The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on October 19, 2010, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong, the following individuals were arraigned:

HARRY WILLIAM HATTON, a 54-year-old resident of Frazer, appeared on a charge of assault. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, HATTON faces possible penalties of 6 months in prison and a $500 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia K. Hurd is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Fort Peck Tribes Criminal Investigation Division.

VICTOR H. NAVA, a 28-year-old resident of Salt Lake City, Utah, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, NAVA faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison and could be sentenced to 40 years, a $2,000,000 fine and at least 4 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vince Carroll is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Montana Division of Criminal 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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