BILLINGS, MT – Shacheen Leigh Russell, 35, of Billings, is facing serious federal charges after appearing in court this week accused of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. The case, brought forward by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana, highlights the ongoing effort to keep weapons out of the hands of those legally barred from owning them.
Russell appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan on April 4 and entered a plea of not guilty. If convicted of the most serious crime alleged, she could face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a hefty $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following her incarceration. Judge Cavan ordered Russell detained pending further legal proceedings, suggesting the court views her as a flight risk or potential danger.
The investigation leading to Russell’s indictment was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Billings Police Department. Details surrounding the specifics of how authorities came to suspect Russell of the crime remain scarce, but the collaborative nature of the investigation points to a coordinated approach to tackling illegal firearm activity in the Billings area.
Meanwhile, in Great Falls, Kyle Allen Mostad, 39, of Townsend, also faced federal charges. Mostad appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston on April 2, similarly pleading not guilty to charges of being a prohibited person in possession of both a firearm and ammunition. Like Russell, he faces a potential 15-year prison sentence, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release if convicted.
Mostad’s case differs slightly in that the investigation involved the Montana Probation and Parole division in addition to the ATF. This suggests Mostad may have been on some form of supervision when the alleged crime occurred. He was released pending further proceedings, a decision that likely considered factors such as his ties to the community and potential risk to public safety.
Both cases are moving through the federal court system, and the public has access to monitor their progress. Court calendars and case documents are available through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) at www.pacer.gov/register.html. Case references are 24-44 for Russell and 24-6 for Mostad. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Jesse Laslovich, continues to prosecute federal crimes in Montana, seeking to uphold the law and ensure public safety. Contact Clair J. Howard, Public Affairs Officer, at 406-247-4624 or Clair.Howard@usdoj.gov for further inquiries.
Related Federal Cases
- Christopher Fear, Illegal Firearm Possession, Billings MT, 2024 · Montana
- Cody Big Hair, Illegal Firearm Possession, Billings MT, 2023 · Montana
- Robert Williams, Firearm Possession, Billings MT, 2023 · Montana
- Brandon Hoskins, Possession of Firearm in Drug Offense, IL 2016 · Illinois
- Jonathan Paul Schulz, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, MT 2024 · New York
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
WeaponsWeaponsWeaponsWeapons