Informational: Federal Court Arraignments
Bill Mercer, United States Attorney for the District of Montana, announced today that during a federal court session in Missoula, on August 25, 2009, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah C. Lynch, the following individuals were arraigned:
JEFFREY SCOTT FAHNESTOCK, SR., a 41-year-old resident of Butte, appeared on a charge of being in possession of a firearm after having been previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, FAHNESTOCK 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.
PATRICK SCOTT PAULSEN, a 30-year-old resident of Butte, appeared on charges of knowingly transferring a firearm to a prohibited person and making false statements. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of these charges, PAULSEN 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.
OSWALDO ZUNIGA-SANCHEZ, a resident of Bozeman, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, ZUNIGA-SANCHEZ faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and could be sentenced to life, a $4,000,000 fine and at least 5 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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.
