Informational: Federal Court Arraignments

The United States Attorney’s Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on October 30, 2012, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong, the following individuals were arraigned:

Thomas Roderick Yallup, Jr., a 30-year-old resident of Box Elder, appeared on a charge of aggravated sexual abuse. He is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, Yallup faces possible penalties of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danna R. Jackson is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Marlys Young Running Crane, age 58; Billie Joe Bullshields, age 29; Edward Henry Pratt, age 34; and Deanna Marie Wells, age 28, residents of Browning, each appeared on the following charges: one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of distribution of methamphetamine. They are currently detained. If convicted of this charges, they each face possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and could be sentenced to life, a $10,000,000 fine, and five years’ supervised release on each of the first two charges; and a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and could be sentenced to 40 years, a $5,000,000 fine, and four years’ supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes 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.