District of Montana

HELENA—John Shannon Finley, Jr., 24, of Helena, Montana, was sentenced to 121 months in prison, 10 years supervised release, and a $100 surcharge by Senior United States District Court Judge Charles C. Lovell on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.  Finley, Jr. was arrested after making several trips to Washington state to obtain methamphetamine.  The court found Finley, Jr. was responsible to possessing with intent to distribute between 4,000-12,000 individual doses of methamphetamine.

The charge against Finley, Jr. is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant United States Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case.

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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

MISSOULA – Clarence Edward Henderson, a 50-year-old former resident of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to felon in possession of firearms in August 2007.  Henderson did not appear at his sentencing hearing set in May 2009 and was arrested in North Carolina in November of last year.  U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy handed down the sentence. 

In late December 2005, Henderson and two other men were sent by their employer to a Gallatin County residence to take a woman back to Phoenix, Arizona, after the Christmas holiday.  She agreed to return to Arizona so her family would not be harmed.  The three men wore “Special Agent” badges.  Law enforcement seized two pistols, magazines, ammunition, a set of handcuffs, and a knuckle knife.  Henderson said he handled the firearms during the drive between Arizona and Montana and his employer, provided the firearms for his use.  Henderson was arrested for impersonating a police officer and possession of a firearm by a felon.  Henderson’s prior felony convictions include robbery in Ohio and aggravated assault, possession of methamphetamine, attempted transportation of methamphetamine for sale, and forgery from Arizona. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Bozeman Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program. 

MISSOULA - Hugh Shawgo, a 45-year-old resident of Libby, and Michael Norton, a 42-year-old resident of Kalispell were sentenced today to 156  and 78 months in prison respectively to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.  Both pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and Shawgo pleaded guilty to the additional charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. United States District Judge Donald W. Molloy handed down the sentences. 

Beginning in August of 2017 and continuing through September 13, 2017, Shawgo and Norton would fly via Norton’s private plane to Spokane, Washington to pick up methamphetamine, which was later to be redistributed in Northwestern Montana.  Members of law enforcement recovered 426 grams of methamphetamine and a .40 caliber handgun from Shawgo’s bag on Norton’s plane.  The methamphetamine recovered from Shawgo was more than 98% pure and contained 3408 doses which were headed for users in Montana.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott and investigated by the Northwest Drug Task Force. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

BILLINGS – Joseph Alan Nyhart, a 35-year-old resident of Livingston, was sentenced today to 36 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of firearms in December.  U.S. District Judge Susan Watters handed down the sentence. 

In May 2016, Nyhart and his codefendant Austin Gottfried Schwarz, both prohibited from possessing firearms, were arrested after a lengthy, high-speed chase with law enforcement.  Nyhart was the passenger.  It was immediately obvious to the officers that both were under the influence of a drug. The officers seized two loaded rifles from the stolen truck.  The officers determined that either Nyhart or Schwarz loaded the rifles after they stole the truck.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Godfrey and Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force, Montana Probation and Parole, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Park County Sheriff’s Office, Stillwater Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, and Columbus Police Department. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program. 

BUTTE –  Following an eight-day trial with testimony from thirty-two government witnesses, Joseph Brent Loftis, 63, of Corona Del Mar, California, was convicted by a Montana jury of five counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering.  Loftis faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment for each count of wire fraud and ten years of imprisonment for each count of money laundering.   He further faces a maximum $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release on each count.  After trial, Loftis stipulated to a forfeiture order of $1,662,749.10.  Chief U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over the case.

Evidence presented at trial by Assistant United States Attorneys Chad Spraker and Adam Duerk showed that from 2009 through 2013 Loftis solicited approximately $3 million from investors based upon false representations that he owned leases on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.  Loftis also made misrepresentations regarding whether he had received a degree from the University of Oklahoma, amounts of oil being produced from wells, and whether he was using an independent accounting firm.  

After receiving investor funds, Loftis typically provided investors with a few checks totaling about $1000 and then stopped payments altogether.  Once investors complained, Loftis provided excuses regarding disputes about ownership or issues with drilling.  In some instances, Loftis offered to return the investors’ money and entered a rescission agreement for the investment.  Loftis, however, failed to return the investors’ money or issued a check cancelled through a stop payment.  Loftis also falsely represented to investors that he owned oil and gas leases in Oklahoma and Texas though Loftis had defaulted on purchase agreements for the leases.           

In 2011, Loftis took steps to complete a transaction known as reverse merger in which Prism would become a subsidiary of a publically traded company.  Based upon Loftis’s representations that he needed capital to continue Prism’s operations until his company could receive equity in the public markets, Loftis obtained a $1.9 million bridge loan from investor funds.   After Loftis received the loan proceeds, he failed to carry out the steps needed to complete the merger and kept the bridge loan proceeds while spending $190,000 of the funds on a luxury RV.

Also in 2011, Loftis relocated to Texas and began soliciting funds from investors in a newly formed company Great Northern Energy.  Loftis continued to misrepresent his education and denied having a criminal record despite a 1995 felony conviction for bank fraud and false statements to a financial institution.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 20, 2018, at 9:00 a.m., in the Russell Smith Courthouse in Missoula, Montana. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.

MISSOULA - Christopher Cole, a 46-year-old resident of Billings, and Nathan Hale, A 39-year-old resident of Frenchtown, were sentenced today to 72 months and 120 months in prison respectively to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.  Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy handed down the sentence.  The methamphetamine recovered from Cole was more than 98% pure and contained 1352 doses.

Between December of 2013 and March of 2015, Cole and Hale conspired to distribute several pounds of methamphetamine throughout the Flathead Valley.  They were obtaining this methamphetamine from out of state suppliers who were believed to be directly related to a Mexican Cartel.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott and investigated by the Northwest Drug Task Force. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

The United States Attorney’s Office announced that those persons listed below were arraigned before the U.S. Magistrate and the indictments handed down by the Grand Jury unsealed.

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Lynch in Missoula on March 20, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• KATHERINE MARIE WAAYENBERG, a 30-year-old resident of Helena, appeared on charges of wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.  If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, WAAYENBERG faces 20 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office.   PACER Case Reference.  18-05

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on March 20, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• RICHARD PAUL HALL, a 59-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of distribution of methamphetamine.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, HALL faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the FBI Task Force.  PACER Case Reference.  18-21

• THEO BRUCE MYERS, a 42-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.   If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, MYERS faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the FBI Task Force.   PACER Case Reference.  18-24

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on March 15, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• JAIR DE JESUS CARRILLO-GUARDADO, a 34-year-old resident of Mexico, appeared on charges of illegal reentry of deported alien.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, CARRILLO-GUARDADO faces 20 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  PACER Case Reference.  18-33

• VIOLET C. CRNICH, a 34-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, CRNICH faces 40 years in prison, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and Eastern Montana HIDTA.   PACER Case Reference.  18-16

• CHRISTIAN DANIEL TAKESENEMY, a 20-year-old resident of Crow Agency, appeared on charges of failure to register as a sexual offender.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, TAKESENEMY faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.   PACER Case Reference.  18-30

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on March 14, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• GORDON LARRY AHENAKEW, JR., a 31-year-old resident of Browning, appeared on charges of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to intimate and dating partner.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, AHENAKEW faces 5 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.   PACER Case Reference.  18-07

• SCOTT JORDAN KOHL aka RYAN WADE DUPREE, a 30-year-old resident of Poplar, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, DUPREE faces 40 years in prison, $5,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice.   PACER Case Reference.  18-20

• THOMAS NELSON TOMKO, II, a 24-year-old resident of Poplar, appeared on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, TOMKO faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.   PACER Case Reference.  18-17

If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system so that you stay current and not miss any important developments in the case.

To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.

BILLINGS – John William Wheeler, a 28-year-old resident of Butte, was sentenced today to 84 months in prison followed by 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm in October.  U.S. District Judge Susan Watters handed down the sentence. 

Wheeler and his associates possessed and sold methamphetamine from approximately January 2016 until June 2016.  He also traded methamphetamine for stolen firearms.  Wheeler received 10 to 15 stolen long guns for an ounce of methamphetamine.  During a probation search of his residence, approximately 2.5 ounces of methamphetamine, a handgun, ammunition, marijuana, and $1900 in cash were seized.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Godfrey and Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force, Montana Probation and Parole, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Park County Sheriff’s Office.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Emmanuel Arce-Gaxiola., a 29 year-old resident of Rock Springs, Wyoming, was sentenced to 48 months in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a $300 special assessment.  Arce-Gaxiola was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).  

In May 2015, Arce-Gaxiola sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on two separate occasions in Billings.  Agents with the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force then executed search warrants on his vehicle and hotel room and seized approximately 388 grams of pure methamphetamine. 

