District of Montana

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on March 5, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters, TIMOTHY M. FAHRENBRUCK, 53, of Billings, was sentenced to a term of:

Prison: 30 months

Special Assessment: $ 100

Restitution: N/A

Supervised Release: 5 years

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan McCarthy advised the Court that in September of 2011, DEA agents began an investigation into the sale of methamphetamine in the Hardin, Montana area by an individual with the initials L.S. Agents utilized a wiretap to intercept L.S.'s phone calls. During the course of the investigation, agents learned that L.S. was being supplied by the defendant, Timothy Fahrenbruck. DEA agents then utilized a court-authorized wiretap to intercept Fahrenbruck's phone calls.

In November of 2011, agents executed a search warrant at Fahrenbruck's residence in Billings and recovered one ounce of methamphetamine. Fahrenbruck then provided a statement to law enforcement agents.

Fahrenbruck distributed methamphetamine in the Billings and Hardin areas from 2002 until November of 2011. In 2002, Fahrenbruck first began receiving ounce quantities of methamphetamine every two to three weeks from his main source of supply. However, beginning in 2004 and ending in late 2011, Fahrenbruck received approximately one pound of methamphetamine every month from his main source of supply as well as methamphetamine from other sources of supply. Fahrenbruck then re-distributed the methamphetamine to other individuals.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of other federal, state and local authorities.

The United States Attorney(s Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on March 5, 2014, before Senior U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy, ANTHONY JOSEPH RUNGO, a 48 year-old resident of Roseburg, Oregon, was sentenced to a term of:

Prison: 121 months

Special Assessment: $ 100

Restitution: N/A

Supervised Release: 5 years

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan McCarthy, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

In May of 2013, agents with the Montana Division of Criminal Investigations (MDCI) began an investigation into the sale of methamphetamine by the defendant in the Richland County, Montana area.

On May 30, 2013, agents used a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine from Rungo in Sidney, Montana. The methamphetamine was subsequently sent to the DEA Laboratory for analysis, and the lab report indicated that the amount of actual (pure) methamphetamine was 5.1 grams.

On June 6, 2013, the confidential informant again made arrangements to meet with Rungo in Sidney, Montana for the purpose of purchasing methamphetamine. During this transaction, the confidential informant also introduced an undercover MDCI agent to the defendant. The informant and the undercover agent each purchased methamphetamine from Rungo. The methamphetamine was subsequently sent to the DEA Laboratory, and the lab report indicated that the combined actual (pure) amount of methamphetamine was 9.3 grams.

The undercover agent then made arrangements to purchase more methamphetamine. On June 17, 2013, the undercover agent purchased methamphetamine from Rungo in Fairview, Montana. The methamphetamine was also sent to the DEA Laboratory, and the lab report indicated that the actual (pure) amount of methamphetamine was 5 grams.

The undercover agent then contacted the defendant and discussed purchasing two ounces of methamphetamine. They agreed to meet on July 10, 2013 in Fairview, Montana to make the transaction. When the meeting took place Rungo was a passenger in a vehicle registered to him that was pulled over by Montana Highway Patrol. On July 12, 2013, MDCI agents obtained a search warrant for the Rungo's vehicle. Inside the cigarette box in the center counsel, agents seized approximately two ounces of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was sent to the DEA Laboratory, and the lab report indicated that the actual (pure) amount of methamphetamine was 52.8 grams.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that JOEL ROBERT PRESCOTT, 43, of Laurel, Montana, was sentenced to a term of 84 months imprisonment, three years supervised release, and a special assessment of $100 during a federal court hearing in Great Falls, Montana, on March 5, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy.

PRESCOTT was sentenced in connection with his December 12, 2013, guilty plea to felon in possession of a firearm. In an Offer of Proof, the United States Attorney's Office stated it would have proved that PRESCOTT was on state supervision for a drug offense. He absconded from supervision and was discovered in Laurel, Montana. A standoff with law enforcement ensued while PRESCOTT was in possession of a firearm. A woman and several children were inside the residence with PRESCOTT during the standoff, but they were

After six hours, PRESCOTT surrendered, and the stand-off ended without any casualties.

At sentencing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon stated that the government's main concern was the protection of the public. According to Weldon, PRESCOTT had been convicted of numerous drug offenses, and now he was actively engaging in stand-offs with law enforcement officers, all while in possession of a firearm and while on state supervision.

The District Court sentenced PRESCOTT to 84 months of imprisonment, with three years of supervised release to follow. Because there is no parole in the federal system, the truth in sentencing guidelines mandate that PRESCOTT will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, PRESCOTT 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 PRESCOTT investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and local police and sheriff's departments.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that on February 28, 2014, in Missoula, before U.S. District Judge Sam Christensen, ROBERT STUART QUAM, 31, of Bozeman, was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 4 years supervised release. The sentence was in connection with his March 2013 guilty plea to a charge of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot, the government stated that in approximately March 2012, the Missouri River Drug Task Force ("MRDTF") initiated an investigation into the drug distribution activities of Quam. As part of that investigation, the MRDTF utilized a confidential informant ("CI") to purchase meth from Quam. On March 30, 2012, the CI purchased 1.7 grams of actual methamphetamine from Quam. The transaction took place outside Quam's residence. On April 3, 2012, the CI conducted a second controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Quam, again outside his residence. That purchase involved 1.3 grams of pure methamphetamine. A third controlled purchase occurred on April 13, 2012, and the CI obtained .95 grams of pure methamphetamine. And on April 25, 2012, the CI made

Quam, for 1.9 grams of pure meth. The total amount of actual methamphetamine sold by Quam to the CI is 5.85 grams.

On August 31, 2012, Quam was interviewed by law enforcement in Bozeman. He admitted to obtaining various amounts of meth from multiple individuals and distributing the meth in the Bozeman area.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that CYD MARIE BABB, was sentenced to 6 months in prison followed by 1 year supervised release in connection with her guilty plea to obtaining pain killers through fraud. BABB was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sam Haddon during a federal court session in Butte, on February 21, 2014.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Whittaker, the government stated that on or about May 19, 2013, in Bozeman, the defendant knowingly acquired and obtained possession of Schedule III controlled substance, Hydrocodone, by means of misrepresentation, fraud, deception, and subterfuge, namely by falsely presenting herself as a person authorized to prescribe and receive controlled substances.

Babb used her cellular telephone number to call in fraudulent Schedule III hydrocodone prescriptions to pharmacies throughout Montana by posing as a nurse, calling from a medical office, and requesting a prescription for a nonexistent patient. According to DEA records, Babb used the DEA registration numbers and names of approximately 26 different medical professionals to forge prescriptions in approximately 50 different fraudulent patient names to obtain hydrocodone.

Many of the pharmacies where Babb called in the fraudulent prescriptions have video surveillance and/or photographs of Babb entering the store, picking up, and paying for the fraudulent prescription from the pharmacy.

An analysis revealed that Babb's cellular telephone number was used to make approximately 1000 calls to 58 different pharmacies located in 17 different cities in 14 counties within the State of Montana; two pharmacies located in Coeur d'Alene and Hayden Lake, Idaho; and one pharmacy in Gillette, Wyoming, from August 20, 2011 through June 25, 2013.

More specifically, on May 19, 2013, Babb used her cell phone to call in a fraudulent prescription for180 pills of Lortab (hydrocodone) a Schedule III controlled substance at Price Rite Pharmacy in Bozeman, Montana. Babb told the pharmacy that she was calling from a doctor's and fraudulently used the doctor's DEA number to call in a prescription for a fictitious patient.

Babb then later went to Price Rite Pharmacy and claimed to be there to pick up the Lortab prescription for and on behalf of the fictitious patient. After Babb tendered payment, the pharmacy gave the Lortab prescription to Babb. Babb did not work for the doctor's office and was not authorized to use the doctor's DEA number to call in a prescription.

Drug Enforcement Administration agents later interviewed the pharmacist at Price Rite Pharmacy. The pharmacist told agents that Price Rite had received numerous prescriptions for large amounts of Hydrocodone that were picked up by a stocky, middle-age female. Agents showed the pharmacist and a pharmacy technician a photo line-up containing Babb. Both individuals identified Babb as the female that picked up the prescription for the fictitious patient.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on March 5, 2014, MILO ROBERT COOK III, 34, of Billings, was sentenced to 96 months in prison, followed by 5 years supervised release by Senior U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy. The sentence followed Cook's December 2013 guilty plea to Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thaggard, the Government stated that In approximately November 2012, law enforcement officers in Billings, Montana, began to investigate allegations that the Defendant was involved in the distribution of methamphetamine.

On November 15, 2012, law enforcement officers in Billings seized approximately 11 grams of suspected methamphetamine from the Defendant's vehicle. A chemical analysis of the substance disclosed it consisted of 11.6 grams of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine; 11 grams of the substance was actual (pure) methamphetamine.

On or about March 11, 2013, Tomas Alvarado was arrested in Idaho in possession of a large amount of cocaine and methamphetamine which he was transporting to Billings for distribution. The following day, law enforcement officers in Billings interviewed Alvarado. Alvarado stated he met the Defendant in approximately October 2012, in Nevada. Alvarado stated that, over the ensuing months, he provided more than 500 grams of a methamphetamine to the Defendant to distribute in the Billings area.

On March 14, 2013, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on the residence of Walter White, which is located in Lockwood. They recovered methamphetamine packaged for distribution.

The officers interviewed White. White admitted that he had received methamphetamine from Alvarado between October 2012 and March 2013. White stated that he provided over 500 grams of methamphetamine to the Defendant to distribute during that time period.

The term pure methamphetamine refers to the purity contained in the transacted amount which is usually "cut" with inert ingredients that make the actual product less pure but more profitable as drugs are generally sold based on quantity not quality.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Billings area law enforcement.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that after being caught fleeing with stolen electronics from a stranger's home, BRANDON MICHAEL JACKSON, aka BRANDON BUCKLES, was sentenced on March 11, 2014, to two years in prison, three years supervised release, and ordered by a judge to pay over $7,000 in restitution to the family whose house he burglarized with two others.

U.S. District Court Judge Brian M. Morris sentenced JACKSON, 28, of Wolf Point, Montana, following JACKSON's entry of a guilty plea to a single-count federal indictment for burglary. In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura B. Weiss, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On or about July 6, 2012, JACKSON burglarized a house in Wolf Point, Montana, after allegedly following two other men to a "house party" there. He and two others entered the unoccupied house and began taking things from the home, including electronics and jewelry.

The owners were on vacation. None of the three men had permission to be in the home. The home owner's son and two friends returned to the house and the burglars were still in the home. After hearing people shuffling upstairs, they armed themselves with various makeshift weapons, including a two-by-four. Jackson was caught carrying a television as he ran down the stairs. Jackson threw the television at them and fled, throwing jewelry out of his pockets as he left the residence. The other two burglars also fled the house, dropping items in the yard and neighborhood.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that Jackson will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, Jackson does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice

The United States Attorney's Office announced that GARCIA DURAN, 35, of Box Elder, was sentenced to three years' probation and ordered to pay $7,674.43 in restitution to the Rocky Boy Health Board by U.S. District Judge Brian Morris during a federal court session in Great Falls on March 12, 2014.

In a Sentencing Memorandum filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad C. Spraker, the government described Duran's conduct as the following:

From 1999 to January 2010, Duran was employed at the Rocky Boy Health Board as a supply technician, a job that required him to procure supplies for the clinic. From September 2009 to November 2009, Duran purchased a number of goods and services from Havre Tire Factory and Big R Stores. Before these purchases, Duran submitted requisition forms and purchase orders to the Rocky Boy Health Board. The vendors issued invoices indicating the vendee as Rocky Boy Health Center.

