District of Montana

GREAT FALLS – A California man who admitted receiving packages of methamphetamine shipped to Helena for distribution was sentenced today to 14 years in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Michael Richard Browning, 34, of California, pleaded guilty on Feb. 9 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that from October 2019 until July 2020 in Helena, Browning and others received packages of meth for distribution. In December 2019, Browning and co-defendant, Jennifer Davidson, picked up a package containing about one and one-half pounds of meth at FedEx. Law enforcement recovered the package of meth. The investigation further included recorded conversations of Browning bragging about using the mail to transport illegal drugs. The government further alleged that Browning, who had a previous felony conviction, sold a 9mm pistol to an individual in Helena. Davidson was sentenced to 54 months in prison for conviction in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws, and Project Safe Neighborhoods, the USDOJ’s initiative to reduce violent crime. Through these initiatives, 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 – Three Missoula area residents accused in a large methamphetamine trafficking ring pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Laura Jeanne Haacke, 46, of Missoula, Jennifer Renee Hawkes, 39, of Missoula, and Jason Dean Hager, 55, of Lolo, each pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Haacke and Hawkes face a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Hager faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Sentencing was set for Dec. 16 for all defendants. Hager and Hawkes were detained, while Haacke was released pending further proceedings.

According to court documents, the government alleged that Haacke, Hawkes, Hager, and a fourth co-defendant, Terry David Starrett, conspired to distribute meth in Missoula from January 2018 through January 2021. Starrett pleaded guilty on May 11 to possession with intent to distribute meth. The government alleged that officers learned through confidential informants that Haacke stored meth for a drug distributor and at one point had 40 pounds of meth in a trap floor at her residence. When interviewed by law enforcement, Haacke admitted that she used meth and that in February 2019, she had about 80 pounds of meth stored in her residence. Eighty pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 289,920 doses.

The government further alleged that in July 2019, Hawkes supplied a person with about two ounces of meth. After the transaction, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Hawkes’ residence and recovered an additional three pounds of meth.

The government also alleged that in December 2019, Hager sold meth to an undercover informant three times in monitored transactions. Agents further learned that a confidential informant saw Hager with one and one-half pounds of meth and that he helped a co-defendant move numerous pounds of meth and kept some to use as his own supply.

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

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MISSOULA – A Billings man who admitted selling methamphetamine in parking lot deals from his BMW or Range Rover was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Todd William Weidler, 52, pleaded guilty on Jan. 5 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth.

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 Crossroads Correction Center inmate, James McPhail, a co-defendant, was in contact with Weidler and another co-defendant, Angie Krogstad, to arrange for Krogstad to deliver meth to Weidler in Billings. Krogstad was picking up meth in California for delivery to Weidler. 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.

The government further alleged that in August 2019 outside of Three Forks, law enforcement intercepted Krogstad, who had about two pounds of meth she was bringing to Weidler. In September 2019, law enforcement conducted searches of 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. Krogstad and McPhail have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

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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BILLINGS – A federal jury convicted a Billings woman on Tuesday for illegally possessing a firearm that was pawned in Billings, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

After a two-day trial that began on May 17, a jury found Kaycee Nicole Kolka, 26, guilty of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm as charged in an indictment. Kolka faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters set sentencing for Sept. 22 and ordered Kolka detained pending further proceedings.

“Felons who possess firearms are a threat to community safety and will be held responsible.  I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie R. Patten and Thomas K. Godfrey and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for investigating and prosecuting this case,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.

In court documents and at trial, the government presented evidence alleging that in November 2018, Kolka was sentenced for a felony in Powder River County and acknowledged she was prohibited from possessing firearms. The government alleged that on Jan. 19. 2020, Kolka pawned a 9 mm revolver, which had been reported stolen in November 2018, at a Billings pawn shop. The pawn shop provided a pawn slip signed by Kolka, who declared she owned the gun. The government further alleged that Kolka told an investigator that she handled the pawn because she was the firearm’s owner.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie R. Patten and Thomas K. Godfrey 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 – An Arizona woman accused of bringing multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine to Montana for distribution admitted to a trafficking crime today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Lisa Elizabeth Caudron, 42, of Gilbert, Arizona, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Caudron 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 Timothy J. Cavan presided. Caudron was released pending further proceedings. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen.

The government alleged in court documents filed in the case that the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force learned in February 2020 that a person had been buying multi-pound quantities of meth from Caudron and from a co-defendant, Gaspar Salas, since February 2019 and that the two always came to Montana together. On April 23, 2020, law enforcement located Salas and Caudron at a hotel in Livingston and executed a search warrant for their room and their vehicle. The hotel room search resulted in the seizure of 4.69 pounds of meth, which is the equivalent of about 16,996 doses, in a backpack. Salas was sentenced in March to 15 years in prison for conviction in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the FBI’s Big Sky 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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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 10 was:

Buddy Jonathan Shaw Jr., 49, of Belgrade, on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Shaw faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Shaw was detained pending further proceedings. The Bozeman Missouri River Drug Task Force – FBI, Bozeman Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Postal Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-17.

Appearing on May 13 and pleading not guilty was:

Zachary Christopher Hillis, 28, of Sand Springs, on charges of illegal reentry. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hillis faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Hillis was detained pending further proceedings. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-31.

Appearing on May 14 and pleading not guilty was:

Colton Thomas Jens, 38, of Billings, on charges of distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jens faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release. Jens was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-123.

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

Ray Dean Bird, 42, of Starr School, on charges of aggravated sex abuse of a child, abusive sexual contact and other crimes. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bird faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Bird was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-30.

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

Tommy Plante, 32, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and illegal entry into the United States. If convicted of the most serious crime, Plante faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Plante was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Border Patrol, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-22.

Appearing on May 14 and pleading not guilty was:

Brandie Rae Hulford, 42, of Bozeman, on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hulford faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Hulford was released pending further proceedings. The Bozeman Missouri River Drug Task Force – FBI, Bozeman Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Postal Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-16.

Ciara Lee Ann Creason, 29, of Helena, on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Creason faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Creason was released pending further proceedings. The Bozeman Missouri River Drug Task Force – FBI, Bozeman Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Postal Service investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-15.

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 Bozeman man accused in a cattle rustling scheme of stealing cattle and embryos while defrauding a bank and a business partner was sentenced today for conviction in the case to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $450,993 restitution, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Joshua James Chappa, 45, pleaded guilty on Jan. 21 to conversion of secured property and to wire fraud.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Judge Christensen allowed Chappa to self-report to prison.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that Chappa was a ranch manager and worked for Hayes Ranch, LLC, in Wilsall, from 2008 until 2017. Chappa also formed Cold Smoke Cattle, LLC, in 2015. While working for Hayes Ranch, Chappa had access to the cattle, embryos and other items. When the owners were out of the country, Chappa began dealing in cattle, including stealing cattle from the Hayes Ranch and selling them as if they were his own.

