District of Montana

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice has selected an additional 12 federally recognized tribes to participate in the expansion of the Tribal Access Program for National Crime Information (TAP), a program that provides tribal governments with means to access, enter, and exchange data with national crime information systems, including those maintained by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division and the states. The application period for this recent round of selections opened on July 1, and closed on August 31, 2021.

“Timely access to federal criminal information can help protect domestic violence victims, place foster children in safe conditions, solve crimes, and apprehend fugitives on tribal land, among other important uses,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Increasing tribal access to criminal databases is a priority of the Justice Department and this Administration, and essential to many tribal government efforts to strengthen public safety in their communities.”

Acting U.S.  Attorney Leif M. Johnson said, “We are pleased that the Fort Belknap Indian Community has been selected for expansion of the Tribal Access Program. This program will allow the Fort Belknap tribes to enter and share information about missing persons into the national missing persons database and to enter and exchange various other information with law enforcement across the country to help make the community safer.”

The program provides training as well as software and biometric/biographic kiosk workstations to process fingerprints, take mugshots, and submit information to FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) systems. With these additional tribes, there are now 108 federally recognized Tribes participating in TAP.

TAP has been an important resource for the department’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Initiative and the Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives known as Operation Lady Justice.  The Department of Justice began TAP in 2015 in response to concerns raised by tribal leaders about the need to have direct access to federal systems.

Using TAP, tribes have shared information about missing persons; registered convicted sex offenders; entered domestic violence orders of protection for nationwide enforcement; run criminal histories; identified and arrested fugitives; entered bookings and convictions; and completed fingerprint-based record checks for non-criminal justice purposes such as screening employees or volunteers who work with children. 

The following tribes have been newly selected for participation in TAP:

1. Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation
2. Cow Creek Band of Umpqua
3. Fort Belknap Indian Community
4. Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa
5. Havasupai Tribe
6. Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
7. Menominee Tribe
8. Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
9. Muckleshoot Tribe
10. Passamaquoddy Tribe
11. Shingle Springs Band of Miwok
12. United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee

TAP is managed by the Justice Department’s Office of the Chief Information Officer and the Office of Tribal Justice.  It is funded by the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART), the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).

For more information on TAP, visit www.justice.gov/tribal/tribal-access-program-tap.

 

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GREAT FALLS — A Havre man who admitted to receiving child pornography on his cell phone was sentenced today to nine years in prison to be followed by eight years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Joshua Daniel Kaupang, 38, pleaded guilty on June 3 to receipt of child pornography.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered $27,000 restitution to victims.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in January 2019 in Havre, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Kaupang’s cell phone looking for evidence in a theft case. While searching the phone, agents observed child pornography files. An agent applied for a second search warrant and located child pornography. The investigation determined that Kaupang used his phone to view “sets” of child pornography that were available for download.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Montana Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation and the Havre Police Department.

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Belt man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in Cascade County was sentenced today to 38 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Lance Winslow Stoddard, 51, pleaded guilty on May 26 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered Stoddard to pay a $10,000 money judgment and to forfeit firearms.

In court documents, the government alleged that Stoddard had been trafficking large quantities of meth in the community from about 2016 to June 2020. Individuals told law enforcement Stoddard had drug sources in Las Vegas and California. In September 2019, agents learned that Stoddard was traveling to Las Vegas to buy three pounds of meth. Three pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 10,872 doses. Law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of meth from Stoddard in October 2019. During an arrest of Stoddard in December 2019, law enforcement searched Stoddard’s car and found baggies with powder residue and two firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Great Falls Police Department and Cascade 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 Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Sept. 8 was:

Dewayne C. Shoots, Jr., 28, of Poplar, on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted of the most serious crime, Shoots faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Shoots was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Wolf Point Police Department and Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-65.

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

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

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Sept. 2 was:

Rachell Sheree Abbott, 34, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Abbott faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the fraud crimes 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. Abbott was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-58.

Kent James Fox, 48, of Great Falls, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances resulting in death and drug user in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fox faces a mandatory minimum 20 years to life in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Fox was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-63.

Brandie Rae Fulbright, 39, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances resulting in death. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fulbright faces a mandatory minimum 20 years to life in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Fulbright was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-63.

Appearing on Aug. 31 was:

David Jay Pando, 33, of Glendive, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy involving firearm and drug trafficking crime and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense. If convicted of the most serious crime, Pando faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory minimum five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the firearms crime. Pando was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, Teton County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-55.

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

Sept. 3 was:

John Michael Perault, 48, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Perault faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Perault was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-62.

Appearing on Sept. 2 was:

Nicole Marie Bezjon, 42, a transient, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bezjon faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years of supervised release on the firearms count. Bezjon was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-57.

Mark Jay Albrecht, 64, of Gillette, Wyoming, on charges of false statement. If convicted of the most serious crime, Albrecht faces a maximum five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Albrecht was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case.  PACER case reference. 21-41.

Dakota James Calendrillo, 30, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Calendrillo faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Calendrillo was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-48.

Appearing on Aug. 31 was:

Brian Pretty Weasel, 31, of Crow Agency, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Pretty Weasel faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Pretty Weasel was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-63.

Amir Burhan Mallak, 41, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mallak faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Mallak was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-53.

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

Tina Rae Wood, 49, of Thompson Falls, on charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wood faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Wood was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-31.

Noah Alexander Van Pelt, 28, of Missoula, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Van Pelt faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Van Pelt was released pending further proceedings. The Missoula Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-34.

Andrew David Golie, 34, of Hamilton, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Golie faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Golie was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Missoula Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-27.

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

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MISSOULA — A former private-sector seasonal employee who admitted to sexually assaulting another private-sector seasonal worker in Glacier National Park was sentenced today to five years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, said Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson.

Eduardo Luis Diaz, 27, of Chicago, Illinois, pleaded guilty on March 3 to sexual abuse.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Diaz was allowed to self-surrender.

“Seasonal workers for businesses operating in and around our national parks should be able to work in and enjoy our national parks without the threat of sexual assault and harassment.  I hope this prosecution will assure workers and the public that we will hold predators accountable for their conduct. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley and the National Park Service for investigating and prosecuting this case,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.

“We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their prosecution of this case and commend the survivor for her courage in stepping forward,” said acting Glacier National Park Superintendent Pete Webster. “The law enforcement community knows that sexual assault is an under-reported crime, and so we encourage park visitors and employees to report these crimes so that perpetrators can be caught and brought to justice.”

The government alleged in court documents that in July 2020, Diaz and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were both seasonal employees working in Glacier National Park for a private-sector company with a contract to operate in the park and were living in employee housing. Doe became intoxicated at a party. After Doe had passed out, Diaz sexually assaulted Doe. In an interview with a National Park Service ranger, Diaz told the ranger that he had engaged in sex with Doe. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the National Park Service.

