District of Montana

BILLINGS – A Billings man accused of stealing firearms from a business after breaking in by using a construction excavator to tear down a section of wall and door admitted to a firearms crime today, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Erik Stephen Deaner, 46, pleaded guilty to theft from a federal firearm licensee. Deaner faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Deaner was detained pending further proceedings. A sentencing date is pending before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters.

In court documents, the government alleged that on Oct. 21, Deaner stole firearms from Castle Arms, a federal firearms licensee located in Yellowstone County, by using a construction excavator to tear down a section of wall and door. The excavator had been taken from a nearby construction site. Construction site employees told law enforcement that the excavator had been locked and no keys were missing but that the key was universal so anyone with the manufacturer’s key could potentially access the excavator. An investigation determined that five pistols and one antique rifle had been stolen and that Deaner had been in the business previously and had behaved oddly. Investigators went to Deaner’s home and arrested him on an outstanding warrant when he came outside. Deaner admitted to using the excavator to break into the business and to stealing the firearms. Deaner said he knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms but that he liked firearms. All of the stolen firearms were recovered from his garage.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas K. Godfrey is prosecuting the case, which 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 Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Dec. 23 was:

Isaiah Benjamin Antelope, 26, of Butte, on charges of strangulation and assault resulting in serious bodily injury of dating partner. If convicted of the most serious crime, Antelope faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Antelope was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-112.

Appearing on a criminal complaint on Dec. 23 was:

Jeramiah Kayson Gohde, 24, of Belgrade, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. 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 investigated the case.  PACER case reference. 21-78.

Appearing on Dec. 22 was:

Ray Allen Castro III, 34, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and receipt of firearm by person under felony indictment. If convicted of the most serious crime, Castro faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Castro was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-113.

Appearing on Dec. 20 was:

Kimberly Marie Kelch, 44, of Billings, on charges of bank fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kelch 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, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release consecutive to any other sentence on the aggravated identity theft crime. Kelch was detained pending further proceedings. The IRS investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-100.

Isabel Lopez-Martinez, 60, of Modesto, California, on charges of conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lopez-Martinez faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Lopez-Martinez was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 13-92

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

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MISSOULA – A Flathead Valley construction company owner accused in a scheme to defraud customers by spending money intended for projects on unrelated business and personal expenses admitted to a wire fraud crime today, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Craig Mark Draper, 55, of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. Draper faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

According to a plea agreement filed in the case, the parties agree that at sentencing, if the Court accepts the agreement, the government will seek dismissal of nine other counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering as charged in an indictment. In addition, restitution is mandatory. The government anticipates seeking at least $436,986 restitution, but the final amount will be determined by the Court.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Judge Molloy set sentencing for April 14, 2022. Draper was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in 2017, Draper moved to the Flathead Valley and formed a construction company called ADI Builders. Draper started bidding on a variety of jobs, including the construction of pole barns, shops and residential remodels. In several instances, Draper provided invoices to customers for specific expenses associated with their projects. In the wire fraud count to which Draper pleaded guilty, he sent an invoice to a customer for $59,002, which included $8,000 in charges for siding. The customer wired $59,002 to Draper. The customer never received siding from Draper and eventually paid the vendor directly for the siding included in Draper’s invoice. Draper used some of the wired money for personal expenses unrelated to the customer’s project, including paying a company in Iowa for trophies for the winners of car races, paying an outfitter in Utah, making cash withdrawals and paying $9,500 to the Salish and Kootenai Tribes to lease their racetrack.

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

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

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Dec. 16 was:

Martin Leo Jimenez, 27, of Billings, on charges of attempted coercion and enticement. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jimenez faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Jimenez was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-104.

Appearing on Dec. 14 was:

Peter Lloyd Paskiewicz, 50, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. If convicted of the most serious crime, Paskiewicz faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Paskiewicz was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-76.

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GREAT FALLS – A Poplar man accused of stabbing two individuals at a Wolf Point residence on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation admitted to assault charges on Dec. 15, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Dewayne C. Shoots, Jr., 28, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. The crime carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris will determine a sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for April 7, 2022. Shoots was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on March 5, 2020, a Wolf Point police officer was dispatched to a resident at about 1:09 a.m. A caller reported that Shoots had stabbed multiple victims. The officer saw a victim, identified as John Doe, outside the residence and covered in blood. John Doe said that Shoots had stabbed him. Another victim, identified as Jane Doe, was inside the residence and had also been stabbed by Shoots. Witnesses confirmed they saw Shoots fighting with the John Doe and then Shoots stabbed both John Doe and Jane Doe. Both victims suffered serious injuries.

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

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MISSOULA – A New Mexico woman accused of calling the Montana Trappers Association during a fundraising banquet in Dillon to say she and her boyfriend had placed a bomb at the event admitted to charges on Dec. 15, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Dora Sandra Gomez, also known as Bella Gomez, 64, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, pleaded guilty to interstate communication of a threat as charged in a superseding information.  Gomez faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on May 8, the Montana Trappers Association (MTA) hosted a fundraising banquet, attended by about 130 people, at the events hall in Dillon. At about 7:35 p.m., a secretary at the events hall received a phone call from a masked phone number.  The caller said that she and her boyfriend were aware of the MTA banquet and that they didn’t like the organization. According to the secretary, the caller said a bomb was placed inside the banquet hall and that it could be triggered by a cell phone. The secretary immediately notified the Dillon Police Department. Officers evacuated the building and notified the FBI, which sent a team from Helena to search the building with a bomb-sniffing dog. No explosives were found.

The FBI determined that the call was made from a cellular phone belonging to Gomez and that the caller had dialed *67 prior to calling the facility in Dillon in order to mask the number from appearing on caller ID.  Gomez admitted to the FBI to making the call to disrupt the MTA event because her ex-boyfriend was in attendance and she wanted to ruin his evening. Although Gomez admitted to saying words to the effect of “people who hate trappers are coming and someone will get hurt,” she denied ever using the word “bomb” or “explosive device.” The parties agreed that Gomez intended to communicate a threat with her statement, “people who hate trappers are coming and someone will get hurt.”

The Court set sentencing for March 30, 2022 and continued Gomez’s release pending further proceedings.  The Court will determine Gomez’s sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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

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BILLINGS — A Fairview man who was convicted by a jury of being a felon in possession of firearms after law enforcement found 47 firearms at his residence was sentenced on Dec. 15 to 30 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

A jury found Lonnie Burdette Porter, 60, guilty of felon in possession of firearms in July after a two-day trial.

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

Court documents filed by the government alleged that Porter was convicted of a felony in 2019 in Montana state district court in Richland County, was placed on probation and was prohibited from possessing firearms. In September 2020, Porter visited the Fairview Police Department to report that several guns had been stolen from the “vault” in his home while he was in Hawaii. Porter provided a list of 55 guns that had been in his home prior to him leaving for Hawaii. At that time, Porter acknowledged he was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his probation. Later that day, two probation officers and a police officer searched Porter’s home. When officers approached Porter, he mentioned it was poor timing for a home visit because he had firearms in his possession. A hole in the floor under Porter’s dryer led law enforcement to his “vault,” which contained a significant number of firearms. Additional guns were located elsewhere in the house, including a loaded gun in the kitchen, and later recovered. In total, Porter possessed 47 firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin M. Rubich and Thomas K. Godfrey prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fairview 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 felon who admitted to illegally possessing a firearm after he pointed a loaded gun at an individual was sentenced today to 21 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Christian Mikal David Bramley, 22, pleaded guilty in August to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

Court documents filed by the government alleged that on Dec. 2, 2020 in Billings, Bramley pointed a loaded pistol at a man who told his neighbors to quiet down. Bramley fled the scene but was pulled over by Billings police officers. At the time, Bramley was on state probation for a 2019 felony criminal endangerment conviction in Yellowstone County and prohibited from possessing firearms. State probation officers authorized a search of the car and located a pistol in a backpack belonging to Bramley. Bramley admitted to possessing the pistol and threatening the victim.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case, which 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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MISSOULA – A Missoula vascular surgeon who operates vein and surgery centers in Missoula and Kalispell has agreed to pay the federal government $3.7 million to settle alleged False Claims Act violations that he performed medically unnecessary surgeries based on improper techniques and submitted fraudulent bills for payment to federal health care programs, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Dr. David Bellamah, and his business, Bellamah Vein & Surgery, PLLC, doing business as Bellamah Vein Center, has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Defense Health Agency, the Department of Veterans Affairs and a third party, Lenore Lezanne. The terms of the settlement agreement require Bellamah and his company to pay a settlement amount of $3,746,324. The settlement agreement resolves a civil complaint alleging violations of the False Claims Act and other common law claims. The civil complaint in intervention was filed today in U.S. District Court for the District of Montana along with a stipulation to dismiss the case.

