A federal jury in Billings has convicted Stephen “Mutt” John Parker, a 60-year-old Ashland resident, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and methamphetamine distribution. The trial, which began on March 31, concluded with Parker being found guilty of four counts of sexual abuse and two counts of drug distribution.
According to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme, these crimes were committed over three years, with Parker facing potential life imprisonment on each sexual abuse charge, along with fines of up to $250,000 and supervised release from five years to life. For the meth-related charges, he could face up to 20 years in prison, fines reaching $1 million, and a minimum of three years supervised release.
The trial was overseen by U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters, with sentencing scheduled for July 31, 2025. Until then, Parker will remain in custody.
U.S. Attorney Alme remarked, “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.”
The court documents revealed that Parker abused six women between 2018 and 2021, after supplying them with drugs and alcohol. In one instance, a victim was provided with shelter, food, and alcohol before being threatened with a stick and sexually assaulted. Another victim was given meth and later attacked with an ax handle before being assaulted.
The investigation was a joint effort by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Northern Cheyenne Criminal Investigation Services, with prosecution handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
This conviction is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative designed to reduce violent crime and enhance safety through community and law enforcement collaboration. The Department of Justice outlines the program’s focus on building trust and setting strategic enforcement priorities.
