Sheriff Provides Official Report Of Potential Crimes
Despite some claims by area residents of a higher number of incidents, there has been only one confirmed case of a homicide in Roosevelt County during the last year.
Individuals are facing federal homicide charges regarding the Feb. 26, 2025, death of Gifford Standing in Wolf Point.
Roosevelt County Sheriff Jason Frederick said that the Standing case is the only ruled homicide in his coroner’s office.
The death of Stanley Moran Jr. in Wolf Point on Sept. 28, 2024, is still under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“We’re waiting for them to finish the investigation before we can say a cause of death,” Frederick said.
A death in Wolf Point that happened in early October 2024 was ruled a death by natural causes.
There also wasn’t foul play with a recent death near Wolf Point’s railroad tracks.
Frederick said drug activity remains a serious problem in Roosevelt County.
“The drug problem is the number one cause of all arrests around here,” Frederick said.
The drugs being used in the area include fentanyl, meth and now the return of cocaine.
Fort Peck Tribal Law Enforcement reports that a substance known as “Mambe” (or something similar) has been and is still being utilized at ceremonial functions and other places being referred to as part of religious practices. It has also been stated “Mambe” has been provided and intentionally forced on individuals that want to take part in actual ceremonies traditionally practiced on the reservation. “Mambe” is made from coca leaves and is considered a cocaine derivative. “Mambe,” when used, acts as a stimulant.
Frederick is planning to meet with both U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy about the possibility of adding an officer to concentrate on drug problems.
“The tribes, BIA and FBI are doing all they can,” Frederick said. “We just need more.”
The Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office is now close to being fully staffed. Two officers are currently going through training. Two certified officers were recently hired.