The government alleged that in 2015, Chappa signed two security agreements with Northwest Farm Credit Services, PCA, which is a member of the Farm Credit System. Chappa pledged his cattle as collateral. Between 2015 and 2017, Chappa intended to defraud Northwest by selling cattle in which Northwest had a security interest without remitting the proceeds as promised. Chappa defaulted on the loan and Northwest suffered a loss.

The government further alleged that Chappa partnered with Willers Mitten Brand, in Norfolk, Nebraska, in various cattle ventures and failed to remit payment to Willers Mitten Brand when selling the cattle. In a cattle sale at Billings Livestock Commission in January 2017, Chappa requested that payment of $41,262 be made to his company, Cold Smoke Cattle, saying that Willers Mitten Brand had “already signed the brand release for that to happen.”  When questioned by Willers Mitten Brand about the payment, Chappa deceived it, ensured he received the full amount and failed to split the proceeds.

The government alleged that between 2015 and 2017, Chappa stole cattle and embryos, and sold cattle in which Northwest Farm Credit Services had a security interest, resulting in a total loss of approximately $481,805.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and the Montana Department of Livestock.

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BILLINGS – A Lodge Grass man accused of shooting and wounding a pedestrian from his vehicle in Crow Agency admitted to an assault crime today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Fabian Cruz Dawes, 31, appeared for an arraignment and pleaded guilty to an information charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon. Dawes faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Dawes was detained pending further proceedings. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on April 7, the victim, identified as John Doe, was walking with another person on Makawasha Avenue, toward the downtown area of Crow Agency, on the Crow Indian Reservation. At the same time, Dawes was parked in a blue vehicle near the Teepee Service, out of view of Doe. As Doe approached a laundromat near the Teepee Service, Dawes drove toward Doe and stopped near the victim. Doe approached the driver’s side door and engaged in a short conversation with Dawes. Dawes then fired a single 9mm bullet at Doe, striking him in the leg, then drove away at a high rate of speed. Doe was treated for injuries at the Indian Health Services. Video evidence and witnesses identified Dawes as the shooter to law enforcement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI.

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MISSOULA – A Kalispell man who admitted to conspiring with others to obtain large quantities of methamphetamine for distribution was sentenced today to three years in prison and to three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Scott Michael George Daniels, 31, pleaded guilty on Jan. 21 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that law enforcement learned from several sources that Daniels was distributing meth and that he and others transported stolen vehicles from Kalispell to Spokane and traded them for illegal drugs. The government further alleged that Leon Kavis supplied Daniels with about 12 pounds of meth, which is the equivalent of 43,488 individual doses, in mid-August 2020. Kavis, of Missoula, is awaiting sentencing for a meth conspiracy conviction in a separate case.

The government also alleged that a confidential source saw Daniels with three pounds of meth in his garage and saw him distribute the drug to others. Law enforcement served a search warrant on Daniels’ residence and recovered six rifles, body armor, small quantities of meth and heroin and drug paraphernalia. Daniels admitted to distributing between 49 ounces and 60 ounces of meth between the spring and fall of 2020.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Browning man accused of kidnapping a woman and strangling her in two separate assaults in 2020 on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Nash Devine Angel Ingraham, 19, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and to strangulation of a dating partner. Ingraham faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. A plea agreement in the case calls for a term of between 135 months to 168 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release to be imposed if the federal district court judge accepts the agreement at sentencing. The judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Sentencing was set for Aug. 26, and Ingraham was detained pending further proceedings.

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

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

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Browning man who admitted distributing methamphetamine on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 20 months in prison and to four years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Dakoda Blu Wade Iron Shirt, 28, pleaded guilty on Feb. 4 to distribution of meth.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in August 2019, a confidential source working with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the FBI bought about a half ounce of meth from Iron Shirt in a controlled purchase. Additional witnesses identified Iron Shirt as a meth distributor on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Cut Bank Police Department, Big Sky Safe Trails Task Force and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.

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 accused of dealing large quantities of methamphetamine in the community and of having nine pounds of the drug at his property and vehicle admitted to a trafficking crime today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Terry David Starrett, 53, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth as charged in a superseding information. Starrett faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for Sept. 2 before U.S. District Court Judge Donald W. Molloy. Starrett was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement served a federal search warrant on Jan. 7 and recovered more than nine pounds of meth from Starrett’s rental property and his vehicle. Nine pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 32,616 individual doses. The government further alleged that Starrett sold an undercover informant about two ounces of meth in December 2020 and that he trafficked meth from Washington to Montana once or twice a week. In addition, in the fall of 2020, Starrett traveled to California with another person and returned to Missoula with about 15 pounds of meth. Fifteen pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 54,360 individual doses.

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

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Havre man accused of beating and strangling a woman on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation pleaded guilty to an assault crime today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Joseph Tyler Henderson, 28, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. Henderson faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Aug. 26.  Henderson was released pending further proceedings.

According to court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on Feb. 26, 2020 and into Feb. 27, 2020, Henderson was out drinking alcohol with the victim, a dating partner identified as Jane Doe, and a mutual friend. The three were in a pickup truck, with the friend driving. Henderson and the victim began to argue, and Henderson struck the victim several times. The assault continued after the group reached a residence, and the victim attempted to flee the property. Henderson followed, punched the victim multiple times and strangled her to unconsciousness. The victim was treated for injuries at Northern Montana Hospital in Havre.

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

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UPDATE: The defendant in this case, Jerard David Threefingers, ultimately withdrew his guilty plea and the case went to a jury trial, where he was acquitted on Dec. 14, 2021 of the charge alleged in the indictment described in the press release below. 

BILLINGS – A Lame Deer man accused in the death of a woman who was struck and killed by his car on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation pleaded guilty to charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Jerard David Threefingers, 31, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, as charged in an indictment. Threefingers faces a statutory maximum of eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. A plea agreement filed in the case calls for a term of five years of probation to be imposed if the federal district court judge accepts the agreement at sentencing. The judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Judge Watters ordered Threefingers released and set sentencing for Sept. 17.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on March 6, 2020, Threefingers was at a Muddy Cluster house, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, where he was hanging out and drinking with the victim, identified as Jane Doe, and others. Threefingers and Doe argued, and he drove away in a car. Threefingers returned, Doe came outside and they continued to argue at the car. Doe attempted to punch at Threefingers through the window and then grabbed the handle of the car door. Threefingers started to drive away.

