The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula, on April 16, 2012, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah C. Lynch, the following individuals were arraigned:

CLIFTON RAY OLIVER, a 37-year-old resident of Portland, Oregon, appeared on charges of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, transportation of a person with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and obstruction of justice - witness tampering through corrupt persuasion. He is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, OLIVER faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison and could be sentenced to life, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

CHRISTOPHER WAYNE WILLIAMS, a 37-year-old resident of Helena, appeared on charges of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana; manufacture of marijuana; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of these charges, WILLIAMS faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison and could be sentenced to 40 years, a $5,000,000 fine and 4 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph E. Thaggard, Paulette L. Stewart and Jessica T. Fehr are the prosecutors for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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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