The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula, on September 12, 2012, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah C. Lynch, the following individuals were arraigned:

PAUL MICHAEL TIZIO a 33-year-old resident of Phoenix, Arizona, appeared on a charge of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, TIZIO faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life in prison, a $4,000,000 fine and 5 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations.

HOWARD SKAW, a 57-year-old resident of Hamilton, appeared on a charge of social security fraud. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, SKAW faces possible penalties of 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General.

LAYNE HOUSEL, a 60-year-old resident of Hamilton, appeared on a charge of social security fraud. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, HOUSEL faces possible penalties of 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General.

DEANNA HELEN MCATEE, a 57-year-old resident of West Glacier, appeared on a charge of bank fraud. She is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, MCATEE faces possible penalties of 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and 5 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service.

COURTNEY CAL GARDENIER, a 25-year-old resident of Scottsdale, Arizona, appeared on a charge of distribution of ecstasy. She is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, GARDENIER faces possible penalties of 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the / a cooperative effort between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations.

AUDRA ANN FISHER, a 43-year-old resident of Missoula, appeared on a charge of social security fraud. She is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, FISHER faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General.

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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