About the Investigations Bureau

The Investigations Bureau specializes in a number of fields. At the request of city, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies, the bureau’s staff provide direct assistance in a broad range of criminal investigations such as:

  • Homicide and other felony violent crimes
  • Officer-Involved critical incidents
  • Arson and other fire investigations
  • Medicaid fraud
  • Elder abuse and exploitation within health care facilities
  • Sex crimes
  • Corruption and official misconduct
  • Complex financial crimes
  • Consumer fraud
  • Criminal information exchange and coordination

Investigations

The Investigations Bureau is comprised of:

Major Case Section

The Major Case Section provides criminal investigation assistance to city, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies at their request.

Fire Prevention and Investigation Section

Including the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Fire Prevention and Investigation section works to protect human life from fire and explosion.

Office of Victim Services

The Office of Victim Services offers a variety of programs and resources for victims of crime, responders, and organizations in the criminal justice system. OVS staff are prepared to connect victims, individuals, and families with information and available services. OVS seeks to ensure all individuals have access to our programs and resources.

Office of the Child and Family Ombudsman

The Ombudsman is available for citizens who have questions or concerns about Montana’s child welfare systems.  OCFO provides oversight of the Department of Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division’s responsibilities to respond to reports of child abuse and their work to keep children safe from abuse and families strong.

Office of Consumer Protection

The Montana Office of Consumer Protection strives to protect Montanans from unfair and deceptive business practices in the marketplace.

Social Security Fraud Task Force

The Social Security Fraud Task Force works to uncover fraud in public assistance programs.

Medicaid Fraud Control Unit

The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit conducts investigations and prosecutes healthcare providers that defraud the Montana Medicaid program. Allegations of abuse and neglect within Medicaid funded facilities are also investigated.

Elder Justice Unit

Elder Justice Unit supports and coordinates the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, and financial fraud.

Montana Child Sexual Abuse Response Team

The Montana Child Sexual Abuse Response Team helps train and coordinate teams of professionals who ensure that a child victim and their caregivers are safe, that they receive services, and that any evidence is gathered to bring the child’s assailant to justice. MCSART also provides training for professionals around the state to ensure that all Montana’s child victims receive the same high level of care.

Contact the Investigations Bureau

Derek Mahlum, Bureau Chief
(406) 799-2670

John Sullivan, Deputy Bureau Chief 
(406) 533-5913

Investigations Bureau
2225 11th Avenue
P.O. Box 201417
Helena, MT 59620-1417

Phone: (406) 444-3874