GREAT FALLS- John Glen Stevens, the former undersheriff of Cascade County, was arrested Thursday in connection with an investigation into the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
Stevens faces a felony theft charge and was released on his own recognizance.
In December, the Cascade County Attorney’s Office announced the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) of the Montana Department of Justice was investigating “financial irregularities” in regards to some purchases made by CCSO employees.
Court documents state an agent was assigned to investigate allegations of theft occurring within the sheriff’s office in August of 2018. The agent found three firearms that had been issued to or were under Stevens’ control during his employment were missing.
During his tenure, Stevens was issued several firearms including a Glock 27 40 S&W, a Rock River Arms LAR 15 rifle, and a Glock 43 that were purchased with Cascade County money.
When Stevens retired from the sheriff’s office, he took the three guns. Court documents state he was not authorized to take the guns and that no documentation was created to show he took them.
Stevens never reimbursed the country and exercised unauthorized control over the guns, according to court documents, but he told investigators he knew the guns and accessories were purchased with county money.
Stevens claimed former Sheriff Bob Edwards knew he had left the department with the guns. When interviewed, Edwards reported Stevens had expressed interest in keeping the firearms and that Edwards had indicated in order for him to keep them, he would have to go through the proper channels.
Edwards reported Stevens disagreed, according to court documents, and the conversation then ended. Edwards told investigators he was not aware, nor had he authorized, Stevens to take the three guns.
Court documents state the same day investigators interviewed Stevens, he turned in evidence to several items purchased with Cascade County money, including but not limited to: the Glock 43, two holsters, and 9mm ammunition.
When asked about the other two guns, Stevens reported that in August of 2018, he “responded to a post on Craigslist and ultimately traded the Glock 27 and the Rock River LAR 15 for a 2000 Artic Cat four-wheeler.” He obtained the four-wheeler for personal use, according to court documents.
An agent located and recovered the Glock 27 and Rock River LAR in December 2018.
The total value of the guns and accessories Stevens allegedly took is greater than $1,500 and less than $5,000.
Watch a press conference with Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter here.