“This civil settlement resolves claims of using improper techniques and unnecessary medical procedures to create and submit false claims to four federal health care programs. Submitting false claims for unnecessary procedures increases the cost of providing services to people who really need it. Had the United States known the truth, it would not have paid such claims. We will investigate and hold accountable medical providers who try to enrich themselves through false billing to federal health benefit programs. I want to thank our office’s health care fraud investigation team, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the FBI for their work on this case,” U.S. Attorney Johnson said.

 “Performing medically unnecessary surgeries risks the health and wellbeing of patients, compromises the integrity of federal health care programs, and increases the financial burden on taxpayers,” stated Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Working closely with our partners, HHS-OIG will continue to safeguard the integrity of federal health care programs by investigating individuals who seek to exploit them.”

“David Bellamah’s alleged actions violated the oath held sacred by physicians,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennis Rice of the Salt Lake City FBI.  “Health care fraud affects all Americans and the FBI remains committed to doing our part to combat it.” 

The United States contended in court documents that its civil claims against Bellamah and his company arose from him billing for certain services that were medically unnecessary and based on false medical records from January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2017. Bellamah specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of venous reflux disease and varicose veins.

In March 2018, Lezanne, who was a sonographer formerly employed at Bellamah Vein Center, filed a suit in U.S. District Court against Bellamah Vein and Surgery, Bellamah and others alleging Bellamah received government funds for performing unnecessary venous procedures based on inaccurate medical records. The United States partially intervened in the case.

In its complaint, the United States alleged that Bellamah and staff at Bellamah Vein Center used improper techniques to conduct and analyze ultrasounds and used false ultrasound findings to conduct and bill for medically unreasonable and unnecessary services related to the diagnosis and treatment of venous reflux disease and varicose veins. The government contends that Bellamah submitted false claims to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicare and Medicaid programs, the Department of Defense’s TRICARE program and the Department Veterans Affairs’ CHAMPVA program.

The Settlement Agreement directs Bellamah to pay the United States $3,746,324, plus interest if applicable, of which $1,923,861 is restitution and the remaining $1,822,463 is settlement of additional damages. If the settlement amount is paid in full within 21 days of the effective date of the Settlement Agreement, no interest shall be charged. Otherwise, Bellamah shall make payments, plus interest, over five years. Upon receiving the settlement amounts, the United States will pay Lezanne 17 percent of each payment as her share of the settlement.

The Settlement Agreement is neither an admission of liability by Bellamah nor a concession by the United States that its claims are not well founded.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Kakuk represented the United States in this matter, which was investigated by office’s health care fraud investigation team, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the FBI, with additional assistance from the Defense Health Agency and the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.

PACER case reference. 18-57-M-DLC

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BILLINGS —A Georgia man who admitted to a methamphetamine trafficking crime after law enforcement found four pounds of the drug in his Billings motel room was sentenced today to 70 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Josue Mikael Nunez, 21, of Carrollton, Georgia, pleaded guilty in July to possession with intent to distribute meth as charged in a superseding information.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Nunez brought pounds of meth to Billings to sell as part of a large transnational drug trafficking organization. In April, agents with the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force began working with a confidential informant to identify members of the drug trafficking organization. The confidential informant, using a social media messenger app, set up a controlled drug transaction for two ounces of meth. The confidential informant was directed to an address on Overland Avenue, where Nunez delivered two ounces of meth in exchange for cash. Agents monitored the deal, and the meth was recovered. Surveillance on Nunez led to a Billings motel. Agents executed a search warrant on Nunez’s room and found four pounds of meth, two cell phones, $1,780 and other items. Four pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 14,496 doses. Nunez was seen leaving the motel as agents were preparing to execute the warrant and he was detained without incident.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the FBI’s Western Transnational Organized Crime 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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GREAT FALLS — A Browning who admitted to soliciting and receiving nude images of a minor girl was sentenced today to five years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Sean Henry White Bremner, aka Sean Bremz, 26, pleaded guilty in August to receipt of child pornography.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in 2017, the FBI investigated allegations that adult men on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation were engaging in sexual conduct with juvenile females in exchange for methamphetamine. Investigators executed search warrants on Facebook accounts, including an account that belonged to a juvenile female, identified as JF1. A review of the account found several conversations with Facebook user “Sean.Bremnz” indicating that the user had engaged in a sexual relationship with JF1. The FBI subsequently identified “Sean.Bremnz” as the defendant. In July 2019, the FBI served a search warrant on Bremner’s Facebook account and found that Bremner had solicited and received nude photographs from a juvenile female, identified as JF2, who was 15 years old at the time though her Facebook account falsely listed her age as being 17 years old. JF2 admitted to the FBI that she sent nude images of herself to Bremner.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.

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GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to repeatedly raping two children on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 15 years in prison to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Jonathan Cadotte, 60, pleaded guilty in August to a superseding information charging him with aggravated sexual abuse and to aggravated sexual abuse of a child.

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

The parties agreed in a plea agreement that a specific sentence of 15 years in prison was appropriate in the case.

In court documents, the government alleged that Cadotte is a child predator who repeatedly sexually assaulted small children in the Browning area, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Beginning in September 2019 and continuing for about a year, Cadotte engaged in a sexual act by force against a victim, identified as Jane Doe 1. And from 1993 to about 1998, also in the Browning area, Cadotte engaged in a sexual act with another child victim, identified as Jane Doe 2, who had not yet reached 12 years of age.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.

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MISSOULA – An Anaconda man today admitted charges that he attempted to coerce and entice a girl he believed to be a minor into engaging in sexual activity during an undercover investigation, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Terry Joseph Jette, 56, pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement as charged in an indictment. Jette faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for March 30, 2022 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. Jette was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on June 21, Jette initiated a conversation on Instagram with a 13-year-old user girl who was actually an undercover FBI special agent. At the start of the online chatting, Jette was told that the girl was 13 years old. Jette continued online communication with the girl until his arrest on July 9. During the communications, Jette sent the girl an image of his penis and requested nude images of the purported child. Jette initiated sexually explicit conversation with the girl, suggested a meeting and discussed bringing methamphetamine and condoms to the meeting. On July 8, Jette traveled from Anaconda to Missoula to meet the girl and asked her to sneak out of her house. When the girl was unable to meet that day, Jette suggested a meeting the next day in East Missoula. Jette made explicit statements about engaging in sexual intercourse and said he had meth. On July 9, Jette was arrested at the predetermined meeting location. During a search of his vehicle, law enforcement found a condom, meth, Viagra and candy that the girl had told Jette she liked during their online communications.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office.

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

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BUTTE — U.S. Minerals, Inc., a corporation that admitted to exposing employees at its former Anaconda plant to elevated levels of arsenic, was sentenced today to a maximum probationary term, fined and ordered to enact a medical monitoring plan for workers at the Montana plant and a nationwide environmental health and safety plan at its five other plants, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

U.S. Minerals pleaded guilty in August to one count of negligent endangerment, a misdemeanor, under the Clean Air Act as charged in a criminal information.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen sentenced U.S. Minerals as recommended in a plea agreement to a maximum of five years of probation and to pay a $393,200 fine. The criminal fine is in addition to civil penalties totaling $106,800 imposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in a related civil proceeding, bringing the total amount to be paid by U.S. Minerals to $500,000.

