District of Montana

BILLINGS – A Worden man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine after investigators found 10 pounds of the drug in his vehicle was sentenced today to 15 years and eight months in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Bo Bryan Fish, 40, pleaded guilty on Jan. 27 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Fish was detained.

The government alleged in court documents that between January and March 2020, the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force began investigating Fish for involvement in drug trafficking. Cooperating witnesses told investigators that Fish took trips to Colorado to acquire bulk quantities of meth, ranging from five to 20 pounds per trip.

The investigation led to a traffic stop of a truck occupied by Fish, who told investigators there were about 10 pounds of meth in the back seat and admitted to acquiring the meth that day in Wyoming. He said he had been acquiring bulk meth from the source for about eight months. Investigators served a search warrant on the truck and Fish’s property and seized 10 pounds of meth from the vehicle and about seven ounces of meth from the property. Ten pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 36,240 doses.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and FBI 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 – The former president of Custom Carbon Processing, Inc., convicted of Clean Air Act violations in the explosion of an oil processing plant in Wibaux, was sentenced today after admitting he failed to surrender to prison to begin serving an 18-month prison term, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Peter Margiotta, 64, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, was sentenced to one day in prison, consecutive to his 18-month sentence, after he pleaded guilty today to an indictment charging him with failure to surrender for service of sentence.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided and sentenced Margiotta immediately after his plea hearing. Margiotta was detained.

Under the terms of a plea agreement filed in the case, the government and Margiotta agreed that a sentence of one day of imprisonment was appropriate and that Margiotta would voluntarily dismiss any appeal of his previous convictions or sentence in the case involving Clean Air Act violations.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on July 10, 2020, Margiotta was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and was permitted to self-surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his sentence.

A jury in September 2019 found Margiotta guilty of all three counts in an indictment charging him with conspiracy, Clean Air Act-general duty and Clean Air Act-knowing endangerment, for his actions related to a 2012 explosion that injured three workers at the company’s oil processing plant in Wibaux.

The government alleged that the court gave Margiotta three extensions of time to self-report to prison, with the third deadline for self-reporting to the Bureau of Prisons’ SeaTac Facility in Seattle, Washington, on or before Jan. 15, 2021. Margiotta failed to self-surrender by Jan. 15. Margiotta turned himself into law enforcement authorities in Sweetgrass on March 25.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan T. Dake and Eric E. Nelson, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation.

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MISSOULA – A Butte man who admitted trafficking drugs, including methamphetamine, in Montana and to receiving meth through the mail in Butte, 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.

Charles Joshua Petty, 31, pleaded guilty on March 15 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Petty also was ordered to forfeit $8,500 seized in the case.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Petty received meth from individuals in California and elsewhere, including through the mail in Butte, for distribution. The investigation determined that Petty and others would wire money back to California and to Sinaloa, Mexico, to pay for the meth. The government further alleged that investigators learned from cooperators that Petty received approximately 10 pounds of meth in January 2019. Ten pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 36,240 doses. A co-defendant, Shawn Miller, was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the case.

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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MISSOULA – A Texas man suspected of sexually assaulting a minor girl while on a flight from Austin, Texas, to Bozeman had an initial appearance on a criminal complaint today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

The criminal complaint accuses Vincent Harry Kopacek, 76, of Fredericksburg, Texas, of three federal crimes: attempted sexual abuse of a minor, abusive sexual contact and assault within maritime and 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.

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

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

According to the criminal complaint and documents filed in support of the complaint, on July 9, the FBI was contacted by an officer with the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport Public Safety Office that the previous night, on July 8, a 15-year-old girl had been assaulted while on an aircraft from Austin to Bozeman. Upon departing the airport, the girl reported the incident to her family, who then contacted law enforcement.

The court documents allege that the girl was seated in a window seat, which was fully upright during the flight, and that Kopacek was sitting directly behind the girl’s seat. Kopacek allegedly reached his hand around the girl’s seat between her seat and the interior wall of the aircraft and touched the girl’s body. The girl documented the alleged activity with her cell phone. The activity took place from prior to takeoff in Austin to before landing in Bozeman.

FBI agents arrested Kopacek in Bozeman on July 11 when he checked in for his flight departing the airport.

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

PACER case reference. 21-072.

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 Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint on July 8 was:

Edward Timothy Cockerham, 42, of Kalispell, on charges of sexual exploitation of a child. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cockerham faces a minimum 15 years to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Cockerham was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-70.

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on July 8 was:

Jeremy Michael Adams, 32, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Adams faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Adams was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-37.

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 lawyer who also was a licensed realtor and ran a construction company today admitted charges in which he defrauded investors, losing more than $1 million in the futures market, and filed false income tax returns, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Ronald Dean Lords, 53, of Corvallis, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering and filing false tax returns. Lords faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the wire fraud charge; 10 years in prison, a $250,00 fine and three years of supervised release on the money laundering charge and three years in prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the false tax returns charge.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. A sentencing date was set for Nov. 10 before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy. Lords was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that Lords was a lawyer, who operated Eagles Landing Legal Services, PC, as well as a licensed realtor and general contractor, who operated Eagles Landing Construction, Inc. The construction company purported to develop real property and build homes. From June 2011 and September 2018, in Ravalli County, Lords defrauded several victims by convincing them to invest money in his construction company. Lords told them he would make monthly interest payments, use the money to build homes and repay the money after the homes were sold. Lords said he would return the victims’ money within 30 days of any request.

The government further alleged that instead of using the money to fund construction projects as promised, Lords used a portion of the new money to make interest payments to prior investors and lost the majority of the funds in the futures market. When some victims demanded their principal back, Lords admitted he lost more than $1 million in the futures market and did not have their money.

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

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

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MISSOULA – A man convicted in a methamphetamine conspiracy in which he helped bring the drug to Billings for distribution 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.