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BILLINGS — A Virginia woman who admitted bringing pounds of methamphetamine to Montana for distribution was sentenced today to six years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Kimberly Rosamond Fanslau, 40, of Manassas, Virginia, pleaded guilty on April 6 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in May 2019, the Missoula Police Department learned that Fanslau’s boyfriend and co-defendant, Michael Webb, was selling meth and heroin in Montana and had been seen with about six pounds of meth and three pounds of heroin. The two were travelling through the state selling the drugs and were bound for Billings. Law enforcement further learned that Webb had been seen with about 11 pounds of meth in the prior weeks. Agents located Webb and Fanslau at a Billings hotel, served a search warrant on their room and detained both. Agents found $4,850 on Webb’s person and approximately four pounds of meth and 197 grams of heroin in the room. Four pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 14,496 doses. Fanslau reported she had brought meth and heroin from California to Montana on at least four occasions. On each trip, they brought several pounds of meth and several ounces of heroin to sell. Webb was convicted in the case and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

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

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 Butte man accused of trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine in the Butte area admitted a drug trafficking crime today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Travis Bridger Soderberg, 47, of Butte, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Soderberg faces 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. Sentencing was set for Dec. 21 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. Soderberg was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that from October 2019 until about November 2020 in Butte and elsewhere in Montana, Soderberg distributed meth. Law enforcement learned through various sources that Soderberg would receive pound quantities of meth shipped in the mail from a source in California. When interviewed, Soderberg admitted to dealing meth and that he received shipments of up to 20 pounds of meth. Investigators also determined that Soderberg wired money to California to pay for the meth. Twenty pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 72,480 doses.

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

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

 

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MISSOULA – A Bozeman business owner today admitted tax evasion charges after an investigation determined he under reported his income for two years to avoid paying at least $41,000 in taxes, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Brandon Robert Wilson, 37, owner and operator of Shedhorn Construction, Inc. (SCI), pleaded guilty to two counts of tax evasion. There was no plea agreement in the case. Wilson faces a maximum five years in prison, a $100,000 fine, and three years of supervised release on each count.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Dec. 21 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen.  Wilson was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged federal agents received information that Wilson was claiming personal expenses as business deductions on his taxes and was writing his name, rather than the company’s name, on invoices so payments from clients would go directly to him. Investigators found that Wilson claimed $179,101 of gross receipts for SCI in 2014, but that he was paid approximately $331,350, for an understatement of $152,248. In 2015, Wilson reported business income totaling $193,528, but that the company made $259,133, resulting in an understatement of $65,605. Investigators determined that—assuming he properly reported legitimate business expenses as deductions--Wilson owes additional taxes of $36,353 for 2014 and $4,799 for 2015.  Wilson indicated his intention to contest the loss amount. The parties will submit a request for a hearing to determine the extent of Wilson’s outstanding tax liability prior to sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the 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 Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Aug. 24 was:

Solomon Anthony Gardner, 41, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gardner faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Gardner was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-50.

Matthew Dallas Lee, 33, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lee faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Lee was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-52.

Appearing on Aug. 26 was:

Preston Tucker Baumann, 24, a transient, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Baumann faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Baumann was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-56.

Robert Allen Williams, 57, of Oregon, 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, Williams faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. William was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-64.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Aug. 23 was:

Taurean Jerome Weber, 39, of Lakewood, Colorado, formerly of Missoula, on charges of transportation of child pornography, distribution of child pornography and receipt of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Weber faces a mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Weber was released pending further proceedings. The Missoula Police Department, FBI and Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-28.

Jeremy Michael Rivers, 44, of Anaconda, 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, Rivers faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Rivers was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Postal Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-23.

Anthony Wayne Lamere, 23, of Butte, 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, 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 Drug Enforcement Administration, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and U.S. Postal Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-24.

Kathy Ann Hendrickson, 59, of Walla Walla, Washington, on charges of cyberstalking. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hendrickson faces a maximum five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hendrickson was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-32.

Appearing in Great Falls U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Aug. 24 was:

Edward James Hovey, 30, of Browning, on charges of receipt of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hovey faces a mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Hovey was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-50.

Rhonda Jeanette Lapier, aka Rhonda Trench, 49, of Helena, 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, Lapier faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Lapier was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and Lewis & Clark County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-52.

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 Michigan man who admitted bringing pounds of methamphetamine to Montana for redistribution was sentenced today to 15 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Michael Troy Webb, 38, of Charlotte, Michigan, pleaded guilty on April 2 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents filed in the case the government alleged that in May 2019, the Missoula Police Department learned Webb was selling meth and heroin in Montana and had been seen with about six pounds of meth and three pounds of heroin. Webb, and his girlfriend and co-defendant, Kimberly Fanslau, were travelling through the state selling the drugs and were bound for Billings. Law enforcement further learned that Webb had been seen with about 11 pounds of meth in the prior weeks. Agents located Webb and Fanslau at a Billings hotel and served a search warrant on their room. Webb and Fanslau were both detained. Agents found $4,850 on Webb’s person and approximately four pounds of meth and 197 grams of heroin in the room. Four pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 14,496 doses. Webb told officers he or Fanslau had brought drugs to Montana at least five times, with each occasion involving several pounds of meth. Fanslau pleaded guilty and is pending sentencing.

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

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to kidnapping a woman and strangling her in two separate assaults in 2020 on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 11 years and three months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Nash Devine Angel Ingraham, 19, pleaded guilty on May 13 to kidnapping and to strangulation of a dating partner.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that on Feb. 10, 2020, the victim, identified as Jane Doe, met up with Ingraham in Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Doe left Ingraham’s house and went to a friend’s place to sleep. Ingraham arrived at the friend’s house the next morning, jerked the victim out of bed, forced her out of the house and then force-marched her across Browning, assaulting her along the way. Ingraham took Doe to his house where he continued to assault her. Law enforcement officers went to Ingraham’s house multiple times looking for Doe, but the family refused to open the door. Officers responded to the house a third time, and Doe exited the house. Officers observed injuries on Doe.

The government further alleged that Ingraham strangled Doe to near unconsciousness on Dec. 17, 2020 during an assault at a Browning residence, where he had held her for about four days. Doe went to a hospital in Browning and reported the assault.