In total, agents seized 415 grams of pure methamphetamine during the investigation.  That converts to 3,320 individual dosage units of the drug that reached drug users in Montana. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

BILLINGS—Ronald Andrew Smith, a 36-year old resident of Selma, California, was sentenced today to 240 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  United States District Judge Susan P. Watters handed down the sentence.

On February 19, 2017, Smith was pulled over by a Montana Highway Patrol trooper outside of Big Timber, Montana.  While speaking to Smith during the course of the traffic stop, the trooper suspected that Smith was engaged in criminal activity.  When the trooper informed Smith that he would be impounding his vehicle and applying for a search warrant, Smith attempted to start his car and flee.  In the process, he punched and kicked an officer assisting with the stop and four Tasers had no effect on Smith as he was able to get the car in gear and flee. 

During his flight on Interstate 90, Smith drove at upwards of 100 miles per hour, forced a number of cars off the road, and tried to wreck a semi-truck in an attempt to stop the pursuit.  Eventually, Smith’s car got stuck in the snow on a side road, and he fled on foot into the mountains where he avoided arrest until the following day.  While searching for Smith, law enforcement officers came upon two plastic-wrapped packages containing approximately 937 grams of methamphetamine.  Smith confessed to trafficking methamphetamine after his arrest and drew a map for investigators to a location where he hid an additional 1188 grams of methamphetamine the night before while avoiding capture.  Smith was held responsible for just shy of two kilograms of pure methamphetamine, which converts to nearly 16,000 individual dosage units of the drug that would have reached drug users in Montana absent the timely efforts of law enforcement.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in conjunction with the Montana Highway Patrol and the Sweetgrass County Sheriff’s Office.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

GREAT FALLS – On Monday, Jaycob Tyler Kutzera, 24, from Redlands, California, was scheduled to appear for a jury trial in U.S. District Court.  Kutzera was charged with 35 counts of sexual exploitation of a child in violation of federal law.  Shortly before the trial was set to commence, Kutzera pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of a child and the United States agreed to dismiss the remaining counts.  In court filings, Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee Peterson stated that in April 2016, the mother of a 12-year old girl contacted the Great Falls Police Department.  The mother, formerly of Great Falls, stated that she had looked through her daughter’s cell phone and saw sexually explicit communications between her 12-year old daughter and a male.  The mother also saw sexually explicit images.  During its investigation, the Great Falls Police Department determined the 12-year old girl engaged in sexually explicit communications with Kutzera via Facebook and other online applications.  Kutzera requested sexually explicit images of the girl during their online chats.  Great Falls Police Detective Jesse Slaughter traveled to California, seized Kutzera’s cellular phone and computer pursuant to a search warrant, and interviewed Kutzera.  During the interview, Kutzera admitted that he knew the girl was 12 years old, yet he continued to engage in the sexually explicit communications with her.   He also continued to receive images and videos of the child engaged in sexual conduct.  He also sent the child images of himself masturbating.  Kutzera’s conduct continued from April through October 2016. 

Sentencing is set on June 13, 2018.  Kutzera faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and not less than 5 years of supervised release on each count.  U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris ordered Kutzera released pending sentencing. 

This case was investigated by members of the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Great Falls Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and FBI Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory.   

MISSOULA—Rachel Leanna Ross, 26, of Somerville Tennessee, was sentenced to 14 months in prison, 3 years supervised release, and a $100 surcharge by United States District Court Judge Dana L. Christensen on Friday, March 2, 2018 for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances—methamphetamine and Suboxone—into the Montana State Prison  The charges were part of a scheme where Erin Bernhardt, an employee in the prison laundry, smuggled the controlled substances into inmates at the prison in exchange for bribes.  The crimes occurred between April and August 2015.

The court previously sentenced other members of the scheme to the following sentences: Cordero Robert Metzker, to three years’ imprisonment; Erin Bernhardt, to 14 months’ imprisonment; Ian Scott Barclay to 92 months’ imprisonment; and Lauren Hoskins to 14 months’ imprisonment. 

The charge against Ross is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspector, the Montana Department of Corrections-Division of Investigations, the Montana State Prison Warden and his staff, and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigations.  Criminal Chief Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Thaggard and Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Starnes prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Kurt Alme stated, “I applaud the efforts of the Warden and his staff and the cooperative efforts of law enforcement involved in this investigation to keep drugs out of the Montana State Prison and root out corrupt employees.  The sentences issued by the court send a powerful message that those who prey upon the addictions of inmates will be investigated, prosecuted, and imprisoned.”

BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Troy Willoughby was sentenced to 44 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the hearing.   

Willoughby previously entered a plea of guilty to a single-count indictment charging him being a felon in possession of a firearm.  In November 2016, law enforcement in Golden Valley County responded to a domestic assault involving Willoughby.  The victim of the assault later told law enforcement that Willoughby had a rifle even though he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.  Willoughby was later asked about the rifle.  He initially denied possession of the gun, but later admitted he had it and told law enforcement where it was hidden.  Law enforcement subsequently found the Savage, Model III, .270 caliber, bolt action rifle and ammunition. 

Willoughby is prohibited from possessing a firearm following a previous felony conviction in Golden Valley County. 

In a sentencing memorandum filed in federal court, federal prosecutors noted, “Willoughby is 54 years old and has spent numerous years within the criminal justice system.”  Willoughby has six previous felony convictions, including, convictions for partner/family member assault and domestic violence.  He has assaulted his family members, including his grandmother, his girlfriend and his girlfriend’s son.  Prosecutors noted that Willoughby “has a propensity for violence” and “seemingly does not take the criminal justice system seriously.” 

The Willoughby case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with Golden Valley County Sheriff’s Office and other federal, state, and local agencies. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

The United States Attorney’s Office announced that those persons listed below were arraigned before the U.S. Magistrate and the indictments handed down by the Grand Jury unsealed.

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on March 1, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• JACK RAYMOND TOME, a 63-year-old resident of Stockett, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, TOME faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Russell Country Drug Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations.   PACER Case Reference.  18-17

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on March 1, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• DAWAN DEONTE JONES, a 26-year-old resident of Laurel, appeared on charges of failure to register as a sex offender.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, JONES faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.   PACER Case Reference.  18-23

• DOUGLAS CAMPBELL RALEIGH, a 42-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, RALEIGH faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Eastern Montana HIDTA.   PACER Case Reference.  18-27

• SAFARA ECHO SHORTMAN, a 30-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, SHORTMAN faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Eastern Montana HIDTA, and Montana Division of Criminal Investigations.  PACER Case Reference.  18-28

• SHAWNA MAE SMITH, a 39-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, SMITH faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the FBI Task Force.  PACER Case Reference.  18-29

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on February 27, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• CHRISTOPHER ALLEN JONES, a 33-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, JONES faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  PACER Case Reference.  18-10

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on February 26, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• THOMAS BLAZE HORN, a 30-year-old resident of Lodge Grass, appeared on charges of failure to register as a sex offender.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, HORN faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.   PACER Case Reference.  18-22

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on February 23, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• MICHAEL ARNOLD DELACK, a 48-year-old resident of Big Timber, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, DELACK faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.   PACER Case Reference.  18-17

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Lynch in Missoula on February 22, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• PHILLIP DEVON JOHNSON, a 25-year-old resident of Spokane, Washington, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, JOHNSON faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.  PACER Case Reference.  17-24

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on February 22, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• STEVE JOAQUIN COLUNGO, JR., a 56-year-old resident of Boise, Idaho, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.   If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, COLUNGO, faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. PACER Case Reference.  17-60

If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system so that you stay current and not miss any important developments in the case.

To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.

GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that 50-year old Jody Dowd Wooten of Yuba City, California, was sentenced to 174 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the hearing.  

In March of 2017, the Russell Country Drug Task Force received information regarding a woman distributing methamphetamine in Great Falls, Montana.  Over the next two months, the task force purchased methamphetamine from this woman, and further identified her methamphetamine supplier as the defendant, Jody Wooten.  

On June 15, 2017, through additional investigation, detectives located Wooten in Lewistown, Montana.  Detectives had acquired information that Wooten possessed a large amount of methamphetamine, and had recently distributed methamphetamine to various people in Great Falls and Lewistown.  Officers observed Wooten driving through Lewistown and stopped her car.  After finding she was the sole occupant of the car, officers obtained a search warrant and searched Wooten’s car. 

During the subsequent search, detectives seized $9,319.00, as well as 20 metal cans in a black bag.  A further search of the cans revealed approximately eight pounds of methamphetamine and 20 pounds of marijuana.  The DEA lab analyzed the methamphetamine and determined it contained 3502.6 grams of actual methamphetamine.  Wooten is being held responsible for possessing eight pounds of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it back into Montana communities.  That converts to 28,016 individual dosage units of the drug that could have reached drug users in Montana. 

