District of Montana

GREAT FALLS — A Wolf Point man who admitted to attacking a man in the head with a bat on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 32 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Harry B. Azure, 22, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered $13,505 restitution.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on Nov. 19, 2019 in Wolf Point, Azure and another individual broke through the door of the residence of the victim, identified as John Doe, struck the victim multiple times in the head with a small baseball bat and left. The victim initially was treated at a local hospital then flown to Billings because of the severity of injuries.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy Johnson, prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Fort Peck Tribal Police.

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GREAT FALLS — A Whitehall man suspected of downloading child pornography for approximately six years admitted charges on Feb. 16, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Tyler D. Pinnt, 35, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with receipt of child pornography. Pinnt faces a mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, five years to a lifetime of supervised release and special assessments.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for May 19 and continued Pinnt’s release pending further proceedings. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The government alleged in court documents that Pinnt received child pornography from about March 2015 to July 2021. The Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was investigating Pinnt for online crimes against children and on July 13, 2021, served a search warrant on his residence near Whitehall. Agents seized several computers and cellular phones and conducted a forensic examination of the devices. At the time of the search, Pinnt admitted in an interview that he found child pornography online and that agents would locate child pornography on his laptop and desktop computers. Investigators located child pornography images and videos on Pinnt’s two phones and his computers and determined that Pinnt had downloaded the material between March 2015 and July 2021.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, FBI, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Helena Police Department and Seattle (Washington) Police Department Human Trafficking Unit.

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

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BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man accused of fatally stabbing another man during an argument at a Crow Agency convenience store on the Crow Indian Reservation admitted to a manslaughter charge today, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

James Posey Fisher Sr., 35, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. Fisher faces a maximum of 15 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 July 8. Fisher was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on June 28, 2020, at the Teepee Station convenience store in Crow Agency, Fisher stabbed the victim, identified as John Doe, once in the chest. The victim died of a single stab wound before reaching the hospital. Fisher and victim were with other individuals and were drinking heavily. At some point, John Doe started teasing Fisher about a fight the previous evening, saying he had to finish what Fisher had started. Fisher and John Doe began arguing in a car that Fisher was driving and continued the argument when they got out at the convenience store. The argument turned physical. Witnesses thought it was only a fist fight until John Doe backed up suddenly, ran a short distance and collapsed. Witnesses realized John Doe had been stabbed because he was bleeding. Fisher jumped back into the car and drove away.   

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori Harper Suek and Jeanne R. Torske and student intern, Alex Butler, are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.

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BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to trafficking cocaine and ecstasy and brandishing a firearm in relation to those crimes after being indicted in a sex and drug trafficking investigation was sentenced today to eight years and nine months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Djavon Lamont King, 31, pleaded guilty in February 2021 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and ecstasy and to possession of and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution alleged that in 2019, King, a co-defendant, Mario Drake, and others conspired to distribute illegal narcotics, including cocaine and ecstasy. On April 24, 2019, two individuals attempted to distribute some of the ecstasy related to the conspiracy. The transaction, which involved a buyer, was set to occur at a motel in Billings. However, at the meeting a struggle ensued, and the buyer assaulted one of the individuals and left the scene. Following this incident, the individual informed King and Drake about what had occurred at the motel. In response, on April 29, 2019, King, Drake, and others, arranged a meeting with the buyer, during which they assaulted the buyer while holding firearms. King and others later informed the two individuals who had gone to the drug deal that they retaliated against the buyer in response to the failed drug deal.

Drake has pleaded guilty to charges and is awaiting sentencing.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Benjamin D. Hargrove, prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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

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BILLINGS — A Sidney man who admitted to selling methamphetamine was sentenced today to 10 years and 10 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Jose Eduardo Garcia, 31, pleaded guilty in August 2021 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on two occasions in 2020, Garcia sold meth from his residence during controlled buys. The transactions totaled slightly more than 50 grams.

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

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

 

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GREAT FALLS — A Minnesota man who admitted to making hundreds of thousands of dollars selling oxycodone pills while renting a house on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced today to six years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Jason Tyrell Lee, 46, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and money laundering.

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

The government alleged in court documents that for approximately six years, from 2014 through spring 2020, Lee and co-defendant, Kaycee Lynn Menz, were selling oxycodone pills from a house they rented in Poplar, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Lee, who resided primarily in Minnesota, supplied Menz with pills to sell on and around the reservation. Financial records showed that their operation generated large sums of cash in Montana and that they then moved the proceeds to accounts held in Lee’s name and in the name of his Minnesota business, Above Average Marketing. During the period of the drug operation, more than $700,000 was deposited into Above Average Marketing banks accounts. Meanwhile, despite the vast quantities of deposits, Lee was reporting little legitimate business income. One customer estimated spending $30,000 on pills from Menz, pills that had been supplied by Lee. In a May 2020 traffic stop of Lee, agents found approximately 410 pills containing oxycodone.

Menz previously was sentenced to 40 months in prison for her conviction in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol.

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MISSOULA — A jury today convicted a Washington woman of cyberstalking a Montana man she met online and public officials by hacking the man’s email and sending harassing and threatening communications, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

After a three-day trial, the jury found Kathy Ann Hendrickson, also known as Kathy Thorberg, 60, of Walla Walla, Washington, guilty of cyberstalking as charged in an indictment. Hendrickson faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. The trial began on Feb. 14.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Judge Molloy set sentencing for May 26. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Hendrickson was detained pending further proceedings.

“Hendrickson stole the victim’s personal information, hacked into his email account and then used her cell phone as a weapon to threaten and harass not only the victim but also public officials. Predators who try to hide their true identity on the internet to stalk innocent victims will be held fully accountable. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot and the FBI for investigating and prosecuting this case,” U.S. Attorney Johnson said.

In court documents and at trial, the government presented evidence that Hendrickson met the victim, identified as John Doe, on a dating website sometime in 2015 or 2016. The two communicated online and eventually met in person on several occasions at John Doe’s residence in Trout Creek. John Doe ended the relationship. John Doe strongly suspected Hendrickson of stealing his wallet. Hendrickson started harassing John Doe as early as May 2018 when, using an anonymous email account, sent John Doe an email stating, “I’m going to bring you down.” Hendrickson also called the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office and claimed John Doe was threatening her.

