 |
 |
|
The United States Department of Justice FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
INFORMATIONAL: FEDERAL COURT ARRAIGNMENTS
Bill Mercer, United States Attorney for the District of Montana, announced today that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on March 20, 2007, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong, the following individuals were arraigned:
ELMER RED EAGLE, JR., a 40-year-old resident of Poplar, appeared on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse of a minor. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, RED EAGLE faces possible penalties of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Hosley is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Peck Tribes Criminal Investigation Division.
KENNETH LUCAS, a Calgary, Alberta, appeared on a charge of displaying a false mark on an aircraft. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, LUCAS faces possible penalties of 3 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 1 year supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Horsman is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol.
The defendants pled not guilty to the charges.
The charge, an indictment, information or complaint, is merely an accusation and all persons named as defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. A pre-trial conference and a trial date will be set and the United States will be required to prove the allegations set forth in the indictment beyond a reasonable doubt.United States Attorney's Office for the District of Montana
P.O. Box
1478
Billings, MT 59103
CONTACT
Kurt Alme
First Assistant U.S. Attorney
(406) 246-4669