District of Montana

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

Elmarie Amelia Weeks, 22, pleaded guilty on Dec. 14 to a superseding information charging her with kidnapping of an individual under 18. Weeks faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to life 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 April 27. Weeks was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that Weeks aided and abetted in the Sept. 15, 2021 kidnapping of a 15-year-old minor girl from her house by a group of individuals. That evening, after drinking alcohol, Weeks accompanied the group of individuals to the victim’s house. Co-defendant Cheri Cruz Granbois offered to pay another co-defendant, Kaylee Jade Jackson, money to “beat up” the victim. As a result, the victim was lured out of the house and the situation escalated. Some individuals in the group assaulted the victim. When eyewitnesses yelled that they were going to call the police, some of the group kidnapped the victim, forcing her into a vehicle and driving away to continue the assault. Weeks helped to seize, confine or abduct the victim. The vehicle took the victim to a vacant field in Wolf Point, where some in the group beat the victim again.

Co-defendant Lavanchie Patricia Goodbird has pleaded guilty in the case and is pending sentencing. Four other co-defendants have pleaded not guilty and are pending trial, including Granbois, Jackson, Dylan Troy Jackson and Patti Jo Annunciata Mail.

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

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BILLINGS — A Lame Deer pastor appeared on a summons for arraignment today on sexual abuse charges alleged to have occurred on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Dean Alan Smith, 66, a pastor, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of aggravated sexual abuse, one count of abusive sexual contact and three counts of abusive sexual contact by force and of a child. If convicted of the most serious crime, Smith faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Judge Cavan continued Smith’s release with conditions pending further proceedings.

An indictment, filed on Dec. 9, alleges that between 2017 and 2019 near Lame Deer, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, Smith knowingly caused a person, identified as Jane Doe 1, to engage in a sexual act by using force and that Smith knowing caused Jane Doe 1 to engage in sexual contact by using force. The indictment further alleges that between 2017 and 2019, Smith knowingly caused a person, identified as Jane Doe 2, who had not attained the age of 12, to engage in sexual contact by force. In addition, the indictment alleges that between 2019 and 2020, Smith knowingly caused persons, identified as Jane Doe 3 and Jane Doe 4, both who had not attained the age of 12, to engage in sexual contact by force.

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

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

If people have additional information or know of persons who may have encountered similar conduct alleged against the defendant, please contact the FBI Billings Office at 406-248-8487.

PACER case reference. 22-140.

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 using stolen personal identifying information to make fraudulent checks in a scheme to spend almost $40,000 at area businesses was sentenced on Dec. 19 to 51 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

John Brendan Dailey, 52, pleaded guilty in August to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered $28,359 restitution.

The government alleged that in 2019 and 2020, Dailey participated in a fraudulent check scheme where he used fake identification cards, stolen checks and check printing software and materials to create new checks with valid account numbers. Dailey then used the fake identification cards and altered checks to spend almost $40,000 at businesses in the Great Falls and surrounding area. Dailey’s conduct affected dozens of victims and impersonated numerous real individuals, who suffered financial loss and now face a lifetime of monitoring whether someone is using their personal information.

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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GREAT FALLS — An East Glacier man accused of shooting to death another man in a Bearpaw residence, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, in 2020 admitted to a murder charge on Dec. 19, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Dillon James Wippert, 27, pleaded guilty to second degree murder. Wippert faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for May 11, 2023. Wippert was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on May 19, 2020, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services notified the FBI that there was a death of an individual, identified as John Doe, in a residence in Bearpaw. John Doe lived in the residence at the time. On May 17, 2020, Wippert, John Doe, and three other individuals were at the residence celebrating Wippert’s birthday. At some point, John Doe and others became upset at Wippert and confronted him. After the confrontation, most of the individuals thought Wippert had left the residence. While there are discrepancies in descriptions of events leading to John Doe’s death, at some point only John Doe and Wippert were at the residence. John Doe was in his bedroom when Wippert shot him. An autopsy confirmed that Wippert first shot John Doe in the arm and then shot him in the back of the head. Family members found John Doe’s body on May 19, 2020 in his bedroom.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori Harper Suek, Wendy A. Johnson and Kalah Paisley are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, with assistance from the Cut Bank Police Department, Glacier County Sheriff's Office, Mineral County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshals Service.

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GREAT FALLS — A Cut Bank woman today admitted to charges stemming from the death of a passenger and the injury of another individual when the vehicle she was driving crashed head on into another vehicle in East Glacier, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Feather Lynn Stillsmoking, 32, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Stillsmoking 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 11, 2023. Stillsmoking was detained pending sentencing.

In court documents, the government alleged that on March 12, Stillsmoking was driving a 2003 Oldsmobile west on US 2 into East Glacier at a high rate of speed when the vehicle crossed the centerline and collided head on with an eastbound Nissan. A passenger, identified as John Doe, who was in the Oldsmobile, died at the scene of blunt force injuries. Another individual, identified as Jane Doe, who was the driver of the Nissan, suffered serious injuries. An analysis of Stillsmoking’s blood found alcohol, amphetamine and methamphetamine. Stillsmoking told investigators that she drank a fifth of vodka prior to the crash. Investigators determined that the Oldsmobile was traveling at 102 mph five seconds before impact. The speed limit at the crash location is a 25-mph restricted speed zone.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol.

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BILLINGS  — Two women who admitted to stealing liquor at gunpoint from a Billings casino, firing a warning shot while fleeing and discarding two loaded firearms on elementary school property were sentenced this week to prison terms, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Makyla Shayd Fetter, 28, of Harlem, was sentenced on Dec. 14 to 10 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $745 restitution. Fetter pleaded guilty in August to robbery affecting commerce, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and possession of a firearm in a school zone.

Co-defendant Taliah Jeneane Ramirez, 22, of Billings, was sentenced today to seven years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $745 restitution. Ramirez pleaded guilty in August to robbery affecting commerce, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and possession of a firearm in a school zone.

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

“As we continue to combat gun violence in Billings, everyone should take notice that if you use a gun while committing a crime, you will be aggressively prosecuted by the United States Department of Justice.  Not only did one of these defendants discharge a gun during this robbery, but the defendants unconscionably used a playground to ditch the guns while trying to evade law enforcement.  As shown by these sentences to prison, they did not succeed,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The government alleged in court documents that on March 20, Fetter and Ramirez entered the Magic Diamond Casino in the Billings Heights, and Fetter removed five bottles of Southern Comfort liquor from a shelf. When an employee asked to see Fetter’s identification, Fetter pulled out a loaded pistol, pointed it at the clerk and said, “here’s your (obscenity) ID.”  As the defendants escaped in a vehicle, Ramirez took out a pistol and fired a round into the air. A high-speed pursuit with law enforcement ensued before officers stopped to avoid risks to civilians. The defendants’ vehicle crashed after going through a fence at Ponderosa Elementary School, and both women discarded their loaded guns on the school grounds. Officers found one of the firearms. The next day, a student found the second firearm and notified a faculty member. Both firearms were determined to have been stolen.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.

