Informational: Federal Court Arraignments
| U.S. Attorney’s Office March 12, 2013 |
The United States Attorney’s Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on March 12, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong, the following individuals were arraigned:
Theodore Whitford, a 27-year-old resident of Box Elder, appeared on a charge of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of this charge, Whitford faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danna R. Jackson is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rocky Boy’s Police Department, and the Hill County Sheriff’s Office.
Joyce Spoonhunter, a 56-year-old resident of Browning, appeared on a charge of wire fraud. She is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, Spoonhunter faces possible penalties of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management—Inspector General’s Office.
William Szudera, a 76-year-old resident of Havre, appeared on a charge of mail fraud. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, Szudera faces possible penalties of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad C. Spraker is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Blair Chiefstick, a 22-year-old resident of Box Elder, appeared on a charge of aggravated sexual abuse. He is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, Chiefstick 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.
Joscayne Denny, a 33-year-old resident of Box Elder, appeared on a charge of distribution of methamphetamine to a person under the age of 21. She is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, Denny faces possible penalties of 40 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, and six years’ supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danna R. Jackson is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
William Davis, Jr., a 40-year-old resident of Havre, appeared on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, Davis faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison and could be sentenced to life, a $250,000 fine, and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Belknap Tribes Law Enforcement.
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.