District of Montana

GREAT FALLS – A Hays man who struck a man in the face with a screwdriver was sentenced today to 6 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Russell Thomas Young, 40, pleaded guilty in October 2025 to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon.

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

The government alleged in court documents that the defendant and John Doe spent portions of the day together at Doe’s house on September 23, 2023.  Young and Doe were outside doing yard work when Young began to act strangely, staring into the windows of the home. Eventually Young entered Doe’s home and went into the basement. While Young was in the basement, Doe and Doe’s wife overhead Young speaking as though other people were in the basement with him, despite Young being the only person there at the time. At that point, Doe went into the house and yelled down the stairs that Young should leave.

Young then emerged quickly from downstairs with a screwdriver in his hand. He attacked Doe by stabbing him with the screwdriver on the left side of Doe’s face, near the temple. Young continued to punch and strike Doe with the screwdriver until Doe’s wife stopped the assault by striking Young with a fishing pole. Doe’s wife called 911 and, because the house was filling with smoke, reported that Young had set the house on fire. Law enforcement arrived at the scene and extinguished a fire that started in the basement furnace.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services, Blaine County Sheriff’s Office and Phillips County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS – A Minnesota man who sexually abused two children on the Crow Indian Reservation was found guilty by a federal jury yesterday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Following a one-and-a-half-day trial, Robert Dean Dust, 35, was found guilty of two counts of abusive sexual contact of a child and one count of aggravated sexual abuse. Dust faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life, a $250,000 fine, and not less than five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for June 25, 2026. Dust was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents and at trial that in May 2024 Jane Does 1 and 2 disclosed to police Dust subjected them to years of sexual abuse in Lodge Grass.

Jane Does 1 and 2 both disclosed Dust sexually abused them in their home regularly beginning when they were 4 and 5 years old and he was 20. Both victims described how Dust made them perform sexual acts on him and how he performed sexual acts on them. Jane Does 1 and 2 said Dust’s abuse continued until around 2015.

On October 18, 2024, law enforcement interviewed Dust and the interview was recorded. During the interview, he initially denied the abuse, but eventually admitted he sexually abused Jane Doe 1. Dust admitted he had Jane Doe 1 perform oral sex on him and that he touched his penis to her vagina.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Hendricks prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and BIA.

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MISSOULA - A Bozeman man accused of trading and uploading child pornography admitted to charges yesterday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Jaden Douglas Batson, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography. Batson faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum term of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and not less than five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for July 1, 2026. Batson remains released with conditions pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in June 2023, law enforcement received a Cybertip from an electronic service provider indicating that an account registered to Batson had paid $20 for child pornography. Law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant for Batson’s PayPal account and received information indicating he made a payment of $20 on June 14, 2023, with a note stating, “For the cp gc.”

Based on this and other information, law enforcement continued to receive other Cybertips connected to Batson. These tips, submitted by electronic service providers, reflected Batson trading and uploading child pornography. Multiple search warrants were obtained and executed on various electronic service accounts registered to Batson and results contained multiple images and videos of child pornography. On April 9, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Batson’s residence in Bozeman, Montana and electronic media was seized. During the execution of that warrant, Batson agreed to be interviewed following a waiver of Miranda. During that interview, Batson admitted he had traded child pornography on social media sites. His cellular phone was later reviewed and approximately 688 videos and 362 images of child pornography were discovered. Also found were messages consistent with Batson attempting to obtain child pornography.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. Homeland Security Investigations and Bozeman Police Department conducted the investigation.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

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MISSOULA – A Butte man who illegally possessed multiple firearms was sentenced today to 37 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Shawn Troy Thumper Saccheri, 49, pleaded guilty in October 2025 to one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on November 27, 2024, law enforcement conducted a search at Saccheri’s residence after receiving information he possessed firearms. Prior to the search, Saccheri admitted he possessed prohibited items. Law enforcement located the following five firearms and ammunition at his residence:

• Harrington & Richardson model 765 Pioneer, .22 caliber rifle
• Winchester model 1912, 12-gauge shotgun with a shortened barrel
• Western Auto Supply Revelation model 120, .22 caliber rifle
• Remington model 870, 12-gauge shotgun
• Winchester model 97, 12-gauge shotgun
• Harrington and Richardson model Bay State shotgun receiver
• Assorted ammunition and a magazine

On October 11, 2018, Saccheri was convicted of distribution of dangerous drugs, a felony, in Flathead County and sentenced to six years to the Montana Department of Corrections. On June 9, 2023, he was convicted of possession of dangerous drugs, a felony, in Yellowstone County and sentenced to five years all suspended with credit for 160 days in custody. Each conviction is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year which prohibits Saccheri from owning firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katy Stack prosecuted the case. The ATF conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA – A man from the Netherlands who trafficked more than ten kilograms of fentanyl into Montana and other states was sentenced today to 240 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Gerad Nigel Punch, 40, pleaded guilty in October 2025 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

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

“This defendant and his organization mailed a staggering quantity of drugs from Arizona to Montana and other states and laundered the proceeds,” said U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme. “The sentence he received today sends a message to drug traffickers around the country that we will take the fight to them to keep Montana safe. I’m grateful to the lawyers and staff in our office and our law enforcement partners for working so hard to dismantle this criminal organization.”

“This investigation and subsequent conviction are a great example of how we can work with our federal partners to keep Montana communities drug free. I’m especially proud of the work that was done by the Division of Criminal Investigation to get this poison off our streets,” Attorney General Austin Knudsen said. “As Attorney General, I will continue to use every resource available to the state to keep drugs out of our communities, criminals behind bars, and Montana safe.”

“While the enforcement of our nation’s tax laws remains our top priority, IRS Criminal Investigation plays a critical role in the battle against narcotics trafficking as well,” said Amanda Prestegard, IRS-CI Denver Field Office Special Agent in Charge. “We target the illicit financial networks that fund these criminal organizations, and work side-by- side with our law enforcement partners to ensure drug traffickers cannot continue profiting from addiction and suffering in our communities.”

“Today’s sentencing of Punch sends a clear message that those who traffic dangerous and deadly narcotics through our communities will be held accountable,” said Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti. “The Postal Inspection Service along with our partners fights every day to keep these poisonous drugs from reaching communities across Montana. One pill, one gram, that’s all it takes to change the course of someone’s life. Removing someone like Punch from the streets is one step closer to the goal of ending this epidemic”

“This investigation successfully dismantled a major drug trafficking and money laundering organization responsible for moving over 300,000 fentanyl pills into Montana in 2024 before they were arrested,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Deputy Special Agent in Charge for the Rocky Mountain Region Charles Engle. “HSI would like to thank all of its investigative partners for the outstanding work. The collaborative investigation led to charges against 14 defendants, making a significant impact on Montana and its communities.”

The government alleged in court documents that Between February 2023 and March 2025, members of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) headed by Gerad Nigel Punch transported fentanyl into Montana for distribution. Punch and his coconspirators mailed and transported fentanyl from Phoenix, Arizona, for distribution to local dealers in Texas, Washington, and Montana.

When the fentanyl arrived in Montana, Punch either directly distributed those drugs to local traffickers or arranged for other coconspirators to sell the drugs. Punch was paid several different ways for the drugs he provided, including through coconspirators depositing money in Montana bank accounts he controlled, but were opened in the names his coconspirators. Punch would then withdraw the funds the coconspirators deposited as payment for the drugs. Punch also utilized money transfer services, like Cash App and Western Union, to both receive and distribute money to further the DTO.

During the investigation of Punch’s DTO, law enforcement seized over 10 kilograms of fentanyl. Punch was personally caught with over 2,000 grams of fentanyl, which he sold to an undercover officer in Butte in October 2024.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Lowney and Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, and the Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, which includes agents from the Montana Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation.

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GREAT FALLS – A man from Honduras who was in the United States illegally was sentenced on Tuesday, February 17, to time served, 76 days, and remanded to the custody of the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Wilson Edis Rodriguez-Serrano, 39, pleaded guilty in January 2026 to one count of illegal reentry.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on the morning of December 4, 2025, Border Patrol agents were alerted to a construction-type truck at a gas station in Havre that was suspected of being operated by an individual unlawfully present in the United States. The truck’s driver was outside pumping gas while three other men were inside the truck.

