Montana Sting: Eight Men Arrested in Child Trafficking Operation
Ravalli County law enforcement took eight men into custody following a three-day undercover operation targeting predators in western communities.
By Claire Castillo ·
Law enforcement officials in western Montana announced the arrest of eight men on felony charges linked to child sex trafficking.
The suspects, who range in age from 19 to 70, were apprehended during a three-day undercover sting. Authorities charged two men with sexual abuse of children and six others with patronizing a child prostitute. The arrests span multiple jurisdictions, with suspects residing in Hamilton, Missoula, Kalispell, Alberton, Pablo, and Bonner.
Among those taken into custody is Russell David Ashman, 50, of Hamilton, and Isaac Shay Floyd, 19, of Missoula, both facing sexual abuse charges. The six men charged with child prostitution include David Joseph Kron, 65, and Dale Brian Cramm, 70, both from Missoula. Bryan Byangton, 38, of Kalispell; Terry M. Erickson, 47, of Alberton; Robert Joseph Orwig, 57, of Pablo; and Tracy Glenn Buckingham, 67, of Bonner, also face the charges.
Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton stated that the operation relied on coordination with The Valour Coalition and partner agencies from Missoula and Cascade counties. Detective Sergeant Jeremy Reichert served as the incident commander. Holton noted that the effort was supported by the office of Ravalli County Attorney Bill Fulbright.
“With the full support of Ravalli County Attorney Bill Fulbright and his Office, we want to send the message that people who want to commit these horrible crimes against our kids will be arrested and prosecuted in Ravalli County,” Holton said. Legal proceedings for all eight men have begun.
The operation targeted individuals attempting to victimize children within local communities. The arrests conclude the initial phase of the multi-day sweep, with all suspects currently in custody.
Source: KBUL