Probationary conditions require U.S. Minerals to implement a medical monitoring program for employees who were exposed to elevated levels of arsenic during their work at the Anaconda plant and a nationwide environmental health and safety plan at all five of its plants throughout the United States. The Anaconda plant ceased operations in June. The company operates plants in Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas, Texas and Louisiana.

“Despite repeated warnings and enforcement actions from regulators, U.S. Minerals continued to poison its workers and put profits before the well-being of its employees.  U.S. Minerals’ history of misconduct showed a lack of care for employee safety and an utter disregard for regulations intended to protect human health and the environment. This case ends U.S. Minerals’ criminal conduct in Montana and will hold it accountable at its other plants,” U.S. Attorney Johnson said. “I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric E. Nelson, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for investigating this case and bringing these wrongdoers to justice.”

“U.S. Minerals exposed its employees to toxic levels of arsenic, a hazardous air pollutant known to pose significant health risks,” 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 jeopardize the health of workers.”

“The continued dedication of the Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Justice, working in collaboration with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, achieved justice and improved health and safety working conditions for the employees of U.S. Minerals nationwide. By working together, we leveraged a multi-agency front and held U.S. Minerals accountable for violating multiple federal laws and overexposing employees to inorganic arsenic,” said Jennifer Rous, Regional Administrator for OSHA’s Denver Region.

The government alleged in court documents that U.S. Minerals manufactured silicate abrasive, a substance sold to industrial and governmental customers.  Raw materials used in the production process were obtained from a waste copper slag pile, located within the Anaconda Superfund site. Processing the slag generates dust, which releases inorganic arsenic into the air. The government further alleged that from July 2015 until February 2019, U.S. Minerals negligently released inorganic arsenic, a hazardous air pollutant, into the air and exposed employees. Exposure to arsenic is known to cause lung and skin diseases, including an increased risk of skin cancer, and may also cause cardiovascular effects and other cancers.

The government further alleged that in 2015, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and OSHA each inspected the site and found numerous violations of health and safety standards that resulted in $106,800 in OSHA penalties.

In 2018, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services learned of health-related issues affecting U.S. Minerals employees, visited the site and informed the company that its employees were exposed to “apparent inhalation hazards” from dust. A second inspection found the violations were unresolved. Montana shut down U.S. Minerals in February 2019. When the state allowed operations to resume in March 2019, employees continued to test high for arsenic and lead.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric E. Nelson prosecuted the criminal case, which was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, OSHA, NIOSH, and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of the Solicitor litigated the OSHA matter.

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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. 9 was:

Kalled Sam Hassen Jaha, 39, of Chinook, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jaha faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Jaha was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-76.

Appearing on Dec. 7 was:

Nicole Jo Brent, 44, of Billings, 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, Brent faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Brent was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service and FBI’s Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force investigated the case.  PACER case reference. 21-94.

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

Ronald Joseph Champange, 62, of Great Falls, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Champange faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Champange was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-75.

Appearing on a criminal complaint was:

Nathaniel Jameco Brown, 44, of Spokane, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Brown faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least three years of supervised release. Brown was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-85.

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

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WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice announced today that it has awarded more than $17.5 million in grants to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. Funding will support efforts across the country to address violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. The Montana Board of Crime Control, through the Montana Department of Corrections, was awarded $94.012 to administer PSN grant funds in the District of Montana.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), part of the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will administer the 88 grant awards, which are being made to designated fiscal agents to support local PSN projects that work in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.

“This latest Project Safe Neighborhoods grant is critical to addressing the violent crime threatening cities and towns all across our country,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Ensuring the safety of all Americans is the highest priority for the Department of Justice, but when it comes to violent crime, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We have to work closely with local public safety agencies as well as community organizations to craft individual strategies unique to each community’s needs. Programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods and the funding it provides allow us to do just that.”

“This grant to the Montana Board of Crime Control provides important funding to continue the work of PSN programs established in Yellowstone and Missoula counties. Both communities are experiencing surges in violent crime largely driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robberies, firearms crimes and violent offenders on probation or parole. Through PSN, our local, state and federal law enforcement partners are working together to get the most violent offenders off the streets while supporting community-based crisis and drug treatment services,” U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Grant funds will support enforcement-related activities to reduce violent crime, with a focus on the investigation and prosecution of criminal and transnational organizations that are engaged in high levels of violent crime, firearms offenses, human trafficking and drug trafficking in Yellowstone and Missoula counties. This focus also may include research, outreach, prevention, and reentry programs when appropriate. With approval from BJA, the Fiscal Agent will begin the process of making subawards for PSN grant projects.

“Investing in our communities, supporting victims and building a justice system that both keeps people safe and earns their trust – these are mutually reinforcing goals that stand at the heart of Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon for OJP. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to join with our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and with jurisdictions across the country, as we work together to meet the challenges of crime and violence and achieve our shared aspirations of public safety and community trust.”

In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime issued by Deputy Attorney General Monaco, is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.

This fall, U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country have enhanced their violent crime reduction efforts to ensure alignment with the department’s comprehensive violent crime reduction strategy. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices have engaged in outreach to law enforcement and other agencies and organizations serving communities to identify the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. Working together with a broad coalition of stakeholders, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are addressing the most pressing violent crime issues in their district to make our neighborhoods safer for all.

PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies, community stakeholders and other agencies and organizations that work to reduce violent crime.

For a list of all grantees, please visit: FY21-Project-Safe-Neighborhoods-Awards.pdf (ojp.gov).

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

 

BILLINGS – A former official for Signal Peak Mine, LLC, which operates an underground coal mine near Roundup, today admitted allegations that he conspired with others to not report as required work-place accidents that injured employees, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Dale Lee Musgrave, 52, of Pompeys Pillar, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to submit false statement in records. Musgrave faces a maximum five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

A plea agreement calls for the government to seek the dismissal of two counts of cocaine trafficking, one count of false statements in mine records and one count of false statement at sentencing if the court accepts the agreement.

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

The government alleged in court documents that from 2013 to 2019, Musgrave worked as the vice president of underground operations at the Signal Peak mine and was in charge of all underground mining operations. As part of an overall investigation into Signal Peak Energy, law enforcement had been investigating allegations that work-place accidents were not being reported as required by law to the Mine, Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). In July 2020, the investigation identified incidents where accidents had not been reported. On two occasions, multiple individuals asserted that Musgrave forced individuals to not report a workplace accident.

In 2018, a worker, identified as John Doe 1, had his fingers crushed while loading mining materials. The injury eventually required partial amputation. The government alleged in court documents that as John Doe 1 was being taken to the hospital by the director of mine safety, the victim received a call from Musgrave and that Musgrave directed John Doe 1 to falsely claim that the injury was unrelated to his work at the mine and that he would make it worthwhile for John Doe 1. The director of mine safety told John Doe 1 that he would support whatever decision he made. John Doe 1 eventually agreed because he felt he had no choice. John Doe 1 and the director of mine safety admitted to investigators that this occurred.

The government further alleged that Musgrave, and others with whom he conspired, including the director of mine safety, were required to complete a MSHA accident, injury and illness report, but Musgrave never completed or submitted the form for this incident. Musgrave also did not report John Doe 1 as an “MSHA reportable injury or illness” as required.

In 2019, another worker, identified as John Doe 2, was injured when dirt and debris fell from an excavated mine wall and partially buried him. The accident injured John Doe 2’s leg, which required surgery. Musgrave, John Doe 2 and other workers present all agreed to not report the injury. Rather, Musgrave and other participants decided that John Doe 2 would falsely state that the injury was not related to John Doe 2’s work at the mine. John Doe 2 admitted this to investigators. John Doe 2 falsely told treating physicians that he had injured his leg in an ATV accident. This fictional account continued for several days until other Signal Peak Mine employees discovered the accident had been concealed and reported it to MSHA.

