prepubescent minors.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyndee L. Peterson and Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Great Falls 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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GREAT FALLS  — A Washington man who admitted to bringing methamphetamine and fentanyl pills to the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation for distribution was sentenced today to 33 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Hugo Gutierrez Rodriguez, aka Victor aka Juice, 42, of Yakima, Washington, pleaded guilty in September 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 the spring of 2021, Rodriguez was working with a group of men from Yakima to bring drugs to Montana and to the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. Law enforcement in Montana confronted Rodriguez about drug trafficking in October 2021. Nonetheless, in early February 2022, Rodriguez sold meth and 400 fentanyl pills to an informant. A short time later, Rodriguez was traveling to Montana with more than 300 fentanyl pills and 152 grams of meth when he was stopped and arrested.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Tri-Agency Task Force, Rocky Boy’s Police Department and Idaho State 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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BILLINGS — A Lewistown man who admitted to defrauding a bank and a credit union after obtaining more than $1 million in loans for his cattle ranching business was sentenced on Jan. 25 to time served, followed by five years of supervised release, with one year of home confinement, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Eric Edward Mack, 43, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to bank fraud.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine restitution at a later hearing.

The government alleged in court documents that from November 2015 to January 2018, Mack applied for and received multiple operating loans from Garfield County Bank and from the Fergus Federal Credit Union for his cattle ranching business. At the Garfield bank, Mack had loans totaling approximately $885,000 from 2015 to 2017, and at the Fergus credit union, Mack had loans totaling approximately $250,000 from 2016 to 2018. Mack secured loans at both businesses with items, including cattle belonging to him. The government further alleged that Mack sold cattle secured by loans at Garfield and Fergus and failed to pay the proceeds of the sale to either bank. Mack also engaged in improper conduct when obtaining the loans by misrepresenting the status of collateral used to secure the loans at each institution.

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

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GREAT FALLS—A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a Heart Butte man with second degree murder in the death of a woman on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The indictment, filed on Jan. 25 in U.S. District Court, charges Terrance Travis Aimsback, 34, with second degree murder. The maximum penalty for the crime is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.

The indictment alleges that on Nov. 24, 2022 at Heart Butte, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Aimsback knowingly and unlawfully killed Jane Doe with malice aforethought.

An arraignment date is to be determined. Aimsback is in federal custody.

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

The FBI, with assistance from Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Pondera County, investigated the case.

PACER case reference. 23-07.

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 Florence man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine after law enforcement found more than six pounds of the drug, seven firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition during a search of his residence was sentenced today to nine years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jason Charles Allen, 48, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to distribution of methamphetamine.

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

The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement received information from at least five individuals who discussed Allen’s involvement in trafficking meth in the greater Missoula area. On May 24, 2022, an FBI SWAT team executed a federal search warrant on Allen’s residence. Investigators retrieved meth that Allen was attempting to burn in a fire. Law enforcement also recovered seven firearms, 3,200 rounds of ammunition, more than $8,000 in cash and more than six pounds of meth. Six pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 21,744 doses. Earlier that month, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of meth from Allen.

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

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

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GREAT FALLS  — A Browning man who admitted to beating another man in the head on the Blackfeet 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.

Dale Ray Racine, 30, 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 documents that on Nov. 19, 2021, Racine and another individual assaulted the victim, identified as John Doe, in a Browning residence, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Doe was asleep when he woke to banging on the door and heard people talking. Doe sat up and saw Racine and the other individual rushing toward him. Doe was struck multiple times in the head and once to the hand and leg. Doe was treated for injuries to his head and hand.

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

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BILLINGS — A Billings man accused of defrauding the Bureau of Land Management of fees in a cattle grazing scheme admitted to a mail fraud crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Gene John Klamert, 70, pleaded guilty to mail fraud. Klamert faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

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

The government alleged in court documents that between 2017 and 2020, Klamert held a BLM grazing permit that allowed him to graze his cattle on public land called the Two Crow allotment, near Winnett. The permit authorized Klamert to graze cattle he owned for a low monthly base rate, which the BLM charged for each head of cattle. To graze cattle owned by any third party, the permit required Klamert to pay the base rate plus a higher surcharge per head of cattle. From May 2018 to May 2020, as part of Klamert’s reported use of public land, he submitted a fraudulent bill of sale to the BLM stating that he had purchased cattle from an individual, identified as John Doe, when in fact, Klamert knew that no actual sale occurred. As a result, Klamert avoided paying surcharge fees that he owed to the BLM. To accomplish the scheme, the government alleged, Klamert instructed John Doe to sign a bill of sale, stating that he was selling his cattle to Klamert, when in fact John Doe had only contracted with Klamert to graze his cattle on the BLM allotment. At Klamert’s direction, John Doe mailed the fraudulent bill of sale to Klamert, who signed and mailed it to the BLM to report what cattle he was grazing on the public land.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin D. Hargrove and Bryan T. Dake are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the BLM.

