District of Montana

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 Oct. 17 was:

Lavanchie Patricia Goodbird, aka Lavanchie Gourneau, 30, of Wolf Point, on charges of kidnapping of individual under 18, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Goodbird faces a mandatory minimum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Goodbird was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Fort Peck Law Enforcement, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Wolf Point Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-77.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Oct. 19 was:

Brian Kole Hofferber, 34, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl and possession of firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hofferber faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm crime. Hofferber was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and FBI’s Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-77.

Shaylene Jo Suchy, 35, of Seattle, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Suchy faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Suchy was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-114.

Appearing on Oct. 18 was:

Travis Alan-Cody Pair, 38, a transient, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Pair faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Pair was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-110.

Marshall Daniel Dammann, 19, of a transient, on charges of robbery affecting commerce and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. If convicted of the most serious crime, Dammann faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the robbery crime and a mandatory minimum seven years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, on the firearm crime if found to have brandished a gun. Dammann was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-116.

Ben Michael Williamson, 38, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Williamson faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other crime, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Williamson was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI’s Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-100.

Markel Dean Brown, 60, of Sidney, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Brown faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Brown was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-103.

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

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

XXX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BILLINGS  — A Washington man who admitted to interfering with an airline crew by jumping on a beverage cart and pushing a flight attendant into a seat, screaming and trying to remove his clothes on a flight that was diverted to Billings for his removal was sentenced today to three years of probation and ordered to pay $14,500 restitution to the airline, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Adam Alexander Williams, 33, of Auburn, Washington, pleaded guilty in June to an indictment charging him with interference with flight members and attendants.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on Jan. 9, Williams boarded an American Airlines cross-country flight from Seattle, Washington, to Charlotte, North Carolina. Once in the air, Williams’ behavior turned erratic and escalated. Williams yelled profanities and asked to no one in particular, “Where is Jasmine Sanders?”  Williams jumped from his window seat, over two passengers in his row, and onto a beverage cart. As he came off of the cart, Williams pushed a flight attendant into a seat and began to run down the aisle of the aircraft.

Another flight attendant calmed Williams down and escorted him to his seat. About 10 minutes later, Williams again began yelling profanities. Flight attendants then seated Williams around a group of U.S. Marines, who happened to be on the flight. Undeterred, Williams began screaming about 10 minutes later while taking off his clothes. At that point, to ensure the safety of passengers, the aircraft’s captain diverted the plane to Billings so that Williams could be removed.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Billings Airport Police.

XXX

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

Robert George Medina, 39, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement investigating a drug trafficking organization in Miles City arranged for controlled purchases of methamphetamine and a firearm from Medina in November and December 2019. When arrested on Dec. 9, 2019 for a probation violation, Medina was found with 38.4 grams of pure meth.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

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

XXX

 

 

HELENA – United States Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) John Newman will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election.  AUSA Newman has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Montana and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

U. S. Attorney Laslovich said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election.  Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence.  The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.  The Department will address these violations wherever they occur.  The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.  The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).   

U. S. Attorney Laslovich said, “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy.  We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.  In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO John Newman will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 406-829-3336.”

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.  The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 801-579-1400.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .

U. S. Attorney Laslovich said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American people.  It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud contact the Department of Justice.”

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

 

XXX

 

 

 

 

 

BILLINGS — A Billings man who was arrested in an undercover investigation when he went to a location expecting to meet a boy for sex admitted to a coercion crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Kyle Ray Schwindt, 21, pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement. Schwindt faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years of supervised release.

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

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

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

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

XXX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BILLINGS  — A Billings man who admitted to trafficking drugs after he broke into the Drug Enforcement Administration’s building to see if agents had found the 10 pounds of meth hidden in his truck was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Anthony Jacob Johnson, 43, pleaded guilty in April to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in January 2021, an investigation into methamphetamine distributing led to Johnson as a source of supply. Agents determined that Johnson traveled to Colorado in March and again in April 2021. Upon Johnson’s return to Montana, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper conducted a traffic stop of Johnson’s vehicle. Agents executed a search warrant on the vehicle and located 10 vacuumed sealed bricks of meth. The bricks totaled approximately 10.39 pounds of meth, which is the equivalent of about 37,653 doses. In the early morning, the DEA discovered a large hole in a garage door at its facility. Evidence showed that Johnson had gone to the facility the night before, cut a large hole in the garage and entered his seized vehicle while it was in DEA’s custody, hoping agents had not located the meth. Johnson admitted he distributed approximately 80 pounds to 100 pounds of meth in the community over five months.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the DEA and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

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

XXX

 

 

 

BILLINGS — A Lame Deer woman on Oct. 14 admitted to strangling another woman in 2021 on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Shaydel Alissa Spang, 25, pleaded guilty to strangulation. Spang 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. Sentencing was set for Feb. 15, 2023. Spang was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that Spang and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, had lived together. On Oct. 22, 2021, Doe was driving in Lame Deer, saw Spang walking and offered to give Spang a ride. Spang got in the car, but when Spang asked to be taken to a certain location, Doe refused. Spang began assaulting Doe and strangled her. Spang eventually let go. Doe drove them to the police station because she wanted to get a restraining order against Spang. Spang told a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer that Doe needed to learn to respect and listen to her.

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

XXX

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

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

Buddy Gene Walkingeagle, 38, of Poplar, on charges of felon in possession of firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Walkingeagle faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Walkingeagle was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Peck Law Enforcement investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-82.

Feather Lynn Stillsmoking, 32, of Cut Bank, on charges of involuntary manslaughter and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stillsmoking faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Stillsmoking was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-70.

Shane Daniel Freemont, 32, of Poplar, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse. If convicted of the most serious crime, Freemont faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Freemont was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Fort Peck Law Enforcement and Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-75.

Connor Louis Gourneau, 34, of Poplar, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gourneau faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Gourneau was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Fort Peck Law Enforcement investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-76.

Patti Jo Annunciata Mail, aka Patti Jo Ironcloud, 23 of Wolf Point, on charges of kidnapping of individual under 18, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault resulting in substantial injury of a minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mail faces a mandatory minimum 20 years  to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Mail was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Fort Peck Law Enforcement, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Wolf Point Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-77.

Kaylee Jade Jackson, 21, of Wolf Point, on charges of kidnapping of individual under 18. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jackson faces a mandatory minimum 20 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. 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. PACER case reference. 22-77.

Elmarie Amelia Weeks, aka Elmarie Adams, 21, of Wolf Point, on charges of kidnapping of individual under 18, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Weeks faces a mandatory minimum 20 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Weeks was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Fort Peck Law Enforcement, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Wolf Point Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-77.

Cheri Cruz Granbois (male), 20, of Wolf Point, on charges of kidnapping of individual under 18, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Granbois faces a mandatory minimum 20 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Granbois was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Fort Peck Law Enforcement, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Wolf Point Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-77.

Thomas Ivan Reese Larson, 23, of Poplar, on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury, assault resulting in substantial bodily injury and strangulation. If convicted of the most serious crime, Larson faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Larson was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Fort Peck Law Enforcement, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Wolf Point Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-79.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Oct. 13 was:

Mark Samuel Baker, 56, of Gore, Virginia, on charges of attempted sex trafficking of minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Baker faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Baker was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-102.

Appearing on Oct. 12 was:

Shane Edward Johnson, 53, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Johnson faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Johnson was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service and FBI’s Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-94.

