The U.S. Attorney’s Office has announced recent arraignments and appearances before U.S. Magistrate judges concerning indictments from the Grand Jury or criminal complaints. These charges are accusations, and all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.
Artemus Lavelle Brock, 35, from Bozeman, appeared in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan on December 5th, pleading not guilty to charges of coercion and enticement to travel for prostitution and transportation for prostitution. If convicted of the most serious charge, Brock could face up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He is currently detained pending further proceedings. The investigation was conducted by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and Billings Police Department.
John Doe AKA Jose Alfredo Collazo Nadal appeared on December 3rd in Billings on charges related to making a false statement in a passport application. If found guilty of the most serious offense, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Doe remains detained pending further proceedings following an investigation by the Diplomatic Secret Service.
Cody Lloyd Smith, 41 from Billings appeared on November 26th facing charges as a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Conviction could lead to up to 15 years imprisonment along with a $250,000 fine and three years under supervised release conditions. Smith is also detained while awaiting further legal actions after investigations led by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms Explosives Carbon County Sheriff’s Office alongside Billings Police Department.
The progress of these cases can be tracked via the U.S District Court Calendar or PACER system for which registration details are available online.