Andy Tallman | Lee Enterprises | September 23, 2026 A Connecticut man with an extensive history of event prize insurance fraud pleaded guilty on Sept. 15 to wire fraud charges in Connecticut federal court for continued scamming, including against the Montana Chamber Foundation. Kevin Kolenda, 69, is a provider of event prize insurance through his … Read more
Phil Howard | NBC Montana | September 8, 2026 Montana State Auditor James Brown is urging homeowners to review their insurance coverage as flooding and wildfire threats continue across the state. Brown said flooding is a year-round concern in Montana, especially for homes near rivers and creeks or in areas with drainage problems. He urges … Read more
Andy Tallman | Lee Enterprises | August 27, 2026 Montana State Auditor James Brown revoked the license of a Kalispell-based bail bondsman Wednesday after he failed to contest allegations that he’d coerced customers into sexual favors and unpaid labor to pay off bonds… “Callahan’s behavior not only violated Montana law, but it also eroded public … Read more
David Erickson | Lee Enterprises | August 5, 2026 Montana’s State Auditor James Brown on Tuesday announced that he’s suspending the insurance producer license of a bail bondsman based in Kalispell due to allegations that he exploited customers, including trading his services for sexual favors… “After a thorough investigation, I acted swiftly to protect the … Read more
Michael Foth | Mix 97.1 | July 21, 2026 A second health insurance company doing business in Montana has been caught up in a massive fraud scheme that allegedly targeted Native American communities, according to State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown. Brown announced this week that his office helped stop more … Read more
Enterprise Staff | Livingston Enterprise | July 28, 2026 Older Montanans are frequently targeted by perpetrators of financial abuse and fraud schemes, according to the office of Montana State Auditor James Brown. “Fraudsters and scammers often target older Montanans because of their larger savings and retirement account balances, as well as their increased vulnerability due … Read more
Michael Santoscoy | NonStop Local | July 8, 2026 HELENA, Mont. — A new state program is giving multi-level marketing companies operating illegally in Montana a chance to comply with the law and pay reduced fines. Montana State Auditor James Brown is leading the effort. He said 30 MLMs are properly registered with the State … Read more
Phil Howard | NBC Montana | July 1, 2026 MISSOULA, Mont. — Amid recent flooding and ahead of wildfire season, Montana State Auditor James Brown is urging homeowners to make sure their homes are properly insured. Brown said flooding is the leading cause of insurance peril in the nation and can happen year-round in Montana. He … Read more
Bowen West | April 1, 2026 Image by: Hunter D’Antuono | Flathead Beacon A new lawsuit over American Prairie’s bison herd is becoming a fight over the future of Montana’s public lands. The American Prairie nonprofit has sued the Montana state Land Board and the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation over a decision to … Read more
Michael Teeple | NonStop Local As Valentine’s Day approaches, the risk of falling victim to romance scams increases, with many in Gallatin Valley losing thousands of dollars. Romance scams have become a common method for scammers to defraud unsuspecting individuals seeking companionship. According to the State Auditor’s Office, scammers create fake online profiles, often on dating apps, to steal … Read more