Informational: Federal Court Arraignment
The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula, on August 19, 2010, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah C. Lynch, the following individuals were arraigned:
KENNETH A. SCHNEIDER, a 57-year-old resident of Weston, Connecticut, appeared on charges of wire fraud and money laundering in Missoula and Ravalli County, as well as throughout the United States. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of these charges, SCHNEIDER faces possible penalties of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release for wire fraud, 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release money laundering, and forfeiture of his house, bank accounts and substitute property. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service.
TACEE SUE SWAPP, a 29-year-old resident of Missoula, appeared on charges of possession of child pornography and transportation of obscenity. She is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of these charges, SWAPP faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Missoula Police Department, the Missoula County Sheriff's Office, and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.
ROBERT ERNEST PEEPLES, JR., a 37-year-old resident of Missoula, appeared on charges of receipt of child pornography. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, PEEPLES faces possible penalties of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Missoula County Sheriff's Office, the Missoula Police Department, and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.
SAMUEL ALLAN TRAMMELL, a 29-year-old resident of Missoula, appeared on a charge of possession of child pornography. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, TRAMMELL faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Missoula County Sheriff's Office, the Missoula Police Department, and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.
The defendants pled not guilty to the charges.
The charge, an indictment, information or complaint, is merely an accusation and any person named as a defendant is 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.
