Harvey Hugs, Felon with Firearm, Montana 2023

BILLINGS, MT – A trio of federal cases surfaced this week in Montana, revealing a pattern of illegal firearms possession, drug trafficking, and violent assault. The Grimy Times has been tracking these cases as they move through the system, highlighting the persistent criminal activity plaguing the state.

Harvey Alvin Hugs, 59, of Hardin, appeared in Billings on February 16th, facing charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Court records show Hugs pleaded not guilty. If convicted of the most serious charge, he’s looking at a potential 10-year prison sentence, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He was released pending further proceedings. The case was a joint investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Also in Billings, Andrew Jason Post, 35, of Sidney, was arraigned on February 13th, accused of possession of an unregistered firearm. Like Hugs, Post entered a not guilty plea. A conviction on the top charge could land him a 10-year prison term, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Post remains detained as he awaits further court appearances. The ATF spearheaded the investigation.

Moving north to Great Falls, Arnold Galo Garay IV, 46, of Helena, faced a judge on February 13th, charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Garay also pleaded not guilty. He faces a stiffer potential sentence than Hugs and Post – up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He is currently being held in custody. The ATF and Montana Probation and Parole collaborated on this investigation.

The cases weren’t limited to weapons violations. Daniel Phillip Horn, 36, of Harlem, was arraigned on February 13th on charges of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to an intimate and dating partner. A conviction could lead to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Horn was released pending further proceedings. The FBI and Fort Belknap Police Department investigated. Finally, Javon Cortez Crosby, 26, of Southfield, Michigan, appeared in court, accused of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Crosby faces a potential 20-year prison sentence, a $1 million fine, and three years of supervised release and was detained.

These cases, detailed through U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich’s office, highlight the ongoing efforts of federal agencies to combat crime in Montana. The U.S. Attorney’s Office reminds the public that charging documents are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Those seeking further information can monitor case progress through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system (pacer.gov/register.html) or access the District Court’s calendar at ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Weapons

Dustin Neal Saksa, Gun Theft with Prohibited Firearm, MT 2017

Aug 20, 2020

Weapons

Hugo Man Sentenced for Machine Gun

Apr 12, 2026

Weapons

Kody Severin, Machine Gun Devices, New Orleans LA, 2023

Apr 9, 2026

Weapons

Reda Shehabeldin, Possession of a Firearm, New Hampshire 2023

Apr 5, 2023