Female Escapee and Male Charged With Drug Distribution in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On March 3, 2026, a Task Force Officer was informed of a female escapee from the Butte Pre-Release. The female was identified as 36-year-old Nicole Lasson. She had an extraditable warrant and was believed to be in Missoula. The Task Force was made aware that Lasson was at a residence in the 6400 block of Kestrel Court, commonly known as Cheap Charley’s Mini Storage, and she was accompanied by an unknown male.  

Members of the Task Force approached the storage unit and initiated contact with the two occupants, Lasson and 40-year-old Randall Rassmussen. Task Force Officers observed Lasson was seated in a chair, with multiple items adjacent to her person. Rassmussen was standing with both hands behind his person. Rassmussen was ordered to produce his hands, and when he did, a firearm was observed in his hand. Rassmussen was ordered to drop the firearm, which he did. Rassmussen was then ordered to the ground.  

A TFO made contact with Lasson, who attempted to flee. Lasson was taken to the ground by the TFO and a Special Agent. Lasson was found to be armed with a knife.  

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Seizing Evidence: Firearm and Drugs Discovered

TFOs collected the firearm that Rassmussen had, which was identified as a .45 ACP pistol, with one round chambered and seven more rounds in the magazine. It was confirmed that Rassmussen was under supervision with Montana Probation and Parole.  

The TFO authorized a search of the items at Lasson’s feet, which were directly in reach of both Rassmussen and Lasson. TFOs discovered a bag, as well as a new combination and key entry safe.  

TFOs located the following items within the bag:  

• A plastic bag containing approximately 3.67 grams of fentanyl powder. 
• One hydromorphone hydrochloride pill, which is a scheduled narcotic.  
• A plastic bag containing approximately 99.54 grams of methamphetamine. 
• A plastic bag with approximately 42 rounds of live .40 caliber ammunition.  
• A green digital scale with white powder-type residue.  
• A black zipper bag with a large amount of unused plastic bags and jar-like containers, which the TFO recognized as being used for narcotic packaging.  
• A black fix kit with razors, which the TFO recognized as being used for cutting narcotics and other misc. drug paraphernalia. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

The Weight of Evidence: Understanding Drug Distribution

The TFO recognized the drugs to be in higher amounts than for personal use. The TFO knows, based on his training and experience, that the amounts, coupled with the scale and packaging items, are synonymous with the distribution of illicit narcotics. The TFO also knows that Illicit narcotic users often maintain firearms for the protection of their illicit product, proceeds, and persons when engaged in the illicit narcotic distribution activity. 

Both Rassmussen and Lasson are currently being charged with felony criminal possession with intent to distribute and felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs. Rassmussen is also being charged with felony unlawful use/possession of property subject to criminal forfeiture. His bond was set at $75,000. Lasson’s bond was set at $20,000. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.