The government further alleged that Doe continued to hang onto the handle and that her hand became lodged in it. Doe fell and got caught under the car. Threefingers picked up Doe and drove her to a relative’s house. An ambulance was called, and Doe was pronounced dead. An autopsy determined the cause of death was multiple blunt force trauma.

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

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared 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 May 6 was:

Aaron Leo Ludwig, 30, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm and illegal receipt of a gun by a person under indictment. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ludwig faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Ludwig was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-24.

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

Ronald Dean Lords, 53, of Corvallis, on charges of wire fraud, money laundering and filing false tax returns. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lords faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Lords was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-16.

Christopher Scott Jessop, 46, of Belgrade, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jessop faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Jessop was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Probation and Parole investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-08.

Ramon Gomez Delgado, 32, of Mexico, on charges of illegal entry of a previously removed alien. If convicted of the most serious crime, Delgado faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Delgado was detained pending further proceedings. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol and Department of Homeland Security’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. PACER case reference. 20-37.

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

Ras Jahmikes Matta, 27, 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, Matta faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Matta was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI Transnational Organized Crime Task Force West and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-22.

Appearing on May 6 and pleading not guilty was:

Raul Jorge Acosta, 27, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Acosta faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Acosta was released pending further proceedings. The FBI Transnational Organized Crime Task Force West and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-22.

Robert Roswald Redfield, 40, of Lodge Grass, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Redfield faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Redfield was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-77.

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 convicted by a jury of trafficking crimes for his role in a large drug organization that brought hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine into Montana was sentenced today to 12 years and seven months in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

During a three-day trial, a jury found Nicholas John Montano, 35, guilty on Feb. 12, 2020 of conspiracy to possess meth with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute as charged in an indictment.

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

In court documents and evidence presented at trial, the government alleged that in the spring and summer of 2018, Montano received meth from Joshua Clause, who headed a large drug trafficking ring that imported hundreds of pounds of meth into Montana. Clause pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges and was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. After meeting Montano through another person, Clause contacted Montano, who began to receive meth from Clause for redistribution.

Clause told law enforcement that he supplied Montano with a quarter pound to one pound of meth each time he restocked. Clause and Montano also traveled once together to Bakersfield, California, where Clause got meth from a supplier. Clause supplied Montano with approximately 10 to 15 pounds of meth during their association. Fifteen pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 54,360 doses. Law enforcement officers arrested Montano in Billings on a federal warrant on Aug. 19, 2018 after he fled in a stolen vehicle and was tracked to an apartment complex.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin M. Rubich and Thomas K. Godfrey prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Billings Police Department, FBI and 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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BILLINGS -- "Native American women and children suffer disproportionally high rates of domestic violence and sexual assault and too often go missing or are murdered. In recent years, Montana has had several tragic cases, and the Montana U. S. Attorney’s Office is committed to doing its part to address this crisis,” Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

“In the last year we have continued to work closely with the Montana MMIP State Task Force to identify the root causes of this problem and to develop solutions. In April, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes announced the completion of their tribal community response plan (TCRP), which identifies how tribal law enforcement, working with local, state and federal law enforcement and community partners, will respond when someone goes missing.  This work was done in partnership with my office, the FBI, local and state law enforcement agencies and community organizations as part of the Department of Justice’s MMIP Initiative. It was the first such plan completed in the United States. Currently, several other tribes have begun developing similar response plans to address missing persons in their communities.

“Although we have made marked progress in the last year, we recognize that there is still much work to do. Today, we remember all those who have been murdered or have disappeared. We remain committed to finding the missing and seeking justice for the murdered. By all of us working together, I believe we can end this crisis."

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GREAT FALLS – A Wolf Point man convicted by juries in two separate trials of rape, child abuse and assault crimes was sentenced today to a total of 20 years and five months in prison, followed by a total of 10 years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

A jury convicted Luke John Scott, Sr., 33, on Jan. 28 of aggravated sexual abuse and of assault by striking, beating or wounding, a misdemeanor, in a July 2017 rape and assault of a woman. On Nov. 19, 2020, a separate jury convicted Scott of felony child abuse that began in July 2018 and of assault resulting in serious bodily injury for an assault on the same minor child in March 2019. The crimes in both cases occurred on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

Chief Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

In the aggravated sexual abuse and assault case, Chief Judge Morris sentenced Scott to 10 years and five months in prison and to 10 years of supervised release. In the felony child abuse and assault case, Chief Judge Morris sentenced Scott to 10 years in prison and to three years of supervised release. Chief Judge Morris ordered the prison sentences in the two cases to run consecutively, for a total of 20 years and five months, and for the terms of supervised release in the two cases to run concurrently, for a total of 10 years of supervised release.

“Mr. Scott’s violent conduct not only seriously harmed the victims in these two cases but also endangered the entire community. These sentences will hold Mr. Scott accountable for his crimes, while protecting the community from further violence by him. Those who rape women and abuse children will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.

In the aggravated sexual abuse case, the government alleged in court records and through evidence presented at trial that on July 7, 2017, Scott approached the victim, identified as Jane Doe, on the street, told her he had a bottle of vodka and that a relative was fishing by the Poplar river. The victim went with Scott to the river, where he threatened to kill her, tried to strangle her and then raped her. Jane Doe reported the assault to law enforcement and was transported to the hospital in Poplar.

In the child abuse and assault case, the government alleged in court records and through evidence presented at trial that for approximately eight months, beginning in July 2018, Scott abused and injured a minor child in Wolf Point. The abuse culminated in a March 2019 assault in which the Scott assaulted the child by repeated blunt force trauma to the head and strangulation. The victim was treated for serious injuries.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the cases, which were investigated by the FBI and Fort Peck Law Enforcement Services.

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and 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 April 27 was:

Dennis Wayne Householder, Jr., 38, 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, Householder faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Householder was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI Transnational Organized Crime Task Force and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-22.

Appearing on April 29 and pleading not guilty was:

Stacey Lee Milch, 39, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Milch faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the wire fraud charges and a mandatory two years in prison consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft charge. Milch was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Secret Service and the Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-23. 

Appearing on April 30 and pleading not guilty was:

Josue Mikael Nunez, 21, of Carrollton, Georgia, 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, Nunez faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Nunez was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-24. 

