Bill Mercer, United States Attorney for the District of Montana, announced today that during a federal court session in Billings, on March 10, 2009, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn S. Ostby, the following individuals were arraigned:

JOSEPH EDWARD SCHIEFFER, a 52-year-old resident of Sidney, appeared on charges of receipt and possession of child pornography. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of these charges, SCHIEFFER faces possible penalties of a minimum mandatory 5 years in prison and could be sentenced to 20 years, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia K. Hurd is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

MARK ELK SHOULDER, a 42-year-old resident of Bozeman, appeared on a charge of failure to register as a sexual offender. He is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, ELK SHOULDER faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia K. Hurd is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.

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.

 

 

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