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BILLINGS — A Pryor man who admitted to his role in assaulting a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer as he was responding to a report of a stolen vehicle in Lodge Grass, on the Crow Indian Reservation, was sentenced today to a mandatory minimum five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Darnell Lee Not Afraid, 38, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to possession of a firearm in furtherance of assault on a federal officer, a crime of violence.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on March 14, 2021, BIA officers, while in the course of their official duties, were pursuing Not Afraid, who was driving a stolen truck at high speeds through residential neighborhoods in Lodge Grass. Not Afraid eventually stopped, got out of the truck and ran away. The officer pursued on foot into a residential yard and drew his Taser. As the officer neared Not Afraid, Not Afraid turned toward the officer, pulled up his shirt and grabbed a silver revolver from his waistband. The officer dropped his Taser, drew his service pistol and fired multiple times at Not Afraid, striking him at least once in the arm. An angry crowd of people, who had been watching the chase, accosted the officer, yelling and cursing at him. The crowd was angry at the officer for shooting Not Afraid and prevented the officer from attending to him.  

Co-defendant Earl Landon Old Chief, Jr., is pending sentencing for conviction in the case. A third co-defendant, Darwyna Caylynn Catherine Bullshows, was sentenced to time served for conviction in the case.

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

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BILLINGS- U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced today that the District of Montana collected $6,579,202 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2022. Of this amount, $5,558,568 was collected in criminal actions and $1,020,634 was collected in civil actions. 

Additionally, the District of Montana worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $9,376,238 in civil cases pursued jointly by these offices.

“This money comes from collecting civil penalties and debts and from seizing proceeds from criminal activity.  These funds help crime victims and benefit the American people through deposits to the U.S. Treasury, which are priorities of this office. I want to thank our financial litigation unit, the civil and criminal divisions, and all our employees for their hard work on behalf of crime victims,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

Funds collected in criminal judgments include:

• $1,700,372 from the sale of a mansion formerly owned by Larry Price Jr., a former Signal Peak Energy, LLC, mine official convicted of fraud and other crimes.
•  $1 million from Signal Peak Energy, which was convicted of willfully violating health and safety standards.
• $392,173 from Debra Gean Roeber, convicted of defrauding a blind and elderly woman, now deceased, who was under her guardianship.
• $200,000 from Melissa Lynne Horner, co-owner of H & H Earthworks, Inc., who was convicted of failing to pay IRS employment taxes.
• $100,000 from U.S. Minerals, Inc., which was convicted of negligent endangerment for exposing workers to arsenic at its former Anaconda plant.

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Montana, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $548,948 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2022. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

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BILLINGS – U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich today announced that the Department of Justice has awarded $606,296 to the state of Montana to fund agencies and organizations that support youth and their families.

The grant, administered by the Montana Board of Crime Control, is from the Fiscal Year 2022 Title II Formula Grants Program, from the Office of Justice Programs’ Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention. This grant is for Year 2 of the three-year program in Montana.

“The efforts of the United States Department of Justice necessarily seek to hold people accountable for their criminal conduct.  But our work must also be proactive, rather than reactive, to help prevent those who are at risk of falling into our criminal justice system.  These grants – and the organizations they will support – are an important part of our prevention efforts,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The purpose of the project is to support the needs of youth ages 0 to 17 and their families through evidence-based or promising programs or practices. Many of these youth are at significant risk for delinquency, are currently involved in the juvenile justice system or are at risk of suspension or expulsion. The Youth Justice Council, Montana’s state advisory group, has chosen to prioritize delinquency programs, mentoring, counseling and training programs; school programs; diversion; and Native American Tribe programs.

Montana anticipates funding four Big Brothers Big Sisters programs, two Boys and Girls Clubs, CASA Missoula, YWCA Missoula, Friendship House of Christian Service, the Center for Restorative Youth Justice, Bitterroot Ecological Awareness Resources and Chippewa Cree Tribal Court. The service areas will include Yellowstone, Hill, Silver Bow, Gallatin, Park, Missoula, Flathead and Ravalli counties. The Chippewa Cree Tribal Court will serve youth on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. Some youth in Arlee, on the Flathead Indian Reservation, will be served by YWCA Missoula.

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BILLINGS  — A Lame Deer man who admitted to having a sexual relationship with a minor girl was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Nathan Francis Stops, 42, of Lame Deer, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to sexual abuse of a minor.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court allowed Stops to self-report to the Bureau of Prisons.

The government alleged in court documents that in December 2020, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, the victim, identified as Jane Doe, who was then age 16, disclosed that she had been having an ongoing sexual relationship with Stops since she was 14 years old. The two had engaged in sexual intercourse on numerous occasions.  Stops denied having sex with Jane Doe but was confronted with forensic testing results indicating sexual intercourse between him and Jane Doe.

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

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GREAT FALLS  — A Hays man who admitted to stabbing a woman in the back was sentenced today to 15 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Tyrell Andrew Laroque, 34, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a dating partner.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court allowed Laroque to self-report to the Bureau of Prisons.

In court documents, the government alleged that in October 2021 on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Laroque attacked a woman and stabbed her in the back as she lay on a bed in a Hays residence. After drinking heavily at his home, and for unknown reasons, Laroque became combative, got into a fight with a relative and held a knife to another relative’s throat while threatening to cut him. After the two relatives left, Laroque found the victim in a basement bedroom and stabbed her in the back, leaving a wound three inches deep. Fort Belknap Tribal Police arrested Laroque and recovered a folding knife from his person.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery K. Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Fort Belknap Tribal Police.