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BUTTE  — A multi-agency undercover investigation into a large-scale drug trafficking organization that had ties to the Sinaloa Cartel and brought massive quantities of methamphetamine, counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and heroin to Butte for redistribution has resulted in the federal convictions of 22 persons, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced today.

U.S. Attorney Laslovich, along with federal, state and local law enforcement partners, discussed the dismantling of the Butte drug trafficking network at a news conference at the Montana Highway Patrol office in Butte. Led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation, with assistance from numerous federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, the investigation was one of the largest federal drug trafficking probes in Montana in recent years.

According to court documents and statements in court, the investigation, which began in 2019 with a tip about a suspicious package containing money being sent to California, led to federal convictions in Montana of 22 individuals from Montana, California and Mexico. Three of the drug traffickers, Humberto Villareal and Ricardo Ramos Medina, both of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, and Heriberto Tavares, of Anaheim, California, had ties to the Cartel.

Today in Missoula, U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen sentenced Helena resident Michael Robert Lee, 25, to 46 months in prison for his conviction on possession with intent to distribute meth in relation to the investigation.  Lee is one of two remaining defendants indicted in the overall investigation to be sentenced. Defendant Tavares, an associate of Villareal and Medina, is pending sentencing in February for his guilty plea in October to possession with intent to distribute meth.

“Far too often, we believe that cartel-related activity in America is limited to southern border states, but as these cases show, we have significant issues facing us in Montana, including in an area where I grew up,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said. “These cases also show that our office will pursue cartel-related activity without fear or hesitation. Individuals associated with this network brought staggering amounts of methamphetamine, fake oxycontin pills laced with fentanyl, and heroin from Mexico and into Montana for distribution. This years-long investigation and prosecution shut down the flow of these dangerous drugs, held suppliers and local dealers accountable, and saved lives in Montana communities. The success of this collaborative enforcement action would not have been possible without the dedication, cooperation, and hard work of all of our law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable and to keep Montanans safe. Our work does not end with the conclusion of these cases, but rather is just beginning.”

“The Sinaloa Cartel is one of two primary cartels responsible for flooding the United States with fentanyl and methamphetamine,” said Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Rocky Mountain Division Brian Besser.  “This investigation has revealed the extent to which the Sinaloa Cartel has extended its reach into Montana; however, the law enforcement agencies, at the local, state and federal level, have demonstrated via the results of this case that we will continue to attack these networks at every level to save lives and protect our communities from the scourge of illicit drugs.”

“The shipment of illegal and dangerous narcotics remains a plague on our streets. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains steadfast in our commitment to work with our partners in law enforcement to do everything we can to bring these drug dealers to justice and protect communities across Montana and the country,” said Assistant Inspector in Charge (AIC) Jarrod Resendez, of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

“There’s no question that Mexico is the source of illegal drugs pouring into our state. These cases – which are the culmination of years of investigative and prosecutorial work – put that to rest,” Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen said. “Our DCI narcotics agents and Highway Patrol troopers work closely with federal and local partners every day, and I’ll continue our work to strengthen those partnerships to keep drugs out of Montana and put traffickers behind bars.”

“I am very grateful for the multi-jurisdictional approach and the cooperation between local, state and federal law enforcement. These are lengthy, labor-intensive and detailed operations,” Butte Silver Bow Sheriff Ed Lester said. “This investigation was very successful in that a significant number of defendants were indicted. It puts drug traffickers on notice that Southwest Montana is a very dangerous place to do business.”

In court statements, the government estimated that the overall drug trafficking network was responsible for bringing 2,043 pounds of meth and 722,000 fentanyl-laced pills from Mexico to Butte for redistribution, with approximately $2.98 million laundered in drug proceeds.  During the investigation, law enforcement seized 65 pounds of methamphetamine, which is the equivalent of 235,560 doses, more than 2,000 counterfeit oxycontin pills containing fentanyl and three pounds of heroin. Law enforcement also seized $32,875 in cash and 19 firearms.

The government said Mexico suppliers brought drugs on rail and by individuals across the border at ports of entry to stash houses in Southern California. The traffickers then transported multi-pound quantities by vehicle and through the mail to Butte. From Butte, local dealers trafficked the drugs to Missoula, Helena, Great Falls, Bozeman, Billings and Wolf Point for street-level distribution.  The dealers then laundered drug proceeds through the mail, cash shipments and wire transactions back to the Mexico suppliers.

Montana defendants convicted:

Charles Clement, 36, of Butte – Conspiracy– 54 months in prison

Steve Shipe, 52, of Butte – Conspiracy – 60 months in prison

Jeremy Rivers, 45, of Butte – Possession with the Intent to Distribute – 60 months in       prison

Dale Johnson, 27, of Butte – Possession with the Intent to Distribute – 46 months in       prison

Michael Robert Lee, 25, of Helena – 46 months in prison

James Starcevich, 25, of Butte – Conspiracy – 5 years of supervision, 1 day in prison

Charles Petty, 34, of Butte – Possession with the Intent to Distribute – 120 months in     prison

MaryJane Galloway, 37, of Butte – Deceased prior to sentencing

Shawn Miller, 33, of Butte – Possession with the Intent to Distribute – 60 months in       prison

Josh Schroeder, 40, of Butte – Conspiracy – 188 months in prison

David Shaver, 34, of Butte – Conspiracy – 54 months in prison

David Viers, 59, of Butte – Possession with the Intent to Distribute – 12 months in prison

Opal Cox, 40, of Great Falls – Conspiracy – 144 months in prison

Travis Soderberg, 47, of Butte – Possession with the Intent to Distribute – 96 months in       prison

Deric Sherman, 55, of Butte – Possession with the Intent to Distribute – 78 months in       prison

Anthony Lamere, 33, of Butte – Possession with the Intent to Distribute – 84 months in       prison

Gloria Lucero, 54, of Great Falls – Possession with the Intent to Distribute – 64 months       in prison

Clayton Cleland, 40, of Butte – Conspiracy – 54 months in prison

California defendants convicted:

Oscar Luna, 32, Bakersfield – Conspiracy – 72 months in prison

Heriberto Tavares, 29, Anaheim – Possession with Intent to Distribute, sentencing set for February 21, 2023

Mexico defendants convicted:

Humberto Villareal, 34, Culiacan, Sinaloa – Possession with the Intent to Distribute –         204 months in prison

Ricardo Ramos Medina, 34, Culiacan, Sinaloa – Conspiracy – 96 months in prison

 Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the cases.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation led the investigation, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Highway Patrol, the Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, Butte Silver Bow Law Enforcement and Butte Silver Bow County Attorney’s Office.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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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. 8 was:

Johnathan Taylor Dugan, 37, a transient, on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Dugan faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release on bank fraud and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on aggravated identity theft. Dugan was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department, Bozeman Police Department and FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-132.

Appearing on Dec. 6 was:

Sergio Antonio Lopez, 32, of Hardin, on charges of assault by strangulation of a former spouse and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury of former spouse. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lopez faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Lopez was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-135.

Theo Summers Buffalo Bulltail, 39, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition and possession of unregistered firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bulltail faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Bulltail was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-86.