The government further alleged that Hendrickson obtained John Doe’s email password, hacked into his account and sent nasty messages to his friends and threatening messages to herself. Henderson forwarded the alleged threatening messages to the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office and asked for protection from John Doe. Hendrickson also used John Doe’s email account to send threatening messages to two Sanders County commissioners and a receptionist. The subject of the messages was “Death,” and contained messages including, “Your (sic) going to die.”

The harassment continued, the government alleged, and in January 2019, Hendrickson hacked John Doe’s email address and sent a threat to Montana’s then-Gov. Steve Bullock. The message read, “You are the worst Governor for our state. Do us all a favor and leave. Maybe best if you were terminated permantly (sic). A gun, which I have many will do the job. Be aware of your surroundings.”

Investigators identified Hendrickson as the suspect, executed a search warrant at her residence and seized her cell phone. A forensic examination of the phone found evidence relevant to Hendrickson’s stalking of John Doe, including an app that allows users to place calls that appear to be from numbers other than the number assigned to the phone. John Doe and his friends received dozens of prank calls during 2018 from numbers they did not recognize. Investigators also suspected Hendrickson was using a burner cell phone to send menacing emails from John Doe’s account. Hendrickson used the burner phone to call the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Yakima, Washington, and the FBI office in Richland, Washington, within days of the search of her residence and seizure of her actual phone and asked when her phone might be returned.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.

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GREAT FALLS — A Helena woman who admitted to helping to bring pounds of methamphetamine from Las Vegas, Nevada, into Montana for distribution was sentenced today to five years and six months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Rhonda Jeanette Lapier, also known as Rhonda Trench, 49, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in May, an investigation in Great Falls led to Lapier’s residence, where she and a co-defendant were suspected of trafficking meth together. Officers ultimately stopped a vehicle being driven by the co-defendant and found about 3.6 pounds of meth in the trunk. Officers also obtained a warrant to search Lapier’s residence and located about three pounds of meth and $6,132 in a bedroom where Lapier had been staying with another person. Officers learned that several people, including Lapier, had gone to Las Vegas to pick up meth, had returned with six pounds and had dropped some of it off at Lapier’s residence. Six pounds of meth is the equivalent of 21,744 doses.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Russell Country Drug Task Force, the Missouri River Drug Task Force, FBI, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and Lewis & Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

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

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BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to trafficking cocaine and promoting prostitution in the community by setting up a commercial sex date for an individual was sentenced today to two years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Anthony Marcos Chadwell, 28, pleaded guilty in August 2021 to a superseding information charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and with use of a facility in interstate commerce in aid of racketeering.

Chadwell also was sentenced today to one year in prison for multiple violations of federal supervised release imposed in a prior conviction on a firearms offense. The one-year term is to be served consecutively to the sentence imposed for the cocaine trafficking and promoting prostitution offenses, bringing Chadwell’s total amount of imprisonment to three years.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in 2019, Chadwell became involved in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy and in commercial sex in Billings. Chadwell distributed cocaine to individuals, including to his co-defendant, William Newkirk. In early 2019, Chadwell was introduced to an individual, identified as Jane Doe 11. At some point, Doe 11 began engaging in commercial sex with Chadwell’s assistance. Chadwell used his cellular phone to set up a commercial sex date for Doe 11 at a Billings motel in which Doe 11 engaged in a sex act in exchange for money.

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

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MISSOULA — A Kalispell man who admitted transporting firearms and ammunition stolen from a storage unit to Idaho and to trafficking methamphetamine was sentenced on Feb. 11 to six years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Joseph Vernon Holmstrom 41, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to interstate transportation of stolen firearms and to possession with intent to distribute meth.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Judge Molloy ordered restitution of $101,900 to be joint and several with the co-defendant.

The government alleged in court documents that in December 2019, Idaho Falls, Idaho, police responded to a report of an abandoned U-Haul vehicle that appeared to have been stolen. An investigation led to a Kalispell man, who then discovered his storage unit in Kalispell had been burglarized and that he was missing firearms and ammunition. Holmstrom, who was with the U-Haul, had the victim’s driver’s license in his pocket.  

The investigation further led to co-defendant, Jeremy Anthony O’Canna, and evidence of him entering the victim’s storage unit and removing guns and ammunition. O’Canna sent Facebook messages to people asking if they needed guns and sent photographs of guns and ammunition he had to sell. He claimed he was on his way to Idaho Falls to sell guns to Mexicans. Holmstrom messaged people that they were going to need two U-Hauls, in reference to hauling the guns, sent the same pictures of guns and ammunition that O’Canna was sending and that he was in Idaho Falls. In December, Holmstrom sent messages that they were robbed. The firearms and ammunition have not been recovered.

When arrested in Idaho Falls, Holmstrom had a small amount of meth, and witnesses told law enforcement that they purchased meth from Holmstrom.

O’Canna was sentenced previously to two years in prison and ordered to pay $101,900  restitution for conviction in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Falls Police Department and Idaho Falls Animal Control.

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

 

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MISSOULA — A Kalispell man who admitted to confronting two strangers in a parking lot and displaying a firearm he was prohibited from having was sentenced today to six years and five months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

John Lee Barlow, 42, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on May 23, 2021, the victim called 911 to report that a man, later identified as Barlow, had pulled a gun on him and his girlfriend in a parking lot in Kalispell. The victim reported that he had parked his vehicle and started walking to a restaurant when a Dodge pickup drove toward him and stopped abruptly. Barlow, the driver and sole occupant, got out and started screaming at the victim for walking in front of him. Barlow then pulled up his shirt, placed his hand on a holstered pistol and shouted, “I’m the police!” before returning to his truck and driving away. The victim’s girlfriend witnessed the altercation and told officers that Barlow was “acting like he was gonna shoot us.” The girlfriend took photographs of Barlow and his truck. Surveillance video from a nearby casino recorded the interaction. Officers ultimately identified and arrested Barlow and obtained a .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol from his residence. Barlow had prior felony convictions for aggravated assault in Georgia and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kalispell Police Department.

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

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

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

Shawndra Marie Pietz, 35, of Billings, on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Pietz faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 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 years of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft crime. Pietz was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-7.

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

Hunter Dylan Bell, 28, of Great Falls, on charges of possession of an unregistered firearm, prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute heroin. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bell faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Bell was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-1.

Jesus Zamora-Cuevas, 23, of Mexico, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition and illegal re-entry. If convicted of the most serious crime, Zamora-Cuevas faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Zamora-Cuevas was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-11.

