Informational: Federal Court Arraignments
The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on May 22, 2012, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong, the following individuals were arraigned:
TERRI L. SMITH, a 48-year-old resident of Wolf Point, appeared on charges of Bald and Golden Eagle violations. She is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of these charges, SMITH faces possible penalties of 1 year in prison and a $15,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
BENJAMIN RAY YELLOW OWL, age 21, and MATTHEW JAY WHITEGRASS, age 20, residents of Browning, appeared on charges of poaching elk - a Lacey Act Violation. They are currently released on special conditions. If convicted of these charges, they each face possible penalties of 1 year in prison and a $10,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
IVAN INGRAHAM, age 32, and ROBERT AHENAKEW, age 31, residents of Browning, appeared on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon. AHENAKEW also appeared on a charge of burglary. They are currently detained. If convicted of the assault with a dangerous weapon charge, they each face possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release. If convicted of the burglary charge, AHENAKEW also faces possible penalties of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura B. Weiss is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
EDDY DEAN BULLCALF, a 42-year-old resident of Browning, appeared on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, BULLCALF faces possible penalties of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and 5 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danna R. Jackson is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
IRVING SPOTTED EAGLE, JR., a 26-year-old resident of Browning, appeared on a charge of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, SPOTTED EAGLE faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura B. Weiss is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
KEVIN MICHAEL SHELDON, a 51-year-old resident of Helena, appeared on charges of sexual exploitation of children and receipt of child pornography. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, SHELDON faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and could be sentenced to 50 years, a $250,000 fine, and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by 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.