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 Charlo man who today admitted to illegally killing a grizzly bear in 2018 was ordered to pay $5,000 restitution and sentenced to two years of federal probation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Kevin Moll, 31, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with unlawful taking of a threatened species.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided.

The government alleged in court documents that an investigation began on Sept. 26, 2018, when a sow grizzly bear’s collar went to “zero,” indicting the grizzly bear was dead. Law enforcement located the dead grizzly bear on a bone pile at the Perry Dairy near Charlo and found that the bear’s collar and ear tag had been removed.

Moll admitted he shot the grizzly bear from his vehicle and knew it was a grizzly before taking the shot. Moll shot the bear a second time in the neck. After walking up to the bear, Moll saw it had a collar. Moll used a front-end loader to pick up the grizzly and drop it on the bone pile. Approximately two days later, Moll saw biologists searching for the grizzly bear from a helicopter. He admitted he returned to the grizzly bear he’d killed, cut off the collar and ear tag and threw the items into Crow Creek. Law enforcement recovered the bear’s collar. Moll acknowledged he knew grizzlies were protected before pulling the trigger, and that he did not have a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to kill the grizzly bear.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the U.S. FWS.

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GREAT FALLS  — A Washington man convicted by a federal jury of drug trafficking crimes for bringing methamphetamine and fentanyl to the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation for distribution was sentenced today to 10 years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

A jury on Aug. 17 found Aaron Ramirez Espinoza, 37, of Yakima, Washington, guilty of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances,

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

In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that in May 2021, law enforcement seized fentanyl pills from a witness, who identified his suppliers as a group of men from Yakima. The investigation led to Espinoza being identified as a member of this group. Law enforcement further learned that Espinoza was bringing drugs to Montana, and the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation in particular, for distribution, and that he had made repeated drug runs to Montana for more than a year. On May 12, 2022, officers arrested Espinoza at a Great Falls business’ gas station and found in his jacket pocket a pouch containing a bag of meth and two bags of fentanyl pills.  Espinoza later said he had been going to meet someone at the business but that they never showed up and that he was “trying to make a living.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Russell Country Drug Task Force and Great Falls 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 Missoula woman who admitted to distributing methamphetamine was sentenced to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Deva Crystal Hartsoe, 42, pleaded guilty in August to distribution of meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in April 2021, law enforcement made a controlled purchase of meth from Hartsoe. Hartsoe was interviewed later and admitted that she had sold meth. Co-defendant Devin Neil Farley was sentenced in November to eight years in prison for his conviction in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, Missoula Police Department, Flathead Tribal Police and Northwest 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 Lodge Grass man who admitted to breaking into a woman’s house on the Crow Indian Reservation and sexually abusing her in 2020 was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Joe Claren Tate Reed, 32, pleaded guilty in August to burglary.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that on July 18, 2020, Reed was drinking with the victim, identified as Jane Doe, and others. In the early morning, Doe was taken home and put to bed because of alcohol intoxication. Reed then broke into Doe’s home and sexually assaulted her. Doe reported the assault to Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement and got a medical exam. Reed consented to giving a buccal swab. The results found Reed’s DNA on swabs taken from Doe’s exam. Reed initially denied having sex with Doe. When confronted with the DNA results, Reed claimed he attempted to have consensual sex with Doe, but she passed out, so he stopped.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori Harper Suek and Thomas K. Godfrey prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.

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BILLINGS  — A Billings man who admitted to possessing hundreds of child pornography images was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Bessman also was ordered to pay $18,000 restitution to his victims.

Miles Edward Bessman, 49, pleaded guilty in July to possession of child pornography as charged in an indictment.

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

The government alleged in court documents that an investigation of Bessman began in 2019 after law enforcement received two Cybertips indicating that a certain IP address had uploaded child pornography to Google. Investigators determined that the IP address was located at Bessman’s residence and executed a search warrant for Bessman’s Google account. A review of material collected from Bessman’s account found more than 800 images of child pornography. The material included videos and images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on Bessman’s residence in January 2020, collected electronic media and found files containing child pornography on his cell phone.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and the Billings 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 Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Nov. 29 was:

Damon Alexander Wahl, 46, of Clinton, on charges of wire fraud and money laundering. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wahl faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Wahl was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and IRS investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-58.

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

Christian Aaron Monroy, 24, of Pryor, on charges of domestic assault by a habitual offender. If convicted of the most serious crime, Monroy faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Monroy was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case.  PACER case reference. 22-109.

Appearing on Nov. 29 was:

Jaren Michael Stennerson, 37, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment for a felony. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stennerson faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Stennerson was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-139.

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

Kyle Lynn Brown, 48, of Browning, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Brown faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Brown was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-91.

Brittany Lynn Gervais, 25, of Browning, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a minor and sexual abuse. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gervais faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Gervais was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-93.

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 Fort Kipp woman who admitted to striking and killing a man with her vehicle on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 18 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Joanna Sayetsitty, 35, pleaded guilty in August to involuntary manslaughter.

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

The government alleged that on Aug. 22, 2019, Sayetsitty was driving around the Fort Kipp area with the victim, drinking alcohol and listening to music. At some point, Sayetsitty and the victim had a fight, and the victim got out of the vehicle. Sayetsitty drove away, running over the victim and leaving him in a field, where he died. The body was found three days later and was only identified after his clothing was described on social media. Sayetsitty admitted in a court hearing to driving the vehicle in a reckless manner, and striking the victim, causing his death.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy A. Johnson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice and the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office.

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MISSOULA  — A Pablo man who admitted to trafficking fentanyl pills in the community was sentenced today to four years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Donald Ray McLeod, 38, pleaded guilty in July to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that on Dec. 20, 2021, McLeod fled from an attempted traffic stop in Lake County and was arrested following a crash. In a search of the vehicle, officer located a large amount of fentanyl pills, $6,070 in U.S. currency and a .380-caliber pistol. McLeod admitted to investigators that he sold pills to make money and estimated he traveled nearly two times a month for more than one year to Spokane, Washington, to pick up from 250 to 500 pills each trip. The investigation found that the pills seized contained 358 fentanyl pills.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Northwest 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 in the Lake County community was sentenced today to 66 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Gary David Conan, 42, pleaded guilty in August to distribution of meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in April 2020, officers with the Northwest Drug Task Force stopped Conan’s vehicle after he distributed meth and recovered approximately 94 grams of additional pure meth. Conan was indicted for this conduct and was released on conditions. Conan did not report to U.S. Probation and was at large until he was arrested by the Butte Police Department in October 2021 on drug charges.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Northwest Drug Task Force and Montana Highway Patrol.

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 woman suspected in the 2021 kidnapping and assault of a minor girl in Wolf Point, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, today admitted to her role in the kidnapping, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Lavanchie Patricia Goodbird, 30, pleaded guilty to kidnapping of an individual under 18. Goodbird faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for April 6 and continued Goodbird’s detention.