Duran submitted $7,674.43 in invoices to the Health Board under the pretense that the items were for legitimate clinic expenses when, in fact, the invoices were for Duran's personal expenses. As a result of Duran's fraud, the Rocky Boy Health Board paid the vendors for Duran's expenses. On March 5, 2013, Duran was interviewed by an FBI Special Agent at the Rocky Boy Police Department. In the interview, Duran admitted he purchased items for personal use and caused Health Board to pay for the items. Duran confessed that $7,674.43 in expenses from Havre Tire Factory and Big R Stores were in fact personal. Duran admitted he knew it was wrong to use Health Board funds to purchase personal items.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the (truth in sentencing( guidelines mandate that Duran will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, Duran does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for (good behavior.( However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that DACOTA ROGERS, 21, of Butte, was sentenced on February 21, 2014, in the federal courtroom in Butte, by Senior U.S. District Judge Sam Haddon, to 224 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release in connection with a guilty plea to Distribution of Fentanyl.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Whittaker, the government advised the Court that on December 8, 2013, Butte-Silverbow law enforcement officers were called to 828 West Park Street in relation to a male who was not breathing and unresponsive. Upon arrival at the scene they found Kara Spaabeck attempting to do CPR on Mark Phillip Allen. Allen was then transported to St. James Hospital, but emergency personnel were unable to revive Allen. During the drive from Allen's house to the Hospital, Spaabeck stated that she believed that Allen had been smoking fentanyl. She said she had been told this by Miles Muretta who had been with Allen earlier in the night.

Spaabeck turned over a cellular telephone she stated belonged to Allen. Officers reviewed the phone to determine ownership and next of kin, etc., when they discovered text messages that appeared to be drug related. One of the texts was from Muretta who in his text stated that whatever Allen had taken had caused him to start to drool immediately.

A short while later, the phone given began to ring. The officers answered the phone and the caller identified himself as Muretta. During the conversation, Muretta stated that he had been at Allen's house at 0148 hours and had placed Allen's head on a pillow because he had been snoring.

Officers later searched Allen's house and found fentanyl patches and drug paraphernalia. Fentanyl is a potent, synthetic opioid analgesic with a rapid onset and short duration, creating an intense "high". It is a highly addictive drug considered 100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl skin patches are used to control moderate to severe chronic (around-the-clock, long-lasting) pain that cannot be controlled by the use of other pain medications in people who have become tolerant (used to the effects of the medication) to other narcotic pain medications.

Officers interviewed Muretta wherein he stated that he had been with Allen the night he died. He said that Allen had been attempting to buy drugs and was able to make contact with a dealer identified as Dacota Rogers. Rogers had come to Allen's house while Murretta was present and sold Allen a Fentanyl patch for $35.00. Allen paid Rogers $10.00 dollars in cash, and then gave Rogers his debit card to go to an ATM to withdraw the other $25.00 dollars he owed for the patch.

Following the interview, officers contacted Allen's father who gave them bank account information relating to Allen's bank account. With that information, officer's found an ATM video showing Rogers withdrawing money from Allen's account the night of his death.

Investigators then conducted an interview with Rogers. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Rogers told investigators that he had in fact sold Allen the Fentanyl patch and had shown him how to ingest it. Rogers further stated that he had received money from Allen for the patch and had used Allen's ATM card to get the money from Allen's account.

The government would introduce evidence and testimony that Fentanyl is Schedule II controlled substance.

Dr. Gary E. Dale, a State Medical Examiner, performed a postmortem examination of Allen. Dr. Dale's examination revealed that there were toxic levels of fentanyl in Allen's body at the time of death. Dr. Dale concluded that Allen died as a result of fentanyl toxicity.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on March 5, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy, MARCO ANTONIO MORALES-ROA, was sentenced to 78 months in prison followed by 4 years supervised release in connection with his December 2013 guilty plea.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Whittaker, the Government states that in August 2013, law enforcement interviewed a confidential informant ("CI #1") in which he/she stated that about in about March 2013 he/she called a source of supply (SS #1) asking for assistance in obtaining some methamphetamine. The source of supply provided CI #1 with a phone number and told him to contact a Hispanic male by the name of "Antonio" (later identified as the defendant). CI #1 contacted Morales and made arrangement to meet Morales at his residence in Fairview, Montana. The next day CI #1 drove to Fairview, met with Morales and received 7 grams of meth from Morales on a front. Three days later CI #1 met with Morales at his residence and provided him with $700.00 for the meth he had received.

Several days later CI #1 again met with Morales and received $6,000.00 from him which CI #1 took to Butte, Montana to meet with a second source of supply from Washington (SS #2). This individual provided CI #1 with 1/2 pound of methamphetamine in exchange for the $6,000.00. CI #1 drove back to Sidney, Montana and provided Morales with 1/4 pound of the meth and provided the rest to others and himself for distribution.

Several days later CI #1 again met with Morales and received $4,500.00 which CI #1 combined with $500.00 which he/she already had. CI #1 then drove to Butte to again meet with the source of supply from Washington (SS #2). SS #2 provided CI #1 with 1/2 pound of meth in exchange for the cash. CI #1 drove back to Sidney and provided Morales with 1/4 pound of the meth and provided 28 grams to two other individuals. CI #1 then kept the remaining amount of meth for him/herself.

Furthermore, near the end of August 2013, law enforcement also conducted an interview with CI #2. CI #2 was a good friend of Morales and said he introduced Morales to SS #1 for the purpose of obtaining meth. When SS #1 was arrested in March 2013, Morales became the main distributor for meth in the Sidney area as a replacement for SS #1. CI #2 further stated that Morales owed an approximately $10,000.00 drug debt. CI #2 stated that he/she had observed Morales with approximately 1 ounce of meth at a time.

On September 20, 2013, Morales was interviewed by law enforcement wherein he stated that he had possessed methamphetamine and had distributed it to others.

The total amount of methamphetamine possessed by Morales was approximately 233 grams.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that KEVIN SCOTT NESSLAND, 41, of Bozeman, Montana, was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by 15 years supervised release during a federal court hearing in Missoula, on March 6, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen. Nessland was sentenced in connection with his November 2013 bench trial conviction on three counts of Receipt of Child Pornography.

In a Trial Brief filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee Peterson, the Government stated that defendant Kevin Scott Nessland was surreptitiously observing (through holes he made in the attic) and recording the adult females in the apartment next to his apartment in Bozeman, Montana. Nessland's residence was searched pursuant to a search warrant. Law enforcement seized several items including electronic devices.

When the crimes (state charges) were first detected, Nessland immediately left the Bozeman area. This occurred prior to the search of his residence. When he left Bozeman, Nessland took some of his computers and equipment. Nessland called the Bozeman Police Department from the road, and multiple telephonic conversations with Bozeman Police were recorded. During the telephonic conversations, Nessland stated that he has sex addiction issues and was seeking treatment.

Nessland was subsequently located in Idaho after law enforcement officers responded to his vehicle during Nessland's suicide attempt. At that time, he was arrested on a warrant for the state charges and returned to Montana. Electronic items found in his vehicle were seized and transferred to the Bozeman Police Department in Montana.

When detectives were searching one of Nessland's external hard drives for evidence of the burglary and surreptitious observation crimes, the detective found images of child pornography. Detectives obtained a second search warrant and submitted the computers and electronic devices to the Montana DCI Computer Crime Lab for forensic examination. This included the devices seized from Nessland's residence and vehicle.

Numerous items were forensically examined. A DCI Forensic Examiner found evidence which tied the computers to certain of the drives. The examiner located more than 1,700 files which depicted child pornography.

The case was investigated by the Bozeman Police Department, the Montana Department of Criminal Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that ANTHONY MARCOS CHADWELL, 20, of Billings, was sentenced to 48 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release by Senior U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy on February 19, 2014. In November 2013, a jury found Chadwell guilty of being a subject of a court order in possession of firearms and ammunition after a 2 day trial.

On August 26, 2012, a Billings Police Officer performed a traffic stop on a vehicle that was believed to contain the subject of an active felony arrest warrant, namely Charlie Lawson. The vehicle did not stop right away and the officer observed movements as he followed it.

After the vehicle did pull over, the officer approached and spoke with the two males inside. The officer identified the driver of the vehicle as Anthony Marcos Chadwell.

The defendant told the officer he did not have an ID, but he gave his correct name and told the officer he was a habitual traffic offender ("HTO"). The officer immediately knew he was going to arrest the defendant for the HTO offense if confirmed by dispatch.

Dispatch later confirmed that Mr. Chadwell was in fact HTO and was on probation. Dispatch also advised the officer that the defendant had an "officer caution" on him stemming from a previous incident where he had a .357 firearm near the center console/arm rest area.

After cover officers arrived, the officer asked the defendant to step out of the car and the defendant did so without issue. The officer was aware the defendant had been stabbed recently and he placed two sets of handcuffs on the defendant for his comfort. The defendant kicked the driver's side door closed. The officer walked the defendant back to his patrol vehicle and placed him in the back seat.

The officer told Chadwell that he was going to contact his probation officer to obtain authority to search the vehicle. Immediately, Chadwell became agitated and he yelled at the other passenger to get out and lock the doors. Chadwell yelled again for the passenger to lock the doors. The officer asked dispatch to inform Chadwell's probation officer that he was going to arrest Chadwell for the HTO violation. The defendant also yelled at the passenger to call his mother and to tell her they were being harassed. The passenger told the defendant she was on her way and told the defendant to calm down.

The officer asked the defendant if he had insurance and the defendant said he did. The officer asked if it was in the glove box and the defendant replied to just give him a no-insurance ticket because he was not getting in the glove box. The defendant was adamant and told the officer that he had the keys and the officer wasn't getting them.

The defendant was moved to another officer's patrol car and transported to jail. A probation officer authorized a search and requested that the police search the Chadwell's car. Because the officer was aware of the "officer caution" alert on Chadwell, that indicated there may be a firearm near the center armrest, he started his search there. The officer discovered a Colt model 1908 .25 caliber semi-automatic, loaded and with a round in the chamber. Officer Ward also found a Bryco Jennings J-22 semi-automatic pistol in the glove box.

Follow-up investigation showed that Chadwell was the subject of an "Order of Protection" issued on November 8, 2011. The order is one that prohibits the defendant from the lawful possession of firearms, with all four firearms prohibition criteria checked by the issuing court. Further, Chadwell had an opportunity to participate, had actual notice of the hearing and he was served with the order.

The investigation was conducted by the Billings Police Department and presented for federal prosecution by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls on March 5, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Malloy, ANGEL CRISTOBAL-SARMIENTOS was sentenced to a term of:

• ison: 13 months and 1 day

Cristobal-Sarmientos was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to Illegal Re-Entry into the United States.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

Cristobal-Sarmientos, who had previously been deported from the United States on multiple occasions, was involved in an alleged domestic dispute in Glendive, Montana on September 15, 2013, in which Dawson County Sheriff Deputies responded to the scene. The

United States Border Patrol was subsequently contacted and Cristobal-Sarmientos was

Cristobal-Sarimentos advised that he was a citizen of Mexico and in the United States illegally. There is no record that Cristobal-Sarimentos ever applied for or obtained the permission of the United States Attorney General or his successor the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter the United States. Moreover, records indicate that Cristobal-Sarimentos had previously been deported subsequent to a felony conviction.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the (truth in sentencing( guidelines mandate that Sanchez-Gonzalez will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, Sanchez-Gonzalez does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was conducted primarily by the United States Border Patrol.

