The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on September 4, 2012, before Senior U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Holter, the following individual was arraigned:

DOUGLAS EDWARD COTTRELL, a 42-year-old resident of Great Falls, appeared on charges of theft of government property and Social Security benefit fraud. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of these charges, COTTRELL faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan R. Whittaker is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General.

The defendant 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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