Informational: Federal Court Arraignments

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on October 28, 2010, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn S. Ostby, the following individuals were arraigned:

JAMES HISBADHORSE, age 43, appeared on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, HISBADHORSE faces possible penalties of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years’ supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia K. Hurd is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

MICHAEL RALPH NILES, a 49-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, NILES faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and could be sentenced to life, a $4,000,000 fine, and at least five years’ supervised release. In addition, NILES faces an additional mandatory five year imprisonment, consecutive to any other sentence, for the use or possession of a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica T. Fehr is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between Billings Big Sky Safe Streets Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

TRAVIS VAN SCHAICK, a 27-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on a charge of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, VAN SCHAICK faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and could be sentenced to life, a $4,000,000 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 a cooperative effort between Federal Bureau of Investigation and 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.