Informational: Federal Court Arraignments

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on January 25, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn S. Ostby, the following individuals were arraigned:

WAYLON RONALD BURNS, a 35-year-old resident of Lame Deer, appeared on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and attempted aggravated sexual abuse. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, BURNS faces possible penalties of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori H. Suek 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.

WALTER MITCHELL STEWART, JR., a 57-year-old transient, appeared on charges of abusive sexual contact, failure to register as a sexual offender with enhancements, and penalties for registered sexual offenders. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, STEWART faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and could be sentenced to 30 years, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia K. Hurd is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the United States Marshals Service.

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.