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Billings man who admitted methamphetamine trafficking and firearms crimes involving two high-speed pursuits was sentenced today to 12 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Elijah James Rideshorse, 30, pleaded guilty on May 12 to possession with intent to distribute meth and to felon in possession of a firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Rideshorse brought ounce quantities of meth to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in August 2020. On Aug. 23, 2020, Rideshorse was in a high-speed vehicle pursuit from Browning to Cut Bank. The driver, another passenger, identified as John Doe 1, and Rideshorse all fled on foot once they made it to Cut Bank. Only Doe was apprehended that day, and officers found meth supplied by Rideshorse on Doe. The vehicle also contained more of Rideshorse’s meth. Investigators determined that Rideshorse was involved in drug distribution, possessed firearms and had recently purchased drugs in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The government further alleged that law enforcement received numerous complaints of Rideshorse being involved in criminal activity in the Billings area. On Oct. 12, 2020, the Billings Police Department officers attempted to stop a stolen vehicle that had been involved in recent shootings. The vehicle fled, leading officers on a high-speed pursuit. The vehicle continued to flee after officers spiked its tires and was stopped when intentionally struck by a Montana Highway Patrol vehicle as it approached school buses and heavy traffic. The driver, identified as Rideshorse, fled but was caught. Three female passengers, including two juveniles, were in the vehicle. Officers found a stolen semi-automatic pistol that Rideshorse had dropped on the road as he fled and an AR-style rifle with a 40-round magazine in the vehicle. Rideshorse was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior felony conviction.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Montana Highway Patrol, Billings Police Department, Cut Bank Police Department and Glacier County Sheriff’s Office.

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

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BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine after law enforcement officers seized about eight pounds of the drug and three loaded handguns from his vehicle during a stop near Miles City was sentenced today to 12 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Tyler James Fleming, 39, pleaded guilty on Oct. 8, 2020 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in 2019, drug task force officers received information that Fleming was trafficking drugs in the Billings area and also possessed firearms for protection. In December 2019, investigators learned Fleming had traveled to Arizona and returned two days later. Officers conducted a traffic stop of Fleming's vehicle outside of Miles City. Officers located approximately eight pounds of meth and three loaded handguns in the cab of his truck. Eight pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 28,992 doses.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten 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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BILLINGS – A Billings woman who owned and operated massage parlors in Billings admitted allegations on Tuesday that she enticed women to work and provide prostitution services in her businesses, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Kyong Cha Roberts, 68, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging her with coercion and enticement. Roberts faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date is pending before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. Roberts was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that from about 2016 through 2019, Roberts owned and operated massage parlors in Billings, including U-Spa and Happy Spa. In June 2019, Roberts posted an advertisement in an online Korean newspaper, Kyocharo, seeking women to work in her massage business and provided her phone number. A woman, identified as Jane Doe 1, contacted Roberts, who told Doe that she could make around $5,000 per month at the massage parlor. Doe talked over the phone with Roberts about sexual services being provided at U-Spa.  Doe agreed to come to Billings, bought a bus ticket, arrived in June 2019 and began working at U-Spa. Doe and Roberts discussed sexual services again. Customers typically would pay cash for services. Most customers received a massage and sexual services. Prostitution is illegal in Montana.

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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GREAT FALLS – A Poplar woman suspected of being a long-time distributor of oxycodone pills on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation admitted drug trafficking and money laundering crimes today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Kaycee Lynn Menz, 31, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging her with possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and with money laundering. Menz faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Dec. 8. Menz was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that beginning in June 2014 and continuing through at least May 2020, Menz, and her co-defendant and boyfriend, Jason Tyrell Lee, began selling illegal oxycodone pills from a house they rented in Poplar, on the Fort Peck Indian 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 with the drug enterprise by driving Menz around to conduct sale 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 is pending trial in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut is prosecuting 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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GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced on Monday to 27 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Wesley Allen Cross Guns, Jr., 32, pleaded guilty April 6 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on Oct. 8, 2020, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services had been looking for Cross Guns, Jr., in relation to recent criminal activity including two police chases. Officers arrested Cross Guns, Jr., after he was seen walking with two juveniles. In a search of Cross Guns, Jr., officers found methamphetamine and bullets for a .22-caliber firearm. One of the companions, who was detained, told officers he had a firearm and asked them to get it. Officers pulled a .22-caliber rifle with a broken off stock from under the individual’s clothing. The name, Cross Guns, was on the rifle, and the individual said it was for the defendant. The individual told officers he had bought the rifle and shared it with Cross Guns, Jr.  The defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because of previous felony convictions.

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Browning man accused of sexually abusing two children on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Jonathan Cadotte, 60, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with aggravated sexual abuse and aggravated sexual abuse of a child. Cadotte faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Dec. 8. Cadotte was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that from about September 2019 to September 2020 in the Browning area on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Cadotte engaged in a sexual act by force against a victim, identified as Jane Doe 1, and that from 1993 to about 1998, also in the Browning area, Cadotte engaged in a sexual act with a victim, identified as Jane Doe 2, who had not yet reached 12 years of age.

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

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BILLINGS – A Billings man accused in a sex and drug trafficking conspiracy and of brandishing a firearm during an assault over a botched drug deal admitted multiple crimes today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Mario Juan Drake, 32, pleaded guilty to a second superseding information charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and ecstasy, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and use of a facility in interstate commerce in aid of racketeering. Drake faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release on the drug crime and a mandatory minimum seven years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release consecutive to any other sentence on the firearms crime.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in 2019, Drake, co-defendant D’Javon King and others conspired to distribute illegal narcotics, including cocaine and ecstasy. Multiple witnesses and social media involved Drake, King and others in this conspiracy. On April 24, 2019, a struggle ensued between a buyer, identified as A.L., and two distributors, identified as A.R. and K.H., during an attempted distribution of ecstasy at a Billings motel. The buyer assaulted A.R. and left the scene. In response, Drake, King and others arranged a meeting with A.L. during which they assaulted A.L. while holding firearms. Drake brandished a firearm during the assault and later he, King and others informed A.R. and K.H. that they had retaliated against A.L. in response to the failed drug transaction. King pleaded guilty to charges in the case and is pending sentencing.

The government further alleged that in April and May 2019, two women, identified as Jane Doe 3 and Jane Doe 5, were both engaged in commercial sex with Drake and also were intimately involved with him. Drake used his cell phone to assist with commercial sex dates for Jane Does 3 and 5 by receiving and posting photos of the Does for advertisements, setting pricing for calls and communicating with sex date customers for both Does. Drake would accompany the Does to hotels and would use a timer during the calls. If the calls went past the time, Drake would enter the room.

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

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 – U.S. Minerals, Inc., a corporation accused of exposing employees to elevated levels of arsenic at its Anaconda facility, today admitted violating the Clean Air Act, said Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson.

In addition, U.S. Minerals has agreed to settle a related civil case regarding violations brought by the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

U.S. Minerals pleaded guilty to one count of negligent endangerment, a misdemeanor, under the Clean Air Act as charged in a criminal information. The corporation faces a maximum penalty of five years of probation and a fine as determined through statute.

Under the terms of a plea agreement in the criminal case, the government and U.S. Minerals will jointly recommend to the Court that the company be placed on probation for five years and pay a $393,200 fine. The agreement recommends probationary conditions in which U.S. Minerals will implement a nationwide environmental health and safety plan that applies to all of U.S. Minerals’ facilities throughout the United States and a medical monitoring program for current and former employees who have been exposed to elevated levels of arsenic during their work at the Anaconda plant, which has ceased operations.