Wooten has an extensive criminal history that includes prior felony convictions for narcotics, burglaries, and embezzlement.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley and investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Russell Country Drug Task Force.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Frank Banks was sentenced to 30 months in prison, two years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment.  U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the hearing.   

Banks previously entered a plea of guilty to a two-count indictment charging him being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  On November 23, 2015, law enforcement was notified that Banks was standing outside the Manor Apartments in Glendive and he was holding a gun.  During a December 2015 search of Banks’ apartment law enforcement found a Hi-Point, model C9, 9mm Luger semi-automatic pistol in his bedroom.  Officers also found a box of 9mm ammunition inside the apartment and six rounds of ammunition in Banks’ pocket.  Banks is prohibited from possessing a firearm from a previous felony conviction from the state of Washington. 

In a sentencing memorandum filed in federal court, federal prosecutors noted, “Banks has been involved in the criminal justice system since the age of 18; he is now 59 years old.  Banks has a lengthy criminal history, with a number of violent offenses.”  In arguing for a sentence to promote a respect for the law and provide adequate deterrence, it continued, “The government has a strong interest in protecting the public and restricting improper access to firearms.”  In a letter filed with the district court, Banks acknowledged that he “became guilty of these charges weeks before that incident” and that he was guilty as soon the gun was “brought into our home.”

The Banks case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with Glendive Police Department and other federal, state, and local agencies. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

BILLINGS – Raymond Thomas Tetzlaff, a 35-year-old resident of Billings, and Crystal Busby-Tetzlaff, a 36-year-old resident of Billings, were sentenced to prison today after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in November.  Raymond Tetzlaff received 216 months in prison and 5 years of supervised released.  Crystal Busby-Tetzlaff received 120 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release.  U.S. District Judge Susan Watters handed down the sentences. 

The Tetzlaffs and their associates possessed and sold methamphetamine in 2016 and early 2017.  Specifically, the Tetzlaffs were bringing pounds of methamphetamine into Billings for distribution. During the investigation, law enforcement executed search warrants at their residence and a storage unit.  Over six pounds of pure methamphetamine and drug distribution supplies were seized.  That converts to 21,744 individual dosage units of the drug which was seized before reaching drug users in Montana.  Additionally, Raymond Tetzlaff was found in possession of two loaded firearms during his arrest at the residence.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Godfrey and investigated by the Eastern Montana Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencings are a part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that 32-year old Tacuma Wallace of Ogden, Utah, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the hearing.  

On May 12, 2016, law enforcement in Roosevelt County received information that Wallace was selling drugs out of a hotel in Wolf Point, Montana.  On May 16, 2016, officers witnessed the defendant leave the hotel and get into his rental car in the parking lot.  The officers then observed Wallace engage in numerous people approach the car and receive drugs from Wallace.

Wallace and another man then left the parking lot in a truck.  Officers conducted a traffic stop on the truck, and Wallace quickly opened the back door and tried to get out and run away.  Meanwhile, another officer spoke with the driver who explained that he had known Wallace for two months and Wallace sold pills on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.  The driver admitted he had purchased pills from Wallace at least 20 separate times, and he had just purchased a pill from Wallace for $70.00.  The driver also stated Wallace specifically makes trips to Wolf Point to sell pills.  Law enforcement tested pills possessed by the defendant and confirmed they were Oxycodone pills.  Law enforcement also confirmed that Wallace was one of the biggest suppliers of pills to the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley and investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

GREAT FALLS – Jonathan Paul Schulz, a 48-year-old resident of Conrad, Montana, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  U.S. District Judge Brian Morris handed down the sentence.

Investigators first learned about Schulz’s possible illegal possession of firearms because of posts to his Facebook account.  Schulz had made comments such as “i am a convicted fellon as well however the Constitution says nothing about it :) some of the later laws that water down our rights deal with that, so in my opionion **** the law that says we cant arm ourselvs.  I stand with the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Indipendance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I want to look em in the eyes as thay take their last breath.”  In later postings, Schulz bragged that he had thousands of rounds of ammunition and mortar with hundreds of rounds hidden in an “outpost.”  Additionally, Schulz posted photographs of himself with several rifles and a Judge pistol.  Referring the Judge, Schulz stated, it was “one of two new additions to my arsenal” and that “this one goes everywhere I do.”  In later posts, Schulz talked about how it was time to start killing cops.

On August 4, 2016, FBI agents executed a federal search warrant at Schulz’s residence.  During the search, agents found a Smith & Wesson, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.  The pistol was located on top of the kitchen cabinets.  The firearm was loaded including one round in the chamber.  It was later learned that Schulz had stolen the firearm from his father-in-law.  During the search, agents also found various caliber ammunition in the garage.  Because Schulz had a prior felony conviction from the State of Texas, he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan R. Whittaker and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

The United States Attorney’s Office announced that those persons listed below were arraigned before the U.S. Magistrate and the indictments handed down by the Grand Jury unsealed.

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on February 13, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• DANIEL JAMES BLEVINS, a 41-year-old resident of Browning, appeared on charges of domestic abuse by habitual offender, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.  If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, BLEVINS faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference.  18-08

• COREY SADDLER, a 27-year-old resident of Box Elder, appeared on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon.  If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, SADDLER faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference.  18-13

• JAMES DANIEL SMALLBOY, a 23-year-old resident of Box Elder, appeared on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon.  If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, SMALLBOY faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference.  18-13

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on February 13, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• JORDEN SAMUEL BUTLER, a 28-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and felon in possession of a firearm.  If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, BUTLER faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.   PACER Case Reference.  18-08

• JEREMY ALAN CORKILL, a 34-year-old resident of Molt, appeared on charges of felon in possession of a firearm.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, CORKILL faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.   PACER Case Reference.  17-142

• GEORGE LOWRY WEEKS, a 45-year-old resident of Laurel, appeared on charges of felon in possession of firearm and ammunition.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, WEEKS faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.   PACER Case Reference.  18-14

If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system so that you stay current and not miss any important developments in the case.

To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.

MISSOULA – Bryan Tate Dollar, 37 of Haslet, Texas, was sentenced today to 84 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Dana L. Christensen handed down the sentence.

Beginning in March of 2016 and continuing through December of 2016, Dollar brought methamphetamine from Las Vegas, Nevada and distributed it in the Billings and Missoula areas.  Upon arrest for this activity, members of law enforcement recovered more than 250 grams of pure methamphetamine and a firearm from Dollar.  Dollar pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in November of last year. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott and investigated by FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Matthew Stoney Olson was sentenced to 84 months in prison, 20 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  U.S. District Judge Susan Watters presided over the hearing.   

Olson was previously convicted at trial of receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography.  In early 2015, Olson routinely received child pornography by downloading it via a peer-to-peer sharing network.  During that time, law enforcement officials with the Department of Homeland Security became aware of these downloads and obtained a search warrant for Olson’s home.  The search warrant was executed and a large number of pictures and videos depicting child pornography were discovered on Olson’s personal computer.

In a sentencing memorandum filed in federal court, Assistant United States Attorney Colin Rubich stated that Olson represented a “predatory danger to the community” due to his “unwillingness to acknowledge his crimes and his refusal to seek treatment.” 

United States Attorney Kurt Alme stated, “Children have the right to grow up free from exploitation by adults who film them and those who drive the market by purchasing the films.  We encourage all Montanans to report situations to law enforcement where children may be at risk.

Judge Watters sentenced Olson to 7 years in federal prison, with 20 years of supervised release to follow.  Because there is no parole in the federal system, Olson will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court.  In the federal system, Olson does have the opportunity to shorten the term of custody by earning credit for good behavior.  However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.      

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, the Montana Department of Criminal Investigation, and other federal, state, and local agencies. 

BILLINGS – Nishen Ramon Palmer, a 36-year-old resident of Baton Rouge, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone last August.  U.S. District Judge Susan Watters handed down the sentence. 

In late 2015, Palmer sold over 550 oxycodone pills to undercover agents for $20,000 in four separate transactions.   The transactions occurred in Billings, Denver, and Houston.  Palmer would stop in Billings on his way to or from California and Louisiana.  The investigation ended in Spring 2016 when Palmer was arrested in Louisiana. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Tactical Diversion Squad and its task force officers.

GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced that on February 14, 2018, U.S. District Judge Brian Morris, sentenced Kathy Ann Sutherland, 61, of Box Elder, Montana, to 12 months and 1 day of imprisonment and two years of supervised release for the crime of Wire Fraud.  Sutherland must also pay $111,902.50 in restitution and a $100 special assessment.

