Gallatin Media Center

For immediate release: Aug. 9, 2024

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

Gallatin County Auditor Erin Cox Resigns; County Commissioners Now Accepting Applications for Replacement

Erin Cox, Gallatin County’s elected auditor, has submitted her resignation, prompting the County Commissioners to begin the search for a qualified replacement. 

Cox has served as the county auditor since her initial election in 2018, securing re-election for a second term in 2022. Before her tenure as auditor, Cox worked in the office for two years. She is stepping down to relocate out of state to be closer to her family. Her last day is effective Aug. 16.  

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Gallatin County and am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have gained during my employment here,” Cox said. 

The Gallatin County Commission expressed their gratitude for Cox’s dedicated service, acknowledging her contributions to maintaining the county’s financial integrity. 

“For the past six years as our elected auditor, Erin served the Gallatin County community and government with integrity and dedication,” said Gallatin County Commission Chairman Scott MacFarlane. “She promised the voters that she would work hard to improve and maintain our county government to the best of her ability, and the commission can verify that she did just that. We will miss her in the courthouse and know she will be successful in her next adventure.” 

The commission is now accepting applications from candidates interested in being appointed to the vacant auditor position. 

The auditor’s primary role is to safeguard taxpayer dollars by: 

• objectively reviewing processes and procedures, 
• assessing risks and risk management efforts, 
• ensuring compliance with relevant laws and accounting standards, 
• evaluating internal controls and recommending improvements, 
• promoting ethics and identifying improper conduct, 
• investigating fraud,  
• assisting with preparation of the annual audit and communicating results to the county commission.  

Responsibilities include reviewing all claims of the county on a weekly basis, performing internal audits of assets, reviewing internal policies and procedures, reviewing accounting transactions prepared by staff, and managing the county’s credit card program. The office also provides training as necessary for other county staff and provides guidance and advice on financial transactions.  

The auditor supervises one internal auditor position and the office is physically located in the Gallatin County Courthouse at 311 W. Main St. in downtown Bozeman. 

It is anticipated that the successful candidate will be appointed by the commissioners at their public meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 20 and will serve the remainder of the current term, which ends December 31, 2026.  

Interested persons should submit a cover letter and a copy of their resume by email to commission@gallatin.mt.gov by 2 PM on Friday, Aug. 16. Questions about the position or this appointment can be directed to the same email address. 

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A previous version of our press release on the resolution of the Danielle Houchins homicide case incorrectly listed the age of the suspect. Paul Hutchinson was 55 years old. That has been corrected in the linked version. We apologize for the error and appreciate your understanding.

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Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Solves 1996 Murder of Belgrade Teenager

 

For immediate release: August 8, 2024 

**You can find a link to a recording of the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Aug. 8 press conference at this link.**

After nearly three decades, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office has announced the resolution of a cold case involving the murder of 15-year-old Danielle “Danni” Houchins from Belgrade, Montana. Houchins was tragically killed on September 21, 1996. 

On that day, Houchins left her home around 11 AM. When she failed to return, her worried family reported her missing to the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. Her mother discovered Houchins’ truck at the Cameron Bridge Fishing Access on the Gallatin River, and later that night, Houchins’ body was found face down in shallow water. 

In a significant breakthrough last month, DNA evidence collected at the time of Houchins’ death was matched to 55-year-old Paul Hutchinson of Dillon, Montana. The day after Gallatin County law enforcement had their first interview with Hutchinson, he died by suicide. 

Investigators have determined that Hutchinson and Houchins had no prior connection. Describing it as a crime of opportunity, they believe Hutchinson and Houchins randomly encountered each other at the river, where Hutchinson raped then suffocated her in shallow water. 

Despite numerous suspects being interviewed over the years, Hutchinson was never connected to the case until DNA results identified him. He was a Montana State University student beginning in September of 1996, later graduating in fisheries wildlife biology. He then worked for the Montana Bureau of Land Management in Dillon for 22 years. He had no criminal or traffic history and was married with two adult children.  

“This case exemplifies our relentless pursuit of justice. We never gave up on finding the truth for Danni and her family, exhausting all means necessary to bring closure to this heartbreaking chapter,” said Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer. “Our commitment to justice for victims and their loved ones is unwavering, and we will continue to use every resource at our disposal to solve these cases, no matter how much time has passed.” 

This investigation highlights the importance of preserving evidence in order for future technologies to identify suspects. “Stranger” homicides are the most difficult to solve and rely heavily upon physical evidence. In this case, materials were preserved, and over time, the pieces of evidence were able to be analyzed and DNA extracted using current technology that was not available in the past. The investigation stalled over the years as suspects, known to Danni, were eliminated.  

“The investigation remained open because we knew Danni was murdered and someday, we were going to have the tools available to solve this case,” Springer said. 

In 2019, the sheriff’s office renewed efforts to solve the case. In 2021, when Springer became sheriff, he believed there needed to be new, fresh and outside eyes on the case. He hired private investigator Tom Elfmont, a retired Los Angeles Police Department officer with decades of experience, to assist. Elfmont was remotely aided by Sergeant Court Depweg of the Newport Beach Police Department, who specializes in solving homicides using DNA technology. 

