District of Montana

MISSOULA – A Columbia Falls man who possessed a firearm illegally was sentenced today to 51 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Zachary Matthew Gargasz, 38, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on October 6, 2017, Gargasz was convicted in Flathead County District Court of Operation of a Clandestine Drug Laboratory and sentenced to 10 years with the Montana Department of Corrections, with all that time suspended. On November 9, 2018, Gargasz signed a Firearms Regulation Form acknowledging he was prohibited from possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

On December 1, 2023, Gargasz reported to his probation officers for a scheduled visit. Officers searched his vehicle and discovered 11 rounds of .45 ammunition in the center console. Officers also located two AR magazines taped together in opposite directions, loaded with 63 .233 caliber rounds, behind the passenger seat. Probation officers then searched Gargasz’s home and found underneath Gargasz’s mattress a .45 caliber handgun loaded with seven rounds. At a later revocation hearing on April 11, 2024, Gargasz admitted to possessing the firearm.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The ATF and State of Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation.

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

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MISSOULA – An Arizona man with ties to Missoula, accused of attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity, appeared today for arraignment, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Manuel Flores, 71, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. The maximum penalties for the offense are ten years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

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

The indictment alleges that on or between June 2024 and August 17, 2025, at Missoula, in Missoula County, in the State and District of Montana, and elsewhere, including Arizona, the defendant, MANUEL FLORES, knowingly used a means of interstate commerce, including the internet and a cellular phone, to attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce any individual who had not attained the age of 18 years to engage in sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney is prosecuting the case. The FBI’s Montana Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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

Anyone who has information about possible crimes committed by Flores, or the physical or online exploitation of any children, are encouraged to call the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office at (801) 579-1400 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

PACER case reference. 25-41.

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

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MISSOULA – A Kalispell man who possessed a firearm illegally was sentenced today to 32 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Caelus James Hattel, 22, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in August 2023, Hattel was convicted of criminal endangerment, a felony, and criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony, in Flathead County District Court. Hattel was sentenced to five years to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services, with four of those years suspended, on each count, to run concurrently.

On September 26, 2024, the owner of Raven Rock Armory in Kalispell, MT, reported that a white male with a beanie and hand tattoos stole a Ruger SR-1911 10mm stainless steel pistol from his store, then fled. On October 3, 2024, Law enforcement officers contacted Hattel and located the stolen Ruger SR-1911 inside Hattel’s pants against his inner left thigh. The owner of Raven Rock Armory identified Hattel as the thief who took the firearm in September.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, and Kalispell Police Department.

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

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BILLINGS – A Livingston man who trafficked methamphetamine was sentenced today to 24 months in prison to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Kyle Richard Lewellen, 43, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

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

The government alleged in court documents that in March of 2020, law enforcement began investigating Lewellen and others for distributing methamphetamine in Livingston and elsewhere in Montana. Investigators obtained the data from the phones of Lewellen and his co-conspirators. There were text messages between them discussing methamphetamine trafficking as well as using the trunk lining in Lewellen’s vehicle as a place to hide drugs while transporting them. In those exchanges Lewellen offered to quickly flip any drugs a co-conspirator could front him. He also negotiated the price of ounces of methamphetamine in coming shipments.

On September 20, 2022, a co-defendant was interviewed by law enforcement. He described how another co-defendant would use Lewellen’s car for meth trafficking and how Lewellen would wire them money for ounces of methamphetamine. On November 15, 2022, another co-defendant was interviewed and described “renting” Lewellen’s car for drug runs and that he would pay Lewellen an ounce of methamphetamine in exchange. The co-defendant said this happened approximately 10 times.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Godfrey prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Missouri River Drug Task Force and the Park County Sheriff’s Office.

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GREAT FALLS – A Honduran man who was in the United States illegally was sentenced today to three months in prison, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Nahun Esau Suazo-Varela, 48, pleaded guilty in June 2025 to illegal reentry.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on May 22, 2025, law enforcement identified a vehicle in Havre, Montana registered to an individual who had overstayed the terms of admission into the United States. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and identified the defendant, Nahun Esau Suazo-Varela, as the passenger in the vehicle. He presented his Honduran passport and acknowledged he had no immigration documents allowing him to legally be in the United States. Suazo-Varela was transported to the Havre Border Patrol Station, where he acknowledged he had illegally crossed into the United States after his deportation near McAllen, Texas, in October 2010.

Between 2006 and 2010, Suazo-Varela had numerous law enforcement contacts in Ohio for traffic-related offenses.  He was ordered removed from the United States on September 30, 2010.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the United States Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Helena man who trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl was sentenced today to 148 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

David Alan Moorse, 39, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement received information David Moorse was distributing fentanyl powder in Montana. Moorse told one source he had a good hook up in Helena and sent pictures of a brick of fentanyl powder.

On January 9, 2025, Moorse was located at a casino in Helena, Montana, and arrested for a state probation violation warrant. He had 94 grams of methamphetamine, 106 grams of fentanyl pills and 25 grams of fentanyl powder in his vehicle. Moorse admitted in an interview that he sold one to ten fentanyl pills a day to make a little money to buy a few grams of meth for personal use. Moorse denied distributing a large quantity of drugs despite the quantity located in the car. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Moorse’s phone and found messages related to distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

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

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Hays woman who strangled another woman on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Rochelle Lynn Jones, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of strangulation. Jones faces 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for December 17, 2025. Jones remains detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on June 10, 2024, Jones and Jane Doe consumed alcohol and got into an argument. Jones choked Jane Doe and Jane Doe said she could not breathe and lost consciousness momentarily. Two witnesses observed the strangulation and intervened to stop the assault. The witnesses contacted the police for help.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Hendricks prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS – A Great Falls man who possessed guns and ammunition illegally was found guilty by a federal jury today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Following a one-and-a-half-day trial, Ian Allister Tomlinson, 45, was found guilty of one count of felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Tomlinson faces 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for December 17, 2025, in Great Falls.  Tomlinson will remain released on conditions pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents and at trial that Tomlinson was convicted in the District Court for the First Judicial District of the State of Idaho of felony possession of a controlled substance. On July 9, 2024, Tomlinson appeared in person and was sentenced to a minimum fixed and determinate period of custody of one year followed by an indeterminate period of custody of up to one year, for a total unified sentence not to exceed two years. The Court suspended the sentence for two years and placed Tomlinson on probation for a period of two years. That same day, Tomlinson signed an acceptance of probation statement, acknowledging he understood the conditions of his probation. Thereafter, Tomlinson’s supervision was transferred to the State of Montana Probation and Parole.

