Informational: Federal Court Arraignment

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on June 6, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong, the following individual was arraigned:

MICHAEL CONNELLY, SR., a 56-year-old resident of Browning, appeared on charges of sexual abuse, deprivation of rights under color of law, and making a false statement to a federal officer. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of these charges, CONNELLY faces possible penalties of life in prison for the sexual abuse count, 1 year in prison for the deprivation of rights under color of law count, and 8 years in prison for the false statement to a federal officer count. He also faces a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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.