Billings, Montana – Scott Twito, who spent 16 years serving as Yellowstone County Attorney, has officially taken over as Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana, bringing decades of legal experience to the state’s top federal prosecution office.
Twito was sworn into his new position by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris after being selected for the role by U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Under the terms of his appointment, Twito will serve as interim U.S. Attorney for 120 days or until his presidential nomination receives confirmation from the U.S. Senate.
His appointment follows several leadership changes within the federal prosecutor’s office in Montana over recent months.
Kurt Alme previously held the position before resigning in March to pursue a seat in the U.S. Senate.
Following Alme’s departure, Tim Raciot, based in Missoula, served as Acting U.S. Attorney from March until May.
Mark Steger Smith then assumed the acting role, serving from May through September before Twito’s appointment.
The new interim U.S. Attorney expressed appreciation for the opportunity and emphasized his commitment to continuing the work of the office.
“I appreciate the opportunity I have been given, and I’m dedicated to carrying on the great work done by my predecessors,” said Twito. “I’m eager to work alongside this exceptional group of prosecutors and professionals in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. And I’m ready to partner with our federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement agencies as we focus on the important work of keeping Montana safe.”
Twito brings decades of prosecution experience from Yellowstone County
Twito’s legal career includes extensive experience handling criminal cases, working with law enforcement agencies and advising local government officials.
Before becoming Yellowstone County Attorney, he had already spent 12 years working as a career county prosecutor.
He was first elected to lead the Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office in 2010, becoming the county’s first new attorney in two decades.
Voters subsequently reelected him three times, allowing him to serve four consecutive terms in the position.
During his 16 years in office, Twito focused on updating the way prosecutors handled cases and improving the resources available to his staff.
His administration introduced new technology, adopted modern prosecution methods and encouraged attorneys working in the office to develop broader legal skills.
Twito personally handled several major criminal prosecutions, while his office prosecuted and resolved thousands of cases involving different types of offenses.
His responsibilities also extended beyond criminal matters.
The Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office provided legal guidance to county officials and represented the county when it faced civil lawsuits.
Twito also worked closely with the Montana State Legislature, providing testimony and helping prepare legislation addressing criminal justice issues.
Through cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, he helped implement changes involving criminal laws and prosecution procedures.
Former county attorney helped establish crime lab office and children’s advocacy center
Throughout his time in Yellowstone County, Twito was involved in efforts to improve how the justice system responded to several categories of crime.
His work included changes to procedures involving violent felony offenses, drug possession, theft and driving under the influence.
One of his notable contributions was helping establish a satellite office of the State Crime Lab to serve Eastern Montana.
The additional facility was intended to improve access to crime laboratory services for law enforcement agencies operating in that part of the state.
Twito also helped establish the first Children’s Advocacy Center in Billings, creating a local resource focused on the needs of children involved in difficult criminal justice situations.
Alongside his responsibilities as county attorney, he participated in several state organizations and advisory groups.
He served on the Montana Crime Laboratory Advisory Council from 2011 through 2021.
He was also a member of the Montana County Attorney’s Association Board and the Montana Courts of Limited Jurisdiction.
The Montana Attorney General appointed him to the Criminal Justice Oversight Council, an interim legislative committee responsible for examining matters related to the justice system.
Twito also received an appointment from the governor to serve on the Montana Board of Crime Control, where he remained involved for several years.
These positions gave him opportunities to work with officials from different parts of Montana’s legal and law enforcement systems.
Billings native takes on statewide federal leadership position
Twito has longstanding connections to Billings, where he grew up and attended school.
He graduated from Billings West High School in 1990 before continuing his education.
After completing his undergraduate studies, he attended the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, graduating in 1998.
His professional career eventually brought him into county prosecution, where he developed the experience that led to his election as Yellowstone County Attorney.
Now, after four consecutive terms leading the county office, Twito is moving into a federal leadership position with responsibilities extending across Montana.
As interim U.S. Attorney, he will oversee the work of federal prosecutors and cooperate with law enforcement partners at the federal, tribal, state and local levels.
His appointment places a longtime Yellowstone County prosecutor in charge of the District of Montana’s federal prosecution efforts while the process for filling the position on a longer term basis continues.
Twito has indicated that maintaining public safety and building strong working relationships with law enforcement agencies will remain central priorities during his time in office.