In August 2024, Tomlinson signed an acknowledgement that his right to possess or own firearms or ammunition was suspended while on supervision. Specifically, he signed a Firearms and Voting Regulations form which states:

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

On October 4, 2024, a witness contacted the Probation and Parole Office and reported that Tomlinson had a gun safe with several guns inside it a local storage unit.  Probation and Parole officers located Tomlinson at his place of employment. He provided the combination to the gun safe and admitted he had several firearms in the safe as well as some of his personal paperwork.

Probation and Parole officers located five rifles, six pistols, miscellaneous ammunition, Tomlinson’s passport, and other paperwork belonging to him inside the safe. They also recovered surveillance footage from the storage facility showing Tomlinson accessed the storage unit a few days prior to the search.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Starnes prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by State of Montana Probation and Parole Office with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office.

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

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MISSOULA – A Thompson Falls man who falsified time and attendance records was sentenced today to 5 years of probation, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $13,923.77.

Nathan J. Snead, 48, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to theft of government money.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Snead was required to work 40 hours of regular time per week, and he was compensated for administratively uncontrollable overtime, which is premium pay designed to compensate law enforcement officers (LEOs) for irregular and unscheduled overtime duty.

Snead documented his regular and overtime hours on his Time and Attendance Record for each pay period and signed the following certification: “I certify that the above information on hours worked, and leave used is true and accurate.” He also completed a record of overtime for each pay period in which he provided a case number and justification for the overtime and signed the following certification: “I certify that the official duties were performed as described above and were administratively uncontrollable.”

On May 2, 2023, based on information Snead was not working his claimed hours, agents installed a GPS tracker on his government-issued patrol vehicle to monitor his movements. The tracker data showed Snead’s patrol vehicle was stationary at his house during hours he claimed to be working.

On several occasions, Snead certified on his Time and Attendance Record he worked an 8-hour regular shift. However, his patrol vehicle remained stationary at his house for the entire 8 hours. Additionally, Snead claimed overtime hours when his patrol vehicle was stationary at his house for much of his regular shift and for the entire period of claimed overtime.

Agents also evaluated Snead’s law enforcement statistics from 2021 through 2023. His productivity levels, measured via incident reports and the issuance of violation notices, were much lower than other similarly situated LEOs.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Clarke prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Forest Service, Law Enforcement and Investigations, Office of Professional Responsibility.

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MISSOULA – A Deer Lodge man who possessed a firearm illegally was sentenced today to 21 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Christopher Allen Rochon, 42, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on June 17, 2022, Rochon was convicted of criminal possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute in Powell County. He was sentenced to six years to the Montana Department of Corrections, with four of those years suspended.

On April 20, 2024, law enforcement officers stopped Rochon’s vehicle for a traffic infraction outside Anaconda. They conducted a probation search of the vehicle and found a backpack that contained a Hi-Point 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a 9mm box of ammunition with 45 rounds. Rochon admitted he had used the firearm previously.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Anaconda Police Department and State of Montana Probation and Parole Office.

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

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BILLINGS – A California woman accused of conspiring to smuggle her husband, an illegal alien, into the United States admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Tracy Routh Lautenslager, 53, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to bring aliens into the United States at a location other than a designated port of entry. Lautenslager faces 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for January 6, 2026. Lautenslager was released with conditions pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on April 1, 2025, a vehicle operated by the defendant entered the United States through the Roosville, Montana Port of Entry (POE), then proceeded to the Swisher Lake area. Later that morning, the U.S. Border Patrol was alerted to a lone male walking across the international boundary line from Canada to the United States. Border Patrol responded and searched for the man who entered illegally. However, after searching, they were unable to locate him and believed he returned to Canada.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) was able to apprehend the man and escorted him to the Roosville, British Columbia (BC) POE to be identified and processed. The man is the defendant’s husband, a citizen of Great Britain, and has no lawful status in the United States.

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

The defendant’s cellular phone was collected and, pursuant to her consent, was searched. During a review of her phone law enforcement discovered text messages between her and her husband as the conspiracy was unfolding and discussing logistics.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation.

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Billings woman accused trafficking methamphetamine admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Raven Michelle Volkomener, 43, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Volkomener faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for December 17, 2025. Volkomener was detained pending further proceedings.

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

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

Law enforcement also obtained a search warrant for the Volkomener’s cell phone. Among other evidence found on the phone were text messages from at least February 2023 to May 4, 2024, between Volkomener and a co-defendant. In those messages the two are corresponding about a trip by Volkomener to Great Falls in May 2024 to collect methamphetamine.

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

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

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BILLINGS – A Basin, Wyoming man who sexually assaulted a woman on the Crow Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 125 months in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,988 in restitution, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Duane Allen Swank, Jr., 36, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to sexual abuse.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on July 4, 2021, Swank was driving a stolen car with Jane Doe and two other passengers. At some point after Swank dropped off the two individuals, while in Billings, Swank sexually assaulted Jane Doe. They then drove toward the Crow Indian Reservation on back roads. During that drive, Swank stopped the car and raped Jane Doe. Following the rape, Swank fell asleep, and Doe was able to escape. DNA extracted from Jane Doe matched the DNA profile of Swank.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and BIA conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS – A Big Timber man who possessed methamphetamine was sentenced today to 36 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

James Karl Ellis, 38, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on or about November 26, 2023, law enforcement received a video that showed the garage of Ellis’s residence located in Big Timber, Montana. The video depicted Ellis obtaining something from a large safe in the garage and then providing a bag containing what appeared to be a white powdery substance to a female. Deputies recognized the female as a known narcotics user. A search warrant for Ellis’s residence was obtained.

Ellis’s residence was searched on November 27, 2023. In the safe in the garage as well as in a locked closet in Ellis’s bedroom, law enforcement found approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine.

The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Sweetgrass County Sheriff’s Office and ATF.

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

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GREAT FALLS - A Browning man accused of killing an individual and possessing an unlawful firearm appeared today for arraignment, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Treyson Lee Sharp, 21, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm. The maximum penalties for involuntary manslaughter are 8 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. The penalties for possession of an unlawful firearm are 10 years of imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. Sharp was released pending further proceedings.

Count I of the indictment alleges that on or about December 28, 2024, at or near Browning, the defendant, without due caution and circumspection, killed Jane Doe, in the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, that is, he discharged a loaded firearm while pointing it at Jane Doe, killing her.

Count 2 of the indictment alleges that on or about December 28, 2024, at or near Browning, the defendant knowingly possessed a weapon made from a shotgun, which the defendant knew had an overall length of less than 26 inches and a barrel of less than 18 inches, which was not registered to him in the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley is prosecuting the case. The FBI, ATF, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.