Joel David Lund, 39, of Seattle, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lund faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug crimes and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, on the firearm crime. Lund was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-114.

Gunnar Rutledge Johnson, 20, of Billings, 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, Johnson faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Johnson was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-114.

Appearing on Oct. 11 was:

Gregory Nicholas Letz Jr., 28, a transient, on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Letz faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on bank fraud and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, on aggravated identity theft. Letz was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-90.

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

 

XXX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BILLINGS – U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced today that the Department of Justice has awarded $96,098 to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program in the District of Montana. Funding will support community efforts to address the epidemic of gun crime and serious violence in the district. The grant, to the Montana Department of Corrections, is one of a number of awards being made to state and local agencies across the country. Funds are administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs.

Launched two decades ago as an evidence-based and community-oriented response to serious gun crime, Project Safe Neighborhoods, known as PSN, is a key component of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, outlined by Deputy Attorney General Monaco in May 2021. The PSN approach is guided by four key 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 of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.

“This grant is vital to our shared goal of making communities safer in our two PSN program sites, Yellowstone County and Missoula County, where drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and armed robberies are the leading causes of violent crime,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said. “We will continue working with our local, state, federal, and tribal partners to take violent offenders off our streets.”

“Reducing violence and sustaining those reductions will require strong partnerships between criminal justice agencies and community stakeholders and a shared commitment to the safety and well-being of every community member,” said OJP Deputy Assistant Attorney General Maureen Henneberg. “The investments we are making through Project Safe Neighborhoods will enable every stakeholder to play a part in building safer and healthier communities.”

PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies and community organizations. The programs’ emphasis on community engagement, prevention and intervention measures, focused and strategic enforcement, and measurement and accountability has helped achieve overall reductions in violent crime, including gun homicides, in neighborhoods where PSN strategies have been implemented.

“Over its two-decade history, Project Safe Neighborhoods has evolved to meet the complex challenges of community violence by enlisting the insights and expertise of local partners and by relying on the latest evidence,” said BJA Director Karhlton F. Moore. “We are proud to support our U.S. Attorneys and their allies in their critical work to curb violent crime and build the mutual trust necessary to ensure lasting success.”

The awards announced above are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about awards under PSN and other OJP grants 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 enhance the rule of law.  More information about OJP and its components can be found at  www.ojp.gov.

 

###

 

  

 

MISSOULA — A Stevensville man admitted to drug trafficking, firearm and money laundering crimes after law enforcement seized thousands of fentanyl and methamphetamine pills from his vehicle in a Minnesota traffic stop and found pill-making equipment and materials on his Montana property, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Andrew Kyle Whittecar, 37, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, prohibited person in possession of a firearm and money laundering. Whittecar faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the most serious crime.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 2, 2023. Whittecar was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on April 27, Whittecar was the driver and sole occupant of a red Cadillac when the Minnesota Highway Patrol stopped him near Alexandria, Minnesota. The trooper developed reasonable suspicion that Whittecar was trafficking drugs and searched the vehicle. During the search, the trooper located $3,000 in cash, three grams of cocaine and 75 blue pills labeled “M30,” which lab testing determined to be fentanyl, in the center console. In the trunk was a loaded Glock 17 semi-automatic handgun and an additional loaded magazine. And in the covered spare wheel well was an ammunition box containing vacuum-sealed packages of pills. In total, there were 5,096 blue “M30” pills, which contained fentanyl, and 1,000 orange pills, which contained meth.

In addition, the government alleged Whittecar advised that he had been working with several coconspirators to distribute the pills, which appeared to be Adderall and Percocet, but he knew contained meth and fentanyl, respectively.

The government further alleged that the Drug Enforcement Administration, after receiving a tip, searched a 40-acre parcel of property Whittecar owned near Stevensville. Agents found a backhoe abutting the entrance to a storage container. Inside the container were two pill presses, along with dyes, chemicals and other substances indicating the production of counterfeit pills consistent with those found in the Minnesota traffic stop. There also was a jar containing 240 grams of fentanyl and a plastic baggie containing another 161 grams of fentanyl.

While in custody, Whittecar called family members and directed them to items buried on the property he referred to as “hay.” DEA agents conducted an additional search and, approximately 10 feet underground below a pile of hay, they discovered a large plastic container and two plastic five-gallon buckets. The storage items contained additional chemicals, powders and liquids. Agents searched another storage unit used by Whittecar and found multiple boxes containing various lab equipment consistent with use in the synthesis of chemical materials. DEA forensic chemists determined that the items and equipment seized included precursors required for fentanyl production.

Additionally, a search of Whittecar’s three cell phones found what appeared to be coded language for drug production and distribution. Whittecar’s bank records reflected several large cash deposits and withdrawals. Whittecar was last employed in 2018 and did not have any apparent business accounts reflecting self-employment.

The government also alleged that Whittecar was convicted of three federal felonies in 2009 and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the DEA, Minnesota State Patrol, West Central Minnesota Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office.

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

XXX

BILLINGS — A Glendive woman today admitted to defrauding a man of more than $119,000 in a scheme in which she managed his finances and used his money for her personal expenses, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Gina Larae Mann, aka Gina Larae Neva, 53, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering. Mann 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, on the aggravated identity theft crime.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Sentencing was set for Feb. 16, 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. Mann was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that Mann met the victim, identified as John Doe, after Doe’s wife died. Doe’s wife had been responsible for the household’s finances, and Mann volunteered to fulfill that role for Doe. Mann convinced Doe, who preferred to write paper checks, to obtain a debit card and register for online banking at Glendive BN Federal Credit Union. Mann then, without Doe’s knowledge or permission, used Doe’s personal identifying information to open several new credit card accounts in his name. Mann proceeded to use those accounts for her own personal expenses. In addition, Mann made several transfers from the credit union account to pay down outstanding balances on the credit cards. Mann’s scheme began in early 2018 and continued until late 2019 when Doe discovered the fraud after receiving overdraft notices from the credit union. Mann misappropriated approximately $119,269 in Doe’s name.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation.

XXX

MISSOULA  — A Butte nurse who admitted to stealing opiates while working at area medical centers was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Shantyl Marie Giacoletto, 30, pleaded guilty in June to unlawfully obtaining controlled substances.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Giacoletto was remanded into custody.

The government alleged in court documents that Giacoletto diverted opiates in 2021 while working at medical centers in Anaconda, Butte and Deer Lodge. In June 2021, a Community Hospital of Anaconda manager discovered that Giacoletto, for at least the previous three months, routinely obtained oxycodone from the hospital’s pharmacy but did not administer that drug to the intended patients. A total of 392 oxycodone pills were unaccounted for. When confronted by management, Giacoletto denied diverting drugs, claimed she always administered them to patients and that “nobody scans things.” Other employees discredited Giacoletto’s assertion and indicated it would be “extremely rare” for someone to not record the administration  of a drug to a patient. The hospital terminated Giacoletto’s employment.

The government further alleged that Giacoletto began working at Copper Ridge Health and Rehabilitation Center in Butte 11 days later. Copper Ridge subsequently discovered diversions of hydrocodone, and that Giacoletto had worked shifts at Copper Ridge within days of management discerning the diversions.