James Moe McPhail, 35, unknown hometown, pleaded guilty on March 4 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth. McPhail was detained.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in July 2019, law enforcement learned that McPhail, while incarcerated at Crossroads Correction Center, was in contact with co-defendant, Todd William Weidler, to arrange for delivery of meth to Weidler in Billings. Investigators also learned that Weidler always had meth on hand, could usually sell ounces in a matter of minutes and conducted all of his business from his BMW or Range Rover in parking lots.

In September 2019, law enforcement searched Weidler’s residence, vehicles and storage units and recovered meth and approximately $11,900 in currency. Law enforcement estimated Weidler distributed at least 1,153.3 grams, or about 2.5 pounds, which is the equivalent of about 9,060 doses. Weidler was sentenced to 10 years in prison for conviction in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Montana Department of Corrections, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and 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 Florida man today admitted trafficking methamphetamine in Great Falls and transporting stolen property after he was arrested in Missouri driving a truck and pulling a stolen trailer loaded with $80,000 in stolen ATVs and other items, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Harold Goodson Hill, 37, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth and to interstate transportation of stolen property. Hill 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 maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the transportation of stolen property crime.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Oct. 21. Hill was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in September 2020, the Great Falls Police Department responded to series of theft complaints around town of various items, including an ATV from a pickup truck. While responding to a report, officers found Hill asleep in the driver’s seat of a vehicle and seized stolen items found in the vehicle. In October 2020, law enforcement learned Hill had been selling meth in Great Falls and that he was receiving suspicious packages from Las Vegas to an address he had in Townsend.  Officers stopped Hill after he picked up a package at the Townsend post office, seized the package and determined it contained 1.9 pounds of meth. Hill told agents he had come to Montana from Virginia in April 2020 and admitted to distributing meth. The agents released Hill.

The government further alleged that Hill rented a 26-foot Penske truck in Whitehall on Oct. 29, 2020. A trooper in Missouri ultimately stopped the Penske truck, which was pulling a trailer that had been stolen from Broadwater County and had a license plate stolen from Belgrade. Hill was the driver and sole occupant of the truck. Officers searched the truck and trailer and found five ATVs and a UTV that had been stolen in Bozeman, Great Falls and Spearfish, S.D., along with a Toro lawnmower and other items. The estimated value of the stolen items was $80,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Great Falls Police Department, Russell Country Drug Task Force, Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Postal Service, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Belle Fourche Police Department, South Dakota, Sioux Falls Police Department, South Dakota, and Missouri State Highway Patrol.

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

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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 June 28 was:

James Michael Gunderson, 58, of Billings, 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, Gunderson faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Gunderson was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-44.

Leslee Marie Kinsey, 29, a transient, on charges of theft of mail. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kinsey faces a maximum five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Kinsey was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-42.

Eric Antonio Espinoza, 30, a transient, 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, Espinoza faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Espinoza was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI Western Transnational Organized Crime Task Force and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-43.

Appearing on June 29 and pleading not guilty was:

Jessy James Zachariah Harwood, 29, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Harwood faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Harwood was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-39.

Michael Andrew Cuellar, 30, a transient, on charges of bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and theft of mail. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cuellar faces a maximum 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Cuellar was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-42.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on June 29 was:

William Daly Harrington, 42, of Helena, on charges of distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Harrington faces a mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Harrington was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-05.

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 Havre woman accused of trafficking fentanyl pills on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation and in Hill and Cascade counties admitted charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Amber Victoria Standingrock, 24, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances as charged in an information during an arraignment and plea change hearing. Standingrock faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Oct. 21. Standingrock was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on April 15, a Great Falls Police Department officer arrested Standingrock on an outstanding warrant. During a subsequent search of Standingrock’s purse, the officer found $2,825 in cash, two cellular phones and about 40 small blue pills, identified as fentanyl. Officers served a search warrant on Standingrock’s vehicle and phones and located four identical pills, $150 in cash and communications in which Standingrock appeared to be arranging the sale of “fettys,” which is common slang for fentanyl pills. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Standingrock’s Facebook account and retrieved communications showing her arranging and proposing sales of fentanyl pills.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Great Falls Police Department and Russell Country Drug Task Force.

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MISSOULA – A Bozeman man who admitted to drug trafficking after an officer found methamphetamine and heroin in his vehicle during a traffic stop was sentenced today to five years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Rick Ray Garcia, 37, pleaded guilty on Feb. 12 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Garcia was detained.

The government alleged in court records that on Dec. 18, 2019, a Bozeman law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop with Garcia in Gallatin County and arrested Garcia on an outstanding warrant. During a subsequent search of Garcia and his vehicle, law enforcement found about 9 grams of heroin, about 29 grams of meth and a loaded 9mm handgun. Garcia was known to law enforcement for distributing drugs.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bozeman Police Department.

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

 

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GREAT FALLS – A Montana man accused of firing a gun into an individual’s house and threatening the individual with violent, homophobic slurs was arraigned on Tuesday on federal hate crime and firearm charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

John Russell Howald, 44, of Basin, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and with the use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The indictment alleges that on March 22, 2020, in Basin, Howald attempted to injure an individual because of their actual and perceived sexual orientation by discharging a firearm into the individual’s house, stating that he wanted to “get rid of the lesbians [and] gays.” The offense included an attempt to kill the individual.

If convicted of the most serious crime, Howald faces up to life in prison on the hate crime charge and a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, on the firearm charge.

 A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. Howald was detained pending further proceedings.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan McCarthy of the District of Montana and Trial Attorney Eric Peffley of Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

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

For more information and resources on the department’s efforts to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.

PACER case reference. 21-04.

