Informational: Federal Court Initial Appearances

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula, on October 24, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah C. Lynch, the following individuals were arraigned:

BARBARA SWEENEY, a 62-year-old resident of Noxon, appeared on a charge of theft of government funds. She is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, SWEENEY faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad C. Spraker is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General.

AMBER TYLER, a 31-year-old resident of Missoula, appeared on a charge of theft of government funds. She is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, TYLER faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad C. Spraker is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General.

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.