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on April 28 was:

Robert Raymond Fasuga, 39, of Helena, on charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute meth and possession of a stolen firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fasuga faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Fasuga was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-03.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on April 30 was:

Harold Goodson Hill, 36, of Helena, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth, and interstate transportation of stolen property. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hill faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Hill was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, U.S. Postal Service, Russell Country Drug Task Force, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri Highway Patrol and Sioux Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-19.

Appearing on April 29 and pleading not guilty was:

Tammy Lynn Lapie, 55, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lapie faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Lapie was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-27.

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Browning man who admitted to strangling his dating partner on two separate occasions on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced on April 29 to 40 months in prison and to two years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Drew Dion Gallineaux, 27, pleaded guilty on Jan. 13 to two counts of strangulation of a dating partner.

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

According to court documents, the government alleged that on Dec. 22, 2019, Gallineaux and the victim were drinking and got into an argument. Gallineaux assaulted the victim, including strangling her. The government further alleged that on July 8, 2019, Gallineaux assaulted and strangled the victim while in a vehicle. Both assaults occurred in Browning.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and Blackfeet Tribal Prosecutor Josh Lamson prosecuted the case. In addition to prosecuting misdemeanor crime in Tribal Court, Lamson, as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, assists with the prosecution of felony crimes occurring on the reservation in federal court. The position is funded through a U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance grant that was awarded to the Blackfeet Tribe in 2018. The grant supports collaboration between the Blackfeet Indian Nation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to improve public safety on the reservation.  

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BILLINGS – A Billings man who admitted to drug trafficking crimes after a fake methamphetamine deal led to a gunfight at the seller’s residence was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and to three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

James Armstrong Higgins, 41, pleaded guilty on Oct. 29, 2020 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on June 3, 2019, co-defendant Gregg Johnson introduced Higgins to a man in a Billings Walmart parking lot. Higgins paid the man $3,000 for a package wrapped in black plastic, which the seller said was meth. Everyone went their separate ways. Instead of meth, the seller had provided Higgins with a brick of rock salt.

When Higgins realized he had been cheated, he, a friend and Johnson went to the seller’s house to recover the money. Higgins, Johnson and the friend all were carrying firearms. No one answered when they pounded on the door. Higgins’ friend went to a rear door and as he began to enter, the shooting started. The friend and Johnson both fired their weapons. Several people were shot and wounded. There was no evidence Higgins brandished or fired his gun. Johnson was sentenced to seven years and 10 months in prison for conviction in the case.

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

This case is part of Project Guardian, the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws, and Project Safe Neighborhoods, the USDOJ’s initiative to reduce violent crime. Through these initiatives, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.

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GREAT FALLS – A Browning man convicted of sexual abuse of a minor on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced on April 28 to 21 months in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Austin Kade Goings, 23, pleaded guilty on Oct. 13, 2020 to sexual abuse of a minor.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in November 2017, the victim, identified as Jane Doe, who was between the ages of 12 and 16, was driving around with Goings and others on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The group was drinking alcohol. At some point, Goings and the victim exited the vehicle and went to an abandoned trailer house. The victim alleged Goings hit her and forced her to have sexual intercourse. The victim reported the sexual assault, was examined and treated. Goings denied using force but admitted to having sexual intercourse with the victim.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey K. Starnes and Cassady Adams prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.

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BILLINGS – A Billings man convicted of trafficking methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm was sentenced today to six years in prison and to four years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Calvin Tyrone Bowens, 40, pleaded guilty on Dec. 9, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute meth and 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 April 7, 2020, Montana State Probation and Parole officers searched Bowens’ residence after law enforcement stopped him earlier and he admitted to possessing a firearm and narcotics at his home. Bowens was on state probation for felony convictions at the time and was prohibited from possessing firearms. During a search of Bowens’ residence, officers found a .45-caliber, semi-automatic pistol, numerous rounds of ammunition and 15 to 20 grams of meth. Bowens admitted in an interview with a federal agent to selling about one pound of meth. The investigation further determined that Bowen met with other known drug dealers in the Billings area. In a subsequent search of his residence, agents found meth and two loaded pistol magazines.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie R. Patten prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws, and Project Safe Neighborhoods, the USDOJ’s initiative to reduce violent crime. Through these initiatives, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.

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BILLINGS – A man suspected of shooting and wounding a pedestrian from his vehicle in Crow Agency, on the Crow Indian Reservation, had an initial appearance on a criminal complaint today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Fabian Cruz Dawes, 31, a transient, is accused by a criminal complaint of assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted of the most serious crime, Dawes faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

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

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

In a criminal complaint and affidavit filed in the case, the government alleged that on April 7, near the Teepee Service gas station and a laundromat in Crow Agency, the victim, an adult male, was walking with another person, when Dawes approached in a vehicle and stopped near the victim. The victim approached the driver’s side door and engaged in a short conversation with Dawes.  The government further alleged that Dawes fired a single shot at the victim, striking him in the leg. Dawes then drove from the scene. The victim was treated for injuries at the Indian Health Services hospital in Crow Agency.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Suek is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs.

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MISSOULA – A Canadian national suspected of illegally crossing into Montana near Eureka and arrested after an armed encounter with a Border Patrol officer and pursuit through the woods appeared on criminal charges on April 23, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said today.

Tommy Plante, also known as Joseph Sylvain Tommy Plante, 32, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, had an initial appearance on a criminal complaint accusing him of illegal entry into the United States and prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Plante faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three 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. Judge DeSoto ordered Plante detained pending further proceedings.

According to the criminal complaint and affidavit filed in support of the complaint, the government alleged that on the evening of April 19, the Eureka Montana Border Patrol Station received information from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that Plante was possibly in a kayak on Lake Koocanusa and may be attempting to enter the United States. The next morning, a Border Patrol agent arrived in the area and saw a beached kayak and camp site in Montana, about one-quarter mile south of the border. The agent approached the subject, later identified as Plante, and identified himself as with the Border Patrol.

The court documents allege that Plante stepped toward the agent and grabbed a rifle that was leaning against a tree. The agent drew his government-issued handgun while taking cover behind a tree and ordered Plante to put down his rifle. Plante slung the rifle on his shoulder and put up his hands but did not put down the rifle. Plante picked up a water bottle and ran into the woods. Multiple agencies joined in a ground and air search for Plante, who was arrested without injury about approximately five and one-half miles from the initial encounter.

The case was investigated by the Border Patrol and the Air and Marine Operations, both within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; FBI; Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks; and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

PACER case reference. 21-58.

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

Joel Zamora, 40, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Zamora 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 counts and a mandatory minimum five years to life consecutive to any other crime, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearms count. Zamora was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI Transnational Organized Crime West Task Force and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-22.