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

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BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man was sentenced today to 17 years and four months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for multiple crimes after he led law enforcement on a high-speed chase that ended in a shootout when he shot at officers, who returned fire, wounding him on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Antoine Robert Threefingers, 37, was convicted by a jury on Sept. 17, 2021, of assault on a federal officer, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

In court documents and at trial, the government presented evidence that on Sept. 1, 2020, a Bureau of Indian Affairs police officer, identified as John Doe 1, attempted a routine traffic stop of Threefingers. Threefingers stopped initially but then fled as Doe 1 approached, engaging officers in a 25-minute, high-speed chase with speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour on dirt roads and Highway 212. Three additional BIA officers and a Rosebud County Sheriff’s deputy joined the pursuit.

While driving, Threefingers pulled out a gun and put it to his head before turning it on law enforcement. Threefingers fired a shot at Doe 1 and continued driving. Threefingers eventually led law enforcement to a dirt road near Birney, where he stopped his vehicle and exchanged gunfire with Doe 1. Another BIA officer later exchanged gun fire with Threefingers. Other officers nearby described Threefingers’ shots sailing over their heads but did not return fire.

Threefingers then ran from his car while continuing to shoot at law enforcement. Officers shot Threefingers, who fell to the ground and continued firing. Officers approached and detained Threefingers, who was transported to the hospital and treated for injuries. Law enforcement recovered a Colt .45-caliber pistol and multiple casings near Threefingers.

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

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MISSOULA — A Butte man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in the community was sentenced today to seven years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Anthony Wayne Lamere, 33, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement became aware that Lamere was involved in drug trafficking from numerous witnesses who identified him as dealing drugs. When arrested in April 2021, Lamere admitted to agents that he was dealing drugs and had been selling a quarter pound of meth a week for several months.

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

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Brockton man who admitted beating and seriously injuring another person at his home on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced today to seven years and four months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

James Michael Garcia, 29, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.  

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

The government alleged in court documents that on Aug. 26, 2018, Garcia beat the victim, identified as Jane Doe, after an argument over the phone with a relative of the victim. The victim suffered serious bodily injuries.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared C. Cobell prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Fort Peck Tribal Law Enforcement.

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MISSOULA — A Kalispell man was sentenced today to two years and four months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on a firearm conviction after admitting he possessed a loaded, sawed-off rifle that had an obliterated serial number, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Zachary Jon Lindsay, 39, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to possession of an unregistered firearm.  

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in February 2021, Kalispell Police responded to a report of a shoplifter leaving Sportsman & Ski Haus. The officer located the suspect vehicle driven by Lindsay, the sole occupant. A pursuit ensued and ended when Lindsay came to a dead end and fled on foot. The officer caught and arrested Lindsay. During a search of Lindsay, the officer found .22-caliber ammunition and a loaded .22-caliber magazine. When asked if he had any guns on him, Lindsay responded that there was one in the vehicle. A search warrant was served on the vehicle and officers located a loaded, Ruger .22-caliber rifle with a scope, custom pistol grip stock, sawed-off barrel and obliterated serial number. The firearm was under a stolen fly rod. Officers also found several spend .22-caliber casings throughout the car.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kalispell Police Department.

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

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MISSOULA — A Bozeman man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine was sentenced today to eight years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and was ordered to forfeit $17,644, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Jared Robert Williams, 42, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents filed by the government, the Missouri River Drug Task Force began investigating Williams and others for suspected distribution of large quantities of meth. On Nov. 6, 2020, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper stopped Williams, searched his vehicle and found meth, drug paraphernalia, $17,644 in U.S. currency and two cellular phones. About $10,000 of the cash was stacked in a brick fashion and tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. In a search of the cell phones, investigators found photographs and messages consistent with drug trafficking. One witness told investigators that in a two-month period, he received about 3.75 pounds, which is approximately 13,600 doses, of meth from Williams for resale. In an interview of Williams, he admitted he sold meth. He denied the money he possessed was from drug dealing and told detectives he didn’t believe in banks. However, after Williams was booked into jail, he called his girlfriend and told her how much money was in the bank account.

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

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

 

 

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MISSOULA — A Hamilton man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in Missoula and Ravalli counties was sentenced today to eight years and four months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

George Thomas Walker, 44, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Walker trafficked methamphetamine in Missoula and Ravalli counties from about October 2019 until February 2021. Confidential informants told law enforcement that Walker was a prolific trafficker and that he mostly obtained his meth from Washington and brought it back to Missoula for distribution. In October 2020, law enforcement located Walker in his vehicle. In a search of the vehicle, officer found two firearms, ammunition, meth and drug paraphernalia. During a traffic stop of Walker in February 2021, law enforcement later searched his vehicle and recovered meth, heroin and other drug paraphernalia. And in March 2021 in Ravalli County, law enforcement searched the residence of an associate of Walker’s and recovered meth in property that Walker had left for safe keeping.

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, Great Falls Police Department, Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Department of Correction’s Probation and Parole Division.

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

 

 

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BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man who admitted to assaulting a woman by stabbing her through a car window was sentenced today to 33 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Brett William James Jones, 29, pleaded guilty in August 2021 to assault resulting in bodily injury.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on May 18, 2019 in Lame Deer, located on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, Jones went to a residence, was intoxicated and started a confrontation over twenty dollars. Jones began threatening people with a knife. The victim, identified as Jane Doe, got into a van to drive to the police station and report the disturbance. She stopped when she saw Jones in front of the van. Witnesses indicated that Jones broke the driver’s side window before stabbing Doe in the arm. Doe was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries.

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

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

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

Joseph John Lequin, 65, of Shelby, 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, Lequin faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Lequin was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-05.

Brian Lee Big Bow, 44, of Box Elder, on charges of strangulation and assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted of the most serious crime, Big Bow faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Big Bow was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-79.

Appearing on criminal complaints were:

Jesus Zamora Cuevas, 23, of Mexico, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and illegal re-entry of deported alien. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cuevas faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Cuevas was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-04.

Rolando Lopez Lara, 22, of Mexico, on charges of prohibited person in possession of ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lara faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Lara was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.  PACER case reference. 22-05.

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

Jeffrey Brandon Zabolotney, 34, of Lolo, on charges of transportation of child pornography and receipt of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Zabolotney faces a mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Zabolotney was released pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations and the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-57.

