Informational: Federal Court Initial Appearances

The United States Attorney’s Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on December 6, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong, the following individuals were arraigned:

Bruce John Denny, a 55-year-old resident of Box Elder, appeared on a charge of sexual abuse. He is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, Denny faces possible penalties of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danna R. Jackson is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Garrett Kirby LaFromboise, age 21, and Cecila Rose Gardipee, age 22, residents of Box Elder, appeared on charges of second-degree murder and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. They are currently detained. If convicted of these charges, they each face possible penalties of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years’ supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danna R. Jackson is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Zackaria July Crawford, a 22-year-old resident of Browning, appeared on charges of strangulation and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, Crawford faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release on each charge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. 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.