The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls on August 24, 2010, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong, KARSEN WAYNE BUSHMAN, a 24-year-old resident of Wolf Point, pled guilty to aiding and abetting malicious mischief. Sentencing has been set for December 2, 2010. He is currently detained.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vince Carroll, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On December 9, 2006, BUSHMAN and another individual entered the Nemont Water Conditioning building in Wolf Point, within the exterior boundaries of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. BUSHMAN and the other individual gained access to the building by a key obtained by BUSHMAN through his employment with the Nemont Water Company. BUSHMAN and the other individual stole approximately $30 in money, wrecked the office, and one of the two set the building on fire from the inside.

Both individuals were interviewed and initially denied involvement in the incident. The other individual later confessed to being involved. That individual stated that BUSHMAN asked him if he wanted to "make a money scam." The other individual agreed, so he and BUSHMAN went to the Nemont Water Conditioning building, where BUSHMAN was employed at the time. BUSHMAN used a key he obtained from his employment to enter the building. The two then took approximately $30 in quarters and a safe, and then stacked files and other things in a pile, and one of the two poured a flammable liquid on the pile of stuff and set it on fire. The Nemont Water Building was completely destroyed by the fire.

BUSHMAN faces possible penalties of 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least 3 years supervised release.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A copy of the Offer of Proof can be obtained by contacting Sally Frank at (406) 247-4638.

 

 

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