Informational: Federal Court Arraignments

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on August 7, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn S. Ostby, the following individuals were arraigned:

DONALD RICHARD NISSEN, a 51-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on a charge of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. He is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, NISSEN faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and could be sentenced to life, a $10,000,000 fine, and 5 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan P. McCarthy is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force.

KAYLENE SHANE RED WOLF, a 44-year-old resident of Hardin, appeared on charges of theft from federal government receiving federal funds and theft of federal funds. She is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of these charges, RED WOLF faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release on each charge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl E. Rostad is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by a team of agents and auditors working with the U.S. Attorney's Guardians Project, including the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Interior.

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.