Another diversion occurred in October 2021 at Continental Care and Rehabilitation Center in Butte, where Giacoletto worked as a traveling nurse. Dozens of hydrocodone and oxycodone tables were unaccounted for and patient log sheets had been manipulated and destroyed in violation of record-keeping policies. Because of the diversion, a patient had to go without oxycodone for several days until a new supply arrived. Management then announced a drug screening, and most nurses provided urine samples, which were all negative for the diverted drugs. Giacoletto did not submit to the drug test and did not return to work at that facility.

A subsequent diversion occurred in November 2021 at The Ivy in Deer Lodge. The Ivy experienced a significant drug diversion while Giacoletto was working there as a nurse. The director then requested urine samples from the staff. All complied and tested negative except for Giacoletto, who refused and left the facility. Giacoletto’s employer then contacted her and instructed her to provide a sample. Giacoletto returned to the facility several hours later and requested a specific bathroom for the drug test. When she provided the sample, it was cold, which yielded an inconclusive result.

When interviewed by a DEA agent, Giacoletto denied diverting drugs and blamed the medication discrepancies on the poor record keeping practices at the facilities.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Anaconda Police Department, Powell County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

XXX

 

 

GREAT FALLS  — A Box Elder man who admitted trafficking fentanyl on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation after fleeing law enforcement in a vehicle in which officers found a firearm and fentanyl pills was sentenced today to one year and eight months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Paul Joseph The Boy, 33, pleaded guilty in July to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on Oct. 6, 2021, The Boy got into a high-speed chase with a Rocky Boy’s police officer. As The Boy fled while driving more than 100 mph, officers saw The Boy in possession of a firearm. The Boy then drove into an embankment and fled. Officers searched the abandoned vehicle and found 74 fentanyl pills, $1,171 in cash and a semi-automatic pistol. The Boy later acknowledged that he led law enforcement on a pursuit because he didn’t want to go to jail and that the pistol and fentanyl belonged to him.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Rocky Boy’s Police Department, Chippewa Cree Tribal Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Drug Enforcement Administration.

XXX

 

 

GREAT FALLS  — A Billings man who admitted trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl pills on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation after he tried to flee law enforcement on a dirt bike and discarded a backpack containing drugs and a loaded handgun was sentenced today to seven years and four  months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Dominique Kendall Brown, 29, pleaded guilty in July to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that on Aug. 6, 2021, Fort Peck Law Enforcement officers tried to stop Brown for a traffic infraction on a dirt bike near Wolf Point. Brown sped away, initiating a 10-minute pursuit in which he drove at high speeds on a walking path near pedestrians. During the pursuit, Brown discarded a backpack with a loaded hand gun inside. Brown eventually crashed and his dirt bike started a fire, which law enforcement extinguished. The backpack also contained $1,131 cash, a scale, 109 grams of meth and 146 fentanyl pills.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Montana Highway Patrol, Fort Peck Police Department and Roosevelt 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.

XXX

BILLINGS  — A Nevada woman who admitted to bringing a minor girl to Billings for prostitution was sentenced today to eight years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Ashley Michael Stella, 29, of Reno, Nevada, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to transportation of a minor to engage in prostitution.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters also ordered $2,500 restitution.

The government alleged in court documents that on April 21, 2021, law enforcement officers responded to a call of possible commercial sex activity at a Billings motel and knocked on the door of the suspect room. Stella, another individual and a 16-year-old girl, identified as Jane Doe 1, emerged. Jane Doe 1, from Nevada, indicated in interviews that she had met Stella in December 2020. Stella informed Jane Doe 1that she worked in commercial sex. Jane Doe 1 told law enforcement that she and Stella traveled to Montana in April from Nevada and that both had engaged in commercial sex. Stella told law enforcement she had met Jane Doe 1 in the fall of 2020 and learned her true age later that year. Stella also told investigators that the two had traveled from Nevada to Montana for the purpose of commercial sex and that she had asked Jane Doe 1 if she wanted to go on the trip.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Bryan T. Dake prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Montana Department of Justice’s Criminal Investigation Division, FBI and Billings Police Department.

XXX

 

MISSOULA — A Missoula man admitted on Tuesday to fentanyl trafficking charges after law enforcement responded to a reported drug overdose death in Missoula County earlier this year, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jacob Eugene Odman, 39, pleaded guilty on Oct. 11 to an indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. Odman faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Sentencing was set for Feb. 2, 2023. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other sentencing factors. Odman was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on Feb. 18, law enforcement responded to a residence in Missoula County for a reported drug overdose death and found an individual, identified as John Doe, deceased. Doe’s father reported that Doe had left the previous evening about 7:30 p.m., returned at about 9 p.m. and then went to bed. Doe’s father found Doe unresponsive in bed that morning. Next to Doe was a small blue pill engraved with “M30.” Lab testing determined the pill contained fentanyl. A toxicology report confirmed that Doe had fentanyl and a fentanyl metabolite in his blood when he died. Doe’s cell phone had an incoming call from Odman at 7:24 p.m. on Feb. 17. Drug Enforcement Administration officers located Odman at his residence. Odman confirmed Doe and another individual, identified as John Doe 2, were there the previous night. Officers found four bottles containing 409 blue pills labeled “M30” in Odman’s residence. Lab tests determined the pills contained fentanyl.

The government further alleged Doe 2 confirmed he was at Odman’s residence with Doe the previous evening. Doe 2 advised that on Feb. 18, he spoke with Odman, who said that Doe was dead. On Feb. 21, Odman told Doe 2 that he gave Doe pills the night before he died.

In addition, on Feb. 14, Idaho State Police stopped an individual, searched his vehicle and found more than 300 fentanyl pills hidden in containers designed to look like soda cans. The individual admitted to buying fentanyl in Spokane, Washington, and traveling back to Montana several times. The investigation determined that Odman and the individual were texting regularly during the Feb. 14 trip and that Odman advised he would pay the individual for a product and requested updates on his travel. The individual told Odman, “Idaho is searching my car.” Odman responded, “Oh no.” The individual then said, “It’s in cans.”

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

XXX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BILLINGS  — A Billings man who admitted to sending a nude picture of himself to a fictitious girl during an undercover sting operation was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Martin Leo Jimenez, 28, pleaded guilty in May to attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in October 2021, law enforcement was conducting an undercover sting investigation to identify and arrest individuals who were attempting to have sex with children. Jimenez responded to an undercover post and began to correspond with a fictitious mother to arrange for a sexual encounter with the mother’s fictitious 11-year-old daughter. During electronic communications with the undercover officer, Jimenez offered that he had “no age limits,” sent a nude picture of himself and discussed the various sexual acts he wanted to perform on the fictitious girl. The parties made plans to meet, and law enforcement arrested Jimenez when he arrived at the location. Jimenez later acknowledged that he intended to have sex with the mother and daughter.

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

XXX

 

 

 

MISSOULA — A Mexican citizen who was arrested in Kalispell on suspicion of trafficking fentanyl after law enforcement seized approximately 12,000 fentanyl pills, a firearm and more than $62,000 cash from a vehicle in which he was a passenger had an initial appearance on Oct. 6 on a criminal complaint, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

A criminal complaint filed in the case accuses Cuauhtemoc Cervantes Samaniego, 29, of Mexico, of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious charge, Samaniego faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years to life of supervised release.

