BUTTE, MT – A pair of Butte men are facing federal charges after authorities uncovered an alleged operation involving the illegal importation of a tableting press, a device often used in the manufacturing of illicit drugs. David Jesus Tapia-Padron, 33, and Austin Perry King-Terrell, 29, appeared in Missoula federal court on September 21st, both pleading not guilty to charges of illegal importation of the press. Tapia-Padron faces the more serious charge of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, carrying a potential sentence of five to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine, and at least three years of supervised release if convicted. King-Terrell faces a maximum of four years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release. Both were released under conditions pending further court proceedings.
The net is tightening on Montana’s drug pipeline. Also arraigned in Missoula was Lynsi Noel Barnes, 32, facing charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute. Like Tapia-Padron, Barnes could face five to 40 years behind bars, a $5 million fine, and a minimum of four years of supervised release if found guilty. Barnes was ordered detained pending further proceedings, a clear indication of the severity of the allegations. The investigation was a multi-agency effort involving the Missouri River Drug Task Force, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Service, Montana Highway Patrol, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, and even the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office in Idaho.
The Billings courtroom saw a different type of crime come to light. Esaias Stops Pretty Places, 19, a transient, entered a not guilty plea to charges of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. The stakes are incredibly high for Stops Pretty Places, potentially facing a life sentence, a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory minimum of five years to life of supervised release. He was immediately detained. This case was a joint investigation led by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, highlighting the often-overlooked crimes impacting vulnerable populations.
Just blocks away, Gabriel Cowan Metcalf, 49, of Billings, was arraigned on a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm in a school zone. Metcalf faces a maximum of five years imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. While released with conditions, the charge itself underscores the constant threat of gun violence, even near places meant to protect our children. The ATF and Billings Police Department jointly investigated the case.
The federal crackdown continued with Cameron Dimich-Laster, 26, of Billings, facing charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Dimich-Laster, also detained, could receive a minimum of five to 40 years imprisonment, a $5 million fine, and at least four years of supervised release if convicted. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Billings Police Department, and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, demonstrating the coordinated effort to stem the flow of drugs and illegal weapons in the region.
Finally, in Great Falls, further arraignments are scheduled following initial appearances earlier this week. While details remain limited, these cases add to the growing list of federal prosecutions in Montana. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana, led by Jesse Laslovich, continues to pursue these cases, reminding us that while the wheels of justice may grind slowly, they are, indeed, turning. Case references are available through PACER for those seeking detailed court records (23-15, 23-38, 23-105, 23-103, 23-139).
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons
- Source: Official Press Release
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