Gallatin Media Center

For immediate release: Oct. 30, 2024

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office has identified a suspect in the Moose Creek homicide. The suspect is currently in custody on unrelated charges. The suspect is cooperating with our detectives and has led us to the evidence we have identified in prior press releases.

The investigation into this homicide continues. It is believed the suspect acted alone and there is no longer a threat to the community. Further details and charges are forthcoming, but it is important for this community to know they are safe to resume their outdoor activities. The Sheriff’s Office will have no further comment in regard to this investigation until charges are filed.

I want to thank the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Detectives for their unrelenting pursuit of justice on this case. They have worked day and night for nearly three weeks with limited sleep, limited time with their families and limited time to themselves. They have prioritized the safety of this community and the need to locate Dustin Kjersem’s killer above all else. It is this type of dedication that makes the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and all law enforcement officers special. This community should be proud of the men and women who have chosen a life of service to keep you, your families, and your friends safe.

I would also like to thank the multiple other agencies who have dedicated their time and energy into this case. The Montana Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the Montana State Crime lab, the Montana Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole, the Medical Examiner’s office, the Montana Highway Patrol, the Missouri River Drug Task Force, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the U.S. Forest Service and Gallatin County Search and Rescue.

Our thoughts and prayer continue for the family of Dustin Kjersem. We hope, by some small measure, our efforts can bring them a bit of peace during this horrific time. Our entire community mourns with you.

– Sheriff Dan Springer

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For immediate release: Oct. 30, 2024

Media contact:
Buck Taylor, Fort Ellis Fire Deputy Chief
406-539-9358
btaylor@forellisfire.org

Firefighters Respond to Coffee Creek Road Blaze

At approximately 7 AM on Tuesday, Oct. 29, Fort Ellis Fire/Rescue, along with multiple mutual aid partners, responded to a chimney fire that had rapidly escalated on Coffee Creek Road east of Bozeman. Reports from the scene indicated that residents attempted to extinguish the fire with an extinguisher, but the blaze had grown beyond control.

Upon arrival, crews found flames penetrating the roof and consuming the second floor of the home. Confirming that all residents were safely out of the house, firefighters began an aggressive exterior attack to contain the blaze, as the compromised structure of the second floor and roof prevented interior entry. Despite significant damage to the home, an apartment above the garage remained unaffected, and the residents’ cat was safely rescued. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

In addition to Fort Ellis, the response team included personnel from Bozeman Fire, Hyalite Fire, Central Valley Fire, Amsterdam Fire, AMR Ambulance, and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. This collaborative effort helped manage the incident and prevent further spread.

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Photo courtesy of Fort Ellis Fire/Rescue

For immediate release: Oct. 24, 2024

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the homicide of Dustin Kjersem. We appreciate the information that has been provided by the community and multiple leads are being investigated.

In addition to the information previously provided, we are asking you to be on the lookout for the following items that are believed to have been removed from the scene of the crime:

• Estwing camp axe, blue and silver, likely with a 26” handle (see photo)
• Remington 11-87 12ga shotgun, wood stock
• Ruger Blackhawk .44mag revolver, blued 4 5/8” barrel, wood grips
• Orange YETI brand cooler – Tundra 45 (see photo)

Anyone with information regarding the incident or the items listed is asked to contact the GCSO Detectives Division at 406-582-2121 or by email at detectives@gallatin.mt.gov. If the information is exigent, please contact GCSO dispatch at 406-582-2100 and request to speak with a deputy.

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For immediate release: Oct. 21, 2024

Media contact:
Cola Rowley, Gallatin County Deputy County Administrator
406-582-3047
cola.rowley@gallatin.mt.gov

Gallatin County Secures Over $3.6 Million in New Funding to Enhance Behavioral Health Services

Gallatin County is excited to announce over $3.6 million in new funding to strengthen the area’s behavioral health services.

The county will receive nearly $2.1 million from the State of Montana’s Crisis Diversion grant to support mental health interventions, with funds allocated to key partners for the following items:

• Help Center/211 – a resource specialist, care coordination, and training on suicide intervention
• HRDC – care coordination and a SOAR specialist who helps people get enrolled in benefits such as Social Security Disability
• Bozeman Health – care coordination for two years
• Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office – Crisis Intervention Team sergeant
• Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition – coalition coordinator

The county is also awaiting notice of funding from the State of Montana’s Crisis Diversion grant to go towards the capital costs of a stabilization unit for individuals in mental health crisis.

“We’re excited to continue investing in our expanding behavioral health services and to build a comprehensive system of prevention, intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Our goal is simple: ensuring every community member gets the right service, in the right place, every time,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Zach Brown. “We are by no means out of the woods as a community, and there is so much more work left to do to build a functional safety net for our neighbors who are struggling. But these are tangible steps in the right direction that will save lives.”

