The Phillips County Sheriff’s Office released its weekly activity report on May 31, summarizing law enforcement responses and public safety activities across the county from May 21 through May 28.
The report details a range of incidents including suspicious activity at the fairgrounds, a firearm pointed at a worker in Landusky, reckless driving complaints near Dodson and Malta, livestock on roadways, and train blockages. Medical emergencies were also addressed, with deputies responding to heart attack symptoms and coordinating antivenom delivery for a rattlesnake bite. Law enforcement handled disturbances such as neighbor disputes in Saco and Malta, trespassing reports near Dodson and South Saco, as well as welfare checks on individuals throughout the week.
Several arrests were made during this period. Taylin Johannesen was incarcerated to serve time on sentencing and later released after time served. Benajiah Campbell was arrested following a traffic stop for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Heather Hallberg was transported to jail based on an outstanding warrant from Lewis & Clark County following a traffic stop east of Malta.
The Sheriff’s Office included reminders about scam prevention in its report: “If you receive a phone call, email, text message or social media contact asking for personal information… These are scams.” The office advises residents not to provide information or send money in response to unsolicited requests. It also provided resources such as the Montana State Legislature Fraud Hotline and instructions for joining the National Do Not Call Registry.
Throughout the week, deputies performed numerous security checks across areas like Malta, Sleeping Buffalo, Nelson Reservoirs, Short Oil Road area, Alkali Creek Fishing Access area, and along US Highway 2. Assistance was provided during events including the Memorial Day Parade at Veteran’s Park and ground transports coordinated with local emergency medical crews.
The Phillips County Sheriff’s Office contributes to community well-being by serving rural areas of north central Montana with round-the-clock law enforcement services across diverse terrains such as the Little Rocky Mountains and Missouri River Breaks; it serves approximately 4,200 residents over more than 5,200 square miles with a staff that includes a sheriff, undersheriff, five deputies plus support personnel, according to the official website.
