Montana Federal Legal: Scott Twito Named Interim U.S. Attorney

Scott Twito was sworn in Friday as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris administered the oath in Billings. U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche selected Twito for the role. He will serve for 120 days or until the Senate approves his confirmation.

Twito replaces Mark Steger Smith, who served as acting U.S. Attorney from May to September. Tim Raciot held the acting post in Missoula from March to May. Kurt Alme served as U.S. Attorney until his resignation in March to run for the U.S. Senate.

Twito spent 16 years as Yellowstone County Attorney. He was first elected in 2010 and won re-election three times. He served four consecutive terms in that office. The position had not changed hands in 20 years before his initial appointment.

Before his election, Twito worked as a career county prosecutor for 12 years. His office handled thousands of criminal cases and defended the county in civil lawsuits. He personally tried several high-profile criminal matters.

During his tenure, Twito introduced new technology and modern prosecutorial techniques. He worked with the Montana Legislature to draft legislation and advised local law enforcement on criminal law changes. He revamped procedures for violent felonies, drug possession, theft, and DUI offenses.

Twito helped establish a satellite office of the State Crime Lab for Eastern Montana. He also established the first Children’s Advocacy Center in Billings. He served on the Montana Crime Laboratory Advisory Council from 2011 to 2021.

Twito grew up in Billings and graduated from Billings West High School in 1990. He earned his law degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 1998.