Meth, Guns & Fraud: Montana Federal Indictments Unsealed

MISSOULA & BILLINGS, MT – A wave of federal indictments hit Montana courts this week, exposing a network of alleged criminal activity ranging from drug trafficking and illegal firearms to financial fraud. The United States Attorney’s Office confirmed the arraignments, revealing the charges and potential penalties facing several Montana residents and one from California.

Bozeman Gun Runner Faces Decade Behind Bars: NOLAN DAVID BARBISAN, 28, of Bozeman, appeared in Missoula on June 6th, pleading not guilty to charges of felon in possession of firearms, false statement during firearms transaction, and possession of an unregistered silencer. If convicted on the most serious charges, BARBISAN could face 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines, and 3 years of supervised release. The case was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office. (Pacer Case Reference: 17-09)

Idaho Man Accused of Bankruptcy Fraud: Also arraigned in Missoula was RANDALL ALAN FRANZ, 58, of Sandpoint, Idaho. FRANZ faces serious allegations of concealment of assets in bankruptcy, false oath or account, and wire fraud. A conviction could lead to a 20-year prison sentence, $250,000 in fines, and 5 years of supervised release. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. (Pacer Case Reference: 17-18)

Butte & Whitehall Residents Caught with Illegal Firearms: Two Montana men, WALTER JAMES MANULA, 64, of Butte, and WILLIAM KENT ROSS, 67, of Whitehall, both pleaded not guilty to being felons in possession of firearms and ammunition. Each faces up to 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines, and 3 years of supervised release if convicted. Both cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. (Manula: Pacer Case Reference: 17-01, Ross: Pacer Case Reference: 17-09)

Laurel Meth Ring Busted: In Billings, the stakes were even higher. JEANETTE LAMBERT SCHACHT, 55, and RAYMOND EDWARD SCHACHT, 57, both of Laurel, were arraigned on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and maintaining drug-involved premises. The pair are facing the possibility of life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines, and 5 years of supervised release. The FBI Task Force spearheaded the investigation. (Pacer Case Reference: 17-65)

California Man Linked to Meth Trafficking: Joining the Laurel pair in facing severe drug charges is RONALD ANDREW SMITH, 35, of Redwood City, California, who stands accused of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He too faces a potential life sentence, along with a $10,000,000 fine and 5 years of supervised release. The case was investigated by a multi-agency team including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Montana Highway Patrol, and the Park County Sheriff’s Office. (Pacer Case Reference: 17-55) Finally, ISAIAH ELGIE THOMAS, 29, of Miles City, entered a not guilty plea to charges including felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of domestic violence, and possession of a stolen firearm. He could face 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines, and 3 years supervised release.