BILLINGS - On Monday Becky Shay, former reporter for the Billings gazette and spokeswoman for American Police Force was excited about her new job.
"Here I am feeling the best I've ever felt about myself, at a great point in my life," she said.
Just four days later, Shay had a different tune. "I'm running short on energy and smiles," she said at a press conference held in the Crown Plaza. As reporters kept asking for information about APF's parent company, Shay was visibly shaken and turned away from cameras.
In the last four days, the legitimacy of the company Shay works for has been called into question. An Associated Press investigation revealed the company's leader Michael Hilton has numerous aliases, has filed for bankruptcy twice and served six years in prison for grand theft. Shay said she wasn't surprised about the news, but when asked if that calls into question the legitimacy of APF's current venture in Hardin Shay said, "I'm in a damned if I do, damned if I don't situation. I have been authorized to say the documents speak for themselves. That's my best answer."
Conservative radio talk shows have picked up on the story. As a result, Shay said her job has changed greatly.
"I've gotten underground radio personalities shoving cell phones in my face," she said.
In the 45-minute press conference held Friday, Shay received 17 voicemails.
"I have retained two people just to keep pace with my cell phone and my voicemails," she said.
She said she's also received some threats to her personal safety and APF has supplied her with at least one person to protect her security.
Shay added she is trying to encourage APF officials to release more information. She said the company has never been held to the standard Hardin and local media agencies are holding it to now.