Bill Mercer, United States Attorney for the District of Montana, announced today that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on June 30, 2009, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong, the following individuals were arraigned:

JESSE LEE KNIFE, a 27-year-old resident of Box Elder, appeared on two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of these charges, KNIFE faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebekah J. French is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Montana Highway Patrol and the Rocky Boy's Tribal Law Enforcement.

BERNARD NOEL YOUPEE, a 43-year-old resident of Brockton, appeared on a charge of aggravated sexual abuse. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, YOUPEE faces possible penalties of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia K. Hurd is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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.

 

 

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