A Helena judge handed down sentences to three defendants convicted of robbery and firearms charges stemming from a drug-related home invasion.
The home invasion took place on April 23, 2017, at the residence of a Helena drug dealer. Gabriel Elijah Kane Arkinson, 32, of Billings, was sentenced to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit robbery affecting commerce, robbery affecting commerce, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Jacqueline Nicole Milsten, 35, of East Helena, received a 10-year and five-month prison sentence, followed by five years of supervised release for the same charges.
Melissa Dawn Shurtliff, 28, of Helena, was sentenced to seven years and nine months in prison, as well as five years of supervised release, for robbery affecting commerce and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Prosecutors presented evidence that Arkinson and Milsten entered the residence with the intention of stealing drugs and drug proceeds. Arkinson was armed with a sawed-off shotgun, while Milsten searched the residence for drugs and money.
The case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, which aims to reduce violent crime through a collaborative effort between law enforcement and community stakeholders.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force.
The defendants’ sentences bring an end to a case that began in 2017, when the home invasion took place.
Defendant Information:
Defendant: Gabriel Elijah Kane Arkinson
Real Full Name: Gabriel Elijah Kane Arkinson
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to commit robbery affecting commerce, robbery affecting commerce, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
City and State: Billings, Montana
Date: Not specified
Sentence: 15 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release
Dollar Amounts: None
Defendant: Jaime Nicole Milsten
Real Full Name: Jaime Nicole Milsten
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to commit robbery affecting commerce, robbery affecting commerce, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
City and State: East Helena, Montana
Date: Not specified
Sentence: 10 years and five months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release
Dollar Amounts: None
Defendant: Melissa Dawn Shurtliff
Real Full Name: Melissa Dawn Shurtliff
Criminal Charges: Robbery affecting commerce, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
City and State: Helena, Montana
Date: Not specified
Sentence: Seven years and nine months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release
Dollar Amounts: None
Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent Crime