Informational: Federal Court Initial Appearances

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings on January 20, 2011, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn S. Ostby, the following individuals appeared:

RANDALL NOT AFRAID, a 41-year-old resident of Lodge Grass, made an initial appearance on a complaint alleging threats to federal law enforcement officer and threats in interstate communications. He is currently released on special conditions. If charged with these offenses, NOT AFRAID faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia Hurd is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

MICHAEL JOSEPH DELACRUZ, a 31-year-old resident of Billings, made an initial appearance on a complaint alleging felon in possession of a firearm. He is currently detained. If charged with this offense, DELACRUZ faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years’ supervised release. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ed Zink is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by a cooperative effort between the Billings Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.

ALFREDO HERNANDEZ-PEREZ, a 27-year-old resident of Mexico, made an initial appearance on a complaint alleging illegal re-entry. He is currently detained. If charged with this offense, HERNANDEZ-PEREZ faces possible penalties of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia Hurd is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

A complaint is merely a written statement of the essential facts constituting the offenses charged.