The U.S. Senate has confirmed Kurt Alme to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana, returning the Great Falls native to a post he previously held from 2017 to 2020.
A seasoned prosecutor and respected public servant, Alme brings decades of experience in both state and federal law enforcement. His confirmation drew strong bipartisan praise from Montana leaders, who cited his integrity, work ethic, and long-standing commitment to public safety.
Alme grew up in Dillon, Victor, and Helena, graduating high school in Miles City before earning his bachelor’s degree in business summa cum laude from the University of Colorado and his law degree cum laude from Harvard Law School. He is also a Harry S. Truman Scholar.
During his previous tenure as U.S. Attorney, Alme chaired the Department of Justice’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Working Group, vice-chaired the Native American Issues Subcommittee of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, and served as vice chair of the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, which spans four states.
His earlier federal service included roles as Assistant U.S. Attorney and First Assistant U.S. Attorney, where he prosecuted criminal cases in federal district court and argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Alme began his legal career as a law clerk to U.S. District Judge Charles Lovell before joining Crowley Fleck PLLP, where he became a partner.
Beyond his federal service, Alme has held several senior roles in Montana government, including Budget Director and Director of the Department of Revenue, where he oversaw major civil litigation on behalf of the state. He also served as President and General Counsel of the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation, supporting treatment programs for Montana youth struggling with mental health and substance abuse challenges.
U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy praised Alme’s confirmation, calling him “an excellent pick” to lead the office. “Kurt has already done an incredible job in his interim capacity, and we are thrilled to see his final confirmation by the U.S. Senate,” they said in a joint statement. “Kurt will crack down on drug trafficking and crime, protect our Indigenous communities, and uphold the rule of law.”
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen also welcomed the appointment. “I personally worked with Kurt while I served as County Attorney in Roosevelt County,” Knudsen said. “Montana is facing an unprecedented pandemic of Mexican cartel illicit drugs. As Attorney General, I need an aggressive U.S. Attorney to partner with my efforts to combat these evils. Kurt Alme is that U.S. Attorney.”
Several current and former law enforcement officials echoed that praise. Bryan Lockerby, former administrator of the Montana Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation, called Alme’s integrity and dedication “exceptional.” Ken Bray, former ATF Resident Agent in Charge for Montana, described him as “one of the most capable professionals” in the justice system. Kirsten Pabst, former Missoula County Attorney, added that Alme is “a dedicated and effective leader” whose service will “strengthen justice across Montana.”
With his confirmation complete, Alme will once again lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana, overseeing federal prosecutions, civil litigation, and law enforcement coordination across the state.
By: BSH staff