Man Steals Tips, Shows Genitals to Missoula Employee

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 26, 2025, a Missoula Police Department officer was dispatched to a business in the 1500 block of W. Broadway. It was reported that a person had entered the business, stolen from the tip jar, and exposed his genitals to an employee. The suspect was later identified as 34-year-old Jonathan Tifft.  

The officer arrived on scene, and the complaining employee said Tifft had come into the store a few days prior to the evening in question and was acting strange. She explained that Tifft was removing pictures from the wall and bending over, exposing his bare buttocks. When she confronted Tifft, he opened his jacket, and she could see his genitalia. She also explained that a “day or two ago,” staff had to kick Tifft out of the store again. 

On August 13, 2025, Tifft stole money from the tip jar. When this occurred, employees informed Tifft that he was no longer allowed in the store. The employee believed Tifft had left with approximately 10 dollars during the incident on the 26th, but did not know for sure how much had been taken during the previous incidents.  

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Officer Immediately Recognizes Tifft 

The employee showed the officer the security camera video, and the officer immediately recognized Tifft from prior experiences. The officer conducted a brief canvass of the area, but he was unable to locate Tifft.   

The officer went to the Poverello Center, and the staff was able to identify Tifft within seconds of showing them a photograph he had taken. Staff informed the officer that Tifft was currently on an “out” due to him “sexually assaulting” another patron, and cleanliness issues.  

The officer returned to his patrol vehicle after Tifft was identified and began to look up his history. In the past month, Tifft has been identified as a suspect in four cases. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Officer Locates Tifft 

On August 27, 2025, at approximately 01:27 a.m., Poverello Center staff contacted 911 to report that Tifft was at the facility trying to get food at the window. The officer responded to the location, arrested Tifft, and then transported him to the Missoula County Detention Center. Tifft is currently being charged with two counts of felony burglary and felony indecent exposure. His bond was set at $20,000. 

A review of Tifft’s criminal history shows he has been charged with indecent exposure 12 times since 2019. Of these charged, five offenses of indecent exposure, 3rd or subsequent offense, are still pending. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.