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

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

PACER case reference. 25-84.

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

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MISSOULA – A Butte woman accused of distributing fentanyl admitted to charges yesterday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Brooke Rose Louise Cardonia, 33, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Cardonia faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for December 18, 2025. Cardonia was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that between February 2023 and March 2025, members of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) transported fentanyl into Montana for distribution. The DTO did so in part by utilizing local contacts in Montana, one of which was Cardonia. Cardonia both facilitated the distribution of fentanyl and connected a co-defendant to contacts in Montana that aided in the distribution efforts of the DTO.

In November 2024, Cardonia was arrested after a series of fentanyl overdoses occurred in Butte, MT, based on information developed by law enforcement that Cardonia supplied those victims with fentanyl. Cardonia spoke with law enforcement at that time and advised she worked with members of the DTO for the past two to three years to distribute fentanyl in Montana. Cardonia said the DTO provided her with a local resupply connection in Butte via her employment. She admitted using the connection to receive fentanyl from the DTO, which she then distributed.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Lowney and Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. Homeland Security Investigations, Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, DEA and IRS conducted the investigation.

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

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MISSOULA – A man from Mexico accused of being in the United States illegally admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Daniel Yepez-Gaytan, 41, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien. Yepez-Gaytan faces 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen DeSoto presided. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for December 10, 2025. Yepez-Gaytan was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on April 23, 2025, Daniel Yepez-Gaytan, aka Daniel Guzman-Calderon, an alien and citizen of Mexico, who was last removed from the United States in November 2013, was found in Bozeman, Montana without having received express consent of the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States.

On April 23, 2025, law enforcement stopped a pickup truck driven by Daniel Yepez-Gaytan. He provided law enforcement with a Washington State driver’s license. After querying government databases, law enforcement was able to determine that Yepez-Gaytan was a foreign national present in the United States illegally, with no claim to citizenship or documentation pending to support any claim to legal status.

Yepez-Gaytan confirmed his identity, nationality, illegal entry, previous removals, and his lack of application to the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of Homeland Security for permission to re-enter after his removals.

Yepez-Gaytan’s alien registration file shows he was originally deported on July 30, 2004, through El Paso, Texas. He has three subsequent removals with the last removal date of November 14, 2013, through Laredo, Texas. Additionally, Yepez-Gaytan has two prior criminal convictions from 2011 for illegal entry and illegal reentry.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.

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

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BILLINGS – A man who trafficked a significant amount of methamphetamine in the Billings area was sentenced today to 144 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Mario Baudelio Nava, 38, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on April 2, 2024, law enforcement officers received information from a confidential source regarding a female who was a source of supply for methamphetamine. The details provided by the confidential source were familiar to the officers, and they were aware from other investigations that Mario Nava just moved into the same residence. Surveillance was conducted on the residence and Nava was identified coming and going.

Later on April 2, 2024, a female had contacted the confidential source and offered to meet and sell one ounce of methamphetamine for $350.00. Surveillance resumed on the residence and the female was observed walking from the residence to a prearranged meet location. Law enforcement contacted the female subject based on the belief she was in possession of methamphetamine. The female was then detained and admitted she was in possession of one ounce of meth.

During an interview, the female subject said she received the ounce of meth from Mario Nava and she had sold approximately 9 to 10 ounces of methamphetamine for Nava over the last 12 months. She further advised she believed Nava was currently in possession of approximately one-half pound of methamphetamine.

The female subject agreed to contact Nava for a ride and called him. Law enforcement followed Nava to the location of the original meet and took him into custody.

Law enforcement searched Nava’s vehicle under the conditions of his parole. During the search, detectives located and seized approximately 1397.63 grams of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a large amount of US currency, and a stolen 9mm handgun. Detectives then applied for and obtained a search warrant for Nava’s residence, where they located additional methamphetamine, US currency, and drug paraphernalia.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Eastern Montana HIDTA conducted the investigation.

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

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BILLINGS – A Billings woman who trafficked methamphetamine in the Billings area was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Julia Renee Arvizo, 47, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

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

The government alleged in court documents that beginning in September 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated several methamphetamine dealers in the Billings area, one of whom was identified as Julia Arvizo.

In September and October of 2023, the DEA used confidential sources to purchase just under a pound and a half of pure methamphetamine from Arvizo.  In November 2023, Arvizo told one confidential source it was no problem to provide three pounds of methamphetamine at one time.

During the investigation, law enforcement learned Arvizo traded methamphetamine for firearms, and a co-defendant estimated distributing between a quarter of a pound and a half a pound of methamphetamine for Arvizo every day.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten prosecuted the case. The DEA conducted the investigation.

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

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MISSOULA – A man from Mexico accused of being in the United States illegally admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Eduardo Heriberto Mendoza-Almanza, 40, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien. Mendoza-Almanza faces 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen DeSoto presided. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for December 10, 2025. Mendoza-Almanza was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that Mendoza-Almanza was arrested on April 6, 2025, in Belgrade, Montana, after an officer stopped him for driving with no license plate light after dark. He was identified with his Mexico driver’s license. His driving privileges were suspended in Montana and revoked in New Mexico. He also had numerous active warrants. He was arrested for driving without a license.

Mendoza-Almanza has been removed from the U.S. on eight prior occasions:

• March 6, 2006
• February 2, 2007
• February 22, 2007
• February 25, 2007
• May 11, 2007
• January 11, 2008
• June 18, 2011
• September 5, 2023

He was convicted of felony illegal reentry in Montana Federal Court, District of Montana, Missoula Division, on March 15, 2023. He was sentenced to time served and removed. There is no record he applied for or was granted permission by the Attorney General or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to return to the United States.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation.

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

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MISSOULA – A Kalispell woman who embezzled almost $500,000 from a local company was sentenced today to 14 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Rita Ann Pierce, 59, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to wire fraud.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Pierce Manufacturing is a family-owned business that began in 1974. The company began as a welding shop but morphed into a manufacturing shop. This case arose because Pierce Manufacturing was unable to figure out why it was not making any money. The company ordered an audit, which uncovered that Rita Pierce was embezzling money.