Agents initiated a consensual encounter at the gas pump, which evolved into a detailed immigration inspection. The defendant, Wilson Edris Rodriguez-Serrano, was identified as one of the passengers in the truck and determined to be a citizen of Honduras. Law enforcement determined all four men were in the United States illegally, and they were transported to the Havre Border Patrol Station for further processing.

At the Station, Rodriguez-Serrano was advised of his Warning as to Rights. He acknowledged his rights and was willing to speak without a lawyer present. He admitted he crossed the international boundary into the United States from Mexico near Eagle Pass, Texas. He also acknowledged he had previously entered the United States unlawfully and been ordered to return to Honduras. In fact, on November 21, 2010, Rodriguez-Serrano requested and was granted a Voluntary Return to Honduras, and on October 28, 2019, a final order of removal was issued to him.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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GREAT FALLS – A Box Elder man who impaled an individual’s eye with a cane on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced yesterday to 51 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Mario Patacsil, Jr., 57, pleaded guilty in October 2025 to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided.

The government alleged in court documents that On July 22, 2024, law enforcement officers were dispatched to a house after a 911 call reporting that the defendant, Mario Patacsil, Jr., had shot John Doe in the arm. When officers arrived, Doe stated that he had not been shot, but Patacsil had beaten him with a wooden cane and stuck him in the eye. Officers could see Doe’s right eye was swollen and had a circular wound around it. The wound appeared consistent with being prodded with the bottom of a cane. Doe also had bruising on his forearm. The officers arrested Patacsil and found a wooden cane in his car.

The FBI interviewed both Doe and Patacsil. Both described an argument that resulted in Patacsil, Jr. “poking” Doe with his cane before he fled the scene.

Doe was seen at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls. He was admitted with a ruptured orbital globe with no vision or light perception in his right eye and underwent surgery. In August, Doe went out of state for additional surgery in an attempt to save his eye. There he underwent a vitrectomy to remove the fluid within his eye, a lensectomy to remove the lens of his eye, and a retinectomy to remove the retina. Doe permanently lost vision in his right eye.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA – A California woman who defrauded a local bank of over $170,000 was found guilty by a federal jury today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Following a one-and-a-half-day trial, Kristin Renee Zelonish Edwards, 38, was found guilty of four counts of bank fraud. Edwards faces 30 years of imprisonment on each count, a $1,000,000 fine, and five years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for June 23, 2026. Edwards was released with conditions pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents and at trial that Kristin Edwards defrauded Glacier Bank of over $170,000 by depositing 12 fraudulent savings bonds at four different bank branches in Northwest Montana. Edwards traveled from California to Montana to deposit the savings bonds, making four trips between October 2022 and January 2023. Glacier Bank received notice in February 2023 from the United States Treasury Department that one of the savings bonds deposited by Edwards was fraudulent. Glacier Bank’s security officer called Edwards and informed her of the fraudulent bond. Her response was that she found the savings bonds while going through boxes of her deceased grandmother’s items with her mother.

Witnesses testified Edwards never received bonds from her grandmother’s estate. The savings bonds deposited by Edwards that were alleged to have been purchased by her grandmother had issue dates as early as 1980—over 6 years before Edwards was born. The fraudulent savings bonds have Edwards’ Social Security Number printed on them, which means, if Edwards’ story were true, her grandmother bought the bonds in Edwards’ name and with Edwards’ Social Security Number six years before Edwards was born.

The U.S. Secret Service analyzed the savings bonds and found they had several common defects and were not made with the printing presses used for authentic savings bonds. Edwards’ fraudulent savings bonds also share a common source with other fraudulent savings bonds that were deposited in Idaho and Colorado by Edwards’ unindicted co-conspirator.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katy Stack and Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service.

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GREAT FALLS – A Harlem woman who trafficked fentanyl and methamphetamine on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced yesterday to 28 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Twila Marie Cochran, 49, pleaded guilty in October 2025 to one count of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Cochran has been trafficking controlled substances on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation since at least October 2022.

On April 6, 2023, she drove to St. Regis to pick up thousands of fentanyl pills and 12 ounces of methamphetamine to sell on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Her co-defendant put the drugs in her car, which she drove back to her home.

Prior to the drug run, Cochran bragged in text messages to her co-defendant about being able to hide the drugs in her home.

Law enforcement eventually recovered nearly 2,500 fentanyl pills associated with the April 2023 drug run hidden on Cochran’s property. Between October 2022 until she was incarcerated, she continued to traffic meth and fentanyl to members of the Fort Belknap Indian Community.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Myers prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS - A Box Elder man accused of distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Harold Blake Whitford, Sr., 56, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Whitford faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum term of 40 years, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for June 17, 2026. Whitford remains released with conditions pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in the early hours of March 28, 2024, law enforcement was dispatched to investigate reports of a shooting on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. Surveillance video from the scene showed two suspected gunmen arrive and depart in a pickup truck. A truck that looked like the one used in the shooting was located shortly thereafter in front of Whitford’s home. Officers confirmed that vehicle was the truck used in the shooting.

Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant and found the following items rolled up in a shirt near Whitford’s bed:

• A plastic baggie containing 489 suspected fentanyl pills;
• Twenty-seven small plastic baggies each containing 10 suspected fentanyl pills;
• A plastic baggie containing powder; and
• Two plastic baggies containing suspected methamphetamine.

Officers also found a ripped piece of paper that said, “100pack-$1400,” “$700,” “$300” near the head of Whitford’s bed. They found a scale and a rifle at the house as well.

When Whitford was arrested on an outstanding warrant over a week later, he removed a ziplock bag from his pocket and threw it. A pink pill also fell out of his pocket, and another pill was found on his person. The ziplock bag had suspected fentanyl pills in it.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Tri-Agency Task Force, Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Hill County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

BILLINGS – A Billings man accused of possessing 45 pounds of methamphetamine for distribution appeared today in federal court, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Lane Demarais, 45, is charged by complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten years, a maximum term of life, a fine of up to $10 million, and at least five years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Cavan presided and Demarais was detained pending further proceedings.

The affidavit in support of the complaint alleges that on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the Eastern Montana HIDTA drug task force (EMHIDTA) served several search warrants in Billings and Laurel. The coordinated effort resulted in the seizure of several firearms, over $31,000 in cash, and approximately 45 pounds of methamphetamine in individually wrapped one-pound packages.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich is prosecuting the case. The investigation is being conducted by the EMHIDTA, which includes agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Billings Police Department, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, and Montana Department of Corrections Probation and Parole. Service of the search warrants included assistance from the Billings Police Department Street Crimes Unit, SWAT Team, and Drone Team, the Laurel Police Department, and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office TRT.

The charging document is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

PACER case reference. 26-19.

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.

BILLINGS – A Billings man, who is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms because of his prior commitment to a mental institution, was sentenced today to 46 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for making false statements to obtain firearms and for being a prohibited person in possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Ryan David Schreder, 45, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to four counts of making a false statement in acquisition of a firearm and one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement began investigating Schreder after repeatedly being told about his escalating behavior. On October 10, 2024, the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office obtained and executed a search warrant for Schreder’s residence. They recovered 23 firearms and 1,176 assorted rounds of ammunition, including large capacity magazines, during the search.

During ATF’s investigation, it was discovered that between February 11, 2022, and June 18, 2024, Schreder purchased firearms on at least 18 occasions from four different licensed firearms dealers in Billings. Each count of conviction for false statement in acquisition of a firearm represented the transactions made at each of the respective firearms dealers.

To obtain the firearms, Schreder knowingly responded untruthfully on ATF Form 4473 (“Firearms Transaction Record”) by answering “no” in response to the question “Have you ever been adjudicated mentally defective OR have you ever been committed to a mental institution.” If a potential buyer answers “yes” in response to this question, a licensed firearms dealer cannot proceed with the sale of a firearm. A licensed firearms dealer has no ability to independently verify the veracity of a response to that question as involuntary commitments are not recorded on criminal history reports in Montana.

