Informational: Federal Court Arraignments
The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula, on July 21, 2011, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah C. Lynch, the following individuals were arraigned:
LEAH DANIELL MORTON, a 32-year-old resident of Ronan, appeared on a charge of theft from a Tribal organization. She is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, MORTON faces possible penalties of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Inspector General's Office.
JASON PAUL ISBELL, a 40-year-old resident of Cascade, appeared on charges of theft of federal property, welfare fraud, and witness tampering. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of these charges, ISBELL faces possible penalties of ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl E. Rostad is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General.
RANDY BILL RING, a 56-year-old resident of Helena, appeared on a charge of felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, RING faces possible penalties of ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette L. Stewart is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by a cooperative effort between the Montana Probation and Parole, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
ZACHARY LUTHER DAVIS, a 25-year-old resident of Helena, appeared on a charge of felon in possession of stolen firearms. He is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, DAVIS faces possible penalties of ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette L. Stewart is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by a cooperative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office.
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.