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MISSOULA — A Texas woman today admitted to lying to law enforcement about the whereabouts of her son and grandson, who ultimately were found in Costa Rica, during an investigation into parental interference in Sanders County, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Candace Kathleen Bright, 68, of Midland, Texas, pleaded guilty to false statements during a video court appearance from Midland, Texas. Bright faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen DeSoto presided. A sentencing date was set for May 31  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. Bright was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on Aug. 19, 2021, Bright’s son and co-defendant, Jacob Israel Strong, failed to return his son, who was four years old, to his ex-wife at the end of his visitation. Sanders County Sheriff’s deputies were unable to locate Strong or his son. Sanders County charged Strong on Aug. 31, 2021 with felony parental interference. The FBI opened an investigation to assist Sanders County in the search for Strong and the child. The FBI interviewed Bright on a few occasions, including on Oct. 4, 2021 in which the agent told Bright that lying to a federal officer is a crime. Bright responded, “I know.” The government further alleged that Bright repeatedly lied to the agent, telling him she did not know where Strong and her grandson were and had not seen them since approximately Aug. 17, 2021. In December 2021, Bright called the case agent and continued to deny knowing where Strong and her grandson were located.

In January 2022, the FBI learned that Strong and his son had left the United States near Midland, Texas, in approximately October 2021 and drove through Mexico to Costa Rica. The FBI also learned that Bright had been traveling with Strong and her grandson off and on since August. Bright was aware of Strong’s whereabout during all of her conversations with the FBI and was physically present when Strong and her grandson left Texas for Costa Rica. Bright communicated with Strong regularly using encrypted messaging services installed on both of their cellular phones. Bright’s lies to the FBI contributed to the time and expense of the search for Strong and his son. Had Bright been honest with the FBI, Strong and his son likely would have been found in the fall of 2021. Instead, based largely on Bright’s false statements, Strong was not arrested until May 22, 2022, nine months after he absconded with his son. Strong has pleaded not guilty to charges in the case and is pending trial.

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

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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 Jan. 19 was:

Nicole Irene Corbin, 32, of Billings, on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Corbin faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release on the bank fraud crime and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft crime. Corbin was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-151.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Jan. 17 was:

Katie Elizabeth Bowlds, 39, of Helena, on charges of possession of stolen mail. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bowlds faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Bowlds was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-10.

Brandon Wade Kurns, 28, of Helena, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kurns faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Kurns was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Probation & Parole investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-01.

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 Fallon man who admitted to possessing an extensive amount of child pornography on electronic media was sentenced today to four years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a total of $36,000 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Tyrel Grant Huseby, 25, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to an information charging him with possession of child pornography.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also imposed a $5,000 mandatory special assessment and allowed Huseby to self-report when assigned to a federal facility.

The government alleged in court documents and statements in court that in November 2020, a sexually explicit image of a minor was inserted into an internet search engine, which then submitted a Cybertip to law enforcement. The investigation led to Huseby. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Huseby’s residence in July 2021. Huseby admitted to law enforcement that he possessed and acquired child pornography. A review of multiple pieces of Huseby’s electronic media found that he possessed more than 20 videos and approximately 4,470 images of child pornography. Huseby’s conduct spanned 15 years, beginning when he was approximately 10 years old.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Prairie County Sheriff’s Office, Billings Police Department and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

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

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BILLINGS — A Billings man accused of sending two videos of minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct to an undercover officer admitted to child pornography charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Ethan Andrew Schilling, 25, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with possession of child pornography. Schilling faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.

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

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

Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.

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

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BILLINGS — A Billings man today admitted that he lied when testifying to a federal grand jury, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Caleb Jason Olson, 21, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with false declaration before a grand jury. Olson faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for May 18. Olson was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that Olson testified before the Billings grand jury on Dec. 15, 2021. At the time, the grand jury was investigating an incident that occurred on Oct. 10, 2019. Olson was placed under oath and advised of the potential ramification should he make a false statement during his testimony. Olson testified about the night of Oct. 10, 2019 and of giving people a ride to a location in Billings. He explained that once at that location, two of the individuals in his car got out and that both had firearm. Olson was asked, “Prior to (John Doe) discharging his gun towards the vehicle, did you have any knowledge that was the plan or intention when you drove to the Heights that night?” Olson responded, “No. I didn’t even know that there were any firearms in my vehicle.” Olson further testified that he was unaware that John Doe had a gun until he pulled it out when he was outside his car and that he, Olson, did not have a gun that night. Those statements were false. Olson knew that he had, in fact, brought a firearm in his car that night.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus, Bryan T. Dake and Benjamin D. Hargrove are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.

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MISSOULA — A Belgrade man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and to illegally possessing 16 firearms that were found in a crawl space in his residence was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, Jesse Laslovich said.