Appearing on April 20 was:

James Posey Fisher, Sr., 34, of Lame Deer, on charges of voluntary manslaughter. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fisher faces a maximum 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Fisher was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-11.

Orville James McIntire, 20, of Livingston, on charges of illegal receipt of firearm by a person under indictment, possession of stolen firearm and controlled substance user in possession of firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, McIntire faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. McIntire was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-14.

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

Gordon Lee Connelly, 20, of Cut Bank, on charges of attempted kidnapping, strangulation, assault resulting in substantial bodily injury and interstate violation of protection order. If convicted of the most serious crime, Connelly faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Connelly was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-21.

Appearing on April 20 was:

Roy Allen Shostak, 28, of Polson, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Shostak faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Shostak was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Helena Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-02.

Christina Westcott, 37, of Great Falls, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth and heroin. If convicted of the most serious crime, Westcott faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release. Westcott was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Great Falls Police Department and Cascade County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-15.

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 Mexican national accused of using personal information stolen from another person to live and work in the Billings community pleaded guilty today to charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.

Hugo Javier Quiroga, also known as Antonio Alatorre, 47, pleaded guilty to false representation of a Social Security number, false claim to United States citizenship and aggravated identity theft. Quiroga faces a maximum five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release and a mandatory consecutive two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the identity theft count.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Judge Cavan ordered Quiroga detained. A sentencing date will be set.

The government alleged in court documents that in 2018, law enforcement began investigating a complaint from an individual named Antonio Alatorre, originally from Brownsville, Texas, who said his identification documents had been stolen in the 1990s and that he had encountered problems due to having his identity stolen. The complainant had learned that someone in Billings was using his identity.

Investigators determined that the individual in Billings was Quiroga, who went by the alias Antonio Alatorre, and that Quiroga had admitted to a former wife that he swam across the Rio Grande to enter the United States, lived in Brownsville, Texas for a couple of years, and used the alias as a “work name.” Investigators also obtained the marriage license from the marriage to his former wife, which showed that Quiroga was born in Matamoros, Mexico.

The government further alleged that Quiroga falsely used the name, date of birth, and social security number for Alatorre to join the boilermakers union and work for several companies in Montana.  Additionally, Quiroga falsely claimed that he was a United States citizen on one of the employment application forms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan McCarthy is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Billings Police Department.

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BILLINGS —A Lodge Grass man accused of setting fire to an occupied house on the Crow Indian Reservation admitted charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.

Travis Rusty Wallace, 18, pleaded guilty to arson, as charged in an indictment. Wallace faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Wallace was released pending further proceedings. A sentencing date will be set.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on June 23, 2020, the victim, identified as John Doe, was in his residence in Lodge Grass when he smelled smoke. He went into his bedroom and saw that the curtains were on fire. While extinguishing the flames, he saw Wallace was in the back yard running from the house. After putting out the fire, Wallace left the residence for approximately an hour and a half. While Doe was gone, his roommate returned home from work and fell asleep in a back bedroom. A smoke alarm awakened the roommate, who ran into the hallway and saw that Doe’s bedroom was engulfed by flames. The roommate ran out the back door and saw Wallace drop a gas can on the lawn and drive away. A neighbor saw Wallace repeatedly driving around the neighborhood past Doe’s home before the fires were set.

The government further alleged that Wallace denied he set the fire and consented to his clothes being taken. The fire marshal determined the fire was set with gasoline, and an analysis found gasoline on Wallace’s clothes.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Suek is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs.

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GREAT FALLS — A Havre man accused of supplying large quantities of methamphetamine to individuals on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation pleaded guilty to a trafficking crime today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.

Clayton Cree Morsette, 23, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. Morsette faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Aug. 5 and ordered Morsette detained.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in 2019, law enforcement officers learned from individuals that co-defendant Kristina Russette, of Washington, and her boyfriend, Morsette, worked together to distribute meth from the Spokane area to the Rocky Boy’s Reservation. In addition, in May 2020, Russette was driving a vehicle stopped in Washington for traffic violations. Morsette was a passenger. During a search of the vehicle, officers found multiple bags containing approximately 1.6 pounds of meth. Morsette told an officer that he and Russette had picked up those drugs in Spokane and that some of it was destined for Montana.

Multiple other individuals told law enforcement that Morsette was a longtime supplier of large quantities of meth to persons on and around the Rocky Boy’s Reservation and described him as working with Russette. Morsette admitted to working with Russette to distribute meth, making multiple trips to bring ounces of meth to the reservation and to having brought a pound of meth in a trip in March or February of 2020. Russette pleaded guilty in the case and is awaiting sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Plaut is prosecuting 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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GREAT FALLS—Two nurse practitioners in Montana this week admitted charges that they conspired to defraud Medicare of millions of dollars in a scheme in which they received money to sign fraudulent orders for orthotic braces, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said today.

Janae Nichole Harper, 34, of Kalispell, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit health care fraud.  Harper was a licensed nurse practitioner in Montana, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina and Wyoming and was enrolled as a medical provider with Medicare.

Mark Allen Hill, 54, of Edinburg, North Dakota, and whose address of record for participation in the Medicare program was in Cut Bank, Montana, pleaded guilty on April 20 to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Hill was a licensed nurse practitioner in Montana, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Washington.

Hill and Harper each face a maximum 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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

Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for both Harper and Hill for July 27 and continued their release.

Harper and Hill were among those indicted in a historic national health care fraud and opioid enforcement action announced by the U.S. Department of Justice on Sept. 30, 2020. The enforcement action involved 345 charged defendants across 51 federal districts, including more than 100 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals.

These defendants were charged with submitting more than $6 billion in false and fraudulent claims to federal health care programs and private insurers, including more than $4.5 billion connected to telemedicine. Telemedicine uses telecommunications to provide health care services remotely.

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

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Kakuk and Darren Halverson, Trial Attorney, and Robyn Pullio, former Trial Attorney, Fraud Section, Criminal Division of the Justice Department.

The enforcement actions were led and coordinated by the Criminal Division, Fraud Section’s Health Care Fraud Unit, in conjunction with its Health Care Fraud and Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force program, and its core partners, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, HHS-OIG, FBI, and DEA, as part of the department’s ongoing efforts to combat the devastating effects of health care fraud and the opioid epidemic. 

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MISSOULA — A Washington, D.C., man accused of picking up three individuals suspected of crossing illegally into Montana from Canada and leading law enforcement on a 76-mile, high speed car chase that ended near Whitefish admitted to an immigration crime today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.

