Montana public records are governed by the Montana Public Records Act. Access court filings, arrest records, and jail rosters from counties across Big Sky Country.
Methamphetamine conspiracy convictions in Great Falls. Police orchestrated controlled purchases using paid informant Connie Riggs (met Larson through drug interaction) and confidential informant Jason Gilstrap (two buys from Laverdure), plus an unnamed CI who bought from Joy Lynn Poitra and Rick Lee Lamere. Poitra and Lamere agreed to testify against Larson and Laverdure in exchange for reduced charges. Ninth Circuit addressed cross-examination of cooperating coconspirators about sentences.
Whitecotton appealed conviction for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. MNIB Agent Ken Poteet working unrelated case in Great Falls when CI John Maddox offered introduction to a drug seller. On April 17, 1996 Maddox wore a recording device ('wire') on drive to Whitecotton's residence. Conviction affirmed; sentencing challenge addressed.
Great Falls federal case. Aaron Ramirez Espinoza charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine/fentanyl. CI Gregory St. Pierre, a paid FBI confidential human source hoping to avoid federal indictment, testified Espinoza transported drugs/cash. St. Pierre was using meth while paid informant. Espinoza arrested in Great Falls with meth and fentanyl pills; sentenced Dec 8, 2022 to 128 months. Ninth Circuit affirmed; cert petition filed.
Kemp, 32, of Fridley, Minn., found guilty by jury Sept 11 of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Investigation initiated Jan 11, 2021 in Havre; based on info from confidential source and review of public social media, law enforcement identified Kemp and Chantel Azure distributing fentanyl; confidential source conducted controlled buy Jan 13, 2021. Tried in Great Falls federal court.