Eight Western Montana Men Arrested for Child Sex Trafficking

Eight men face serious felony charges following a targeted three-day child sex trafficking operation in Western Montana, law enforcement officials announced.

According to Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton, the multi-day undercover sting was launched to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to victimize children in local communities. The suspects, ranging in age from 19 to 70 and hailing from towns across western Montana, were taken into custody on charges including sexual abuse of children and prostitution of a child (patronizing a child prostitute).

Suspects identified from several towns

The arrested individuals include 50-year-old Russell David Ashman of Hamilton and 19-year-old Isaac Shay Floyd of Missoula, both facing sexual abuse of children charges.

Six additional men were arrested for child prostitution: Missoula residents David Joseph Kron, 65, and Dale Brian Cramm, 70; Bryan Byangton, 38, of Kalispell; Terry M. Erickson, 47, of Alberton; Robert Joseph Orwig, 57, of Pablo; and Tracy Glenn Buckingham, 67, of Bonner.

How the case developed

Sheriff Holton noted that the sweep was made possible through training, support, and collaboration with The Valour Coalition, alongside partner agencies including the Missoula County and Cascade County Sheriff’s Offices. Detective Sergeant Jeremy Reichert served as the incident commander throughout the operation.

“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.

      Proceedings against all eight men are currently underway.