Yellowstone County Sees Surge in Assault and Drug Charges

Between March 30 and April 12, the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Department reported dozens of arrests, ranging from DUI and drug charges to assault, warrants, and violations of court orders.

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When you step back and look at the report, a few patterns stand out. There were a high number of drug-related arrests, repeat DUI offenses, and a steady flow of warrant pickups.

Assault-Related Arrests

These cases can involve physical violence, threats, or situations where someone causes or attempts to cause harm to another person, including domestic situations.

• Robert Kline, 64. Charge: Assault With Weapon
• Robert Kline, 64. Charge: PFMA Partner or Family, No Weapon First Offense
• Robert Kline, 64. Charge: PFMA, Cause Reasonable Apprehension of Bodily Injury
• Gilbert Benavidez, 57. Charge: Assault With Weapon
• Doris Rowens, 42. Charge: Assault
• Gary Plainbull, 35. Charge: Assault
• Phillip Timms, 39. Charge: Assault, Making Physical Contact or Insulting
• Melissa Bearden, 44. Charge: Strangulation of Partner or Family Member
• Cason Busch, 24. Charge: Aggravated Assault
• Cason Busch, 24. Charge: PFMA Partner or Family No Weapon First Offense
• Katelyn Archambeau, 35. Charge: PFMA Partner or Family No Weapon First Offense
• Scott Harbinger, 47. Charge: PFMA Partner or Family No Weapon First Offense

Driving Under the Influence Arrests

These arrests involve operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, including repeat offenses and more serious aggravated cases.

•  Alex Brockel, 26. Charge: Driving Under the Influence, First Offense
• Lacey Doney, 38. Charge: Driving Under the Influence, Third Offense
• Lacey Doney, 38. Charge: Habitual Traffic Offender
• Lacey Doney, 38. Charge: Obstructing a Peace Officer
• Lacey Doney, 38. Charge: Operating Without Liability Insurance
• Romey Birdinground, 26. Charge: Driving Under the Influence, First Offense
• Allyson Sullivan, 28. Charge: Aggravated Driving Under the Influence, Second Offense
• Dean Rose, 47. Charge: Driving Under the Influence, First Offense
• Deborah McDonald, 69. Charge: Driving Under the Influence, First Offense
• Jason Walton, 56. Charge: Driving Under the Influence, Third Offense
• Jose Zambrano, 39. Charge: Aggravated Driving Under the Influence, Second Offense

Drug-Related Arrests

These charges typically involve possession of illegal substances or drug paraphernalia, and in some cases may indicate broader drug activity.

• Kaisha Longwarrior, 24. Charge: Criminal Possession of Dangerous Drugs
• Kaisha Longwarrior, 24. Charge: Criminal Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Thomas Roubideaux, 55. Charge: Criminal Possession of Dangerous Drugs
• Thomas Roubideaux, 55. Charge: Criminal Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Joshua Coffman, 34. Charge: Criminal Possession of Dangerous Drugs
• Ivan Benjamin, 38. Charge: Criminal Possession of Dangerous Drugs
• Ivan Benjamin, 38. Charge: Criminal Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Colin Aisaican, 43. Charge: Criminal Possession of Dangerous Drugs
• Colin Aisaican, 43. Charge: Criminal Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Warrants and Court-Related Arrests

These arrests happen when someone has an outstanding warrant or has failed to comply with court requirements, such as missing a court date.

• Kristofer Wright, 38. Charge: Fugitives From Justice
• Wiljo Spang, 44. Charge: Failure to Register as a Sexual or Violent Offender
• Jesse Sullivan, 31. Charge: Warrant
• Jennifer Lira, 51. Charge: Warrant
• Michael Crandall Gartman, 44. Charge: Warrant
• James Itule, 36. Charge: Warrant
• Mary Morgan, 28. Charge: Warrant
• Misty Updegraff, 53. Charge: Warrant
• Dana FastHorse, 42. Charge: Warrant
• Joatham Echague, 38. Charge: Warrant
• Jamie Yates, 42. Charge: Warrant
• David Daily, 37. Charge: Warrant
• Dwayne Bixby, 56. Charge: Warrant
• David Noble, 32. Charge: Warrant

Contempt of Court and Miscellaneous Offenses

These cases often involve failing to follow court orders or behaving in a way that disrupts legal proceedings.

• Ricky Henrichs, 65. Charge: Contempt of Court
• Mary Morgan, 28. Charge: Contempt of Court
• Dylan Donahue, 33. Charge: Contempt of Court
• Dana FastHorse, 42. Charge: Contempt of Court
• Garon Johnson, 38. Charge: Contempt of Court

Theft, Vehicle, and Property Crimes

These offenses involve taking or using property without permission, including stolen vehicles and damage to property.

• Justin Michael, 39. Charge: Possession of Stolen Property
• Justin Michael, 39. Charge: Criminal Mischief
• Amanda Guindon, 18. Charge: Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle
• Marcelina Green, 42. Charge: Theft All Other

Weapons and Other Violations

These charges can involve illegal possession or use of weapons, sometimes connected to other offenses like intoxication.

• Hudson Heaton, 19. Charge: Carrying a Concealed Weapon While Under the Influence
• Hudson Heaton, 19. Charge: Possess Intoxicants Under 21
• Nicholas Zavala, 18. Charge: Possess Intoxicants Under 21

No Contact Order Violations

These cases involve violating court-issued protection orders, which are meant to prevent contact between individuals.

• Cameron Goni, 51. Charge: Criminal Possession of Dangerous Drugs
• Cameron Goni, 51. Charge: Criminal Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Cameron Goni, 51. Charge: Violation of No Contact Order
• Matthew Nave, 42. Charge: Violation of No Contact Order
• Troy Hurkman, 29. Charge: Violation of Protection Order

Drug-related arrests and DUI cases continue to make up a large share of law enforcement activity. At the same time, the number of warrant arrests shows how many cases are tied to ongoing or unresolved legal issues.

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It’s also a reminder that many of these incidents are not isolated. Multiple charges, repeat offenses, and escalating situations show up again and again.