Missoula, MT – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana announced on Tuesday that Jesse Laslovich is stepping down from his position as U.S. Attorney. Laslovich, who was nominated by former President Joe Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in June 2022, will be succeeded by a nominee from President Donald Trump.
Laslovich’s tenure as U.S. Attorney was marked by a focus on federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation on behalf of the United States government. In a statement released upon his departure, Laslovich expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in his home state, stating, “It has been the honor of my life to serve as the United States Attorney for the state that raised me.”
During his time in office, Laslovich emphasized the importance of collaboration between various law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels, including tribal authorities. His office was involved in several high-profile cases, particularly those targeting drug trafficking and sex crimes on Montana’s Indian Reservations.
One such case involved dismantling a large, multi-state drug trafficking ring based on the Crow Indian Reservation. The organization, known as Spear Siding, was found to have distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl to three other Montana Indian reservations, with connections to suppliers in Washington and a Mexican cartel. The investigation led to 27 federal convictions across Montana.
Another significant accomplishment under Laslovich’s leadership was the resolution of a $10.8 million settlement with St. Peter’s Health. The settlement stemmed from allegations that the health care provider submitted false claims to federal programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE for services provided by Dr. Thomas Weiner, a former employee.
Before taking on the role of U.S. Attorney, Laslovich had a distinguished career in both Montana politics and law. A native of Anaconda, Montana, he is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Law. Laslovich served in several legal capacities, including as Assistant Attorney General under Mike McGrath, the former Montana Attorney General and current Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court. From 2009 to 2016, he worked as Chief Legal Counsel for the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, and he also briefly served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana in 2011 and 2012.
Laslovich’s political career includes serving in the Montana Senate from 2005 to 2010 and in the Montana House of Representatives from 2001 to 2004. His background in both law and politics made him a prominent figure in the state’s legal landscape.
As Laslovich concludes his term as U.S. Attorney, he expressed his deep appreciation for the hard-working staff in his office, as well as for the federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners with whom he worked closely. “I have never been prouder to have served with them,” he said, “and I will always be rooting hard for their continued safety and success.”
The announcement of Laslovich’s departure sets the stage for the nomination of his successor, as President Donald Trump will put forward a candidate to fill the role.
