Former Dillon Police Officer Arrested Following Criminal Investigation
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
DILLON, Mont. — A former Dillon Police Department officer has been arrested following a criminal investigation conducted by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) into alleged misconduct that began earlier this year.
According to a press release issued by Dillon Police Chief Joel Stewart, former Officer Louis Ochoa III was arrested on July 15, 2026, by the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office without incident.
The investigation began on March 6, 2026, when the Dillon Police Department initiated an administrative investigation after receiving information regarding alleged policy violations.
During the course of that investigation, department officials identified information indicating potential criminal violations. The matter was then referred to the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to conduct an independent criminal investigation.
The department stated that both the administrative and criminal investigations were conducted in accordance with applicable laws, department policy, and due process requirements in order to preserve the integrity of each investigation.
As a result of the administrative investigation, Ochoa's employment with the Dillon Police Department was terminated on April 7, 2026.
Following DCI's investigation, Ochoa was arrested and booked into the Beaverhead County Detention Center on the following charges:
Count I: Tampering with Witnesses and Informants, a felony, in violation of § 45-7-206, Montana Code Annotated.
Count II: Official Misconduct, a misdemeanor, in violation of § 45-7-401, Montana Code Annotated.
In the release, Chief Stewart said the Dillon Police Department remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
"When allegations of misconduct arise, they are investigated thoroughly and impartially, regardless of an employee's position or rank," Stewart said.
Because the case remains an active criminal investigation, the department said it is unable to comment further at this time.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and Louis Ochoa III is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation at 406-513-8493.