Sutherland began working as the Cash and Grants Manager for the Rocky Boy Health Clinic of the Chippewa Cree Tribe in Box Elder, Montana.  Ultimately, Sutherland became the interim Chief Financial Officer for the Health Clinic.  In Sutherland’s roles at the Health Clinic, one of her duties included administering the employee loan programs.  For example, Sutherland issued loan checks to Rocky Boy Health Board employees, including issuing loan checks to herself.  Before a loan check could be disbursed, the applicant was required to fill out a loan application and submit it to the loan committee for approval.  New loans were not to be issued if an individual owed over $800 to the loan program.  Sutherland used her position to circumvent this process and take out over $111,902.50 in loans—far in excess of the $800 limit.  Even assuming Sutherland continued to pay back the loans through payroll deductions, (which she ceased doing) Sutherland would have to work until she was at least 81 years old, assuming no interest accrued. 

In a sentencing memo filed in federal court, Ryan G. Weldon stated, “Sutherland’s actions are particularly problematic when she knew about other prosecutions, and she was serving as the interim chief financial officer during some of her embezzlement.  Her actions were calculated and without regard for the law.” 

The Sutherland case was investigated by Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).  This case is the latest in a series of prosecutions and convictions relating to public corruption, fraud, and theft in federal grants, contracts, and programs brought by the investigators and prosecutors of the U.S. Attorney’s Guardians Project, an anti-corruption strike force created in 2011.  

BILLINGS—Rocky Rollin Bettin, a 39-year old resident of Billings, Montana, was sentenced today to 180 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine.  United States District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the sentencing.

Beginning in December 2016, drug task force agents were investigating a group of individuals responsible for the distribution of methamphetamine in the Billings area, including Bettin.  Over the next several months, they received information from multiple individuals who identified Bettin as their source of supply.  On June 2, 2017, a Missoula County Sheriff’s deputy patrolling near Frenchtown performed a traffic stop on a vehicle that Bettin was driving.  Eventually, law enforcement officers searched the vehicle.  Inside of a backpack found in the vehicle, officers discovered approximately 1.5 kilograms, or 3.3 pounds, of pure methamphetamine. 

The case was investigated by the FBI Transnational Organized Crime Western Task Force and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Pedro Carrasco, Jr., a 35 year-old resident of Billings, Montana, was sentenced to 168 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Carrasco was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 1956(h).  The sentence also includes the forfeiture of a Glock, model 23, .40 caliber, semi-automatic pistol; a Smith & Wesson, model Bodyguard, .380 auto caliber semi-automatic pistol; 80 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition; 11 rounds of .380 ACP ammunition; and $4,655 in United States Currency.   

In February 2016, a Montana State Highway Patrol Trooper pulled over a vehicle traveling eastbound on I-90 near Missoula for a traffic violation.  During a consent search of the vehicle, the trooper seized 1,056.3 grams of pure methamphetamine concealed within a speaker box stored in the trunk of the vehicle.  Drug Enforcement Administration agents later determined that the occupants of the vehicle intended to deliver the methamphetamine to Carrasco in Billings.  Agents next executed a search warrant at Carrasco’s residence in Billings and recovered additional methamphetamine, two firearms, drug paraphernalia, digital scales, body armor, and $4,655 in US Currency.  Agents also noted that Carrasco had surveillance cameras outside of his residence.  After the search of his residence, Carrasco admitted to agents that he had been distributing methamphetamine in Billings from 2011 through February 2016. 

In 2003, Carrasco was convicted in United States District Court, District of Montana, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846.   

The Carrasco case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Internal Revenue Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force; Montana Highway Patrol; and multiple other federal, state, and local agencies. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that the last of six co-defendants was sentenced today for her role in a methamphetamine for guns trade that took place in Great Falls.  31-year old Monica Hulit of Great Falls was sentenced to 24 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the hearing.  Dawn Evans of Kevin, Montana, was previously sentenced to 24 months for her role in this offense.  Marty Krominga of Great Falls was previously sentenced to 28 months for his role in this offense.  Alvin Roe of Lewistown, Montana, was previously sentenced to 33 months for his role in this offense.  Richard Stampka of Great Falls was previously sentenced to 12 months and one day for his role in this offense.  Story Wood of Livingston, Montana, was previously sentenced to 54 months for his role in this offense. 

In the summer of 2015, various methamphetamine dealers became acquainted with each other at a local methamphetamine supplier’s home in Great Falls, Montana.  During this time, various members of this group, including Monica Hulit and Story Wood, made drug runs to Washington and Idaho, in order to bring methamphetamine back to Great Falls for redistribution in the area, as well as to local Indian reservations.  This group also discussed trading firearms in exchange for methamphetamine.

Following one late summer gathering at this Great Falls home, Hulit, Wood, and another male, left to go on an out-of-state drug run.  A few days later, on August 23, 2015, the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office in Smelterville, Idaho, responded to a shoplifting report at the local Walmart.  A deputy identified the suspects involved in the shoplifting as Hulit, Wood, and the other male.  The deputy issued various citations to the Hulit, Wood, and the male, and observed they were all traveling together in a gold car with Montana license plates. 

Two days later, on August 25, 2015, a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper stopped this same gold car for speeding on Highway 200 in Lewis and Clark County.  The trooper identified Wood as the driver, Hulit as the front passenger, and the male as the rear passenger.  All three individuals provided various inconsistent statements to the trooper, and Wood appeared to be extremely nervous and fidgety.  Based on the behavior of Hulit, Wood, and the male, the trooper believed there may be illegal drugs in the car and requested consent to search the car.  Wood denied consent, and the trooper impounded the car pending a search warrant.  The trooper arrested the male on an outstanding warrant, and Hulit and Wood began to walk down Highway 200.  The trooper called a towing company out of Wolf Creek to secure the car.  The towing company arrived and towed the gold car, identified as a Honda Accord, to a secure impound lot in Wolf Creek pending the execution of a search warrant.

The following day, August 26, 2015, troopers went to find the car in Wolf Creek and discovered the fence to the secure storage lot had been damaged.  They discovered that someone had tampered with the evidence tape adhered to the gold Honda Accord, and it appeared someone had entered the car since it had been towed to the lot.  Subsequently, the troopers found drug-related paraphernalia in the car, and reported the suspicious incident to the local drug task force offices.

Meanwhile, on September 2, 2015, Great Falls police responded to a report that numerous storage units had been burglarized at a local storage unit complex in Great Falls.  Officers went to the business and found someone had cut through the fence behind one of the storage buildings and had entered the property.  The business had no surveillance equipment, but the officers noted that someone had cut the locks off three of the storage units, although it appeared that only one of the units had been burglarized.  The owner of the burglarized unit arrived to speak with police, and subsequently observed that numerous firearms were missing from the unit. 

On September 9, 2015, Great Falls police received a call from an employee at a local bar concerning a suspicious car in the parking lot.  Great Falls police found the car, and identified the occupants of the car as Hulit, Wood, and the other male.  Wood told the officers he had borrowed the car.  The officers contacted the registered owner of the car who consented to a search of the car.  As Hulit, Wood, and the other male got out of the car, Wood mentioned there might be a firearm in the car.  Officers looked under the driver’s seat of the car and removed a loaded semi-automatic pistol. 

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the car and found additional firearms and ammunition in the trunk.  Specifically, detectives found two bags in the trunk of the car that contained ammunition addressed to the father of the storage unit owner whose unit had been burglarized.  Detectives also found four additional firearms in the trunk of the car, which included three rifles and a shotgun.

Detectives subsequently confirmed that the owner of the storage unit reported that all four of these firearms had been stolen from his unit during the September 2, 2015, burglary.  The owner of the storage unit also positively identified that all four of the firearms had previously been stored in his storage unit.  During further investigation, detectives learned that Marty Krominga and Dawn Evans were responsible for breaking into the storage unit and stealing the firearms that were recovered from the trunk of the car occupied by the defendant.  Following the burglary of the storage unit, Krominga and Evans had immediately taken the stolen firearms to Hulit in order to trade the stolen firearms for methamphetamine. 

Detectives also learned that Krominga and Evans had stolen a 12-gauge pump action shotgun from the storage unit, and subsequently provided it to a woman to pawn at a local pawnshop.  Based on this information, detectives went to a Great Falls pawnshop and recovered the pump action shotgun, which had been pawned by the woman.  Detectives contacted the storage unit owner, who identified the shotgun by its serial number, and confirmed it was one of the firearms stolen from his storage unit.  Lastly, detectives learned that Hulit, Wood, Stampka and Roe were responsible for breaking into the secure impound lot in Wolf Creek in order to retrieve methamphetamine and a firearm from the car. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Great Falls Police Department.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

BILLINGS - A jury handed down guilty verdicts today in the sex-trafficking trial of Terrance Tyrell Edwards and Francine Joann Granados.  The verdicts against Edwards were guilty on all charges, including three counts of Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion; three counts of Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Prostitution; one count of Obstruction of a Sex Trafficking Investigation; one count of Transportation of a Person with Intent to Engage in

Criminal Sexual Activity; one count of Distribution of Marijuana to Person under 21 Years of

Age; and one count of Tampering with a Witness, Victim, or Informant.  The jury found defendant Granados guilty of Tampering with a Witness, Victim, or Informant.

