Poplar man pleads guilty to murder and gun charges on Fort Peck Indian Reservation

GREAT FALLS - A Poplar man accused of murder and using a firearm in the commission of the murder admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Michael J. Ackerman, 74, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder and one count of use of a firearm during a crime of violence. Ackerman faces a maximum term of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for June 3, 2026. Ackerman was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in the early morning hours of September 14, 2025, law enforcement officers in Billings responded to a call and were advised Ackerman had admitted to killing three people - Jane Doe 1, John Doe, and Jane Doe 2. Deputies initiated contact with Ackerman inside the house in Billings.

After the deputies read his Miranda rights, Ackerman agreed to speak with law enforcement. He said on Thursday, September 11, 2025, he and the rest of the people in the house were using methamphetamine. Ackerman believed Jane Doe 1, John Doe, and Jane Doe 2 were "setting him up." Ackerman said he was in the bedroom with Jane Doe 1, and Jane Doe 1 had a pistol in her hand. Ackerman picked up his Smith and Wesson 9 mm pistol and shot Jane Doe 1 twice in the head. The defendant heard John Doe and Jane Doe 2 moving in the next room. Michael walked into the room where John Doe and Jane Doe 2 were sleeping and shot them both. Ackerman told officers they would find the deceased inside his house in Poplar.

Fort Peck Law and Justice Department officers went to the house in Poplar and received no response. They were granted a telephonic search warrant from the Fort Peck Tribal Court and went inside the house at around 5:30am. Inside they found the deceased individuals mentioned by Ackerman - Jane Doe 1, John Doe, and Jane Doe 2. All three of the bodies had gunshot wounds and four 9 mm casings were close to the bodies.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The FBI, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice, and Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office conducted the investigation.

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