Phillip Dennis Keith Found Guilty In U.S. Federal Court

The United States Attorney(s Office announced that on November 20, 2013, in Billings, after a federal district court trial before District of Wyoming U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl, PHILLIP DENNIS KEITH, a 66-year-old resident of Billings, was found guilty of false statements to a federally insured banking institution. A sentencing date will be set at a later time. He is currently released on special conditions.

At trial, the following evidence and testimony was presented to the jury:

Representatives of Wells Fargo Bank, Rocky Mountain Bank, and First Citizen's Bank (now Western Security Bank) explained that KEITH pledged one of his liquor licenses as collateral for loans at all three banks, falsely telling each bank that the liquor license was free and clear of liens. KEITH needed the loans to complete his development of the 12th Planet Nightclub at the Rimrock Mall.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kris A. McLean and Brendan P. McCarthy prosecuted the case for the United States.

KEITH faces possible penalties of 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and 5 years supervised release.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.