Informational: Federal Court Arraignment

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on October 21, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong, the following individual was arraigned:

ROBERT JAMES SCHEAFFER, JR., a 49-year-old resident of Harlem, appeared on a charge of sexual abuse of a minor. He is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, SCHEAFFER faces possible penalties of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation/

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.