Missoula, MT – Three Billings police officers are under investigation for alleged misconduct related to a May 2023 traffic stop, prompting a broader review of cases in which they were involved. Officers Matthew Blistline, Ian Busta, and Blaine Lane have been placed on administrative leave while their actions are scrutinized by the Yellowstone County Attorney’s office. The investigation could lead to the dismissal or overturning of numerous cases.
The incident in question occurred on May 1, 2023, during a traffic stop at the intersection of North 22nd Street and 11th Avenue North in Billings. According to court documents, the officers obtained consent to search the vehicle. However, concerns were raised about the manner in which that consent was obtained, prompting an internal review.
Attorney Tyler Dugger, who represents the woman at the center of the traffic stop, alleged that her client felt coerced by the officers into consenting to the search. Dugger pointed to body camera footage that he says reveals troubling behavior, particularly in how the officers handled the consent process. According to Dugger, the officers turned off their body cameras during crucial moments when they were discussing obtaining written consent to search the vehicle—raising questions about whether deceptive tactics were employed.
In a letter to defense attorneys earlier this month, Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito confirmed his office’s review of the case. Twito stated that his office had moved to dismiss the charges against the woman involved in the May 2023 traffic stop, citing concerns over the officers’ conduct in obtaining written consent through potentially deceptive means. Twito’s office is now reviewing all cases in which Blistline, Busta, and Lane were involved. The number of cases under review is reportedly between 140 and 170, although those figures have not been officially confirmed.
Zavatsky, an attorney with Alpine Law, represents several clients whose cases may be affected. He described the officers’ alleged actions as “problematic” and emphasized that the credibility of the officers is now in question. “One officer telling two other officers how deceitful he was in obtaining consent to search goes directly to his credibility,” Zavatsky said. He noted that the state would need to reassess whether the cases could still proceed without the officers’ testimony.
The Billings Police Department has responded to the allegations with a statement from Chief Rich St. John, who assured the public that a comprehensive internal investigation was underway. “The seriousness of the allegation required I put them on leave out of an abundance of caution,” St. John said, adding that the department would ensure the full facts are uncovered through the investigation.
The Montana Federation of Public Employees, which represents the Billings Police Officers, issued a statement expressing concern over the premature presumption of misconduct. Jeff Chartier, president-elect of the Billings Police Officers chapter of the union, said, “The position of the union is that a presumption has been made and proliferated, prior to the establishment of facts.”
The ongoing investigation is raising serious questions about police practices in Billings and could have significant ramifications for the criminal justice system in the region. If the officers are found to have acted improperly, it may result in a substantial number of cases being dismissed, and possibly even charges being dropped for defendants whose cases were built upon questionable searches or testimony.
As the review continues, Dugger and other defense attorneys involved in the cases remain confident that video evidence will play a crucial role in uncovering the truth. “It’s not really open to question,” Dugger said. “The video is clear.”