The United States Attorney's Office today 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 Judge Lynch in Missoula on March 4, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• ISA CHERYL BAILEY, a 28-year-old resident of North Carolina, appeared on charges of counterfeiting obligations of the United States and uttering counterfeit obligations. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, BAILEY 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 Missoula Police Department. PACER Case Reference: 14-10

• EVEN M. GROVO, a 55-year-old resident of Massachusetts, appeared on charges of child exploitation enterprise and conspiracy to advertise child pornography. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, GROVO faces life imprisonment, $250,000 in files and lifetime supervised release. The investigation was a cooperative effort of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Polson Police Department, Helena Police Department, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation. PACER Case Reference: 13-30

• DNEY LIDE ROGERS a 29-year-old resident of North Carolina, appeared on charges of counterfeiting obligations of the United States and uttering counterfeit obligations. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, ROGERS 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 Missoula Police Department. PACER Case Reference: 14-10

• VID DONALD SHEARER, a 67-year-old resident of Townsend, appeared on charges of felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, SHEARER faces 10 years imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. PACER Case Reference: 13-19

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ostby in Billings on March 6, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• YES GUTIERREZ, a 44-year-old resident of Phoenix, Arizona, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, GUTIERREZ faces life imprisonment, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations. PACER Case Reference: 14-08

• MONA LOPEZ, a 44-year-old resident of Modesto, California appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute meth, and possession with intent to distribute heroin. If convicted of the most serious offenses contained in the indictment, LOPEZ faces life imprisonment, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. PACER Case Reference: 13-92

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Strong in Great Falls on March 11, 2014 and entering please of Not Guilty were:

• LLIAM T. AHENAKEW, a 23-year-old resident of Box Elder appeared on charges of sexual abuse. In convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, AHENAKEW faces life imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and lifetime supervised release. PACER Case Reference: 14-14

The indictment is merely a formal charging document. It is not proof of guilt and all persons indicted are presumed to be innocent of any crime until proof of guilt is established by trial or guilty plea.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is currently transitioning its media program to new media contacts. Resources and this transition may affect the amount of information the office can process and disclose in a timely manner. Therefore, 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.

The United States Attorney's Office today 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 Judge Lynch in Missoula on February 25, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• CALVIN CLELAND, a 28-year-old resident of Butte, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, CLELAND faces 40 years imprisonment, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release. PACER Case Reference: 13-24

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ostby in Billings on February 25, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• RODNEY TOMMIE STEWART, a resident of Crow Agency, appeared on charges of habitual offender of domestic assault. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, STEWART faces 5 years imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. PACER Case Reference: 14-20

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Strong in Great Falls on February 27, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• DANIEL WALTER SZWEDKOWICZ, appeared on charges of possession of stolen firearms. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, SZWEDKOWICZ faces 10 years imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. PACER Case Reference: 14-06

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ostby in Billings on February 27, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• TRAVIS JOHN BELL, a 22-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and burglary involving controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious offense contained in the indictment, BELL faces 20 years imprisonment, $1,000,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Billings Police Department. PACER Case Reference - 14-16

• HOWARD EMBRY, a 39-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of felon in possession, unlawful user of controlled substance in possession. If convicted of the most serious offenses contained in the indictment, EMBRY faces 10 years imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. PACER Case Reference - 14-21

• DYLAN FROST, a 32-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of possession of an unregistered firearm. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, FROST faces 10 years imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. PACER Case Reference - 14-18

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Strong in Great Falls on February 28, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• CLAYTON WILLARD CARTER, a 23-year-old resident of Missoula, appeared on charges of possession of stolen firearms. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, CARTER faces 10 years imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm, and the Missoula Police Department. PACER Case Reference - 14-06

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Ostby in Billings on March 3, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• KIM TROTTIER HIRT, a 55-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to commit money laundering and possession with intent to distribute. If convicted of the most serious offenses contained in the indictment, HIRT faces life imprisonment, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the HIDTA Task Force. PACER Case Reference - 14-10

The indictment is merely a formal charging document. It is not proof of guilt and all persons indicted are presumed to be innocent of any crime until proof of guilt is established by trial or guilty plea.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is currently transitioning its media program to new media contacts. Resources and this transition may affect the amount of information the office can process and disclose in a timely manner. Therefore, 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.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula, on February 25, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy, JONATHAN LEE OLIVER, 41, of Missoula, Montana, pleaded guilty to Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, and Structuring. Oliver's pleas could result in a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years. There is no parole in the federal system.

In an Offer of Proof filed with the Court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Racicot informed the Court that during the fall of 2010, Oliver, often using the name Jon Walker, began soliciting payments from several victims for the construction of steel buildings, primarily in eastern Montana and North and South Dakota. He rented office and warehouse space in Missoula in October 2010. He entered into contracts with the victims, received millions of dollars in advance payments, and completed only one building. Rather than build the structures, Oliver used a substantial amount of the victims' money to buy personal assets, including a house, a truck, an RV, snowmobiles, a jet-ski, an ATV, and a diamond ring for his fiancé. On more than occasion, Oliver directed his employees to tell victims that a certain phase of the construction of their building was completed in order to induce the victim to send Oliver another installment payment, when in fact the phase had not been completed and Oliver's business lacked the materials necessary to complete the project because so many of the funds had been spent by Oliver on personal items, including those referenced above.

Oliver's wire fraud conviction involves the wire transfer of $69,498 from one victim to Oliver on August 26, 2011. That victim later wrote Oliver a check for $40,000 and wired an additional $23,350, but never received a completed building. The money laundering conviction relates to Oliver's purchase of a brand-new car on April 12, 2011, for $33,950 - a 2011 Subaru Tribeca Limited - using money obtained from victims as a result of the wire fraud scheme. And the structuring conviction is represented by Oliver's withdrawal of $9,950 in cash from his Wells Fargo Bank account on May 20, 2011, which was designed to avoid the Bank's currency transaction reporting requirements.

This case was investigated by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service.

The United States Attorney's Office Announced that after having been acquitted in 2012 of sexual assault, and then again in 2013-in trials involving other victims-Poplar resident Kevin Devereaux was found guilty of rape, assault and burglary by a federal jury in Great Falls on Thursday, February 27, 2014, after a two day trial.

Devereaux, 51, was charged with raping a woman in Poplar in 2009, then assaulting and burglarizing her house in 2013.

Witnesses testified that in May 2009, the victim was sleeping on her sofa when Devereaux suddenly appeared, standing over her. He grabbed her arm, dragged her down the hallway, and raped her in a bedroom. He laughed then fled the house. Fearing retaliation from Devereaux, she recanted her story a few weeks later and the case was closed.

Over the course of the next few years, Devereaux returned on numerous occasions and made repeated attempts to break into the victim's house. The victim called the police several times to report his attempts to break in through a window, door or garage.

In October 2013, Devereaux successfully broke into the victim's house and attacked her while she was sleeping in a bedroom with her 7-year-old granddaughter. With the child in the room, Devereaux strangled the victim, repeatedly punched her in the face, and threated to kill her.

The U.S. Attorney's Office consolidated the 2009 and 2013 offenses in a single indictment for trial. Devereaux faces maximum thirty years in prison for the rape, twenty years for the burglary and ten years for the assault.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice. Assistant United States Attorney Laura B. Weiss prosecuted the case.

Delyle Shanny Augare

Dorothy May Still Smoking

The United States Attorney's Office announced that former officials of the Blackfeet Tribe's Po'Ka Project, a multi-million dollar federally funded effort to address the needs of troubled youth on the reservation, have entered guilty pleas in federal court in Great Falls. FRANCIS KAY ONSTAD, 61, of Valier, the former Director of the Po'Ka Program, DELYLE SHANNY AUGARE, 58, of Browning, the former Assistant Director of the Po'Ka Program, and DOROTHY MAY STILL SMOKING, 64, of Browning, entered pleas of guilty to conspiracy, embezzlement and fraud before U.S. District Judge Brian Morris on February 28, 2014. Onstad and Augare also entered pleas to charges of income tax evasion. Onstad and Augare face a possible 5 years in prison and a $250,000, for conspiracy to defraud the United States, and income tax evasion. They also face 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine for conspiracy to violate the False Claims Act and theft from an Indian tribal government receiving federal funding. Sentences on the four convictions could be ordered to run consecutively. Still Smoking pled guilty to a single count of conspiracy to violate the False Claims Act. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Rostad told the Court that, as part of his agreement with the defendants, his office would be seeking $1,000,000 in restitution from each defendant.

Codefendant Charlotte New Breast entered a guilty plea and was sentenced in 2013. Codefendant Katheryn Elizabeth Sherman has reached a plea agreement with the United States and is scheduled to enter her plea before Judge Morris on Monday, March 3.

In an Offer of Proof, the prosecutor told the Court that the Blackfeet Po'Ka Project was developed to help troubled Native American youth. Po'Ka was funded by a federal grant from 2005 through 2011 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the Department of Health and Human Services. Beginning in 2005 with a $1,000,000 federal disbursement, the grant ultimately became a $9.3 million program over a six year period (2005-2011).

THE IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTAND THE FALSE CLAIMS CONSPIRACY

It was the stated intent and proposal from the Tribe that the Po'Ka Project would ultimately become self-sufficient; a completely tribal program - entirely supported by the Tribe - by the end of the grant period. The grant required that the Tribe provide a certain amount of funding. "A requirement contained in certain legislation, regulations, or administrative policies that a recipient must maintain a specified level of financial effort in the health area for which Federal funds will be provided in order to receive Federal grant funds." Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED), CMHS Child Mental Health Service Initiative Number: 93.104. To achieve the goal of final self-sufficiency, the Tribe was required to provide in-kind matching contributions to continue to secure federal payments with the idea that as federal participation declined, tribal participation would rise to fill the funding void left by the absence of federal funds. It was the intent of the parties and SAMHSA that the Po'Ka Project would survive on its own once federal funding was no longer forthcoming.

An in-kind contribution is a non-cash contribution provided by non-federal third parties in support of the project funded by the grant, and its objectives. Third party in-kind contributions may be in the form of real property, equipment, supplies and other expendable property, and the value of goods and services directly benefitting and specifically identifiable to the project or program.

As noted, a key component of the grant award was the funding arc; the ratio of federal money to in-kind contributions. Only if Po'Ka met the in-kind contribution targets could they receive the maximum amount of federal money from the grant. Consistent with the sustainability objective of the grant, the Tribe's in-kind contribution requirement was the highest in the later years of the grant. The Blackfeet Tribe was required to provide $7.0 million of in-kind contributions from FYs 2009 through 2011. That created an environment where the appearance of substantial in-kind contributions became paramount if the maximum flow of federal money from the grant was going to continue.

However, the in-kind commitment could never be honestly met, so the conspirators began making up facts and documents to try and satisfy SAMHSA and the auditors that the in-kind contributions represented on their reports to SAMHSA were legitimate. They did so by inflating the figures related to in-kind contributions, assigning values to non-existent and illegitimate "contributions," and manufacturing fraudulent invoices and records to support fictional or inflated contributions. The misrepresentations as to in-kind amounts were made in monthly reports to SAMHSA and the documents were generated to placate auditors conducting a required annual audit of the Tribe's operations. These annual audits are required of tribe's accepting federal grant funds to insure that the grant funds are being used for their intended purpose and that the requirements of the contract agreement are being met. If auditors make negative findings, those findings can result in action by the federal agency to rescind the contract, demand repayment, or make an offset, where the government deducts money from future payments.

Several witnesses, whose names were used as in-kind contributors, denied preparing or signing the invoice and denied contributing time or goods to the Po'Ka Project, at least in the amount claimed.

Based on email evidence and the statements of cooperating witnesses, Onstad, Augare, and Still Smoking, along with others, conspired to make the false representations as to the in-kind contributions made to the Po'Ka Project, and then actively managed the creation of false documentation to cover the representations so that the auditors would not question the contributions and the federal money would continue flowing unabated. The false representations were in effect false claims that resulted in the expenditure of federal grant money that would not have been expended had the principals honestly represented the woefully inadequate level of non-federal support.

Auditors with the Office of Inspector General (OIG), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, have determined that $4.6 million in claims for grant payments paid to the Tribe on the basis of Po'Ka' s in-kind contribution are unsupported, inflated, or completely falsified.

THE EMBEZZLEMENT SCHEME WITH THE NATIONAL EVALUATOR

Onstad and Augare embezzled from the program in a myriad of relatively minor ways - travel fraud, misuse of Po'Ka credit cards, exorbitant claims of overtime, etc. - but the most significant embezzlement came in the agreement they appeared to reach with the grant's national evaluator. Certain federal grants require the participation of a national evaluator; an outside observer whose job is to monitor the progress of the project. Onstad and Augare reached an agreement with the national evaluator whereby they would approve significant payments to the evaluator who would in turn kick back a sizable portion of what was provided to him. Between August 2008 and August 2011, Onstad and Augare approved over $475,000 in Po'Ka grant monies for the national evaluator, then doing business under an alias business name. In turn, between August 2008, and September 2011, the national evaluator transferred $231,550 to the Child Family Advocacy Center (commonly referred to as the Child Family Advocacy Fund or CFAF) bank accounts at the Wells Fargo Bank in Cut Bank, Montana.