The government alleged in court documents, that on Sept. 15, 2021 in Wolf Point, a group of individuals lured a 15-year-old girl out of her house and kidnapped her. That evening, after drinking alcohol, Goodbird drove the group to the victim’s house. Goodbird was under the impression that the group was going to the victim’s house so that one of the individuals in the group could fight the victim. The victim was lured out of the house and the situation escalated. Some of the individuals in the group assaulted the victim in her front yard. When eyewitnesses yelled that they were going to call the police, some of individuals kidnapped the victim because they wanted to continue assaulting her. Goodbird drove the vehicle and transported the victim to a vacant lot where some in group beat the victim again.

Five other codefendants have pleaded not guilty to charges and are pending trial. The codefendants are Cheri Cruz Granbois, Elmarie Amelia Weeks, Dylan Troy Jackson, Kaylee Jade Jackson and Patti Jo Annunciata Mail.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy A. Johnson is 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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GREAT FALLS — A Wolf Point man suspected in the kidnapping and assault of a minor girl in Wolf Point, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, was arraigned today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Dylan Troy Jackson, 21, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with kidnapping of an individual under 18, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a minor. The indictment alleges that on Sept. 15, 2021 in Wolf Point, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Jackson, along with codefendants, kidnapped and assaulted an individual identified as Jane Doe, who was under the age of 18. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jackson faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Jackson was detained pending further proceedings.

The FBI, Fort Peck Law Enforcement, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Wolf Point Police Department investigated the case.

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

PACER case reference. 22-77.

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

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BILLINGS  — A California man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine after law enforcement found about a pound of the drug in his vehicle in Livingston was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Michael Romie Cervantes, 48, of Fresno, California, pleaded guilty in July to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on March 25, 2021 in Livingston, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle Cervantes was driving. The trooper developed reasonable suspicion that Cervantes and his passenger were involved in criminal activity. Upon execution of a search warrant, the officer found about one pound of meth in a backpack in the vehicle. One pound of meth is the equivalent of 3,624 doses,

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Highway Patrol.

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 Nov. 23 was:

John Randolph Bland, IV, 58, of Livingston, on charges of possession of a stolen firearm and prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bland faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Bland was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Livingston Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-131.

Appearing for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint was:

Marshall Vincent Lucas, 41, of Roundup, on charges of sexual exploitation of children. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lucas faces a mandatory minimum 15 years to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Lucas was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Musselshell County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-160.

Michael Joseph Owens, 42, of Colorado, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Owens faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release. Owens was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case.  PACER case reference. 22-161.

Appearing on Nov. 22 and pleading not guilty was:

Jacob Parker Renouard, 33, of Spokane, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Renouard faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Renouard was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-125.

Tysawn Dantae Pine, 24, of Busby, on charges of strangulation. If convicted of the most serious crime, Pine faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Pine was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-80.

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

David Loren Waldeck, 57, of Port Orchard, Washington, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Waldeck faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Waldeck was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations, the Flathead Tribal Police Department and Lake County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-59.

Derek Steven Trumbull, 35, of Missoula, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Trumbull faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Trumbull was detained pending further proceedings. The Missoula Police Department, Montana Probation and Parole and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-52.

Donald Willard Stebbins, 30, of Missoula, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stebbins faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Stebbins was released pending further proceedings. The Missoula Police Department, Montana Probation and Parole and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.  PACER case reference. 22-53.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Nov. 22 was:

Kelly Sterling Wait, 45, of Williston, North Dakota, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wait faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release on the drug charge and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge. Wait was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Russell Country Drug Task Force and the Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-95.

Yevgeniy Rudnitskiy, 34, of Spokane, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rudnitskiy faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Rudnitskiy was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Russell Country Drug Task Force and the Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-95.

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

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MISSOULA  — A Missoula man who admitted to selling methamphetamine in the community for more than a year was sentenced today to eight years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Devin Neil Farley, 40, pleaded guilty in August to distribution of meth.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that Farley was involved in distributing meth throughout 2021 and early 2022. Farley sold a total of three ounces in two separate transactions to a confidential informant in April 2021. In November 2021, Farley was stopped in a vehicle and was in possession of a handgun, fentanyl pills and meth. And in March 2022, Farley was found in a hotel room with another handgun, additional fentanyl pills and meth.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, Missoula Police Department, Flathead Tribal Police and Northwest 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 Birney man suspected of killing another man near Lame Deer, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, in June was arraigned today on murder and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Terence Arturo Limberhand, 31, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with first degree murder, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and possession of a stolen firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Limberhand faces mandatory life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the murder charge and a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Judge Cavan ordered Limberhand detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleges in the indictment that on June 21 near Lame Deer, Limberhand unlawfully killed the victim, identified as John Doe, with malice aforethought and premeditation and that Limberhand possessed a firearm in furtherance of first-degree murder. The indictment further alleges that on June 28, Limberhand possessed a stolen firearm.

The FBI investigated the case.

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

PACER case reference. 22-129.

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

 

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BILLINGS — A Billings man indicted on child pornography charges appeared for arraignment today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jeffrey Eugene Herbert, 34, pleaded not guilty to an indictment filed on Nov. 18 charging him with production of child pornography, distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Herbert faces a mandatory minimum 15 years to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

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

The government alleged in the indictment that in June in Billings, Herbert coerced a minor, identified as Jane Doe 1, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the production of child pornography. The indictment further alleges that in April 2019, Herbert distributed child pornography and that in January 2008, he possessed child pornography.

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

The FBI investigated the case.

PACER case reference. 22-133.

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 Belgrade woman who admitted to stealing more than $800,000 from her employer while she worked as an accountant and controller was sentenced today to 16 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Renae Swanson, 59, pleaded guilty in May to wire fraud.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Judge Christensen also ordered Swanson to pay $804,413 restitution.

The government alleged in court documents that from 2012 until 2019, Swanson embezzled $804,413 while working as an accountant and controller for Williams Plumbing & Heating. Swanson fraudulently altered the payroll process, resulting in her increasing the amount of money she received from the business.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted 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 Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Nov. 15 was:

Jordan Paige Day, 24, of Wolf Point, 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, Day faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Day was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Idaho State Police, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Peck Department of Law and Justice investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-74.

Kevin Clarence Bell, 44, 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, Bell faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Bell was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, US. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-89.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Nov. 17 was:

Marcyanna Rose Dimond, 44, of Polson, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Dimond faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Dimond was detained pending further proceedings. The Northwest Drug Task Force, Flathead Tribal Police Department and Montana Probation and Parole investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-48.

Appearing on Nov. 15 was:

Candy Lynn Coleman, aka Candy Lynn Anderson, 47, of Missoula, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Coleman faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Coleman was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Great Falls Police Department and Missoula Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-90.

Aaron Lee Grossman, 50, of Washington, Utah, on charges of theft of government money, false claims to government agency and Social Security fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Grossman faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Grossman was released pending further proceedings. The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-49.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Nov. 17 was:

Casey Wallace Leider, 31, of Hardin, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Leider faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Leider was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-105.