Christopher Lee Wylie, 40, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and to prohibited person in possession of firearms.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that the Missouri River Drug Task Force, while investigating drug trafficking, stopped a vehicle in September 2021 when the vehicle returned to Montana from California.  Wylie was a passenger. Law enforcement located 5.24 pounds of meth in the vehicle, and Wylie admitted he traveled with the driver to California to obtain drugs to sell. Wylie admitted to selling drugs from his home in Belgrade. In addition, the government alleged that in February 2022, law enforcement served a search warrant on Wylie’s residence and located 16 firearms and ammunition in the crawl space and a small amount of heroin, meth and cocaine in his residence. Wylie admitted in a prior interview that he used meth and “blues,” which usually refers to counterfeit oxycodone that often contains fentanyl.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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 Butte man who admitted to brandishing a shotgun while robbing a motel in Butte was sentenced today to seven years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Luther Norman Whaley, 60, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that on Nov. 2, 2021, at the America’s Best Value Inn in Butte, Whaley brandished a shotgun at the clerk and demanded money. The clerk placed approximately $3,000 in a black duffle bag that Whaley provided. Whaley fled but was quickly arrested. Law enforcement recovered a shotgun and a black bag with cash. Whaley then told law enforcement, “Yeah, it’s me.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Butte 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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MISSOULA  — A Belgrade man who admitted to attempting to send obscene images to a minor during an undercover investigation was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Aric Collin Normile, 42, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor.

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

The government alleged that during an undercover investigation in January 2022, law enforcement posed on social media as an uncle offering for others to have sex with his 12-year-old niece. Normile responded, agreeing to meet for the purpose of having sex with the minor girl and sending the undercover officer an explicit image of himself. After the undercover officer and Normile agreed to a meeting location, law enforcement arrested Normile when he arrived. Normile attempted to flee, but law enforcement deployed a flash bang grenade and blocked the exit of the meeting location.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wendy A. Johnson, Cyndee L. Peterson and Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and Bozeman 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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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 Jan. 12 was:

Dwain Francis Balch, aka Waldo, 58, on charges of conspiracy to possess and distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Balch faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Balch was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Fort Peck Law Enforcement, Tri-Agency Drug Task Force and Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-01.

Appearing on Jan. 10 was:

Walter Louis Badroad Mount, 23, of Harlem, on charges of sexual abuse of a minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mount faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Mount was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-103.

Daniel Jacob Werk, 37, of Hays, on charges of sexual abuse of a minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Werk faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Werk was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-108.

Casey Louis Ream, 36, of California, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ream faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release on the drug crimes and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence,  a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Ream was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Great Falls Police Department and Cascade County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-105.

Babi Alysia Nakai, 30, of Phoenix, Arizona, 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, Nakai faces a mandatory minimum of five to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release. Nakai was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Great Falls Police Department and Cascade County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-89.

William Ronald Blackman, 31, of Browning, on charges of attempted sexual abuse and sexual abuse. If convicted of the most serious crime, Blackman faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Blackman was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-48.

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

Richard Lamar Rutledge, 49, of Culbertson, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rutledge faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Rutledge was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 19-136.

Lisa Marie Sieler, 35, a transient, on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Sieler faces a maximum of 30 years in prison a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release on the bank fraud crime and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft crime. Sieler was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-151.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint on Jan. 12 was:

Kenton Alan Shaull, 59, of Auburn, Washington, on charges of attempted coercion and enticement. If convicted of the most serious crime, Shaull faces 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Shaull was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office 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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BILLINGS  — A former Judith Gap School teacher who admitted to possessing child pornography after Facebook submitted a tip to authorities was sentenced today to 78 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jayson Gayo, 28, of Harlowton, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to possession of child pornography as charged in an indictment.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters also ordered $3,000 restitution.

The government alleged in court documents and in statements in court that in August 2020, Facebook submitted a number of Cybertips indicating that child pornography was likely being transmitted from an account associated with Gayo. Gayo was a teacher at Judith Gap School at the time. There was no indication that the images or Gayo’s conduct involved students at the school.

An investigation led to the execution of a search warrant of Gayo’s residence, where law enforcement collected multiple electronic media items. A separate warrant was served on Facebook concerning Gayo’s account. In total, law enforcement determined that Gayo’s media contained 209 images and 146 videos of child pornography. The videos showed children as young as that of a toddler being sexually abused by adults. The government further alleged that Gayo not only possessed child pornography but also was an administrator of a group involving those with an interest in pornography.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

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

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MISSOULA  — A Missoula pair convicted of drug trafficking and firearm crimes each were sentenced to prison terms today after law enforcement seized more than seven pounds of meth, fentanyl and firearms during the investigation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Carlos Guatimea Augirre, 36, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Aguirre pleaded guilty in May 2022 to possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Co-defendant Savannah Shoshana Smith, 38, was sentenced to five years and six months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. Smith pleaded guilty in May 2022 to possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl and to addict in possession of firearms and ammunition.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that law enforcement served a search warrant on the residence of Smith and Aguirre on Oct. 6, 2021. Officers also conducted a traffic stop of Aguirre to execute a search warrant on the car and found a quarter pound of meth packaged for sale and a 9mm handgun that Aguirre had removed from his body when he was stopped. Inside the residence, officers found approximately 6.9 pounds of meth and fentanyl pills. Seven pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 25,368 doses. Law enforcement also found 21 firearms throughout the residence. Records showed that Smith purchased 22 firearms between February 2020 and August 2021. Smith told officers that Aguirre would give her meth and she would trade the meth for opiate pills. The investigation showed that Aguirre made numerous wire transfers totaling about $22,000 from August 2019 to September 2021 to addresses in Billings; Fresno, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Albuquerque, New Mexico. In addition, Aguirre traveled multiple times to Fresno, where he also maintained a residence and had active links to gangs, and Sacramento, California, and to Spokane, Washington. Three of the firearms, all 9mm pistols, that Smith purchased in Montana were recovered in Fresno in three separate criminal investigations that had gang associations.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations and the Missoula Police Department.