Between September 2008 and September 2011, Onstad and Augare withdrew $225,482 from the CFAF accounts. Much of that money went into their personal accounts at Stockman Bank and from those accounts much was spent on gambling and travel.

TAX EVASION WITH REGARD TO 2008 TAX LIABILITY

In 2009, Onstad and Augare both filed federal income tax returns for the calendar year 2008 in which they claimed a certain amount of taxable income based on their salaries from the Po'Ka Program. However, they had also taken significant sums from the CFAF accounts, all of which constituted unreported income. By concealing that income from the Internal Revenue Service, Onstad and Augare paid approximately half of what was owed to the IRS.

The case was pursued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General. The FBI and the IG also received substantial assistance from the Internal Revenue Service's Criminal Investigation Division.

U.S. Attorney Mike Cotter lauded the work of the FBI and the Inspector General's Office in the Po'Ka case as well as the myriad other cases investigated and prosecuted since the Guardians Project was made public in 2013.

Rarely does government produce such an effective anti-corruption team as has been created by the agents of the Guardians Project. Abandoning the traditional model of "You work your case and I'll work mine", these agencies have committed themselves to mutual cooperation. Working closely together-providing each other with time, resources, and expertise-has made these investigators the champions of Indian Country communities eager to rid themselves of corruption and the abuses of trust and power."

The United States Attorney's Office announced that the former Director of the Blackfeet Tribe's Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Program, SANDARA MARIE SANDERVILLE, 58, of Browning, entered a plea of guilty to embezzlement and fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong in Great Falls on February 27, 2014. She faces a possible 10 years in prison and a $250,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Rostad told the Court that his office would be seeking over $297,000 in restitution.

In an Offer of Proof, the prosecutor told the Court that in 2006, Sanderville became the Director of the Blackfeet Tribe's TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) program. TANF is a federally funded welfare program designed to help needy families achieve self-sufficiency. States receive block grants to design and operate programs that accomplish one of the purposes of the TANF program. Federally recognized Indian tribes can apply for funding to administer and operate their own TANF programs.

Between 2006 and 2010 (the time period of the indictment), the Blackfeet Tribe received over $3,000,000 annually in TANF monies, for a total of over $12,000,000.

Between April 2006 and her dismissal in November of 2010 (although she was suspended with pay and was not terminated until the following year), Sanderville engaged in a variety of schemes designed to overpay TANF clients who would then cash the illicit TANF checks and provide Sanderville with a cash kick back of a portion of the overpayment. The scheme involved both providing TANF funds to ineligible recipients and overpaying eligible recipients. The overpayments were accomplished by adding children and grandchildren to the payment calculation, some real and others completely fabricated, failing to remove household residents who she knew were no longer in the household, and paying ineligible non-tribal members. Sanderville was able to conceal the scheme in part because she could, as Director, "restrict" access to accounts thereby preventing any other TANF office staff from seeing the computer file. Sanderville's scheme covered a four year period and involved approximately 16 to 20 TANF beneficiaries. Federal auditors have established the loss to the TANF program was over $297,612.

When Sanderville became the subject of an investigation by the Blackfeet Tribe's Internal Affairs Office, Sanderville went into the computer system and attempted to delete or destroy all files relating to the fraudulent scheme. A back-up computer file existed at an out-of-state location which allowed investigators to identify and recreate the transactions which were part of Sanderville's "split-check" schemes.

Sanderville was interviewed and admitted that she had designed and profited from the scheme. Initially, Sanderville alleged that she had only kept a small portion ($100) of each fraudulent overpayment, but when confronted with the statements of the known beneficiaries, Sanderville admitted that she had received the majority of the ill-gotten proceeds. Sanderville explained that she had developed a gambling problem and was gambling hundreds of dollars a week. Sanderville claimed sole responsibility for the scheme, and insisted that no one else in the TANF office knew of or participated in the overpayment scheme. She also claimed that she had misled the beneficiaries by telling them that the additional money was "extra" money from a grant or other fund. She also, according to her statement, advised beneficiaries that the money they were returning to her was going back into the TANF program.

The case was pursued by the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General. That agency was partnered with the other agencies from the U.S. Attorney's Guardians Project, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General. The HHS OIG also received substantial assistance from the Blackfeet Tribe's Internal Affairs office.

U.S. Attorney Mike Cotter lauded the work of the Guardians in the Sanderville case as well as the myriad other cases investigated and prosecuted since the project was disclosed in 2013.

Rarely does government produce such an effective anti-corruption team as has been created by the agents of the Guardians Project. Abandoning the traditional model of "You work your case and I'll work mine", these agencies have committed themselves to mutual cooperation. Working closely together-providing each other with time, resources, and expertise-has made these investigators champions of Indian Country communities eager to rid themselves of corruption and the abuses of trust and power."

The United States Attorney(s Office announced that STEPHEN SALVATORE INTRIERI, 30, of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, was sentenced on February 20, 2014, to a term of 30 months in federal prison for with three years of supervised release to follow, for running an interstate scrap metal scam. Intrieri was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen in Missoula. Christensen also ordered Intrieri to pay $326,474.36 in restitution.

In an Offer of Proof filed with the Court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot

Whitefish Police Department initially received a complaint from an officer with a New Jersey scrap metal procurement company that buys scrap metal in the United States and sells it overseas. On February 29, 2012, the company received a call from "Tony Giordano," a salesman for Montana Metal Recyclers ("MMR"), which was allegedly doing business from Whitefish, about purchasing scrap metal. An agreement was reached and on June 8, 2012, the New Jersey company wired $19,000 to MMR's bank account at Bank of America.

The officer of the New Jersey company told police that he was cautious in his dealings with Giordano, but Giordano's knowledge of the scrap metal industry made him comfortable proceeding with the deal after receiving pictures of the material he was purchasing and Giordano's answers to some technical questions about the industry and the shipment. After he sent the money, Giordano could never be reached and the company never received the scrap metal it had purchased. When the company official was later asked if he had prior interactions with Intrieri, he described being defrauded out of $30,000 by Intrieri and Northeast Metal Traders in approximately 2009, and provided the documents from that transaction.

It is not uncommon for persons engaged in telemarketing fraud to return to prior victims-a technique referred to as "reloading"--with assurances that they want to redeem themselves by making it up to the victim with a second deal often more lucrative than the first. This scam prays on the desire to make up for lost investment and the chance to recoup lost funds is often too seductive to resist.

Another victim contacted the Whitefish police-as well as the Secret Service in New York-to report that he paid MMR $95,000 on the basis of representations made by a man who called himself "Tony Giordano," to buy scrap metal that he never received. The second victim, A.B., made two attempts to verify the legitimacy of MMR, including one with a person, A.W., whose name was referenced in a sales agreement to which MMR was a party. A.B. received a response to his email to A.W. indicating MMR was a reputable company, but when he actually spoke with A.W., he learned that A.W. did not send the email and had never heard of MMR.

The Secret Service in New York initiated an investigation into MMR, during which they discovered MMR did not have a facility or office at the address in Whitefish listed on the incorporation documents. They traced some of the money that paid to MMR to the purchase of a $37,510 engagement ring by Intrieri on February 10, 2012, from Jay Roberts Jewelers in Marlton, New Jersey. Intrieri paid for the ring with a cashier's check from RBS Citizens Bank. The owner of the jewelry store was interviewed and confirmed that a man who provided the name Steve Intrieri bought a 3-carat diamond engagement ring. Intrieri told the jeweler that he lived in Bayonne, NJ, and his parents lived in Mount Laurel, NJ.

The second victim was Facebook friends with Intrieri and told one of the investigating agents that Intrieri proposed to his girlfriend on February 11, 2012, and posted pictures of her wearing a large diamond ring. The second victim provided screen shots of the posts to the Secret Service and the owner of the jewelry store identified the ring that he sold Intrieri in the photo from the post on his fiancé's Facebook page. The owner also identified Intrieri from the RBS Citizen's Bank surveillance, which was captured at the same time he obtained the cashier's check to pay for the ring. The agents in New York eventually turned over their investigation to an agent in Montana, given that MMR was incorporated in Montana and allegedly had a business address in Whitefish.

RBS Citizens Bank froze MMR's account sometime around February 15, 2012. MMR's first statement for the Bank of America account covers the time period from February 15-29, 2012, which indicates it was opened the same time the RBS account was frozen. Intrieri wired more than $125,000 from the MMR Bank of America account into his personal Chase bank account, and nearly $10,000 was wired into his fiancé's account. Altogether, it appears that Intrieri received approximately $370,000 from the various victims of the MMR scheme. Approximately $49,000 was returned to the second victim with the RBS Citizens account was frozen.

Investigating agents found that Intrieri was affiliated with seven different businesses, at least four of which appeared to deal with scrap metal sales. Their searches revealed that Intrieri had been the subject of prior Secret Service investigations and had a criminal history. The agents also interviewed other victims of Intrieri's scheme, who provided information consistent with what was relayed by the victims who had contacted the Whitefish Police Department.

U.S. Attorney Mike Cotter reminded all Montanans to be wary of "cold calls" promising lucrative returns, particularly if you have been a prior victim of telemarketing fraud.

Unsolicited calls from people you do not know, making promises you want to believe, are most often completely fraudulent. These swindlers feed on people's dreams of an easier-more financially secure-future. With one phone call, they can steal those dreams by taking away all you've saved and everything you were saving for. And if you've been fooled before they will be back to take whatever they did not get the first time around." -- Mike Cotter, U.S. Attorney for Montana.

The United States Attorney(s Office announced that MARK LAWRENCE WILSON was sentenced on February 20, 2014, to a term of 6 months in federal prison with three years of supervised release to follow, before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen.

Wilson was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to being an unlawful drug user in possession of firearms.

In an Offer of Proof filed with the Court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart advised the court that on November 8, 2012, Mark Lawrence Wilson, an unlawful drug user of marijuana and cocaine, possessed 12 firearms and more than 5,200 rounds of ammunition in Flathead County. Stewart told the court that Wilson was a user of both cocaine and marijuana.The investigation was a cooperative effort of Homeland Security Investigations, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration Laboratory, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Northwest Montana Drug Task Force.

The United States Attorney's Office today announced that after less than an hour of deliberation, a federal jury has found 31-year-old Robert Lewis Burshia guilty of stabbing three women at a residence in Poplar, Montana on March 6, 2013. Following a day and half long trial before U.S. District Court judge Brian M. Morris, the jury convicted Burshia of all four counts in the indictment: three counts of assault with a a dangerous weapon, and one count assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

At trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Weiss presented evidence that on the evening of March 6, 2013, Burshia appeared at a residence in Poplar where he asked to use the bathroom. Burshia then joined three women at the residence who were sharing a bottle of Black Velvet. He left, then returned fifteen minutes later, having told one of the women he was using meth and wanted to drink. As two of the women were eating spagetti, Burshia took a shot from the bottle in the kitchen and began making claiming that the bottle of Black Velvet belonged to him. Burshia then pulled up his hood, put his hand in the pocket of his hoodie and pulled out a knife. Burshia then stabbed one of the women. A second woman tried to protect the first assault victim and Burshia stabbed her as well. The two women then ran from the house and hid in the garage. Burshia, who had been in the house before, went straight back to the bedroom where the third woman was sleeping with two young children, ages six and seven. Burshia kicked the door in and stabbed the third woman as she draped her body over the children to try to protect them. He then fled the house and was located by law enforcement a few doors down.

The three women were transported by ambulance to the emergency room. The first woman who was stabbed had to be transported to Billings, due to the severity of her injuries. It is estimated that she lost 10 percent of her blood. In surgery, the doctor located a stab wound that went directly into her stomach. Part of her stomach had to be removed in order to staple shut the stab wound.

Burshia faces a possible penalty on each of the four counts of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years supervised release. The terms of imprisonment on each count could run consecutively.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice.

