Informational: Federal Court Initial Appearances

The United States Attorney(s Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula, on September 17, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah C. Lynch, the following individuals were arraigned:

DARWIN KADE CLINGER, a 38-year-old resident of Gilbert, Arizona, appeared on charges of wire fraud and money laundering. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of these charges, CLINGER faces possible penalties of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release on each charge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service.

KELLY R. ETZEL, a 52-year-old resident of Missoula, appeared on a charge of distribution of controlled substances. ETZEL is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, ETZEL faces possible penalties of 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Missoula High Intensity Drug Task Force.

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.