Informational: Federal Court Arraignments

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings on February 28, 2011, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn S. Ostby, the following individuals were arraigned:

SHANE JON BRAATEN, a 29-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on a charge of receipt of child pornography. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, BRAATEN faces possible penalties of at least five years up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years up to lifetime 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 Billings Police Department.

BRENT MICHAEL WALLER, a 29-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of felon in possession of firearm and possession of a stolen firearm. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, WALLER faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ed Zink is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.

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.