The United States Attorney's Office today 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 Judge Strong in Great Falls on February 24, 2014 and entering please of Not Guilty were:

• VICTOR MICHAEL VIELLE, a 31-year-old resident of Browning, appeared on charges of second degree murder. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, VIELLE faces life imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. PACER Case Reference: 13-110

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Strong in Great Falls on February 25, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• KENNETH WAYNE DAVIS, a 58-year-old resident of Cascade, appeared on charges of conspiracy with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, and drug user in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious offenses charges in the indictment, DAVIS faces 40 years imprisonment, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the HIDTA Task Force. PACER Case Reference: 14-11

• RUEBEN FRIESEN, a 33-year-old resident of Alberta, Canada, appeared on charges of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. If convicted of the most serious offense charged in the indictment, FRIESEN faces 30 years imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and lifetime supervised release. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Great Falls Police Department. PACER Case Reference: 14-10

• WILLIAM TAYLER KIRKALDIE, a 31-year-old resident of Fort Belknap, appeared on charges of domestic abuse by a habitual offender. If convicted of the offense charged in the indictment, KIRKALDIE faces 5 years imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference: 14-12

The indictment is merely a formal charging document. It is not proof of guilt and all persons indicted are presumed to be innocent of any crime until proof of guilt is established by trial or guilty plea.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is currently transitioning its media program to new media contacts. Resources and this transition may affect the amount of information the office can process and disclose in a timely manner. Therefore, 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.

The United States Attorney(s Office announced that MITCHELL TODD ROSS was sentenced on February 19, 2014, to a term of 16 months in federal prison with three years of supervised release to follow, before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy.

Ross was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to possession of a destructive device - a pipe bomb.

In an Offer of Proof filed with the Court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Suek advised the court on November 13th, 2011, at approximately 1:06 am, the Billings Police Department (BPD) stopped on a red 1997 Pontiac Grand Am for not having a license plate lamp. Upon conducting the traffic stop, the driver, later identified as the defendant, Mitchell Todd Ross, failed to comply with police instructions and fled. After a brief foot pursuit, Ross was secured in handcuffs and placed him in the back of a patrol car.

While Ross was escorted to the patrol car, an officer looked inside Ross's car and took pictures of the contents. The items visible within the car included a hard plastic or glass pipe board and a white shirt wrapped in black electrical tape with a green fuse sticking out on the front passenger floor.

Ross's car was searched after he signed a consent form. A BPD bomb team member responded to the scene to determine if the item (suspected pipe bomb) wrapped in a white shirt with black electrical tape and a fuse sticking out of it was safe. Ross told police that a friend, whom he would not identify, approached him the previous day and asked Ross if he could do anything with a pipe bomb. Ross informed the friend he could and claimed the friend informed him the pipe bomb was a dummy. The friend asked Ross if he was interested in the pipe bomb and Ross indicated that he was.

The seized suspected pipe bomb was placed into the BPD explosives bunker. On November 18, 2011, an ATF Special Agent Explosives Enforcement Officer made the suspected pipe bomb safe. The suspected pipe bomb was made by capping the end of a shower head extension tube with a penny and cap, placing powder into the tube, and capping the end. The end without the penny had a round cap and a small hole in it where the green fuse was protruding out of the capped tube. Samples of the powder contained in the tube and the green fuse were collected and, along with the shower-head tube, were sent to the ATF Laboratory for analysis. An ATF Forensic Chemist examined the suspected pipe bomb and concluded that it contained a functional length of green pyrotechnic fuse measuring approximately 1/8 inch in diameter; two nitrate explosive mixtures, pyrotechnic stars and grain hulls; and the remains of a1/2 inch nominal diameter standard 6 inch chrome-plated brass shower arm assembly with a brass nut

US penny to one end of the shower arm effecting closure and the swivel head portion of the shower adapter securing the other end with a 1/8 inch diameter hole - of sufficient size to have accommodated a method of initiation. The ATF Explosives Enforcement Officer, after reviewing the report from the Forensic Chemist, concluded that the materials evaluated were consistent with an improvised explosive weapon; that lighting the fuse would, after a short delay, ignite the explosive filler causing the devise to explode; and that this explosion would produce blast and thermal effects and project fragments at high velocity. The pipe bomb was capable of causing property damage and injury or death to persons near the explosion.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that BERNARD JAMES HORSTMAN was sentenced on February 20, 2014, to a term of 120 months in federal prison with five years of supervised release to follow, before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen.

Horstman was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

In an Offer of Proof filed with the Court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott advised the court that in August of 2012, the Northwest Drug Task Force (NWDTF) received information from several sources that an individual identified only as "BJ" was receiving methamphetamine through the mail and then distributing the methamphetamine throughout Northwest Montana.

Agents received information from a confidential informant who admitted to purchasing 2 grams of methamphetamine from Horstman on or about September 17, 2012. The informant had observed Horstman in possession of approximately 1/4 pound of methamphetamine.

On October 10, 2012, a DCI Agent applied for and received a state search warrant for an intercepted USPS Package addressed to the defendant. When the package was opened, agents discovered approximately 12.6 grams (contained in a small baggie further wrapped in aluminum foil) of methamphetamine located inside a DVD case.

On January 3, 2013 agents searched Horstman's Honda Civic and recovered 65 grams of pure meth. Horstman admitted that the meth was his, that he had purchased it in Fresno, California, and had transported it back to Montana.

The term pure methamphetamine refers to the purity contained in the transacted amount which is usually "cut" with inert ingredients that make the actual product less pure but more profitable as drugs are generally sold based on quantity not quality.

The United States Attorney(s Office announced that RICARDO ANDRE ROSS, 47, of Billings, was sentenced on February 20, 2014, to a term of 180 months-or 15 years in federal prison-with five years of supervised release to follow, before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy.

Ross was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm. In accordance with 18 U.S.C. § 924(e)(1), the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA), Ross was also subject to a mandatory minimum of fifteen years imprisonment because he had at least three prior serious drug or violent felony convictions.

In an Offer of Proof filed with the Court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan McCarthy advised the Court that at approximately 1:30 a.m. on September 12, 2012, an officer with the Billings Police Department was traveling westbound in his patrol vehicle on Broadwater Avenue when he observed that the 2003 Buick in front of him did not have a license plate light. The officer conducted a traffic stop and the driver of the Buick pulled the vehicle over into a nearby parking lot.

When the officer approached the driver side of the vehicle, he smelled marijuana. The officer questioned the driver, later identified as Ricardo Andre Ross. The officer ran a background check on Ross and the passenger, and discovered out that Ross was currently on state probation. The dispatcher spoke with Ross's probation officer and the probation officer consented to a search of the vehicle. Two other officers arrived to assist.

During the search, the officers recovered a Kel-Tec 9mm pistol with serial number 92378 from the driver's side door. In the center console of the vehicle, the officers recovered a Marlboro Red cigarette pack that had various items inside of it including a small bag containing a white crystalline substance which tested positive as methamphetamine. A black backpack was retrieved from the trunk of the vehicle from which officers recovered a Hi-Point, model JH, .45 caliber, semi-automatic pistol.

Ross had previously been convicted, on May 31, 1990, of a felony in the State of Virginia. That conviction prohibited him from possessing firearms, and his criminal record enhanced sentencing for that crime under the ACCA.

The United States Attorney's Office today 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 Judge Lynch in Missoula on February 12, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• BENJAMIN SCOTT HINEMAN, a 29-year-old resident of Whitefish, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious offenses charged in the indictment, HINEMAN faces life imprisonment, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Northwest Montana Drug Task Force. PACER Case Reference: 14-03

• SCOTT JOSEPH HINEMAN, a 60-year-old resident of Kalispell, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious offenses charged in the indictment, HINEMAN faces life imprisonment, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Northwest Montana Drug Task Force. PACER Case Reference: 14-04

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Strong in Great Falls on February 18, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• RONALD JAY KEMP, a 31-year-old resident of Havre, 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 offense charged in the indictment, KEMP faces 40 years imprisonment, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Tri-Agency Drug Task Force.. PACER Case Reference: 13-102

The indictment is merely a formal charging document. It is not proof of guilt and all persons indicted are presumed to be innocent of any crime until proof of guilt is established by trial or guilty plea.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is currently transitioning its media program to new media contacts. Resources and this transition may affect the amount of information the office can process and disclose in a timely manner. Therefore, 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.

The United States Attorney's Office announced on February 18, 2014, in a court proceeding in United States District Court in Billings, Judge Donald W. Molloy sentenced Samuel Davis Everson III, 47, of Fairview, North Dakota to 168 months imprisonment and five years supervised release for the offense of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The charge against Everson alleged that he committed the offense between April 2012 and September 20, 2013, in Sidney and Fairview, Montana, when he possessed pure methamphetamine with the intent to distribute as part of a scheme whereby he and others distributed large amounts of pure methamphetamine in northeastern Montana.

The term pure methamphetamine refers to the purity contained in the transacted amount which is usually "cut" with inert ingredients that make the actual product less pure but more profitable as drugs are generally sold based on quantity not quality.

The prosecution was part of Project Safe Bakken, a cooperative effort between federal and state prosecutors and federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in Montana and North Dakota. The investigation in the case was performed by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigations, the Sidney Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

United States Attorney Michael Cotter, whose office prosecuted the case in federal court, stated "This case demonstrates the serious sort of drug trafficking at play in the Bakken oil fields. But it also shows how cooperative work between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies as part of Project Safe Bakken can successfully combat crime in the region. This effort will continue for as long as it takes to ensure the Bakken is safe place to live and work."

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, Montana, on February 13, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris, OTIS GENE CROSBY, 74, of Browning, was sentenced to a term of 120 months imprisonment with ten years of supervised release to follow his release after pleading guilty to Aggravated Sexual Abuse.

The Court sentenced Crosby to the top of the range recommended under the federal sentencing guidelines. Because there is no parole in the federal system, the truth in sentencing guidelines mandate that Crosby will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court in prison. In the federal system, Crosby 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.

No other details are being released. The Government's Offer of Proof and Sentencing Memorandum are public record and may be electronically accessed using the PACER system at PACER Case Reference: 13-96

This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula, on February 12, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy, Joseph Thomas Obresley, was sentenced to 33 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release. Obresley was sentenced in connection with his October 8, 2013, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott, the government stated that on June 28, 2013, as part of a controlled drug enforcement operation, task force officers arranged to meet with an individual who was obtaining methamphetamine intending to sell the drugs to agents acting in an undercover capacity.

After the individual had indicated that he had the methamphetamine, members of the task force responded and the individual and others were arrested. Approximately 225 grams of methamphetamine were recovered from the individual's vehicle.

The investigation revealed that Obresley had brokered the June 28, 2013 drug deal.

The United States Attorney's Office today 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 Judge Strong in Great Falls on February 11, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• DAVID J. LEWIS, a 50-year-old resident of Brockton, appeared on charges of first degree murder and second degree murder. If convicted of the most serious offense charged in the indictment, LEWIS faces life imprisonment, $250,000 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: 14-06

• JAY HARWOOD OLD CHIEF, a 25-year-old resident of Browning, appeared on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse. If convicted of the most serious offense charged in the indictment, OLD CHIEF faces life imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and lifetime supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference: 14-02

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Strong in Great Falls on February 12, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• FRANK ANTHONY TAKALA, a 51-year-old resident of Fairfield, appeared on charges of illegal possession of a machine gun, possession of an unregistered gun, and possession of a gun without a serial number. If convicted of the most serious offenses charged in the indictment, TAKALA faces 10 years imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. PACER Case Reference: 14-07

Appearing before U.S. District Judge Watters in Billings on February 13, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• BRANDON LEE TOUCHETTE, a 36-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the offense charged in the indictment, TOUCHETTE faces life imprisonment, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Billings Drug Task Force. PACER Case Reference: 13-83

The indictment is merely a formal charging document. It is not proof of guilt and all persons indicted are presumed to be innocent of any crime until proof of guilt is established by trial or guilty plea.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is currently transitioning its media program to new media contacts. Resources and this transition may affect the amount of information the office can process and disclose in a timely manner. Therefore, 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.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on February 13, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters, Christopher Kyle Sherrod was sentenced to 200 months imprisonment, 5 years supervised release, and a special assessment of $100. Sherrod was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Whittaker, the government stated that on or about May 1, 2013, in Wibaux County, in the State and District of Montana, the defendant, CHRISTOPHER KYLE SHERROD, knowingly and unlawfully possessed, with the intent to distribute, 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).