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

William Edward Coffin, 34, of Big Sky, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Coffin faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Coffin was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Montana Probation and Parole Division investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-03.

Chase David Carmody, 41, of Billings, on prohibited person in possession of firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Carmody faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Carmody was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-01.

Appearing on Feb. 4 was:

Curtis Jeffrey Montclair, 37, of Poplar, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Montclair faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Montclair was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Fort Peck Police Department and Montana Probation and Parole Division investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-70.

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.

 

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MISSOULA — A Texas man accused of groping a minor girl while on a flight to Bozeman admitted to a sexual assault crime today, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Vincent Harry Kopacek, 76, of Fredericksburg, Texas, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with abusive sexual contact. Kopacek faces a maximum of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for June 1 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. Kopacek was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on July 8, 2021, Kopacek was on an evening flight from Austin, Texas, to Bozeman and was seated by a window on the airplane. The victim, identified as Jane Doe, who was 15 at the time, was seated in the row in front of Kopacek and her seat was fully upright during the flight. While in flight, Kopacek reached his hand along the interior wall of the aircraft and around to the seat in front of him. Kopacek touched Doe’s arm and moved his hand between her arm and torso. He then touched and rubbed the victim. Doe recorded the touching with her cellular phone, and, while on the aircraft, looked at Kopacek and took photos of him. Doe later described being scared and that the unwanted touching made her feel disrespected and gross. Investigators downloaded the videos and images from Doe’s phone and confirmed Kopacek’s identity.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport Public Safety Office.

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MISSOULA — A Kalispell man who admitted to taking sexually explicit photographs of a child while boating in Flathead County was sentenced today to 18 years in prison to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Edward Timothy Cockerham, 43, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to sexual exploitation of a child.

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

“Cockerham victimized a child for his own sexual gratification. Today’s sentence holds him accountable for his reprehensible conduct and puts other offenders on notice that they face serious consequences for harming children. Crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children will be fully investigated and prosecuted. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their work on this case,” U.S. Attorney Johnson said.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in June 2021, Cockerham went to Ashley Lake in Flathead County with two children. Cockerham took the victim, who was under the age of 18 and was identified as Jane Doe 1, boating. While out on the water, Cockerham touched and took sexually explicit pictures of Jane Doe 1. Jane Doe 1 reported Cockerham’s actions. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office seized Cockerham’s cell phone and searched it pursuant to a warrant. An initial review determined Cockerham had deleted all of the images. A subsequent search of the cell phone by a forensic examiner with the Montana Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation located sexually explicit images of Jane Doe 1, along with sexually explicit images of two other child victims.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children 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.

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GREAT FALLS — A Havre man who admitted to drug trafficking and firearms crimes after law enforcement found methamphetamine, fentanyl, a gun and a large amount of cash in his motel room was sentenced today to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, said U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson.

Brandon Wayne Glover, 39, pleaded guilty in October 2021 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 2014, Glover was convicted in federal court of possession with intent to distribute meth. In November 2020, law enforcement received information that Glover was distributing meth in Havre, and an informant bought about a half-ounce of meth from Glover at a Havre casino. In December 2020, officers arrested Glover on a warrant based on supervised release violations in his prior federal meth trafficking case. Agents secured a motel room in Havre where Glover had been staying and applied for a search warrant. In the meantime, agents received recorded jail calls in which Glover asked his mother for help retrieving items from the room where he had been staying and specifically asked her to look under the bed. Glover’s mother went to the motel room and was turned away. Agents executed a search warrant for the motel room and found 420 grams, or almost a pound, of meth, a firearm, drug paraphernalia, and fentanyl pills. Agents also found about $12,100 in cash under the bed.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Havre Police Department and the Tri-Agency Task Force.

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

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BILLINGS -- U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland this week released the Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.

Rooted in the foundational pillars and priorities of the interagency National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, which President Biden released on Dec. 3, 2021, the Justice Department's National Strategy is expansive in scope.  It aims to enhance the department's capacity to prevent human trafficking; to prosecute human trafficking cases; and to support and protect human trafficking victims and survivors.

“Human trafficking is an insidious crime,” said Attorney General Garland. “Traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause their victims unimaginable harm. The Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking will bring the full force of the Department to this fight.”

“Montana, through the multi-agency Montana Human Trafficking Task Force, is bringing human traffickers to justice while assisting and supporting victims. Trafficking of individuals, whether for sex or labor, enslaves and exploits both adults and minors and is a scourge on society. I encourage anyone who suspects human trafficking may be occurring to report it immediately to law enforcement,” U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

In recent months, federal prosecutions in Montana have led to convictions of seven individuals charged in two large sex trafficking investigations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with its law enforcement partners, continues to investigate and prosecute human traffickers.

Among other things, the Justice Department’s multi-year strategy to combat all forms of human trafficking will:

• Strengthen engagement, coordination and joint efforts to combat human trafficking by prosecutors in all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and by federal law enforcement agents nationwide.
• Establish federally-funded, locally-led anti-human trafficking task forces that support sustained state law enforcement leadership and comprehensive victim assistance.
• Step up departmental efforts to end forced labor by increasing attention, resources and coordination in labor trafficking investigations and prosecutions.
• Enhance initiatives to reduce vulnerability of American Indians and Alaska Natives to violent crime, including human trafficking, and to locate missing children.
• Develop and implement new victim screening protocols to identify potential human trafficking victims during law enforcement operations and encourage victims to share important information.
• Increase capacity to provide victim-centered assistance to trafficking survivors, including by supporting efforts to deliver financial restoration to victims.
• Expand dissemination of federal human trafficking training, guidance and expertise.
• Advance innovative demand-reduction strategies.

The department’s strategy will be implemented under the direction of the National Human Trafficking Coordinator designated by the Attorney General in accordance with the Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017.

If you believe that you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at   1-888-373-7888, or Text 233733.

To read the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking click here.