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Spokane, Washington, man admitted to trafficking charges today after law enforcement found hundreds of fentanyl pills in a vehicle in which he was a passenger in Great Falls, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Yevgeniy Rudnitskiy, 34, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Rudnitskiy faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release.

 Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for May 25. Rudnitskiy was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in October 2022, Russell Country Drug Task Force agents were surveilling a motel room in Great Falls as part of an ongoing drug investigation. Two men, including Rudnitskiy, left the room, entered a vehicle, drove a short distance and parked. Co-defendant Kelly Sterling Wait, of Williston, North Dakota, was the driver. Rudnitskiy got out of the vehicle and appeared to steal several items from trucks in the lot. The investigation led to the Montana Highway Patrol stopping the vehicle. Wait was removed from the driver’s seat and a loaded pistol was removed from his waistband, along with a fanny pack he had. Rudnitskiy also was removed from the passenger seat and a bundle of cash and a bag were observed where he had been sitting. The vehicle was searched on a state warrant. Approximately 186 fentanyl pills were found in the fanny pack, and six bags, each containing 100 fentanyl pills, were found in the trunk. Another 60 fentanyl pills were found in the passenger seat area. Cash seized from Rudnitskiy and from where he had been sitting totaled $3,734. Wait recently pleaded guilty in the case and is pending sentencing.

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

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GREAT FALLS  — A Great Falls woman who admitted to participating in a scheme to use fraudulent checks to buy retail merchandise was sentenced today to seven months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,652 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Crystal Lynn Jackson, aka Crystal Lynn Barber, 38, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that between September 2019 and May 2020, Jackson participated in a scheme with co-defendants, Rachel Abbott and John Dailey, in which she used stolen and altered checks to help pay for retail merchandise and other goods at businesses in the Great Falls area. Abbott and Dailey used fake identification cards, stolen checks and check printing software to create new checks with valid account numbers. Dailey would make the fake identification cards for Abbott that contained a real identity with Abbott’s picture. Jackson accompanied Abbott to businesses where the duo shopped for items and used the forged checks as payment. Dailey was sentenced to 51 months in prison and Abbott was sentenced to 26 months in prison for their convictions in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Great Falls Police Department.

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BILLINGS  —  A Big Timber man with a felony record was sentenced today to 46 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after he admitted to illegally possessing three loaded firearms, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

James Edward Dempster, 43, pleaded guilty in May 2022 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in 2014, Dempster was convicted in U.S. District Court of a felony drug crime and prohibited from possessing firearms. In November 2021, a Sweet Grass County Sheriff’s deputy made a traffic stop in Big Timber of a truck that was pulling a trailer without taillights. Dempster was the driver. The deputy noticed the muzzle of a hunting rifle sticking out near the floorboard, ran Dempster’s information and confirmed that Dempster was on federal probation. During search of the truck, law enforcement recovered three loaded firearms—two rifles and a semi-automatic pistol. Law enforcement further learned that the pistol and one of the rifles were owned by Dempster’s father and that Dempster took them with out permission.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Sweet Grass County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Probation 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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BILLINGS — A Mexican national today admitted her role in a methamphetamine trafficking scheme in which she transported 25 pounds of the drug to Billings and four pounds of meth to Bozeman from Denver, Colorado, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Risela Anahid Heredia Soberanes, 32, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging her with possession with intent to distribute meth. Soberanes faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in mid-July 2022, law enforcement made a controlled purchase of cocaine in Bozeman from a person later identified as co-defendant Isidro Vega Carmona. Another co-defendant, identified at Victor Ocampo, was with Carmona during the purchase. About a month later, Carmona and another person, known as “Guero,” agreed to sell an undercover individual four pounds of meth for $18,000. In late August, the undercover went to Carmona’s residence to purchase the four pounds of meth. Prior to the purchase, law enforcement observed a white Honda Accord with a Colorado license plate arrive at Carmona’s residence. Soberanes got out of the Honda and retrieved items from the trunk. Later investigation confirmed that Soberanes had delivered the meth to Carmona on behalf of “Guero.”