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BILLINGS – Two former officials with the Montana Native Women’s Coalition were  sentenced to probationary terms and ordered to pay restitution after each admitted to stealing federal grant funds for unapproved spending, including travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Sheryl Lynn Lawrence, 45, of Colstrip, who was the Coalition’s executive director, was sentenced today to three years of probation and ordered to pay $35,127 restitution jointly and severally with co-defendant Meredith McConnell, the Coalition’s former chairwoman. Lawrence pleaded guilty on Feb. 4 to theft of federal funds.

McConnell, 51, of Lame Deer, was convicted on April 2 in a federal jury trial of crimes related to the unauthorized spending of grant funding and is pending sentencing.

Co-defendant Barbara Mary Daychief, 45, of Browning, who was the Coalition’s board treasurer, was sentenced on June 17 to two years of probation and ordered to be solely liable for $2,973 restitution. Daychief pleaded guilty on Jan. 22 to theft of federal funds.  

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

“As executive director and board treasurer, Lawrence and Daychief held trusted positions within the Coalition. By stealing the Coalition’s federal grant money to spend for their own benefit, Lawrence and Daychief prevented the money from being used as intended -- helping Native American victims of domestic and sexual abuse. Our office will prosecute and hold accountable those who misuse grant funding,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.

“The money that Lawrence and Daychief stole was intended to help Native American victims of domestic and sexual violence. The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General will continue to root out these schemes, to help ensure that victims of crime are given the help that they need,” said Douglas B. Bruce, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Denver Field Office. 

In court documents filed in the case, the government said that the purpose of the Lame Deer-based Coalition is to help Native American victims of domestic and sexual violence. The Coalition receives funding from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), which provides grants for victim services.

The government alleged that while serving as the Coalition’s executive director, Lawrence received a travel advance in November 2017. Lawrence claimed $1,826 in travel money for a trip to Las Vegas. Lawrence claimed she drove, which provided more money due to payment for mileage, when in fact, Lawrence flew, which cost significantly less money. Lawrence spent money on a trip to Las Vegas, which was never approved by the OVW, nor would it ever have been approved.

The government also alleged that while serving on the board, Daychief received travel advances for travel to various locations.  In November 2017, Daychief claimed $1,874 in travel money for a trip to Las Vegas. Although initially intending to travel to the claimed destinations, Daychief ultimately did not travel as planned.  Rather than pay back the travel advances as required, Daychief kept the money for herself. When interviewed by law enforcement, Daychief admitted she obtained travel advances despite not traveling as claimed.  The government further alleged the thefts occurred four months after board officials, including Daychief, participated in training about conflicts of interest, whistleblower policies, ethics and financial oversight. The training came after the Coalition’s previous executive director pleaded guilty to fraud in March 2017 for stealing from the organization.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan G. Weldon and Bryan T. Dake prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General.

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BILLINGS – A Lame Deer man who admitted to assaulting a woman on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison and to three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Darrell Dean Fisher, 36, pleaded guilty on Jan. 28 to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on Aug. 4, 2019, Fisher and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, returned to Ashland from a trip and argued. An altercation ensued and Fisher pushed the victim to the ground, injuring her.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan T. Dake prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.

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GREAT FALLS – A Helena man accused of trafficking methamphetamine and of possessing a stolen gun admitted charges on Monday, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Robert Raymond Fasuga, 38, pleaded guilty during an arraignment and plea change hearing to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and to possession of a stolen firearm as charged in a superseding information. Fasuga 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 conspiracy charge and a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the firearm charge.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and set sentencing for Oct. 13. Fasuga was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution alleged that on June 14, 2020, Fasuga possessed at least one stolen firearm after he fled from law enforcement, pulled two firearms from his person and pointed them to his head. Officers talked him down, and Fasuga later told agents that he assumed the guns were stolen because he paid $50 for each one. Mountain Man Trading Post in Belgrade was the lawful owner of a .380 pistol recovered from Fasuga on that date. In addition, the government alleged that further investigation determined that Fasuga was a meth dealer. On March 24, 2021, during the execution of a federal search warrant, agents found about one pound of meth that Fasuga intended to sell and $6,779 in U.S. currency believed to be drug proceeds.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

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

 

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BILLINGS – An Ashland man who admitted trafficking methamphetamine on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation 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.

Robert Joseph Speelman, 48, pleaded guilty on Jan. 27 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 on Jan. 21, 2020, a Bureau of Indian Affairs canine officer, while on patrol on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, saw Speelman, a known drug user and dealer on the reservation, sitting in his truck on the side of the road. Speelman had outstanding tribal warrants. A cursory search by the officer in a subsequent arrest resulted in the recovery of a small amount of meth. There also was a rifle mounted above the back window. The truck was impounded and searched, which resulted in the recovery of about 68 grams of meth, $179 in cash and two more firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori H. Suek prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

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 businessman was sentenced on June 24 to nine months in prison and ordered to pay $148,735 restitution for employment tax fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today. 

According to court documents, Thomas O’Connell, 48, owned and operated three plumbing businesses: Quality Plumbing and Heating, Orbit Plumbing and Heating, and Orbit PHC. From at least 2005 through 2016, O’Connell caused trust fund taxes to be withheld from employees’ wages and then did not pay employment taxes for several quarters. Instead, he directed payments to other creditors and to his own personal expenses. The total tax loss to the IRS resulting from his conduct is more than $550,000.

O’Connell pleaded guilty on March 24 to willful failure to pay over employment taxes.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. In addition to the sentence of imprisonment, O’Connell will serve an additional three years of supervised release.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon and Trial Attorney Mark S. Determan of the Justice Department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case. The case was investigated by 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 Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on June 24 was:

Jimmy Lee King, 29, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, King faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. King was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-39.

Appearing on June 17 was:

Jeffrey Lee Foss, 37, 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, Foss faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Foss was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-38.