U.S. Minerals also has agreed to resolve a related civil case brought by OSHA, alleging 19 serious health and safety violations with a total penalty of $106,800. Under the terms of that agreement, U.S. Minerals will accept all citations as issued and pay the penalty as assessed.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing in the criminal case was set for Dec. 10 in Butte before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen.

“Throughout Montana’s long history with mining, operators like U.S. Minerals have sacrificed worker safety for profit.  These operators need to know that there are severe consequences to this kind of callous behavior.  This is an important case because it not only holds the operator criminally responsible for poisoning its own workers, but it also prevents U.S. Minerals from doing this again anywhere in the country.  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 Department of Labor, Office of Safety and Health Administration, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for their diligent work on investigating this case and bringing these wrongdoers to justice,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.

“This case demonstrates that EPA and its federal law enforcement partners will hold companies accountable when they engage in conduct that places their employees in danger from exposure to airborne releases of hazardous air pollutants such as arsenic,” said Lance Ehrig, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Montana.  “The criminal and civil penalties serve to provide deterrence, and the 5-year national compliance plan requires U.S. Minerals to implement an inspections, training and auditing program to ensure a safer working environment at all its facilities. Finally, and importantly, health monitoring will be assured for current and former employees at the U.S Minerals Anaconda facility that were exposed to airborne arsenic.”

“The employees of U.S. Minerals were finally given the justice they deserved through a joint effort between the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Department of Justice, and our staff at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Working together, we were able to leverage our resources and hold U.S. Minerals accountable for overexposing employees to inorganic arsenic and violating multiple federal laws,” said Galen Blanton, Regional Administrator for OSHA’s Denver Region 8.

The government alleged in court documents that U.S. Minerals, which has multiple facilities throughout the United States, manufactured silicate abrasive, a substance sold to industrial and governmental customers.  Raw materials used in the production process were obtained from a copper slag pile located within the Anaconda Superfund site. The government further alleged that from July 2015 until February 2019, U.S. Minerals negligently released into the air inorganic arsenic, a hazardous air pollutant, 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 July 2015, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) inspected the site, collected air samples from throughout the outdoor facility and conducted personal monitoring of employees on site.  An analysis determined employees were exposed to levels of arsenic and lead, which exceeded both NIOSH and OSHA exposure limits, and that there were high levels of arsenic and lead in the ambient air.

In late 2015, OSHA inspected the facility and found numerous violations of health and safety standards. The violations included employees being exposed to inorganic arsenic at levels that ranged between 1.25 and 4.75 times the OSHA permissible exposure limits. As a result of the inspection, OSHA issued 19 serious violations with penalties totaling $106,800.

The government also alleged that in April 2018, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services learned of a U.S. Minerals employee diagnosed with arsenic poisoning at a local hospital. Over the next few days, the state learned of three additional U.S. Minerals employees who had high levels of arsenic in their urine. State officials conducted a site visit in June 2018, noted “apparent inhalation hazards” and shared their findings with U.S. Minerals. A second inspection in October 2018 found the previous violations had not been addressed and that employees were still exposed to hazards.

In addition, the government alleged that on Feb. 20, 2019, after the investigation discovered numerous employees with high levels of arsenic, the state issued an order for U.S. Minerals to cease and desist operations until it implemented controls and protected its workers. The state lifted the order and allowed U.S. Minerals to resume operating in March 2019 under certain conditions. One of those conditions required U.S. Minerals to provide the state with quarterly medical monitoring reports related to arsenic and lead testing results on employees. Documents provided by U.S. Minerals to the state showed there were still employees who periodically tested high for arsenic and lead.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric E. Nelson are prosecuting 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 is litigating 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 Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Aug. 17 was:

Timothy Michael Koop, 61, of Box Elder, and Kelli Jo Lamere, 29, of Box Elder, on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, the defendants face a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Both defendants were released pending further proceedings. The FBI, the Tri-Agency Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-51.

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

Zachary Jon Lindsay, 38, of Kalispell, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm, possession of unregistered firearm and possession of firearm with obliterated serial number. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lindsay faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Lindsay was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kalispell Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-36.

Appearing on Aug. 19 was:

Terry Joseph Jette, 56, of Anaconda, on charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a child. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jette faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years to life of supervised release. Jette was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-21.

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 Wyoming man convicted of trafficking methamphetamine after a traffic stop in Carbon County, Montana, was sentenced today to seven years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Victor Elvin Lopez, 63, of Powell, Wyoming, pleaded guilty on April 8 to possession with intent to distribute meth as charged in a superseding information.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that Lopez was a habitual meth dealer who was involved in selling the drug in Montana and Wyoming. On Jan. 12, 2019, a Carbon County sheriff’s deputy stopped Lopez for speeding and drunken driving on U.S. Highway 310. Law enforcement saw a large wad of cash on his front passenger seat and was aware that Lopez was suspected of trafficking drugs in Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. A search warrant was served on the vehicle and officers located about 2.8 ounces of meth in a safe in the trunk. A little more than six months earlier, on June 9, 2018 in Powell, Wyoming, law enforcement found 294 grams of pure meth, or about 10.3 ounces, during a stop of Lopez.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan T. Dake prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Powell (Wyoming) Police Department and Carbon County, Montana, 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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MISSOULA — A Washington man who admitted to bringing methamphetamine to the Flathead Indian Reservation for redistribution was sentenced today to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Alberto Escareno-Sanchez, 27, of Sunnyside, Washington, pleaded guilty in March to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in January 2019, Flathead Tribal Police officers pulled over a vehicle in which Escareno-Sanchez was a passenger. During a later search of the vehicle pursuant to a warrant, investigators found meth, a firearm, and other drug paraphernalia. In July 2020, law enforcement served a search warrant on Escareno-Sanchez’s residence and found meth, heroin, two handguns, and $14,286 in currency. The defendant told law enforcement that the drugs, a gun, and the money belonged to him. In addition, confidential informants assisted Escareno-Sanchez with distributing pounds of meth in Flathead and Lake Counties and indicated to law enforcement that the defendant made trips to Washington to get meth for distribution on the Flathead Reservation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Northwest Drug Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations.

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Great Falls man accused of inducing a minor girl in Pennsylvania to send him sexually explicit photographs of herself admitted to charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Andrew Donovan Carter, 38, pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child. Carter faces a mandatory minimum 25 years to 50 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Dec. 2. Carter was detained pending further proceedings.

