The U.S. Attorney’s Office has reported recent arraignments before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments issued by the Grand Jury or based on criminal complaints. The charges remain allegations, and all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
In Billings, Jared Cordell Stewart, 53, from Crow Agency, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan on January 21. Stewart pleaded not guilty to charges of abusive sexual contact and sexual abuse of a minor. If found guilty of the most severe charge, he could face life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release. The FBI is responsible for investigating this case. Stewart remains detained as proceedings continue under PACER case reference 25-10.
Also appearing in Billings was Shawn Leon Anderson, 54, from Billings. He faces charges related to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute these substances. A conviction on the most serious charge could result in up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and at least three years of supervised release. Anderson's case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration alongside the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and is referenced under PACER case number 24-38.
In Missoula, Stephen Joe Boardner, 61, from Columbia Falls appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto on January 21 as well. Boardner is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. Conviction could lead to a mandatory minimum sentence ranging from ten years to life imprisonment, a $10 million fine, and at least five years of supervised release. The Northwest Drug Task Force conducted the investigation into his case which carries PACER reference number 22-36.
Case developments can be tracked via the U.S District Court Calendar or through PACER for those who have an account established at http://www.pacer.gov/register.html or by visiting https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl for calendar access.