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

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

Court documents allege that Samaniego was trafficking fentanyl in Flathead County from about May 2022 to October. During the first week of October, law enforcement learned of a possible sizable load of fentanyl that was going to be transported from San Diego, California, to Kalispell for distribution and that the source of the fentanyl was an individual known as “Johnny.” Investigators further learned that “Johnny” was having large quantities of fentanyl transported to Kalispell for distribution. On Oct. 4, law enforcement received information that “Johnny” would be arriving at a location in Kalispell in a black Honda Civic to conduct a drug transaction. Officers located the vehicle, in which “Johnny” was identified as the passenger and later identified as Samaniego. The driver, who owned the vehicle, consented to a search of the car. Law enforcement found approximately 12,000 blue pills known to be fentanyl under the center console. Additionally, law enforcement located a semi-automatic pistol and seized more than $62,000 cash from the vehicle.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.

PACER case reference. 22-mj-73.

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

XXX

 

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 Oct. 4 was:

Evirso Real Ampude,47, of Box Elder, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious charge, Ampude faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Ampude was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-72.

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

James Cale Allen, 28, of Lame Deer, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse, strangulation and assault resulting in bodily injury to partner. If convicted of the most serious charge, Allen faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and a mandatory minimum five years of supervised release. Allen was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-101.

Appearing on Oct. 4 was:

Julianna Castro, 23, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Castro faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Castro was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-14.

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

XXX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BILLINGS — A Billings man who was accused of having sexual conversations through social media with an undercover agent posing as a minor girl and was arrested when he showed up to meet the girl admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Kyle Jason Swindler, 41, pleaded guilty to attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. Swindler faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least three years of supervised release.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in October 2021, law enforcement, acting in an undercover capacity and posing as a 13-year-old girl, communicated through the Internet by social media with a user who turned out to be Swindler. Early in the conversation, the undercover persona identified herself as 13 years old, and Swindler responded, “Ouch you’re a young one.” The conversation became sexual in nature. Swindler and the undercover persona discussed plans to meet in person for a sexual encounter and arranged to meet in a Billings park. Swindler drove to the park, where he was arrested. Law enforcement searched Swindler’s vehicle and found sex-related items. Officers also searched Swindler’s cell phone and recovered the original social media conversation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Billings Police Department, Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office.

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

XXX

GREAT FALLS — A Washington man admitted to a drug trafficking crime today after law enforcement seized more than five pounds of methamphetamine along with other drugs from his vehicle near Great Falls last year, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Jorge Perez, aka Chicago, 41, of Spokane, Washington, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Perez faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 16, 2023. Perez was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in March 2022, witnesses in Great Falls reported to law enforcement that they had been working with Perez to bring large quantities of meth, heroin, cocaine and fentanyl from Spokane to the Great Falls area for distribution. The FBI’s investigation identified the vehicle Perez was driving and, with assistance from local law enforcement, stopped the vehicle outside of Great Falls on June 11, 2022. Perez was the driver and sole occupant and had more than $4,000 cash on his person. Perez admitted there were pounds of drugs in the vehicle. Law enforcement seized approximately five pounds of meth, which is the equivalent of 18,120 doses, along with cocaine and fentanyl pills. In a second traffic stop in which Perez was a passenger, law enforcement found meth, cocaine and heroin in the vehicle. In a third traffic stop, on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, in which Perez was the driver and sole passenger, law enforcement found meth, cocaine and fentanyl.

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

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

XXX

 

 

HELENA – The Justice Department announced today the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.

“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”

“We are pleased to be participating on this important task force and applaud the Attorney General for his commitment to protecting older adults.  Scamming older adults, who often trust and depend on others for help and care, will not be tolerated by our office.  We are committed to fully investigating and prosecuting those who try to exploit our older citizens,” U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged.

This past year, the District of Montana prosecuted a number of cases in which older adults were victims of frauds or scams. The cases include:

• Ronald Lords, of Corvallis, an ex-lawyer who was sentenced to prison for defrauding investors in a real estate scheme.
• William Tempel, a Great Falls construction company official who was sentenced to prison for embezzling from a client.
• Kathy Hendrickson, of Washington, who was sentenced to prison for cyberstalking and harassing a Montana man.
• Ira Westbrook, of Bozeman, who pleaded guilty and is pending sentencing for stealing government benefits while acting as a fiduciary.
• Elizabeth Stephenson, of Billings, who was sentenced to prison in an identity theft case.
• Debra Roeber, of Butte, who was sentenced to prison for stealing more than $600,000 from a blind victim who was under her care.
• Theresa Chabot, of Kalispell, who pleaded guilty and is pending sentencing for running a money mule business for elder abuse.

The Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams. 

The Department announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.

In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.

Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.

Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 833-372-8311.  

This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.[ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.

Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

XXX

GREAT FALLS  — A Washington man was sentenced today to eight years and four months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after he admitted to illegally possessing a firearm and bringing methamphetamine and fentanyl pills to the Great Falls area and the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation for distribution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Nathaniel Jameco Brown, 45, of Spokane, Washington, pleaded guilty in February to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and to felon in possession of a firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in the fall of 2021, law enforcement in Great Falls learned that Brown was distributing drugs from Great Falls area hotels. In December 2021, law enforcement stopped Brown, who was traveling in a vehicle from Spokane to Great Falls, near Vaughn and found him in possession of 20 fentanyl pills, more than an ounce of meth and a loaded pistol and multiple magazines. Brown described making numerous prior trips to Great Falls and the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation to sell fentanyl pills and significant quantities of meth. Brown estimated bringing a total of 12 ounces of meth and 500 pills to Montana. Brown was prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions, including a previous federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, Russell Country Drug Task Force, Montana Highway Patrol and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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

XXX

 

 

 

GREAT FALLS — A Browning man today admitted to stealing culturally significant artifacts, including a grizzly bear necklace, moccasins and golden eagle feathers, from the Museum of the Plains Indian on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Preston Jay Spotted Eagle, 31, pleaded guilty to theft of government property. Spotted Eagle faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years to life of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other sentencing factors.  Sentencing was set for Feb. 8, 2023. Spotted Eagle was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that the thefts occurred between May and August 2021 from the Museum of the Plains Indian, in Browning, where Spotted Eagle was employed as an aid. The Indian Arts and Crafts Board, with the U.S. Department of the Interior, run the museum. In August 2021, the curator noticed that a bear claw necklace was missing from the displays. An investigation conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service identified Spotted Eagle as the thief.

The government alleged that the first piece found to be missing was a grizzly bear necklace from one of the historic gallery displays. The curator assumed Spotted Eagle had removed it because she had given him an inventory assignment. When asked about the necklace, Spotted Eagle told the curator he had no idea who took it or what happened to it. A review of security system video ultimately led to Spotted Eagle. When confronted again about the necklace, Spotted Eagle said he thought he was the one who took it out of the display because the necklace had fallen. Spotted Eagle told the curator that nobody else needed to review the video and that he could guarantee the necklace was still in the museum. That afternoon, Spotted Eagle said he found the necklace under some papers in a collection room. The next day, the curator asked Spotted Eagle to show her the necklace and she noticed that was heavily damaged.

In addition, the government further alleged, the museum conducted an inventory to identify any other missing items. In addition to bear claws that were missing from the damaged necklace, four loose bear claws were taken from a collection room drawer. A pair of moccasins and 26 golden eagle feathers from a war bonnet also were taken. The investigation further determined that Spotted Eagle removed artifacts, photographed them with his cell phone and tried on historic clothing item, some of which were very old and delicate. Spotted Eagle also rummaged through many sacred bundles.