At least three firearms Schreder purchased have been recovered by law enforcement during investigations into reports unrelated to him.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Vestal prosecuted the case. The ATF and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS – A Lame Deer man who committed an assault with a firearm on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 10 years and 1 day in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Jerray Eugene Rowland, 29, pleaded guilty in October 2025 to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on July 15, 2023, Rowland and others were driving around and drinking. They stopped at a house to obtain more alcohol. The victim, John Doe, had been drinking at a nearby residence and was walking down the road. Doe encountered Rowland and a female. Rowland and/or the female said Doe was the man who had shot their father. Rowland then said he was “[father’s] oldest boy.” Rowland pulled out a pistol and shot Doe. In 2017, Doe shot Rowland’s father and law enforcement determined the shooting was in self-defense.

Doe told law enforcement Rowland shot him with a 9mm firearm. Officers recovered a 9mm shell casing at the scene and, later, a 9mm bullet from Doe’s hospital room. Doe was shown a photo array of five individuals, including Rowland, and identified Rowland as the man who shot him.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, BIA and Northern Cheyenne Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS – A Crow Agency man who sexually abused a minor on the Crow Indian Reservation was found guilty by a federal jury today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Following a three-day trial, Jared Cordell Stewart, 54, was found guilty of one count of abusive sexual contact of a child. Stewart faces up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and not less than five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for June 4, 2026. Stewart was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents and at trial that in July of 2020 Jane Doe disclosed Stewart had been sexually abusing her. However, during a visit from law enforcement Doe denied the abuse.

About one year later, in October 2021, the police spoke with Jane Doe again. This time she said Stewart had sexually abused her many times, beginning when she was seven or eight years old. Law enforcement interviewed everyone who lived in the home, and many reported seeing Stewart go into Jane Doe’s room at night and after she showered. Some of the other people who lived in the home reported seeing Stewart treat Jane Doe differently and saw inappropriate photos of her on his cell phone. One child reported that while he was visiting the home he witnessed Stewart touch Jane Doe’s legs while she was in bed. Another minor, Jane Doe 2, reported Stewart made inappropriate comments about her and approached her while she was alone and asleep in her room on one occasion. Jane Doe 2 said she refused Stewart’s advances, and she believes he thereafter targeted Jane Doe.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey Hendricks and Tom Godfrey prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI.

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GREAT FALLS – A man from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho who stole items from the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in 2024 was sentenced today to 9 months in prison, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Roger Edward Hawkes, 71, pleaded guilty, also today, to one count of removing archeological resources.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided.

The government alleged in court documents that Hawkes entered the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls on September 14, 2024, approached a table-top display entitled

“Weapons of the Expedition Interpretation,” and stole two historic weapons. The first is an authentic, antique, English, single-shot, black-powder Mortimer pistol, and the second is a knife in a leather, beaded sheath. Both items were made in the late 1700s or early 1800s. 

As Hawkes left the building with the stolen artifacts, video surveillance appeared to show him conceal both items up his sleeve.

The United States Forest Service posted information about the theft on Facebook and received tips Hawkes was selling knives at the Little Red Truck Cottage Market. A witness confirmed Hawkes was in Great Falls on September 15 and 16, 2024, selling western items, including knives and antique pistols. Local law enforcement was able to confirm Hawkes was at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center when the theft occurred. 

Hawkes sold the stolen pistol to Cisco’s Gallery and law enforcement recovered it on October 24, 2024.

Following his arrest on an unrelated matter, an FBI Task Force Officer interviewed Hawkes about the September 2024 theft. He initially denied any involvement, but later said the knife, which he thought was a replica, was in his storage unit. He allowed the FBI to enter the unit and they recovered the knife.

During a second interview in May 2025, Hawkes again denied stealing the pistol and knife and said pleading guilty in his prior case did not seem to help since he received a prison sentence as opposed to probation. Hawkes has a history of theft that spans more than 40 years in California, Nevada, and Idaho.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Myers prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Great Falls Police Department, the United States Forest Service, and the FBI Art Crime Team/FBI Billings Division.

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GREAT FALLS – A Poplar man who assaulted a female on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 23 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Lawrence George Fast Horse, 35, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of domestic assault by a habitual offender.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on August 2, 2024, Lawrence George Fast Horse stabbed Jane Doe in Poplar. Responding officers observed a stab wound on Jane Doe’s upper back. An officer searched Fast Horse at the scene and located a knife with brass knuckles attached to it in his right-side shorts pocket.

A witness told law enforcement Fast Horse and Jane Doe were arguing. She saw Fast Horse push Jane Doe from behind and then noticed him attempt to conceal a blade behind his back.

Jane Doe was treated for three stab wounds and was admitted to the hospital for overnight observation.

Fast Horse has been convicted of several prior domestic assaults, including on June 20, 2008, May 23, 2009, January 27, 2013, October 21, 2019, and October 26, 2020.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS - A Poplar man accused of murder and using a firearm in the commission of the murder admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Michael J. Ackerman, 74, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder and one count of use of a firearm during a crime of violence. Ackerman faces a maximum term of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for June 3, 2026. Ackerman was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in the early morning hours of September 14, 2025, law enforcement officers in Billings responded to a call and were advised Ackerman had admitted to killing three people – Jane Doe 1, John Doe, and Jane Doe 2. Deputies initiated contact with Ackerman inside the house in Billings.

After the deputies read his Miranda rights, Ackerman agreed to speak with law enforcement. He said on Thursday, September 11, 2025, he and the rest of the people in the house were using methamphetamine. Ackerman believed Jane Doe 1, John Doe, and Jane Doe 2 were “setting him up.” Ackerman said he was in the bedroom with Jane Doe 1, and Jane Doe 1 had a pistol in her hand. Ackerman picked up his Smith and Wesson 9 mm pistol and shot Jane Doe 1 twice in the head. The defendant heard John Doe and Jane Doe 2 moving in the next room. Michael walked into the room where John Doe and Jane Doe 2 were sleeping and shot them both. Ackerman told officers they would find the deceased inside his house in Poplar.

Fort Peck Law and Justice Department officers went to the house in Poplar and received no response. They were granted a telephonic search warrant from the Fort Peck Tribal Court and went inside the house at around 5:30am. Inside they found the deceased individuals mentioned by Ackerman – Jane Doe 1, John Doe, and Jane Doe 2. All three of the bodies had gunshot wounds and four 9 mm casings were close to the bodies.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The FBI, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice, and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS – A Harlem man who sexually abused a minor on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 24 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Ivan Daniel Raining Bird, 35, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of sexual abuse of a minor.

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

The government alleged in court documents that John Doe was about 13 years old when he received a Facebook Message from a user who went by “Ivey” and appeared to be a woman. “Ivey” turned out to be the defendant, Ivan Raining Bird, who was in his late 20s at the time. Doe and Raining Bird continued to message, and Raining Bird eventually invited Doe over to his house.

When Doe arrived at Raining Bird’s house, he realized Raining Bird was a man dressed as a woman. Doe and Raining Bird shared substances and Raining Bird performed oral sex on Doe. For several months, Raining Bird committed similar assaults on Doe.

The FBI investigated Doe’s disclosure of the abuse and interviewed Raining Bird. Raining Bird admitted sharing drugs with teenagers in the past and specifically admitted he knew John Doe was a minor and sexually assaulted him on multiple occasions.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS - A Brockton man accused of assaulting a man and sexually assaulting a minor on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation admitted to charges yesterday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Eithan Toby McKay, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse of a minor and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. McKay faces a maximum imprisonment of 15 years, a $250,000 fine and up to a lifetime of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing will be set for a later date. McKay was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in September 2024, law enforcement received information about a juvenile female, Jane Doe, being pregnant. Doe was subsequently interviewed and identified Eithan Toby McKay as the father. Doe and McKay met on social media and started hanging out. The two engaged in a sexual relationship and conceived a child. Based on the due date, it was determined that Doe was 13 years old at the time of conception. McKay was 19 at the time. DNA testing later determined that Doe and McKay are 5.7 billion times more likely to be the parents than if Doe and an unrelated randomly selected person are the parents.

Additionally, shortly after 2:00 am on March 4, 2025, a person called 911 to report an assault at an address in Brockton. The person said an individual was struck over the head with a machete and was bleeding. When asked by the 911 operator if the perpetrator was still there the caller said, “He just walked in the living room - he’s drunk - it’s Eithan McKay.”