Rastesfaye Alpha Neil, 39, pleaded guilty to transportation of illegal aliens as charged in an indictment. Neil faces a maximum five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. Neil was detained pending further proceedings. Sentencing was set for Sept. 2.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that Neil knowingly transported Christopher White, a Jamaica citizen; Naseem Ali Mohammed, a Somalia national and Canadian legal permanent resident; and Afrah Ahmed Abdi, a United States legal permanent resident and Somalia national; to help them remain illegally in the United States. All three were wanted by various Canadian law enforcement agencies.

The government alleged that at about 8:55 a.m. on Jan. 23, the Spokane Sector Border Patrol received information that three subjects with backpacks and wearing dark or camouflage parkas were entering the United States illegally in the West Kootenai area near Eureka.

Border Patrol agents responded to the area, spotted a southbound Nissan Sentra and attempted a traffic stop. While the Nissan initially yielded, it ultimately sped away as agents approached on foot. The Nissan led law enforcement agencies on a chase in which speeds reached 120 mph to 130 mph. The pursuit ended about one mile north of Whitefish when the Whitefish Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol successfully spiked the Nissan’s tires. Law enforcement identified Neil as the driver and White, Mohammed and Abdi as passengers who had illegally entered the United States shortly before the chase began.

The government further alleged that one of the illegal border crossers had been in contact with Neil, rental car companies and travel agencies. Neil had flown to Kalispell on Jan. 22.  

White pleaded guilty to illegal reentry of a deported or removed alien and is awaiting sentencing. Abdi is pending extradition to Canada, while Mohammed is a fugitive.

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

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BILLINGS – Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson will join the Drug Enforcement Administration in support of the 20th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 24. The biannual event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at sites across Montana. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

In addition to DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day on April 24, prescription drugs can be disposed of any day throughout the year at any of the 11,000 authorized collectors. For more information on collection sites, visit: https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in homes are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses from these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

“The DEA’s Take Back Day is a great reminder to get rid of unneeded and expired prescriptions, not only on April 24, but also on any day of the year. Prescription drugs often end up in the wrong hands, fueling an epidemic of opioid deaths and overdoses. Montanans can help protect their families, friends and community by participating in the DEA Take Back event to safely dispose of unused prescription medications,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.

“We now face a national epidemic reaching every corner of America.  Prescription medications often end up in the wrong hands, fueling an epidemic that kills more Americans than car accidents,” said DEA Montana Resident Agent in Charge Stacy Zinn-Brittain. “The power to make a difference starts at home, beginning with returning the unused, unwanted or expired medications that each American keeps in their homes.”

Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that opioid overdose deaths have increased during the coronavirus pandemic. The CDC issued an alert in December indicating a significant increase in overdose deaths from August 2019 through Aug. 1, 2020, including concerning trends during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the United States, 85,500 people died of an overdose in just one year, from August 2019 to August 2020. This is the largest number of drug overdoses on record in the country within a one-year period and a 27 percent increase in deaths year over year. While many of these deaths are attributed to synthetic opioids (fentanyl), and while the CDC is seeing a decline in deaths attributed to prescription opioids, there are still an alarming number of overdose deaths involving prescription opioids.

To keep everyone safe, collection sites will follow local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations. Given the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, DEA wants to ensure that the public is aware of other ways they can dispose of unwanted prescription drugs without having to leave their homes. More information is available at: https://takebackday.dea.gov/

During the last Take Back Day held on Oct. 24, 2020, DEA collected a record amount of drugs since the program began in 2010. With a total of 4,153 law enforcement participants at 4,587 collection sites, the event brought in a total weight of 985,392 pounds, or 492.7 tons, of drugs. This brings the total weight collected to 13.68 million pounds, or more than 6,842 tons, of prescription drugs collected in the history of the program. Collection results may include materials other than prescription drugs.

During the Oct. 24, 2020 event, Montanans turned in 2,251 pounds of prescription drugs at 20 collection sites.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 24 Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com.

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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 April 13 was:

Khalil Lajuan Lyons, 19, of Eastpoint, Michigan, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone and fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lyons faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Lyons was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fort Peck Law Enforcement Services and Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

PACER case reference. 21-25.

Jason Tyrell Lee, 45, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, on charges conspiracy to possess and distribute oxycodone, possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lee faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Lee was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Highway Patrol investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-11.

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

Leanna Martie Miranda, 52, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Miranda faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Miranda was released pending further proceedings. The FBI Transnational Organized Crime West Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-15.

Appearing on April 15 was:

Christian Mikal David Bramley, 21, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bramley faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Bramley was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-09.

Larry Sylvester Hines, 41, of Billings, on charges of false statement during a firearms transaction. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hines faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Hines was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-12.

Teisha Nicole West, 35, of Wichita Falls, Texas, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, West faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the fraud counts and two years in prison consecutive to any other crime, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the identity theft count. West was released pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-19.

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

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BILLINGS — A Hardin woman today admitted charges accusing her of burning down a house that was being renovated on the Crow Indian Reservation, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.

Vanessa Faith Prettyontop, also known as Vanessa Faith Gunshows, 34, pleaded guilty to arson as charged in an indictment. Prettyontop faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. Prettyontop was released pending further proceedings. Sentencing has been set for Aug. 19.

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

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Pryor man who admitted beating and strangling a woman on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 34 months in prison and to three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.

Corey Dane Hill, 36, pleaded guilty on Dec. 16, 2020 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution alleged the assault occurred on Nov. 16, 2019, while Hill was drinking alcohol with the victim, identified as Jane Doe, in Fort Belknap Agency. The two argued. Hill hit the victim in head and strangled her. The victim underwent surgery for injuries.

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Wolf Point man accused of murdering another man in Wolf Point, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation last year, appeared on murder and firearms crimes on April 13, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said today.

Doratello “DJ” Juan Fischer, 35, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with first degree murder and to use of a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted of the murder charge, Fischer faces a mandatory life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. If convicted of the firearms crime, Fischer faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.

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

The indictment alleges that on Nov. 27, 2020 in Wolf Point, Fischer unlawfully killed the victim, identified as John Doe, with malice aforethought and premeditation, and that Fischer knowingly used a firearm in relation to the murder count.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori Suek and Jared Cobell are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.

PACER case reference. 21-23.

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 trafficking and firearms crimes after a fake methamphetamine drug deal led to a shootout was sentenced today to seven years and 10 months in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.

Gregg Allen Johnson, 42, pleaded guilty on Oct. 29, 2020 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on June 3, 2019, Johnson introduced co-defendant, James Higgins, to another individual in the parking lot of a Walmart in Billings so Higgins could buy a large quantity of meth from the individual. Higgins paid the individual $3,000 and received a package wrapped in black plastic that the individual said was meth. The individual, however, had provided Higgins with a brick of rock salt.