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 sites 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.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, 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 Cut Bank man accused of sexually abusing a minor in the Browning area, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, admitted charges on Monday, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Wyitt Winston Williamson, 26, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse and to sexual abuse of a minor. Williamson faces a maximum life in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Dec. 2. Williamson was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on Nov. 1, 2017, Williamson sexually abused a 15-year-old girl who was passed out in the backseat of Williamson’s vehicle.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the 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 Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Aug. 11 was:

Adrian Gutierrez, 20, of Gallatin County, 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, Gutierrez faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Gutierrez was detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-18.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Aug. 12 was:

Colleen Denise Abresch, 64, of Great Falls, and Mark Edwin Abresch, 63, of Great Falls, 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, both defendants face a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Both defendants were detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-49.

Ashley Nicole Rico, 34, of Great Falls, 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, Rico faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Rico was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-52.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Aug. 12 was:

Tirrell Lewis, 40, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lewis faces a maximum 10 years in prison, $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Lewis was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-46.

Jerry Allen Stone Jr., aka Joshua Ivan Doefer, 38, of Culbertson, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stone faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Stone was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-54.

Roy “Doc” Rosales, 27, of Dickinson, North Dakota, on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Rosales faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release on the drug offense and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison consecutive to any other crime and a $250,000 fine on the firearm offense. Rosales was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-26.

Donald Ray Gardner, 58, of Lodge Grass, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and abusive sexual contact. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gardner faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Gardner was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-70.

Dakota James Calendrillo, 30, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Calendrillo faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Calendrillo was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-48.

Appearing on Aug. 13 and pleading not guilty was:

Lydia Lynn Doney, 29, address unknown, on charges of distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Doney faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Doney was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-104.

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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BUTTE – A Reed Point man today admitted to and was sentenced for unlawfully using strychnine in a manner inconsistent with its labeling to poison a wolf on a ranch near Ennis, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Jeffrey Scott Wood, 49, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with unlawful use of a registered pesticide, a misdemeanor, and was ordered to pay a $500 fine and to pay $1,000 restitution to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

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

"Misusing strychnine to lace a cow carcass to kill predators is a violation of federal law that results in the indiscriminate killing of all kinds of animals, large and small, wild and domestic, common and endangered.  Wood not only killed a wolf, but he also likely killed a pet dog and probably countless other smaller birds and mammals.  This office will continue to prosecute this kind of unlawful and irresponsible use of registered pesticides to the fullest extent of federal law. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon and the Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks for investigating and prosecuting this case,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.

The government alleged in court documents that in October 2019, Wood unlawfully used a registered pesticide, strychnine, in a manner inconsistent with its labeling to poison a wolf on the Sun Ranch, near Ennis. An investigation into the death of the wolf determined that the wolf had ingested strychnine oats rolled in meat, which appeared to have been placed beside a previously dead cow. A ranch employee had shot the cow because it was sick and not from it being poisoned. A necropsy of the wolf found grains containing strychnine in its stomach and intestines and that the grains were the likely cause of death. A ranch employee’s dog also was suspected of dying from ingesting the strychnine.

The government further alleged that law enforcement learned Wood had called a witness and said to “play stupid” if anyone asked questions about the dead wolf. Wood explained that he placed the poison around the cow carcass because he saw a grizzly sow and two cubs nearby. Wood initially denied to investigators that he had any involvement in the wolf’s death, then admitted he put out the poison to kill wolves—not grizzly bears. Wood admitted it was wrong to use the poison to kill wolves and was aware he could not put strychnine oats in meat.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-Office of Law Enforcement and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks law enforcement.

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MISSOULA — A Jamaican national who admitted to illegally crossing into Montana from Canada and was arrested with others near Whitefish after a car chase was sentenced today to two years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Christopher White, 45, also known as Gregory White, Jahnyi Foster and Raymond White, pleaded guilty on April 12 to illegal reentry of a deported or removed alien.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that White, a Jamaican national, was removed from the United States in March 2020 through New York to Canada. White did not have permission from Department of Homeland Security to re-enter the United States. On Jan. 23, White returned to the United States near West Kootenai, near Eureka, and not a port of entry. White, who was a passenger along with two others in a vehicle, was arrested after a 75-mile car chase in which a defendant, Rastesfaye Neil, was the driver. Neil pleaded guilty to charges and is pending sentencing.

Border Patrol agents located a Nissan Sentra leaving the area where three subjects had illegally crossed over the international boundary. The agents attempted to stop the vehicle, and the Nissan eventually pulled to the side of the road. As agents approached the vehicle on foot, the Nissan sped away and headed southeast on Highway 93. Law enforcement ultimately deployed a vehicle immobilization device, and the Nissan came to a stop down a small embankment off the highway north of Whitefish. Law enforcement arrested the four occupants.

The Border Patrol, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Eureka Police Department, Whitefish Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case.

 

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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, criminal complaints or informations. 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 Aug. 3 was:

Vincent Harry Kopacek, 76, of Fredericksburg, Texas, on charges of attempted sexual abuse of a minor, abusive sexual contact, and assault within maritime or territorial jurisdiction. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kopacek faces a maximum 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Kopacek was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport Public Safety Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-26.

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

Raymond G. Fillion, 35, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious drug crime, Fillion faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Fillion faces a mandatory minimum five years in prison consecutive to any other sentence. Fillion was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-47.

Appearing on Aug. 3 was:

Dew Rex Allenby, 34, of Richland, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth, possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious drug crime, Allenby faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Allenby faces a mandatory minimum five years in prison consecutive to any other sentence. Allenby was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-38.

Rans Ray Carroll, Jr., 38, of Big Timber, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious drug crime, Carroll faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Carroll faces a mandatory minimum five years in prison consecutive to any other sentence. Carroll was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-03.

Shay Austin Dontmix, 24, of Billings, on charges of possession of stolen firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Dontmix faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Dontmix was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-49.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Aug. 3 was:

Dejarreh La’kean Talley, aka “DJ” Talley, 23, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, on charges of burglary. If convicted of the most serious crime, Talley faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $50,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Talley was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Fort Peck Law Enforcement investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-74.

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 a restaurant was arraigned today on charges in connection with a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration (SBA) of approximately $75,000 in a COVID-19 relief loan and to use those funds for personal benefit, including buying classic cars, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Michael Eugene Bolte, 70, of Shepherd, owner of the Feedlot Steakhouse, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with wire fraud and with engaging in transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bolte faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Bolte was released pending further proceedings.

The indictment said that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the SBA began the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to provide economic relief to small businesses and nonprofit organizations that experienced a temporary loss of revenue. Loan proceeds were to be used solely as “working capital” for business operating expenses.

The indictment alleged that from April 1, 2020 to about March 4, 2021, Bolte devised a scheme to defraud the SBA by falsely certifying that loan proceeds were to be used as working capital for the business when in fact approximately $75,000 of loan proceeds were used for his own benefit. The indictment includes a criminal forfeiture in which if convicted, Bolte would forfeit to the United States any real and personal property derived from the offense. Property to be forfeited includes four classic cars -- a 1916 Studebaker, a 1929 Franklin, a 1939 Ford Deluxe and a 1941 Ford Super Deluxe.