Earlier in October, as a result of an overall corruption investigation into mine management and operations, Signal Peak Energy pleaded guilty to four counts of willful violation of a health and safety standards, a misdemeanor. A plea agreement in that case recommends that Signal Peak Energy pay a total fine of $1 million and be sentenced to probation. Sentencing is pending. The investigation also resulted in individual convictions of former mine officials and other individuals in associated cases.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin M. Rubich, Zeno B. Baucus and Timothy Tatarka are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the IRS, FBI, Environmental Protection Agency and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.

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GREAT FALLS — A Poplar woman who admitted to being a long-time dealer of oxycodone pills on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 40 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Kaycee Lynn Menz, 31, pleaded guilty in August to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and to money laundering.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that for more than six years, Menz distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of oxycodone on and around the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. When arrested in March, Menz admitted to selling up to 3,000 illegal oxycodone pills over the years, at an average price of $70 per pill. Financial records showed Menz was personally responsible for more than $400,000 in cash deposits and money transfers during the time of the conspiracy.

From about June 2014 through at least May 2020, Menz, and her co-defendant and boyfriend, Jason Tyrell Lee, sold illegal oxycodone pills from a house they rented in Poplar, located on the reservation. Law enforcement learned that Lee resided primarily in Minnesota, Menz primarily lived at the Poplar residence and that Lee supplied Menz with the pills she sold. Investigators interviewed many individuals who witnessed Menz and Lee distributing illegal pills. Some individuals occasionally helped by driving Menz around to conduct sales and by wiring or transferring drug proceeds to individuals in Minnesota. Menz also sent money using transfer services to individuals in Minnesota and asked others to send money on her behalf. Lee pleaded guilty to charges in the case and is pending sentencing.

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

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BILLINGS — A Belgrade man who admitted to supplying methamphetamine to a local dealer was sentenced today to eight years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Buddy Jonathan Shaw, Jr., 49, pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy to possess 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 May 2020, U.S. Probation officers and agents with the Missouri River Drug Task Force went to Shaw’s residence after receiving complaints that Shaw was distributing meth. After knocking for several minutes, the probation officers breached the door because they had an arrest warrant for Shaw. Shaw told the officers where his meth was hidden, and officers found approximately 230 grams of meth and $1,700. Shaw admitted that he had sold meth for the past year and sold most of it to a local dealer. When Shaw received meth, it was kilograms at a time.

The Bozeman Missouri River Drug Task Force, FBI, Bozeman Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Probation Office investigated the case.

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 – The former East Helena chief of police today admitted allegations that he distributed child pornography in 2019 using social media, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

William Daly Harrington, 43, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography. Harrington faces a mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

A plea agreement in the case calls for the government to seek the dismissal of three other counts in an indictment if the court accepts the agreement.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and set sentencing for April 13, 2022. Chief Judge Morris will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Harrington was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in September 2020, a Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s deputy, who is a member of the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, investigated a tip that Facebook Messenger had reported one of its accounts distributed child pornography to another account. The investigation determined that the Facebook Messenger account distributing child pornography belonged to Harrington. Account records showed that on Dec. 17, 2019, Harrington sent 11 images using Messenger to another account. Some of the images depicted child pornography. On Jan. 27, 2021, a search warrant was served on Harrington’s residence in Lewis and Clark County. Law enforcement seized Harrington’s cellular phone, which was analyzed and found to contain images and videos of child pornography. Harrington admitted that he owned and used the Facebook Messenger account that distributed child pornography.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyndee L. Peterson and Wendy A. Johnson are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Bozeman Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.

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

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

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

Dillon James Wippert, 26, of East Glacier and Washington, on charges of second degree murder and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wippert faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the murder crime and a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearms crime. Wippert was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-74.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Nov. 30 was:

Richard Daniel White, 35, of Butte, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, White faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. White was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Probation and Parole and Butte Silver Bow Law Enforcement. PACER case reference. 21-40.

Appearing on Nov. 29 was:

Chet Norman Andersen, 44, of Bozeman, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Andersen faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Andersen was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Probation and Parole investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-36.

Lassana Diaby, 40, of Missoula, on charges of theft of mail by officer or employee. If convicted of the most serious crime, Diaby faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Diaby was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-51.

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

John Aaron Champ, 41, of Crow Agency, on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, Champ faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Champ was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-70.

Appearing on Nov. 30 was:

Erik Stephen Deaner, 46, of Billings, on charges of theft from federal firearm licensee, possession of stolen firearms and prohibited person in possession of firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Deaner faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Deaner was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-96.

Denise Danielle Piccione, 37, a transient, 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 Piccione faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Piccione was released pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-25.

Cecil Jerome Hatchett, 31, of Las Vegas, Nevada, on charges of conspiracy to transport a minor with intent to engage in prostitution. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hatchett faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hatchett was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case.PACER case reference. 21-41. 

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 Nevada woman today admitted allegations that she brought a minor girl to Billings for commercial sex activity, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Ashley Michael Stella, 28, of Reno, Nevada, pleaded guilty to a second superseding indictment charging her with transportation of a minor to engage in prostitution. Stella faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for April 14, 2022. Stella was detained pending further proceedings.

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

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

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MISSOULA—A Missoula woman had an initial appearance on Dec. 1 on a criminal complaint accusing her of trafficking methamphetamine after law enforcement officers seized 17 pounds of the drug, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

A criminal complaint filed and unsealed on Dec. 1 alleges that Jasmine Lori Snyder, 39, possessed meth with intent to distribute. The maximum penalty for the crime is a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.

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

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

The government alleged in court documents that on Nov. 12, law enforcement received information about drug activity in Missoula. An investigation led to the interception and seizure of two packages that were sent through the mail from California and addressed to a Missoula residence where Snyder had packages delivered. Law enforcement served search warrants on the two packages and determined that they contained a total of approximately 17 pounds of meth. Seventeen pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 61,608 doses. Officers arrested Snyder on Nov. 30 near her residence.

The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, the U.S. Postal Service and the Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case.

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.

PACER case reference. 21-119.

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 inducing a minor girl in Pennsylvania to send him sexually explicit photographs of herself was sentenced today to 25 years in prison to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Andrew Donovan Carter, 29, pleaded guilty in August to sexual exploitation of a child.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered $6,000 restitution to known victims.

The government alleged in court documents that in August 2020, a Pennsylvania law enforcement agency contacted Carter’s state probation officer regarding Carter using social media to engage in sexually explicit communications with a 14-year-old girl. The probation officer requested assistance from the Great Falls Police Department, which is a member of the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICACTF). The girl told investigators that she met a boy she believed to be was 16 years old, communicated with him online and that he asked her to send him nude pictures of herself.  The supposed 16-year-old boy was Carter. The girl took sexually explicit photographs of herself and sent them to Carter using a cell phone. Carter communicated with the 14-year-old girl for about a year and texted her almost daily, requesting sexually explicit images of the girl. While interviewing Carter, agents learned that he was having similar communications with another child who was about 10 years old.

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

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 Box Elder man admitted allegations today that he tried to murder another man by shooting him on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation in 2019, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Dakota Houle, 25, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. Houle maintained his not guilty plea to a charge of kidnapping and is pending trial on that crime. Houle faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the crime of assault with intent to commit murder and a mandatory 10 years to life in prison, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearms crime.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for April 6, 2022. Houle was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on March 17, 2019 in Box Elder, located on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, Houle, another male, identified as Male 1, and two females were at a residence. A Facebook messenger account was used lure John Doe to the residence. Shortly after Doe arrived, Houle and Male 1 attacked and beat Doe, robbed him and threatened to kill him. Male 1 told Doe that they were going to take him “for a ride in the mountains.” Everyone present, including Doe, understood that meant they were going to take Doe to the mountains to kill him.