Appearing on Nov. 15 was:

James “JC” Luis Costilla, 34, of Lame Deer, and Ivan Eaglefeathers, 19, of Busby, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug offense. If convicted of the most serious crime, Costilla and Eaglefeathers face a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug counts and a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm count. Costilla and Eaglefeathers were detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-89.

Wendell Monroe Lefthand, 53, of Lodge Grass, on charges of assault of spouse resulting in substantial bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lefthand faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Lefthand was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-123.

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

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MISSOULA — A former Missoula resident convicted by a federal jury of transporting, distributing and receiving child pornography using the internet and social media was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

After a three-day trial in July, the jury found Taurean Jerome Weber, 40, formerly of Missoula and recently of Littleton, Colorado, guilty of all eight counts, including four counts of transportation of child pornography, three counts of distribution and one count of receipt of child pornography.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Judge Christensen also ordered $27,000 restitution to nine victims who sought restitution.

In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that from about September 2016 to July 2020, Weber used Dropbox,  Instagram, and electronic devices to obtain, store, and distribute child pornography. Overall, Weber distributed or possessed at least 715 video files and 3,567 images of sexually explicit conduct which, under the guidelines, equates to 57,192 images. The government presented evidence that Instagram repeatedly disabled Weber’s accounts for distributing the content, yet Weber quickly created new accounts and resumed sharing child pornography.

An investigation began in October 2019 when Instagram reported child pornography on its platform to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which sends those CyberTips to members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for investigation. Records obtained through subpoenas and search warrants found evidence that Weber was the creator and user of the social media and email accounts. Investigators served a search warrant on Weber’s residence, seized computers and storage devices and determined they contained video and image files depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The government further alleged Weber used multiple usernames on multiple platforms to purchase and trade child pornography and that his collection contained a who’s who of identified series of child pornography by NCMEC.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyndee L. Peterson and Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Missoula Police Department Det. Katie Hall, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and 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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MISSOULA — A Butte man who robbed at gunpoint three business in three cities in five days was sentenced today to 13 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Thomas Scott Cockrill, 50, pleaded guilty in July 2021 to three counts of robbery affecting commerce and to brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on Feb. 9, 2021, Cockrill robbed Blackjack Pizza in Missoula and brandished a handgun at an employee. Later that same evening, Cockrill held up at gunpoint an employee of the La Quinta Inn in Helena. Four days later, on Feb. 13, 2021, Cockrill robbed the Elevated Dispensary in Butte and brandished a handgun at an employee. Each business lost several hundred dollars in the robberies. Cockrill admitted to law enforcement that he owned three firearms and robbed the three businesses.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, Helena Police Department, Missoula Police Department, Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement and Montana Probation and Parole.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.

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MISSOULA  — A Kalispell man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in Flathead County for about two years after law enforcement found more than a pound of the drug, firearms, and cash belonging to him during a search was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Timothy Leo Vleisides, 64, pleaded guilty in August to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on Aug. 25, 2021, law enforcement in Flathead County searched a storage container and vehicle belonging to Vleisides and recovered 472 grams, or a little more than one pound, of meth, two handguns, and $35,360 in U.S. currency. When confronted, Vleisides admitted he had received meth in the mail every other month for the past two years and that he was cleaning out his storage container so law enforcement would not find anything.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Northwest 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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GREAT FALLS — A Browning man accused of beating a man in the head with a claw hammer admitted to an assault charge on Nov.16, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Calvin Lame Bull Juneau, 37, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Juneau 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. Judge Morris set sentencing for April 6, 2023. Juneau was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on Nov. 19, 2021, Juneau and co-defendant, Dale Ray Racine, entered a residence in Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, and assaulted the victim, identified as John Doe, who was sleeping in a bedroom. Doe awoke and saw Juneau and Racine rushing toward him. Juneau had a claw hammer in his hands. The victim received multiple strikes in the head, one to his hand and one to his leg. The victim was transported by ambulance to the Indian Health Service in Browning and treated for head injuries. Racine pleaded guilty earlier to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and is pending sentencing.

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

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HELENA – U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich today announced a grant award of $346,984 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to a Montana task force that investigates internet crimes against children and the exploitation of children.

The grant for the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force from OJP’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) will allow the task force to maintain, expand and improve its effectiveness in preventing, interdicting, investigating and prosecuting internet crimes against children and technology-related child exploitation.

The grant is among nearly $105 million in Justice Department OJP awards announced earlier this month to protect children from exploitation, trauma and abuse, and to fund improvements in the judicial system’s handling of child abuse and neglect cases.

“Children should be allowed to live, grow, learn and thrive in environments that are supportive and nurturing, but many are deprived of that opportunity by threats to their health and safety,” said Administrator Liz Ryan of OJP’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). “By delivering these resources to the professionals who devote their careers and lives to protecting children, we are making good on our commitment to the well-being of America’s young people.”

“I am pleased to announce this grant for the Montana ICAC Task Force. This program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing investigations of those who use technology, like the internet and social media, to sexually exploit and harm children through child pornography, coercion and trafficking activities. We remain committed to keeping our children safe and to aggressively pursuing predators,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

Grants from OJP’s OJJDP are distributing millions of dollars to local, state and Tribal jurisdictions throughout the United States, the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia to support child protection efforts.

The OJJDP grant for the Montana ICAC Task Force was awarded to the Montana Department of Justice, which administers the funding. The ICAC Task Force’s primary goal is expand the quantity and quality of detection, investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of electronic technology-facilitated crimes against children. The task force also will provide education programs for law enforcement officers, teachers, parents, and children; serve as a resource to law enforcement agencies for both investigations and forensic examination; assist as needed with the prosecution of cases; and participate in nationally coordinated investigations.

This award is being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about ODJJP and other OJP awards can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and strengthen the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

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BILLINGS — A Livingston man today admitted to illegally possessing a firearm while using drugs after law enforcement seized firearms, ammunition and drug paraphernalia that tested positive for methamphetamine in his residence, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Daniel Joseph Colvin, 35, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of firearm. Colvin faces a maximum of 10 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. Judge Watters set sentencing for March 30, 2023. Colvin was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in the spring of 2022, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives received information that Colvin was in possession of firearms and was heavily using meth and fentanyl. Agents executed a search warrant on Colvin’s residence and seized firearms and ammunition belonging to Colvin and also located numerous items of drug paraphernalia that tested positive for meth. Witnesses told law enforcement that Colvin would buy and use fentanyl and was using meth.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas K. Godfrey is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the ATF and Park County Sheriff’s Office.

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

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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 a criminal complaint for an initial appearance on Nov. 9 was:

Daniel August Meyer, 28, of Post Falls, Idaho, on charges of stalking, prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of illegal firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Meyer faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Meyer was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force and Missoula Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-83.

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 — An initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Billings Police Department to catch those who steal personal information and use it to commit fraud in the community has resulted in dozens of federal prosecutions and mandatory federal prison sentences, federal and local law enforcement officials announced today.