The government further alleged that in October 2022, Carmona offered to sell the undercover 25 pounds of meth for $100,000 and that he would deliver it to Billings. On Oct. 12, 2022, Carmona contacted the undercover and confirmed that Soberanes was again driving the 25 pounds of meth to Billings from Denver and that he would meet the undercover in Billings. Law enforcement observed the Honda Accord at a residence on the 200 block of Broadwater Avenue, where Soberanes parked the vehicle and entered the residence. Carmona then contacted the undercover and ultimately gave instructions to meet him at the Northern Hotel in downtown Billings. Law enforcement observed Carmona and Ocampo get out of a truck and remove a large rolling suitcase from the trunk of the Honda. Carmona began walking with the suitcase in the direction of the Northern Hotel, while Ocampo drove the Honda toward the hotel. Law enforcement arrested Carmona on the street, while he was still in possession of the suitcase, and Ocampo as he was walking away from the Honda near a downtown intersection. Law enforcement arrested Soberanes at the Broadwater Avenue residence while she was sitting in Carmona’s pickup truck. Officers served a federal search warrant on the suitcase and found 25 pounds of meth in numerous plastic bags and several items of female clothing. Twenty-nine pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 105,000 doses. Soberanes admitted in an interview that she received the suitcase from “Guero,” who instructed her to deliver it to Billings.

Carmona and Ocampo have pleaded not guilty to charges and are pending trial in the case.

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

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

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BILLINGS — A Nevada man accused in an investigation into commercial sex activity in Billings admitted today to transporting a person with the intent to engage in prostitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Cecil Jerome Hatchett, 32, of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with transportation of a person with intent to engage in prostitution. Hatchett faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,00 fine and three years of supervised release. If accepted by the court, a plea agreement reached by the parties calls for Hatchett to serve a sentence of not less than five years of imprisonment.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for May 4. Hatchett was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on April 21, 2021, law enforcement responded to a call concerning possible commercial sex activity at the Quality Inn in Billings. Officers knocked on the door of the suspect room and announced themselves. Co-defendant Ashley Stella, another female identified as Jane Doe 1, a minor, and co-defendant Mark Jay Albrecht emerged. In interviews with law enforcement, Jane Doe 1 indicated she had met Stella in December 2020 and that Stella informed her that she worked in commercial sex.  Jane Doe 1 told law enforcement that the two traveled from Nevada and elsewhere to Montana in April 2021. Once in Montana, both Stella and Jane Doe 1 engaged in commercial sex.  Stella told law enforcement that she had met Jane Doe 1 in the fall of 2020 and learned of her true age later that year. Stella said the two had traveled from Nevada to Montana for the purpose of commercial sex and had asked Jane Doe 1 if she wanted to go on this trip with her. Investigators searched electronic media belonging to Stella and Jane Doe 1 and found numerous messages between Hackett and Stella. The communications included discussions about the upcoming commercial sex appointments of Stella and Jane Doe 1. In addition, law enforcement discovered a rental car from Reno, Nevada, from April 2021 in Hackett’s name and determined it was the same car that Stella and Jane Doe 1 drove to Montana for commercial sex. In April 2021, prostitution was illegal in Montana.

Stella, of Reno, Nevada, was sentenced to eight years in prison for conviction of transportation of a minor to engage in prostitution. Albrecht, of Gillette, Wyoming, pleaded guilty on Jan. 4 to prostitution near military and navy establishments, a misdemeanor, and is pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Bryan T. Dake are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Billings Police Department, the Reno, Nevada, Police Department and IRS.

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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 Jan. 5 was:

Christopher Glenn Lakey, 35, of Kalispell and Columbia Falls, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm, armed career criminal. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lakey faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Lakey was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, FBI Lab, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Whitefish Police Department, Montana Probation and Parole and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-43.

Appearing on Jan. 4 was:

Jared Glenn Barth, 33, of Missoula, on charges of depredation of government property. If convicted of the most serious crime, Barth faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Barth was released pending further proceedings. The Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Services and U.S. Marshals Service Court Security staff investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-61.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Jan. 5 was:

Nicole Marie Schwalbach, 40, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Schwalbach faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Schwalbach was detained pending further proceedings.  The Drug Enforcement Administration, Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-150.

Cody Lawrence Big Hair, 31, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Big Hair faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Big Hair was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.

PACER case reference. 22-119.

Crystal Angela Nicole Gutierrez, 33, of Aurora, Colorado, 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 charge, Gutierrez faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Gutierrez was released pending further proceedings. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Highway Patrol, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Laurel Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-144.

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 Livingston man who admitted to distributing methamphetamine in Park and Gallatin counties while possessing a firearm was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Ryan King Steady, 41, pleaded guilty in June 2022 to distribution of meth and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in January 2021, Livingston Police Department officers were dispatched to Steady’s residence after receiving a call that a woman was being held against her will and engaging in sex trafficking. When officers arrived, they found a 9mm semi-automatic pistol with two magazines, ammunition and a holster in Steady’s bedroom. Law enforcement further learned that Steady had several people moving meth for him. Law enforcement also learned that Steady would leave his residence to sell meth and that he sold meth from his home. In April 2021, an officer with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of Steady. Steady was on felony probation, and his supervising officer requested a search of his vehicle. Officers located gram quantities of meth, a digital scale, 55 unused clear plastic baggies, and a 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Park County Sheriff’s Office, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Probation and Parole.

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

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GREAT FALLS  — A Wolf Point man today was sentenced to 27 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, after he admitted to attempting to possess fentanyl for distribution on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Andre Jean Reum, 44, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to attempted possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that Reum was responsible for bringing large quantities of fentanyl pills from Washington the Fort Peck Indian Reservation for distribution. Reum was ordering fentanyl pills through the mail from a Washington supplier and distributing them for profit. Reum was arrested when the last package he ordered was intercepted in May 2022 and found to contain 586 fentanyl pills. After his arrest, Reum described to a fellow inmate that he had received multiple prior shipments from the same supplier.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs.