Doe was forced at gun point into the front-passenger seat of his own car, while Houle sat in the rear passenger-side seat with a shotgun behind Doe. The two females were passengers. Male 1 drove the car toward the mountains as Doe pleaded for his life. Doe reached over and jerked the steering wheel, causing the car to go into a ditch. Doe jumped out and attempted to escape.  Male 1 shouted at Houle that Doe was “getting away” and to “shoot” him. Houle got out of the car and shot Doe, intending to kill him. Houle, Male 1 and the two females fled the scene on foot. Doe suffered serious life-threatening injuries and has permanent damage as a result of the shooting.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared C. Cobell and Lori Harper Suek are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services and the FBI.

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

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Nov. 23 was:

Ralph Alan Degele, 64, of Worden, on charges of false statement during a firearms transaction and receipt of a firearm by person under indictment. If convicted of the most serious crime, Degele faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Degele was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-81.

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

Marilyn Ann Wilson, 57, of Missoula, on charges of health care fraud, theft of government money, false statement to a government agency, false statement affecting Social Security benefits and Social Security fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wilson faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Wilson was released pending further proceedings. The Social Security Administration and Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-50.

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 Shepherd man who owns the Feedlot Steakhouse in Shepherd admitted to allegations today that he received approximately $75,000 in a COVID-19 relief loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for his business but used the funds to buy vintage automobiles as an investment, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Michael Eugene Bolte, 70, pleaded guilty to theft of government money, property or records, a misdemeanor, as charged in a superseding information. Bolte faces a maximum of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release.

A plea agreement reached in the case calls for the government to recommend to the court at sentencing that an indictment be dismissed and for Bolte to be responsible for full restitution of $74,800. Bolte also agrees to a criminal forfeiture of the vintage automobiles, including a 1916 Studebaker, a 1929 Franklin, a 1939 Ford Deluxe and a 1941 Ford Super Deluxe.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters set sentencing for April 13, 2022. Bolte was released pending further proceedings.

“Federal programs, like the one at issue here, don’t work when people cheat.  If someone like Bolte applies for federal program funds intended to help businesses survive the pandemic, but buys classic cars instead, that deprives other deserving applicants of the opportunity to use the funds. These government loan programs rely on the integrity of applicants to use the money as intended. When people try to cheat, they will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted,” U.S. Attorney Johnson said.

“Individuals that attempt to defraud government programs meant to help struggling businesses and taxpayers will be brought to justice,” said Andy Tsui, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge, Denver Field Office. “We are pleased to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute these crimes and to ensure the public is aware of our commitment to investigate those that commit these crimes.”

The government alleged in court documents that on April 1, 2020, Bolte applied to the SBA for a business loan under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. On May 24, 2020, Bolte signed a loan agreement for $74,800 and expressly acknowledged the EIDL loan would be used solely as working capital for his business. Bolte’s intent at the time of signing for the loan was to buy vintage automobiles as an investment, and not as working capital for his business. Eleven days after receiving the loan, Bolte wrote a check for $75,000 for the purchase of four vintage vehicles. The SBA would not have approved or funded Bolte’s loan had it known Bolte’s intended and actual use of the funds.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Kakuk prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the SBA Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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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GREAT FALLS – A Boulder man admitted to firearms crimes today after being accused of illegally possessing firearms and aiding a straw purchase at his wife’s Helena pawn shop, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Isaiah Maurice Morsette, 38, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm and to false statement during a firearms transaction. Morsette 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 March 30, 2022. Morsette was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that earlier this year, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted an undercover investigation of Modern Pawn & Consignment, located in Helena. Morsette is the husband of co-defendant Catherine Suzanne Morsette, who is the federal firearms licensee for Modern Pawn. Morsette served as the shop’s firearms and ammunition expert, and he answered all questions regarding the pricing and selling of the firearms. Morsette also is a five-time convicted felon. At the time he possessed firearms, he knew he had been convicted of felony sexual intercourse without consent in December 2011 in Montana. Catherine Morsette has pleaded guilty to crimes in the case and is pending sentencing.

In March, an undercover ATF special agent went to Modern Pawn, where Morsette told the special agent that he would have two Smith & Wesson 9mm pistols available for sale in four days. Morsette handed the special agent both pistols and discussed other firearms for sale or coming up for sale.

In April, two undercover ATF special agents went to Modern Pawn where special agent #2 eventually bought a Savage 6.5 Creedmoor rifle from Morsette for special agent #1. Morsette handed the rifle to special agent #1. When special agent #1 asked about not having a Montana address yet, Morsette told the special agent to purchase the firearm from him anyway. Morsette told special agent #1, “there’s all these crazy rules, but I don’t give a (profanity), I was to sell it, you know what I mean?” With Morsette present, special agent #1 called special agent #2 and asked him to come to the store. While waiting for the second special agent to arrive, Morsette handed special agent #1 a box of ammunition. Special agent #2 arrived at the store and with Morsette filled out an ATF form for the rifle’s purchase. When special agent #2 asked about a question on the form regarding the actual purchaser of the firearm, Morsette responded, “yeah, it’s your gun brother, as far as I’m concerned.” Morsette knowing executed the ATF form stating that special agent #2 was the actual purchaser of the Savage rifle, when in fact he knew that special agent #1 was the actual purchaser.

The ATF investigated the case.

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GREAT FALLS — A former off-duty federal law enforcement officer who admitted to misdemeanor assault for pointing an assault rifle at three Blackfeet tribal employees who were testing water on his property was sentenced today to five years of probation and ordered to pay $10,626 restitution, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Harrison Garrett Alvarez, 30, of Cut Bank, who was a Customs and Border Protection officer at the time of the offense, pleaded guilty in July to three counts of simple assault.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on July 24, 2019, three employees of the Blackfeet Tribe’s Environmental Office went to Alvarez’s property near Cut Bank and within the Blackfeet Indian Reservation to test water in Cut Bank Creek. The victims, who are tribal members, traveled by truck past Alvarez’s house to the creek. The trip was the victims’ fourth time that season to the testing site, having sought, and they believed received, permission for the testing from Alvarez’s wife.

While the victims were collecting water samples, a rifle shot rang out. The victims saw Alvarez approaching, pointing an assault rifle at them and yelling profanities. Alvarez demanded to know what they were doing and who had given them permission to be there. When the victims explained that his wife had given them permission, Alvarez disputed that fact. Even after the victims told him they would leave, Alvarez, while still leveling the rifle at them, ordered them closer and demanded they drop their equipment. When Alvarez finally allowed the victims to leave, he told them that now they knew he “shoots first, asks questions later.”

All three victims believed Alvarez was going to shoot them and that they were going to die. All three victims addressed the Court at sentencing and talked about the lasting effect this assault has had on them. “He has taken my outdoor lifestyle away from me,” one of the victims told the Court. “I don’t fish. I don’t go get wood. No more hiking. No more bow-hunting. No more four-wheeling.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.

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

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

Gloydean Lee Rider, 24, of Browning, on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rider faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Rider was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-64.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Nov. 18 was:

Chase Sterling Allen, 28, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Allen faces a mandatory five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison consecutive to any other sentence on the firearms crime. Allen 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. 21-93.

Anthony Jacob Johnson, 51, of Billings, 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, Johnson faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Johnson was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana’s Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-85.

Eric Edward Mack, 42, of Lewistown, on charges bank fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mack faces a maximum 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release. Mack was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-86.

Appearing on Nov. 17 was:

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

Appearing on Nov. 15 was:

Stacie Marie Thein, 51, of Billings, 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, Thein faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Thein was detained pending further proceedings.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana’s Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-85.

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

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BILLINGS—Four Montana tribal communities will receive more than $3 million in Department of Justice grants to improve public safety and to serve crime victims, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson announced today.

The four grants are among 137 grants to 85 American Indian and Alaska Native communities, totaling $73 million, announced this week during the virtual White House Tribal Nations Summit. These funds are designed to help enhance tribal justice systems and strengthen law enforcement, improve the handling of child abuse cases, combat domestic violence and support tribal youth programs.

“I am pleased that these Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation funds will be going to four of Montana’s tribal nations. This money will provide critical support to help tribes strengthen public safety and address the challenges of violent crime too often experienced in their communities,” U.S. Attorney Johnson said.