Since September 2020, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has indicted 33 defendants, the majority of whom are Billings-area residents, on fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. Of those, 20 defendants have been convicted and sentenced to a total of more than 54 years in prison, with prison terms ranging from 18 months to 65 months. Six defendants are pending sentencing and seven defendants are awaiting trial. The total loss amount for all sentenced cases is approximately $272,061, while a total of approximately $217,942 in restitution to victims has been ordered.

U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich and Billings Police Chief Rich St. John, joined by Homeland Security Investigations, discussed efforts to combat fraud and aggravated identity theft, along with related property and violent crime, at a news conference today at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Billings.

“Combatting violent crimes in Billings continues to be a top priority for our office, particularly when, as with these property and violent crime cases, they are driven by methamphetamine and fentanyl addictions,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.  “Many of these offenders have significant state criminal records but rarely received jail time in an overburdened state system.  By prosecuting fraud and aggravated identity theft crimes federally, defendants face mandatory minimum federal prison sentences and are subject to federal supervision after serving their time.  This initiative’s success reflects the effective and collaborative work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich and Billings Police Det. Mike Robinson, along with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, to investigate and prosecute these cases.  We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable and to help keep Billings safe.”

“This Initiative demonstrates the commitment to hold people accountable for widespread fraud that has affected so many victims.  Our offices will continue to work tirelessly to protect individuals and businesses from financial loss due to identity theft, and I thank our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations for their work in this area.  Like the Billings Police Department, they are dedicated to protecting citizens of Montana though public outreach and aggressive prosecution from identity thieves,” Billings Police Chief St. John said. 

The Aggravated Identity Theft Initiative was started to address an increase in property crime, including burglary, theft and fraud offenses, in the community, officials said. Drug addicts often commit property crimes to feed their addictions. Perpetrators seek anything of value to sell, especially high-value items, like stolen credit cards, checks and personal information. Offenders then use stolen personal information, checks and credit cards to defraud banks and businesses, while causing financial havoc for the victims whose identity was stolen.

Offenders commonly steal personal information by canvassing neighborhoods for unlocked vehicles or break into vehicles and search them for wallets, checkbooks and purses; stealing mail from mailboxes looking for credit cards, gift cards or checks; and by rifling through unlocked gym lockers in search of wallets. Unless a perpetrator is caught in the act, property crimes are difficult to solve and prosecute, and most are treated as misdemeanors with jail time rarely imposed. Offenders engaged in actual fraud, however, are more likely to get caught.

Law enforcement officials said they are fighting back by prosecuting offenders under federal fraud and aggravated identity theft statutes, where defendants face felony convictions and mandatory federal prison sentences. Aggravated identity theft, which is wrongfully using another person’s personal information in furtherance of fraud or deception, usually for financial gain, carries a punishment of a mandatory two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence.

The initiative, officials said, not only holds offenders accountable for fraudulent schemes, but it also helps to relieve a strained state and local system by taking offenders off the streets and placing them in federal prison, where there is no parole. After prison, offenders are monitored though supervised release.

Some of the notable cases prosecuted in this initiative include:

• Carl Mark Madden, of Billings, was sentenced to five years and five months in prison for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and felon in possession of a firearm and ordered to pay restitution of $7,536, which was the loss amount. Madden defrauded local businesses by passing stolen and forged checks by using identification stolen from multiple victims. Surveillance video at a business caught Madden forging the signature of a victim on a check. When stopped for questioning by Billings police, Madden was in possession of a loaded and stolen pistol, which he was prohibited from having because of previous felony convictions.

• Stacy Lee Milch, of Billings, was sentenced to five years in prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft and ordered to pay $5,987 restitution. Milch defrauded a series of businesses, including a Red Lodge business, by passing stolen, forged and fraudulent checks to get money and goods. The loss amount was approximately $18,697.

• Cassie Ann Rathie, of Billings, was sentenced to 44 months in prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft and ordered to pay $13,274 restitution. Rathie recruited local drug addicts to steal from homes, vehicles and mailboxes to get checks and other personal information. Rathie used the stolen information to create and cash fraudulent checks and gave individuals who stole the materials a cut of the proceeds. The loss amount was approximately $17,609.

Law enforcement officials encourage individuals to reduce the risk of property crime and to protect their personal information by not leaving valuables or personal information in vehicles, locking or securing vehicles or other storage areas, and reporting property crime to local law enforcement. In addition, officials urge identity theft victims to call the companies where the fraud occurred, place fraud alerts on accounts with one of the three credit bureaus, Experian.com/fraudalert, 1-888-397-3742; TransUnion.com/fraud, 1-800-680-7289 or Equifax.com/CreditReportAssistance, 1-888-766-0008; obtain credit reports from the credit bureaus; and report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at: IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338.

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MISSOULA — A Ronan man accused of trafficking fentanyl and illegally possessing a firearm after law enforcement found fentanyl and a gun in a vehicle during a stop pleaded guilty to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Douglas Leo Wynne, 30, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition by a drug addict. Wynne faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Feb. 22, 2023 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. Wynne was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that in December 2021, the Northwest Drug Task Force obtained fentanyl from Wynne in Lake County. On Dec. 1, 2021, the Flathead Tribal Police conducted a traffic stop of Wynne, who was arrested on a warrant. The officer located a large sum of cash in Wynne’s back pocket and a small amount of a crystalline substance in his front pocket. The owner of the vehicle Wynne was driving consented to a search, and officers found 1,468 fentanyl pills and a .45-caliber handgun. Wynne admitted to distributing fentanyl and that cocaine in the vehicle was for personal use.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Northwest Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and Flathead Tribal Police.

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man suspected of dealing methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Great Falls community and of illegally possessing a firearm admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Joseph Drayton Cook, 32, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Cook faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for March 23, 2023 and continued Cook’s detention pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that in 2017 and in 2020, Cook had been convicted in Montana state courts of felonies and was on probation for those offenses in March 2022, when Russell Country Drug Task Force agents identified Cook as a drug dealer. Agents and probation officers located Cook and approached him as he was placing items in a vehicle. During that interaction, Cook acknowledged there were drugs and a gun in the vehicles. He admitted to dealing meth and fentanyl and to having dealt heroin in the past. He also told law enforcement he knew he was a felon and not supposed to have firearms. In a search of the vehicle, law enforcement found two safes containing heroin, cocaine, fentanyl pills and meth along with a large sum of cash. Law enforcement also found a 9mm pistol in the vehicle.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Great Falls Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Russell Country 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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GREAT FALLS  — An investment scheme in which a Colorado man admitted to defrauding a Montana family of $391,280 by purporting to invest the money in gold in Africa was sentenced today to 27 months in prison and fined $5,000, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Geoffrey Wescott James, 59, of Denver, Colorado, pleaded guilty in July to wire fraud.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered $391,280 restitution and allowed James to self-report to custody.

In court documents, the government alleged that from May 2019 until September 2020, Wescott falsely claimed he would receive payments from victims, which he would then transfer to Africa on behalf of victims for investments in overseas gold. The investment appeared enticing to victims because, among other reasons, it offered high rates of return in a short period of time. Because victims had difficulties in sending money overseas and to Africa, they were introduced to James. Instead of transferring the money overseas and to Africa for the intended purpose, James spent the money on items for himself and for other unauthorized purposes. When victims questioned where their money was located and demanded that their money be returned, James repeatedly claimed the money would be repaid soon, none of which was true. Wescott defrauded a family in Hill County of $391,280 in the scheme.

