Eight Western Montana Men Detained After Three-Day Child Trafficking Sting
Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton announced that eight men, ranging in age from 19 to 70, now face felony charges following a coordinated undercover operation.
By Tessa Cooper ·
Eight men in Western Montana are in custody after a three-day undercover operation focused on child sex trafficking.
Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton stated that the sting targeted individuals attempting to victimize children in local communities. The suspects, who reside in towns across the region, were arrested on charges including sexual abuse of children and patronizing a child prostitute.
Two of the arrested men face sexual abuse of children charges. Russell David Ashman, 50, is from Hamilton, and Isaac Shay Floyd, 19, is from Missoula. Six other men were charged with child prostitution. They include 65-year-old David Joseph Kron and 70-year-old Dale Brian Cramm, both of Missoula; 38-year-old Bryan Byangton of Kalispell; 47-year-old Terry M. Erickson of Alberton; 57-year-old Robert Joseph Orwig of Pablo; and 67-year-old Tracy Glenn Buckingham of Bonner.
Detective Sergeant Jeremy Reichert served as incident commander during the sweep. Holton attributed the operation’s success to training and collaboration with The Valour Coalition. The effort also involved the Missoula County and Cascade County Sheriff’s Offices.
Sheriff Holton said the arrests were supported by Ravalli County Attorney Bill Fulbright. "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 are currently underway.
