MISSOULA - Ian Scott Barclay, 28, of Deer Lodge, Cordero Robert Metzker, 28, of Billings, and Erin Marie Bernhardt, 47, of Deer Lodge were arraigned in federal court today on a six-count superseding indictment charging them with various drug distribution crimes.
The charges were as follows: Count I, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances (methamphetamine and Suboxone); Count II, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and Suboxone; and Counts III and IV, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Bernhardt was also charged in Count V with accepting bribes and Barclay was charged in Count VI with giving bribes to Bernhardt. Barclay, Metzker, and Bernhardt pleaded not guilty to all charges against them. Barclay was detained, while Metzker and Bernhardt were released pending trial.
The superseding indictment is the result of an investigation into drug smuggling at the Montana State Prison. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspector, the Montana Department of Corrections Investigations Division, Montana State Prison Warden Leroy Kirkegard and his staff, and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigations.
An indictment is simply a charging document that initiates formal court proceedings. Barclay, Metzker, and Bernhardt are presumed innocent of the charges in the superseding indictment unless and until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