During the initial investigation, four hairs were collected from Houchins’ body. That preserved evidence was sent to Astria Forensics in California for analysis. A partial DNA profile from one of the hairs was developed and run through the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System, but no matches were found. The profile was then sent to Parabon NanoLabs in Virginia, where genealogists used additional DNA databases to identify Hutchinson as the suspect. 

On the evening July 23, 2024, Elfmont and Depweg interviewed Hutchinson. During the nearly two-hour interview, Hutchinson, who had lived in Bozeman at the time of Houchins’ death, displayed extreme nervousness. Investigators noted he sweated profusely, scratched his face, and chewed on his hand. When shown a photo of Houchins, Hutchinson slumped in his chair and exhibited signs of being uncomfortable. Upon release, his behavior was observed to be erratic. 

Early the next morning, at 4:17 AM on July 24, Hutchinson called the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, informing them he needed assistance before hanging up. Deputies found him shortly thereafter on the side of the road, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

The investigation continues in an attempt to tie up loose ends. The information we’ve received will be shared with federal and local law enforcement agencies in an attempt to locate possible victims of similar crimes. 

This resolution brings a long-awaited sense of closure to Danni’s family and the community. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to justice and thanks all those who assisted in bringing this case to a close. 

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Danielle Houchins – photo courtesy of Houchins family

Suspect Paul Hutchinson, 57, of Dillon, Montana

 

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office will be holding a press conference on Thursday, Aug. 8 to provide significant updates on the investigation into the 1996 murder of 15-year-old Danielle Houchins of Belgrade. The event will also be streamed live and recorded on the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.  
 
WHAT: Houchins Case Press Conference 
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 8 at 10 AM 
WHERE: Gallatin County Detention Center Community Room – 605 S. 16th Ave., Bozeman 
 
All media inquiries to the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office on this case must be directed to Whitney Bermes, Gallatin County Communications Coordinator:
 
Cellphone: 406-595-8963 
Email: whitney.bermes@gallatin.mt.gov

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Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Local Law Enforcement Prepare for Presidential Campaign Visit

For immediate release: August 1, 2024

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is working diligently with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe and peaceful visit from Former President Donald Trump on Friday, Aug. 9.

In preparation for this event, our office is developing a comprehensive Incident Action Plan (IAP) with the assistance of Gallatin County Emergency Management. This coordinated effort includes collaboration with all local law enforcement agencies, including Montana State University Police, Bozeman Police Department, Belgrade Police Department, Montana Highway Patrol, Montana Department of Criminal Investigation, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport Police, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and other first responders.

“Our top priority is the safety of the dignitaries and all attendees at the rally,” said Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer. “We are working closely with the U.S. Secret Service and our local and state law enforcement partners to ensure a secure environment for everyone involved.”

Gallatin County has a proud history of hosting high-profile visits, including those by President Obama, Vice President Biden, President Trump and Vice President Pence. Neither the campaigns nor the federal government pay for any of the services local first responders provide for these visits. However, we have built-in contingencies in our budgets for events just like this.

“We value our strong relationships with federal partners and are confident in our ability to execute a plan that prioritizes the safety of all,” Springer said.

Further information will be available in the coming week as planning progresses.

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For immediate release: July 31, 2024

Today, the Trump campaign released information of a Trump rally in Bozeman through Montanatalks.com. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that they were made aware of the Trump campaign’s intent to hold a rally in Gallatin County; however details of the event have not yet been confirmed.

The campaign will provide details like date, time, venue location and other information to the public as they are able to confirm. Our local law enforcement will be working with state and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe and peaceful event happens once we have those details.

Sheriff Dan Springer

Gallatin County

 

On 7/18/2024, at 6:19PM, 911 dispatch received a text-to-911 from a hiker approximately 3 miles up Wheeler Mountain Trail who had become lost and needed assistance getting out.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the valley section responded to assist the hiker. A hasty team was sent up the trail and relatively quickly located the lost hiker, and after a quick medical evaluation, the hiker was guided back down the trail without incident.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the hiker for asking for help early and having a means of communication. Even with bad cell reception, text-to-911 is a valuable tool Gallatin County 911 is able to use to assist you. Even simple hikes on a trail can quickly turn into an emergency, and the sooner we are notified the easier it is to help.

For Immediate Release: July 22, 2024

Summer heat sends many people to their favorite outdoor recreation spots, but it also increases the potential for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). When HABs are present it can be dangerous to your health. The Gallatin City-County Health Department wants to make sure you, your family, and your pets stay safe while enjoying the lakes, rivers, and streams in and around Gallatin County.

Read the full press release here.

For Immediate Release: July 16, 2024

The Gallatin Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Program is headed to a new location in Belgrade! The Belgrade WIC office is now in the Heck/Quaw building at 91 West Southview Ave., Entrance 8 in Belgrade. This space is provided through a cooperative partnership with the Belgrade School District to better serve the families of Belgrade, Three Forks, Clarkston, and Manhattan.

Read the entire press release here.

Find more information on the Gallatin WIC Program here.