The grants total $3,081,878 and are being awarded to:

•           Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation: Tribal Youth Program,                                   508,245.

•           The Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation: Tribal Justice                                          Systems, $899,813.

•           Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Indian Reservation:                                     Children’s Justice Act Partnerships for Indian Communities, $450,000.

•           Fort Peck Assiniboine Sioux Tribes: Public Safety and Community Policing,                          $899,960; and Children’s Justice Act Partnerships for Indian Communities, $323,860.

More than four in five of American Indian and Alaska Native adults have experienced some form of violence in their lifetime, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. This equates to nearly three million people who have experienced stalking, sexual violence, psychological aggression or physical violence by intimate partners.

More than $73 million will be awarded under CTAS, a streamlined application which helps tribes apply for tribal-specific grant programs that enhance law enforcement and tribal justice practices, expand victim services and sustain crime prevention and intervention efforts. CTAS grants are administered by the Office of Justice Programs ($48 million) and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) ($25 million).

In addition to CTAS funding, OJP has awarded more than $100 million through the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside to improve services for crime victims in Tribal communities. OJP’s Office for Victims Crime is supporting tribal grantees with capacity building, training and technical assistance (more than $6.8 million) and an update of the Tribal Resource Tool ($199,999), which maps the availability of victim services in tribal communities. An additional $2.9 million will be awarded under the Children’s Justice Act Partnership to tribes to enhance the handling of cases centered around criminal child abuse and neglect.

Information about FY 2021 grant awards from the Office of Justice Programs can be found online on the OJP Grant Awards Page. The page will be updated as awards are made.

Information about FY 2021 grant awards from the COPS Office can be found online at the COPS Grant Page. Information about FY 2021 grant awards from the COPS Office can be found online at the COPS Grant Page.                                    

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

The COPS Office is the component of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for advancing the practice of community policing by the nation's state, local, territorial and Tribal law enforcement agencies through information and grant resources.

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BILLINGS – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Montana, two cities were awarded funding totaling $750,000.

“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”

“I am pleased to announce that Great Falls and Hardin will be receiving COPS awards. This money will help their police departments hire more officers, support local efforts to drive down violent crime and make their communities safer for everyone,” U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

The following cities in Montana received awards:

• Great Falls – $375,000
• Hardin – $375,000

CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.  

Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.

To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.  

The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.

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GREAT FALLS – A Fort Peck Indian Reservation man suspected of aiding in attacking a man in the head with a bat in Wolf Point, on the reservation, admitted to an assault crime on Nov. 16, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Rick John Morales, Jr., 32, who resides in both Wolf Point and Poplar, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury, aiding and abetting. Morales 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 March 24, 2022. Morales was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that Morales aided and abetted codefendant Harry B. Azure in assaulting the victim, identified as John Doe, on Nov. 19, 2019, in Wolf Point. John Doe called 911 for medical assistance and told a responding tribal officer that three individuals kicked in the door to his residence, struck him multiple times in the head with a small baseball bat and left. Doe initially was treated at a Wolf Point hospital then flown to Billings because of the severity of his injuries. The victim later told law enforcement that the assault occurred days after an incident involving Morales. Azure pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and is pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy A. Johnson is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Fort Peck Tribal Police.

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BILLINGS – Bridger Pipeline, LLC, a Wyoming corporation, has agreed to settle a civil lawsuit with the United States and the State of Montana with a $2 million payment to help recover natural resource damages from a pipeline break that spilled crude oil into the Yellowstone River near Glendive, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

The United States and the State of Montana filed a civil complaint, along with a proposed consent decree, alleging violations of the Oil Pollution Act and state law. The complaint also seeks damages and costs for injuries to natural resources resulting from the discharge of oil from the Bridger Pipeline’s Polar pipeline when it ruptured on Jan. 17, 2015 where it crosses underneath the Yellowstone River, about 6.5 miles upstream from Glendive. Bridger Pipeline estimated that 758 barrels of oil were released.

“This settlement holds Bridger Pipeline accountable for its oil spill and provides funds to restore damage caused to the Yellowstone River’s waters, fisheries, birds and riparian habitat, ecosystems and related human activities,” U.S. Attorney Johnson said. “This agreement also provides for a restoration plan, which could include a variety of projects to restore aquatic habitat and improve or restore recreational sites along the river corridor. As the longest, free-flowing river in the Lower 48 states, the Yellowstone River is prized not only for its diverse ecosystems, fisheries and recreational opportunities, but also as a vital economic resource for local communities and the state. Protecting the environment is a high priority of the Department of Justice, and we will work with industry and our state and federal partners to ensure that happens.”

The proposed consent decree requires Bridger Pipeline to pay $2 million to resolve claims. Of this amount, $1,739,795 will be placed into a natural resource damages fund to be managed by the State of Montana and used to address injuries alleged in the complaint. Natural resources injured or damaged by the discharge include surface water, migratory birds and their supporting ecosystems, fish, including the pallid sturgeon, and associated riverine aquatic habitat and human service losses. Restoration actions or projects will be evaluated and selected by federal and state natural resource damages trustees in a future restoration plan before the funds will be spent. The restoration plan will be subject to public comment.

The remaining $260,205 portion of the settlement funds will be deposited in the U.S. Department of Interior Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Fund as reimbursement for the United States’ natural resource damage assessment costs.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith, for the District of Montana, and John Sither, senior counsel, Environmental Enforcement Section, Environment and Natural Resources Division, U.S. Department of Justice, prosecuted the case. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Montana Department of Justice’s Natural Resources Damage Program investigated the case.

The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and court review and approval. A copy of the settlement and proposed consent decree is available here: https://www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees

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MISSOULA — A Lolo man who admitted to selling an undercover informant methamphetamine as part of a large trafficking ring was sentenced on Nov. 12 to seven years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Leif M. Johnson said today.

Jason Dean Hager, 56, pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government said in court documents that Hager participated with three other co-defendants in trafficking large amounts of meth in the Missoula community from 2018 through 2021. In December 2019, Hager sold meth to an undercover informant three times in monitored transactions. Law enforcement agents further learned that a confidential informant saw Hager with one and one-half pounds of meth and that he helped a co-defendant move numerous pounds of meth and kept some to use as his own supply.

Co-defendants Terry David Starrett was sentenced to 15 years in prison, Laura Jeanne Haacke was sentenced to 54 months in prison and Jennifer Renee Hawkes was sentenced to 63 months in prison for their convictions in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, the Missoula Police Department and the Missoula 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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The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:

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

Robert Kyle Reed, 34, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Reed faces a mandatory five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug count and a mandatory five years in prison consecutive to any other sentence on the firearms count. Reed 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. 21-95.

Appearing on Nov. 9 was:

Fermin Joseph Vasquez, 39, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Vasquez faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Vasquez was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-66.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Nov. 10 was:

James Joseph Sanofsky, 60, of Lewistown, on charges of possession of firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person and possession of an unregistered firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Sanofsky faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Sanofsky was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Belgrade Police Department, Lewistown Police Department, Fergus, Gallatin, Garfield and Judith Basin counties sheriff’s offices and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-80.

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 Hamilton man who admitted to supplying methamphetamine to a minor girl and to receiving sexually explicit images of her after making repeated requests for such photos or videos was sentenced today to 12 years in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Robert Brandon Callison, 32, pleaded guilty in March to distribution of meth to a person under the age of 21 and to receipt of child pornography.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in the summer of 2019, Callison met the victim, identified as Jane Doe, who was under the age of 18. Doe told Callison that she was a minor. Callison provided Doe with meth and repeatedly requested she take nude photographs and videos of herself and send them to his phone. Doe ultimately complied and sent Callison sexually explicit images of herself using her cellular phone.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Internet Crimes Against Children 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.

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 Charleston, South Carolina, man accused in a large sex trafficking scheme of coercing women and girls into prostitution for him in Montana and other states admitted to charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Louis Gregory Venning, also known as “December,” 41, pleaded guilty to sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, sex trafficking of a minor, transportation of a person with intent to engage in prostitution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Venning faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, five years to life of supervised release and a $5,000 special assessment on the most serious crime of sex trafficking.

