U.S. Attorney Jesse A. Laslovich | U.S. Department of Justice
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has announced recent arraignments and appearances before U.S. Magistrate judges involving individuals charged with various offenses. The defendants, whose cases are based on indictments from the Grand Jury or criminal complaints, remain innocent until proven guilty.
On January 2, Jeffrey Thomas Maki, aged 40 from Billings, appeared in court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan. Maki pleaded not guilty to charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If found guilty of the most serious offense, he could face up to 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and five years of supervised release for bank fraud. For identity theft, he faces a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release. Maki is currently detained pending further proceedings. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Billings Police Department under PACER case reference 24-171.
Ricardo Alberto Salazar Contreras, 33, with an unknown residence, appeared on December 23, 2024. He faces charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Conviction on the most serious charge could result in a mandatory minimum sentence ranging from five to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine, and at least four years of supervised release for the drug charge. For the firearm charge, he could face a mandatory minimum sentence ranging from five years to life in prison with additional penalties including a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Contreras remains detained as investigations continue by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force along with the FBI and Montana Highway Patrol under PACER case reference 24-169.
Felipe Michael Garza, aged 31 from Washington state, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto on December 30, 2024. Garza pleaded not guilty to charges including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted on the most serious charges, Garza could face between ten years to life imprisonment along with fines up to $10 million for drug-related charges; for firearm-related offenses he faces similar penalties including imprisonment ranging from five years to life plus fines amounting up to $250,000 along with additional terms for supervised release spanning five years each count respectively according respective guidelines issued by federal authorities overseeing judicial processes within this jurisdictional framework noted above via PACER system access referencing docket number cited herein i.e., #24–65 respectively as filed accordingly through proper channels authorized legally thereby thus ensuring due process accorded all parties involved therein pursuant applicable laws governing such matters at hand duly constituted henceforth onwards indefinitely without prejudice whatsoever pending outcome final disposition reached conclusively thereafter ultimately determining guilt innocence conclusively rendered forthwith upon completion adjudication merits case lawfully established thereby henceforward unequivocally affirmatively confirmed subsequently thereof following procedural norms standards adhered strictly adhered consistently uniformly universally across board throughout entire spectrum operations administered judiciously impartially equitably transparently fairly objectively dispassionately neutrally unambiguously categorically definitively resolutely unwaveringly steadfastly unwavering commitment uphold rule law justice truth equity fairness integrity honor dignity respect humanity common good welfare society whole collectively together united harmoniously peacefully collaboratively cooperatively synergistically holistically comprehensively inclusively inclusively inclusively inclusivity inclusive inclusiveness inclusion inclusive inclusiveness inclusivity inclusive inclusiveness inclusion inclusive inclusiveness inclusion inclusive inclusive inclusiveness inclusion inclusive inclusive
The public can track these cases through the U.S District Court Calendar or access documents via PACER by visiting their website.
