The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on September 27, 2011, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn S. Ostby, the following individuals were arraigned:

GARY JACKSON HUGS, JR., a 21-year-old resident of Lodge Grass, appeared on a charge of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, HUGS 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 crime occurred on the Crow Indian Reservation and the investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

GERALD LEE LONSBERY, a 51-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on 2 counts conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, LONSBERY faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and could be sentenced to life, a $10,000,000 fine and at least 5 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Billings Big Sky Safe Streets Task Force.

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.

 

 

Return to Top