Bill Mercer, United States Attorney for the District of Montana, announced today that during a federal court session in Great Falls on April 10, 2008, before U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon, JOSEPH JAMES UPHAM, a 43-year-old resident of Browning, pled guilty to sexual abuse. Sentencing is set for August 7, 2008. He is currently released on special conditions.

In an Offer of Proof filed by the United States, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On March 8, 2006, in Browning, UPHAM knowingly engaged in a sexual act with M.A.K., a person incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct.

UPHAM faces possible penalties of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Vince Carroll prosecuted the case for the United States.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Browning and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

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A copy of the Offer of Proof can be obtained by contacting Sally Frank at (406) 247-4638.