Informational: Federal Court Arraignment

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on February 5, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong, the following individual was arraigned:

HIRAM EVANS, a resident of Browning, appeared on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, EVANS faces possible penalties of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and lifetime supervision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The defendant 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.