On May 1, 2013, Montana Highway Patrol ("MHP") was patrolling Interstate 94 in Wibaux County, Montana. The MHP Trooper witnessed two passenger cars coming toward him

One car was passing the other car, and the passing car appeared to be speeding above the posted speed limit of 75 mph. The trooper initiated his radar unit when the passing car was past the overtaken vehicle and confirmed a speed of 82 mph in a 75 mph zone. The trooper turned on the speeding vehicle and followed it eastbound. As the trooper approached the car, he noted its rear bumper and rear quarter panel to have damage.

The trooper stopped the car and noted there was one only male occupant and that it was a rental car. He identified the driver by his Oregon driver's license as Christopher Kyle Sherrod. Sherrod told the trooper that he was a felon out of Oregon. The trooper observed that the vehicle had no luggage and was very clean. He asked Sherrod about the damage to the vehicle as it appeared to be very recent damage. Sherrod told the trooper that he was run into by a semi-truck around Bozeman, Montana, but that he did not want to report the crash until he got to his final destination.

Sherrod told the trooper that he was on the rental agreement with a friend of his who rented the car. But, when the trooper looked at the rental agreement Sherrod's name was not listed. The trooper also observed that the vehicle was rented from Portland, Oregon, on April 15, 2013, and was supposed to be returned on April 19, 2013. Furthermore, the rental agreement leased the vehicle to a John Kill, and restricted the vehicle's operation to only Washington and Oregon.

The trooper observed that Sherrod was very nervous during the traffic stop. In fact, while outside the trooper's vehicle, Sherrod became so nervous that he fainted and passed out beside the car; aid was rendered to Sherrod. Sometime thereafter, the trooper asked Sherrod for consent to search the car, but Sherrod refused.

The trooper learned that Sherrod was on parole/probation in Oregon. As such, he contacted Sherrod's Parole Officer about his trip, his presence in Montana, and his contact with law enforcement. The Parole Officer out of Oregon, requested Sherrod be taken into custody and requested a nationwide warrant for Sherrod's arrest for violating the terms of his parole by being in Montana.

Officers impounded the rental vehicle and obtained consent to search the car from the rental company so as to remove any belongings and return the car to the rental company. Upon doing so, officers found a black gym bag in the car. They also found some other suspicious items including a zip lock bag containing smaller zip lock bags in the glove box.

Officers then obtained a state search warrant for Sherrod's gym bag. A search of the bag revealed a plastic container holding approximately 1 lb. of suspected methamphetamine. Officers also found a Hi Point .40 caliber pistol in Sherrod's bag.

The DEA laboratory tested the suspected methamphetamine and determined that there was 334.1 grams of actual/pure methamphetamine which had been recovered from Sherrod's bag.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that on February 7, 2014, Chief U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen, sentenced WILLIAM DECATURE DAVIS, JR., 47, of Havre, Montana, to a term of 36 months' in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for the 2007 sexual abuse of a minor.

Davis was convicted of sexually abusing a six-year old girl after a four day jury trial that began on November 12, 2013. At trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley presented evidence that the victim, now 12, came forward in August of 2012 and was interviewed by the FBI. She alleged that the defendant, William Davis, Jr., who also goes by "Rooster," raped her in the summer of 2007 when she was six. The defendant, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, was at the time a neighbor of the girl and her mother in a trailer park on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation.

The victim testified that she woke up one night and could not find her mother. She walked next door to her neighbor's trailer to look for her mother. The victim walked into the trailer and saw the defendant sitting on the couch and drinking beer. The defendant called the victim over and he grabbed her by the front of the shirt and sexually assaulted the girl. When the assault was over, the victim put her clothes on and ran out of the door.

The FBI interviewed Davis two days after the disclosure and he admitted he had sexually abused the victim approximately five and a half years ago in the summer of 2007. In his statement, while denying the more serious assault described by the victim, conceded that he had sexually molested the child and expressed regret for his conduct.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on February 6, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris, THOMAS ANDREW QUINTON. was sentenced to a term of 48 months imprisonment, 5 years supervised release, a special assessment of $100.

QUINTON was sentenced in connection with his November 12, 2013 guilty plea to travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct. In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Lahr, the government stated that in June 2013, members of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force in Great Falls conducted a "catch the predator" operation. An advertisement was posted on Craigslist in an attempt to target individuals in Great Falls and the surrounding area who were interested in engaging in sexual conduct with a minor child.

On June 24, 2013, a Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) Special Agent posted one such ad and received numerous responses. The agent then used an undercover persona to pose as a fictitious person named "Teresa Smith", a 38-year old female in Great Falls living with her 12-year old niece, "Katie Smith." The agent exchanged several e-mails with an individual responding to the ad who ultimately identified himself as Thomas Andrew Quinton, a Canadian citizen. The emails from Quinton contained descriptions of sexual acts Quinton wanted to engage in with "Katie". Quinton also sent a photograph of himself and two more photos of a graphic nature.

Beginning July 2, 2013, Quinton began texting the agent stating that he would be taking time off work. The agent exchanged 375 text messages with Quinton between July 2, 2013, and July 3, 2013. Many of the text messages contained descriptions of sexual acts or were of a sexual nature. Quinton was advised on multiple occasions via text and e-mail that "Katie" was a 12-year old girl.

The telephone number Quinton used was identified as a Canadian-based number out of Lethbridge, Alberta.

Quinton was given the address of the house being utilized by ICAC Task Force agents for the operation, and Quinton agreed to travel to the residence to engage in sexual conduct with "Katie". At around 4:15 p.m. on July 3, 2013, Quinton parked his truck at the residence and walked to the house where he was arrested and taken into state custody charged with violations of § 45-5-625, M.C.A., sexual abuse of children.

Law enforcement officers interviewed Quinton who stated that he had traveled from Lethbridge to Great Falls on July 3, 2013, to have sex with "Katie". He confirmed his cellular phone number was the number used for the text messaging and that he had corresponded via text messaging and e-mails with "Teresa" and "Katie" for the purpose of meeting "Katie" and engaging in sexual acts. Officers also confirmed that Quinton and his vehicle had entered the United States at the Sweetgrass Port of Entry on July 3, 2013, at 2:28 p.m.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on February 6, 2014, RANDY LEE RIDER, 47, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, was sentenced to a term of 120 months' imprisonment and five years of supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris,

Rider was sentenced in connection with his November 21, 2013, guilty plea to distribution of methamphetamine. In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley, the government stated it would have proved that beginning in January 2013, undercover agents began to buy methamphetamine from Devan Kelly. The defendant supplied Kelly with methamphetamine. These sales progressed, and in April, agents inquired into whether Kelly would sell them a pound of methamphetamine. Kelly agreed to sell a pound of methamphetamine for $23,000.00, but he first had to contact his supplier, the defendant. Kelly and the agents then agreed the sale would take place in Lewistown, Montana, on April 29, 2013.

Just prior to the deal on April 29, 2013, Kelly met with the defendant to get the methamphetamine. The sale then took place, and Kelly gave undercover agents the pound of methamphetamine. This methamphetamine was tested and the laboratory concluded it was 99.5% pure and contained 439.0 grams of actual methamphetamine.

After Kelly's arrest, agents followed the defendant to a house in Lewistown, where he was confronted and admitted he had been Kelly's methamphetamine supplier, and had given Kelly the pound of methamphetamine to sell to the agents.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force.

The United States Attorney's Office today 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 Judge Lynch in Missoula on February 7, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• VON RACKHAM, a 41-year-old resident of Carmichael, California appeared on charges of conspiracy with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the offense charged in the indictment, RACKHAM faces 40 years imprisonment, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference: 13-22

• MARGARET SILVIA, a 50-year-old resident of Fair Oaks, California appeared on charges of conspiracy with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the offense charged in the indictment, SILVIA faces 40 years imprisonment, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference: 13-22

The indictment is merely a formal charging document. It is not proof of guilt and all persons indicted are presumed to be innocent of any crime until proof of guilt is established by trial or guilty plea.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is currently transitioning its media program to new media contacts. Resources and this transition may affect the amount of information the office can process and disclose in a timely manner. Therefore, 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.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on February 6, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris, GEORGE THEODORE SUTHERLAND., 21, of the Box Elder, was sentenced to a term of 21 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, a special assessment of $100.

SUTHERLAND, was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danna Jackson, the government stated that on or around April 3, 2012, the defendant, who is an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Indian Tribe, chased the victim down a road, intentionally kicking her, causing the victim to fall and strike her head on the ground.

As a result of the fall, the victim suffered a gash on her temple. The victim sought treatment at the Northern Montana Hospital Emergency Room. The victim bled a significant amount. In addition to receiving several sutures, the victim was treated for her extreme physical pain.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on February 5, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris, JOHN OWEN HOBBS, JR., 31, of the Box Elder, was sentenced to a term of 18 months probation, $8,657 restitution, and a special assessment of $100.

HOBBS, was sentenced in connection with his November 14, 2013 guilty plea to theft from an Indian tribal organization. In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danna Jackson, the government stated that on or around January 10, 2013, JOHN OWEN HOBBS, JR., along with two other individuals, broke into the bookstore at Stone Child College and knowingly stole $8,544.69 worth of merchandise and cash. The Defendant, and others, took seven iPod Touches, an iPod Nano, headphones, and several jackets.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on February 5, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters, HOMAR RENOVA-CASTILLO, a 37 year-old resident of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to a term of:

Prison: 135 months

Special Assessment: $ 200

Restitution: N/A

Supervised Release: 5 years

Renova-Castillo was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegal re-entry of deported alien.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan McCarthy, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

Homar Renova-Castillo, an alien and citizen of Mexico, was previously convicted in 2000 in Yellowstone County, Montana, for felony criminal endangerment. Renova-Castillo was then deported from the United States on January 31, 2002, and left through El Paso, Texas. Renova-Castillo was subsequently found in the United States. Specifically, on November 19, 2012, Renova-Castillo was pulled over in a motor vehicle near Park City, Montana by a Yellowstone County Deputy Sheriff. Renova-Castillo was never granted permission by the Attorney General or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to enter the United States.

In August of 2012, agents with the EMHIDTA began investigating the sale of methamphetamine in Billings by J.S. and Homar Renova-Castillo. On August 22, 2012, agents spoke with co-conspirator who stated that he had made two trips to Idaho with Homar Renova to pick up methamphetamine. The co-conspirator estimated that they picked up two pounds of methamphetamine each time. The co-conspirator stated that the methamphetamine was provided to Renova's distributor in Billings, J.S.

A confidential informant then made purchases of methamphetamine from J.S. on eight separate occasions from September of 2012 through April of 2013. Each purchase was for approximately 1/4 grams of methamphetamine. J.S. indicated to the confidential informant that Renova was her source of supply.