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

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

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

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

PACER case reference. 21-46.

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

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BILLINGS – A Billings man accused of trafficking cocaine and promoting prostitution in the community by setting up a commercial sex date for an individual admitted charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Anthony Marcos Chadwell, 27, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and with use of a facility in interstate commerce in aid of racketeering. Chadwell faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters set sentencing for Dec. 16. Chadwell was detained.

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

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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BILLINGS — A Crow Agency man who admitted to stabbing another man last year on the Crow Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 27 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Dee Bad Bear, 60, pleaded guilty on March 12 to an indictment charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged the assault occurred on April 17, 2020 at a Lodge Grass residence, located on the Crow Indian Reservation. Bad Bear and the victim, identified as John Doe, were drinking alcohol and talking. Doe went to the bathroom and when he came out, Bad Bear slashed him with a knife. Doe was treated for injuries at a hospital in Billings. A knife matching a description by the victim was recovered from Bad Bear’s car.

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

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BILLINGS — A California man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine after law enforcement officers found eight kilograms, or 17.6 pounds, of the drug hidden in a vehicle he was driving was sentenced today to six years and six months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Christopher Santillanes Ceja, 31, of Riverside, California, pleaded guilty on March 8 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that law enforcement agents learned in March 2019 about a shipment of meth being transported from Mexico to Billings. Law enforcement surveillance saw a vehicle with a California license plate registered to Ceja pull into a Billings hotel. Ceja was known to law enforcement as having been involved in meth trafficking in the Billings area. Later that same evening, officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and Ceja was driving. Agents impounded and searched the vehicle pursuant to a warrant. Agents located 19 bundles of meth concealed throughout the vehicle. The meth totaled eight kilograms, or about 17.6 pounds, of pure meth. Eight kilograms of meth is the equivalent of about 63,782 doses.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 48% from 2013 to 2019. 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 – Two Montana men were arraigned recently on charges in connection with a scheme to defraud a bank of approximately $1 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and to use those funds for their personal benefit, including buying property and vehicles, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Trevor Gene Lanius-McLeod, also known as Trevor Gene McLeod, 48, of Laurel, and Kasey Jones Wilson, 29, of Helena, each pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging them with bank fraud and with engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. If convicted of the most serious crime, the defendants face a maximum 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

Lanius-McLeod was arraigned on July 27 before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston in Great Falls. Wilson was arraigned on July 27 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan in Billings. Both defendants were released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents, that from about April 2020 to December 2020, the defendants applied for and received four PPP loans totaling $1,043,000 through Valley Bank of Helena, a Division of Glacier Bank, on behalf of four business entities. Lanius-McLeod applied for funds as the authorized representative of T. McLeod Holdings LLC, Hilltop Estates LLC, and Renovated Montana Properties LLP. Lanius-McLeod and Wilson applied for funds as the authorized representatives of Step Above Management LLC. In the applications, the defendants made numerous false statements about having paid payroll taxes and having employees. In promissory notes, the defendants agreed to use the loan funds for payroll costs, costs related to group health care benefits and insurance premiums, rent, utilities, interest on payments on debt and refinancing a Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan. Instead, the defendants spent the funds on personal expenses for their private benefit.  If convicted, the defendants face the forfeiture of property related to the crimes, including property in East Helena, four vehicles and a travel trailer.

The PPP program, which is part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, provided emergency assistance to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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

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

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

PACER case reference. 21-07.

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MISSOULA –Justin Douglas Lampke, 47, of St. Ignatius, was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for transporting child pornography and for failure to register as a sex offender, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Judge Molloy also ordered $3,000 restitution on the child pornography crime and forfeiture of electronic devices seized in the case. Lampke pleaded guilty in October 2020 to failure to register as a sex offender and in March 2021 to transporting child pornography.

Court documents filed by the government state Lampke has several prior sexual abuse convictions beginning in 1992 in the state of Oregon where his victims were as young as five and six years old.  While placed on supervised release for those convictions, the defendant violated his parole on multiple occasions.  In January 2020, Lampke was caught hiding in Montana under an alias.  He was discovered when an Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force detective received multiple National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Cybertips regarding an individual transferring child pornography files via Facebook.  Lampke’s real identity was discovered, and he was arrested for the underlying crimes.  Child pornography was located on multiple devices seized from his residence, and agents determined Lampke transported or moved child pornography to a USB storage device from another digital device in May 2019. 

Lampke absconded from Oregon supervision in March 2017, had been in Montana since approximately March 2017, and had not registered as a sex offender.

Assistant United States Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI.

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

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following person was arraigned today on an indictment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto in Missoula. The indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law:

Michael Blake Defrance, 28, of Missoula, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. The indictment alleges that on about June 27, 2018 and Oct. 2, 2018 in Missoula, Defrance, knowing he had been convicted on May 6, 2013 of a misdemeanor crime of violence under the laws of the State of Montana, possessed firearms and ammunition in violation of federal law. If convicted of the most serious crime, Defrance faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Defrance was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force and the Missoula Police Department investigated the case.

PACER case reference. 21-29.

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 – Two Montana nurse practitioners have been sentenced for conspiring to defraud Medicare of millions of dollars.  Chief U.S. District Judge Brian Morris sentenced Janae Nichole Harper, 34, of Kalispell, to 12 months in prison and Mark Allen Hill, 54, of Edinburg, North Dakota to 9 months in prison.  Both defendants will be placed on supervised release for 3 years after their release from prison.  Additionally, Harper was ordered to pay $4,307,934.58 in restitution and Hill was ordered to pay $5,054,866 in restitution.

Harper was a licensed nurse practitioner  in Montana, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina and Wyoming and was enrolled as a medical provider with Medicare.  Hill was a licensed nurse practitioner in Montana, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Washington.

In court documents filed in Harper’s case, the government alleged that from Nov. 18, 2017 through July 16, 2019, Harper worked with certain staffing and telemedicine companies to commit health care fraud and received money to sign brace orders that were prepared by telemarketers who had no medical training or certification. Harper routinely signed these orders for Medicare beneficiaries regardless of medical necessity. Harper signed approximately 7,673 brace orders, which resulted in $8,259,849 billed to Medicare, of which Medicare paid approximately $4,307,934. Harper was paid at least $94,395 for the orders she signed.

In court documents filed in Hill’s case, the government alleged that from Oct. 15,  2017 to April 24, 2019, Hill worked with certain staffing and telemedicine companies to commit health care fraud and received money to sign unnecessary brace orders for Medicare beneficiaries regardless of medical necessity, often without ever talking to the Medicare beneficiary to determine whether the braces were medically necessary.  Hill signed approximately 7,097 brace orders, which resulted in $10,055,436 billed to Medicare, of which Medicare paid approximately $5,054,866. Hill was paid at least $124,900 for the orders he signed.