A plea agreement reached in the case calls for nine other counts of sex trafficking, transportation for prostitution and drug trafficking crimes charged in a second superseding indictment to be dismissed at sentencing if the court accepts the agreement. The government agrees not to seek additional charges. Restitution is mandatory, and Venning agrees to be responsible for complete restitution relating to all counts in the second superseding indictment.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Judge DeSoto said she would recommend that Venning’s plea be accepted by U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen, who will sentence Venning. Sentencing was set for March 15, 2022. Judge Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Venning was detained pending further proceedings.

In courts documents and in statements in court, the government alleged that at various times from 2012 to 2020, Venning trafficked women and girls for commercial sex and also distributed illegal narcotics, including cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. Venning employed coercion and force, violence and threats of violence and the widespread use of drugs to advance his criminal goals. Venning recruited and coerced more than a dozen women and girls, identified as Jane Does, and forced them to engage in commercial sex for him in Billings and other Montana communities. Venning took some of the Jane Does from Montana to other states, including Wyoming, Missouri and Georgia, for commercial sex work.

The government further alleged that in 2019, Venning met Jane Doe 9 in a motel in Missoula after responding to one of Jane Doe 9’s own ads for commercial sex. Venning discussed how she would work for him and ultimately she did. Venning became abusive toward Jane Doe 9, including physically assaulting her. In August 2018 in Billings, Venning coerced a girl, identified as Jane Doe 8, who was under the age of 18, to engage in commercial sex. In 2012, Venning transported another victim, identified as Jane Doe 5, from Montana to Georgia and Missouri to engage in prostitution.

In addition, Venning possessed with intent to distribute cocaine. Jane Does 3 and 4 told law enforcement that while working for Venning in commercial sex, they received cocaine from him. Social media posts collected during the investigation show Venning bragging about and sending cocaine to various individuals.

Co-defendant Destiny Lachelle Nilsen, also known as “Diamond,” pleaded guilty in the case and is awaiting sentencing.

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

 

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MISSOULA – A Whitefish man accused of defrauding another man of $2.3 million by claiming he was a former CIA agent and needed money to fund “off the books” rescue missions for the CIA but instead used the money for personal expenses admitted charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Matthew Anthony Marshall, 51, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering and tax evasion as charged in a second superseding indictment. Marshall faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the most serious charge of wire fraud.

A plea agreement filed in the case calls for eight other counts to be dismissed at sentencing if the court accepts the agreement. In addition, restitution is mandatory, and Marshall agrees to be responsible for complete restitution. The government will request restitution of approximately $2,355,000 for the wire fraud and $899,327 for tax evasion for tax years 2013 through 2016.  The final figure of fraud restitution will be determined at sentencing.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Judge Molloy will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Marshall is to be sentenced on March 3, 2022. Marshall was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that in the spring of 2013, Marshall began working for the victim, identified as John Doe, in Montana. Marshall convinced Doe that he was a former CIA agent and a former member of an elite Force Reconnaissance unit in the U.S. Marine Corps who had engaged in covert missions around the world. In fact, Marshall was never affiliated with the CIA in any capacity and never served in an elite Force Reconnaissance unit in the Marine Corps. Marshall received an Other Than Honorable discharge from the Marine Corps Reserve in November 1999 after accumulating 82 absences from inactive duty training. 

Marshall asked Doe if he would fund “off the books” CIA-backed missions, which Marshall said would involve assault teams he would lead on rescue and other operations in foreign countries. Based on Marshall’s false representations, Doe wired large sums of money, totaling about $2,355,000, to Marshall at least six times, all under the guise of funding missions for the CIA as described by Marshall. Doe first wired Marshall $400,000 in April 2013 for an “off the books” paramilitary mission to Mexico. Marshall asked Doe for money for more purported missions from October 2013 until March 2016, and Doe wired Marshall additional sums.

Marshall did not use the money from Doe for any missions, to Mexico or anywhere else. Instead, Marshall spent the money on personal expenses and loans and gifts to friends and family members. Marshall also failed to report money received from Doe in 2013 for two purported missions as income on his tax return, resulting in a tax evasion of $356,756.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy J. Racicot and Ryan G. Weldon are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation and FBI.

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MISSOULA –A former lawyer who admitted to defrauding investors and to evading income taxes in a real estate investment scheme in which he lost more than $1 million in the futures market was sentenced today to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Ronald Dean Lords, 53, of Corvallis, pleaded guilty in July to wire fraud, money laundering and filing false tax returns.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court will determine restitution at a later date. Lords was ordered to self-report to prison.

“Lords used his attorney-client relationship to gain access to victims’ money and then abused their trust to gamble away their money in the futures market. Lords also tried to cheat on his income taxes by failing to declare investors’ money as income. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to catch and convict white collar criminals, hold them accountable and seek justice for victims,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.

“IRS-CI will continue to identify and investigate those such as Lords, who abuse their position to victimize their clients and violate the public trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation’s Denver Field Office. “Those in positions of trust must be held to a higher standard and today's sentencing is a step in the right direction holding those who violate the law accountable for their actions.”

The government alleged in court documents that Lords was a lawyer, who operated Eagles Landing Legal Services, PC, and a licensed realtor and general contractor, who operated Eagles Landing Construction, Inc. The construction company purported to develop real property and build homes. From 2011 to 2018, Lords defrauded 14 victims by convincing them to invest money in his construction company. Lords told the victims he would use the money to build homes, make monthly interest payments and repay the money after the homes were sold. Lords also said he would return the victims’ money within 30 days of any request. Instead of using the money to fund construction projects, Lords used some of the new money to make interest payments to prior investors and lost the majority of the funds in the futures market. When some victims demanded their principal back, Lords admitted he lost more than $1 million in the futures market and did not have their money.

The government further alleged that Lords failed to declare $432,608 he received from several victims in 2015 as “other income” on his taxes, resulting in unpaid taxes of $152,734 for that year.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation.

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

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Nov. 1 was:

Casey Mills Howard, 20, of Rexford, on charges of transportation of child pornography, distribution of child pornography and receipt of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Howard faces a mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Howard was released pending further proceedings. The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-48.

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

Daniel James Garza, 31, a transient, on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. 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 count 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 count. Garza was detained pending further proceedings. The Billing Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-88.

Appearing in Great Falls before Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris and pleading not guilty on Nov. 3 was:

Scotty Ray Steen, 50, of Great Falls, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 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, Steen faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory consecutive five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm in relation to drug trafficking crime. Steen was detained pending further proceedings. The Russell Country Drug Task Force 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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MISSOULA – A Trout Creek woman accused of embezzling more than $650,000 while working for a Trout Creek company admitted fraud charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Tina Rae Wood, 49, pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Wood faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

A plea agreement reached in the case calls for 22 other counts in an indictment to be dismissed at sentencing if the court accepts the agreement. In addition, restitution is mandatory, and Wood agrees to be responsible for complete restitution. The government may pursue restitution of approximately $783,393, but the final amount will be determined by the court.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Judge Molloy set sentencing for Feb. 25, 2022. Wood was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that Wood was hired in 2013 by a supply company in Trout Creek as an office administrator and secretary. Wood eventually was placed in charge of depositing payments from customers and given access to the company’s accounting system. Wood used the accounting software to embezzle checks from one of the company’s biggest customers and deposited most of the embezzled money into a personal bank account she opened in a bank in Idaho. In February 2019, when the company’s owner realized something was amiss, he contacted Wood. Wood refused to talk to the owner and cleaned out her desk the next weekend. An investigation found 109 customer checks, totaling about $650,843, that Wood had deposited into her own account.

