Beaverhead County Court Report: Two Sentenced in Child Sexual Abuse Cases

DILLON, Mont. — Two defendants were sentenced Aug. 4 after pleading guilty to sexual abuse of children in Montana’s Fifth Judicial District Court in Beaverhead County.

The court also addressed drug possession, driving under the influence, sexual intercourse without consent, intimidation, stalking, witness tampering and official misconduct cases.

Michael Johnston

Michael Johnston was sentenced after pleading guilty to sexual abuse of children under Montana Code Annotated 45-5-625.

The court report lists a 40-year commitment to the Montana Department of Corrections, participation in a state program and transfer to DOC custody. No fine or fees were imposed.

Josiah Gopher

Josiah Gopher was sentenced after pleading guilty to sexual abuse of children under Montana Code Annotated 45-5-625.

The court imposed a 10-year sentence, ordered participation in a state program and required Gopher to register as an offender. The report lists no fine, but fees were imposed.

Dylan Hamilton

Dylan Hamilton was sentenced after pleading guilty to drug possession.

The court imposed a suspended sentence. Hamilton was released from bond, and the report lists no fine but indicates fees were imposed. The length of the suspended sentence was not included in the report.

Seth Babcock

Seth Babcock was sentenced after pleading guilty to drug possession.

The court imposed a suspended sentence. Babcock was released from bond, and the report lists no fine but indicates fees were imposed. The length of the suspended sentence was not provided.

Shaun Oelschlager

Shaun Oelschlager appeared for a change-of-plea hearing on charges of drug possession and driving under the influence.

The court report lists a guilty plea, posted bond and a presentence investigation. It also states that a trial is pending but does not specify which entry applies to each charge.

Evan Smith

Evan Smith pleaded not guilty during an initial appearance on a charge of sexual intercourse without consent under Montana Code Annotated 45-5-503.

Smith posted bond, and the case is pending trial.

Joshua Muntzer

Joshua Muntzer pleaded not guilty during an initial appearance on charges of intimidation and stalking.

Muntzer posted bond, and the case is pending trial.

James Gragg

James Gragg appeared for a status conference on drug possession and drug paraphernalia charges.

The report lists no plea, states that bond was posted and indicates that the matter was rescheduled.

Louis Ochoa

Louis Ochoa made an initial appearance on charges of witness tampering and official misconduct.

The report lists no plea, states that bond was posted and indicates that no hearing was scheduled.

Charges in pending cases are allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty or they enter a guilty plea.