Law enforcement arrived and found the victim, John Doe, with serious injuries to his head, arm, and shoulder. Doe was bleeding heavily. The responding officer could see Doe’s bones in multiple places and applied a tourniquet. Doe said Eithan McKay slashed him with a machete because Doe wanted to leave and McKay didn’t want him to leave. As they loaded Doe into an ambulance, McKay walked over with his hands in the air and said he did it. He continued by saying he stabbed Doe and then Doe took the machete from him.

Doe was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital with severe lacerations to the shoulder, arm, head, and back. He was provided fentanyl for pain management. He was air flighted to Billings for treatment.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS - A Hays man accused of assaulting two females on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Lane Blake Kirkaldie, 21, pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of simple assault. Kirkaldie faces a term of imprisonment of ten years, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for May 28, 2026. Kirkaldie was released with conditions pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in the early hours of January 1, 2025, Kirkaldie and a group of people attended a gathering at a house on the Fort Belknap Indian

Reservation. According to witnesses, there was an altercation that resulted in Kirkaldie being told to leave the house. Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 left the house with him. The trio walked to a business in Lodge Pole, which is equipped with surveillance cameras. In one of the surveillance videos, Kirkaldie can be seen throwing things before lunging toward Jane Doe 2. The video also shows him making threatening comments while holding a glass bottle.

A different surveillance video shows both Jane Does leave the building, with Kirkaldie trailing them outside. He tried to approach Jane Doe 2, and Jane Doe 1 put herself between them. She held Kirkaldie back as Jane Doe 2 returned inside. After he pushed her away, Kirkaldie struck Jane Doe 1 in the head with the glass bottle, which cut her head badly enough to require stitches.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS – A Billings woman who trafficked methamphetamine was sentenced today to 60 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Stephanie Marie Nava, 37, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on June 26, 2023, the Billings Police Department determined an apartment belonging to Stephanie Nava was used for storing drugs by Nava’s co-defendant. A state search warrant was executed. Nava was present and said she didn’t know what her co-defendant stored at her place. During the search, officers located 7 grams of fentanyl pills and 16.7 grams of meth in a back bedroom.

Law enforcement officers served a search warrant on a hotel room in Billings where approximately 2.77 pounds of methamphetamine was seized. Officers determined this was originally 8 pounds, but the rest had been distributed to others. Law enforcement executed another search warrant at a residence and seized eight ounces of meth. The original 8 pounds and the redistributed quantities were coordinated through Stephanie Nava and a co-defendant, both of whom were in Mexico.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The DEA and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS – A Billings man who possessed a firearm following a felony conviction was found guilty by a federal judge today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Following a 1-day trial, Cody Lloyd Smith, 42, was found guilty of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The penalties for that crime are up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for May 28, 2026. 

The government alleged in court documents and at trial that Smith and three others were traveling in Carbon County, Montana on December 8, 2023. Smith was driving. A Carbon County Sheriff’s deputy clocked Smith going 91 mph in a 65-mph zone and pulled him over. The deputy thought Smith might be under the influence and eventually ran his trained K-9 around the car. The dog hit on the car and the deputy seized it and conducted a search on December 9, 2023, the day after the traffic stop. He seized several items, including a Taurus, 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Smith is prohibited from possessing firearms based on his felony conviction in Nevada in 2016 for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Yerger prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF.

MISSOULA – A Spokane man who trafficked dangerous drugs while possessing firearms was sentenced yesterday to 200 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Thomas Anthony Biesiadecki, 30, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

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

The government alleged in court documents that several sources identified Biesiadecki as their major supplier of fentanyl. Sources stated they purchased thousands of fentanyl pills from him and one source said Biesiadecki would travel to Missoula from Spokane daily from January 2024 through the middle of summer 2024 to deliver fentanyl pills and powder. Another source stated they purchased fentanyl pills and methamphetamine from Biesiadecki in 2024. One source reported Biesiadecki traveled to Missoula and then Butte to trade drugs for firearms.

On May 16, 2025, Biesiadecki’s vehicle was searched in Spokane, Washington. Law enforcement officers located two firearms, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and cash. Biesiadecki was interviewed and admitted to distributing drugs and trading drugs for firearms in the vehicle.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI's Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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BILLINGS - A Pray man accused of possessing explosives admitted to charges yesterday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Kadin Hawkeye Lewis, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of unregistered destructive devices. Lewis faces a term of imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for May 20, 2026. Lewis was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on September 19, 2022, law enforcement officers were called to investigate reports of a dead body in a travel trailer near Pray, an unincorporated community in Park County, Montana. Law enforcement arrived at the scene and observed a deceased man in a trailer in which Lewis lived, and it appeared the man had died from a gunshot wound to the top of the head. During an authorized search of the trailer, officers located eight Molotov cocktails, complete with bottles, fuel, and wicks, located in a cabinet. Elsewhere throughout the trailer, law enforcement recovered dozens of empty bottles and rags that could be used to assemble additional Molotov cocktails, as well as several journals and other writings belonging to Lewis. In some of the writings, Lewis discussed a plan to make Molotov cocktails and use them as destructive devices.

The Molotov cocktail evidence was ultimately collected and submitted to the FBI Laboratory. Explosives experts determined the fuel inside the bottles was an ignitable liquid, and when ignited, the assembled bottles, rags, and fuel would function as improvised incendiary devices, commonly known as homemade firebombs or Molotov cocktails. A search of the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record found Lewis has never applied for or received permission to possess a destructive device.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeff Starnes and Benjamin Hargrove prosecuted the case. The FBI and Park County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS - A Laurel man accused of possessing a firearm illegally admitted to charges on Tuesday, January 20, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Kenton Charles Maslen, 64, pleaded guilty to one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Maslen faces a term of imprisonment of 15 years, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing will be set for a later date. Maslen was detained further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on April 19, 2025, law enforcement was asked to assist with the eviction of Maslen from a residence in Laurel, Montana. During the search, law enforcement observed a white crystalline substance on a piece of glass in Maslen’s bedroom. Based on this discovery, law enforcement obtained a search warrant on the same day and discovered the following:

• The search in Maslen’s bedroom yielded a brown leather handgun holster a green ammunition can. The can contained boxes of .22 caliber ammo and 12-gauge shotgun ammunition.
• In the driveway of Maslen’s residence was a fifth-wheel camper Maslen claimed as his own. During the search of the camper, a black 12-gauge shotgun was in a case. The shotgun did not have a serial number, and it appeared that the barrel had been cut short to approximately 16 inches. The case also contained a loaded pistol magazine for a Smith and Wesson pistol, more shotgun ammunition and 9mm ammunition.
• On the floor of the camper was a compartment that agents were able to open. They discovered another firearm, a North American Arms .17 caliber revolver.
• Law enforcement also searched the defendant’s truck and discovered a gun box containing a Ruger “Single Six” .22 caliber revolver.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case.  The ATF, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA – A Honduran man who entered the United States illegally was sentenced today to time served, 192 days, and was remanded to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Grevil Lopez Flores, 36, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of reentry of removed alien.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on July 12, 2025, Lopez Flores was arrested for driving under the influence in Bozeman. The detention facility notified the Department of Homeland Security that he matched the description of an individual with immigration arrests and prior deportations.

Fingerprint comparisons confirmed Lopez Flores was issued a final order of removal on April 23, 2019, and has been removed from the United States on one prior occasion. On May 15, 2019, he was removed through the Mesa, Arizona, port of entry. He was served with notice barring him from returning to the United States for 10 years.

During an interview on July 14, 2025, Lopez Flores provided his name and his date of birth. He confirmed he is a Honduran national and citizen and has no documents to enter or remain in the United States.

There is no indication in the files of the Department of Homeland Security Lopez Flores ever applied for or obtained the permission of the United States Attorney General or successor, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, to reenter the United States.

Prior criminal history for Lopez Flores includes a December 7, 2018, conviction in the United States District Court, District of Wyoming, for operating a vehicle under the influence, a misdemeanor, for which he was sentenced to a term of six days in jail and a fine.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bozeman Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, and Department of Homeland Security Enforcement and Removal Office conducted the investigation.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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MISSOULA - A Bozeman woman accused of obtaining relief funds through fraud admitted to charges yesterday U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Alaina Marie Garcia, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of money laundering. She faces up to 30 years in prison for the bank fraud, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and five years of supervised release. For money laundering, she faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for May 20, 2026. Garcia was released with conditions pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on May 5, 2020, Garcia, as an authorized representative of Bluebird Property Rentals LLC, an entity she controlled, applied for and was approved for a Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan through Celtic Bank, in the amount of $613,000.00. In the PPP application, Garcia falsely stated that Bluebird Property Rentals LLC had paid payroll taxes and had 32 employees with an average monthly payroll expense of $245,533.00. None of these statements were true. Garcia and Bluebird Property Rentals LLC had no employees and had never paid payroll tax. Both of these fraudulent statements were material as they effected Garcia’s eligibility to receive the loan and the amount she received. Without these fraudulent statements, the loan would not have been issued.