When stealing the money, Pierce was the bookkeeper. She covered the fraud by entering fraudulent names in the ledger and making the transactions appear legitimate despite the money flowing into her private bank account. The investigation determined Pierce embezzled approximately $496,881.03 during a four-year span, which was between 2016 and 2020.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS – A Billings man who possessed methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine was sentenced today to 240 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Dustin James Massey, 40, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on September 20, 2023, agents with the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation learned from a source that Dustin Massey was selling drugs in Billings and was known to have guns. Agents learned Massey was on federal supervision due to a prior federal conviction for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

On September 21, 2023, United States Probation officers, along with agents from the Montana DCI, attempted to conduct a probation search at Massey’s residence. Law enforcement went to Massey’s residence and knocked on the door, announcing their presence. Massey did not respond, and law enforcement breached the door of the residence. In response, Massey shot at officers forcing them to return fire, eventually shooting Massey. Officers disarmed Massey and noted the firearm he had been using was a Sig Sauer with an extended magazine.

Agents searched the residence pursuant to a search warrant. They seized approximately four pounds of methamphetamine, more than 12,000 fentanyl pills, and 49.4 grams of cocaine. They also seized three firearms: a Sig Sauer, model P320, 9x19 mm pistol, a Taurus, model G3, 9x19mm pistol, and a North American Arms, Model NAA-22LR, .22 caliber revolver.

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

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

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MISSOULA – A Missoula accountant who defrauded clients by using their cash payments intended for income taxes for his own personal expenses was sentenced today to 24 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Clawson was also ordered pay full restitution of $1,309,591 to the victims as well as a $20,000 criminal fine.

William Arthur Clawson, 54, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to wire fraud and to corruptly endeavoring to obstruct and impede the administration of the internal revenue laws.

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

The government alleged that from about 2016 to 2021, Clawson used his businesses, Quantum Business Solutions and Endeavor Financial Insights, to defraud clients. Clawson offered accounting and tax preparation services to clients in Montana, Washington and Oklahoma, who were engaged in the cash-intensive medical marijuana industry. Clawson promised to assess the taxes owned by his clients and receive cash payments from them that he would use to pay his fees and the taxes they owed. Instead, Clawson paid only a small portion of the taxes his clients owed and used the remainder of the money on his personal expenses and unrelated debts. Through Clawson’s actions, his clients unknowingly fell behind in paying the taxes they owed.

The government further alleged that between 2019 and 2020, one of Clawson’s clients came under IRS scrutiny because of unpaid taxes. An IRS revenue officer contacted the company as part of efforts to collect taxes owed. The company called Clawson, who was serving as its accountant. Clawson instructed the company not to communicate with the IRS officer and said he would take care of the reported issue. Clawson falsely told the IRS officer that the company had cash flow issues that were making it difficult for the company to pay its taxes. Clawson acted corruptly by making other false statements to the IRS officer on the company’s behalf that Clawson knew would impede the government’s tax collection efforts. Clawson did this to conceal his misappropriation of funds the company gave him to pay its taxes.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Hargrove is prosecuting the case. The IRS Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation.

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BILLINGS – A Terry man who possessed child sex abuse material was sentenced today to 120 months in prison to be followed by 30 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. He was also ordered to pay a $100 and a $5,000 special assessment.

Ronald Orrin Schultz, Jr., 45, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to one count of possession of child pornography.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on June 18, 2023, a file of suspected Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM) was uploaded to KIK. The video file depicted a prepubescent male engaged in sexual activity with an adult. The Cybertip associated with the upload identified an IP address, screen name, and email address with the KIK account.

The investigation determined the upload originated from a residence in Terry, Montana. Law enforcement was aware that Schutlz, a convicted federal sex offender, lived there. A search warrant was obtained and executed on March 14, 2024. During the search, Schultz denied knowing anything about KIK. He did, however, identify where his electronic media would be discovered during the search and law enforcement collected it. A subsequent review of Schultz’s cellphone connected him to the KIK account. His other electronic media showed Schultz had an interest in minor females and he corresponded in a sexual nature with those he believed to be underage. The search warrant return relating to Schultz’s KIK account were even more incriminating and, for example, contained a limited number of CSAM images as well as videos of him masturbating and making representations that he likes underage girls and a willingness to go to jail as a result.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Prairie County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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

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BILLINGS – A Hays man who possessed illegal firearms was sentenced today to 48 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Wylon Alfred Plainfeather, 54, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm and one count of possession of an unregistered silencer.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on December 27, 2022, law enforcement officers responded to a Billings residence to search for a probationer. The probationer was not present, but officers searched the house and found three firearms in the basement.

As law enforcement was preparing to leave the residence following the search, Plainfeather pulled into the driveway. He admitted owning all three guns and acknowledged one was a sawed-off shotgun and another, a .22 caliber rifle, had a tube on it. Plainfeather said he fired the gun with the tube and claimed it was not very effective at making it quieter. He said he got all the firearms from the reservation and that he traded for them. Law enforcement officers confirmed the firearms were in operable condition but not registered to Plainfeather (or anyone else) in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Hendricks prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the ATF, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Montana Probation and Parole.

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

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MISSOULA – A Columbia Falls man who pointed a laser-mounted firearm at a helicopter was sentenced today to eight months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $15,000 fine, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Travis Kurt Myers, 57, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to one count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies received a report from a delivery driver that had a green laser pointed at his vehicle and then heard a gunshot in Columbia Falls, Montana. Another witness also reported Myers had pointed a gun at her and discharged it at the ground. As deputies were interviewing the witness, they continued to hear gunshots coming from the area. Aerial surveillance was requested.

A helicopter equipped with thermal-capable cameras was able to locate Myers outside his residence with a firearm. Myers repeatedly pointed the firearm with a laser mounted on it at the helicopter. The pilots were able to see the laser and able to capture it on their cameras. The pilots observed the gun being fired but were unsure if he had it pointed in their direction. Law enforcement officers on the ground near Myers’ residence could hear the helicopter in flight, supporting Myers had knowledge he was aiming the laser at the helicopter.

Law enforcement took Myers into custody without incident. They obtained a search warrant for the property and located numerous firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammo. They located an unregistered silencer and a rifle with a green laser attached.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the ATF and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

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MISSOULA – A Three Forks man who distributed methamphetamine in Gallatin County was sentenced today to 63 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Anthony Robert Catalusci, 65, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

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

The government alleged in court documents that the Missouri River Drug Task Force identified Anthony Catalusci as a suspect in an ongoing drug distribution investigation in Gallatin County, Montana that began as early as 2021. On April 6, 2021, a confidential informant bought 11 grams of methamphetamine for $500 from Catalusci. Three years later, in April 2024, an informant bought meth from a co-conspirator on three separate occasions and law enforcement later learned the drugs were supplied by “Tony.”

The task force investigators interviewed a source of information who said an Italian man named “Tony,” who lived in Clarkston, Montana, asked him to travel to Las Vegas to pick up packages of meth for “Tony.”