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GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls woman admitted on Jan. 31 to distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl that led to the death of another individual, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Brandie Rae Fulbright, 40, pleaded guilty to distribution of controlled substances resulting in death. Fulbright faces a mandatory maximum of 20 years to life in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that on Aug. 23, 2020, Great Falls police officers were dispatched to a camper trailer where they found a man, identified as John Doe, deceased on a bed. Co-defendant Kent Fox was on the scene and told officers he was friends with Doe, had last seen Doe two days earlier and had driven Doe to his camper after seeing him use meth. Fulbright had sent Fox to check on Doe when she hadn’t heard from him, and Fox found Doe deceased. An investigation found evidence of communications among Fox, Fulbright and Doe about the use and distribution of various drugs. In an interview with law enforcement officers, Fox admitted to picking up Doe on Aug. 21, 2020 and taking him to his home so that Doe could buy meth from Fulbright. Doe traded an AR-15 rifle to Fulbright in exchange for some meth and two blue pills. Fulbright then gave the rifle to Fox, and Fox returned Doe to his camper. Investigators learned that Doe had the meth and two blue pills when he returned home and gave some of the meth to an individual. The individual saw Doe inject himself with meth obtained from Fox and Fulbright and then slump over on his bed. An autopsy determined that Doe died from an overdose of a combination of meth and fentanyl. Fox previously pleaded guilty to charges and is pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Great Falls Police Department.

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

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BILLINGS — Signal Peak Energy LLC, which admitted to willful violation of health and safety standards at its underground coal mine near Roundup by failing to report injuries to workers and improperly disposing mine waste, was sentenced today to pay a $1 million criminal fine and to three years of probation, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Signal Peak Energy pleaded guilty in October to four counts of willful violation of health and safety standard, a misdemeanor.  

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Judge Cavan followed the terms of a plea agreement by imposing the statutory maximum $250,000 fine for each count of conviction and ordering probation. Judge Cavan also ordered $400 restitution to be paid to one of the injured workers.

“This case holds Signal Peak Mine accountable for its utter disregard for environmental and worker health and safety standards. Mine owners provided little in the way of meaningful oversight of mine operations as long as the mine’s managers could meet reported safety and production goals.  That lax oversight fostered a climate of fraud, which today cost the mine $1 million in fines.  In addition, mine managers lied about the mine’s expenses, its safety record, and other matters, which separately resulted in individual criminal convictions and charges for nine persons, including former mine vice presidents and their associates, on crimes ranging from embezzlement, tax evasion and bank fraud to money laundering, drugs and firearms violations. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin M. Rubich, Zeno B. Baucus and Timothy Tatarka along with the IRS, FBI, Department of Labor and Environmental Protection Agency for investigating and prosecuting this case and bringing wrongdoers to justice,” U.S. Attorney Johnson said.

"The IRS, along with our law enforcement partners, will vigorously pursue corporate officers who victimize their investors and violate the public trust," said Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge of the Denver Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation.  "High-ranking corporate officials hold positions of trust not only in their companies but also in the eyes of the public. That trust is broken when such officials abuse their power and commit crimes.”

“Signal Peak, under the direction of its former corrupt top executives, perpetuated an unsafe work environment for several years,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennis Rice of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Federal law entitles everyone to a safe workplace, and we encourage the public to report hazardous working conditions or any wrongdoing so a proper investigation can take place.” 

“The provisions of the Mine Safety and Health Act are essential to keeping miners safe on the job, and operators have a responsibility under the law to ensure those protections are in place at all times,” said Department of Labor Regional Solicitor John Rainwater. “We are pleased that our Department of Justice and Environmental Protection Agency partners take mine safety and health seriously and will not hesitate to use all available tools to make mines safer through prosecutions like these.”

“Signal Peak Energy violated mandatory health and safety standards by pumping mine water waste down bore holes without the required permits,” said Special Agent in Charge Lance Ehrig of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in Montana. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates that EPA and its partners will hold corporations accountable when they ignore environmental regulations and put worker’s health at risk.”

In the Signal Peak Energy case, the government alleged in court documents that from 2013 through 2018, Signal Peak Energy habitually violated mandatory health and safety standards in the Mine Safety and Health Act during the mine’s operation. These violations included both environmental safety and worker safety standards. The violations occurred with the full knowledge, direction and participation of the mine’s most senior management during that period, including the president and CEO, the vice president of surface operations, the vice president of underground operations and the safety manager.

The government further alleged that senior managers directed mine employees to improperly dispose of mine waste by pumping the waste, known as slurry, into abandoned sections the mine and failed to report as required injuries to employees while pressuring injured workers not to report injuries as work related. One worker suffered a crushed finger that later required amputation and a second worker suffered a severe head laceration.

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

PACER case reference. 21-79.

 

 

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MISSOULA — A Kalispell man who admitted to transporting stolen firearms and ammunition from a storage unit after an abandoned rental truck was found in Idaho was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $101,900 restitution, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Jeremy Anthony O’Canna, 33, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to transportation of stolen firearms and ammunition.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in December 2019, Idaho Falls, Idaho police officers responded to a report of an abandoned U-Haul vehicle that appeared to have been stolen. An investigation led to a Kalispell man, who then discovered his storage unit in Kalispell had been burglarized and that he was missing firearms, ammunition and other items. The investigation further led to O’Canna and evidence of him entering the victim’s storage unit and removing guns and ammunition. O’Canna sent Facebook messages to people asking if they needed guns and sent photographs of guns and ammunition he had to sell. He claimed he was on his way to Idaho Falls to sell guns to Mexicans. The firearms and ammunition have not been recovered. Co-defendant Joseph Vernon Holmstrom of Kalispell pleaded guilty to charges and is awaiting sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Falls Police Department and Idaho Falls Animal Control.

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

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

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

Preston Jay Spotted Eagle, 30, of Browning, on charges of theft of government property, injury or depredation to government property and Golden and Bald Eagle Protection Act violation. If convicted of the most serious crime, Spotted Eagle faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Spotted Eagle was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-87.

Deion Vincent Brown, also known as Peat and D, 27, of Detroit, Michigan, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Brown faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Brown was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Tri-Agency Task Force, Russell Country High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-72.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Jan. 27 was:

Thomas Clay Sebastian, 24, of Billings, on charges of attempted coercion and enticement. If convicted of the most serious crime, Sebastian faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Sebastian was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-09.

Jason Robert Kroepelin, 32, of Billings, on charges of attempted coercion and enticement and possession of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kroepelin faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Kroepelin was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Billings Police Department, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-05.

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

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

 

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MISSOULA — A Butte man who admitted to trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine, including receiving 20 pounds of the drug for distribution in Montana, was sentenced today to eight years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Travis Bridger Soderberg, 47, pleaded guilty in August 2021 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that from October 2019 until about November 2020, Soderberg distributed meth in Butte and elsewhere in Montana. Various witnesses told agents that they purchased pounds of meth from Soderberg. On one occasion, Soderberg received 20 pounds of meth for distribution in Montana. Twenty pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 72,480 doses. Investigators also determined that Soderberg wired money to sources of supply in California to pay for the meth.

