A federal jury in Billings has found Stephen "Mutt" John Parker, 60, of Ashland, guilty of sexual abuse and methamphetamine distribution. The verdict, announced by U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme, followed a two-day trial starting March 31. Parker is convicted on four counts of aggravated sexual abuse and two counts of methamphetamine distribution. Each sexual abuse charge carries a potential life sentence, a $250,000 fine, and supervised release from five years to life. The meth charges could result in up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and at least three years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the trial. Sentencing is scheduled for July 31, 2025, with Parker in detention until then.
U.S. Attorney Alme commented, “Parker preyed on women on the Northern Cheyenne reservation by plying some of them with drugs and alcohol, seeking to capitalize on their addiction to perpetrate violent sexual assaults. We are pleased with the jury’s verdict, which will help ensure the safety of women on the Northern Cheyenne community. I would like to thank the attorneys and staff in our office for their hard work on this case as well as the FBI agents who conducted the investigation.”
During the trial, it was revealed that between 2018 and 2021, Parker allegedly abused six women, providing alcohol and illegal drugs. In 2018, he threatened a victim with a stick before abusing her after offering her food and shelter. Another victim received meth from Parker, who assaulted her with an ax handle before committing the abuse. Other victims experienced physical assaults including punches before the sexual abuse.
The case, handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, was investigated by the FBI and Northern Cheyenne Criminal Investigation Services. It is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aiming to prevent violence by connecting law enforcement with communities. The Department of Justice's initiative was strengthened on May 26, 2021, focusing on building trust, supporting community organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.