Informational: Federal Court Arraignments

The United States Attorney’s Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on July 21, 2011, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn S. Ostby, the following individuals were arraigned:

WILLIAM NELSON THURLOW, a 68-year-old resident of Livingston, appeared on a charge of depravation of rights under color of law. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, THURLOW faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliot is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

ROBERT SHANE PETERSON, a 42-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on a charge of mail fraud. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, PETERSON faces possible penalties of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica T. Fehr is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

JUSTIN ALLEN DINIUS, a 30-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, DINIUS faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life in prison, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years’ supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Seykora is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Billings Big Sky Safe Streets 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.