Beginning in March of 2016, shortly after he was released from prison on prostitution charges, Edwards began forcing his first female victim in this case to engage in commercial sex in Missoula, Montana. Edwards physically and emotionally abused her, and threatened her life and the lives of her family members.  Edwards took all of the money from the commercial sex encounters.  As time progressed, Edwards added other women, as many as five.  He followed the same pattern of grooming and abuse each time.  Some of the abuse was well-documented, such as when Edwards struck one victim in his car with such force that her blood splattered on the seat belt, which was later identified as the victim’s blood. 

Edwards advertised his victims on Backpage.com.  They traveled from place to place in Montana and Utah, conducting commercial sex transactions where Edwards received the lion’s share of the money. 

In September of 2016, Edwards convinced three minor females from Fargo, North Dakota, ages 15, 16, and 17, to join his group.  Edwards drove them to Billings, and on the way, he supplied the underage girls with marijuana.  Edwards was arrested in Billings shortly after arriving with the minor girls from North Dakota. 

After Edwards was arrested, he and Granados began trying to influence the testimony of the various victims.  In recorded jail calls played for the jury, Edwards and Granados discussed how Granados would reach out to the victims in an effort to influence their testimony.  Despite warnings from the FBI to have no contact with the victims, Granados persisted.  In other recorded jail calls, Edwards reached out to victims himself to influence their testimony. 

In response to the verdicts, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme noted that today’s verdicts serve to emphasize comments from the Department of Justice last week, when the Attorney General stated:

“Bringing traffickers like this one to justice is one of the top priorities of the U.S. Department of Justice. We are using every tool at our disposal to eradicate human trafficking. We vigorously investigate and prosecute offenders. We fund training for local law enforcement officers in how to identify trafficking victims. We provide millions of dollars in grants to organizations that assist trafficking victims. And we take every opportunity to raise public awareness of the problem.”

Mr. Alme stated, “We are committed to bringing human traffickers like Edwards to justice  I want to thank prosecutors Cyndee Peterson and Zeno Baucus, the FBI agents, and the victim/witness specialists and the staff of the FBI and our office for their good work in pushing this case through to a verdict.  We will continue to do whatever we can to protect the vulnerable victims of these crimes, who in this case included three minor girls from North Dakota.  I ask people from across Montana to help us spot these human trafficking crimes and report them to law enforcement.”

BILLINGS – Rian Lee Kvernes, a 28-year-old resident of Livingston, was sentenced today to 78 months in prison followed by 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in October.  U.S. District Judge Susan Watters handed down the sentence. 

Kvernes and his associates possessed and sold methamphetamine in early 2016. They also traded stolen firearms for methamphetamine. Specifically, he and an associate traded 10 to 15 stolen long guns for an ounce of methamphetamine in Butte. During the investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence and found 12 additional stolen firearms. They also found methamphetamine, drug distribution supplies, and a short-barreled shotgun behind his bedroom door.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Godfrey and Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that 53-year old Michael Lira of Billings was sentenced to 150 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the hearing.  

In the fall of 2016, the Russell Country Drug Task Force began investigating the defendant, Michael Lee Lira, for trafficking methamphetamine in Montana.  Through further investigation, law enforcement became aware that the defendant, who lived in Billings, Montana, distributed methamphetamine for Great Falls resident, Robert Linn, Jr.  Linn was previously sentenced to 276 months in prison for his role in this offense. 

On April 8, 2017, law enforcement learned that the defendant planned to pick up methamphetamine from Linn that day.  Agents also learned the defendant and Linn arranged to meet at a gas station near Lewistown, Montana.  Law enforcement followed Linn throughout the early morning as he traveled around Great Falls.  Linn eventually began to drive eastbound out of Great Falls toward Lewistown.  Meanwhile, agents followed the defendant as he left Billings and drove toward Lewistown. 

Around mid-morning, agents observed the defendant park next to Linn’s truck in the gas station parking lot.  The defendant got out of his car and went to speak with Linn.  A few minutes later, the defendant left Linn’s truck, retrieved a bag from his car, and placed the bag in the back passenger seat of Linn’s truck.  Approximately 20 minutes later, the defendant and Linn got out of Linn’s truck.  The defendant grabbed a black bag from Linn’s truck and placed it in the defendant’s car.  Linn then drove back to Great Falls, while the defendant drove east and entered a neighboring colony outside of Lewistown. 

Agents waited outside of a colony building for the defendant but eventually knocked on the door.  A woman came to the door and stated that the defendant was in a trailer behind the building.  Agents proceeded to the trailer and the defendant opened the door.  Based on the gathered information, agents arrested the defendant and initially located a small baggie of methamphetamine in the defendant’s coat.

Soon thereafter, law enforcement searched the defendant’s car for the suspected methamphetamine.  The defendant stated the contraband was located in a red toolbox in the back of the car.  Agents located a large plastic bag inside the box, and seized four large bundles of methamphetamine contained in the bag.  The DEA laboratory analyzed the methamphetamine seized from the defendant and determined the methamphetamine had a net weight of 1793 grams and a substance purity of 99%.  This resulted in 1775 grams, or approximately four pounds, of actual methamphetamine.  The methamphetamine seized from the defendant’s coat had a net weight of 4.264 grams and a substance purity of 99%.  This resulted in 4.221 grams of actual methamphetamine. 

During a subsequent interview, the defendant explained that he began by only selling an ounce of methamphetamine at a time.  However, he quickly moved up to dealing more significant amounts of methamphetamine.  The defendant believed he received a pound of methamphetamine from Linn by August and September of 2016.  The defendant then recounted that he got two pounds of methamphetamine in December 2016, and an additional two pounds of methamphetamine in January and February 2017. 

Lira has an extensive criminal history that include prior felony convictions for narcotics, burglaries, assaults, and firearms.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley and investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Russell Country Drug Task Force.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

BILLINGS— United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the appointment of United States Attorney Kurt Alme as Vice Chair of the Native American Issues Subcommittee (NAIS) of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC).  United States Attorney Trent Shores from the Northern District of Oklahoma will serve as Chair.

United States Attorney Shores stated, “The Native American Issues Subcommittee plays a vital role in developing national policy for Indian Country justice.  U.S. Attorney Alme and I will be stalwart advocates for these important issues.” 

United States Attorney Alme added, “The Department of Justice is fortunate to have U.S Attorney Shores as Chair of the NAIS.  Not only is he an experienced prosecutor, but as a Native American, he has a unique perspective on law enforcement issues impacting tribal communities.  We look forward to working together with tribal leaders to combat the opioid and methamphetamine epidemic and reduce violent crime in Indian Country.”

The AGAC was created in 1973 to serve as the voice of United States Attorneys and to advise the Attorney General on policy, management, and operational issues impacting the offices of the U.S. Attorneys.  The NAIS is made up of U.S. Attorneys from across the United States whose Districts contain Indian Country or one or more federally recognized tribes.  The NAIS focuses exclusively on Indian Country issues, both criminal and civil and is responsible for making policy recommendations to the Attorney General of the U.S. regarding public safety and legal issues that impact tribal communities.

MISSOULA – Eric David Fletcher, a 36-year-old resident of Washougal, Washington, was sentenced today to 66 months in prison followed by 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.  U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen handed down the sentence.

On December 12, 2014, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (“MTDCI”) completed a controlled drug purchase wherein a Confidential Source (“CHS”) purchased approximately three ounces of methamphetamine for $3,300.00 from Judy Collins and her supplier/son, Eric Fletcher.  They met at the La Quinta Inn in Butte, Montana to do the transaction.  The CHS and Fletcher discussed future purchases of approximately a half-pound of methamphetamine and discussed meeting halfway between Butte and Washington for the transaction.  Fletcher also stated that he would normally pick up at least a half-pound on a regular basis and bring it over to Butte for resale.  That methamphetamine was later sent to the DEA Western Regional Laboratory.  Analysis of the drug evidence revealed 81.4 grams of actual methamphetamine with a purity of 97.8%.