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MISSOULA  — A Superior man who admitted to setting fires on Forest Service lands was sentenced today to a term of imprisonment of eight months, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $3,323 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jeremy Johannes Hennick, 52, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to timber set afire.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that between 2013 and 2021, more than 40 suspected arson fires were set on state and federal land in Mineral County. In 2021 alone, 22 fires were documented and investigated. Law enforcement identified Hennick as a suspect after a vehicle he drove was spotted in the area of some of the fires. The government further alleged that a fire was reported on National Forest System lands on Aug. 1, 2021, at about 5 a.m., near the junction of Mullan Road East and Riverbend Road in Mineral County. Wildland fire investigators responded and documented the main fire and three additional burned items located more than 30 feet away. Investigators concluded each burned area represented a separate fire, that the fires were human-caused and had been set using homemade devices, such as cigarette packages stuffed with paper and, occasionally, covered with an accelerant.

Based on evidence, the Forest Service intensified its investigation of Hennick. Agents interviewed Hennick, who admitted he had been setting fires for four to five years, primarily by lighting trash on fire and throwing it out the window of whatever vehicle he was driving. Damage was minimal, based in large part on the diligence and resourcefulness of the Forest Service law enforcement officers who investigated the case and the firefighters who responded to the flames.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the U.S. Forest Service.

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GREAT FALLS — A North Dakota man admitted to trafficking charges today after law enforcement found hundreds of fentanyl pills and a loaded firearm in a vehicle he was driving in Great Falls, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Kelly Sterling Wait, 45, of Williston, North Dakota, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Wait faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in October 2022, Russell Country Drug Task Force agents were surveilling a motel room in Great Falls as part of an ongoing drug investigation. Two men, including Wait, left the room, entered a vehicle, drove a short distance and park. Wait was the driver. His male passenger got out of the vehicle and appeared to steal several items from trucks in the lot. The investigation led to the Montana Highway Patrol stopping the vehicle. Wait was removed from the driver’s seat and a loaded pistol was removed from his waistband, along with a fanny pack he had. The vehicle was searched on a state warrant. Approximately 186 fentanyl pills were found in the fanny pack, and six bags, each containing 100 fentanyl pills, were found in the trunk. Another 60 fentanyl pills were found in the passenger seat area.

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Heart Butte man accused strangling a woman in the Browning area on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Brandon Thomas Weatherwax, 31, pleaded guilty to strangulation. Weatherwax faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in October 2022, Weatherwax was at home with the victim, Jane Doe. Weatherwax assaulted Jane Doe for hours, including strangling her until she could no longer breathe. Photographs of Jane Doe after the assault showed bruising on her neck from being strangled.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.

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BILLINGS — The former mine safety director at the Signal Peak Energy LLC coal mine near Roundup today admitted to charges that he conspired to not report as required an incident in which a mine employee injured his fingers, resulting in partial amputation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Curtis Floyd, 47, of Billings, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with conspiracy to submit false statements in mine records. Floyd faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in 2018, Floyd was the Director of Mine Safety at the Signal Peak Energy coal mine and was responsible for overseeing safety related accidents and injuries, ensuring that all safety-related incidents at the mine were properly reported in accordance with federal law. In early 2018, John Doe 1, an employee under Floyd’s area of responsibility, had his fingers crushed while loading mining materials. The injury eventually required partial amputation. As Floyd was taking John Doe 1 to the hospital, John Doe 1 received a phone call from Dale Musgrave, the former vice president of underground operations. Musgrave directed John Doe 1 to falsely claim that the injury was unrelated to his work at the mine. Musgrave also said he would make it worth John Doe’s while. Floyd told John Doe 1 he would support whatever decision was made. John Doe 1 eventually agreed to not report the incident. Both Floyd and John Doe 1 subsequently admitted to investigators that this occurred. Floyd and Musgrave were required to complete a U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration Mine Accident, Injury and Illness report. They never completed or submitted the form for this incident. They also failed to report John Doe 1 as an “MSHA reportable injury or illness” on another MSHA quarterly mine employment and coal production report.

This prosecution was part of a broad corruption investigation into Signal Peak Energy’s management and operations that resulted in not only misdemeanor convictions of the company for willful violation of health and safety standards, but also in individual convictions and charges for some former mine officials and associates for embezzlement, tax evasion, bank fraud, money laundering, drugs and firearms violations. Musgrave was sentenced to probation and fined $20,000 for his conviction in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin M. Rubich, Zeno B. Baucus and Timothy Tatarka are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by IRS, FBI and Environmental Protection Agency.

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GREAT FALLS — A Cut Bank man accused of trafficking methamphetamine on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation after law enforcement found approximately two pounds of the drug in a Jaguar vehicle parked at his residence admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Osvaldo Aguilar, aka Aldo Chavez, aka Creeper, 47, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Aguilar faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for May 17. Aguilar was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in October 2021, law enforcement interviewed two individuals suspected being involved in drug trafficking on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The individual reported buying meth from Aguilar, known as “Creeper.” The investigation led to Aguliar’s residence in Cut Bank and to a search warrant to search the property. Officers found a Jaguar sedan that appeared not to have been driven for some time but also appeared to have been entered recently. Officers located approximately two pounds of meth in the vehicle.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.

