The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula on April 20, 2010, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah C. Lynch, PARISCHERE ELAINA HUGHES, a 22-year-old resident of Bozeman, pled guilty to resisting/interfering with the issuance of a citation. A sentencing date will be set at a later time. She is currently released on special conditions.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vince Carroll, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On August 22, 2008, two BLM Rangers arrived at the Lower Madison Recreation Area Warm Springs at approximately 5:30 p.m. The rangers noticed an open container of alcohol on the hood of a vehicle where several individuals, who appeared to be under the age of 21, were standing. The Rangers then spoke with the individuals. Two of the individuals appeared to be under the influence of marijuana. One of the individuals indicated that HUGHES had a marijuana pipe in her purse. HUGHES initially denied having a marijuana pipe in her purse. After being confronted with the statement from the other individual however, HUGHES removed a marijuana pipe from her purse.

The Rangers then cited HUGHES for possession of drug paraphernalia. When asked her name, HUGHES told the Rangers that she was J.S. The Rangers then issued a violation notice in J.S.'s name for possession of drug paraphernalia.

It was later discovered that HUGHES had given a false ID to the Rangers. J.S. was contacted at her work and was interviewed about the violation notice. The incident was very upsetting and embarrassing for J.S.

HUGHES was later interviewed and admitted that she had given the Rangers a false statement regarding her identity.

HUGHES faces possible penalties of 1 year in prison, a $1,000 fine and 1 year supervised release.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Land Management Law Enforcement Division.

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

 

 

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