An appraisal of the damage to the grizzly bear necklace resulted in a $1,200 loss of value. The market value of the moccasins and four claws together was $1,150 and the replacement value was $2,150. The eagle feathers do not have a fair market value because the trade is illegal, but the valuation of the missing eagle feathers could be $7,800, based on a forfeiture collateral schedule. The damage to the war bonnet has not been calculated for the same reason as the eagle feathers. The government alleged that it was impossible to put a monetary amount on the items, which are unique and culturally significant to the Blackfeet Tribe.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

XXX

 

 

 

 

 

 

GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man suspected of strangling and assaulting a woman on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation admitted today to domestic assault by habitual offender, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Clay Bad Hawk, 25, pleaded guilty to domestic abuse by habitual offender.  Bad Hawk 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. Chief Judge Morris will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 9, 2023. Bad Hawk was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that in December 2021, Bad Hawk punched, slapped, kicked and strangled the victim, identified as Jane Doe, who was in a relationship with him, in Box Elder. Officers responded to a call of an assault and found the victim hiding under a porch. The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries. The victim told law enforcement she thought she was going to die, and that Bad Hawk had assaulted her before. Bad Hawk has two prior domestic violence convictions from tribal court.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement and Rocky Boy’s Police Department.

XXX

 

 

 

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

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

Brandon James Cross, 33, of Billings, on charges of possession of a stolen firearm, receipt of firearm while under indictment, possession of unregistered silencer and possession of firearm with obliterated serial number. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cross faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Cross was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-105.

Josh Owen Cantrell, 32, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cantrell faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Cantrell was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-97.

Appearing on Sept. 27 was:

Tyler Dale Medicine Horse, 37, of Gillette, Wyoming, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and possession of unregistered firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Medicine Horse faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Medicine Horse was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-69.

Kyle Ray Schwindt, 21, of Billings, and Jeffrey Mayes Wilkerson, 39, of Billings, on charges of attempted coercion and enticement and possession of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Schwindt and Wilkerson face a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Schwindt and Wilkerson were detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-112.

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

Matthew Lucas Jones, 42, of Missoula, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of unregistered firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jones faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Jones was detained pending further proceedings. The Missoula Police Department, Montana Probation and Parole, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-42.

Appearing in Great Falls before Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris and pleading not guilty on Sept. 29 was:

Michael Peter Barton, 53, of Great Falls, 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, Barton faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Barton was released pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations, the Great Falls Police Department and U.S. Postal Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-65.

Appearing on Sept. 28 before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston was:

Kyle J. Adcock, 36, of Helena, on charges of forging a security of an organization affecting interstate commerce, embezzlement and theft of labor union assets and falsification of annual  financial report filed by labor union. If convicted of the most serious crime, Adcock faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Adcock was released pending further proceedings. The National Association of Letter Carriers and U.S. Department of Labor-Management Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-7.

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

XXX

 

 

 

 

 

HELENA – U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich today announced the appointment of Mark Steger Smith to serve as Environmental Justice Coordinator for the District of Montana.

Smith, who is the Civil Division chief for the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s and has been an assistant U.S. attorney with the office since 2002, will lead efforts to enforce both criminal and civil environmental laws, along with focusing on protecting the rights of residents who are disproportionally burdened by environmental and health hazards. These environmental and health hazards could involve water or air pollution, asbestos, illegal dumping, and housing conditions like lead paint, vermin, or lack of heat. In addition to litigating cases throughout the district, Smith also will coordinate trainings for prosecutors and investigators and attend community meetings to discuss environmental issues.

“Montana is fortunate to have Mark Smith leading our efforts to protect our state’s natural resources and public health. He is a distinguished litigator in our office and brings years of environmental enforcement experience to this coordinator position. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to being responsive to environmental concerns as we continue to ensure Montana has a clean and healthy environment,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The Justice Department is advancing its environmental justice work through the creation of Environmental Justice coordinators in all 93 U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to partner and coordinate with the Justice Department’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division as well as client agencies across the federal government.

The public can report suspected violations of environmental laws to the U.S. Attorney’s Office by calling 406-657-6101 or writing the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Montana, Attn: Environmental Justice Coordinator, 2601 2nd Ave. N., Suite 3200, Billings, MT 59101.

XXX

WASHINGTON — The Atlantic Richfield Company (AR) has agreed to complete its cleanup of the Anaconda Smelter Superfund Site (Site) in Deer Lodge County, Montana, the Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency announced today. The state of Montana, on behalf of the Department of Environmental Quality, is also a signatory to the consent decree that was lodged today in the U.S. District Court in Butte, Montana.

Decades of copper smelting activity at the town of Anaconda polluted the soils in yards, commercial and industrial areas, pastures and open spaces throughout the 300-square-mile Anaconda Site. This pollution has in turn contributed to the contamination of creeks and other surface waters at the Site, as well as of alluvial and bedrock ground water. The closure of smelting operations in 1980 left large volumes of smelter slag, flue dust and hazardous rock tailings that have had to be secured through a variety of remediation methods.

Under the settlement, AR — a subsidiary of British Petroleum — will complete numerous remedial activities that it has undertaken at the Anaconda Site pursuant to EPA administrative orders since the 1990s. Among other actions, AR will finish remediating residential yards in the towns of Anaconda and Opportunity, clean up soils in upland areas above Anaconda and eventually effect the closure of remaining slag piles at the Site. The estimated cost of the remaining Site work, including operation and maintenance activities intended to protect remediated lands over the long term, is $83.1 million. AR will pay $48 million to reimburse the EPA Superfund Program for EPA and Department of Justice response costs, and will pay approximately $185,000 to the U.S. Forest Service for oversight of future remedial activities on Forest Service-administered lands at the Site. 

“We are pleased that Atlantic Richfield has agreed to finalize its long-term cleanup of the Anaconda Site,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Today’s consent decree follows other important settlements with Atlantic Richfield over the past two decades that have substantially improved the environment and restored valuable natural resources in the Upper Clark Fork basin. This settlement is also the product of a successful federal-state partnership to secure cleanup of a major hazardous waste site.”

“I was born in Anaconda the same year the smelter closed and while I never saw smoke coming out of the Smokestack that still stands over Anaconda, I know what it represents,” said U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich for the District of Montana. “It is a symbol representing the hard work of many Anacondans, including members of my family, that built our town.  But it’s also a symbol of a Superfund site that has existed for far too long.  If the Smokestack represents our past, this consent decree represents our future.  Many people, some who are no longer with us, worked diligently to get us to this point and I’m grateful beyond words for all of their work.  Our water will be cleaner, our soils will be purer, our slag will be covered, and our future will be brighter because of this historic agreement.”

“This settlement highlights the Agency’s vigorous enforcement to ensure the complete cleanup of the Anaconda Smelter Superfund site,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Larry Starfield. “The work performed under this settlement will further protect the environment and the health of the people who live, work, and play in this community.”

“I am very pleased to announce the release of the proposed 2022 Sitewide consent decree for the Anaconda Smelter NPL Site,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “Over the last several decades, EPA and MDEQ have made great strides in ensuring the cleanup of open space, residential areas, creeks and groundwater by Atlantic Richfield throughout Anaconda-Deer Lodge County. This cleanup of contaminated soils that impact surface waters and remediation of the largest slag piles at Anaconda builds on that progress.”