MRDTF also was working with a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine from another dealer. During one of the transactions, the recording captured the dealer stating he got his drugs from “Tony.” The source confirmed “Tony” was Anthony Catalusci.

In September 2024, law enforcement searched Catalusci’s house and seized a small quantity of meth. During the search, Catalusci admitted he was distributing methamphetamine.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Missouri River Drug Task Force.

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

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BILLINGS – A Greely, Colorado drug trafficker who led law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit was sentenced today to 360 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

In October 2024, a federal jury in Billings found Moises Zamora, 40, guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Zamora has a prior federal conviction in Montana for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and he received a sentence of imprisonment in that case of ten years. See US v. Zamora, CR 21-78-GF-BMM.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over this matter.

The government alleged in court documents and at trial that on November 11, 2022, a Yellowstone County Sheriff’s deputy pulled into a convenience store parking lot in Billings and noticed a car parked in an obscure manner, away from the pumps or store entrances. As the deputy drove toward the car, he saw the driver, later identified as Zamora, point toward his patrol vehicle and then slouch in the seat. The deputy found Zamora's behavior suspicious and pulled behind the vehicle to investigate. Zamora reversed his car and drove away. The deputy activated his lights and siren, but Zamora continued driving, and a high-speed pursuit began. The chase lasted almost 10 minutes and involved speeds reaching 80 mph, with Zamora driving recklessly and entering the lane of oncoming traffic. Zamora finally stopped when he came to a dead end and was arrested.

The deputy observed two blue “M30” pills, later confirmed to be fentanyl, in the backseat. Law enforcement determined Zamora had a warrant for his arrest and was booked into the Yellowstone County Detention Center. Law enforcement served a search warrant on Zamora’s car and located approximately six pounds of meth, two fentanyl pills, three cell phones, and drug paraphernalia. Six pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 21,744 doses.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case. The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and FBI conducted the investigation.

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

BILLINGS – An illegal alien who lived in Billings and assumed the identity of a U.S. citizen was sentenced today to approximately 7 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Diego Xiap, 48, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of making a false statement in a passport application.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on February 3, 2021, Xiap, claiming to be John Doe 1, submitted Form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport at the post office in Billings. For proof of identity, Xiap used a Montana driver license number that belonged to John Doe 1, issued May 8, 2020, which was set to expire on November 9, 2027. For proof of citizenship, Xiap submitted a birth certificate filed on November 9, 1976, and issued on May 1, 2003.

Xiap’s application was deemed suspicious and eventually referred to a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent for investigation. The Agent quickly determined that Xiap, who appeared to have been living under John Doe 1’s identity for approximately 30 years, was not actually John Doe 1. The real John Doe 1 was born in Puerto Rico and has lived there his entire life. There are photos of Doe 1 in government records in Puerto Rico and he bears no resemblance to Xiap. Another DSS agent in Puerto Rico talked to John Doe 1’s brother and showed him photos of Doe 1 and Xiap. Doe 1’s brother immediately identified Doe 1 and said he had no idea who Xiap was. Further investigation revealed an Oregon Work ID card issued in the 1990s that was used by Xiap, but bearing the name of yet another different person, John Doe 2.

On April 24, 2024, the DSS agent tracked down Xiap in Billings. Initially, Xiap fled from his job when the agent showed up, but the agent was able to find him at home. Xiap gave a statement insisting he was really John Doe 1 but had no knowledge of any of his relatives or history in Puerto Rico. Xiap then told the agent he might tell the real story but needed to speak to an attorney first. The interview was terminated.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Diplomatic Security Service.

BILLINGS – A Billings man who distributed drugs in the Billings area was sentenced today to 168 months in prison to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Tirrell Lewis, 45, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on November 3, 2023, law enforcement officers received a call that there were two gunshots in the vicinity of a residential address and the caller saw a gray Mustang leave the area very quickly. Officers spoke to the Lewis’s girlfriend on scene, and she said the sounds were fireworks. She also said she and Lewis were in a relationship and he had not been present at her residence. She allowed officers to look in her backyard where they found two spent rifle casings.

The caller told police Lewis had been at the residence and he and his girlfriend were arguing before the two gunshots and then the caller saw Lewis leave in the gray Mustang.

Later that evening officers located the Mustang. They attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled a short distance before stopping in front of Lewis’s girlfriend’s residence. Lewis got out of the car and fled on foot behind the residence. He circled the house and ran right into an officer who then arrested him. When Lewis was taken into custody, he was found to have $6,216.18 on his person.

On November 13, 2023, a search warrant was executed on the Mustang. Inside were 4 firearms, 91 rounds of assorted ammunition, 7 ounces of fentanyl, and 9 ounces of methamphetamine. The drugs were located in a backpack in the trunk. The fentanyl was in 3 bags inside. One contained 50 pills, one contained 1,003, and one contained 814. The methamphetamine was in two zip lock baggies next to a scale and 23 clean baggies. There was a paystub for Lewis and one of the handguns under the backpack.

Lewis is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a previous federal conviction.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Godfrey prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Billings Police Department, ATF, and DEA.

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

BILLINGS – A Billings man who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced today to 72 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

In March 2025, a federal jury found Joshua David Heafner, 40, guilty of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on March 14, 2023, around 8:00 p.m., the Billings Police Department received a report of a hit and run at the intersection of North 31st Street and 6th Avenue North. Officers observed an unoccupied Volkswagen Passat in the middle of the intersection and witnesses described a man who resembled Heafner fleeing the scene on foot after the accident. Inside the car, officers saw a black pistol, some rounds of ammunition, and a methadone bottle with Heafner’s name on it. Heafner, who had outstanding arrest warrants at the time, was located near his residence, where he ran from the police before eventually being detained. Further investigation of the Passat revealed Heafner’s fingerprints in multiple locations on the driver’s side and on a cell phone found on the front driver’s side floorboard. Heafner was convicted of assault on a peace officer, robbery, and assault with a weapon, all felonies, in Billings in September 2013.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob Yerger and Julie Patten prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the ATF and the Billings Police Department.

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

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BILLINGS – A man who distributed drugs in the Billings area was sentenced today to 144 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Shannon Ray Emeline, 45, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on February 22, 2024, DEA agents arranged for a confidential source to purchase methamphetamine from Emeline. The deal took place in Emeline’s vehicle and the source paid him $2,000 for a quantity of meth.

In April 2024, agents with the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation searched a residence in Billings, where they located a significant quantity of methamphetamine. They subsequently learned Emeline had purchased the meth and was actively distributing the drugs in Billings.

