A Montana man has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that a Yellowstone County judge acted without jurisdiction when he ordered the relocation of more than 60 horses that once belonged to James H. Leachman, who is facing numerous cruelty charges in connection with the alleged maltreatment of 450 horses.

In December 2010 Leachman’s herd of 450 horses was residing on 9,400 acres of deeded land and 30,000 acres of leased Crow Tribal land southeast of Billings, Mont., with scant forage and no water source.

In January Leachman was charged with 10 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty for negligently failing to provide veterinary care, food, or water to helpless animals.

In March Yellowstone County prosecutors filed additional charges against Leachman, bringing the total number of charges to 14. In April Yellowstone County prosecutors added yet another charge bringing the total number of charges against Leachman to 16, according to Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito. Each count carries maximum penalties of one year in jail and $1,000 in fines