Both defendants previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. 

The cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Kakuk and Darren Halverson, Trial Attorney, and Robyn Pullio, former Trial Attorney, Fraud Section, Criminal Division of the Justice Department and investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

GREAT FALLS – Danielle Marie Marceau, also known as Danielle Marie Comesatnight, 35, of Browning, was sentenced on July 29, 2021 to 97 months in federal prison for fatally stabbing another individual during an argument.   Marceau was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $11, 735.90 in restitution by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian Morris. 

In June 2020, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services responded to Marceau’s residence in Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, to conduct a welfare check on the victim. Officers found the victim’s body in the residence and determined the last time the victim had been seen alive was late on May 30, 2020 with Marceau. Both were intoxicated and had been arguing. Marceau admitted to killing the victim and that she had used a knife to stab the victim during an argument. In the days following the incident, Marceau told multiple family members they had been in a fight and that she stabbed the victim.

The defendant previously pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and Great Falls Police Department.

Great Falls - A federal jury in Great Falls convicted Roy Allen Shostak, a 28 year-old resident of Polson, of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine after a one-day trial.  The defendant is being detained pending sentencing which U.S. District Chief Judge Brian Morris set for October 7, 2021.

Prosecutors presented evidence that in May 2020, Helena Police Department and members of the Missouri River Drug Task Force received information that Shostak was armed with a gun and selling drugs.  Additionally, law enforcement officers were aware that the defendant had absconded from probation.  Following observation of Shostak’s activities, officers arrested the defendant on outstanding warrants.  Following the arrest, officers found a marijuana pipe although the defendant was not a holder of a medical marijuana car.  The defendant’s care was seized pending a search warrant.  While conducting a search warrant of the defendant’s car, officers found three plastic baggies of  methamphetamine, a smartphone and a digital scale in a backpack that was located on the front passenger seat.  Inside the glove box, officers located a hand-written bill of sale, a smartphone, a piece of paper containing Shostak’s social security number, date of birth, email address, and physical address and credit card number, and a used syringe in the center console.

Law enforcement obtained a warrant to search the phone and uncovered text messages between Shostak and third parties where Shostak discussed his trafficking of various drugs.  The jury deliberated for 18 minutes before returning a verdict of guilty.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Starnes prosecuted the case which was investigated by the Helena Police Department and the Missouri River Drug Task Force. 

BILLINGS – A Fairview man, Lonnie Burdette Porter, 59, has been convicted of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm after a two-day trial in Billings.  Porter was released on conditions pending sentencing which Judge Susan Watters set for December 15, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. in Billings.

The government presented evidence that on September 24, 2020, Porter contacted the Fairview Police Department to report that guns had been stolen from his home while he was out of town. The defendant acknowledged he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his probation. 

Later that day, Montana Probation and Parole and Fairview Police Department searched Porter’s home.  The defendant again acknowledged he was in possession of firearms.  Law enforcement discovered a hole in the floor under the defendant’s dryer which contained a significant amount of firearms.  Additional guns were located elsewhere in the house. 

In total, thirty-eight firearms, ammunition, and antique firearms were taken from Porter’s home.  The following January, eight more guns belonging to the defendant were recovered by the Fairview Police Department.

Porter is prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior criminal felony conviction in Richland County, Montana.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin Rubich and Thomas Godfrey prosecuted the case which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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 July 20 was:

Mark Eugene Benton, 60, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Benton faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Benton was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-32.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on July 21 was:

Brocktin Russo, 31, of Great Falls, on charges of possession with intent to distribute heroin. If convicted of the most serious crime, Russo faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release. Russo was detained pending further proceedings. The Russell Country Drug Task Force and Great Falls Police Department 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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GREAT FALLS – An off-duty federal law enforcement officer accused of pointing an assault rifle at three Blackfeet tribal employees who were testing water on his property admitted simple assault charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Harrison Garrett Alvarez, 30, of Cut Bank, who is a Customs and Border Protection officer, pleaded guilty to three counts of simple assault as charged in a superseding information. Alvarez faces a maximum six months in prison, a $5,000 fine and one year of supervised release on each count. In a plea agreement in the case, the parties concur that a five-year term of probation is appropriate.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Sentencing was set for Nov. 18. Alvarez was released pending further proceedings.

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 outside of Cut Bank, and within the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, to field 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 to that testing site that season, having sought, and they believed received, permission for the testing from Alvarez’s wife.

The government alleged that as the victims were collecting water samples, a rifle shot rang out. The victims saw Alvarez approaching, pointing an assault rifle at them and yelling. 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 to collect samples, Alvarez disputed that fact. Even after they told him they would go, Alvarez, while still leveling the rifle at the victims, ordered them closer to him 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.

The government further alleged that Alvarez disputed the victims had permission to be on the property but admitted to discharging the rifle before holding them at gunpoint and ordering them to leave his property. Alvarez’s wife remembered that the victims had sought permission but told law enforcement she had told them they needed to speak with Alvarez. Upon seeing the truck on the morning of the incident, Alvarez’s wife told him that it was probably “the water people.”

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Browning man who admitted to murdering a man and then holding a woman hostage by knifepoint on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 26 years and eight months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Jason Avery Mattson, 30, pleaded guilty on March 30 to second degree murder and to kidnapping as charged in an indictment.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on March 3, 2020, law enforcement was called to a clearing near Cut Bank Creek, close to the Boarding School community on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation after the discovery of a body, identified as John Doe. An autopsy confirmed the manner of death was homicide, with evidence of blunt force injury.

The government further alleged that on March 10, 2020, Mattson called Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, confessed to killing John Doe and told dispatch he had a knife and a gun. While officers were responding to the residence, Mattson called again and told dispatch he was holding a hostage, identified as Jane Doe, at knifepoint. Mattson threatened to kill Jane Doe and held her hostage for about four hours before she was able to escape. Mattson was taken into custody.

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 – A Missoula man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for conviction in a large methamphetamine trafficking investigation in which multi-pound shipments of meth were stored at his shop in East Missoula and distributed in the Flathead Valley, Acting U.S. Leif M. Johnson said.

Leon Paul Kavis, Jr., 37, pleaded guilty on March 9 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Judge Christensen also ordered the forfeiture of $13,920, nine guns, ammunition and magazines. Kavis was detained.

The government alleged in court documents that Kavis was identified to law enforcement as a source of meth in the Flathead Valley from about November 2019 to November 2020. California authorities also identified Kavis as working with individuals to bring meth to Montana. Eight informants reported receiving at least 34 pounds of meth from Kavis. Investigators recovered about five pounds of meth that were sent to Kavis’ shop in East Missoula and recovered another two pounds of meth during a search of the shop. In addition, the government alleged that law enforcement learned that several packages totaling 28 pounds of meth from known drug associates had been delivered to Kavis’ shop. Court documents also alleged Kavis told informants that he was bringing in 30 pounds of meth per week. Thirty pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 108,720 doses. The government alleged that Kavis always carried a firearm for protection and often had large sums of cash, ranging from $30,000 to $50,000.

