Informational: Federal Court Arraignments

The United States Attorney’s Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on February 26, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge R. Keith Strong, the following individuals were arraigned:

Thomas Mark Marceau, a resident of Browning, appeared on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, Marceau faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years up to lifetime supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Ronald Jay Miller, a 56-year-old resident of East Helena, appeared on charges of access with intent to view child pornography, possession of child pornography, and felon in possession of firearms. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, Miller faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 10 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; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Montana Division of Criminal Investigation; and the Helena Police Department.

Christopher Joseph Ladue, a 26-year-old resident of Browning, appeared on a charge of sexual abuse of a minor. He is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, Ladue faces possible penalties of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years up to lifetime supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon 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.