FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 29, 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 29, 2008, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn S. Ostby, the following individuals were arraigned:
DANIEL DIRKSEN and BRYCE ORWICK, residents of Minnesota, appeared on a charge of obstruction of justice. They are currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, they each face possible penalties of 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric B. Wolff is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
MAURICE JAMES GUNN, a 38-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on a charge of making false claims. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, GUNN faces possible penalties of 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica T. Fehr is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspectors, and the Department of Homeland Security - OIG.
RYLAND LYNN SORENSEN, age 50, appeared on a charge of being in possession of a firearm while under a court order. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, SORENSEN faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette L. Stewart is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
KENNETH LORENZ, age 58, appeared on a charge of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, LORENZ faces possible penalties of a minimum mandatory 5 years in prison and could be sentenced to 40 years, a $2,000,000 fine and 4 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Hosley is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
LARRY SUCHY, age 68, formerly of Baker, appeared on a charge of wire fraud. He is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, SUCHY faces possible penalties of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric B. Wolff 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.
