Montana DCI Arrest Tied To Billings Homeless Shelter Trafficking Case

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 17, 2026, Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced that the Montana Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) arrested a man for soliciting sex from women at homeless outreaches and shelters in Billings and the surrounding area.

“Roy Scott Reid was arrested and charged with one count of aggravated sex trafficking after he admitted to soliciting commercial sex from females at local homeless shelters on multiple occasions,” Knudsen said. “In June, a DCI agent witnessed Reid picking up a known trafficking victim from St. Vincent de Paul, a nonprofit serving the homeless population in Billings, in a white Chevy Equinox with Wyoming plates. He had also been spotted on multiple occasions after that around St. Vincent de Paul and the Montana Rescue Mission (MRM), a homeless shelter in Billings.”

At the time, Knudsen said there was not enough evidence to arrest and charge Reid.

“On August 12, DCI human trafficking agents were doing community outreach at MRM, when MRM staff brought up concerns regarding a man driving a white Chevy Equinox - the same vehicle DCI had spotted in the area picking up women,” Knudsen said. “Then on August 13, MRM staff contacted DCI to let them know Reid's vehicle was in the area. DCI worked with the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and Billings Police Department to conduct a traffic stop and arrest Reid.”

The Yellowstone County Attorney's Office is prosecuting the case.

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Spotting the Signs: Indicators of Human Trafficking

DCI provided some signs of potential indicators of sex trafficking:

Young person who is very hesitant to engage in conversation. Eyes are always downcast, avoiding eye contact, especially with men. Poor physical state…tired, malnourished, or showing signs of physical abuse or torture.

Seems to have trouble responding to what their name is or what location (city or even state) they are in. (Victims’ names are often changed, as are their whereabouts. They typically do not stay in one location for long – at times for 24 hours or less).

Wearing clothes that do not fit the climate or the situation, such as short shorts or skirts, tank tops, and no jacket in the middle of winter.

Lack of control over money, personal possessions like bags, IDs, or documents. May also be carrying very few possessions in a plastic bag.

May be accompanied by a dominating person, or someone they seem fearful of. That controlling person may also be someone who does not seem to “fit,” such as a much older individual, an individual of a different race, or someone with behavior seemingly inappropriate with the suspected victim.

A young girl or boy hanging around outside a convenience store, truck stop, casino, or other location. May be approaching different vehicles or men they do not seem to know.

Reporting Suspicion: How You Can Help

DCI also provided some tips if you believe you witnessed human trafficking:

If the situation is an emergency, call 911.

Do not intervene if you see suspected trafficker(s). Remain at a safe distance or in your vehicle.

In non-emergency situations, call or text 1-833-406-STOP (1-833-406-7867), visit simplyreport.com.

When possible, take images with your cellular device of the suspected trafficker(s), victim(s), and vehicle license plate(s).

“In 2025, Department of Justice agents worked 64 human trafficking-related cases in Montana and opened 21 investigations that have been or will be submitted for prosecution,” Knudsen said. “Of those 21 cases, 11 were sex trafficking, six were labor trafficking, two were human smuggling, and two were illicit massage businesses."