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 Cut Bank man accused of strangling and assaulting a woman on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted multiple charges on June 23, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Gordon Lee Connelly, 20, pleaded guilty to strangulation, assault resulting in substantial bodily injury and interstate violation of a protection order. Connelly faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the strangulation count, and a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the assault count and the violation of protection order count.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Oct. 7. Connelly was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution alleged that on Feb. 16, Connelly strangled and assaulted the victim, identified as Jane Doe, near Cut Bank, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, causing her substantial injuries. The government further alleged that on March 25, Connelly violated a portion of a protection order that prohibits violence, threats and communication with another person.

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

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BILLNGS – A ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in an ownership dispute of an abandoned railroad right of way near Noxon, Montana, held that the United States retained ownership under the National Trails System Improvement Act,  Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

In an opinion issued on June 21, the Ninth Circuit ruled for the United States on a plaintiff’s appeal from the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana in a case before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen.

"This is an important decision for people who live in and visit Montana.  The public has a growing interest in using these abandoned rights-of-way for recreation and access to Montana waterways and public lands.  The court’s decision in this case strikes an appropriate balance between interests of the adjacent landowners and the public as intended by Congress when it passed the National Trail System Improvement Act in 1988,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.

At issue was whether the United States maintained its reversionary interest over real property granted 150 years ago to a railroad for use as a right of way, or whether that interest was later ceded to settlers who owned adjoining property. The Estate of Glowdena Finnigan sued the U.S. Forest Service in 2018 to quiet title to a former railroad right-of-way segment near Noxon, Montana. The dispute involved whether the current ownership of the abandoned right of way was controlled by the Abandoned Railroad Right of Way Act, enacted in 1922, which transferred title to the adjacent land owners, or by the Trails Act, enacted in 1988, under which the United States retained its interest in the land.

Here, the Estate sought to quiet title to a right-of-way that the Northern Pacific Railroad Company stopped using in about 1958, but that was never declared to be abandoned any time before the enactment of the Trails Act. The Estate claimed it acquired reversionary rights in the right-of-way simply by virtue of the physical abandonment of the railroad right-of-way in 1958, even though the abandonment was never confirmed by Congress or a judicial decree. The U.S. Forest Service objected that – in lieu of prior judicial confirmation – title to such lands remained with the United States under the Trails Act.  Because the lands are entirely within the Kanisku National Forest, the agency maintained they should be retained for potential recreational use by the public.

In its opinion, the Ninth Circuit held that physical abandonment alone does not suffice.  In order to acquire an abandoned railroad right of way, an adjoining landowner must establish both physical abandonment and confirmation of such abandonment by Congress or a judicial decree before the 1988 enactment of the Trails Act. Because abandonment of the railroad right of way across the Finnigan parcel was not judicially confirmed, ownership reverted to the United States under the Trails Act.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith argued the case.

9th Circuit Court PACER Case No. 19-35922.pdf (uscourts.gov)

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

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

Jesse Jon Strack, 40, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Strack faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Strack was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-29.

Douglas Lynn Vanderslice, 35, of Butte, on charges of unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Vanderslice faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Vanderslice was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-36.

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 a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Gardner was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-70.

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Great Falls man was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison followed by three years of supervised release on a firearms conviction after law enforcement officers found him slumped over in a running vehicle, under the influence of drugs and with a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Leonard James Hilton, 35, pleaded guilty on March 16 to possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Hilton was detained.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that through out 2019 and 2020, Hilton had numerous interactions with Great Falls law enforcement and had repeatedly acknowledged to police that he was addicted to methamphetamine and heroin. The government further alleged that on April 9, 2020, police responded to a call and found Hilton slumped over the steering wheel of a running car in a motel parking lot. Officers knocked on the window. Hilton was sluggish to respond, but then reached toward the center console where officers saw a pistol in plain view. Officers ordered Hilton out of the vehicle, and as he exited, numerous hypodermic needles fell out of his coat pocket. Hilton told officers he had received the pistol from a friend.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Great Falls Police Department and the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office.

This case is part of Project Guardian, a Department of Justice initiative launched in the fall of 2019 to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Through Project Guardian, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Montana is working to enhance coordination of its federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement partners in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. In addition, Project Guardian supports information sharing and taking action when individuals are denied a firearm purchase by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for mental health reasons or because they are a prohibited person.

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BILLINGS – A Billings man was sentenced today to 30 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for selling a firearm while on state probation for previous felony convictions, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Wayne Jennings Cooper, 36, pleaded guilty on Jan. 26 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on Dec. 19, 2019, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents learned from a confidential informant that Cooper wanted to sell firearms and drugs. An investigation determined that Cooper had previous felony convictions that prohibited him from possessing firearms and that he was on state probation. During a controlled purchase set up by the agents, Cooper sold an individual a .380 caliber, semi-automatic pistol along with a loaded magazine. Cooper also provided the individual with what was purported to be five grams of methamphetamine but turned out to be a cutting agent.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

This case is part of Project Guardian, a Department of Justice initiative launched in the fall of 2019 to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Through Project Guardian, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Montana is working to enhance coordination of its federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement partners in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. In addition, Project Guardian supports information sharing and taking action when individuals are denied a firearm purchase by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for mental health reasons or because they are a prohibited person.