On January 24, 2015, the FBI and MTDCI used the same CHS to communicate with Fletcher.  They learned that Fletcher was on his way from Washington to Montana with a drug load.  The CHS advised investigators that Fletcher would be soon arriving in Saint Regis, Montana.  Investigators saw Fletcher’s vehicle exit the highway and enter the Motel 6 parking lot. Officers conducted a traffic stop of Fletcher’s car.  As officers patted Fletcher down for weapons/officer safety they discovered a plastic baggie containing suspected heroin.  A search warrant for Fletcher’s vehicle was obtained and executed by officers.  The search resulted in officers finding a .22 caliber pistol, ten rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, a digital scale, and a plastic baggie containing suspected methamphetamine. The suspected methamphetamine found in Fletcher’s car was later sent to the DEA Western Regional Laboratory for testing and revealed that there was 108.5 grams of methamphetamine with a purity of 98.2%.  After the traffic stop, Fletcher waived his rights and agreed to talk with investigators.  He admitted his role in the drug conspiracy.  He told investigators that he had made approximately 12 to 18 trips from Washington to Montana beginning in September or October of 2014 and that he had distributed between three and eight ounces each time he made the trip.  Fletcher further told investigators that he still owed his source of supply in Washington money because of methamphetamine that had been fronted to him.

Fletcher’s co-conspirator Judy Collins previously pled guilty to drug trafficking on August 10, 2016, and was sentenced to 72 months in prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan R. Whittaker and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

The United States Attorney’s Office announced that those persons listed below were arraigned before the U.S. Magistrate and the indictments handed down by the Grand Jury unsealed.

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on January 25, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• BRANDON LEE REYNOLDS, a 34-year-old resident of Acton, appeared on charges of felon in possession of firearms.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, REYNOLDS faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.   PACER Case Reference.  17-147

• BRANDON CARL RUSSELL, a 29-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and distribute of methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, RUSSELL faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the FBI Task Force.  PACER Case Reference.  18-12

• TIMOTHY FREDERICK WOOD, a 46-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, WOOD faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the FBI Task Force.  PACER Case Reference.  18-12

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on January 24, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• IRVING URIEL GALINDO SANTOS, a 29-year-old resident of Mexico, appeared on charges of illegal reentry.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, SANTOS faces 20 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol.  PACER Case Reference.  18-05

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on January 23, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• BRANDON JAMES BELAKOVICH, a 43-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of distribution of methamphetamine.  .  If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, BELAKOVICH faces 40 years in prison, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the FBI Task Force.  PACER Case Reference.  18-06

• DAVIDA KESHA BLAINE, a 42-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of distribution of methamphetamine.  If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, BLAINE faces 40 years in prison, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by Department of Homeland Security.   PACER Case Reference.  18-07

• GRADY EWING MAYS, a 66-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of failure to register as a sex offender.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, MAYS faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.   PACER Case Reference.  17-131

• SHAWNA MAE SMITH, a 39-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of felon in possession of a firearm.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, SMITH faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.   PACER Case Reference.  18-13

If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system so that you stay current and not miss any important developments in the case.

To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.

BILLINGS –  A Glendive man will spend over 6 years in federal prison for downloading and possessing child pornography to his computer.  Shawn Michael Wentz, 28, previously pleaded guilty in October 2017 to possession of child pornography stemming from a May 2015 investigation by the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigation (HSI).

U.S. District Susan P. Watters sentenced Wentz Thursday to 78 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. Wentz also agreed to forfeit the computer he used to possess the child pornography and is required to register as a sex offender.

In May 2015, agents were investigating individuals downloading and possessing files depicting child pornography that were obtained from the internet.  Through IP address records, an HSI agent determined a computer at Wentz’s residence in Glendive, Montana, had child pornography files available for download.  Pursuant to a federal search warrant, agents searched Wentz’s residence in June 2015 and seized items included a desktop computer.  A Certified Forensic Examiner determined the computer contained image and video files depicting child pornography including sexually explicit images of prepubescent children.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office identified in its sentencing memorandum that based on the names of the files he possessed, Wentz was “interested in child pornography files that depicted prepubescent girls being anally raped by adult males, children as young as two years old engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and files with sadistic and extremely sexually-violent titles.”

U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said, "Prosecuting offenders who possess child pornography, especially of young children, is important to reducing the demand for photos and saving children from being victimized on camera.  I want to congratulate AUSA Cyndee Peterson and HSI for their good work in this case.  This office will continue to work with the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to aggressively prosecute those who exploit our children.” 

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

BILLINGS—Billings resident Michael James Chapman was sentenced yesterday to 132 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  United States District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over Chapman’s sentencing.

In March 2016, drug-task-force agents in Billings received information that Chapman, 47, was involved in the local distribution of methamphetamine.  On April 6, 2016, agents located Chapman at a hotel in Billings and began surveilling him.  During their surveillance, they observed Chapman conduct a hand-to-hand drug transaction.  Officers stopped Chapman’s vehicle a short time later and he agreed to speak with agents about methamphetamine trafficking.  His statements led to the seizure of approximately 2.75 pounds of methamphetamine from various locations in and around Billings.  Historically, Chapman admitted to obtaining approximately six pounds of methamphetamine from sources in Utah for redistribution in the Billings community.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sullivan and investigated by the FBI Transnational Organized Crime Western Task Force and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.  

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

BUTTE – Shannon Marie Leavitt, a 30-year-old resident of Belgrade, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison followed by four years supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.  U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen handed down the sentence.

In late September 2016, investigators from the Missouri River Drug Task Force used a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine.  The confidential informant used Leavitt to arrange the drug deal.  Again on October 3, 2016, investigators again used a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine from Leavitt.  The informant and Leavitt went to her father’s, Richard Clarke, house to pick up the methamphetamine.  During that transaction, Leavitt told the informant that she was in business of dealing meth with her father.

Investigators also learned that methamphetamine was being shipped through the United States Mail to the Clarke/Leavitt address.  Investigators were then notified by the U.S. Postal Service about an express mail package being shipped to that address.  Investigators had a K9 from the Bozeman Police Department sniff the package.  The K9 positively alerted on the package for the presence of drugs.  Investigators obtained a search warrant for Clarke/Leavitt residence.  They then delivered the package to the residence.  Later that afternoon, Richard Clarke returned to the home, retrieved the package, and went inside.  Investigators then executed the search warrant at the house and found evidence of drug dealing.  When they searched the Express Mail package, investigators found that it contained a candle and a tennis ball.  There was an obvious hole in the tennis ball and investigators pulled a package out of it that contained 10.4 grams of methamphetamine.  The candle was cut open which revealed the bottom half had been hollowed out and then resealed in a manner which made it look as though it had not been tampered with.  The hollowed out portion of the candle held a package with 29.1 grams of methamphetamine. 

Leavitt was interviewed after the search and admitted her role in the conspiracy.  She said she was getting an ounce of methamphetamine a week for the past month from her source in Salt Lake City.  She further said that she had previously driven to meet her source halfway between Montana and Salt Lake to get methamphetamine.  Leavitt also stated that she would send her source the money through Western Union or Wal-Mart to Wal-Mart. 

Richard Clarke has also pled guilty to his role in the drug conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 21, 2017.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan R. Whittaker and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Bozeman Police Department, and the United States Postal Service.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Thomas Edward Mancha, a 61-year-old resident of Browning, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment, for the murder of his wife on New Year’s Day, 2017.  U.S. District Judge Brian Morris presided over the hearing.   

At an earlier hearing, Mancha pleaded guilty to second degree murder.  On January l, 2017, Mancha was involved in an altercation with his wife at the Lewis and Clark Camp Disappointment Monument, which is located along the north side of U.S. Highway 2, approximately 13 miles east of Browning.  A witness arrived on the scene and observed Mancha holding his wife by the hair or back of shirt collar.  When the witness threatened to call 911, Mancha released his wife and she ran away from him.  However, Mancha got into a Dodge pick-up truck and intentionally drove the truck directly into her as she ran, knocking her to the ground.  According to the witness, Mancha turned the truck around and drove over his wife a second time.  The victim died at the scene from massive internal injuries and a severed spine. 

After killing his wife, Mancha fled the scene and drove to a train crossing near the small community of Blackfoot.  He waited in front of an oncoming train in an apparent suicide attempt.  Although he later denied that he was trying to kill himself, Mancha admitted that he was angry with his wife because she was divorcing him.

Judge Morris sentenced Mancha to 20 years in federal prison, with five years of supervised release to follow.  Because there is no parole in the federal system, Mancha will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court.  In the federal system, Mancha does have the opportunity to shorten the term of custody by earning credit for good behavior.  However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.      

U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme stated, “We are pleased with the court’s sentence today, and our sympathies go out to the victim’s family and the Blackfeet tribal community for their loss.  I also want to thank all of the people who helped successfully prosecute this case, including AUSA Jeff Starnes, the FBI agents and BIA law enforcement officers who worked on this case, and the victim and witness staff members from our respective offices.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, the Blackfeet Law Enforcement Service and various other federal, state, and local agencies. 

