Informational: Federal Court Arraignments
The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on September 26, 2012, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn S. Ostby, the following individuals were arraigned:
WAYLON RONALD BURNS, a 35-year-old resident of Lame Deer, appeared on a charge of aggravated sexual abuse. He is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, BURNS faces possible penalties of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
WALTER MITCHELL STEWART, JR., a 57-year-old resident of Crow Agency, appeared on (2) counts of abusive sexual contact. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, STEWART faces possible penalties of 4 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision on each count. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia K. Hurd is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
JOHNNY RAY ROWLAND, a 38-year-old resident of Lame Deer, appeared on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He is currently detained If convicted of these charges, ROWLAND faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release on each charge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
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.