On May 1, another confidential source told investigators Emeline was staying at a Billings hotel to meet with a source of supply. Agents surveilled the hotel and located Emeline’s vehicle in the parking lot. They performed a traffic stop, searched the vehicle, and seized a plastic bag containing meth and another bag containing fentanyl.

Investigators interviewed Emeline, who admitted renting the hotel room to facilitate the purchase of two pounds of meth. Agents subsequently searched the room and found a bag of meth, a bag of fentanyl, and $6,855.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Yerger prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the DEA, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Montana Highway Patrol.

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

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MISSOULA - A New Jersey man accused of sexual assault while flying from Bozeman, Montana to Dallas, Texas admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Bhaveshkumar Dahyabhai Shukla, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of abusive sexual contact in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Shukla faces up to 2 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. U.S. District Court Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for November 19, 2025. Shukla was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on January 26, 2025, Shukla was flying from Bozeman to Dallas on American Airlines. He was seated next to Jane Doe and Doe’s daughter. Jane Doe had a coat on her lap because she was cold. Shukla also placed his coat on his lap and initially acted as if he was sleeping but began using his right hand to rub Jane Doe’s left leg near her pocket on her hip. Jane Doe initially thought Shukla was trying to pick her pocket, so she and her daughter got up and went to the restroom to diffuse the situation.

Shukla continued rubbing Jane Doe’s inner and outer thigh throughout the flight. Doe was scared and firmly told him to “stop touching me.” Shukla said he was sorry and attempted to offer her something out of his bag.  He also tried to talk to Jane Doe’s daughter, and Doe responded, “she’s fine. Don’t talk to my daughter.” As the flight continued, the plane hit some turbulence and the flight crew remained seated. Shukla continued to rub Jane Doe’s thigh and, frightened, she turned her back to him, at which point he started rubbing her lower back and buttocks.

A witness seated in the row behind Shukla and Jane Doe confirmed that Shukla inappropriately touched Jane Doe for a large portion of the flight.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno Baucus and Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The FBI, ICE and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Police conducted the investigation.

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GREAT FALLS - A Spokane, Washington man accused of possessing controlled substances admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Nicholas Benton Severns, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Severns faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years to 40 years, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing has been set for November 12, 2025. Severns was released on conditions pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in 2023, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services saw a white Chevy Malibu leave a known drug house in Browning and stopped it for speeding. The officer ran the driver through dispatch and determined he had no driver’s license, no insurance, and had a warrant for his arrest from Washington. Nicholas Severns, the passenger in the vehicle, and had an expired license.

As the traffic stop progressed, two other officers arrived and informed the driver and Severns they were going to run drug canine around the car. During a subsequent routine pat down for weapons, law enforcement saw a piece of foil used for smoking narcotics and arrested the driver and Severns. Both were searched incident and officers found a baggie of meth on the driver and burnt blue fentanyl on Severns. The car was sniffed, the canine indicated, and a state search warrant was obtained. During the search, law enforcement located 708 fentanyl pills in a fanny-pack belonging to Severns. During a subsequent interview, Severns admitted to dealing drugs, including dealing fentanyl in Browning.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The DEA and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Mexican man who entered the United States illegally four times since 2019 was sentenced today to a sentence of time served and remanded to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol upon release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Odilon Valdes-De Jesus, 55, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of illegal reentry.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Valdes first entered the country without authorization in 2019. On October 3, 2019, he was encountered by El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents, processed for expeditated removal, and removed from the United States on October 4, 2019, through the Calexico, California Port of Entry. He crossed the border illegally again on October 5, 2019, and was removed from the United States a second time on October 6, 2019. He illegally entered again two days later, on October 8, 2019, and was removed for the third time on October 9.

When law enforcement encountered Valdes in Havre, Montana on May 13, 2025, he admitted he had no immigration documents to be in the United States legally, and later admitted he entered without authorization a fourth time around July 15, 2020, near Eagle Pass, Texas.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Myers prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol.

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

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MISSOULA – A California man who distributed meth and fentanyl in Bozeman beginning in 2022 was sentenced today to 180 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Shante Maurice Anthony, 47, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

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

The government alleged in court documents that the DEA received information in 2024 that Shante Anthony had been selling drugs in Bozeman and the surrounding areas since 2022.  Agents learned Anthony lived in California and would repeatedly travel to the Bozeman area to distribute meth and fentanyl. Informants told the agents Anthony would mail drugs to Bozeman and then fly to Montana, pick up the drugs, and distribute them. One source said Anthony had been following that pattern for five or six months and the DEA obtained flight records that confirmed Anthony was traveling to Bozeman an average of two times per month.

On November 20, 2024, Anthony was planning a trip to Bozeman the following day and sending a package that likely contained drugs. On November 22, 2024, he contacted the Postal Service to check the status of the package. The DEA contacted a Postal Inspector, who located the parcel at the Bozeman Post Office. The package was searched and the agents seized 1,000 fentanyl pills and a quarter-pound of meth. Text messages and phone conversations between Anthony and others confirmed he was distributing the drugs.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case and the investigation was conducted by the DEA and the Missouri River Drug Task Force.

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

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MISSOULA – A Belgrade man who intended to distribute fentanyl was sentenced today to 72 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Justin Olen Brown, 40, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on February 23, 2024, Brown was stopped by law enforcement while driving near Ramsey, Montana. The officers saw three lock boxes and multiple items of drug paraphernalia in the car and applied for a search warrant, which led to the seizure of 173 grams fentanyl.

Brown admitted to buying the fentanyl pills in Spokane, Washington, and said he was planning to sell them pills in Montana. Brown also admitted he had taken similar trips to obtain fentanyl pills for sale in the past.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations.

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

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MISSOULA - A Martin City man accused of producing child pornography admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Raymond Owen Bonner, Jr., 40, pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography. Bonner faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 to 30 years, a $250,000 fine, and not less than 5 years to a lifetime of supervised release for production of child pornography, and a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 to 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and not less than 5 years to a lifetime of supervised release for distribution of child pornography.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. U.S. District Court Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing has been set for November 19, 2025. Bonner was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in August 2024, an FBI undercover agent was operating in applications known for trafficking in child sexual abuse material. The agent found that a user had posted messages to a chat room in one such application in June 2024 and July 2024 stating that user had access to a six-year-old girl (Jane Doe) and was sexually abusing that child. The user, later identified as Bonner, posted images and videos of his abuse that verified his hands-on access to Doe. Bonner told other users in the chat room he was Doe’s babysitter.

Investigators responded to Bonner’s address in Martin City on September 5, 2024. Bonner fled his residence prior to law enforcement’s arrival. In a home near Bonner’s residence, FBI agents located Jane Doe. Doe and others verified that Bonner was her babysitter and later identified Bonner as the person abusing her in the images and videos he had distributed. The FBI also seized several devices from Bonner’s home, including a cell phone.