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BILLINGS – A Billings man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and heroin from a machine shop in Laurel was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Anthony Scott Walter, 40, pleaded guilty on Nov. 17, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that in July 2019, law enforcement agents met with a source of information who reported that Walter, and co-defendant, Lisa Emmett, were selling heroin and meth out of a machine shop in Laurel. Agents conducted a series of controlled buys of meth and heroin from Walter using a confidential source. In August 2019, law enforcement intercepted a package destined for Walter’s business address, obtained a search warrant and found 465.1 grams of meth, which is about one pound, and 61.1 grams of heroin, similar to “China white.” Lab testing determined the meth was 99 percent pure and that the substance identified as China white was determined to be 51. 6 grams of fentanyl. Agents made a controlled delivery of the package, and Walter took possession of it. Emmett pleaded guilty in the case and is pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration 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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GREAT FALLS – A Great Falls woman who admitted to dealing methamphetamine and heroin from a gas station and casino was sentenced today to 52 months in prison and to four years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Katrina Marie Bennett, 36, pleaded guilty on March 17 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Bennett was detained.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in the summer of 2019, law enforcement began receiving information that Bennett was trafficking meth and heroin in Great Falls. Investigators learned that Bennett was dealing drugs out of a gas station and used the casino as her office to conduct drug deals. Law enforcement made a series of undercover meth buys from Bennett and knew that she frequently traveled to Butte to engage in drug activities. In May 2020, law enforcement stopped Bennett’s car as she left Butte and searched it pursuant to a warrant. Bennett told officers she had returned from California the day before with a pound of meth, had already sold about seven ounces of meth in Butte and that another person had taken the other half-pound to Great Falls.  Agents found meth and heroin during the search of the car.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Great Falls Police Department and Russell Country Drug Task Force.

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

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GREAT FALLS – A man accused of beating his dating partner on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation and causing her substantial injuries admitted to an assault charge today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Gordon Andrew Messerly, Jr., 42, address unknown, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. Messerly faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Oct. 7. Messerly was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on Dec. 27, 2019 on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Messerly assaulted his dating partner, identified as Jane Doe, by striking her in the head. Doe was treated for injuries at the hospital.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared C. Cobell is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement.

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GREAT FALLS — A Wolf Point man who admitted to seriously injuring an infant on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 40 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Charles Connor Clark, 27, pleaded guilty on Feb. 17 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury as charged in a superseding information.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Clark was detained.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in November 2017, the FBI was notified that an infant, identified as John Doe, had been flown from Wolf Point, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, to a hospital in Billings. The victim appeared to have suffered life-threatening, non-accidental injuries. Doctors informed agents that John Doe’s injuries were classic signs of physical abuse. When interviewed, the victim’s mother said Clark had told her the victim had vomited, that he was trying to burp him and that the victim had choked.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori H. Suek prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Fort Peck Tribal Law Enforcement.

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BILLINGS — A Billings man was sentenced today to 14 years in prison followed by 12 years of supervised release after he admitted to receiving child pornography as part of scheme to coerce and entice minors to engage in sexually explicit activity, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Brandon Frank Stricker, 48, pleaded guilty on Feb. 11 to receipt of child pornography as charged in Count V of a superseding indictment, pursuant to a plea agreement.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Judge Christensen further ordered Stricker to register as a sex offender, pay a $5,000 assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, and pay $619 restitution. Stricker was remanded into custody.

“This case shocks the conscience, and the sentence here was well deserved.  We have to do everything we can to protect minors from this sort of abuse and predatory conduct and we will continue to do so,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.

In court documents and in statements made in court, the government alleged that for almost a two-year period, from about June 2018 to May 2020, Stricker engaged in a pattern of exploitative and criminal conduct with numerous minors in the Billings community. The government alleged Stricker coerced and enticed multiple victims for the purpose of engaging in sexual relations with them and to produce sexually explicit material.

The government further alleged that Stricker received child pornography after meeting Jane Doe 1, a 14-year-old female, and communicating with her online. Jane Doe informed Stricker of her age. On August 11, 2018, Jane Doe 1 sent Stricker two videos via Facebook. One video depicted Jane Doe 1 engaged in sexually explicit conduct by herself, and the second video depicted Jane Doe 1 and another minor female engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Stricker expressed his approval of the videos to Jane Doe 1.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Probation and Parole and Billings Police Department.

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

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BILLINGS – A Hardin man who admitted to raping a woman on the Crow Indian Reservation after meeting her in a Hardin casino was sentenced today to seven years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Elmer Burpee Yarlott II, 66, pleaded guilty on Feb. 9 to aggravated sexual abuse.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Yarlott was detained.

In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution alleged that on Nov. 19, 2019 in Hardin, Yarlott approached the victim in a casino and offered her a dollar if she would leave with him and his friend. After midnight, the victim left with Yarlott and his friend and they drove to the Crow Indian Reservation. Yarlott dropped off his friend and then drove with the victim to a remote area to drink alcohol and use methamphetamine. When the victim declined Yarlott’s repeated requests for sex, Yarlott threatened to kill the victim and then raped her.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori H. Suek prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.

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

Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on June 8 was:

Gregg Lawrence Haywood, Sr., 53, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Haywood faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Haywood was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-40.

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

Duane Mittens, Jr., 29, of Browning, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mittens faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Mittens was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-40.

Appearing on June 10 was:

Larry Albert Bernard, 37, of Box Elder, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and maintaining drug-involved premises. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bernard faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Bernard was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and Tri Agency Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-36.

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 Deer Lodge man who admitted to receiving packages of methamphetamine in the mail for re-distribution and to illegally possessing firearms was sentenced today to five years in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Shawn James Miller, 33, pleaded guilty on Feb. 18 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Miller was detained.

The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement learned Miller was involved in drug trafficking in Montana from about 2017 until 2020. Miller admitted to investigators that he received and possessed packages of meth through the mail for re-distribution. The investigation determined that Miller sent a package containing $4,000 cash to California. The government further alleged Miller aided drug trafficking activities by wiring money to the Dominican Republic and Mexico, in addition to other locations, and that Miller was conservatively responsible for at least two pounds of meth, which is the equivalent of 7,248 doses, in Montana’s communities. Miller also pawned two firearms in Butte in March 2020 after having been convicted of multiple felonies in Montana. Co-defendants Humberto Horiol Medina Villarreal and Charles Joshua Petty have pleaded guilty in the case and are awaiting sentencing.

