District of Montana

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

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 August 12, 2008, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong, the following individuals were arraigned:

WILLIAM OLD ROCK, a 20-year-old resident of Browning, appeared on a charge of involuntary manslaughter. He is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, OLD ROCK faces possible penalties of 6 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vince Carroll is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

RAYMOND GENE COBELL appeared on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, COBELL faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vince Carroll is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

GRAHAM KENNETH MOORHOUSE appeared on charges of making false statements and attempted re-entry of a previously deported alien. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, MOORHOUSE faces possible penalties of 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Horsman is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

ALBERTO QUIROZ-MENDEZ appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess and possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, QUIROZ-MENDEZ faces possible penalties of life in prison, a $4,000,000 fine and 5 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph E. Thaggard is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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.