The FBI searched the phone and found images and videos of Doe that were the same as the images and videos of Doe posted by Bonner to the chat room. Bonner was located by law enforcement and arrested on September 19, 2024.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The FBI and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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

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Note: The U.S. Attorney's quote was corrected on July 10, 2025, at approximately 1:20 p.m.

GREAT FALLS – A Shelby woman who attempted to harbor illegal aliens was found guilty by a federal jury yesterday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Following a two-day trial, Kristin Louise Mitchell, 41, was found guilty of one count of attempted harboring of illegal aliens. Mitchell faces 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for November 5, 2025. Mitchell will remain released on conditions pending further proceedings.

“Mitchell attempted to harbor illegal aliens. Those who are illegally in the United States need to leave. Those who try to hide them, especially aliens like Porfirio Alexander Suarez, who allegedly possessed a firearm in November 2023 when he was encountered by law enforcement in Texas, are committing a crime and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I want to thank the Assistant U.S. Attorneys who prosecuted this case, the staff in our office for their assistance, and the law enforcement agents from the Toole County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, and the U.S. Border Patrol for their hard work on the case.” U.S. Attorney Alme said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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MISSOULA - A Bozeman man accused of sending threatening emails to a student at Montana State University admitted to charges yesterday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Rex Wu, Jr., 23, pleaded guilty to one count of cyberstalking. Wu faces 5 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. U.S. District Court Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing has been set for November 6, 2025. Wu was released on conditions pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that the MSU Police Department contacted the FBI in February 2023 because a student was receiving harassing and threatening communications. The emails were racially charged and included threats to kill the student and other members of the campus group she was affiliated with. The messages were sent from several accounts, including some on platforms that make it difficult to identify the owner. Law enforcement eventually identified Wu as the likely culprit by linking an IP address at a local apartment to him, as well as online donation records and various Gmail accounts. FBI agents interviewed Wu in Bozeman on February 27, 2025, and he admitted sending several harassing emails to the MSU student.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Starnes prosecuted the case. The FBI and Montana State University Campus Police conducted the investigation.

GREAT FALLS – A Mexican man who entered the country illegally was sentenced today to sentence of time served of 121 days in prison and remanded to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol upon release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Luis Alberto Vega-Lili, 57, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of use or possession of fraudulent immigration document.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on March 11, 2025, Vega-Lili was found on a train in Havre. When he spoke to the Border Patrol agent, he acknowledged his Mexican citizenship and that he did not have immigration paperwork that would allow him to enter or remain in the United States. He provided a Mexican passport that was issued in North Carolina. In 2008, he submitted an incomplete application for naturalization because he was married to a United States citizen, but she passed away. During a secondary security search of Vega-Lili’s cell, agents found a fraudulent social security card and fraudulent permanent resident card in the sole of his boot. The permanent resident card contained information belonging to a person from India who was born in 1973 and living in Texas.

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

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Mexican man who possessed fraudulent immigration documentation was sentenced today to sentence of time served of 131 days in prison and remanded to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol upon release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Francisco Alcocer-Sanchez, 62, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of use or possession of fraudulent immigration document.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on February 28, 2025, Alcocer-Sanchez was arrested by local law enforcement in Fairview, Montana/McKenzie County, North Dakota during a DUI stop. He provided an expired licensed permanent resident (LPR) card bearing his picture, but another name and alien number. Law enforcement noticed the LPR card was missing security features. On March 1, 2025, law enforcement verified Alcocer-Sanchez’s true identity and his prior removal from the United States. He later acknowledged his Mexican citizenship and his illegal status in the United States.

Alcocer-Sanchez’s immigration history shows he was granted status as a Lawful Permanent Resident on February 12, 1991, but that status was revoked on June 25, 1998, following his conviction for importing cocaine, an aggravated felony. There is no record he applied for readmission into the United States.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol, Fairview Police Department and McKenzie North Dakota Sheriff’s Office.

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Mexican man who entered the country illegally was sentenced today to a sentence of time served of 73 days in prison and remanded to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol upon release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Jose Luz Rojas-Flores, 35, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of illegal reentry.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Rojas-Flores was first removed from the United States in April 2012. He also was removed in November 2013 after serving a 30-day sentence for illegal entry and in April 2015 after serving a 60-day sentence for illegal entry.

On April 26, 2025, the Havre Police Department requested assistance with a traffic stop where five individuals were encountered. None of them spoke English and all presented Mexican identification documents. Rojas-Flores presented a Mexican Voter Identification card but no documents permitting him to enter or remain in the United States. Later, he admitted he last crossed into the United States in January 2020 near El Paso, Texas.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol and Havre Police Department.

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Honduran man who entered the country illegally was sentenced today to sentence of time served of 74 days in prison and remanded to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol upon release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Enys Jose Rosales-Lara, 39, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of illegal reentry.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on April 23, 2025, law enforcement observed a vehicle in Havre and conducted a traffic stop. Rosales-Lara was in the back seat of the vehicle. He presented investigators with a Honduran Identification Card, possessed no other identification documents, and was taken into custody. He admitted he entered the United States most recently on September 17, 2023, near El Paso, Texas. He also admitted he had no petitions or lawful right to remain in the United States.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol and Havre Police Department.

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

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GREAT FALLS - A Harlem man accused of sexual abuse on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Ross Vincent Dale, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse. Dale faces maximum penalties of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years to a lifetime of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Court Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing has been set November 5, 2025. Dale was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in January 2022, Jane Doe was taken to Benefis in Great Falls for a sexual assault examination. Doe alleged she was sexually abused by the Ross Dale on New Year’s Eve or in the early morning hours of New Year’s day, 2021-2022.

Doe lived with her grandmother/guardian at the time. On New Year’s Eve, Doe’s grandmother and aunt traveled to Wolf Point, leaving Doe at the house alone. Dale contacted her on New Year’s Eve and brought alcohol. Doe took a video of herself and Dale drinking. At some point, Doe must have passed out because she woke up in her bed to her headboard banging against the wall. Dale was behind her, vaginally raping her. She tried to remain calm until he finally left the house. She told her grandmother immediately upon her return home from Wolf Point.

Dale was interviewed. Although he claimed he was not in Harlem but in Billings with his kids on New Year’s Eve, DNA testing resulted in his DNA being found in Doe’s underwear, extracted from semen that was present on Doe’s underwear.

