Informational: Federal Court Arraignments

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on January 24, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong, the following individuals were arraigned:

CASEY LEE MARTIN, a 31-year-old resident of Hays, appeared on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon. He is currently detained. If convicted of this charge, MARTIN faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

MARK EDWIN ABRESCH, a 54-year-old resident of Great Falls, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, ABRESCH faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and could be sentenced to life, a $5,000,000 fine, and 5 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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.