The United States Attorney's Office today 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 Judge Missoula on January 27, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• STEVE HUMISTON, a 56-year-old resident of Tacoma, Washington appeared on charges of child exploitation enterprise and conspiracy to advertise child pornography. If convicted of the most serious offense charged in the indictment, HUMISTON faces life in prison, $250,000 in fines and lifetime supervised release. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigation, Montana Division of Criminal Investigations, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Polson Police Department and Helena Police Department. PACER Case Reference: 13-30

• ROBERT LEE KRISE, a 65-year-old resident of Gaithersburg, Maryland appeared on charges of child exploitation enterprise and conspiracy to advertise child pornography. If convicted of the most serious offense charged in the indictment, KRISE faces life in prison, $250,000 in fines and lifetime supervised release. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigation, Montana Division of Criminal Investigations, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Polson Police Department and Helena Police Department. PACER Case Reference: 13-30

• IAN JOSEPH NOSEK, a 42-year-old resident of Charlottesville, Washington appeared on charges of child exploitation enterprise and conspiracy to advertise child pornography. If convicted of the most serious offense charged in the indictment, NOSEK faces life in prison, $250,000 in fines and lifetime supervised release. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigation, Montana Division of Criminal Investigations, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Polson Police Department and Helena Police Department. PACER Case Reference: 13-30

• JEFFREY WOOLLEY, a 53-year-old resident of Nicholasville, Kentucky appeared on charges of child exploitation enterprise and conspiracy to advertise child pornography. If convicted of the most serious offense charged in the indictment, WOOLLEY faces life in prison, $250,000 in fines and lifetime supervised release. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigation, Montana Division of Criminal Investigations, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Polson Police Department and Helena Police Department. PACER Case Reference: 13-30

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Strong in Great Falls on January 30, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• CHARLES CROSBY, a 43-year-old resident of Trenton, New Jersey appeared on charges of child exploitation enterprise and conspiracy to advertise child pornography. If convicted of the most serious offense charged in the indictment, CROSBY faces life in prison, $250,000 in fines and lifetime supervised release. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigation, Montana Division of Criminal Investigations, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Polson Police Department and Helena Police Department. PACER Case Reference: 13-30

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lynch in Missoula on February 4, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• LLOYD NICKLE, 47-year-old resident of Minot, North Dakota 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 offense charged in the indictment, NICKLE 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: 13-23

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Strong in Great Falls on February 4, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• JEFFREY JOE ROY IRONPIPE, a 21-year-old resident of Cut Bank, appeared on charges of sexual abuse of a minor. If convicted of the charge in the indictment, IRONPIPE faces 15 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and lifetime supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference: 14-01

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lynch in Missoula on February 5, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• RONALD THOMAS WILLIAMS, a 36-year-old resident of Belgrade, appeared on charges of possession with intent to distribute dextroamphetamine/amphetamine and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.. If convicted of the most serious charge in the indictment, WILLIAMS faces 20 years in prison, $1,000,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. PACER Case Reference: 14-02

The indictment is merely a formal charging document. It is not proof of guilt and all persons indicted are presumed to be innocent of any crime until proof of guilt is established by trial or guilty plea.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is currently transitioning its media program to new media contacts. Resources and this transition may affect the amount of information the office can process and disclose in a timely manner. Therefore, 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.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Helena, on January 30, 2014, before Senior U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon, the mastermind of a nationwide oil and case swindle involving fraudulent investments in leases on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, MIKE ALFONS CAMPA, 55, of Yorba Linda, California, was sentenced to 360 months-30 years-in prison and $5,175,406 in restitution.

Campa was sentenced for his involvement in a telemarketing fraud scheme that operated from 2006 until it was shut down by federal agents in the summer of 2012. Campa and his associates promised investors that they had oil and gas leases with the prospect of production and refining on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. The group sold interests in the promotion to investors from all over the United States. In truth, Campa's leases were never valid (for failure to follow procedural requirements) and to the extent they were available they were cancelled in 2007.

Campa pled guilty to all charges just prior to the trial of his wife, Suzette Gal, her sons and codefendants, Andras Gal and Krisztian Gal, and his business partner and codefendant, Steven Carpenter. Campa then appeared as a defense witness for the Gal defendants, placing much of the blame on Carpenter but telling the jury that his wife and her children were blameless.

Suzette Gal was convicted on all counts and sentenced to ten years in prison in August 2013. Andras Gal was convicted on all counts and sentenced to six years in prison. In December 2013, Krisztian Gal, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit fraud, was sentenced to five years in prison. Steve Carpenter, who had a criminal history for committing telemarketing fraud dating back to the early 1990s, was convicted on all counts and sentenced to 188 months in August of 2013. All have appealed their convictions.

At trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney's Carl Rostad and Ryan Weldon provided evidence that in the summer of 2006, a California man originally from the Fort Peck Indian Reservation who had inherited mineral interests on the reservation, was approached by Mike Campa and Suzette Gal. Campa and Gal convinced the owner to lease his land for an oil and natural gas project to Domestic Energy Solutions, a company based in Yorba Linda, California. In June and July, Suzette Gal, as President of Domestic Energy Solutions, signed three Offers to Lease on Fort Pack lands. On October 20, 2006, the BIA informed Domestic Energy Solutions that the three oil and gas leases had been approved and billed the company $8,583.40 for the three leases. When the payment required to complete the leasing process was not forthcoming from Domestic Energy Solutions the leases were cancelled. The correspondence advising the company of their default was signed for by Mike Campa and Suzette Gal. Domestic Energy Solutions never responded to the BIA letters warning of default and cancelling the leases, and never again communicated with the BIA to perfect their interest.

A US Bank account was opened in October of 2009 by Andras Gal, using the Domestic Energy Solutions address of 5818 Via Romero in Yorba Linda. The account was opened as a business account for company Domestic Energy Solutions. Gal indicated on the account opening documents that Domestic Energy Solutions was a sole proprietorship owned by him and was the only person listed on the account's signature card. The account was opened with a $2,500.00 deposit of a check dated October 1, 2009, made payable to Domestic Energy Solutions from investors from Port Orange, Florida.

On December 15, 2009, Mike Heretel, an alias name known to be used by Mike Alfons Campa, opened the e mail account domesticenergy@att.net which was used to communicate with, and solicit investments from, potential investors in Domestic Energy Solutions. The solicitations for investment in a Fort Peck/Bakken Fields oil and gas project made by Mike Campa, using the alias Mike Heretel, began generating significant investment from investors persuaded to participate in the oil and gas venture. Campa used the BIA Lease documents generated in the summer of 2006 as validation for his claims that Domestic Energy Solutions had an ongoing enterprise in northwest Montana.

Between May 2010 and December 2011, the conspirators solicited, or aided and abetted in the solicitation of, monies from investors based upon conversations by phone and e-mail with Mike Campa and Steve Carpenter.

In June 2011, Mike Campa began notifying investors with Domestic Energy Solutions that the company was going to become a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) and merge with US Energy. For example, prosecutors introduced at trial a June 30, 2011, email message sent from domesticenergy@att.net to dijoe@*****.net and copied to stevecarpenter26@gmail.com with a subject line of "letter of intent." The body of the e mail read, "***, Domestic Energy Solutions and US Energy will be one LLC and you will get ownership as a non-liable partner. This letter was emailed to Bureau of Indian Affairs and was given the green light by Lori Nordwick, the acting superintendent. The original and all the other info is on the way to the Ft. Peck tribe. Your patience will be well rewarded. Thanks, Mike P.S. I'll try to avoid you having to wire the $5000 tomorrow and let you overnight a check." The prosecutors introduced dozens of emails at trial making the same or similar promises and fraudulent representations.

On July 22, 2011, an e mail message sent from domesticenergy@att.net to an investor or potential investor, which had a five page Letter of Intent for Business Transactions dated June 28, 2011. The letter was from U.S. Energy, 18340 Yorba Linda Blvd. #153, Yorba Linda, CA 92887 and addressed to the Superintendent, Ft. Peck Reservation. The letter was a proposed agreement between U.S. Energy and the Ft. Peck Reservation to allow U.S. Energy to "build a 20,000 barrel per day oil refinery on the Ft. Peck Indian Reservation." No such letter was ever received by the BIA, but the letter was used by the conspirators to validate their claims that investors would profit not only from oil and gas production but from the refined products as well.

In September 2011, investors were notified by Steve Carpenter that U.S. Oil and Gas, LLC had acquired Domestic Energy Solutions. The solicitations are the same-" that U. S. Energy has an oil and gas operation on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation" and that the investors could "buy in" and realize significant returns on their investment.

Another example of the communications from the conspirators is a September 6, 2011, email to an investor from Steve Carpenter, using an e-mail account of usoil@att.net, which read, in part, that "[t]his letter is to acknowledge that US Oil and Gas has assumed all Domestic Energy Solutions clients, liabilities and projects." Attached to the e-mail were blank pages of a Bureau of Indian Affairs Collective Bond form. This notification was also sent to other investors. At trial, victims testified that Carpenter's appeal for more money suggested that without additional capital, all previous investments would be lost, placing the victims in the position to either add to their share or lose everything they had already committed.

A new US Bank account was opened on September 12, 2011, in the name of U.S. Oil and Gas by Andras Gal, using the Domestic Energy Solutions address of 5818 Via Romero, Yorba Linda, CA 92887. Gal indicated on the account opening documents that U.S. Oil and Gas was a sole proprietorship involved in the oil drilling business and he was the only person listed on the account's signature card. The account was opened with an $18,000.00 check from an investor in Redmond, Washington. On the memo line of the check a notation indicated "1% ownership."

An e mail account--usoil@att.net--was created on July 16, 2011, by Mike Campa (as Heretel). This e mail account was used to communicate with and solicit investments from potential investors in Domestic Energy Solutions. On September 28, 2011 at 5:21 p.m., an e-mail message to an investor from the usoil@att.net account, with a subject line of "montana info" read "Ed check out this confidential report [link omitted]. Then go to momtanancdude.com for other links. Attached is our letter of intent submitted to the Indians. If you have any questions please call me at 714 489 1919. Thanks, Steve Carpenter". The website address in the e mail linked to a 98 page report entitled Status of Mineral Resource Information for the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Northeastern Montana B Administrative Report BIA 28 (1977) Also attached to the e-mail was a five page Letter of Intent for Business Transactions, dated June 28, 2011, from AU.S. Oil and Gas, LLC aka Domestic Energy Solutions, 18340 Yorba Linda Blvd. #153, Yorba Linda, CA 92887.@ The letter was to the Superintendent, Ft. Peck Reservation and purportedly represented or referenced a proposed agreement between U.S. Energy and the Ft. Peck Reservation to allow U.S. Energy to build a "20,000 barrel per day oil refinery" on the Ft. Peck Indian Reservation. The letter was unsigned. The BIA has no record of ever receiving any such letter and at trial, Fort peck Tribes official Stoney Anketell testified that he had never heard of these companies and that there had never been any negotiations with Campa or Carpenter about the construction of an oil refinery on reservation lands.

As an example of the solicitation as it evolved after June 2011, in an October 27, 2011, usoil@att.net email sent to a potential investor-with a subject line of "montana oil"-Carpenter wrote that "[e]ach $30,000.00 investment will entitle you to a 1% ownership in US Oil and Gas and all income generated on the Ft. Peck Indian Reservation. Each percentage will also include income generated by all oil and natural gas, our drilling rigs, a 20,000 bpd refinery, pipelines and other land leases. You will recoup your initial investment within 120 days of completion and monthly checks thereafter of at least 5 percent. Upon receipt of your funds, payable to U.S. Oil and Gas, we will file your name with the Bureau of Land Management in Montana, and they will in turn forward you the necessary paperwork and contacts. Attached is our official letter of intent and other documents. Check out this confidential report ... Thankyou (sic) for your Trust and Confidence. We look forward to sharing our success with you. Steve Carpenter." The e-mail was nearly identical-even with the same typo and case structure-to emails sent by Mike Campa in 2009.

On February 17, 2012, a person who suspected he may have been a victim of the Campa/Carpenter oil and gas scheme made a referral to the U.S. Department of Interior's Office of Inspector General. On March 1, 2012, a phone call was made to Steve Carpenter that was monitored by federal agents. During the phone call Steve Carpenter assured the investor that there was "zero chance" that the investor would lose the money that had been committed to the investment with U.S. Oil and Gas, LLC. Carpenter told the investor that "everything was going perfect" with U.S. Oil and Gas and the Fort Peck investment. Carpenter advised that he was going to have a conference call on March 5, 2012, with the Fort Peck Tribe in order to finalize everything so that the drilling could begin.

