Charges filed against Rocky Boy alleged dealers

Seven people arrested in Montana last week, including at least five in operations carried out on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, are facing charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine related to a case in Washington.

The federal Drug Enforcement Administration's Seattle Division said Thursday the action was prompted by five federal warrants issued in Washington for individuals in Box Elder and Havre. Documents from the U.S Attorney’s office show that Georgie Russell of Havre, along with Christopher Parisian, Thomas Parisian, Kristina Russette and Lawrence Russette, all from Box Elder were arrested Feb. 23.

Jacob Parker of Box Elder and Adam Ketchum, whose place of residence was not known, were arrested in connection with the case on Feb. 25.

The DEA said two other individuals have been arrested in connection with the case in Yakima.

Those arrested in Montana have made initial appearances and had detention hearings in U.S. District Court in Great Falls.

Both Thomas and Christopher Parisian, Lawrence Russette, Russell and Ketchum have all been remanded to the custody of U.S. marshals for transfer back to the Eastern District of Washington.

Documents show that a detention hearing for Parker was scheduled but ultimately not held Wednesday. Hearings are scheduled to continue through next Tuesday.

Kristina Russette has received conditional release, according to documents. She was released into the custody of a relative who also lives on Rocky Boy.

Terms of her release dictate that she must not have in her possession or use a firearm or other weapon, must abstain from consuming alcohol and not possess or use a narcotic or other controlled substance and must remain in weekly contact with her defense counsel in Washington.

She is also restricted to her place of residence until March 16 when she is required to appear in U.S. District Court in Eastern Washington in Yakima, according to documents.