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

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

 

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MISSOULA — A Missoula man today admitted to a charge accusing him of stealing and cashing gift cards from a birthday card while he worked for the U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Lassana Diaby, 40, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with theft of mail by officer or employee. Diaby faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. Sentencing was set for June 1 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. Diaby was released pending further proceedings.  

In court documents, the government alleged that on March 26, 2021, a U.S. Postal Service customer reported items were stolen from a birthday card that was sent to his locking mailbox in Missoula. The sender confirmed that she mailed the card on March 20, 2021 from Whitefish and that it contained a $200 gift card to Costco, two $100 gift cards to Amazon and $40 cash. An investigation determined that Diaby presented his Costco membership card and the gift card to complete a purchase at the Costco in Missoula and presented his receipt to a Costco employee at the exit. At the time, Diaby worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a mail processing clerk and completed night shifts on March 20 to 23, including working several hours in the manual letter sorting section.

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

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MISSOULA — Two Washington residents suspected of transporting six illegal aliens who allegedly crossed into the United States from Canada near Eureka had initial appearances on criminal complaints on Jan. 21, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Criminal complaints filed in the case accuse Leslie Patricia Rivera, 51, and Miguel Angel Medina, 61, both of the Seattle, Washington, area of conspiracy to transport and transportation of illegal aliens.

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. Rivera was detained pending further proceedings.  Medina was released on conditions pending further proceedings after a detention hearing today.

In court documents, the government alleged that on Jan. 19 at about 5 a.m., a Border Patrol agent was notified of persons potentially attempting to illegally enter the United States near the Green Basin area of West Kootenai by crossing the international boundary from Canada. The agent further learned that a group of unknown individuals, possibly from six to nine persons, were attempting to cross the border on foot. The agent ultimately stopped a suspected vehicle, an SUV with a Washington license plate, on a Forest Service road.

The government further alleged that an investigation determined Rivera was the driver and Medina was the front passenger. In the back seats were six occupants, who indicated to the agent that they were in the country illegally. All eight persons were transported to the Border Patrol Station in Eureka for processing.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case.

PACER case reference. MJ-22-1

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

 

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

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Jan. 18 was:

Kim Renee Schildt, aka Kim LaPlant, 60, of Browning, on charges of wire fraud and theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Schildt faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Schildt was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-83.

Brandon Lamar Louis James, 22, of Southfield, Michigan, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, James faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. James was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Tri-Agency Task Force, Russell Country High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-72.

Eric John Swensen, 42, of Great Falls, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Swensen faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Swensen was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Deer Lodge Police Department, Powell County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol and Montana’s Division of Probation and Parole investigated the case.  PACER case reference. 22-01.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Jan. 21 was:

Robert Medina, 38, of Miles City, 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, Medina faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Medina was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-45.

Damian Andrew Roman, 23, a transient, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Roman faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release on the drug crimes and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison consecutive to any other crime, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Roman was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-87.

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

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MISSOULA — A Hungry Horse woman who admitted to distributing methamphetamine throughout Flathead County was sentenced today to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Kalynn Marie Moskaloff, 25, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement investigations learned that Moskaloff was involved in distributing meth in Flathead County. During two separate traffic stops of Moskaloff in January 2020 and February 2021, officers found meth and firearms in the vehicles.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case, which was investigated by FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and Kalispell Police Department.

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

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BILLINGS — A Billings man accused in a drug trafficking investigation admitted to a cocaine crime today, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Dejon Anthony Duncan, 23, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with possession of cocaine, a misdemeanor.  Duncan faces a maximum of one year in prison, a mandatory minimum $1,000 fine to a maximum $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided and set sentencing for April 19. Duncan was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that in 2019, Duncan was residing in Billings and possessed cocaine.

Four other co-defendants, William Maurice Newkirk, Anthony Marcos Chadwell, Djavon Lamont King and Mario Juan Drake, all have pleaded guilty to charges in the case and are awaiting sentencing.

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

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BILLINGS — An Ashland man who admitted to assaulting an elderly man on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation in 2019 was sentenced today to time served of approximately 30 months, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Terry Lynn Braine, 56, pleaded guilty in July 2021 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Braine assaulted an elderly man identified as John Doe, who was in his 80s, in an Ashland residence on April 7, 2019. Braine hit Doe numerous times and the victim fell to the ground. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan T. Dake prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

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

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

Eric Charles Swan, 43, of Billings, and Elizabeth Ardelle Grace Ronshaugen, 29, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Swan and Ronshaugen face a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Swan and Ronshaugen were detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-117.

Appearing on Jan. 11 was:

Lindsay Marie Blunt, 30, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Blunt faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Blunt was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-84.

Miles Edward Bessman, 49, of Billings, on charges of possession of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bessman faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Bessman was released pending further proceedings. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-83.

Bobby Joe Garcia, 27, a transient, on charges of counterfeit, uttering or passing counterfeit currency. If convicted of the most serious crime, Garcia faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Garcia was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-101.

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

Jeramiah Kayson Gohde, 24, of Belgrade, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm, possession of unregistered firearm, and possession of firearm with obliterated serial number. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gohde faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Gohde was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Bozeman Police Department and Montana Probation and Parole investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-01.

Appearing on Jan. 13 was:

Larry Craig Layne, 58, formerly of Bozeman, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Layne faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Layne was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Bozeman Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-09.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Jan. 11 was:

Monte Clyde Fox, 69, of Kevin, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fox faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Fox was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-03.

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

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MISSOULA — A Community Medical Center nurse accused of diverting drugs meant for patients for her own use admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Mary Schmidt Monahan, 61, of Missoula, pleaded guilty to unlawfully obtaining controlled substances as charged in an indictment. Monahan faces a maximum of four years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Sentencing was set for April 26. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Monahan was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that from January 2020 until about February 2021, Monahan diverted fentanyl and hydromorphone while employed as a nurse in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit at Community Medical Center in Missoula. In January 2021, another CMC employee observed Monahan engaging in what appeared to be the diversion of drugs. Monahan had two vials on her workstation when she placed something in her pocket, pulled up the sleeve of her jacket to her elbow and moved out of the employee’s field of vision. When Monahan emerged, she wiped her forearm with an alcohol pad and raised her arm in the air. Shortly thereafter, Monahan requested the employee serve as a witness to the disposal of drugs, including hydromorphone and fentanyl. A review of Monahan’s dispensing records noted that in December 2020, she had distributed amounts above the normal drug quantity for her unit. When questioned by supervisors, Monahan admitted she had been diverting drugs for about a year. Monahan admitted to Drug Enforcement Administration agents that she had obtained medications for patients but administered only a portion of the drugs and kept the remainder for herself.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Missoula Police Department.