“This is an important milestone for the people of Anaconda and Montana. A lot of great cleanup work has already been done, and this consent decree will ensure that remaining remediation needs are funded and completed,” said Amy Steinmetz, Montana Department of Environmental Quality Waste Management and Remediation Division administrator. 

The consent decree filed today in U.S. District Court in Butte, Mont., is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court. A copy of the consent decree is available on the Department of Justice Web site at: https://www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.

Under Montana state law, the Department of Environmental Quality is separately required to put the Consent Decree out for public comment. The state’s public comment period will run concurrently with the federal public comment period. 

The consent decree and other information related to the Anaconda Site are available on EPA’s Site page at: www.epa.gov/superfund/anaconda-co-smelter.

 

XXX

BILLINGS  — A Billings man who was convicted in an undercover investigation after he showed up at a residence believing he was going to meet a minor girl for sex was sentenced today to eight years in prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.  

Jason Robert Kroepelin, 33, pleaded guilty in April to attempted coercion and enticement.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that on Oct. 27, 2021, Kroepelin walked up to a residence in Billings where he believed he was going to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex. Kroepelin was previously talking online to a person he believed was the girl’s dad but who actually was an undercover FBI agent. Kroepelin had posted an ad titled “young naughty girl to use” on a website and the agent responded to it. Kroepelin described to the undercover agent graphic sexual activity he was planning to engage in with the girl and talked about recording the encounter. Law enforcement arrested Kroepelin when he arrived at an agreed upon location, where he thought he was meeting the girl for sex. After Kroepelin’s arrest, law enforcement searched his phone and found numerous photographs and two videos depicting child pornography.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Billings Police Department, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.

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.

XXX

 

 

GREAT FALLS  — A Box Elder woman who admitted to a firearms crime after fatally shooting a man while she was in his car on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Shaide Jo Demontiney, 19, pleaded guilty in June to use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.  

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered $3,474 restitution.

The government alleged in court documents that on Aug. 16, 2021, tribal police officers responded to a report of a shooting in Box Elder and found a deceased man. Officers learned that Demontiney had shot the man and driven away. Officers arrested Demontiney a short time later after the car she was driving broke down on the highway. Demontiney had a .380-caliber handgun and the victim’s cell phone. Demontiney told investigators that she had been in the car with the victim and had grabbed a handgun from her purse after he had offered her money and drugs for sex and touched her inappropriately. After the victim made another remark, Demontiney shot him in the chest.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department.

XXX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

Rafe Aaron Camp, 38, of Miles City, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Camp faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Camp was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-96.

Elmer Richard Petersen, 44, of Gillette, Wyoming, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Petersen faces a mandatory minimum 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, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Petersen was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-91.

Appearing on Sept. 15 was:

Ethan Andrew Schilling, 25, of Billings, on charges of distribution of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Schilling faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Schilling was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-92.

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

XXX

BILLINGS  — A Lame Deer man who admitted to strangling a woman on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 46 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Isaiah Benjamin Antelope, 26, pleaded guilty in April to strangulation.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in July 2020 the victim went to Antelope’s house in the Lame Deer area, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, for Antelope’s help in fixing a flat tire on a car. After trying to fix the tire, Antelope and the victim went inside the house. The victim was scared because the two had argued the day before. The two exchanged words and then Antelope strangled the victim with his hands. Antelope had strangled the victim on other occasions and made her pass out or feel like she was going to pass out.

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

XXX

BILLINGS — Two men admitted to charges this week for their roles in an assault on a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer, who was pursuing one of the men for operating a stolen vehicle in Lodge Grass, on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Earl Landon Old Chief, Jr., 36, pleaded guilty on Thursday, Sept. 15, to assault on a federal officer. Old Chief faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters.

Co-defendant Darnell Lee Not Afraid, 38, of Pryor, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Sept. 14, to possession of a firearm in furtherance of assault on a federal officer, a crime of violence. Not Afraid faces a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided and set sentencing for Jan. 26, 2023.

The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other sentencing factors. Old Chief and Not Afraid were detained pending further proceedings.

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

A third co-defendant, Darwyna Caylynn Catherine Bullshows, pleaded guilty to charges and is pending sentencing.

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

XXX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

Robert John Terry, 37, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Terry faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Terry was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Great Falls Police Department and Cascade County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.  PACER case reference. 22-71.

Joseph Drayton Cook, 32, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cook 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 of five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-66.

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

Jordan Cody Washee, 30, of Ashland, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. If convicted of the most serious crime, Washee faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and a mandatory minimum five years to life of supervised release. Washee was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-94.

Jonathan Cleve Brien, 42, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Brien faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Brien was released pending further proceedings. The Department of Interior Office of Inspector General investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-85.

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

XXX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder woman suspected of shooting a woman in the face over a drug deal on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation admitted to an assault charge on Sept. 15, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Tricia Friede Gardipee, 50, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Gardipee 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 sentencing factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 2, 2023. Gardipee was released pending further proceedings.

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

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department.

XXX

 

GREAT FALLS — A Washington man suspected of bringing methamphetamine and fentanyl pills to the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation for distribution admitted to a trafficking crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Hugo Gutierrez Rodriguez, aka Victor aka Juice, 42, of Yakima, Washington, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Rodriguez faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Jan. 26, 2023. Rodriguez was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in May 2021, a Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation resident was found to possess fentanyl pills. An investigation determined that a group of men in Yakima, Washington, were selling meth and fentanyl on the reservation and that Rodriguez was identified as one of these men. In February, investigators conducted a controlled buy of fentanyl pills and meth from Rodriguez in Yakima. Drugs from the controlled buy included approximately 73 grams of meth and 400 fentanyl pills. Investigators further learned that Rodriguez was bringing more drugs to Montana. Idaho State Police located and stopped Rodriguez, who was driving with one passenger. The passenger said he and Rodriguez were bringing drugs to someone in Box Elder, located on Rocky Boy’s. Officers found approximately 149 grams of meth and more than 300 fentanyl pills in a search of the vehicle.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Tri-Agency Task Force, Rocky Boy’s Police Department and Idaho State Police.

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

XXX

 

 

 

 

GREAT FALLS – U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich met today in Great Falls with a group of North Macedonia judges who are visiting Montana to study the U.S. judicial system and ethics.

U.S. Attorney Laslovich participated in a panel discussion about the federal judicial system and explained how U.S. Attorneys are appointed, the role they have in the judicial system and their responsibilities in overseeing the prosecution and management of all cases, including fraud and public corruption cases. Additionally, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy J. Racicot, Ryan G. Weldon, and Benjamin D. Hargrove met with the visiting judges to talk about prosecution strategies, investigative tools and resources and ethical obligations.

The North Macedonia judges are visiting Montana to learn about the judicial system and ethics. North Macedonia has applied to join the European Union, and one of the requirements is to review their country’s ability to address high crimes and public corruption. The visiting judges are early career judges who will be shaping their country’s judicial policies.