In the loan application, Garcia also agreed that the funds “will be used to retain workers and maintain payroll or make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments, as specified under the Paycheck Protection Program Rule.” Garcia did not use the proceeds in this manner and instead spent the funds on personal expenses for her private benefit. Most of the funds were expended purchasing a large piece of property in the Bozeman area. On May 11, 2020, Garcia transferred $548,000.00 of the loan proceeds to Axilon Law Group as a part of this real estate transaction.

On July 25, 2020, Garcia applied for and was granted forgiveness of the loan. To obtain forgiveness, Garcia falsely claimed to have used the funds for qualified expenses including payroll and business mortgage interest payments. None of these statements were true.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case. The Internal Revenue Service and Small Business Administration conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS – A Browning man who caused a death on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 12 months and a day in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Joseph Wayne Cree Medicine, 41, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of involuntary manslaughter.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on December 7, 2023, Cree Medicine crashed his Dodge Durango. The back seat passenger, John Doe, died as a result. The crash occurred after Cree Medicine left the roadway, overcorrected, and ultimately rolled the vehicle. Montana Highway Patrol conducted the crash investigation and determined Cree Medicine was driving too fast for conditions and was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. A blood draw taken at the hospital showed Cree Medicine’s blood contained an alcohol content (BAC) of .137.

EMS treated Doe at the scene and transported him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The BIA, Montana Highway Patrol, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS – A Poplar man who sexually abused a minor on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 40 months in prison to be followed by 6 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Chandler Duran Longtree, 19, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of sexual abuse.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on January 18, 2025, Jane Doe was drinking with a group of young people. She eventually separated from her friend and went with the defendants, Chandler Longtree and Payton Montclair, both 18 at the time, to Longtree’s house. While at the house, she was sexually assaulted by Longtree and Montclair. Doe reported the assault and underwent an exam from a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), which revealed evidence consistent with a sexual assault.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS – A Mexican man who illegally re-entered the United States was sentenced today to time served, 97 days, and was remanded to the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Justino Sanchez-Melo, 42, pleaded guilty in December 2025 to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Sanchez-Melo was one of four illegal aliens encountered at a hotel in Great Falls on October 10, 2025. Prior to the apprehension and arrests, law enforcement received information regarding possible illegal aliens working in Great Falls, Montana and living at the hotel. Law enforcement conducted surveillance on the location and located numerous vehicles registered to possible illegal aliens with prior removals and without permission to be, work, or live in the United States.

At approximately 7:00 a.m. on October 10, 2025, law enforcement consensually encountered Sanchez-Melo walking near the hotel parking lot. Officers identified themselves and conducted an immigration inspection on Sanchez-Melo. Sanchez-Melo readily admitted to being a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States. At this point, Sanchez-Melo was placed under arrest and was transported to the Sweetgrass Border Patrol Station for further investigation and processing.

Sanchez-Melo was advised of his rights. He acknowledged his rights and was unwilling to answer questions without a lawyer present.

The investigation revealed Sanchez-Melo has the following immigration history:

• Originally apprehended and ordered removed by United States Border Patrol on February 24, 2011, and was removed on February 26, 2011, through Calexico, California.
• Encountered on March 14, 2011, where his order of removal was reinstated. Sanchez-Melo was then removed on March 18, 2011, through Del Rio, Texas.
• Encountered on September 2, 2013, where his order of removal was reinstated. Sanchez-Melo was then removed on December 14, 2013, through Eagle Pass, Texas.
• Encountered on May 22, 2023, where his order of removal was reinstated. Sanchez-Melo was then removed on September 19, 2023, through Nogales, Arizona.

Sanchez-Melo has 3 previous federal convictions of 8 U.S.C. § 1325, Improper entry by alien.

There is no indication in the files of Department of Homeland Security that Sanchez-Melo ever applied for or obtained the permission of the United States Attorney General or successor, or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter the United States.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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GREAT FALLS - A Hays woman accused of an assault on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Alta Rose Chandler, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Chandler faces up to 10 years in prison, a $100,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for May 14, 2026. Chandler was released with conditions pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on the evening of September 29, 2023, Chandler and Heavenlee Sears were driving around on the Fort Belknap reservation and drinking beer. Late in the night, the two went to a bar to buy more alcohol before driving to John Doe’s home.

When Chandler and Sears arrived at Doe’s house, they were highly intoxicated, and they beat him. Sears hit Doe multiple times on the head with a peppermint schnapps bottle. Chandler hit Doe with her fists after he had fallen to the ground.

Around 6:00 a.m. on September 30, Sears called a family member to say something was wrong with Doe. Family arrived and found Chandler trying to clean up blood on the floor. According to the witness, Chandler rubbed some of the blood on her arm and said, “I did this. I mean, my dad did this.” Witnesses saw a glass peppermint schnapps bottle at the scene.

Doe was taken to Fort Belknap Indian Health Services. He was unresponsive and breathing erratically. After he was intubated, Doe was life flighted to a higher level of care. On October 18, 2023, Doe was admitted to the Long-Term Care Hospital in Billings, Montana. He was diagnosed with traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. Doe was largely unresponsive to stimuli and completely nonverbal due to his traumatic brain injury. Doe died on December 11, 2023.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS – A Great Falls man who trafficked methamphetamine was sentenced today to 220 months in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Michael Lee Wakeford, 62, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of money laundering.

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

The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement learned defendant Mike Wakeford was involved in the distribution of methamphetamine in Great Falls and elsewhere between approximately late 2019 or early 2020 through at least January 2021. Wakeford obtained methamphetamine from a source of supply in Arizona for redistribution in Montana. In approximately late 2021 or early 2022, Wakeford introduced his brother, Daniel Wakeford, to his source of supply in Arizona. During this trip, the Wakefords acquired between five and 10 pounds of methamphetamine that they later transported to and sold in Montana.

Law enforcement spoke with numerous individuals who received methamphetamine from Mike Wakeford between approximately 2020 and 2021. In November 2024, an informant disclosed that he/she met Wakeford at a pre-release center in Great Falls in 2020 and began to work with him to distribute methamphetamine. The informant said Wakeford would provide the informant methamphetamine to re-sell and to use. The first time, Wakeford gave the informant approximately two ounces of methamphetamine, but it eventually evolved to Wakeford providing the informant pound-quantities of methamphetamine. This informant stated Wakeford made numerous trips to Arizona to resupply.

In January 2021, a second informant disclosed he/she met Wakeford when they were in prison together in 2020. Upon release, the informant received methamphetamine from Wakeford for use and resale on approximately eight occasions. The informant estimated he/she received approximately two pounds of methamphetamine from Wakeford.

Wakeford has several prior convictions for drug offenses, including a conviction in the United States District Court for the District of Montana for Aiding and Abetting Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.

In January 2024, Wakeford purchased a car through an intermediary from a car dealer in Great Falls for $10,099 in cash. The funds used to purchase the car were proceeds from the crime of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeff Starnes and Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The Russell Country Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS – Two women who trafficked methamphetamine were sentenced this week, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Jenny Olivia Denny, 43, of Dodson, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. She was sentenced to 48 months in prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.

Mona Bonita Gonzalez, 44, of Billings, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. She was sentenced to 60 months in prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.

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

The government alleged in court documents that beginning in approximately 2023, law enforcement began investigating a drug trafficking ring based out of Mexico that was sourcing illegal narcotics to Wyoming, South Dakota, and Montana, including Billings.

On August 2, 2023, law enforcement officers served a search warrant at a Billings hotel room rented by Gonzalez. Law enforcement seized approximately 2.77 pounds of methamphetamine. Law enforcement determined in addition to the 2.77 pounds found, there were additional amounts of methamphetamine given to individuals in Billings for redistribution, including two pounds to Jenny Denny.

