Informational: Federal Court Arraignments
The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula, on January 6, 2011, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah C. Lynch, the following individuals were arraigned:
JOCELYN WHEELER, a 26-year-old resident of Bellevue, Washington, appeared on charges of robbery involving controlled substances and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. She is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, WHEELER faces possible penalties of 25 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 5 years supervised release. In addition, WHEELER faces the possibility of an additional mandatory seven year imprisonment, consecutive to any other sentence, for the use of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
STEVEN ROGER AUGARE, a 49-year-old resident of East Glacier, appeared on a charge of making false statements. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, AUGARE faces possible penalties of 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kris A. McLean is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Inspector General's Office for the Environmental Protection Agency and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.
PAUL PETER TEPP, a 58-year-old resident of Missoula, appeared on a charge of transferring a firearm to a prohibited person. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, TEPP 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 a cooperative effort between the Missoula County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
DANNY WADE COOK, a 50-year-old resident of Missoula, appeared on a charge of being a felon-in-possession of a firearm. He is currently released on special conditions. If convicted of this charge, COOK 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 a cooperative effort between the Missoula County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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.
