Eight arrested in Western Montana child exploitation sweep
The three-day undercover operation targeted men aged 19 to 70 across multiple counties.
By Kenji Yamamoto ·
Ravalli County authorities arrested eight men on November 1, 2026, following a three-day undercover operation designed to target child sex trafficking in Western Montana. The suspects face serious felony charges, including sexual abuse of children and prostitution of a child.
The men, who are between 19 and 70 years old, were taken into custody from various towns across the region. Two of the arrestees, Russell David Ashman, 50, of Hamilton and Isaac Shay Floyd, 19, of Missoula, were charged specifically with sexual abuse of children. The other six men were charged with patronizing a child prostitute.
Those six additional suspects include David Joseph Kron, 65, and Dale Brian Cramm, 70, both residents of Missoula. The group also includes Bryan Byangton, 38, of Kalispell; Terry M. Erickson, 47, of Alberton; Robert Joseph Orwig, 57, of Pablo; and Tracy Glenn Buckingham, 67, of Bonner.
Sheriff Steve Holton stated that the operation relied on training and collaboration with The Valour Coalition. Partner agencies involved in the sweep included the Missoula County and Cascade County Sheriff’s Offices. Detective Sergeant Jeremy Reichert served as the incident commander for the entire duration of the sting.
Sheriff Holton said the arrests send a clear message to those who commit crimes against children in the county. He noted that the full support of Ravalli County Attorney Bill Fulbright and his office ensured the suspects would be arrested and prosecuted. Proceedings against all eight men are currently underway.
The operation targeted individuals attempting to victimize children in local communities. The suspects hailed from towns spanning western Montana. Law enforcement officials announced the completion of the targeted sweep on November 1, 2026.
Source: KBUL