On August 3, 2023, agents served a search warrant at a home where Denny and two other women lived. Agents seized eight ounces of meth and $2,660 in cash.

Both defendants' phones were analyzed by law enforcement. Messages between Denny and a co-conspirator/supplier of meth, who is located in Mexico, were reviewed. In one message Denny’s supplier asked her if she was ready for another pound yet, and Denny responded that she was still waiting on money. Other messages indicate Denny was distributing meth in the Billings area. Gonzalez’s two phones showed messages between Gonzales and a co-conspirator/supplier of meth who is located in Mexico where Gonzales asked about more drugs and the supplier indicated the drugs were on the way.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The DEA and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the investigation.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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GREAT FALLS – A Billings woman who trafficked methamphetamine was sentenced yesterday to 136 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Raven Michelle Volkomener, 43, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on May 4, 2024, law enforcement received reports of a car driving erratically south towards Billings on Highway 87. Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) identified the vehicle roughly five miles from Billings, observed it commit a traffic infraction, and pulled it over.

Law enforcement asked the driver to step out of the car and she was identified as Volkomener. She had an outstanding felony arrest warrant. She was taken into custody and that same day law enforcement, pursuant to a search warrant, searched the vehicle. Among other items discovered in the vehicle were four packages of suspected methamphetamine located in a backpack in the back seat. The methamphetamine was later analyzed and found to contain over 1,700 grams of pure meth.

Law enforcement also obtained a search warrant for the Volkomener’s cell phone and found text messages from at least February 2023 to May 4, 2024, between Volkomener and a co-defendant talking about a trip by Volkomener to Great Falls in May 2024 to collect methamphetamine.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeff Starnes and Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The Montana Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Montana Department of Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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BILLINGS – A previous sex offender from Billings who attempted to obtain nude photos from a person he thought was 12 years old was sentenced today to a total of 324 months in prison to be followed by lifetime supervised release. supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Steven Dwyane Scott, 51, was found guilty at a September 2025 trial of one count of attempted coercion and enticement and one count of possession of child pornography.  Mr. Scott was also ordered to pay a total of $17,200 in special assessments.

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

The government alleged in court documents and at trial that in March 2024, law enforcement, acting in an undercover capacity and posing as a 12-year-old juvenile female, electronically reached out to Scott on Facebook. Scott accepted the invite and the two parties began conversing. The communications eventually transitioned to KIK.

The communications lasted from roughly March 7, 2024, until May 28, 2024. During the chats, Scott was put on notice of the “child’s” age, indicated he should not be talking to her yet continued, and sought pictures of her, including nude pictures. On May 21, 2024, Scott sent the “child” images of a gift card and payment for possible nude images from her. Scott provided instructions to the undercover officer as to the best way to verify money was on the card. Thereafter, on May 27, 2024, Scott sent a $25 Amazon gift card to the “child,” again for the purpose of obtaining images from the child. The last communication law enforcement received from Scott was on May 28, 2024.

When law enforcement reached out to Scott, he was a registered sex offender following a 1997 conviction for Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota.

Several years before the conduct in this case, in 2018, Scott corresponded with multiple juvenile females online. One of those children was Jane Doe 1. A law enforcement investigation stemming from Jane Doe 1’s disclosure led to a search warrant of Scott’s Snapchat account and the discovery of his interest in juvenile females. Sexually explicit images of a different victim, Jane Doe 2, were discovered on Scott’s Snapchat account.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Montana Department of Criminal Investigations, the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and the Townsend, Massachusetts Police Department.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

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GREAT FALLS – An East Helena man who possessed guns and ammunition illegally was sentenced today to 28 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Justin Curtis Huckaby, 44, was found guilty at a September 2025 trial of two counts of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

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

The government alleged in court documents and at trial that Huckaby was convicted of a felony in the Montana Thirteenth Judicial District on June 5, 2019. He was sentenced to a period of custody of up to 15 years, with 5 years suspended, followed by a period of supervision with the Department of Corrections. Huckaby’s judgment set out the conditions of his supervision, which included a prohibition of “using, owning, possession, transferring, or controlling any firearm, [or] ammunition….” That condition was also read to Huckaby in open court.

On June 13, 2023, Huckaby signed the Firearms and Voting Regulations form, which states:

“I further understand that my right to possess or own firearms or ammunition is suspended while under supervision. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing or receiving firearms or ammunition [Title 18, United States Code Section 922(g)(1)]. Therefore, I understand I could be prosecuted for a violation of Federal law. I also understand that I could be punished for violating my conditions of supervision AND federally prosecuted.”

That same day, Huckaby signed his conditions of probation and parole. Condition 15 states: “Weapons: I will not use, own, possess, transfer, or be in control of any firearms, ammunition (including black powder), or weapons.”

On August 5, 2024, around 4 a.m., law enforcement officers responded to a casino in East Helena, Montana. Officers were informed Huckaby was at the casino and had drugs and a firearm in his vehicle. Upon arrival, law enforcement contacted Huckaby who was in the driver’s seat of his white Chevrolet pickup parked outside the casino. Huckaby confirmed he was on parole but denied there was anything his truck that would violate his conditions of supervision. During contact with Huckaby, law enforcement saw a glass pipe with burnt residue on the center console. The pipe later field tested positive for methamphetamine. A probation search was authorized and performed on the vehicle.

During the search, officers found a loaded 9mm handgun under the driver’s rear passenger seat. It was loaded with 9mm caliber ammunition. A box of 9mm caliber ammunition was also located in a backpack. Huckaby later admitted to touching and handling the firearm earlier that day.

Huckaby also threatened to shoot an individual after he suspected the individual took his 8-ball of methamphetamine and money that he won at other casinos that evening.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and the State of Montana Probation and Parole.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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GREAT FALLS – A North Carolina man who distributed fentanyl at MSU Northern was sentenced today to 60 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Joel Hadley, III, 23, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in the summer of 2022, law enforcement received information that Joel Hadley III, a football player, was trafficking fentanyl from student housing on the campus of Montana State University - Northern (MSU-N) in Havre. Reporting indicated Hadley was selling large amounts of fentanyl to Native Americans from the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation and Fort Belknap Indian Reservation.

Several controlled purchases of fentanyl pills were conducted using a confidential source. In each instance, the source communicated with Hadley to set up a purchase. Law enforcement equipped the source with a controlled monitoring device and prerecorded funds.

A federal search warrant for Hadley’s residence was granted and executed in September 2023. Law enforcement seized a firearm and loaded magazine, a plastic bag containing fentanyl, and $861 in U.S. currency.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Myers prosecuted the case. The FBI, DEA, U.S. Border Patrol and Tri-Agency Task Force conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS – A Helena man who possessed a firearm illegally was sentenced today to 180 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Chaz Dean Cox, 29, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in April 2019, Chaz Dean Cox was convicted of multiple felony counts of burglary and drug possession in Lewis and Clark County. Because of his convictions, the defendant was prohibited from owning, possessing, transferring or controlling any firearm or ammunition.

On March 31, 2024, law enforcement officers were on patrol in Helena and saw Cox and his co-defendant accessing the interior of a vehicle. Cox was taken into custody based on active arrest warrants. Officers seized the involved vehicle based on plain view observations related to suspected drug possession.

On April 1, 2024, law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant on the vehicle. Items seized from the vehicle included a loaded 7.62x25mm caliber pistol.

In a law enforcement interview, Cox denied possessing the firearm. His co-defendant was interviewed and admitted concocting a lie with Cox about who possessed the gun to prevent Cox from getting into trouble. The co-defendant was not responsible for getting the gun, and it belonged to Cox. The first time the co-defendant saw the gun was the night before Cox was arrested and Cox was worried about getting caught with the gun.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The ATF, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Helena Police Department, and State of Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation.

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MISSOULA – A California woman who attempted to smuggle a citizen of Great Britain into the United States was sentenced today to 6 months of probation, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Tracy Routh Lautenslager, 54, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to one count of conspiracy to bring aliens into the United States at a location other than a designated port of entry.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on April 1, 2025, a vehicle entered the United States through the Roosville, Montana Port of Entry. The vehicle was operated by the Lautenslager, a United States citizen. She was admitted to the United States and proceeded to the Swisher Lake area near Lake Koocanusa. The United States Border Patrol encountered her driving around the area.