###

BILLINGS—Michael Lange, a 57-year old resident of Billings, Montana, was sentenced today to 216 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  United States District Judge Susan P. Watters issued the sentence.

In September 2016, agents began an investigation into a broad drug-trafficking organization selling large quantities of methamphetamine in the Billings area.  Michael Lange was identified as a large distributor for the organization, so agents applied for and received search warrants for his cell phone content and ultimately his residence.  His text messages indicated that he was selling methamphetamine along with cocaine to a number of individuals.  On October 11, 2016, agents executed a search warrant on Lange’s residence in Billings.  There, they discovered 1202 grams of methamphetamine, 442 grams of cocaine, and $27,400 in United States Currency.  Lange was interviewed by agents on two occasions and admitted to participating in the conspiracy and to obtaining approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine for redistribution.  Lange formerly served three terms in the Montana Legislature, including a term as majority leader during the 2007 Legislature.

U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme stated: “AUSA John Sullivan’s good work makes clear that no one is above the law.  If we are to improve the safety and quality of life of our communities, we must stop the trafficking and sale of methamphetamine.” 

The case was investigated by the FBI Transnational Organized Crime Western Task Force and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Susan Watters sentenced Todd Thomas Malmstrom, a 53-year-old resident of Billings to 24 months in prison and three years of supervised release. 

Malmstrom previously entered a guilty plea to felon in possession of a firearm. In February of 2017, Malmstrom was contacted by law enforcement officers after he was found in possession of a stolen vehicle in Billings, Montana.  Malmstrom was carrying a loaded .45 caliber handgun in a holster on his belt at the time of his arrest and he had three additional firearms stored inside the stolen vehicle.

Malmstrom admitted to ATF agents that he had possessed the four firearms and that he knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his prior felony conviction. In 2013, Malmstrom was convicted of another federal gun crime – subject of a court order in possession of a firearm. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Cobell and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

HELENA—Jeremy Michael Sullivan, 44, of Boulder, Montana, was sentenced to 30 months in prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and a $100 surcharge by United States District Court Judge Sam E. Haddon on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 for possessing a firearm as a prohibited felon.  Sullivan was arrested after being investigated for selling a stolen handgun. Sullivan was previously convicted of felony theft in Utah.

The charge against Sullivan is the result of an investigation by the Boulder Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant United States Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

The United States Attorney’s Office announced that those persons listed below were arraigned before the U.S. Magistrate and the indictments handed down by the Grand Jury unsealed.

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on January 11, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• WILSON ALEXIS FAJARDO FAJARDO, a 28-year-old resident of Mexico, appeared on charges of illegal re-entry.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, FAJARDO faces 2 years in prison, $250,000 in fines an 1 year supervised release.  The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. PACER Case Reference.  18-01

• CANDELARIO MOLINA-MOLINA, a 34-year-old resident of Mexico, appeared on charges of illegal re-entry.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, MOLINA-MOLINA faces 2 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 1 year supervised release.  The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  PACER Case Reference.  18-02

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on January 11, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• CLAYTON PAUL MARTELL, a 32-year-old resident of Poplar, appeared on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine.  If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, MARTELL faces 40 years in prison, $5,000,000 in fines, and 4 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  PACER Case Reference.  18-02

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on January 10, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• MIKKEL DERRIK SHIELDS, a 33-year-old resident of Poplar, appeared on charges of burglary.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, SHIELDS faces 10 years in prison, $50,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  PACER Case Reference.  18-03

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on January 9, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• MANUEL PAZ SANCHEZ, JR., a 31-year-old resident of Sacramento, California, appeared on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, SANCHEZ faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. PACER Case Reference.  18-03

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on January 9, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• LEROY BEAUCHAMP, a 36-year-old resident of Wolf Point, appeared on charges of felony child abuse.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, BEAUCHAMP faces 10 years in prison, $50,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice.  PACER Case Reference.  17-78

• GEORGE LEON GOODRIE, a 44-year-old resident of Great Falls, appeared on charges of robbery affecting commerce, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and prohibited person in possession of a firearm.  If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, GOODRIE faces life in prison, $250,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Great Falls Police Department.  PACER Case Reference.  17-81

• BOBBY LEE LAMERE, a 42-year-old resident of Great Falls, appeared on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and counterfeiting obligations or securities of the United States.  If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, LAMERE faces 20 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Great Falls Police Department.  PACER Case Reference.  17-82

• NOVA BIG LEGGINS, a 28-year-old resident of Wolf Point, appeared on charges of felony child abuse.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, BIG LEGGINS faces 10 years in prison, $50,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice.  PACER Case Reference.  17-78

• EDWARD ANTHONY TORRES, a 22-year-old resident of Babb, appeared on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, TORRES faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  PACER Case Reference.  18-04

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on January 8, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• CYNTHIA MIREYA LOZANO, a 25-year-old resident of Merced, California, appeared on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.  If convicted of the most serious charge in the indictment, LOZANO faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Montana Highway Patrol.  PACER Case Reference.  17-145

If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system so that you stay current and not miss any important developments in the case.

To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.

BILLINGS—Jason Bradley Mize, a 37-year old resident of Billings, was sentenced today to 27 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  United States District Judge Susan Watters presided over the hearing.

On August 25, 2016, Mize was pulled over for speeding by a Billings Police Department officer.  Mize initially provided the officer a false name and date of birth and was arrested after the officer discovered that Mize was lying about his identity and that his driver’s license was revoked.  A drug-detecting K-9 later alerted on Mize’s vehicle, so officers impounded it and applied for a search warrant.  During the execution of that warrant, officers found a Kimber 9mm semi-automatic pistol in the center console along with Mize’s Montana identification card.  During an in-custody interview with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Mize admitted to being in possession of the firearm.  Mize is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law by virtue of several felony convictions.

Judge Watters sentenced Mize t0 27 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release.  Because there is no parole in the federal system, Mize will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court, less any good time received, which will not exceed 15 percent of the overall sentence.

The case was investigated by the Billings Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sullivan.

 The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Brian M. Morris sentenced Jacob Ryan Murie, a 38 year-old resident of Box Elder,  to 115 months of prison and three years of supervised release. 

Jacob Murie purchased methamphetamine from a woman in Great Falls, Montana.  After realizing the drugs were fake, Murie returned to confront the woman.  Murie found the woman (soon-to-be victim) in a trailer home in Great Falls and beat her with a pistol.  As a result of the trauma from the assault, the victim urinated in her pants.  Murie then kidnapped the victim, placed her in a vehicle, and drove to the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.  After the kidnapping, Murie admitted on Facebook to another individual that he indeed kidnapped the victim.  When interviewed, the victim told law enforcement that she was kidnapped—and she was deathly afraid of Murie.  The victim escaped when she was released and directed by Murie to steal items in Havre, Montana, to repay the drug debt.     

In a sentencing memo filed with the Court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon stated, “This case involved all three realms of crime:  drugs, kidnapping, and an assault. . . .  Murie’s actions were calculated.  And worse yet, he bragged about them when speaking with others on Facebook.”  

This case was investigated by the Russell Country Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Because there is no parole in the federal system, the truth in sentencing guidelines mandate that Murie will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court.  In the federal system, Murie does have the opportunity to shorten the term of custody by earning credit for good behavior.  However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.    

BILLINGS – U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme of the District of Montana has issued the following statement regarding marijuana prosecutions: “Yesterday, the Attorney General rescinded the Cole Memo on marijuana prosecutions and directed that federal marijuana prosecution decisions be governed by the same principles that govern all federal prosecution decisions. The United States Attorney’s Office in Montana is guided by these principles in marijuana prosecutions -- focusing in particular on identifying and prosecuting those who create the greatest safety threats to our citizens and communities. Consistent with the Attorney General’s latest guidance, we will continue to take this approach in all of our work with our law enforcement partners throughout Montana.”

BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Renae Dawn Bighorn was sentenced to 60 months in prison, four years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  U.S. District Judge Susan Watters presided over the hearing.   

Bighorn previously entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  In April 2015, law enforcement officers working for a Billings area drug task force became aware that Bighorn was dealing methamphetamine and other substances in Billings and the Bakken area of North Dakota.  An undercover agent contacted Bighorn to discuss the purchase of narcotics and Bighorn agreed to sell the agent one ounce of methamphetamine.  Two days later, Bighorn sold methamphetamine to the undercover agent as previously agreed.  Forensic testing revealed that Bighorn sold 26 grams of pure methamphetamine to law enforcement. 