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

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BILLINGS — A man today admitted to illegally possessing firearms after two guns used in a casino robbery were recovered from an elementary school playground, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Darwin Dalton Sutherland, 29, a transient, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Sutherland faces a maximum of 10 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. Judge Watters set sentencing for March 16, 2023. Sutherland was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on March 20, Makayla Fetter and Taliah Ramirez robbed the Magic Diamond Casino in the Billings Heights at gunpoint, attempted to flee law enforcement and crashed their car into a fence at Ponderosa Elementary School. Fetter was arrested while Ramirez initially got away. Both of the firearms used in the robbery had been ditched before officers arrived. Officers recovered one of the firearms that night on the school’s playground. The next day, an elementary school student found the second firearm and took it to a teacher.

The government further alleged that officers eventually questioned Fetter and Ramirez, who stated that they had received the firearms from Sutherland. An investigation found that both firearms had been reported stolen as part of 12 firearms stolen in a residential burglary in Billings on March 17. When questioned by law enforcement, Sutherland admitted to possessing all 12 stolen firearms and to knowing they were stolen but claimed that he didn’t burglarize the residence. He also admitted to giving the guns to Fetter and Ramirez. Sutherland is prohibited from possessing firearms because of a felony conviction for burglary in Cascade County. Fetter and Ramirez are pending sentencing after pleading guilty to robbery affecting commerce and firearms crimes.

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

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

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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 Nov. 3 was:

Jamesey Maria Jefferson, 32, of Busby, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jefferson faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug counts and a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm count. Jefferson was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case.  PACER case reference. 22-89.

Appearing on Nov. 2 was:

Jordan Joseph Backer, 26, of Lame Deer, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. If convicted of the most serious crime, Backer faces a mandatory minimum 30 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years to life of supervised release. Backer was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-115.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Nov. 3 was:

Chance Allen Chambers, 24, of Butte, on charges of prohibited person on possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance. If convicted of the most serious crime, Chambers faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Chambers was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Butte Police Department and Montana Probation and Parole investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-33.

James Allyn Batterton, 24, of Missoula, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Batterton faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the conspiracy charge and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge. Batterton was released pending further proceedings. The Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-51.

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 Poplar woman today admitted to a charge stemming from the death of a passenger when the vehicle she was driving crashed on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Rachel Aileen Goodbird, 29, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Goodbird faces a maximum of eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for March 9, 2023. Goodbird was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court records that on July 24, 2021, Goodbird was driving the vehicle of the victim, Jane Doe, who was a passenger, in a reckless manner. Goodbird and Jane Doe had been drinking alcohol that evening prior to Goodbird driving the vehicle. An investigation determined that seconds before the accident, Goodbird was driving at approximately 80 mph in a 35-mph speed zone in the Poplar area. The vehicle was unable to make a turn, entered a ditch and hit an embankment. Jane Doe was found unresponsive in the front passenger seat and transported to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The victim was not wearing a seatbelt and the cause of her death was determined to be blunt force injuries.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy A. Johnson is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Fort Peck Law Enforcement, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol.

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GREAT FALLS  — A Box Elder man who admitted to hitting a woman with a car jack handle on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Brian Lee Big Bow, 45, pleaded guilty in July to assault with a dangerous weapon.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in January 2021, law enforcement responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. An investigation determined that earlier in the evening Big Bow began assaulting the victim, identified as Jane Doe. During the assault, Big Bow tried to hit Jane Doe on the head with a car jack handle but struck her in the arm as she blocked the blow.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy A. Johnson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and the Rocky Boy’s 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 Oct. 28 was:

Isidro Vega Carmona, 27, of Bozeman and Mexican national; Victor Daniel Mejia Ocampo, 21, a Mexican national; Riesela Anahid Heredia Soberanes, 32, a Mexican national; and Jose Maria Jurado, 52, of Billings and Mexican national, 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, the defendants face a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. All defendants were detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-126.

Jeffrey Wayne Follet, 34, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Follet faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Follet was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-120.

Lyzette Vargas, 40, of Spokane, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Vargas faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Vargas was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-125.

Appearing on Oct. 27 was:

Calico Patrice Allard, 40, a transient, on charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Allard faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the wire 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. Allard was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-118.

Timothy James Lucas, 40, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lucas faces a mandatory minimum10 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 firearm crime. Lucas 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. 22-124.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Oct. 27 was:

Christopher Todd Boudreau, 41, of Anaconda, on charges of attempted coercion and enticement and possession of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Boudreau faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Boudreau was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-46.

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 Bozeman man who admitted to stealing more than $57,000 in government benefits from an elderly relative for whom he was the fiduciary was sentenced today to six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $57,329 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Ira Kyrk Westbrook, 47, pleaded guilty in July Social Security fraud.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Westbrook was allowed to self-report to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons.

The government alleged in court documents that for approximately 16 months, from December 2019 to March 2021, Westbrook misappropriated $57,329 of an elderly relative’s Social Security Administration and Veterans Administration benefits. The victim, identified as John Doe, suffered a stroke in 2018, became disabled and was transferred to a rehabilitation and care facility, where nearly all of his expenses were covered. John Doe was declared incompetent in February 2020. Westbrook was appointed as Doe’s Representative Payee and agreed to use the Social Security funds only for Doe’s needs. Westbrook acknowledged he could face imprisonment if he misused the money.

An investigation determined that Westbrook misappropriated his relative’s benefits by spending the money on a travel trailer, a 2019 Jeep Wrangler, groceries, restaurants, internet service and Amazon purchases, and that he incurred several $30 overdraft fees. Social media posts showed a photograph in August 2020 of Westbrook and his wife with a Jeep Wrangler and a caption that said, “Did a thing today.” After transitioning to a rehabilitation center, the VA covered all of Doe’s expenses except his clothing. Westbrook received more than $4,000 a month to be used solely for Doe’s benefit, and yet did not provide Doe with adequate clothing.   

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the SSA, VA, Bozeman Police Department and Montana Adult Protective Services.

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GREAT FALLS — A federal jury today convicted a Browning man of sexually abusing two children approximately 20 years ago on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Following a two-day trial that began on Oct. 25, a jury found Michael James Burke, 43, guilty of two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and abusive sexual contact as indicted. Burke faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for March 9, 2023. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Burke was detained pending further proceedings.

“I am pleased the jury held Burke accountable for repeatedly sexually abusing two young girls over an extended period of time.  Our office is determined to protect children from sexual predators and will aggressively prosecute those who harm them.  I thank our prosecution team, the FBI, and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services for their diligent work on this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The government alleged in court documents and at trial that Burke committed numerous sexual acts against victims Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 over an extended period of time in Browning on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Burke sexually abused Jane Doe 1 between 2000 and 2003 and Jane Doe 2 between 1999 and 2002. Both victims were under the age of 12 at the time. The victims ultimately disclosed the sexual abuse to officials in 2017.