Around that same time, the Border Patrol was alerted to a lone male walking across the international boundary line from Canada to the United States. They responded and searched for the man but were unable to locate him and believed he returned to Canada.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) apprehended the man after they found him walking around and seemingly lost. They escorted him to the Roosville, British Columbia (BC) Port of Entry to be identified and processed. The man, Lautenslager’s husband, was identified as a citizen of Great Britain who does not have any lawful status in the United States.

On suspicions of smuggling, Lautenslager was denied entry back to Canada and returned to the United States, where she was interviewed by law enforcement. She disclosed she and her husband planned to circumvent the immigration process and avoid the point of entry because he did not have legal status in the United States. She said the plan was to drop him off at a location on the Canadian side of the border, drive into the United States, and then pick him up. She admitted what she attempted to do was wrong.

Lautenslager’s cellular phone was collected and searched. The phone contained text messages between her and her husband discussing logistics as the conspiracy was unfolding.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katy Stack prosecuted the case. The U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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MISSOULA – A Bigfork man who threatened and harassed his victim through text messages was sentenced today to 46 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Jeremiah Daniel Starr, 25, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to one count of cyberstalking.

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

“Protecting victims from harassment and stalking in this highly technical age is a growing concern, particularly in cases like this, where the defendant caused emotional distress to the victim for many years and even discharged a firearm at one point as part of his elaborate ruse. I want to thank the Assistant U.S. Attorneys and staff in our office, and our partners at the FBI, for their hard work on this case.” U.S. Attorney Alme said.

“The defendant exploited the anonymity of the internet to harass and intimidate the victim, inflicting lasting fear and emotional harm,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin Gerken of the FBI Billings Field Office. “This case reflects the FBI’s extensive and persistent investigative efforts to protect the victim and hold the offender fully accountable.”

The government alleged in court documents that Jane Doe received threatening and harassing text messages from an unknown sender for almost three years. The culprit was not a stranger. Rather, it was Jane Doe’s “best friend,” Jeremiah Starr. When sending the messages by his cellular telephone, Starr masked his identity by using more than 50 unique phone numbers and a NordVPN, which required the FBI to analyze over 1,100 distinct IP addresses.

On February 9, 2025, Starr used a firearm during the offense. Jane Doe was sleeping, and Starr pretended to “return” fire at individuals Starr alleged shot into Jane Doe’s apartment. None of that was true. Instead, Starr used a firearm to shoot rounds into the apartment and shot rounds outside the apartment as well. Starr lied about the shooting to harass Jane Doe and make her continue to think she was in danger. Jane Doe told investigators Starr’s harassment was unbearable and caused her significant emotional distress.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee Peterson prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS – A Wolf Point man accused of murdering a man by arson on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was arraigned yesterday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Anthony David Flynn, 35, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with felony murder and arson. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, Flynn faces mandatory life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release.

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

Count 1 of the indictment alleges that on or about September 28, 2024, at and near Wolf Point, Flynn unlawfully and with malice aforethought killed John Doe, by smoke inhalation and thermal injuries, in the perpetration of arson.

Count 2 of the indictment alleges that on or about September 28, 2024, at and near Wolf Point, Flynn willfully and maliciously set fire to and burned a structure at 200 1st Ave. S. in Wolf Point.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office, and State of Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.

The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

PACER case reference. 25-116.

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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BOZEMAN – The operator of illegal online marketplaces that sold digital templates of false identity documents, such as passports, social security cards, and driver’s licenses, was charged in a nine-count federal indictment unsealed in the District of Montana today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. The United States also announced that it seized three of the marketplace domains used for selling fraudulent identity documents around the world.

Zahid Hasan, 29, of Dhaka, Bangladesh, is charged with six counts of transfer of false identification documents, two counts of false use of a passport, and one count of social security fraud. If convicted of transferring false identification documents or false use of a passport, as charged in counts 1 through 8, Hasan faces up to 15 years of imprisonment on each count. Social security fraud, as charged in count 9, carries a maximum sentence of 5 years. Each count also carries a maximum fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised release.

The indictment alleges that from at least 2021 through 2025, Hasan operated multiple online businesses based out of Bangladesh, named “TechTreek” and “EGiftCardStoreBD.” These websites electronically sold and transferred digital versions of false government-issued identity and other documents, including U.S. passports, U.S. social security cards, and Montana driver’s licenses. The false identity documents were the types commonly used to create fraudulent online accounts at banks, online processors, social media sites, and digital currency platforms. Customers to these marketplaces could use virtual currencies, such as Bitcoin, to purchase a U.S. passport template for the equivalent of $12, a U.S. social security card for $9.37, and a Montana driver’s license for $14.05. Over a four-year period of operation, Hasan is alleged to have received more than $2.9 million through sales on TechTreek from more than 1,400 customers located around the world.

On May 13, 2025, Hasan accepted Bitcoin payments through TechTreek and EGiftCardStoreBD from an individual in Bozeman, Montana and then transferred or attempted to transfer fraudulent templates of U.S. passports, U.S. social security cards, and Montana driver’s licenses to that individual.

As part of its investigation, the United States seized three domains operated by Hasan to further his fraudulent documents businesses: www.techtreek.com; www.egiftcardstorebd.com; and www.idtempl.com. Visitors to these sites now receive the following message: 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Hargrove is prosecuting the case. The FBI’s Billings Division and Salt Lake City Cyber Task Force conducted the investigation in coordination with FBI’s International Operations Division and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Department’s Counterterrorism and Transnational Crime Unit.

The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

PACER case reference. 25-44.

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 woman who distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl was sentenced today to 120 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Tori Lee Hutzenbieler, 46, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in May 2023, law enforcements officers learned from a source of information that Tori Hutzenbieler was selling drugs in the Billings area. The source said Hutzenbieler concealed drugs in a trap compartment inside her Toyota Camry. Law enforcement learned through electronic surveillance that Hutzenbieler, using the Camry, frequented a storage unit at odd hours and then drove around town making several stops.

A search warrant was executed on Hutzenbieler’s residence where fentanyl pills were located under her mattress and $3,919 in cash was found in the bedroom. Four vehicles at Hutzenbieler’s residence were also searched and a trap compartment was located inside the Camry. Law enforcement searched a Buick used by Hutzenbieler and located and seized a bag of methamphetamine and several fentanyl pills from the trunk.

Additionally, law enforcement executed a search of Hutzenbieler’s storage unit where methamphetamine and fentanyl pills were located inside a red cooler.

Hutzenbieler’s cell phone had several text messages related to drug transactions and a photograph of her holding a plastic bag containing a large amount of methamphetamine.

In total, Hutzenbieler was found in possession of 393.5 grams of methamphetamine and 1,007 fentanyl pills.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten prosecuted the case. The DEA and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS – A Sand Springs woman accused of tampering with drugs at a local health care center admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Kailyn Marie Smotherman, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with consumer products. Smotherman faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. District Court Judge Susan P. Watters presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for April 15, 2026. Smotherman remains released with conditions pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on January 19, 2023, Kailyn Marie Smotherman was discovered to have been tampering with controlled substances at the Garfield County Health Center in Jordan, Montana, where she worked as the Director of Nursing. Staff at the facility entered Smotherman’s locked office to retrieve a narcotics log and noticed several suspicious items, including hospital stock narcotics, an IV pole, tourniquets, needles, IV equipment, replacement vial caps, replacement medication labels, and what appeared to be blood on many surfaces. During a subsequent search of the office, staff and law enforcement found numerous vials of fentanyl that had been tampered with (caps removed and replaced) or had been emptied. They also discovered other controlled substances that had been replaced.

Staff reported concerns patients may have received saline solution instead of pain medication in the months preceding the incident.

A forensic chemist with the Food and Drug Administration conducted an analysis of the containers confiscated from Smotherman’s office and concluded the controlled substances had been tampered with and adulterated.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The DEA, FDA and Garfield County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS – A Mexican man who was in the United States illegally was sentenced yesterday to time served, 31 days, and remanded to the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Marco Antonio Contreras-Delira, 40, pleaded guilty in November 2025 to one count of illegal reentry.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on November 14, 2025, law enforcement encountered three individuals in a vehicle near Froid, Montana, including Contreras-Delira. The individuals presented Mexican identifications and admitted they were in the United States illegally.

