Basin man gets 18 years for hate crime

A Basin man was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for committing a hate crime and discharging a firearm in relation to said violent crime. He was sentenced Tuesday, June 13 at the Missouri River Federal Courthouse in Great Falls by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian Morris.

On March 22, 2020, John Russell Howald, 47, fired five rounds from an AK-47 rifle into the Basin home of Katy James. The event occurred less than two weeks after a virtual nationwide shutdown had occurred as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

James spoke during the sentencing, sharing with the court the trauma she’s experienced as a result of Howald’s actions. She said she remains more cautious coming and going from her residence. She is thankful she and other members of Basin’s lesbian community didn’t sustain any injuries, she said. She’s also thankful Howald was captured and incarcerated: “I hold no animosity toward [Howald] and hope he gets the help he needs.”