Former Montana Heritage Commission Aide Sentenced, Restitution Ordered After Scheme

Casey Jack Steinke received a largely suspended 10 year sentence with one year to serve in Lewis and Clark County District Court on December 16, 2025 after pleading guilty to felony accountability for theft by embezzlement and money laundering. Judge Kathy Seeley ordered Steinke to pay $100,000 in restitution, accepted an initial $20,000 payment at the sentencing hearing, and recommended alcohol treatment and mental health services as part of his rehabilitation. The case grew out of an alleged scheme that diverted commission funds through fraudulent billing.

Court testimony and investigative findings summarized at the hearing showed Steinke created fraudulent invoices billed to the Montana Heritage Commission and sent a portion of payments back to a co conspirator, former commission executive director Michael Elijah Allen. Allen has also pleaded guilty and faced sentencing in connection with the scheme. Prosecutors told the court the fraud damaged the commission’s finances and eroded public trust in the stewardship of historic properties.

Victim impact statements filed by the Montana Department of Commerce described ongoing financial strain at historic sites, noting effects on operations that support tourism and public programming. Lewis and Clark County Attorney Kevin Downs and counsel for the Department of Commerce outlined the fiscal and reputational consequences during court proceedings. The restitution order is intended to help repair some losses, but Department of Commerce filings and court documents indicate recovery will be gradual and will not immediately replace lost operating revenue.

Steinke expressed remorse in court and his defense highlighted recent employment and sobriety efforts, arguing those factors warranted a sentence focused on treatment and reintegration. The judge’s recommendation for alcohol and mental health services signals a judicial balance between punishment and rehabilitation in a case tied to misuse of public funds.

For residents, the case emphasizes the importance of transparent financial controls at government supported historic sites and raises questions about oversight at small public agencies. The restitution and court ordered treatment provide some immediate remedies, but local officials and community members will be watching how the Montana Heritage Commission and the Department of Commerce strengthen safeguards to prevent similar misconduct in the future.