When Higgins realized he had been cheated, he, a friend and Johnson went to the individual’s residence to recover his money. Higgins, Johnson and the friend all were armed. No one answered when they pounded on the door. Shortly after the friend began to enter through a rear door, shooting started. Video from security cameras at the residence showed the friend firing his pistol into the home. Johnson later admitted firing his weapon and numerous shell casing found matched the caliber of the firearm he was carrying. There was no evidence that Higgins brandished or fired his firearm. Higgins has pleaded guilty in the case and is awaiting sentencing.

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

This case is part of Project Guardian, the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws, and Project Safe Neighborhoods, the USDOJ’s initiative to reduce violent crime. Through these initiatives, 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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BILLNGS — Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson today issued the following statement in seeking the dismissal of the murder case against Taylor Leigh Plain Bull:

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is seeking to dismiss the case against Taylor Lee Plain Bull, 27, a transient, after receiving notification today that he had died while in custody in Big Horn County, Wyoming. Mr. Plain Bull was awaiting sentencing on July 27 for conviction of second degree murder. Mr. Plain Bull had pleaded guilty on March 3 to second degree murder and to use of a firearm during a crime of violence in the Oct. 24, 2020 fatal shooting of a woman and injury of a passenger in her vehicle along Blue Creek Road on the Crow Indian Reservation.”

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MISSOULA — A Jamaican national who crossed into Montana from Canada and was arrested with others near Whitefish after a 75-mile car case admitted to an immigration charge today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.

Christopher White, 41, also known as Gregory White, Jahnyi Foster and Raymond White, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry of a deported or removed alien. White faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. White was detained pending further proceedings. Sentencing was set for Aug. 12 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen.

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

The government further alleged that on Jan. 23, at about 8:55 a.m., the Spokane Sector Border Patrol Dispatch received information that three subjects dressed in camouflage and dark clothing and carrying black backpacks were crossing the border from Canada into the United States near the area of West Kootenai.

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

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

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

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

Wesley Dean Merrill, 40, 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, Merrill faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Merrill was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-7.

Joshua Daniel Kaupang, 38, of Great Falls, on charges of receipt of child pornography and access with intent to view child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kaupang faces five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Kaupang was detained pending further proceedings. The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-2.

Pleading not guilty on April 6 was:

Amber Marie Bruse, 39, unknown address, on charges of distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bruse faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release. Burse was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-123.

Pleading not guilty on April 5 was:

Lawrence Howard Kahle, 54, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kahle faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the fraud counts and a consecutive two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft counts. Kahle was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-19.

Pleading not guilty on March 29 was:

Kyong Cha Roberts, 68, of Billings, on charges of coercion and enticement. If convicted of the most serious crime, Roberts faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Roberts was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-17.

Pleading not guilty on March 26 was:

Peter Margiotta, 63, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on charges of failure to surrender for service of sentence. If convicted of the most serious crime, Margiotta faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Margiotta was detained pending further proceedings. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation investigated the case.  PACER case reference. 21-21.

Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on April 6 was:

John Charles Stowers, 57, of Great Falls, on charges of unlawful transfer of National Firearms Act firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stowers faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Stowers was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-14.

David Eugene Wing, 43, of Heart Butte, on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wing faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the assault counts and a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearms counts. Wing was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Fort Belknap Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-16.

Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on April 8 was:

David Vincent Viers, 58, of Silver Star, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Viers faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years to life of supervised release. Viers was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Butte Silver Bow law enforcement investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-11.

Pleading not guilty on March 30 was:

Steven Douglas Shipe, 52, of Butte, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Shipe faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Shipe was detained pending further proceedings. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Butte Silver Bow Law Enforcement Agency investigated the case.  PACER case reference. 21-12.

Charles David Clement, 34, of Butte, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Clement faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Clement was detained pending further proceedings. Montana’s Division of Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Butte Silver Bow Law Enforcement Agency investigated the case.  PACER case reference. 21-12.

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 — An Ashland man accused of hitting another man in the head with a rifle pleaded guilty to an assault charge today, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.

Channing Lee Ziler, 33, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Ziler faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Ziler was detained pending further proceedings. A sentencing date is pending.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on Dec. 31, 2017, Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement officers responded to a 911 call at a residence in Ashland, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. Multiple people were drinking at the residence, including Ziler. Witnesses described Ziler as being violent that night. The victim, identified as John Doe, arrived at the residence with other individuals. Witnesses described Ziler as holding a rifle when Doe arrived and saying, “this looks like someone I can slap around.” Ziler then struck Doe in the head with the rifle.

Ziler took Doe’s truck and left with Doe and another person. Law enforcement received another 911 call that the truck had run out of gas and that Ziler had set it on fire to stay warm in below zero temperatures. Ziler left the scene with the other individual, and law enforcement found Doe by the truck. Doe was taken to a Billings hospital for treatment of injuries.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Dake is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.

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BILLINGS – A man who admitted using a gun to hold up a Billings convenience store and to shooting the clerk in the arm was sentenced today to 18 years and nine months in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.

Darren Samuel Whiteman, 37, a transient, pleaded guilty on Nov. 20, 2020 to robbery affecting commerce and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence as charged in an indictment.

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

The prosecution said in court documents that on Nov. 24, 2019, the Billings Police Department responded to an armed robbery at the Gas n Go, located at 800 Jackson Ave. During the robbery, the suspect, identified through the investigation as Whiteman, shot the clerk in the arm with a handgun. The victim reported that Whiteman said, “Open the cash register. I’m robbing the place. Imma pop this bitch.” Whiteman then shot the clerk and fled in a pickup truck.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Billings Police Department.

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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GREAT FALLS – A Box Elder man who admitted providing methamphetamine to a minor girl was sentenced today to 51 months in prison and to six years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.

James Dean Stump, 34, pleaded guilty on Dec. 8, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute meth to a person under 21.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that from about July 2018 to July 2020 Stump provided a minor girl, who was under the age of 21 and identified as Jane Doe, with methamphetamine. Jane Doe tested positive for meth and said she had received the drug from Stump.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Cobell prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services and Hill County Sheriff’s Office.

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BILLINGS — A federal jury on April 2 convicted the former chairwoman of the Montana Native Women’s Coalition of crimes related to unapproved spending of federal grant funds, including travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.

