Federal charges dismissed against Froid man accused of illegal reentry

UPDATE: April 15 at 5:10 p.m.

The indictment against Roberto Orozco-Ramirez was dismissed, April 14, and an April 22 hearing was canceled, according to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana, Great Falls Division.

The dismissal came after an unopposed motion from prosecutors. The court also denied all pending motions as moot.

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Roberto Orozco-Ramirez, a local business owner arrested in January on charges of re-entering the country illegally, appeared in federal court at the District of Montana Courthouse in Great Falls on Monday.

After the magistrate judge reviewed Orozco-Ramirez's rights and the charges, he faces, Orozco-Ramirez entered a "not guilty" plea.

The government has requested that Orozco-Ramirez remain in detention during further court proceedings. The defense has reserved the right to challenge this decision, meaning he will stay in detention for now, but this could change later.

Around two dozen community members from Froid showed their support, many wearing Orozco Diesel sweatshirts, representing the company owned by Orozco-Ramirez. Three of his sons were present. Roberto Orozco-Lazcano, his 19-year-old son, said he has taken over many responsibilities at Orozco Diesel.

"I’ve had to make a lot of phone calls with a lot of the different businesses for them to come get their semis or I have to tell them something for invoices. And it’s something I’ve never had to do," he said. "Kind of had to step up and, I don’t know, take part of the business I’ve never had to."

For now, he said the family is holding on as they face this challenge. If Orozco-Ramirez is found guilty, he could face up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Community members expressed their support, noting that Froid is a small community and Orozco-Ramirez is a contributing member through his business and involvement with youth sports.

ORIGINAL COVERAGE: February 9 at 4:25 p.m.