News Summary

Two developers, David and Trent Sanson, face federal charges for allegedly attempting to bribe a local official in Missoula to gain favorable treatment for a housing project. The alleged bribery included a $10,000 campaign contribution and $5,000 hidden in a coffee mug. The FBI has condemned these actions, stressing their attack on public trust. Both developers, linked to DeNova Homes, are reviewing the allegations as they navigate serious legal ramifications, potentially facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Federal Charges Filed Against Developers for Alleged Bribery in East Missoula Housing Project

In a startling turn of events for the community of Missoula, two developers have been hit with serious federal charges, raising eyebrows and concerns about the integrity of local governance. David Sanson, who is 60 years old and hails from Philipsburg, Montana, along with his 33-year-old counterpart Trent Sanson from Walnut Creek, California, is now in hot water as U.S. prosecutors in California allege they attempted to bribe a local official regarding a housing project.

The Allegations at a Glance

The developers reportedly offered a hefty $10,000 in political campaign contributions to a local official in hopes of scoring some favorable treatment for their housing project. But that wasn’t all. In what sounds like something out of a movie, an additional $5,000 was allegedly hidden inside a coffee mug as part of their brazen effort to sway the official’s decision. This attempted bribe was directed at pushing their housing project through the required development review process.

FBI Response

The allegations have drawn the attention of the FBI, whose Special Agent in Charge did not hold back when condemning these claims. The agent emphasized that this kind of alleged bribery isn’t just about a single project; it is an attack on the very definition of what makes government trustworthy and accountable.

Developers Deny the Charges

In contrast, a representative for the Sansons has quickly asserted that the allegations are false. They stated that the developers are taking these charges seriously and are meticulously reviewing the accusations against them.

The Aspire Subdivision Saga

David Sanson is a principal developer behind the 252-unit Aspire subdivision, a project that received a nod from the Missoula City Council back in August of 2024. However, it seems the Aspire subdivision has become a point of contention. Local residents in East Missoula wasted no time filing a lawsuit against both the city and the project, claiming that proper development protocols were not followed.

The Sansons and DeNova Homes

Both David and Trent Sanson are affiliated with DeNova Homes, a development group that operates out of California. This summer saw the duo pushing for approval on another significant project called the Aviano, aimed at creating a 533-unit residential development near San Francisco. Although they received approval, city officials flagged the need for various infrastructure improvements before the project could proceed.

Tangled in Legal Matters

Interestingly, Trent Sanson allegedly met with a city councilor in Antioch on June 12, 2024, to solicit support for the Aviano project. Just a week later, on June 20, Trent’s father, David, reportedly met the same councilor and offered the infamous coffee mug containing $5,000 cash. This bold action, however, backfired, as the councilor promptly reported the incident to the FBI.

Potential Consequences

Now, both David and Trent Sanson could be facing severe consequences, with each facing a maximum of 15 years in prison if convicted on these bribery charges. The ongoing legal troubles throw a cloud over the future of the Aspire subdivision, with construction expected to kick off in the following year—all while litigation regarding the project hangs in the balance.

A Broader Reflection

This scandal highlights ongoing issues concerning development practices and public accountability. The identity of the city councilor entangled in this alleged bribery scheme has not been disclosed in the indictment, and city officials have generally refrained from commenting on ongoing lawsuits, as noted by the city’s Communications Director.

As more details unfold, one thing is clear: the residents of Missoula are left grappling with some serious questions about trust in their local government.

Federal Charges Against Developers Over Alleged Bribery in Missoula