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

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

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BILLINGS – A former Billings rheumatologist and his business agreed to settle alleged civil False Claims Act violations regarding his practice for a $2,070,664 total payment, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Dr. Enrico Arguelles, a former rheumatologist, and his business, Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center (AOC), which closed in September 2018, entered into a civil settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana on July 14, 2021. The terms of the settlement require Arguelles and AOC to pay a settlement amount of $1,268,646 and to relinquish any claim to $802,018 in Medicare payment suspensions that have been held in escrow for AOC since Oct. 11, 2017 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.

“This civil settlement resolves claims of improper medical treatments and false billing to a federal program.  Over billed and unnecessary claims, like the ones at issue in this case, drive up the costs for providing care to the people who really need it.  Medical providers who attempt to enrich themselves by submitting false and exaggerated claims to federal health benefit programs, like Medicare, will be investigated and held responsible. I want to thank our office’s team of health care fraud investigators, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the FBI for their work on this case,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson. 

“Patients and taxpayers expect physicians to make decisions based on medical necessity, not on boosting the physician’s profits, as alleged in this case,” said Special Agent in Charge Curt L. Muller of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.  “Working with our law enforcement partners, we will hold accountable individuals who provide medically unnecessary treatments and pass along the cost to taxpayers.”

The United States contended that it had certain claims against Arguelles and AOC arising from the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, including the improper billing for MRI scans, improper billing for patient visits, and the use of biologic infusions such as Remicade for certain patients who did not have seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, from Jan. 1, 2015 through AOC’s closure in September 2018.

The Settlement Agreement is neither an admission of liability by Arguelles or AOC, 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 the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Health Care Fraud Investigative Team, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the FBI.

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MISSOULA – A Butte man accused of robbing three business at gun point in three different Montana cities in February admitted charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Thomas Scott Cockrill, 49, pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery affecting commerce and to brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Cockrill faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the robbery crime and a mandatory minimum seven years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm crime.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Nov. 10 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. Cockrill was detained pending further proceedings.

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

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

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

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BILLINGS – A Laurel man who admitted meth trafficking and firearms crimes after investigators found seven pounds of the drug along with firearms in a search of his residence was sentenced today to 14 years and nine months in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Robert Ernest Frazier II, 46, pleaded guilty on Nov. 20, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute meth and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in early 2019, agents used a confidential informant to make two controlled drug purchases of about two ounces each time from Frazier. In February 2019, agents executed a search warrant on Frazier’s residence and vehicle and found about seven pounds of meth, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and firearms in his residence. Two pistols were found in the same safe Frazier was using to store his meth. In Frazier’s vehicle, agents found another large stash of meth, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Frazier admitted to being a meth distributor and estimated he had sold nearly one pound of meth per week for the last year. He also stated that he had received a 10-pound delivery of meth the previous week and what was found was what was left of it. Ten pounds of meth is the equivalent of 36,240 doses.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.

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

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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 July16 was:

George Thomas Walker, 44, of Hamilton, on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth, 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, Walker faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Walker was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, Missoula Police Department, Great Falls Police Department, Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Department of Corrections’ Probation and Parole investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-26.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on July15 was:

Steven Roy DeCarlo, 31, of Browning, 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. If convicted of the most serious crime, DeCarlo faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. DeCarlo was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-45.

Louis Jay Remillard, 49, of Helena, 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, Remillard faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Remillard was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-47.

Jeremiah Lewis Camphouse, 40, of Great Falls, on charges of possession of a firearm by unlawful user of a controlled substance. If convicted of the most serious crime, Camphouse faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Camphouse was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-37.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on July14 was:

Peggy Waples, 61, and Sherrie Lynn Cain, 51, both of Miles City, 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, Waples and Cain face a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Waples and Cain were detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-45.

Ashley Michael Stella, 28, of Reno, Nevada, on charges of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in prostitution. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stella faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Stella was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-41.

Latisha Marvala West, 26, of Billings, on charges of receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, West faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. West was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-98.

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

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GREAT FALLS—A federal firearms licensee at Modern Pawn and Consignment, a Helena business, and three others were arraigned on July 15 on charges in an indictment alleging multiple firearms crimes, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty were Isaiah Maurice Morsette, 38 of Boulder; Catherine Suzanne Morsette, 38, of Boulder; Douglas Wayne Sullivan, 69, of Boulder and Helena; and Richard Joe Munoz, 34, of Helena. All defendants were released pending further proceedings.

Isaiah Morsette is charged with possession of stolen ammunition (propellant powder), prohibited person in possession of firearms and false statement during firearms sale.

Catherine Morsette, a licensed dealer of firearms, is charged with possession of stolen ammunition (propellant powder), false statement during firearms sale at Modern Pawn and Consignment and failure to keep proper records at Modern Pawn and Consignment.

Douglas Sullivan is charged with possession of stolen ammunition (propellant powder) and prohibited person in possession of ammunition.

Richard Munoz is charged with prohibited person in possession of firearms.

The indictment alleges the crimes occurred from February to April in Helena and Boulder.

If convicted of the most serious crime, the defendants face a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,00 fine and three years of supervised release.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Helena Police Department investigated the case.

An indictment is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

PACER case reference. 21-6.

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 Sinaloa, Mexico, man, who admitted methamphetamine trafficking and money laundering activities in the Butte area, was sentenced today to 17 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Humberto Horiol Medina Villarreal, 34, pleaded guilty on March 25 to possession with intent to distribute meth and to conspiracy to commit money laundering.

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

The government alleged in court documents that from about July 2017 until August 2020 in Butte, Villarreal and others were involved in drug trafficking. An undercover law enforcement agent ordered a pound of meth directly from Villarreal. When negotiating the price per pound of meth, Villarreal stated, “There’s people I give 5 packs, 10 packs, 20 packs, for four grand, and they get rid of that stuff in a week.” Law enforcement knew that Villarreal meant 5-pound, 10-pound and 20-pound shipments of meth. One pound of meth is the equivalent of 3,624 doses. Villarreal told the undercover agent to wire the money to “Ricardo Ramos Medina, Baja California North.” Ricardo Ramos Medina, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was convicted of meth trafficking in a related indictment and sentenced to eight years in prison.

The government also alleged that Villarreal conspired to launder money and directed others to wire money from Montana to California, and elsewhere, to pay for and fund the purchase of additional meth and other drugs.

Villarreal’s two co-defendants have been convicted of drug trafficking crimes and sentenced. Charles Joshua Petty, of Butte, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, while Shawn James Miller, of Deer Lodge, was sentenced to five years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and the Butte 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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