Contreras-Delira was transported to the Plentywood, Montana, Border Patrol Station for processing. Record checks confirmed he had been issued several final orders of removal and had been removed from the United States on one prior occasion.

On December 28, 2007, Contreras-Delira was given a final order of removal and removed in December 2009. He had an active warrant at the time of his arrest in 2007. After paying his fine, authorities released him and he absconded to Texas where he was eventually arrested. Record checks revealed Contreras-Delira was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol on February 1, 2004, in Bartow County, Georgia.

On November 14, 2025, Border Patrol agents interviewed Contreras-Delira. He confirmed he is a Mexican national and citizen and has no documents to enter or remain in the United States. There is no indication in the files of Department of Homeland Security Contreras-Delira ever applied for or obtained the permission of the Homeland Security to reenter the United States.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The U.S. Border Patrol and Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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GREAT FALLS - A Harlem man and federal employee accused of selling methamphetamine on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation admitted to charges on Tuesday, December 9, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Jess Louis Brockie, 35, pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. Brockie faces 20 years of imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release.

The government alleged in court documents that in July 2024, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General became aware of allegations a federal employee working at the Indian Health Services (“IHS”) in Harlem was selling controlled substances out of the facility. The employee was identified as the defendant, Jess Louis Brockie, who worked as a custodian at IHS. While being monitored by the investigating agencies, a confidential source purchased methamphetamine from Brockie after meeting at the IHS facility on August 19 and September 19, 2024.

Sentencing will be held on April 1, 2026.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Vestal is prosecuting the case. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, BIA, DEA, and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS – A Billings man who distributed methamphetamine in Billings was sentenced today to 120 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S.   Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Stetson Claude Nash McBride, 30, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. 

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

The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement learned from a confidential informant McBride was offering to purchase methamphetamine on the Dark Web. As such, on February 21, 2024, the CI learned he/she could provide McBride $500 and acquire meth. The CI was provided with buy money, and a body wire was installed. The CI traveled to McBride’s residence. On the wire, McBride can be heard telling the CI he would provide a tracking number once he got one.

On March 11, 2024, the CI contacted law enforcement and said the package should be there today. Law enforcement learned several packages had been located going to McBride’s address. Law enforcement collected them and wrote a search warrant for one of the packages. On March 13, 2024, law enforcement opened the package pursuant to the warrant and discovered roughly 142 grams of a clear substance inside a sealed bag.

McBride’s phone was collected as part of the investigation and, pursuant to a search warrant, reviewed for evidence. Numerous messages indicative of drug dealing activity between January and March 2024 were discovered. Moreover, the suspected drugs identified above were tested and found to contain roughly 98 grams of actual methamphetamine.  Also, discovered on McBride’s cellular phone were images of child sex abuse material.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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GREAT FALLS – A Shelby woman who attempted to harbor illegal aliens was sentenced yesterday to 3 months in prison to be followed by 2 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Kristin Louise Mitchell, 41, was found guilty at trial of one count of attempted harboring of illegal aliens.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on February 21, 2025, a Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) officer encountered individuals during a traffic stop in Gallatin County. The stop was predicated on the vehicle displaying fictitious plates. The MHP officer cited the driver for the license plate violation and released the vehicle. On February 25, 2025, a Sweetgrass Station Border Patrol Agent ran a registration check on a temporary Montana vehicle tag in Shelby that came back to the same vehicle cited in the February 21 stop.

On March 4, 2025, Border Patrol Agents observed Mitchell driving the same vehicle with two male occupants. Deputies from the Toole County Sheriff’s Office also saw Mitchell driving the car and conducted a traffic stop when the car failed to stop at an intersection. Mitchell was driving and told the deputies the two men with her were political asylees and did not speak English. The deputies contacted Border Patrol for assistance.

A Border Patrol agent responded to the call and recognized Mitchell due to a prior encounter at the northern border. The agent attempted to speak with the two passengers in English and then in Spanish. When the agent asked the men about their citizenship, Mitchell answered for them and claimed they were political asylees from Venezuela. She also referred to one of the individuals as her boyfriend. Neither of the men could produce any documents to verify their status.

The three occupants of the vehicle, including Mitchell, were detained and taken to the Sweetgrass Border Patrol Station. Record checks on the other passengers revealed their identities as citizens of Venezuela, and neither had a record of being legally admitted into the country. Mitchell is a United States citizen and has two prior convictions for immigration offenses.

Meanwhile, while the traffic stop was ongoing, other Border Patrol officers surveilling Mitchell’s home saw a third man outside the house; this man matched a description of one of the men encountered during the February 21 MHP stop in Gallatin County. He was detained and admitted he had been previously removed from the United States. Border Patrol determined this individual as a citizen of Honduras.

One of the individuals was deposed in April 2025 and testified he was working on a commercial construction site near Bozeman for a man who refused to pay them, leaving him stranded. One of the Venezuelans knew Mitchell and they decided to drive to Shelby to stay with her. En route to Shelby, the men stopped at a Walmart and bought bottles of margaritas. They were stopped in East Helena and the driver was arrested for DUI. Mitchell was contacted and drove from Shelby to East Helena to bail the driver out of jail and collect the car, which was released to her. The three aliens then stayed with Mitchell at her home in Shelby for a few days before they were arrested.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol, Montana Highway Patrol and Toole County Sheriff’s Office.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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GREAT FALLS – Two Mexican men who entered the United States illegally were each sentenced yesterday to 39 days in prison, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Victor Manuel Uribe Luna, 35, and David Suarez-Olivera, 45, each pleaded guilty in November 2025 to one count of illegal reentry.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on November 2, 2025, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop off U.S. Highway 2 near Malta. The vehicle contained three individuals, only two of whom initially presented identification.

The driver was identified as Victor Manuel Uribe Luna and he presented a California Driver’s License as identification. Two passengers were also present in the vehicle, one of whom was identified as Suarez-Olivera. All three subjects were found to be present in the country illegally.

A records check found that Uribe Luna was formally removed from the United States on January 13, 2021, and he does not have legal documentation to enter, pass through, or remain in the United States.

A records check found that Suarez-Olivera was formally removed from the United States on January 26, 2006, and is likewise prohibited from re-entering the country.

During processing, both defendants acknowledged being citizens and nationals of Mexico without legal documentation to enter, pass through, or remain in the United States. They further acknowledged crossing the international boundary illegally without inspection by an Immigration Officer at a designated Port of Entry.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. U.S. Border Patrol and Phillips County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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BILLINGS – A Mexican man illegally living in Billings was sentenced today to 18 months in prison, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Javier Vidal Rico, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on December 25, 2024, at approximately midnight, deputies from the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office received a report that an unknown subject had brandished a firearm at a Christmas party on Lewis Avenue in Billings. The caller advised that the subject had been disarmed by another partygoer, but was threatening to return. The responding deputies interviewed John and Jane Doe, who said an unknown male had come to the Christmas party earlier that night and started an argument with John Doe. Jane Doe observed the subject withdraw a teal pistol from his waistband during the argument and point it at John Doe’s stomach. Jane Doe said John wrestled the pistol away from the subject, who fled the scene. John Doe gave the gun, a teal SCCY 9mm pistol, to the deputies.

John Doe further advised the subject left in a black Cadillac Escalade and that he had thrown a rock through one of the vehicle’s windows. The deputies found a black Escalade parked outside Rico’s residence with a shattered driver’s window and a “Rico Construction” decal on the back window. Deputies confirmed Rico lived at the address but were unable to contact him that night.

Deputies returned to the residence the next day to speak with Rico. He admitted he had been at the Christmas party the night before and left around midnight.  He acknowledged the Escalade belonged to him and that someone had broken the window while he was driving it.  He consented to a search of his residence, which revealed 23 live 9 mm rounds and 3 live .25 rounds on a shelf in Rico’s closet. Deputies also seized a SCCY pistol magazine loaded with 9 mm ammunition and a nylon gun holster.

The deputies arrested Rico and during the booking process he said he was a citizen of Mexico.  He admitted he paid a coyote to transport him to the United States illegally in 2021 and advised he lived in Missouri before coming to Montana. Investigators later confirmed Ric was a citizen of Mexico who had been removed from the United States in 2014 and had been given a lifetime ban on reentry. Rico did not obtain consent from the Attorney General or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security before entering the United States in 2021.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Yerger prosecuted the case. Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the ATF conducted the investigation.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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