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GREAT FALLS — A Helena pawn shop owner who admitted to lying about gun sales and failing to keep proper records was sentenced today to four years of probation, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Catherine Suzanne Morsette, 39, of Boulder, who owned Modern Pawn and Consignment in Helena, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to two counts of false statement during a firearms transaction and to failure to keep proper records.

Chief U.S. District Court Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered $4,955 restitution.

The government alleged in court documents that an undercover investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of Modern Pawn led to multiple defendants indicted on firearms crimes. Morsette, who was the federal firearms licensee for Modern Pawn, facilitated two straw purchases in the pawn shop in April 2021. Morsette also sold a firearm in the pawn shop that was not listed in the inventory records and did not require the actual purchaser to fill out any required paperwork.

During the undercover investigation, a man and a woman went to the business where the man looked at a Beretta 9mm pistol in April 2021. The man let Morsette know that he was not a Montana resident and showed his out-of-state driver’s license. Morsette instructed the woman to fill out the ATF form because she could not sell that firearm to the man. The woman completed the form and bought the 9mm pistol for the man. Morsette then sold the man a Smith and Wesson .45-caliber pistol after she called her husband and co-defendant, Isaiah Morsette, to confirm that the .45-caliber pistol was not in the store’s system.  Isaiah Morsette has pleaded guilty to charges and is pending sentencing.

The government further alleged that in April 2021, a man, identified as #3, bought a Ruger .44 magnum revolver for a man identified as #2. Catherine Morsette knowingly made a false statement by stating the named purchaser of the revolver was the actual purchaser, Man #3, when in fact she knew the actual purchaser was Man #2.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Helena Police Department and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to dealing methamphetamine on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 68 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Steven Roy DeCarlo, 31, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in encounters with law enforcement between May 2020 and July 2021, DeCarlo had drugs and firearms in his possession. DeCarlo told investigators that he and a person identified as Jane Doe were involved in getting meth, which Jane Doe had been distributing. DeCarlo later admitted to personally bringing a pound of meth from out of state to the reservation for distribution. A pound of meth is the equivalent of 3,624 doses.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Polson Police Department.

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Helena man admitted to an ammunitions crime today after he was accused of assisting a Helena pawn shop in the sale of 88 pounds of stolen gunpowder, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Douglas Wayne Sillivan, 70, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with prohibited person in possession of ammunition. Sillivan 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 set sentencing for April 28. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sillivan was released pending sentencing.

In court documents, the government alleged that an undercover investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of Modern Pawn & Consignment, Inc., a federal firearms licensee and located in Helena, led to various charges against multiple defendants. After a July 2021 press release about the case, an East Helena resident contacted the ATF’s Helena Office to tell agents that the resident believed he or she may have purchased stolen gunpowder from Isaiah Morsette, a co-defendant who served as the pawn shop’s firearms and ammunition expert, in late February or early March 2021. The resident turned over about 88 pounds of gunpowder that had been taken from Montana Outdoor Sports, a theft that indirectly began the investigation into Modern Pawn. Sillivan was present for the transaction at Modern Pawn and helped the resident load the gunpowder into the resident’s vehicle. Sillivan has a felony conviction in Montana for sexual assault and was prohibited from possessing ammunition.

Morsette pleaded guilty to firearms charges in the case and is pending sentencing.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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

 

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

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Jan. 4 was:

James Dusette Grandchamp, 54, of Poplar, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Grandchamp faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Grandchamp was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Fort Peck Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-89.

Appearing on a criminal complaint was:

Joseph John Lequin, 65, of Shelby, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lequin faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Lequin was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-89.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Jan. 4 was:

Royale Jade Ereaux, 37, of Billings, on charges of bank fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ereaux faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 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. Ereaux was detained pending further proceedings. The IRS investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-100.

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

Tara Ann Gallagher, 43, of Belgrade, on charges of false statement during a firearms transaction. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gallagher faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Gallagher was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI, Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-43.

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted to downloading child pornography to his cellular phone was sentenced to six years in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

John Douglas Woodcock, 41, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to receipt of child pornography.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris ordered Woodcock to pay $36,000 restitution to victims.

The government alleged in court documents that Woodcock knowingly received child pornography from April 2019 to December 2019, when officers with the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children involving a suspect in Cascade County downloading child pornography. An investigation led to Woodcock as the subscriber of the internet provider address associated with the tip. Officers searched Woodcock’s residence and seized his cell phone. Woodcock admitted that he had been downloading child pornography for the past year and had done so the day he was interviewed. Officers located more than 1,000 child pornography images and video files on Woodcock’s cell phone.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Great Falls Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted to methamphetamine trafficking in the Great Falls area was sentenced today to eight years and eight months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Louis Jay Remillard, 50, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in June 2020, law enforcement received reports of Remillard being involved in distributing meth in and around Great Falls. In two instances, law enforcement seized a total of more than 97 grams of pure meth from Remillard.

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

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted to traveling outside of Montana to obtain large quantities of heroin for resale throughout the state was sentenced today to 78 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Brocktin James Russo, 31, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

The government alleged in court documents that for four years, Russo traveled out of state to acquire large amounts of heroin for resale in Montana. In January 2021, law enforcement seized more than 500 grams, which is a little more than one pound, from Russo’s suitcase in a traffic stop. Russo admitted to selling several kilograms of heroin per month and claimed that more than $2 million in heroin passed had through his hands during the four years. A kilogram is the equivalent of 2.2 pounds. Russo admitted to traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada, and to Chicago, Illinois, to obtain heroin.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Russell Country Drug Task Force and the Great Falls Police Department.

