The U.S. Attorney's Office has reported recent federal court arraignments involving several individuals. These proceedings took place before U.S. Magistrate judges following indictments by the Grand Jury or criminal complaints. It is important to note that these charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
In Missoula, Jerod John Chambers, aged 35 from Miles City, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto on December 13th. Chambers entered a plea of not guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of an unregistered short-barreled shotgun. If convicted on the most serious charge, he could face up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and three years of supervised release. Chambers remains detained pending further proceedings. The investigation was carried out by the Miles City Police Department, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
In Billings, Jeremy Allen Malloy, aged 42 from Billings, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan on December 10th and pleaded not guilty to charges related to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If found guilty of the most serious offense, Malloy faces a mandatory minimum sentence ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment, along with a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. He is also detained pending further proceedings. The investigation was conducted by the Billings Police Department and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
Progress in these cases can be tracked through the U.S District Court Calendar and PACER system for those interested in following developments.