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Wolf Point man admitted to a murder charge today in the November 2020 shooting of a man on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Doratello “DJ” Juan Fischer, 36, pleaded guilty to second degree murder as charged in an information. Fischer faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for March 9, 2022. Fischer was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on Nov. 25, 2020, 911 received a call of a man, later identified as the victim, John Doe, outside of a bar in Wolf Point, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, waiving around a gun. Law enforcement determined that Doe shot one round into the ground and then pointed the gun at Fischer. No injuries were reported. On Nov. 27, 2020, a caller to 911 advised that shots had been fired in an area of 5th Avenue South and Helena Street in Wolf Point. A few minutes later, another call to 911 advised that Doe had been shot and was lying on the floor of a residence. Emergency responders and law enforcement transported Doe to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy determined the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the back of Doe.

The government further alleged that immediately before the Nov. 27, 2020 shooting, Doe was seen outside of a residence on 5th Avenue South by at least one of the residents. Law enforcement learned that an individual was driving Fischer around Wolf Point and stopped the car in an alley. Fischer exited the vehicle and shot Doe in the back as Doe was running away. At least one of the residents saw, at the time of the shooting, a man firing a rifle at Doe, who was running down 5th Avenue South. Fischer later told the driver he had killed Doe.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori Harper Suek and Jared C. Cobell are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Fort Peck Tribes Criminal Investigation and Wolf Point Police Department.

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GREAT FALLS — A Polson man convicted by a jury of trafficking methamphetamine in the Helena community was sentenced today to 13 years and eight months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

A federal jury found Roy Allen Shostak, 29, guilty on July 28 of possession with intent to distribute meth after 18 minutes of deliberation following a one-day trial.

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

In evidence presented at trial and in court documents, the government alleged that in May 2020, law enforcement in Helena received information that Shostak was driving a black Jaguar car, dealing meth from a trailer home and had absconded from state probation. After surveilling the residence, officers arrested Shostak on an outstanding warrant. Officers seized the car, searched it pursuant to a warrant and found three baggies of meth, a digital scale, a syringe, two cellular phones, a bill of sale showing Shostak had recently purchased the car and other items. A search of the phone showed messages between Shostak and others discussing Shostak’s trafficking of meth and heroin.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Helena Police Department and the Missouri River Drug 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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MISSOULA — A Missoula man who admitted to having child pornography on his mobile phone was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by seven years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Aaron Charles Fritsch, 50, pleaded guilty in July to possession of child pornography.

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

In court documents filed by the government, in June 2020, the Montana Department of Corrections’ Probation and Parole Division was supervising Fritsch when his probation officers conducted a home visit. The probation officers saw evidence indicating that Fritsch was violating his probation conditions. Fritsch consented to a search of his mobile phone. Officers saw several images of nude children and contacted Homeland Security Investigations. Fritsch admitted to investigators that they would find child pornography on his phone. A search of his phone found almost 200 images of child pornography.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Montana’s Probation and Parole Division.

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

 

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BILLINGS—A Billings man accused of trying to arrange a meeting to have sex with a mother and her minor child and arrested during a multi-agency law enforcement operation into the solicitation of sex with minors had an initial appearance on Nov. 2 on a criminal complaint, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

The criminal complaint accuses Martin Leo Jimenez, 27, of attempted coercion and enticement. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jimenez faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years to life of supervised release.

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

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

The criminal complaint and court documents allege that between Oct. 27 and Oct. 28 in Billings, Jimenez communicated through social media forums with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing as the mother of an 11-year-old girl. The government alleges that Jimenez expressed a sexual interest in incest and children, asked if the undercover officer wanted to meet and sent the undercover officer a nude picture of himself. Law enforcement set up surveillance near Jimenez’s residence, and the undercover officer directed Jimenez to a vehicle parked on the street. Officers arrested Jimenez when he approached the vehicle.

Jimenez was arrested during a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement operation from Oct. 27 to 28 in the Billings area. The operation targeted subjects soliciting minors online with intent to engage in sexual activity or attempting to meet adults trafficking minors for sex. The Billings Police Department, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and FBI conducted the operation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case.

PACER case reference. 21-68.

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 — Five Montana Indian tribes and two Montana state agencies have been awarded Department of Justice grants totaling $6,631,190 to support services to victims. The funding is from the Office of Victims of Crime (OVC).

“These funds are focused on providing culturally-appropriate victim services in Indian Country communities, which experience far too much domestic and violent crime. The funds also will enhance State Victim Compensation payments to eligible crime victims. As we recognize November as National Native American Heritage Month, we need to support and highlight the work being done to help victims of violence, sexual assault and child abuse,” Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Individual tribes or organizations receiving funds for Fiscal Year 2021 from the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Grant Program: Victim Services Projects include:

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northern Cheyenne Nation - $472,469

Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation - $371,289

Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes- $422,694

Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Nation - $543,066

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes - $422,695

OVC also awarded funds through the Victim of Crime Act, Victim Compensation Formula Grant program. The agencies are:

Montana Department of Justice - $609,000

Montana Department of Corrections - $3,789,977

More information on the grant funding is available from web resources here: Awards List | Funding | Office for Victims of Crime (ojp.gov).

 

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

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

Aaron Todd Williams, 36, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Williams faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Williams was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-90.

Yvonne Tina Schlichting, 48, of Oregon, 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, Schlichting faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Schlichting was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case.  PACER case reference. 21-64.

Appearing on Oct. 26 was:

Douglas Campbell Raleigh, 46, a transient, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth. A not guilty plea was entered on Raleigh’s behalf. If convicted of the most serious crime, Raleigh faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Raleigh 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. 21-77. 

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

Rosemarie Murrow, 61, of Helena, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth, distribution of meth, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Morrow faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charge and a mandatory five years in prison consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the charge of firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Morrow was detained pending further proceedings. The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Missouri River Drug Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-11.

Appearing on Oct. 26 was:

Michael James Lamere, 39, of Box Elder, 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, Lamere faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Lamere was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Tri-Agency Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-77.

Moises Zamora, 36, of Colorado, on charges of assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a deadly weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. If convicted of the most serious crime, Zamora faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the assault charge and a mandatory 10 years to life consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,00 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearms crime. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-78.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

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 Hardin woman who admitted to burning down a house on the Crow Indian Reservation in 2020 was sentenced on Oct. 27 to 30 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Vanessa Faith Prettyontop, also known as Vanessa Faith Gunshows, 34, pleaded guilty in April to arson.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on Oct. 3, 2020, Prettyontop started a fire in a house owned by the victim, identified as John Doe. The victim had nearly finished a renovation and was planning to move in. Prettyontop entered the house through an open back door and intentionally lit a mattress on fire with a lighter. The fire spread to the rest of the house and Prettyontop walked out the front door. Prettyontop called 911 to turn herself in, confessed and said she was tired of people fighting over the house.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeanne Torske prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs.

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GREAT FALLS – A Great Falls woman accused of working with others to bring methamphetamine from Las Vegas, Nevada, back to Montana for distribution admitted to a drug trafficking crime on Oct. 27, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Ashley Nicole Rico, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine as charged in a superseding information. Rico faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Feb. 23, 2022. Rico was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in May, Russell Country Drug Task Force officers executed a search warrant on a Great Falls residence, recovered meth and learned that the source of supply was co-defendant Lillian Lapier, who was traveling to Great Falls with meth. The investigation led to the Helena residence of another co-defendant, Rhonda Jeanette Lapier, where she and Lillian Lapier were suspected of trafficking meth together. Officers ultimately stopped a vehicle being driven by Lillian Lapier and found about 3.6 pounds of meth in the trunk. Officers obtained a warrant to search Rhonda Lapier’s residence and located three, one-pound bags of meth and $6,132 in a bedroom.. Officers stopped another suspect vehicle, driven by Rico, who was arrested on a state warrant. Rico admitted to distributing meth in Great Falls and that she and others had traveled to Las Vegas, picked up meth there and had contributed $1,000 to the deal. The six pounds of meth seized is the equivalent of 21,744 doses. Rhonda Lapier pleaded guilty to charges and is pending sentencing, while Lillian Lapier has pleaded not guilty to charges and is pending trial.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut is prosecuting 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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