News Summary

Two developers in East Missoula, David and Trent Sanson, are facing federal charges for allegedly attempting to bribe a local official to expedite the Aspire subdivision project. The accusations include a $10,000 campaign contribution and an additional $5,000 in cash hidden in a coffee mug. The case has raised concerns about corruption in community development, and local residents have filed lawsuits against the project. With the potential for significant prison time, the developers are preparing for a tough legal battle.

East Missoula Developers Charged with Alleged Bribery

Big news is brewing in East Missoula, as two developers are facing federal charges for what prosecutors claim was an attempt to corrupt the system in order to push through a housing project. David Sanson, 60, from Philipsburg, Montana, and his 33-year-old partner Trent Sanson from Walnut Creek, California, have been charged after a series of purportedly shady dealings.

The Allegations

At the heart of this case is an alleged bribery scheme involving a hefty $10,000 in campaign contributions aimed at a local official. This wasn’t just a handshake deal; there was also reportedly an additional $5,000 in cash hidden in a coffee mug. This cozy little arrangement was supposedly designed to secure favorable treatment for a housing project known as the Aspire subdivision, which consists of 252 units.

Aspirations and Lawsuits

The Aspire subdivision had previously received the go-ahead from the Missoula City Council back in August 2024—making the recent allegations all the more shocking. Just a couple of months later, in October 2024, local residents took matters into their own hands and filed a lawsuit against both the city and the Aspire project, arguing that the developers had failed to follow proper procedures when it came to development rules.

FBI Steps In

The case took a serious turn when the FBI’s Sanjay Virmani spoke out against the alleged efforts to undermine government integrity. Such accusations shake the very foundations of public trust and raise red flags about how development projects are navigated in the community.

Looking Back

David and Trent Sanson are affiliated with DeNova Homes, a California-based development company. It’s noteworthy that in the summer of 2024, they were seeking approvals for another ambitious project known as the Aviano project. This one is even bigger, featuring a whopping 533 residential units near San Francisco. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing, as there were conditions relating to infrastructure improvements that were attached to the approval.

Key Dates and Close Calls

Bringing it back to East Missoula, in June 2024, Trent Sanson allegedly had a meeting with a city councilor in Antioch to discuss support for the Aviano project. Just days later, David Sanson reportedly met with the same councilor and handed over that infamous mug with the cash. Afterward, the city councilor took action, reporting the bribery attempt to federal authorities.

What’s Next?

Now, the Sansons are gearing up to defend themselves against these charges, which could potentially land each of them in prison for a maximum of 15 years if convicted. Construction on the Aspire subdivision is scheduled to kick off next year, but the ongoing lawsuits could throw a wrench in their plans. The specific city councilor involved in these allegations has not been named in the indictment, leaving everyone wondering about the details.

Community Reactions

In light of the ongoing legal battles, the city of Missoula has declined to comment on the lawsuits, as per the Communications Director Ginny Merriam. But with allegations like these swirling around, the community is sure to keep a close eye on how transparency and accountability are maintained in local development practices.

With the courtroom battles heating up, many locals are eagerly waiting to see what unfolds next. Will the Sansons clear their names, or will this case serve as a cautionary tale against the darker side of urban development?

East Missoula Developers Face Bribery Charges