Bill Mercer, United States Attorney for the District of Montana, announced today that during a federal court session in Great Falls on April 9, 2009, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong, DOUGLAS JOSEPH DAY RIDER, a 28-year-old resident of Browning, pled guilty to failure to register as a sexual offender. Sentencing is set for July 20, 2009. He is currently detained.

In an Offer of Proof filed by the United States, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On March 3, 2001, DAY RIDER was convicted of sexual abuse of a minor and served 16 months incarceration. Following his release, DAY RIDER was informed of the requirement to register. He registered by filing a Montana Department of Justice Sexual and Violent Offender Registration Form on August 2, 2001, listing an address in Browning. He updated the form on November 2, 2001, listing a different address in Browning. This was his last registration, and to date, he has not filed or updated his registration.

On March 3, 2009, DAY RIDER was interviewed by a deputy with the U.S. Marshals Service. DAY RIDER stated that he had been working and living at the Warbonnet Lodge in Browning from February 2 to February 27, 2009. DAY RIDER'S statement was confirmed by the manager and owner of the Warbonnet Lodge.

DAY RIDER faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Vince Carroll prosecuted the case for the United States.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service in Great Falls.

A copy of the Offer of Proof can be obtained by contacting Sally Frank at (406) 247-4638.

 

 

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