FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 25, 2008
INFORMATIONAL: FEDERAL COURT ARRAIGNMENTS
Bill Mercer, United States Attorney for the District of Montana, announced today that during a federal court session in Billings, on April 24, 2008, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn S. Ostby, the following individuals were arraigned:
KRISTA RAE LITTLE HEAD, a 23-year-old resident of Lame Deer, appeared on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and making false statements. She is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, LITTLE HEAD faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release on the assault with a dangerous weapon charge, and possible penalties of 8 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release on the false statements charge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigations were conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
DREW RUDY WHITESHIELD, a 21-year-old resident of Lame Deer, appeared on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse of a minor. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, WHITESHIELD 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 a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
DALE ANDREW ROUNDSTONE, a 40-year-old resident of Lame Deer, appeared on a charge of aggravated sexual abuse. He is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, ROUNDSTONE 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 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.
