Informational: Federal Court Arraignments
| U.S. Attorney’s Office October 24, 2011 |
The United States Attorney’s Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on October 24, 2011, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn S. Ostby, the following individuals were arraigned:
PERRY NATION, a 49-year-old resident of Missoula, appeared on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse which took place within the exterior boundaries of the Crow Indian Reservation. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, NATION faces possible penalties of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vince Carroll is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
SHELDON B. CHASE, a 22-year-old resident of Lodge Grass, appeared on three counts of first degree murder which took place within the exterior boundaries of the Crow Indian Reservation. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, CHASE faces possible penalties of life in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vince Carroll is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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.