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BILLINGS —A Billings woman who admitted to receiving packages of methamphetamine in the mail for distribution was sentenced today to five years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Holly Michele Hedberg, 38, pleaded guilty in August 2021 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

U.S District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in July 2020, an investigation of Hedberg began after the U.S. Postal Service located a suspicious package that was destined for Hedberg’s address. Law enforcement also had learned that Hedberg was receiving packages of meth from Washington through the mail. Agents served a search warrant on the suspicious package and determined it contained meth. Agents made a controlled delivery of the package and Hedberg accepted it. In a search of Hedberg’s residence, law enforcement found drug paraphernalia, a drug ledger and packaging from previous packages from the Washington address. Hedberg admitted to receiving about 10 packages of meth from Washington, with each package containing from two to four ounces of meth.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.

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

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BILLINGS — A Billings man accused in a large sex and drug trafficking investigation that involved multiple victims, including minors, admitted to crimes today, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

William Maurice Newkirk, also known as “Pelly,” 41, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, use of facility in interstate commerce in aid of racketeering, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and transportation of a person with intent to engage in prostitution. Newkirk faces a mandatory minimum 15 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release on the sex trafficking crime and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearms crime.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters set sentencing for May 12. Newkirk was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in December 2018, Newkirk and an individual, identified as Jane Doe 1, began dating and had a tumultuous relationship. About this time, Newkirk met another individual, identified as Jane Doe 2. In February 2019, Jane Doe 2 started working in commercial sex for Newkirk, who provided her with cocaine in connection with commercial sex calls, posted ads and corresponded with customers. Newkirk kept the money from the commercial sex calls and decided how much to provide to Jane Doe 2. Newkirk had Jane Doe 2 stay up late doing commercial sex calls because he needed the money. Jane Doe 2 worked for Newkirk in Billings and elsewhere until about May 2019.

The government further alleged that in May 2019, Newkirk transported Jane Doe 1 from Montana to Wyoming with the intent that she engage in prostitution. Investigators obtained electronic communications between Newkirk and Jane Doe 1, witness statements and commercial sex ads for Jane Doe 1 about the Wyoming trip.

In April 2019, the government alleged, Newkirk met an individual identified as Jane Doe 6, a minor, and the two ultimately spent time together. Jane Doe 6 began to work in commercial sex. Newkirk posted ads for her and corresponded with customers using his cellular phone, including setting up a commercial sex call at a business in Billings.

The government also alleged that in March 2019, Newkirk met a minor and her friends and provided them with a ride in Billings. Newkirk distributed cocaine to the minor and possessed a firearm during the drug transaction.

Three other co-defendants, Anthony Marcos Chadwell, Djavon Lamont King and Mario Juan Drake, have pleaded guilty to charges in the case and are awaiting sentencing. A fourth co-defendant, Dejon Anthony Duncan, has informed the Court that he intends to plead guilty.

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Helena man admitted to crimes today stemming from a scheme to defraud a bank of more than $1 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and to using the funds instead for his personal benefit, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Trevor Gene Lanius-McLeod, 48, also known as Trevor Gene McLeod, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and to engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. Lanius-McLeod faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the bank fraud crime.

In a plea agreement filed in the case, the parties agreed that if the court accepts the plea agreement at sentencing, the government will seek dismissal of nine other counts charged in an indictment.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for April 21. Lanius-McLeod was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in April 2021, Lanius-McLeod applied for four PPP loans through Valley Bank of Helena, a division of Glacier Bank, and lied on the applications and accompanying documentation. As a result, Lanius-McLeod received $1,043,000 in fraudulent funds from the four loans. The PPP program provided emergency assistance to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses.

As part of the scheme, Lanius-McLeod applied for and received a PPP loan for $340,000 on behalf of Renovated Montana Properties LLP, an entity he controlled. Without several false statements, Lanius-McLeod would not have qualified for this loan. Lanius-McLeod falsely stated that the company had paid payroll taxes and had 25 employees. The company had never paid payroll taxes and did not have employees besides Lanius-McLeod, although it sometimes employed independent contractors. Lanius-McLeod agreed in a promissory note to use the loan for payroll costs and other business-related expenses. None of the loan was used for these purposes. Instead, Lanius-McLeod used the loan for personal expenses, including to pay the mortgage on his personal residence.

Co-defendant Kasey Jones Wilson of Laurel pleaded guilty to bank fraud and is awaiting sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation and FBI, with assistance from the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and U.S. Secret Service.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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BILLINGS— U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson announced today that the District of Montana collected $16,904,987 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2021. Of this amount, $4,885,558 was collected in criminal actions and $12,019,429 was collected in civil cases worked by the district or jointly with components of the Department of Justice.

“This money comes from seizing proceeds from criminal activity and from civil penalties and debt collections. These funds help crime victims and benefit the U.S. Treasury, which are priorities of this office. I want to thank our financial litigation unit, the civil and criminal divisions, and all of our employees for their hard work on behalf of victims and government fraud,” U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Some of the funds collected in civil actions include a 2020 settlement with Atlantic Richfield for cleanup of mining contamination in the Butte area and a 2018 settlement with Kalispell Regional Healthcare System for alleged violations of the False Claims Act by paying physicians more than the fair market value.

Funds collected in criminal judgments include a case involving Larry Price Jr., a former Signal Peak Mine official convicted of fraud and other crimes in a corruption investigation.

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

Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Montana, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $553,764 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2021. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

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GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man who admitted to using methamphetamine and possessing firearms after law enforcement seized numerous guns along with ammunition from his residence was sentenced today to five years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Jeremiah Lewis Camphouse, 41, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to drug user in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered the forfeiture of 48 firearms and 10,826 rounds of ammunition.

The government alleged in court documents that while investigating Camphouse in April 2020 for other crimes, law enforcement learned Camphouse was a heavy meth user and had numerous firearms and ammunition at his house. Officers obtained arrest and search warrants for Camphouse. Camphouse admitted to being a daily meth user and that he had “a little bit of dope” at his home. Camphouse also admitted to possessing and trading numerous firearms. During a search of Camphouse’s home, law enforcement seized dozens of firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition and various firearms components.

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

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

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

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Dec. 28 was:

Thomas James Newman, 60, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Newman faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Newman was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-110.

Matthew Michael Metzger, 41, of Laurel, 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, Metzger faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Metzger was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI’s Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-116.

Daniel James Garza, 31, a transient, on charges of bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and receipt of a firearm by person under indictment. If convicted of the most serious crime, Garza faces a maximum 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the bank fraud charge and a mandatory minimum two years in prison consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft count. Garza was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-88.

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

 

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