Additionally, $1.5 million has been awarded from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for an Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program. The AOT program will provide a community-based alternative to state hospital commitments, serving adults with serious mental illnesses. The AOT program will create a multi-disciplinary, evidence-based approach to reduce the number of Montana State Hospital commitments, incarceration, and criminal justice system interactions, while improving the health and social outcomes for adults with serious mental illness.

“This grant represents a major step forward in our commitment to assist our neighbors struggling with serious mental illnesses. By improving our community-based services, we aim to offer better alternatives to state hospital commitments, reduce unnecessary incarcerations, and minimize interactions with the criminal justice system,” said Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell. “This funding will enable us to build a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach that not only addresses the immediate health needs but also improves overall social outcomes for those we serve. We are committed to transforming the lives of our most vulnerable residents through this innovative, multi-disciplinary approach.”

Clare Mack, Managing Attorney with the Office of the State Public Defender, said, “Lack of mental health resources is a societal epidemic, and Gallatin County is no exception. This grant will help us to meet the needs of our community members in a tangible, immediate way. By offering community-based mental health services as an alternative to incarceration or state hospital commitments, we empower our most vulnerable neighbors to seek and maintain treatment for their mental health disorders in the safety of their homes, with the support of their family, friends, and community.”

Lastly, the Gallatin County Metro Region opioid board has submitted requests for national opioid settlement funds, including $400,000 to support HRDC’s housing services for individuals in recovery and $137,280 for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) at Community Medical Services: $71,280 of which is for general MAT and $39,600 specific to long-acting Buprenorphine.

These exciting developments build upon years of community collaboration to improve behavioral health services for all residents of Gallatin County and the region, including recent projects like the purchase of the Youth Behavioral Health Campus and Bozeman Health’s adult psychiatric inpatient unit with a planned opening in 2025.

“We are making meaningful progress in expanding behavioral health services across the continuum for adults and youth,” said Kirsten Smith, Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition Coordinator. “By leveraging local, state, federal, and philanthropic funding, we will be better able to address the critical behavioral health needs of our community. Our success in accessing new funding resources is a testament to the collaboration among our community partners—together, we are achieving more than we could accomplish on our own.”

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For immediate release: Oct. 21, 2024 

Media contacts: 

Whitney Bermes, Gallatin County Communications Coordinator
406-595-8963
whitney.bermes@gallatin.mt.gov 

Takami Clark, City of Bozeman Communications & Engagement Manager
406-579-9237
tclark@bozeman.net 

Gallatin County and Bozeman City Commissions to Hold Joint Meeting on Key Local Issues 

The Gallatin County Commission and the Bozeman City Commission will hold a joint meeting this week to discuss several critical topics impacting the community. The last time the Commissions held a joint meeting was in 2017. 

The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 3 p.m. and will take place in the Community Room of the Gallatin County Courthouse (311 W. Main St., Bozeman). 

“The City of Bozeman and the county have numerous projects and shared goals we work on together. This upcoming joint commission meeting is an opportunity for all of us to share updates with the community on the current status of those initiatives,” said Gallatin County Commission Chairman Scott MacFarlane. “Our citizens deserve to know that their local governments are collaborating in their interest.” 

The agenda includes discussions and updates on the following important issues: 

• Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization 

• Gallatin Valley Urban Transportation District 

• Waste transfer station project 

• Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition 

• Hidden Creek affordable housing project 

• Motor vehicle tax ballot question 

This meeting will also serve as the Bozeman City Commission’s regular public meeting for Oct. 22, covering additional city business. 

“This meeting is a by-product of our collaboration and partnership,” said Bozeman Mayor Terry Cunningham. “Our community is facing a number of challenging issues, and we are stronger and more innovative when we work together on them with our partners. I’m glad for the opportunity to update the public on the status of several of these collaborative projects.” 

For details on how to attend in person or virtually, and to access the full agenda, please see this link. 

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For immediate release: Oct. 18, 2024

At approximately 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, Bozeman Police officers were dispatched to an assault with a weapon call. The suspect was located at the shopping center at the intersection of North 19th Avenue and West Oak Street in Bozeman. At approximately 1:45 a.m., Sheriff/Coroner Dan Springer was requested for an officer-involved shooting.

As is common practice when law enforcement is involved in a fatal event, Sheriff Springer requested the assistance of a coroner outside of the Gallatin County jurisdiction. Park County Coroner Al Jenkins conducted the formal coroner investigation.

The decedent was identified as 29-year-old female Rick Alastor Newman of Bozeman. The cause of death was traumatic ballistic projectile wounds.