The FBI and Department of Interior's Office of Inspector General initiated a joint undercover investigation of Steve Carpenter, Mike Campa, Suzette Gal, and Andras Gal in April 2012. During a recorded phone call between Steve Carpenter and an undercover agent (UA) from the Department of Interior's Office of Inspector General posing as a potential investor, Carpenter told the UA that he would receive paperwork from the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Indian Affairs that would show that the UA had an ownership interest in the Indian mineral rights. Carpenter told the UA that he, Carpenter, was required to have, and had posted an irrevocable $75,000 certificate of deposit bond with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in connection with the project. During one of their conversations, Carpenter told the UA that he was so close to the Fort Peck Indians that they were going to have a ceremony in his honor and make him a blood-brother of the Tribe.

The UA, posing as a watercraft broker from South Carolina willing to invest in the oil and gas project at Fort Peck, arranged to meet Carpenter in person to deliver a $43,000 check. The two met in a hotel room in Yorba Linda, California, on August 23, 2012. Their meeting was video and audio recorded by agents of the FBI. During that meeting, Carpenter told the UA that the project was on the cusp of fruition and that he had received $158 million dollars in loan commitments from banks in Central and South America. Carpenter assured the UA that he had three rigs on site and that he was working closely with the BLM, BIA, and the Tribes.

Immediately after the meeting, FBI agents arrested Carpenter. Campa, Suzette Gal, Andras Gal and Krisztian Gal were arrested later that day.

Between October of 2009 and May 25, 2012, the Fort Peck oil and gas schemes (Domestic Energy Solutions and U.S. Oil and Gas) brought the defendants approximately $673,406.62 in monies from investors.

Judge Haddon also heard evidence of Campa's involvement in a 2011-2012 Arizona gold mining scheme. Prosecutors linked the two schemes by following money from the Liberty Bell scheme-being run by former Edmonton Oilers owner Peter Pocklington-into an account controlled by Krisztian Gal and proceeds from that account to Steve Carpenter. The Arizona gold mine scheme was shut down by state authorities in May of 2013. Trial testimony revealed that Campa had received a $900,000 commission for his role in bringing in a $4.5 million investment into the Liberty Bell scheme.

At sentencing, prosecutors emphasized Campa's long history of telemarketing and investment fraud. On July 8, 1993, Campa pled guilty in California to mail fraud. Campa owned and operated a company named International Marketing Concepts, which was engaged in extensive telemarketing fraud. Campa and his employees would inform elderly victims that they had won fictitious, expensive prizes and persuade the victims to send money in order to claim their winnings.

While free on bail after the first guilty plea, Campa resumed his illegal telemarketing activities. He was re-arrested on February 4, 1994. On March 17, 1994, he pled guilty to two more counts of wire fraud. The court then sentenced Campa to sixty months' incarceration with three years' supervised release and ordered Campa to pay $319,123 in restitution and a $150 fine.

On October 11, 2012, the United States filed a pleading with the Court outlining Campa's involvement in other fraudulent investment promotions. Campa, both individually or through his association with other telemarketing schemes as a salesman, was the subject of cease and desist orders from Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Washington State. On April 2, 2007, the State of Colorado obtained a default judgment against Mike Campa in the amount of $476,875 for his role in an oil and gas investment fraud scheme called Universal Energy Solutions.

United States Attorney Mike Cotter:

This sentence puts an end to Mike's Campa's chances to prey on others. Telemarketing fraud is a uniquely deplorable crime-from the sophistication and thought it requires to construct and execute to the vulnerability of the people it targets. Campa's victims included the elderly looking for a chance to pass along a nest-egg to their children and the desperate caring for a sick loved one or facing foreclosure. People like Mike Campa and Steve Carpenter feed on hope and live on other peoples' dreams-enjoying the high-life while condemning their victims to poverty. In a single phone call they can take away everything a person has saved and everything they are saving for. Only a sentence like this can protect the public from a man like Mike Campa."

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the (truth in sentencing( guidelines mandate that Campa will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, Campa does have the opportunity to earn a limited reduction in time served for (good behavior(; a reduction for good conduct while incarcerated will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The United States Attorney(s Office announced that on Thursday, January 23, 2014, JAMES MICHAEL YOUPEE, 35, of Poplar, was sentenced to 42 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Brian Morris for stabbing two people in a Poplar hotel room.

According to an offer of proof filed by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Weiss, in April of 2013, Youpee was staying in a Poplar, Montana, hotel room when he got into an argument with a woman. When she went to another hotel room to use the phone, Youpee followed and forced his way into the room where he stabbed and cut the woman and the man who was living in the room. The male victim suffered life-endangering injuries and was flown to Billings for medical treatment. He has since suffered migraine headaches and pain from his injuries, one of which was a stab wound at the base of his neck.

Youpee was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Because there is no parole in the federal system, the (truth in sentencing( guidelines mandate that Youpee will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, Youpee 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 investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on January 22, 2014, before Senior U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy, MICHAEL DAVID BAILEY, a 34-year-old resident of Missoula, Montana, was sentenced to a term of:

Prison: 180 months

Special Assessment: $ 100

Restitution: N/A

Supervised Release: 5 years

Bailey was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan McCarthy, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On July 14, 2013, the Montana Violent Crime Task Force apprehended the defendant in Billings. When he was apprehended, the defendant was in possession of a Hi-Point Firearms Model C9 9mm Luger handgun, Serial Number P1621713. The defendant had been convicted in October of 2011 for a felony punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year, and he was prohibited from possessing a handgun at the time of this incident.

The United States Attorney's Office today announced that during a federal court session in Billings, Montana, on January 23, 2014, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ostby, the following individual appeared:

• TRAVIS JOHN BELL, a 22-year-old resident of Billings made an initial appearance on a complaint alleging possession with intent to distribute and burglary involving controlled substances. He is currently detained. If formally charged with this offense by indictment, BELL, faces 20 years in prison, $1,000,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release.. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette L. Stewart is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. PACER Case Reference: 14-08

A complaint is merely a written statement of the essential facts constituting the offense(s) charged. It is not proof of guilt and all persons indicted are presumed to be innocent of any crime until proof of guilt is established by trial or guilty plea.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is currently transitioning its media program to new media contacts. Resources and this transition may affect the amount of information the office can process and disclose in a timely manner.

Therefore, 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.

The United States Attorney's Office today 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 Judge Strong in Great Falls on January 21, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• TONY BRONSON, a 53-year-old resident of Gary, Indiana appeared on charges of child exploitation enterprise and conspiracy to advertise child pornography. If convicted of the most serious offense charged in the indictment, BRONSON faces life in prison, $250,000 in fines and lifetime supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference: 13-30

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ostby in Billings on January 21, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• FELIS LUSIANO ROMO, a 32-year-old resident of Sidney appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious offenses charged in the indictment, ROMO faces 40 years in prison, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation. PACER Case Reference: 13-113

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Strong in Great Falls on January 23, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:

• DAVID V. CHASER, 39-year-old resident of Wolf Point appeared on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious offense charged in the indictment, CHASER 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: 14-05

• AMANDA MAY RICHTER, 28, appeared on charges of acquiring controlled substance by fraud and deception or subterfuge. If convicted of the most serious offense charged in the indictment, RICHTER faces 4 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 1 year supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference: 13-18

The indictment is merely a formal charging document. It is not proof of guilt and all persons indicted are presumed to be innocent of any crime until proof of guilt is established by trial or guilty plea.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is currently transitioning its media program to new media contacts. Resources and this transition may affect the amount of information the office can process and disclose in a timely manner. Therefore, 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.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that on Wednesday, January 22, 2014, during a federal court session in Billings, Senior District Judge Donald Molloy sentenced AARON ROSS TURNSPLENTY, JR, of Crow Agency, to 10 years in prison and three years supervised release for molesting a young girl in 1996.

According to an offer of proof filed by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Weiss, Turnsplenty sexually abused the victim, who was under 12-years-old, in the basement of a friend's home in Pryor, Montana, on the Crow Indian Reservation. The victim was playing by herself with toys when Turnsplenty "came out of nowhere." He molested her then threatened to hurt her family if she told anyone.

Although the crime occurred in 1996, the United States Attorney's Office was able to prosecute this case after the victim's disclosure in 2012 because federal sex abuse statutes were revised to allow prosecution of certain crimes against children before the standard statute of limitations based upon when the violation was disclosed. For most federal crimes, an indictment must be brought within five years of the commission of the offense regardless of when the crime is made known to law enforcement authorities.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the (truth in sentencing( guidelines mandate that Turnsplenty will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, Turnsplenty does have the opportunity to earn a limited reduction in time served for (good behavior(; a reduction for good conduct while incarcerated will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on January 22, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Susan Watters, ROBERT FARRELL ARMSTRONG, who used the nickname "DR. BOB", 49, of Moses Lake, Washington, pleaded guilty to Possession With the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Armstrong's plea could result in a term of life in prison, and his sentence can be no less than 10 years. There is no parole in the federal system.

In an Offer of Proof filed with the Court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thaggard informed that in early 2013, the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (MDCI), Sidney, Montana Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began to investigate a drug trafficking organization that was distributing methamphetamine in the Sidney, Montana area. Ultimately, the investigation revealed that Armstrong and his associates, including co-conspirator Kera Evans, were transporting methamphetamine from the State of Washington to Montana, where it was then distributed in an area that stretched from southern Montana to the Bakken oil region in northeastern Montana.

On February 7, 2013, Armstrong distributed approximately 1.8 grams of actual methamphetamine to a confidential informant during the course of an undercover operation monitored by law enforcement agents and that took place in Richland County, Montana, and then three weeks later, on February 20, 2013, distributed an additional five grams or more of actual methamphetamine during a separate undercover transaction. This buy also took place in Richland County.

The term "actual" methamphetamine refers to the purity contained in the transacted amount which is usually "cut" with inert ingredients that make the actual product less pure but more profitable as drugs are generally sold based on quantity not quality.

On March 15, 2013, Evans disclosed to the MDCI that a person named "Jennifer" and Armstrong were in a vehicle located in the vicinity of Three Forks, Montana and in possession of approximately six ounces of methamphetamine. Evans identified "Jennifer" as Armstrong's driver. The MDCI requested that the Montana Highway Patrol stop the vehicle, at which time Armstrong and a woman identified as Jennie Britt were taken into custody. Approximately six ounces of methamphetamine and a pistol were recovered from the vehicle's console.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, Montana, on January 16, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris, WESLEY ALLEN CROSSGUSN, 25, of Browning, was sentenced to a term of 27 months imprisonment, three years supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.

Crossguns was sentenced in connection with his September 24, 2013, guilty plea to Burglary of a residence on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Crossguns' co-defendants have already pleaded guilty for their commission of the crime and received sentences of imprisonment.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon, the government stated it would have proved that Wesley Allen Crossguns, Dustin Jay After Buffalo, and Michael Thomas Bad Old Man broke into a residence on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation during broad daylight. When inside, the defendants stole jewelry and ran from the residence when law enforcement arrived. Crossguns was the only defendant who escaped the scene. One of Crossguns' co-defendants threatened to kill law enforcement when apprehended.

In a sentencing memorandum recommending a guideline sentence of incarceration, Weldon told the Court, "Burglaries are a dangerous act. They are especially dangerous when a personal residence is involved." The Court sentenced Crossguns to the top of the range recommended under the Guidelines, with three years of supervised release to follow.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on January 17, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris, ROBERT JAMES SCHEAFFER, JR., 49, of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, was sentenced to a term of 34 months imprisonment, five years supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.

Scheaffer was sentenced in connection with his October 21, 2013, guilty plea to Sexual Abuse of a Minor. In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley, the government stated it would have proved that on July 4, 2008, the victim was 14-years-old and the defendant was 44-years-old. At that time, the victim lived with the defendant as a foster child on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. The defendant is an Indian person and an enrolled member of the Fort Belknap Tribes, which is a federally recognized tribe.

According to the victim, on that date, the defendant yelled at her to come out to the kitchen. When the victim's back was turned to the defendant, he came up behind her and began to put his hands all over her body. The defendant undid the victim's jeans, pulled them down, and felt her vaginal area with his hands. He then inserted his fingers into her vagina. The victim was scared, cried, and continually told the defendant to stop. Eventually, the victim was able to return to her bedroom. The defendant spoke with the FBI and admitted that he put his hand inside the victim's underwear and fondled her vagina for approximately two minutes.