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 Wyoming man accused of soliciting sex in a Billings motel room during an investigation into commercial sex activity in 2021 today admitted to a prostitution crime, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Mark Jay Albrecht, 65, of Gillette, Wyoming, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with prostitution near military and navy establishments, a misdemeanor. Albrecht faces a maximum of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for May 4. The court continued Albrecht’s release pending further proceedings. If accepted by the court at sentencing, a plea agreement reached by the parties recommends that Albrecht serve a sentence of no less than six months imprisonment.

The government alleged in court documents that Albrecht knowingly solicited a person for prostitution. On April 21, 2021, law enforcement responded to a call concerning possible commercial sex activity at the Quality Inn in Billings. Officers knocked on the door of the suspect room and announced themselves. Co-defendant Ashley Stella, another female identified as Jane Doe 1, a minor, and Albrecht emerged. Albrecht was witnessed buttoning up his shirt as he exited the room. Law enforcement interviewed Stella and Jane Doe 1 multiple times. Stella acknowledged that Albrecht was in the room for the purpose of commercial sex. Electronic communications recovered by law enforcement reflected discussions between Albrecht and Stella from earlier that day involving a possible commercial sex meeting. The Quality Inn is located approximately two miles from a military recruitment center, and, at the time, prostitution was illegal in the State of Montana.

Stella, of Reno, Nevada, was sentenced to eight years in prison for conviction of transportation of a minor to engage in prostitution. A third co-defendant charged in the case, Cecil Jerome Hatchett, of Las Vegas, Nevada, is scheduled for a change of plea hearing on Jan. 6.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Bryan T. Dake are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Billings Police Department, the Reno, Nevada, Police Department and IRS.

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MISSOULA  — A Bozeman man who admitted to selling methamphetamine and cocaine to approximately 10 people in the Gallatin Valley for about a year was sentenced today to four years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Gerardo Gutierrez, 21, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in July 2020, Gutierrez sold meth twice to a confidential informant. When interviewed, Gutierrez told law enforcement he had been dealing meth for another person for approximately one year and estimated he dealt an average of one ounce a week of both meth and cocaine, which is about 3.25 pounds of each drug, and sold to 10 different people.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force.

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

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

Charles Warren Campbell, 52, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and possession of an unregistered firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in August 2021, the Butte Silver-Bow Police Department officers assisted in evicting a man from a Butte residence and when they arrived, another man fled before officers could identify the person.  Officers located a firearm, five ounces of meth, a digital scale, heroin and two cell phones in a guest room. The individual being evicted advised law enforcement that Campbell had moved in about a month prior, was the man who fled the residence and that the drugs and gun were Campbell’s. A few weeks later, officers located Campbell, who had an active felony arrest warrant, driving a vehicle that had been reported stolen. In a search of the car, officers found three additional firearms, including a modified shotgun with a pistol grip and an obliterated serial number, a .25-caliber handgun and a 9mm pistol. Officers also located ammunition, meth, heroin and a fentanyl pill. Campbell told officers he was a ranking member of the Aryan Brotherhood in Arizona and had been receiving and distributing large quantities of meth and heroin over the past month. Campbell had a prior felony conviction and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Butte Silver-Bow Law Enforcement and Montana Probation and Parole.

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

 

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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 Dec. 29 was:

Jesse Lee Hopkins, 38, a transient, on charges of bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hopkins faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release on the bank 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. Hopkins was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations and the Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-108.

Joseph Lee Doney, 41, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition—armed career criminal, possession of a stolen firearm and possession of body armor by a violent felon. If convicted of the most serious crime, Doney faces a mandatory minimum 15 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Doney was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-146.

Appearing on Dec. 28 was:

Geofredo James Littlebird, Jr., 38, of Lame Deer, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Littlebird faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Littlebird was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case.  PACER case reference. 22-149.

Appearing on Dec. 27 was:

Michael Joseph Owens, 42, of Aurora, Colorado, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Owens 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 counts 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 count. Owens was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Highway Patrol and Laurel Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-144.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Dec. 28 was:

Alex George Deserly, 43, of Box Elder, on charges of strangulation and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to intimate partner. If convicted of the most serious crime, Deserly faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Deserly was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-101.

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

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

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Dec. 20 was:

Aaron Clifford Olson, 50, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Olson faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Olson was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-134.

Appearing on Dec. 16 was:

Travis Ridenour, aka Travis Lamere, 34, of Billings, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ridenour faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and a mandatory minimum five years of supervised release. Ridenour was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-111.

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

Brian George Funk, 53, of Spokane, Washington, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Funk faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Funk was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-121.

Ian Ray Stewart, 24, of Great Falls, 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, Stewart faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Stewart was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-89.

Appearing on Dec. 15 was:

Danyell Rose Black Dog, 22, of Poplar, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth resulting in death. If convicted of the most serious crime, Black Dog faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Black Dog was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Fort Peck Tribes investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-98.

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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