The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on Aug. 27, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn S. Ostby, the following individuals were arraigned:
FRED THEODORE BISHOP, a 59-year-old resident of Lodge Grass, appeared on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, BISHOP faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release on each charge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
DEREK DEFOREST RHINEHART, a 31-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. He is currently detained. If convicted of these charges, RHINEHART faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and could be sentenced to life, a $10,000,000 fine, and 5 years supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph E. Thaggard is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was conducted by the City-County Special Investigations Unit.
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.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
