Informational: Federal Court Arraignments

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on June 25, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn S. Ostby, the following individuals were arraigned:

ANGELA CORSON SMITH, a 32-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, false statements to a bank, and (5) counts of wire fraud scheme. She is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, SMITH faces possible penalties of 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, and 5 years supervised release on both the bank fraud charge and the false statements to a bank charge. She also faces possible penalties of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release on each charge of wire fraud scheme. In addition, SMITH faces an additional mandatory two year imprisonment, consecutive to any other sentence, for the aggravated identity theft. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica T. Fehr is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service.

GARY LEE PLENTY BUFFALO, a 26-year-old resident of Hardin, 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, PLENTY BUFFALO faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release on each of the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by 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.