Informational: Federal Court Arraignments
| U.S. Attorney's Office June 23, 2011 |
The United States Attorney’s Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula, on June 23, 2011, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah C. Lynch, the following individuals were arraigned:
GIOVANNI DELAWARE BLOOD, a 26-year-old resident of Missoula, appeared on a charge of possession of child pornography. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, BLOOD faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
RAYMOND DEAN SMITH, a 43-year-old resident of Helena, appeared on charges of sexual exploitation of children, receipt and possession of child pornography. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, SMITH faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and could be sentenced to 30 years, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia K. Hurd is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Helena Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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.