Great Falls, MT – A wave of federal indictments swept through Montana courts this week, exposing a network of alleged criminal activity ranging from drug trafficking to firearms violations and fraud. The Grimy Times has obtained details of several arraignments held before U.S. Magistrate Judges, revealing the potential severity of the charges and the investigations that led to these cases.
David Victor Fast Horse, 35, of Billings, faces the most serious potential penalties. He pleaded not guilty on May 7th to charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted on the drug charge, Fast Horse could face a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, alongside a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. The firearms charge carries a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, plus a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Fast Horse remains detained pending further proceedings. The investigation was a joint effort by the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Rocky Boy’s Police Department, and U.S. Marshals Service.
Also appearing in Great Falls was David Michael Rosebud Mathison, 48, of Poplar, who pleaded not guilty to wire fraud. Mathison faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release if convicted. He was released pending further court action. The FBI spearheaded the investigation into the alleged fraudulent activities. Case reference 24-28.
The ATF also played a key role in the arrests of Jamison Gray Devine, 35, of Billings and Helena, and Richard William Karp, 54, of Billings. Both men were charged with being prohibited persons in possession of ammunition and firearms respectively, and both were detained. Devine faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Karp also faces a maximum of 15 years, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Investigations were conducted in conjunction with local law enforcement and Montana Probation and Parole. Case references 24-8 and 24-9 respectively.
In Missoula, Shane Michael Kardash, 33, of Livingston, pleaded not guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances on May 8th. Kardash faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and three years of supervised release if convicted. He was also detained pending further proceedings. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Park County Sheriff’s Office, Livingston Police Department, and Billings Police Department. Case reference 24-7.
Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The public can monitor the progress of these cases through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system (pacer.gov). These cases highlight the ongoing efforts of federal and local agencies to combat crime in Montana, but also underscore the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and financial fraud within the state.
Related Federal Cases
- David Guevara-Pimentel, Untraceable Gun Trafficking, California 2023 · California
- Julio Ernesto Lopez-Menendez, Meth & Gun Trafficking, California 2024 · California
- Alan Daniel Wilson Sentenced to 16 Years for Meth Trafficking, CA, … · California
- Mack Edward Harris, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Billings MT, … · Montana
- Ocegueda-Ruiz, Meth Kingpin Convicted, Montana, 2023 · California
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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