The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula, on December 5, 2012, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah C. Lynch, the following individual was arraigned:

JEFFREY WAYNE BRONSON, a 53-year-old resident of Columbia Falls, appeared on a charge of trafficking in eagle/hawk parts. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, BRONSON faces possible penalties of 2 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 1 year supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark S. Smith is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The defendant pled not guilty to the charge.

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.

 

 

Return to Top