Feds charge woman with murder for hire

A Kalispell woman has been charged with murder for hire, though most of the case against her has been sealed from public view.

Judith Johanna Cossette, 66, allegedly “knowingly used and caused another to use a facility of interstate commerce with intent that a murder be committed,” an April 4 two-page unsealed federal indictment claims.

Cossette was also formerly of Martin City.

She has been released pending further court appearances.

The full indictment has been sealed. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys office said they would not comment beyond the public records in the case.

In 2002, Cossette was active with the Republican Party in the Canyon. The Hungry Horse News did a story on her efforts to bring food to the Food Bank in the Canyon after the grocery store Gary and Leo’s in Columbia Falls had excess food and wanted to give it away.

Cossette was released with several conditions, including that she have no contact with witnesses, informants or victims in the case. She’s also ordered to not use alcohol.

She has been assigned a public defender.