Informational: Federal Court Arraignments

The United States Attorney’s Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula on August 30, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah C. Lynch, the following individuals were arraigned:

Steve Humiston, a 56-year-old resident of Tacoma, Washington; John Johnson, a 57-year-old resident of Locust Grove, Virginia; Scott Long, a 53-year-old resident of Portland, Oregon; and Paul Wencewicz, a 47-year-old resident of Polson, appeared on charges of child exploitation enterprise and conspiracy to advertise child pornography. In addition, Wencewicz was also charged with obstruction of justice. They are currently detained.

If convicted of child exploitation enterprise, they each face a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison and could be sentenced to life, a $250,000 fine, and a minimum of five years' supervision. In addition, if convicted of conspiracy to advertise child pornography, they each face a mandatory minimum of 15 to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a minimum of five years' supervision. Wencewicz also faces 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release if convicted of obstruction of justice.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bozeman Police Department.

The defendants pled not guilty to the charges.

The charges, an indictment, information, or complaint, are merely accusations, 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.