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

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

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MISSOULA – A Bozeman man who admitted to trafficking cocaine after an investigation determined he received packages of cocaine and large amounts of cash was sentenced today to eight years in prison and to seven years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Luis Alberto Rocha, 38, pleaded guilty on Feb. 12 to conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Rocha was detained.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in September 2019, the Missouri River Drug Task Force in Bozeman received information that Rocha was involved in the distribution of drugs, was moving a lot of weight and had a source of supply in Texas. In April 2020, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service noticed packages scheduled for delivery to Rocha’s residence in Belgrade and to his former residence in Bozeman. The investigation determined that a total of 14 packages had been delivered from California, Texas and Arizona since July 2019.

In July 2020, the postal inspector searched two packages pursuant to search warrants and found $27,000 in currency in one package and $62,000 in currency in a second package. On Aug. 17, 2020, another package addressed to Rocha’s former Bozeman residence was searched pursuant to a warrant, and investigators found it contained about 6.5 pounds of cocaine. The delivery of the package was delayed because of the investigation, and agents learned that someone checked on the status of the package more than 300 times from an internet provider address that was registered to Rocha.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Missouri River Drug Task Force and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

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GREAT FALLS – A Canadian truck driver admitted to a drug trafficking crime today after U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents found 211 pounds of cocaine in a trailer load of load of bananas during an inspection as the driver was attempting to enter Canada, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Gurpal Singh Gill, 39, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine as charged in a superseding information. Gill faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Sept. 30. Gill was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on Jan. 30, CBP officers at the Sweetgrass Port of Entry, in Toole County, were targeting commercial drivers destined for Canada from the United States. At about 8 p.m., officers observed a freightliner semi-truck with Alberta license plates traveling north on Interstate 15 at the Sweetgrass Port of Entry. Officers identified Gill as the driver and sole occupant of the semi-truck. Upon initial inspection, officers learned Gill was transporting a load of fresh bananas from California to Calgary. However, a missing rear seal on the truck’s trailer led to a secondary inspection. Officers observed seven unmarked boxes sitting on top of bananas in the back of the trailer. The unmarked boxes were a different color and size from the boxes of bananas. Officers opened the boxes and found a white powdery substance that appeared to be cocaine. An analysis by the Drug Enforcement Administration determined the packages contained about 211 pounds of cocaine.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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MISSOULA – A Butte man who admitted conspiring to traffic methamphetamine in Montana, wiring the drug proceeds to California and Mexico and illegally possessing firearms was sentenced today to 15 years and eight months in prison followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Joshua Jay Schroeder, 40, pleaded guilty on Aug. 24, 2020 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, felon in possession of a firearm and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Schroeder was detained.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that law enforcement became aware that Schroeder was involved in drug trafficking in and around Montana. In April 2019, an undercover agent purchased meth from Schroeder, and by June 2019, law enforcement found multiple pounds of meth mailed to Schroeder, all of which was meant for distribution in Montana. In a search of Schroeder’s house, agents found 44 grams of meth and a digital scale. In addition, investigators found a total of five firearms in Schroeder’s vehicle. Schroeder possessed the firearms after having been convicted of multiple felonies in Montana. Schroeder admitted to law enforcement that he accepted packages of meth for redistribution and helped in collecting and wiring money used in drug trafficking. Financial records showed that Schroeder wired drug money from Montana to Mexico and California.

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

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

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GREAT FALLS – An Arizona man accused of coercing minor girls to send him sexually explicit images of themselves through the internet and of receiving child pornography pleaded guilty to charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Joshua Dean Fish, 27, of Gilbert, Arizona, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and to receipt of child pornography. Fish faces a mandatory minimum 15 years to 40 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release on each sexual exploitation crime and a mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release on the receipt of child pornography crime.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and set sentencing for Sept. 23. Chief Judge Morris continued Fish’s detention pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in January 2020, the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office received a report of online sexually explicit activity involving two children, who were under the age of 18. An investigation identified Fish as the person who was offering to pay for the sexually explicit images. Prior to mid-2018, Fish resided in Montana. The two child victims, one residing in Butte and another residing in Helena, reported that an online user promised monetary digital payments in exchange for nude images that would be sent through the internet. Both child victims sent Fish sexually explicit images of themselves.

The government further alleged that an investigation by Arizona law enforcement into a Cybertip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children involving sending and receiving child pornography through a social media application led to Fish. In June 2020, law enforcement searched Fish’s residence and interviewed him. Fish admitted he paid minor girls for nude images, which were sent to him online, and to possessing numerous hard drives containing child pornography. During an examination of digital devices seized during the search, law enforcement found hundreds of thousands of images and video files of child pornography.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Gilbert (Arizona) Police Department.

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

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

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on June 4 was:

Jared Robert Williams, 41, of Bozeman, and Marty Eugene McDonald, 62, of Amsterdam, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, the defendants face a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Williams and McDonald were detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, FBI, Bozeman Police Department, Montana Probation and Parole and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-20.

Appearing on June 2 was:

Max Dudley Stilson, 57, of Belgrade, and Arthur Ronald Kane, 51, of Belgrade, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, the defendants face a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Stilson and Kane were detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, FBI, Bozeman Police Department, Montana Probation and Parole and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-20.

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

Charles Dean Fourbear II, 28, of Poplar, on charges of stalking. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fourbear faces a maximum five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Fourbear was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-32.

 Joseph Young Lodgepole, 41, of Box Elder, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lodgepole faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release. Lodgepole was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-34.