Judge Watters sentenced Bighorn to 60 months in federal prison, with four years of supervised release to follow.  Because there is no parole in the federal system, Bighorn will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court.  In the federal system, Bighorn does have the opportunity to shorten the term of custody by earning credit for good behavior.  However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.      

The case was investigated by the Billings Police Department, the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and other federal, state, and local agencies.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that 49-year old William Turton of Great Falls was sentenced to 18 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment, and 40-year old Mathew Lederer of Great Falls was sentenced to 24 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the hearing.  

In October 2015, the Great Falls Police Department responded to a rash of burglaries throughout town.  Officers arrested numerous suspects responsible for these burglaries and learned that stolen items from the burglaries were stashed at William Turton’s residence in Great Falls.  Officers also learned that Turton acted as a facilitator in order to trade stolen items for drugs.  Officers obtained and executed a search warrant at Turton’s home.  There, officers discovered two firearms, drugs, and related paraphernalia.  Their search recovered a Smith & Wesson revolver and an Iberia semi-automatic pistol.  At the time of the discovery, the owner of these firearms had not yet reported them as stolen. 

Detectives spoke with Turton, who admitted he arranged trading stolen property in exchange for firearms in order to support his own methamphetamine habit.  At the residence, the officers also encountered Mathew Lederer.  Officers arrested and questioned Lederer.  During Lederer’s interview, he denied any involvement with the revolver or pistol found at the defendant’s house, although when questioned, he was able to adequately describe the firearms and admitted to having handled them.  He said Turton had acquired the firearms in exchange for drugs. 

On November 9, 2015, a man contacted the Great Falls Police Department to report that he had discovered two firearms were missing from his gun safe.  This man believed that Lederer was behind the theft of the pistol and revolver—the same two guns previously discovered at Turton’s residence, as Lederer had been a guest at this man’s home for the first few weeks of October 2015.  Law enforcement ultimately confirmed that Lederer had stolen the pistol and revolver. 

In late November 2015, a victim of one of the earlier burglaries contacted police and stated he believed he had found a listing for his stolen shotgun.  The victim identified that an individual was attempting to sell the Benelli Super Nova shotgun on Facebook.  An officer went to this individual’s home and the individual said he purchased the firearm from Turton for $250.  In addition to the Benelli, the individual said Turton also had a Remington 7mm rifle which he was unwilling to sell.  The individual provided the shotgun to the officer, who confirmed the shotgun matched the description of the shotgun stolen during one of the burglaries. 

Both Turton and Lederer have extensive criminal histories that include prior convictions for thefts, burglaries, and drugs, and both are prohibited from possessing firearms. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Great Falls Police Department.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

HELENA—On Wednesday, January 3, 2018, United States District Court Judge Sam Haddon sentenced Chase Ryan Storlie, 33, of Deer Lodge, Montana, to 360 months in prison, 5 years’ supervised release, and a $100 surcharge for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.   Storlie was part of a conspiracy to distribute up to 20 pounds of methamphetamine through Deer Lodge, Montana, each month between January 2016 and January 2017.  Members of the conspiracy, including Storlie, possessed firearms in connection with the drug trafficking crimes.

Other members of the conspiracy included Jeff Allen Trask, Hector Ricardo Gonzalez, and Christian Jesus Ruiz.  The court previously sentenced Trask to 54 months imprisonment; Gonzalez to 260 months; and Ruiz to 60 months.

The conspiracy ended on January 24, 2017, when the authorities arrested Gonzalez and Ruiz in Mineral County, Montana, in possession of 20 pounds of methamphetamine and two handguns.  The methamphetamine was destined for Storlie in Deer Lodge.

The charges against Storlie and his codefendants are the result of an investigation by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigations, the Missouri River Drug Task Force, the Helena Police Department, the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, the Powell County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Montana Highway Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant United States Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Kurt Alme explained, “This case is an important part of our Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is focused on reducing violent crime in Montana.  Storlie and his co-defendants were distributing enormous amounts of drugs, enough to supply south central Montana with approximately 870,000 individual doses of methamphetamine.  As with so many of our drug crimes, Storlie and his co-conspirators possessed firearms in connection with their drug trafficking.   Anytime you combine such large amounts of drugs with guns, violence and addiction will result.”  Alme also praised the collaborative work of the law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in the case.

The United States Attorney’s Office announced that those persons listed below were arraigned before the U.S. Magistrate and the indictments handed down by the Grand Jury unsealed.

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on December 21, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• VERNELLE LYNN BADBEAR, a 39-year-old resident of Wyola, appeared on charges of second degree murder.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, BADBEAR faces life in prison, $250,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  PACER Case Reference.  17-127

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on December 21, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• CALVIN RED THUNDER, JR., a 48-year-old resident of Brockton, appeared on charges of abusive sexual contact.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, RED THUNDER faces life in prison, $250,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice.   PACER Case Reference.  17-85

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on December 20, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• DANIEL GONZALEZ, a 29-year-old resident of Great Falls, appeared on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm.  If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, GONZALEZ faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.   PACER Case Reference.  17-80

• KAREEM HIDARA, a 33-year-old resident of Winnipeg, Manitoba, appeared on charges of conspiracy to export a controlled substance, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, HIDARA faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release.  The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.   PACER Case Reference.  14-30

If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system so that you stay current and not miss any important developments in the case.

To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.

HELENA — On Thursday, December 21, 2017, United States District Court Judge Sam Haddon sentenced Christian Jesus Ruiz, 23, of Sunnyside, Washington, to 60 months in prison, 5 years’ supervised release, and a $100 surcharge for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.  Ruiz was part of a scheme by multiple conspirators to distribute very large amounts of methamphetamine through Deer Lodge, Montana each month between January 2016 and January 2017.  Members of the conspiracy, including Ruiz, possessed firearms in connection with the drug trafficking crimes they committed in Montana.

Other members of the conspiracy included Jeff Allen Trask, Chase Ryan Storlie, and Hector Ricardo Gonzalez.  The court previously sentenced Trask and Gonzalez.  Trask was sentenced to 54 months in prison and five years of supervised release for his role in the conspiracy.  Gonzalez was sentenced to 260 months in prison and five years of supervised release.  Storlie faces sentencing on January 3, 2018.

Gonzalez and Ruiz’s involvement in the conspiracy came to a sudden end on January 24, 2017, when the authorities arrested them in Mineral County, Montana, in possession of 20 pounds of methamphetamine.  The methamphetamine was destined for Deer Lodge.

The charges against Ruiz and his codefendants are the result of an investigation by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigations, the Missouri River Drug Task Force, the Helena Police Department, the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, the Powell County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Montana Highway Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Criminal Chief Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Thaggard and Assistant United States Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Kurt Alme explained, “I want to thank our law enforcement partners for helping us bring these defendants to justice.  The volatile combination of methamphetamine and guns is closely associated with a rise in violent crime in communities across Montana.  The Department of Justice is committed to reducing violent crime in those communities and prosecuting Ruiz and his co-defendants is another positive step toward that goal.”    Alme also praised the collaborative work of the law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in the case.

BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Juan Ramon Delgadillo-Meza, a 41 year-old resident of Ephrata, Washington, was sentenced to 151 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment.  The sentence also includes a $1.3 million dollar money judgment.   Delgadillo-Meza was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 1956(h).  U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the hearing.   

In mid-June of 2015, agents with the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Big Sky Safe Streets Task Force began an investigation into a methamphetamine trafficking organization responsible for transporting methamphetamine from Washington into Belgrade and Billings, Montana for distribution.  Agents identified Juan Ramon Delgadillo-Meza as one of the individuals who transports methamphetamine from Washington to Montana.

In August 2015, agents conducted surveillance and saw Delgadillo-Meza meet with an individual in Billings who was later identified as one of Delgadillo-Meza’s distributors.  Agents then learned through hotel records, surveillance video and surveillance that Delgadillo-Meza continued to travel to Montana from September through November. 

On November 15, 2015, a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper stopped Delgadillo-Meza for a traffic violation near Manhattan.  The vehicle was later searched pursuant to a warrant and approximately 886 grams of pure methamphetamine was seized. 

The investigation continued into January 2016 when agents searched the residences of Delgadillo-Meza’s distributors in Billings and Belgrade.  During those searches, agents seized approximately 356 grams of pure methamphetamine from a storage facility in Billings. 

Sources later confirmed that Delgadillo-Meza began traveling to Billings in 2014 and would transport two pounds of methamphetamine every two weeks.  He sold each pound of methamphetamine for approximately $12,500. 

Delgadillo-Meza’s Montana distributors were previously convicted and sentenced for narcotics and money laundering offenses in U.S. District Court.  The sentence for one of the distributors included the forfeiture of his house, vehicle, and U.S. Currency held in a bank account. 

The Delgadillo-Meza case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, and multiple other federal, state, and local agencies. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime.  Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.