The jury found Meredith McConnell, 51, of Lame Deer, guilty of theft from a program receiving federal funding, wire fraud and false claims as charged in a superseding indictment. The five-day jury trial began on March 29. McConnell faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided and continued McConnell’s release pending further proceedings. A sentencing date is pending.

“Despite receiving training on financial oversight, conflicts of interest and ethics, Meredith McConnell stole grant funds intended to help Native American victims of violence and used the money for unauthorized travel and her own benefit,” Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.  “Our office will hold accountable and prosecute those who misuse grant funds. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Weldon and Bryan Dake and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General for investigating and prosecuting this case.”

“Instead of using grant money to help Native American victims of domestic and sexual violence, McConnell stole those grant funds for her own benefit including to pay for lavish travel and gifts.  The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General will investigate and bring to justice anyone who tries to steal Department of Justice grant funds,” said Douglas B. Bruce, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Denver Field Office. 

In court documents and in evidence presented at trial, the government alleged that beginning in about August 2017, McConnell, along with others, misappropriated federal grant funds to hand out cash payments to others, to buy purses and earrings as door prizes, to meet in Las Vegas, a trip that cost $31,744, and to receive double payments for meals. Prosecutors alleged that during a four-month period, McConnell was responsible in the misappropriation of more than 10 percent of grant funds designed to help address violence on Indian reservations in Montana.

The government further alleged the thefts occurred four months after board officials, including McConnell, 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.

The Coalition is a Lame Deer-based organization that helps 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. OVW awarded the Coalition $318,008 from October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018.

Co-defendants Sheryl Lynn Lawrence, of Colstrip, who was the Coalition’s executive director, and Barbara Mary Daychief, of Browning, who was a Coalition board member, both pleaded guilty to theft of federal funds and are pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Weldon and Bryan Dake are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General.

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GREAT FALLS — A Browning man today admitted to murdering a man and to holding a woman hostage by knifepoint on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.

Jason Avery Mattson, 30, pleaded guilty to second degree murder and to kidnapping as charged in an indictment. Mattson faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for June 24. Mattson was detained.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that on March 3, 2020, law enforcement was called to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation after the discovery of a body, which showed signs of homicide. The body was identified as John Doe. An autopsy confirmed the manner of death was homicide, with evidence of blunt force injury.

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

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

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MISSOULA – A Kalispell man who admitted trafficking methamphetamine he received from a California source was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and to five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.

Kyle Sloan Reed, 24, pleaded guilty on Nov. 20, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute meth.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in February 2019 law enforcement arrested a person, identified as John Doe, in Missoula. Doe had in his possession about 2.6 pounds of pure meth, which is the equivalent of 9,422 doses. John Doe was bringing meth to Montana from California and told officers that a portion of the meth he had was intended for Reed. Other persons cooperating with law enforcement said they saw Reed with multiple pounds of meth for distribution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Clark prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Northwest Montana Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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

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

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

Joseph Daniel Boggio, 40, of Billings, on charges of illegal receipt of firearm by person under indictment and possession of a stolen firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Boggio faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Boggio was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-01.

Trevor Anthony Neal Fuller, 30, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fuller faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Fuller was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-04.

Vanessa Faith Prettyontop, 34, of Hardin, on charges of arson. If convicted of the most serious crime, Prettyontop faces a maximum life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Prettyontop was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-08.

Pleading not guilty on March 24 was:

Robert Roswald Redfield, 40, of Lodge Grass, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth and prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Redfield faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Redfield was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-77.

Krystal Firebear, 52, of Lodge Grass, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Firebear faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Firebear was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-77.

Pleading not guilty on March 25 was:

Tucker James McCune, 27, of Billings, on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, McCune faces a maximum 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. McCune was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-13.

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

Wyitt Winton Williamson, 25, of Cut Bank, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse, sex abuse and sex abuse of a minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Williamson faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Williamson was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 20-86.

Appearing on a criminal complaint on March 23 was:

Joshua Nathan Stillman, 46, of Great Falls, on a criminal complaint accusing him of receipt and distribution of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stillman faces five years to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Stillman was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-27.

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

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BILLINGS – A Laurel woman who admitted lying to receive federal benefits to which she was not entitled was sentenced today to three years of probation and ordered to pay $325,870 restitution, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.

Tanya Smith, 45, pleaded guilty on Oct. 1, 2020 to theft of government property.

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

“Persons who lie to receive Social Security Administration and health care benefits at the expense of those who qualify for assistance will be fully investigated and prosecuted,” Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.

“Supplemental Security Income is a needs-based safety net for the most vulnerable among us, and my office will aggressively pursue those who abuse it for personal gain,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its support of our investigation and its efforts to recover these taxpayer funds.”

In court documents filed by the government, prosecutors alleged that from about 2002 until 2019, Smith made misrepresentations about her living situation, marital status and income to the Social Security Administration to receive benefits. The misrepresentations resulted in Smith receiving $130,018 in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and $195,852 in Medicaid benefits, for a total of $325,870, to which she otherwise was not entitled to receive. Smith began receiving SSI benefits in 1987 and then married in 2002. In 2004, Smith corrected her living situation with SSA, noting that she was married and living with her husband, making her ineligible to receive SSI benefits. About two months later, Smith falsely reported she had separated from her husband and was no longer living with him. Smith continued to make this false claim for the next 15 years. Smith admitted to law enforcement to concealing her living arrangement to secure government benefits.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Dake and Karla Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.

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MISSOULA – A Helena man arrested on a federal warrant by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on suspicion of possessing a stolen firearm appeared in U.S. District Court today on a criminal complaint, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.

The criminal complaint filed in the case accuses Robert Raymond Fasuga, 39, of possession of a stolen firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Fasuga faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three 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. Fasuga was detained pending further proceedings.

According to the criminal complaint and affidavit filed in support of the complaint, on June 15, 2020, Fasuga engaged the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office in a vehicle pursuit that led to Fasuga’s residence. In attempting to arrest Fasuga, Fasuga threatened suicide with two pistols he had on his person. Deputies talked Fasuga into putting down the firearms and took him into custody. The court documents further allege the investigation determined that one of the firearms recovered from Fasuga was suspected of having been stolen from Mountain Man Trading Post in January 2020.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office 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 Harlem man who admitted a domestic abuse crime after beating a woman on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 30 months in prison and to two years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif Johnson said.

Jeremy Leo Tincher, 39, pleaded guilty on Nov. 10, 2020 to domestic abuse by habitual offender.

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

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that Tincher attacked and injured the victim, identified as Jane Doe, on Aug. 9, 2019 as she was driving on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. The victim drove directly to the police station seeking help and was treated for injuries.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Cobell prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Fort Belknap Tribal Police.

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