Brandon Wayne Glover, 38, of Havre, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of 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, Glover 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 crimes and a mandatory consecutive five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Glover was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Havre Police Department and Tri-Agency Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-33.

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 Havre man accused of receiving child pornography on his cell phone admitted to charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Joshua Daniel Kaupang, 38, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography. Kaupang faces a mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years to life of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Sept. 19. Kaupang was released pending further proceedings.

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 is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Montana Division of Criminal investigation.

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

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MISSOULA – A California man who admitted trafficking methamphetamine after Flathead County law enforcement officers seized a package containing three pounds of the drug was sentenced today to five years in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Santiago Marron, 38, of San Bernardino, California, pleaded guilty on Jan. 25 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on Dec. 25, 2019, Marron and co-defendant, Adan Barjas Bedal, dropped off a package at a Flathead County residence.  Confidential informants told law enforcement that Marron drove the package to Montana from another state and knew that the package contained meth. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office seized the package pursuant to a Montana search warrant and recovered three pounds of meth. Three pounds of meth is the equivalent of 10,872 doses. Co-defendant Bedal was sentenced to 70 months in prison for his conviction in the case.

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

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

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GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man who admitted assaulting a woman, causing serious injuries, on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, was sentenced on Wednesday to 21 months in prison and to three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Kelcey James Morsette, 31, pleaded guilty on Feb. 24 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered $941 in restitution.

The government alleged in court documents that on Nov. 14, 2019, Morsette was highly intoxicated and belligerent. Morsette argued with the victim, identified as Jane Doe, before becoming angry and attacking her. Doe sustained serious injuries from the assault and was hospitalized. The assault occurred on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared C. Cobell prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department Criminal Investigations.

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GREAT FALLS – A Spokane, Washington, woman who admitted trafficking methamphetamine on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 10 years and four months in prison followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Kristina Dawn Russette, 31, pleaded guilty on Feb. 24 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris continued Russette’s detention.

According to court documents, the government alleged that in 2019 and 2020, law enforcement officers learned from multiple individuals that Russette was supplying meth from the Spokane area to individuals on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.

The government alleged that in May 2020, Russette was driving a vehicle stopped in Washington for traffic violations. The vehicle was searched pursuant to a tribal search warrant and Russette’s consent and probation conditions. In a purse in the rear seating area were multiple bags containing about 1.5 pounds of meth. A passenger in the vehicle stated that he and Russette had picked up those drugs in Spokane. Investigators also obtained information from Facebook accounts in which Russette had used slang or code to communicate about drugs and to arrange for the distribution of drugs. In addition, individuals told investigators that Russette was a longtime supplier of large quantities of meth to persons on and around the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services, Tri-Agency Drug Task Force, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Kalispel Tribe Public Safety Department in Washington and the Airway Heights Police Department in Washington.

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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WASHINGTON - A federal grand jury in Billings, Montana, returned an indictment on May 20 charging a Montana man with hate crime and firearm violations for allegedly firing a gun into an individual’s house and threatening the individual with violent, homophobic slurs.

According to court documents, John Russell Howald, 44, of Basin, is charged with violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and with the use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The indictment alleges that on March 22, 2020, in Basin, Howald attempted to injure an individual because of their actual and perceived sexual orientation by discharging a firearm into the individual’s house, stating that he wanted to “get rid of the lesbians [and] gays.” The offense included an attempt to kill the individual.

Howald is scheduled for an arraignment on June 29 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Great Falls. If convicted, Howald faces up to life in prison on the hate crime charge and a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, on the firearm charge.

A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson of the District of Montana made the announcement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan McCarthy of the District of Montana and Trial Attorney Eric Peffley of Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

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

For more information and resources on the department’s efforts to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.

MISSOULA – A Missoula man who admitted to trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine in Flathead and Missoula counties was sentenced today to 12 years and seven months in prison followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Dylan Roy Mace, 29, pleaded guilty on Feb. 10 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that for about a year, beginning in November 2019, Mace and others conspired to distribute meth. Law enforcement began investigating Mace after receiving information that he was distributing ounce quantities of meth and was a partner with Leon Kavis in distributing the drug. Kavis has pleaded guilty to a conspiracy crime and is awaiting sentencing. Investigators learned from individuals that Mace sold meth in ounce quantities, received one-pound deliveries of meth on a weekly basis and that he and Kavis had been provided with 12 to 14 pounds of meth. Fourteen pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 50,736 doses. The government further alleged that Mace and Kavis used an East Missoula location to obtain and distribute meth. Law enforcement intercepted a package containing about five pounds of meth that was to have been delivered to the East Missoula location.

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

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

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MISSOULA – A Missoula man who admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine after law enforcement officers found the drug in his hotel room was sentenced today to 100 months in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Demetrius Demon McVay-Hite, 36, pleaded guilty on Jan. 26 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on March 1, 2020, Missoula Police Department officers executed a Montana search warrant on McVay-Hite’s hotel room and recovered more than one ounce of meth. During an investigation, law enforcement learned from numerous individuals that McVay-Hite was involved in distributing meth.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force and the Missoula Police Department.

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

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MISSOULA – A man accused of trafficking methamphetamine in Montana admitted to charges today after law enforcement recovered a package containing 10 pounds of the drug that was addressed to his residence in Butte, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Steven Douglas Shipe, 52, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth. Shipe 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 Sept. 29. Shipe was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement learned Shipe was involved in drug trafficking in Montana and purchased about one ounce of meth from Shipe on June 19, 2019. Law enforcement also learned that Shipe was receiving packages of meth in the mail. Investigators recovered a package containing approximately 10 pounds of meth that was addressed to Shipe’s residence in Butte. Ten pounds of meth is the equivalent of 36,240 doses. The drugs were intercepted in Bakersfield, California, and the shipping label reflected that the parcel was sent from another individual in that city. In addition, Shipe used local co-conspirators to arrange and help with the meth deals. In many instances, local co-conspirators would bring prospective buyers to Shipe’s house to complete the transactions.