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For immediate release: Oct. 16, 2024

Your assistance is invaluable, and all information is greatly appreciated.

Photos courtesy of the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

For immediate release: Oct. 16, 2024

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer will be hosting a press conference to provide updates on the investigation into the homicide of Dustin Kjersem near Big Sky.

The press conference will be on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 3 PM in the community room of the Gallatin County Detention Center, located at 605 S. 16th Ave. in Bozeman (just behind the Law & Justice Center.) The press conference will also be streamed live on the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

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For immediate release: Oct. 16, 2024 

Media contacts:
Audrey Cromwell, Gallatin County Attorney
406-582-3745
audrey.cromwell@gallatin.mt.gov 

Steve Ette, Gallatin County Court Services Director
406-582-3706
steve.ette@gallatin.mt.gov
 

New Pretrial Diversion Program Launched in Gallatin County

Gallatin County is introducing a new program that offers adult criminal defendants an alternative to traditional sentencing. The Pretrial Intervention Via Opportunities and Treatment (PIVOT) Program is designed to help participants change behaviors, make amends to victims, and avoid a conviction through tailored interventions and support.  

Developed by the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office and Gallatin County Court Services, the PIVOT Program evaluates defendants through an evidence-based needs assessment (ORAS) to identify the underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior. Based on the assessment, a court services officer develops a customized plan for the defendant to address accountability, victim restoration, the defendant’s barriers to health, and connects the defendant to services offered in the community.    

Participants who meet the program’s criteria may be diverted to the program before charges are filed or may be offered a deferred prosecution agreement by the prosecutor. This agreement allows defendants to avoid prosecution and/or a conviction if they fulfill the conditions of the program, which includes supervision, treatment, and accountability measures.  

“Research shows that diverting low-risk offenders to community supervision, rather than imprisonment, is highly effective in reducing recidivism,” said Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell. “We designed the PIVOT program to address the root causes of criminal behavior and strengthen positive ties to the community. Studies show that when offenders receive the support and rehabilitation they need, they are less likely to re-offend, which ultimately makes our community safer. For instance, if someone is unhoused and struggling with addiction, Court Services can connect them with housing assistance through HRDC, counseling from a licensed addiction counselor, and regular drug and alcohol testing for accountability. Too often, we see the same individuals repeatedly on our dockets. With this program, we aim to equip offenders with the tools for lasting, healthy change so they don’t fall back into the criminal justice system.” 

The program’s goals are to enhance community safety and reduce recidivism by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. PIVOT emphasizes both rehabilitation and accountability, encouraging defendants to take responsibility, make amends to victims, and engage in meaningful change. Eligible participants are first-time felony and misdemeanor defendants with identifiable treatment, counseling or education needs that can be met within Gallatin County. However, those charged with felony sexual or violent crimes, DUIs, or who have prior convictions are ineligible. 

Participants will be referred to the program and assessed by prosecutors, defense attorneys, and Court Services officers.  

Steve Ette, Director of Gallatin County Court Services, explained, “We’ve consistently emphasized restorative justice, which holds offenders accountable, repairs the harm done to victims, reduces repeat offenses, and enhances public safety. By using evidence-based assessments, officers can evaluate an individual’s criminogenic risks—such as attitudes, beliefs, and thinking patterns—along with their needs, including employment, housing, substance abuse treatment, or mental health care. This helps officers motivate offenders to develop personalized plans to address these issues while ensuring compliance. The cost savings from reducing court caseloads and conserving criminal justice resources for lower-risk offenders should outweigh the minimal program expenses.” 

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For immediate release: Oct. 15, 2024

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide that occurred along Moose Creek Road, near the intersection with Tamphery Creek Road, north of Big Sky.

At 10:07 a.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2024, a caller reported discovering a deceased male in a tent approximately 2.5 miles up Moose Creek Road. The caller indicated that the death may have been caused by a bear attack. Units from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, U.S. Forest Service, Montana Highway Patrol, and Big Sky Fire Department responded to the location.

A Montana FWP agent with expertise in bear attacks responded and did not find any signs of bear activity at the scene. This prompted investigators to treat the case as a homicide. Evidence gathered through an autopsy further indicated that this was a homicide.

The victim has been identified as 35-year-old Dustin Mitchell Kjersem, 35, of Belgrade, Montana.

This incident was a vicious attack, and detectives are working hard to develop and track down leads. A suspect has not been arrested at this time. If you or someone you know was in the area within the past week, and made any observations, please contact the Sheriff’s Office. Also, anyone with game or trail cameras in the area is asked to contact the GCSO Detectives Division at 406-582-2121 or by email at detectives@gallatin.mt.gov.

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