Informational: Federal Court Initial Appearances
| U.S. Attorney’s Office September 25, 2013 |
The United States Attorney’s Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on September 23, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn S. Ostby, the following individuals were arraigned:
Franklin George Grant, a resident of Billings, appeared on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, Grant faces possible penalties of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Emery Charles Crooked Arm, a 23-year-old resident of Wyola, appeared on a charge of aggravated sexual abuse. He is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, Crooked Arm faces possible penalties of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
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.