BILLINGS, MT – A flurry of federal arraignments swept through Montana courts last week, revealing a grim snapshot of criminal activity plaguing the state. From firearms violations to deadly drug distribution, the cases highlight the relentless work of federal agencies battling crime in Big Sky Country.
Aaron Clifford Olson, 50, of Billings, appeared in court on December 20th, facing charges of being a prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious charge, Olson could face up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Billings Police Department jointly investigated the case. Olson was immediately detained pending further legal proceedings. Case reference: 22-134.
Just days prior, on December 16th, Travis Ridenour, also known as Travis Lamere, 34, of Billings, was arraigned on far more disturbing charges: aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. The potential consequences are severe – a life sentence, a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory minimum of five years of supervised release. The FBI led the investigation. Ridenour, like Olson, remains in custody. Case reference: 22-111.
Moving north to Great Falls, the court saw Brian George Funk, 53, of Spokane, Washington, face charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on December 19th. Funk’s future looks bleak if convicted, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life in prison, a staggering $10 million fine, and at least five years of supervised release. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) spearheaded the investigation, and Funk was detained. Case reference: 22-121.
Also in Great Falls, Ian Ray Stewart, 24, was arraigned on December 19th, accused of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. This case involved a multi-agency effort – the FBI, Great Falls Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, DEA, and ATF all contributed to the investigation. Stewart faces a mandatory minimum of five years, but potentially up to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine, and at least four years of supervised release. He was also detained. Case reference: 22-89.
The darkest case of the week centers on Danyell Rose Black Dog, 22, of Poplar, who appeared on December 15th, charged with possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth resulting in death. If found guilty, Black Dog could receive up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and three years of supervised release. The FBI and Fort Peck Tribes conducted the investigation. Black Dog is currently being held. Case reference: 22-98. Those seeking more information on these cases can monitor progress through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system at http://www.pacer.gov/register.html or https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
Related Federal Cases
- Joshua David Heafner, Felony Gun Possession, MT 2023 · Montana
- Justin Miles Jasper, Stolen Truck and Homemade Bomb Possession, Sea… · Nevada
- Moses Strickland Jr, Gun Trafficking, IA 2018 · Illinois
- Zachery Moore, Illegal Firearm Possession, California 2023 · Iowa
- Aaron Lee Grossman, False Statements to SSA, Montana 2024 · Utah
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News