“I am honored to share with these visiting judges my role as the chief federal law enforcement officer in the District of Montana and how we work with our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners to seek justice, improve public safety, and uphold civil rights. Meeting with this North Macedonia delegation also is an excellent opportunity to build friendships, exchange cultures, and strengthen democratic societies around the world,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“Great Falls, Montana is a city and state that is known all over Eurasia and the post-Soviet region because of the incredible welcome and hospitality shown to these delegates by the residents of this city and this state,” said Dr. Sandra Erickson, local program coordinator for the Advisory Commission (ACIR) for International Relations for the City of Great Falls.  “It makes me proud to call Montana and Great Falls home. ACIR has hosted over a dozen such delegations over the past decade. This September 9-17, 2022 delegates are young professionals. They are eager to share and to learn information regarding our judicial system. The public presentation at Great Falls College is a good opportunity for local people to experience global interactions and citizen diplomacy.”

 The Macedonian judges will give a presentation to the public at 10 a.m., Sept. 16, at  Great Falls College MSU in Room B101. The public is invited to attend. The judges will be addressing their experiences in Montana, their culture and the future of their country. The Advisory Commission on International Relations for the City of Great Falls is hosting the group.

The North Macedonia delegation of five judges is in Montana from Sept. 9 to 17 as part of the Open World program, which is administered by Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL), an arm of the U.S. Congress. The purpose of COIL programs is to introduce rising leaders of emerging countries to the importance of legislative functions in creating and sustaining democracies.

While in Montana, the delegation will be meeting with federal judges, federal prosecutors, district judges and local attorneys. The group also will be visiting with professors at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana in Missoula, the Montana Supreme Court justices in Helena and Gov. Greg Gianforte. In addition, the judges will be meeting with representatives of Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines.

XXX

 

 

 

 

 

GREAT FALLS — A Browning man suspected of beating another man in the head on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Dale Ray Racine, 30, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Racine 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 sentencing factors. Sentencing was set for Jan. 26, 2023. Racine was detained pending further proceedings.

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

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

XXX

 

GREAT FALLS — A Wolf Point woman who admitted to assaulting a toddler on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced on Thursday to 34 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Shelby Loves Him, 23, pleaded guilty in May to an indictment charging her with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and felony child abuse.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Loves Him had been caring for the victim, a toddler, identified as John Doe, when on Dec. 8, 2021, law enforcement officers were contacted about John Doe being unresponsive at the Poplar Community Hospital. The officers observed bruising and scratches on John Doe’s head, arms and legs. When questioned about events prior to John Doe arriving at the hospital, Loves Him told officers that she had struck John Doe multiple times in the week leading up to an incident on Dec. 8, 2021, when she assaulted him. John Doe was flown to Salt Lake City, Utah, for emergency life-saving surgery and continues to suffer significant impairment.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy A. Johnson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Montana Highway Patrol and Fort Peck Tribes Police Department.

XXX

 

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

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

Bruce William Ferguson, 65, of Fort Peck, on charges of mail fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ferguson faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Ferguson was released pending further proceeding. The Bureau of Land Management investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-78.

Appearing on Sept. 6 was:

Tyrel Edward Olson, 29, of Miles City, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Olson faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Olson was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-73.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto on Sept.6 for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint was:

Evirso Ampude, 47, of Box Elder, on charges of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ampude faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Ampude was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-70.

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

XXX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MISSOULA  — A Butte woman who admitted to diverting drugs while working as a nurse at a Butte hospital was sentenced today to five years of probation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Nichole Lynn Zinda, 37, pleaded guilty in May to unlawfully obtaining a controlled substance as charged in an indictment.

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

The government alleged in court documents that a hospital in Butte notified the Drug Enforcement Administration that Zinda, a registered nurse working on the post-operation floor, was discovered diverting hydromorphone cartridges in September 2020. A hospital review of  Zinda’s records showed an abnormally high number of transactions by Zinda regarding oxycodone and hydromorphone as compared with other nurses working on the same floor. Zinda was pretending to “waste” or dispose of the hydromorphone or was giving it to patients but then cancelling the orders in the system. The hospital terminated Zinda after she tested positive for hydromorphone as well as oxycodone/oxymorphone.  Zinda told investigators that she took hydromorphone from the hospital to prevent her from getting sick when she didn’t have any pills.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the DEA, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and St. James Hospital.

XXX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MISSOULA — A Victor man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine after law enforcement found the drug along with a sawed-off shotgun and other firearms at his residence was sentenced on Tuesday to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

Terrill Dwayne Martin, 53, pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in November 2021, the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office law enforcement officers conducted a search of Martin’s resident pursuant to a state warrant. Law enforcement recovered meth, a sawed-off shotgun, several firearms and drug paraphernalia. Martin admitted that he had meth in the safe in his residence.

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

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

XXX

 

 

MISSOULA —A Kalispell woman accused of operating a money mule business in which she collected money from various wire fraud schemes around the United States and then sent the funds overseas for a fee admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Theresa Anne Chabot, 57, pleaded guilty to unlicensed money transmitting businesses. Chabot faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. A sentencing date was set for Jan. 5, 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. Chabot was released pending further proceedings.

A plea agreement filed in the case recommends that 29 other counts charged in an indictment be dismissed at sentencing, that Chabot be responsible for complete restitution estimated by the government at approximately $5.2 million and that Chabot forfeit a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe.

The government alleged in court documents that from about May 2017 until February 2021, Chabot, through her business, Avalanche Creek, LLC, collected money from various wire fraud schemes around the United States into her bank accounts. When doing so, Chabot operated as a money transmitting business and was required to register Avalanche Creek with the Department of Treasury. The government further alleged that Chabot opened more than 50 bank accounts. Banks closed numerous accounts after reviewing the activity, and at least 15 banks directly informed Chabot the accounts were being closed due to fraud, violation of bank policies and other misuse. Despite the repeated bank account closures, Chabot would open new bank accounts that enabled her to receive proceeds. Chabot received a fee, which in some instances totaled approximately 10 percent of the proceeds deposited into her bank accounts. Chabot would then forward the remaining funds overseas, including to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.

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

XXX

 

MISSOULA  — A Kalispell couple convicted in a scheme to steal hundreds of pieces of mail from rural mailboxes in Lincoln and Flathead counties and use credit cards found in the stolen mail to defraud businesses were sentenced to prison terms today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Michael Thomas Kullberg, 34, was sentenced to 31 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Kullberg pleaded guilty in May to theft of mail, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Kullberg’s wife, Jennifer Don Smith, 38, was sentenced to 32 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Smith pleaded guilty in May to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Both Kullberg and Smith were ordered to pay $2,302 restitution, which consisted of the fraudulent charges and reimbursement for stolen mail.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that on at least two occasions in March and April 2020, Kullberg, while wearing a GPS unit for a previous felony conviction, stole mail and packages from rural mailboxes of at least 300 residents in the Eureka, Libby, Kila and Marion areas. Kullberg also stole at least two credit cards from the incoming mail, and used them, while wearing his GPS unit, to make fraudulent charges at various businesses Eureka and Kalispell.  Smith conspired with her husband to use stolen credit cards taken from the victims’ mail and personally tendered the cards. The investigation found that the stolen mail was dumped along roadways, ditches and other public areas. Dozens of residents reported the loss of packages, letters, bills, outgoing checks and personal identifying information. Kullberg later denied that he stole mail or used anyone else’s credit card without permission. When asked why his GPS unit placed him at the scene of the thefts, Kullberg explained he was driving around fighting with Smith in the car.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Eureka Police Department and Montana Probation and Parole.

