PHOENIX (LAWFUEL) – A federal grand jury in Phoenix returned a 7-count indictment today against Melvin Pascal Nash, 23, and Mason James Henry, 20, both of San Carlos, Ariz. The two are charged with First Degree Premeditated and Felony Murder, Robbery, Use of a Firearm in Causing Death and Conspiracy. Nash and Henry are currently in San Carlos Tribal custody awaiting transport to Federal District Court for arraignment on the charges.
The indictment alleges that on or about August 28, 2008, on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, Nash and Henry, both members of the San Carlos tribe, robbed and murdered a 30-year-old Phoenix man.
Convictions for First Degree and Felony Murder and Use of Firearm in Causing Death
carry a maximum penalty of Life in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. A conviction for Robbery carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. A conviction for Conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.
An indictment is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the San Carlos Police Department, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office, the Globe Police Department and the Phoenix Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Thomas C. Simon, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-08-1377-PHX
RELEASE NUMBER: 2008-306(Nash et al)
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