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

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MISSOULA  — A Helena man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in the Bozeman community was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Asa Sembe Goudiaby, 34, pleaded guilty in July to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in March 2021, investigators with the Missouri River Drug Task Force obtained meth from Goudiaby and co-defendant, Tajiyah Spano, in several controlled purchases in Bozeman. Officers executed a search warrant on a bedroom rented by Goudiaby and located about 2.3 pounds of meth along with a pistol in a safe in the room. One pound of meth is the equivalent of about 3,624 doses. Goudiaby told officers his most recent purchase was for three pounds of meth and that he was expected to receive five pounds of meth in the next couple of days. Spano was sentenced to 37 months in prison for conviction in the case.

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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BILLINGS  — A Billings man convicted of multiple crimes stemming from an investigation into kidnapping minors, transportation of persons for illegal sexual activity, drug trafficking and firearms offenses was sentenced today to life in prison, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters found Angelo Corey Stackhouse, 52, guilty on June 16, following a bench trial, of all seven counts charged in  superseding  indictment, including transportation of a person with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity, distribution of cocaine to a person under the age of 21, distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and two counts of kidnapping.

District Judge Watters presided at sentencing. There is no parole in the federal system.

“This significant sentence will protect the public and community, especially vulnerable girls and women, from Stackhouse for a long time. Stackhouse is a violent predator who used threats and drugs to assault and exploit women and children for his own sexual interest while also distributing cocaine and methamphetamine in the community. I hope that with this sentence, the victims can begin to heal from the trauma and abuse Stackhouse inflicted,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.  

In court documents and in evidence presented at trial, the government alleged that in early 2020, Stackhouse trafficked illegal narcotics, primarily cocaine. Stackhouse went to Denver, Colorado to obtain cocaine for redistribution in the Billings community through the summer of 2020. During this time, Stackhouse transported a 20-year-old female to Colorado and sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions while providing her cocaine. While brandishing a firearm, he also threatened and feigned a sexual assault against a homeless adult female to whom he provided drugs and told the drugs were not free. On separate occasions, one in September 2020 and another in April 2021, Stackhouse kidnapped two minor girls for the purposes of sexually assaulting them in hotel rooms in Billings. One of the minor victims was from the Crow Indian Reservation and the second minor victim was from Billings.  Multiple other adult females testified at trial that Stackhouse sexually assaulted them.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Bryan T. Dake prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Montana Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office.

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MISSOULA  — A Belgrade man who admitted drug trafficking and firearm crimes after law enforcement found him slumped over the steering wheel of an idling vehicle, with drugs and a short-barreled shotgun inside, was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jeramiah Kayson Gohde, 24, pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court allowed Gohde to self-report to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons.

The government alleged in court documents that in December 2021, Gohde, after absconding from probation, was found by the Bozeman Police Department officers slumped over the steering wheel of an idling vehicle on the street. Officers observed a partially open backpack on the front passenger seat, and Gohde’s probation officer requested a search of the vehicle. As officers removed the bag, Gohde stated, “there are multiple felonies in there.” The bag was found to contain heroin and meth. Also in the vehicle was a short-barreled modified shotgun with an obliterated serial number. Gohde was prohibited from possessing firearms because of previous felony convictions. The investigation determined that Gohde purchased pound quantities of meth from suppliers in Seattle, Washington, and Denver, Colorado, and was selling drugs to as many as 18 individuals.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Missouri River Drug Task Force, Bozeman Police Department 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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BILLINGS — An Ashland man admitted today to sexually abusing a minor girl on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jordan Cody Washee, 30, pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact. Washee faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 15, 2023. Judge Watters continued Washee’s release pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that the victim, identified as Jane Doe, reported that starting in 2011 and continuing through 2012, Washee sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions at her house on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. Doe was between the ages of 11 and 13 at the time. Doe estimated the sexual abuse happened 15 to 20 times. The government further alleged that when interviewed by law enforcement in March 2022, Washee initially denied the allegations, then said it happened only once. He later admitted that Doe was telling the truth about the multiple incidents of abuse. At the hearing, Washee disputed the number of times the abuse occurred.

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

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MISSOULA — A California man suspected of shipping methamphetamine into the Butte community for redistribution admitted to a trafficking charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Heriberto Tavares, 29, of Anaheim, California, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Tavares faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Tavares was detained pending further proceedings.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. A sentencing date was set for February 21, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other sentencing factors.

In court documents, the government alleged Tavares was trafficking meth from about November 2018 to November 2019. Law enforcement learned that Tavares was shipping drugs, which originated in Mexico, into Montana from California. During an undercover operation, an agent ordered meth from Humberto Villareal, of Sinaloa, Mexico, who was sentenced in 2021 to 17 years in federal prison for conviction of meth trafficking in the Butte area. In July 2019, law enforcement received a package, sent from Tavares, that contained 474 grams, or a little more than one pound, of meth and 37 grams of heroin. Agents paid for the drugs Tavares sent by wiring money to Ricardo Ramos Medina, in Sinaloa, Mexico. Medina was sentenced in 2020 to eight years in federal prison for conviction on trafficking pounds of meth and other drugs to the Butte area.

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

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

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BILLINGS – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana joins the Drug Enforcement Administration in support of the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 29. The biannual event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at sites across Montana, including two DEA sites in Billings. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in homes are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses from these drugs.

“As we face an epidemic of opioid deaths, overdoses, and addictions, I urge Montanans to help protect their loved ones, friends, and community by disposing of unused or expired prescription drugs at collection sites across the state. The DEA’s Take Back Day is an important, safe, and convenient way to clean out your medicine cabinet,” U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

“Opiate overdoses are occurring throughout the United States, and Montana is no different. But we can all pitch in to help stop this epidemic,” said DEA Montana Resident Agent in Charge Stacy Zinn-Brittain. “I encourage everyone to clean out their medicine cabinets and nightstands of expired or unneeded prescription medicine, especially opioids, and to bring them to DEA’s designated Take Back locations. Together, we can make a difference.”

The DEA will have two drop off locations in Billings. The locations are the Elks Lodge, 934 Lewis Ave., and the U.S. Navy Operational Support Center, 2917 Gabel Road.

More than 27 sheriff’s offices, police departments and federal agencies across Montana are participating in Take Back Day. Information about collection sites and more information about event is available here: https://takebackday.dea.gov/

During the last Take Back Day held on April 30, 2022, 4,427 law enforcement participants at 5,144 collection sites brought in a total weight of 721,093 pounds, or 360 tons, of drugs. This brings the total weight collected to 15.9 million pounds, or more than 7,995 tons, of prescription drugs collected in the history of the program. Collection results may include materials other than prescription drugs.

During the April 30, 2022 event, Montanans turned in 1,513 pounds of prescription drugs at 33 collection sites. Thirty-two law enforcement agencies participated.

In addition to DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 29, prescription drugs can be disposed of any day throughout the year at any of the 11,000 authorized collectors. For more information on collection sites, visit: https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Oct. 29 Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com.

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