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

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 today admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in Montana after telling law enforcement that he received meth totaling 10 pounds in two separate packages and worked with others to distribute the drug, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

David Ray Shaver, 33, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth. Shaver 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 Sept. 29. Shaver was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents in the case, the government alleged that law enforcement learned Shaver was involved in drug trafficking in Montana and was accepting packages of meth through the mail and then distributing the drug. When interviewed, Shaver admitted to purchasing meth for $6,000 a pound. He also said he accepted one package containing six pounds of meth in December 2018 and another package containing four pounds of meth in January 2019. The government further alleged that Shaver worked with other co-conspirators to distribute meth from about August 2018 until about February 2019.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Service and 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 Wolf Point man who admitted he sexually abused a minor on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced on Thursday to five years in prison and to seven years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Christopher George Follette, 33, pleaded guilty on Feb. 18 to sexual abuse of a minor as charged in an indictment.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris ordered Follette detained.

The prosecution said in court documents that in 2019 and 2020, Follette sexually abused a minor, identified as Jane Doe, who was over the age of 12 but had not yet reached 16 years of age, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared C. Cobell prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Fort Peck Law Enforcement Services and Wolf Point Police Department.

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

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

Jamie Leigh Gracey, 43, and Dwight Benjamin Boyce, 34, both of Culbertson, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of meth, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gracey and Boyce face a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Gracey and Boyce were detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.  PACER case reference. 21-10.

Angelo Corey Stackhouse, 51, of Billings, on charges of transportation of person with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity, distribution of cocaine to a person under the age of 21, distribution of cocaine and meth, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a trafficking offense. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stackhouse faces a mandatory minimum one year to 40 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least six years of supervised release on the crime of cocaine distribution to a person under the age of 21, plus a mandatory minimum seven years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release consecutive to any other sentence on the firearms crime. Stackhouse was detained pending further proceedings. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case.  PACER case reference. 21-35.

Lonnie Burdette Porter, 59, of Fairview, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Porter faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Porter was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-16.

Francisco Javi Martinez Escoto, 33, of Bozeman/Honduras, on charges of illegal reentry. If convicted of the most serious crime, Escoto faces maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Escoto was detained pending further proceedings. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-33.

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

Brandon Lewis Kelly, 30, of Great Falls, on charges of failure to register/update registration of a sexual offender. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kelly faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Kelly was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Marshals Service, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-29.

Appearing on May 25 was:

Harrison Garrett Alvarez, 30, of Cut Bank, on charges of intimidation. If convicted of the most serious crime, Alvarez faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $50,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Alvarez was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-26.

Regina Ann Peters, 51, of Queen Creek, Arizona, 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, Peters faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Peters was detained pending further proceedings. The Great Falls Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Russell Country Drug Task Force, U.S. Postal Service, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and Utah Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-13.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on May 24 was:

Aaron Charles Fritsch, 50, of Missoula, on charges of receipt of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fritsch faces a mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Fritsch was detained pending further proceedings. The Homeland Security Investigations and Montana Probation and Parole Division investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-17.

Craig Mark Draper, 54, of Las Vegas, Nevada, on charges of wire fraud and money laundering. If convicted of the most serious crime, Draper faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Draper was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-20.

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 who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and heroin was sentenced today to 72 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Christopher Dennis Shelton, 43, pleaded guilty on November 23, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Shelton was detained.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in July 2019, Shelton, after being found in possession of a stolen trailer, fled with his co-defendant, Susan Wilkinson,  in a truck that contained 56 grams of meth and 22 grams of heroin. Later that day, Shelton and Wilkinson attempted to escape from law enforcement in a grocery store parking lot by entering a stranger’s vehicle and seeking help. When the stranger refused, Shelton fled on foot while Wilkinson was arrested. Wilkinson pleaded guilty in the case and was sentenced to five years in prison.

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

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

MISSOULA—The former East Helena chief of police had an initial appearance today on a criminal complaint accusing him of distributing child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

A criminal complaint filed in the case and unsealed today alleges that William Daly Harrington, 42, of Helena, distributed child pornography. The crime has a mandatory minimum penalty of five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release.

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

Harrington voluntarily surrendered this morning and was taken into custody by the FBI. The arrest is the result of a joint investigation between the FBI and the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office as part of the FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.  

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

According to the criminal complaint and affidavit filed in support of the complaint, in September 2020, a law enforcement officer began investigating a Cybertip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline, a national centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children.  The court documents alleged that the investigation led to a Facebook account that used a fictitious name and was created and controlled by Harrington, who was the East Helena chief of police.  The documents further allege that Harrington distributed child pornography to the Facebook account of another individual on multiple occasions.

The FBI, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Bozeman Police Department and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case.

PACER case reference. MJ-21-9.

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 all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law:

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

Gregg Lawrence Haywood Sr., 54, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Haywood faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Haywood was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-32.

Appearing on May 20 and pleading not guilty was:

Elizabeth Marie Stephenson, 35, of Billings, on charges of wire fraud, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious fraud crime, Stephenson faces a maximum 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release. If convicted of aggravated identity theft, Stephenson faces a mandatory minimum two years in prison consecutive to any other punishment. Stephenson was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-28.

William Orville Deshaw III, 36, of Whitehall, on charges of false statement during a firearms transaction. If convicted of the most serious crime, Deshaw faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Deshaw was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-35.

Appearing in Great Falls before Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris and pleading not guilty on May 20 was:

Tasha Leigh Morsette, 33, of Havre, on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, and distribution of fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Morsette faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Morsette was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-35.

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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