XXX

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

Michael Scott Naron, 34, pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Naron was a meth dealer in Missoula and Flathead counties from January 2020 through October 2020. In May 2020, a burglary investigation led to a search of Naron’s home in which law enforcement recovered heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, U.S. currency, two stolen firearms and other stolen items. During a traffic stop of Naron on Interstate 90 in Montana in October 2020, law enforcement later searched his vehicle and recovered meth, heroin, firearms and drug paraphernalia. Additionally, law enforcement learned from an informant that the individual provided Naron large quantities of meth and received two stolen firearms from him.

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 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.

XXX

 

GREAT FALLS — A Wolf Point man suspected of going to the post office and picking up a package he thought contained fentanyl pills admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Andre Jean Reum, 24, pleaded guilty to attempted possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Reum faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Jan. 5, 2023. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Reum was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that the U.S. Postal Service inspector identified a suspicious package mailed from Tacoma, Washington, to a post office box in Wolf Point, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. On May 23, the inspector served a search warrant on the package and found toys and plastic bags that contained suspected fentanyl. The inspector removed the suspected fentanyl and repackaged the parcel, which was delivered to the Wolf Point post office the next day. Reum went to the post office later in the day, after having checked on the package earlier in the day and on the previous day. Reum retrieved the package, spoke to a bystander and was arrested. The bystander reported that Reum had slapped the parcel and stated he had to take care of business. An analysis determined that 586 pills contained fentanyl.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Postal Service, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice and the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office.

XXX

MISSOULA  — A Philipsburg woman who admitted to lying for more than 10 years about her income and resources to receive more Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits and other federal aid than she was qualified to receive was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay full restitution of $142,542, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Virginia Kathleen Pearson, 56, pleaded guilty in April to false statements to a government agency.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Judge Molloy remanded Pearson into custody.

“Pearson knew she was obligated to truthfully report her income and resources but instead lied for more than a decade to boost her benefits. Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid are federal programs intended to help those truly in need and to ensure they get adequate care when they cannot afford it. Pearson’s conduct took assistance from others who were without options. We will continue to safeguard federal benefits and will investigate and prosecute those who try to exploit these programs. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter, the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General and the Montana Department of Health and Human Services for their work on this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“This sentence holds Ms. Pearson accountable for defrauding government programs. As part of her scheme, she abused the Supplemental Security Income program, the needs-based safety net for the most vulnerable among us by falsifying her true circumstances and causing SSA to improperly pay her over $101,000,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “My office will continue to pursue those who exploit SSA programs for personal gain. I thank our law enforcement partners for their support in this investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case.”

The government alleged in court documents that in 2006, Pearson applied for Social Security Income (SSI) from the SSA and was approved for benefits in 2008. Pearson was informed of her obligation to report any change to her household income, resources and household composition. Pearson had advised she lived in a home with her husband, Doyle Pearson, and, as such, his income and resources were considered in determining the amount of SSI for which Pearson was eligible. One month after receiving her first SSA payment, Pearson reported to SSA that her husband had moved out of the home. Pearson’s SSI benefits increased significantly after SSA removed Doyle Pearson’s contributions and re-calculated Pearson’s benefits. Further, between November 2008 and December 2019, Pearson received nine cost of living adjustments and two change in payment letters detailing her obligation to report changes to her income, resources and household composition.

In August 2019, Doyle Pearson applied for Social Security retirement benefits, reported he was married and provided the same address where Pearson stated she had lived alone since September 2008.

In response, SSA conducted a redetermination and Pearson again represented she lived alone, rented a home, had one savings account and co-owned one vehicle. Pearson attested that Doyle Pearson lived at another address and that they had been separated for 15 years.

An investigation determined that Pearson’s statements were false and that the couple lived together and co-owned the house. Pearson also had unreported bank accounts and additional vehicles that were titled in her name or jointly with her husband.

Pearson made similar misrepresentations to Montana Public Assistance. In total, Pearson fraudulently obtained $101,136 from SSA, $23,116 from the Montana Department of Health and Human Services, which distributes Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and $18,203 from Medicaid.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the SSA Office of Inspector General and Montana Department of Health and Human Services.

XXX

 

 

 

MISSOULA – A Billings man who admitted to illegally possessing firearms after having been convicted of a felony was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Michael Russell Torres, 30, pleaded guilty in April to two counts of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Torres was convicted of a felony drug crime in New York in 2013 and did not regain his right to possess firearms. In March 2021, Missoula Police officers responded to a citizen’s complaint and found Torres outside of a vehicle. Torres told officers he had a firearm on him. When officers placed Torres in handcuffs, a loaded, 9mm caliber pistol that had been under his shoulder fell to the ground. About a year later, law enforcement officers served an arrest warrant on Torres in Billings and found a .40 caliber pistol in his front waistband during a search.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Missoula Police Department and Billings Police Department.

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

XXX

BILLINGS  — A Billings man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in Montana, Idaho and Oregon and was arrested after leading law enforcement on high-speed chase before crashing near Laurel was sentenced today to 15 years and three months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Robert Allen Williams, 58, pleaded guilty in April to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

“Williams was a regional drug dealer who not only trafficked this poison in Montana communities but also in Idaho and Oregon. Investigating and prosecuting drug traffickers who work across multiple states is a priority for this office, and this significant sentence holds Williams accountable for his conduct,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

In court documents, the government alleged that in April 2021, Billings Drug Enforcement Administration agents received information from DEA agents in Oregon about  Williams and co-defendant Yvonne Schlichting, who were suspected of trafficking methamphetamine in Oregon, Idaho and Montana and were traveling in a rental vehicle in Montana. Billings DEA agents, along with the Montana Highway Patrol, located the rental vehicle outside of Laurel. A MHP trooper attempted to stop the vehicle, but Williams, the driver, refused to stop and led troopers on a high-speed chase toward Red Lodge. The vehicle then made a U-turn in the median and headed back to Laurel. The vehicle ran over spike strips deployed by law enforcement and continued into Laurel where it went through a red light and struck another vehicle. Officers executed a search warrant on the vehicle and found $26,976 in cash and approximately 267 grams, which is about a half pound, of pure meth. Schlichting was convicted in the case and is pending sentencing.

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

XXX

 

 

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

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Aug. 26 was:

Alexis Rae Walker, 27, of Billings, on charges of possession of unregistered firearm, prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition and receipt of firearm by person under indictment. If convicted of the most serious crime, Walker faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Walker was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-86.

Appearing on Aug. 25 was:

Chad Leroy Stone, 45, of Emigrant, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stone faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Stone was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Park County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-93.

Appearing on Aug. 24 was:

Gregory Richard Boyd, 39, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Boyd faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Boyd was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-121.

Appearing on Aug. 22 was:

Armando Luis Gonzalez, Jr., 29, a transient, on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gonzalez faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, on aggravated identity theft. Gonzalez was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations and the Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-87.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Aug. 25 was:

Garrick Allen Robinson, Jr., 20, of Wolf Point, on charges of sexual abuse. If convicted of the most serious crime, Robinson faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Robinson was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Fort Peck Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-62.

Appearing on Aug. 23 was:

Jorge Perez, 41, 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, Perez faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Perez was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Great Falls Police Department and Cascade County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-60.

Thomas Jeff Richardson, 49, of Great Falls, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Richardson faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Richardson was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Cascade County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-61.

Jordan Joseph Morgan, 30, of Browning, on charges of involuntary manslaughter. If convicted of the most serious crime, Morgan faces a maximum of eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Morgan was released pending further proceedings. The FBI 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.

XXX