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

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BILLINGS - A Lame Deer woman accused of sex trafficking a minor admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Veronica Clarice Baker, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor. Baker faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years to a lifetime of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. U.S. District Court Judge Susan P. Watters will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing will be set at a later time. Baker was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that sometime prior to April 9, 2023, Baker met Dr. Usman Khan on a social media website for people interested in a commercial sex relationship.  Then, on or about April 9, 2023, Baker and Khan communicated for the purpose of arranging a commercial sex date between Khan and Jane Doe 1. Baker had known Jane Doe 1 for some time and Doe had, on occasion, watched Baker’s children. Baker knew Jane Doe 1, who was under the age of 18 at the time, was a minor.

On April 9, 2023, while Baker and Khan were texting about Baker providing Jane Doe 1 for the purpose of a commercial sex date, Baker and Doe were in a hotel room in Billings. Baker sent Khan pictures of her and of Jane Doe 1 and she and Khan discussed rates. Ultimately, Baker agreed to transport Jane Doe 1 to Khan’s residence for the purpose of a commercial sex date. Baker left Jane Doe 1 at Khan’s residence and Jane Doe 1 and Khan engaged in sexual activity. Khan paid Jane Doe 1 for the encounter, and Doe provided some of the money to Baker.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Wyoming man who attempted a robbery on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced yesterday to 36 months in prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Jesse Alex Sutherland, 37, pleaded guilty in December 2024 to one count of attempted robbery.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on the evening of November 21, 2023, the defendant, Jesse Alex Sutherland, went with a co-defendant to a remote residence on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. The co-defendant was armed with an AR-15 style rifle. The two men met with a third person outside the home. While still outside the residence the co-defendant fired one round into the ground and six into the air. He and the defendant then broke into the residence. The two men assaulted the two occupants of the home, and the co-defendant struck them with the rifle while demanding access to a safe.

Sutherland was seen on surveillance video before and after the attempted robbery. He was arrested shortly thereafter wearing the same hoodie he wore during the attempted robbery.

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

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

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GREAT FALLS – A Browning man who caused a death on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 18 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Douglas Dean McDonald, 29, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to one count of involuntary manslaughter.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on the afternoon of June 9, 2024, Douglas Dean McDonald was driving a sedan with his family at 118mph before he changed lanes and struck and killed John Doe, who was operating a motorcycle. Doe’s wife was a passenger on the motorcycle but was not seriously injured.

Doe and his wife were riding their motorcycle about five miles outside of Browning heading east toward Cut Bank to see the bison herd. There were none, so they decided to turn around. As Doe was executing the U-turn, McDonald, who was traveling at a high rate of speed, went into the westbound lane and struck the motorcycle. The accident severed Doe’s leg, and he died at the scene.

A witness came upon the crash shortly after it occurred. The witness reported that McDonald and his wife flagged the witness down and wanted a ride to Browning. She reported that there were other individuals at the scene telling McDonald he needed to stay at the scene. When law enforcement arrived, McDonald admitted to consuming twisted teas the night before and smoking a bowl of marijuana at noon that day. He gave a PBT at the scene that was positive for alcohol with a BAC of .02.

McDonald consented to a blood draw. Law enforcement drove him to the hospital for the blood draw. During this interaction, the officer could detect the smell of alcoholic beverages emitting from his person. At the hospital, McDonald attempted to run away from law enforcement, fleeing through the emergency doors and had to be chased down in the parking lot.

Montana Highway Patrol conducted the crash investigation. They mapped the scene and analyzed the electronic data from McDonald’s vehicle. Five seconds before the deployment event (collision) McDonald was going 118mph. The data showed that the vehicle slowed to 114mph two seconds before the deployment event, and then slowed to 99mph one second before. The speedometer of the vehicle was frozen at 98mph after the crash. MHP determined that if McDonald had been going the posted speed limit of 70mph, Doe would have been able to successfully execute the U-turn.

The toxicology report indicated that in addition to alcohol and marijuana, McDonald had fentanyl, methamphetamine, norfentanyl, amphetamine, and gabapentin in his system.

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

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BILLINGS - A Billings man accused of distributing child pornography admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Kole David Kuntz, 41, pleaded guilty to 2 counts of distribution of child pornography. With respect to each count, Kuntz faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years to 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a $35,000 special assessment, a $5,000 special assessment, and 5 years to a lifetime of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. U.S. District Court Judge Susan P. Watters will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing will be set at a later date. Kuntz was released on conditions pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on November 16, 2024, law enforcement created an undercover online persona on a social media site posing as an adult male with a minor daughter. Soon after establishing the account, another account, later attributed to the defendant, reached out and inquired about the fictious daughter.

The conversations became increasingly sexual and, for example, when the defendant learned the “daughter” was 12 years of age, he indicated that he “could have a lot of fun with her.”

On November 21, 2024, the defendant recommended they switch to a more secure application and both parties did so. Then, to ensure that he was “serious,” the defendant sent a roughly 45-second video of a female, aged between 12 and 14 years of age, removing her swimsuit and exposing her vagina to the camera. Then, on November 22, 2024, and after additional communications during which the defendant indicated that “6-14 is the money range I think,” he distributed a roughly 56-second video of a minor female performing oral sex on an adult.

Law enforcement connected the communication to the defendant and a search warrant for his residence in Billings was executed. A subsequent review of his electronic media led to the discovery of the communications referenced above.

The defendant was interviewed by law enforcement and admitted that he was the individual referenced in the communications above and that he previously shared images and videos.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

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

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BILLINGS – A Minnesota man who failed to register as a sex offender was sentenced today to 16 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Jeremiah Robert Wiberg, 42, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to one count of failure to register as a sex offender.

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

The government alleged in court documents that Jeremiah Wiberg is required to register as a sexual offender under SORNA following a 2007 federal conviction for receipt of child pornography. Wiberg has been on federal supervised release for the past eight years and has been revoked off supervised release multiple times.

Following his sentence of incarceration after being revoked from supervision, Wiberg was released from the BOP in Louisiana on November 8, 2023. Per his travel itinerary with BOP he traveled to Billings, Montana the same day. Wiberg arrived in Billings that day, but he did not check in with United States Probation on that day, nor did he register under SORNA upon his arrival in Billings. His whereabouts were unknown.

It was determined through records and witness statements that Wiberg was in Montana for a period of a few weeks after he arrived in Billings. Wiberg traveled to Roundup and then left the state. He never registered in Montana.

On December 27, 2023, law enforcement received information that the Wiberg was staying in Minnesota. Wiberg was subsequently located at a VFW in Forrest Lake, Minnesota. He was arrested on a federal warrant for violating his supervised release. Wiberg had not registered in Minnesota.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Probation Office, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

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