Author: Jim Ulvog

Now that Mr. Graves has been convicted, I will start to think about what sentence he might earn.

Having noticed how closely I am following the case of now-convicted human trafficker Keith Graves you may wonder why I am paying such close attention to his case. After reading this post, you will be really curious.  (12-19-15 update) I hope this post explains my curiosity.

Why am I paying such close attention? Continue reading “Wild guesses on possible sentence after Keith Graves is convicted – part 1”

After the string of tweets I mentioned yesterday, Andrew Sheeler filled us in on conviction day for Keith Graves: Jury convicts Graves on 8 counts.

The verdict

The difference between the 8 counts mentioned in the article and the 7 mentioned earlier is the forfeiture allegation.  The feds alleged that a toy bb gun, a miniature baseball bat, and an assortment of cell phones and computer tablets belonged to Mr. Graves. The allegation in the indictment could force a surrender of the items. Feds alleged he used all those items during the course of the crimes which the jury has now definitively determined he did in fact commit. Goal is to seize all the electronics he used in the commission of the crimes he was just convicted of.

Continue reading “More details from last day of Keith Graves’ trial”

Andrew Sheeler just sent out a string of tweets. Keith A Graves has been convicted on 7 felony counts and acquitted on 4 counts.

For more info, check out his twitter feed:  @andrewsheeler

Continue reading “Day 10 of Keith Graves’ trial. Guilty verdict on 7 counts. Acquittal on 4 counts.”

Andrew Sheeler reports in Bismarck Tribune: Jury remains undecided in Graves case.

Jury deliberated Thursday and will continue Friday.  Article says the jury asked for definition of two terms.

Continue reading “Day 9 of Keith Graves’ trial. Jury in deliberation.”

Andrew Sheeler reports in Bismarck Tribune: Jury to begin deliberations in Graves trial.

It would appear that Mr. Graves heeded the judge’s advice yesterday that if there were any more outbursts he would be removed from the court. He presented his defense today and argued for dismissal after he rested his case. Presumably he made his own closing argument.

From the article it sounds like it was a contentious day. Several witnesses shared their anger and frustration for having been called to testify. One witness threatened Mr. Graves suggesting it would be a very bad thing if they’re both on the same side of the fence, presumably assigned to the same jail at the same time.

Continue reading “Day 8 of Keith Graves’ trial. Defense rests. Case goes to jury.”

Andrew Sheeler reports in Bismarck Tribune: Graves’ trial to resume Wednesday with or without defendant. Article reports Mr. Graves was placed on suicide watch Monday after some undisclosed incident.

PACER system shows minutes from a status conference on Tuesday which indicate prosecutors, standby counsel and Mr. Graves were all present. An exhibit was received and placed under seal. The judge reviewed unspecified trial matters with the defendant. Conference lasted 35 minutes.

Continue reading “Day 7 of Keith Graves’ trial. Another delay plus lots of drama outside the courtroom”

Andrew Sheeler reports in Bismarck Tribune: Graves Trial Delayed.

Article says delays resulted in the jury members going home shortly after the trial resumed on Monday. According to the article, expectation is the trial will resume on Tuesday.

Continue reading “Day 6 – Keith Graves’ trial delayed”

The schedule for the federal judge presiding over the trial of Keith Graves shows the trial is the only item on his schedule for the week of October 26 through 30. Look at the listings for District Judge Hovland on the linked page.

This is a change from last week when his schedule showed three or four items at 9 am each day this week. One of those items each day was this trial. Now, those other items have been cleared.

As mentioned by Andrew Sheeler on Friday, the trial resumes today with Mr. Graves beginning his defense presentation.

Andrew Sheeler reports in Bismarck Tribune: Government rests in Graves Trial.

A report from KFYR adds a few tidbits to the story about the fourth day of the trial:  Jury Hears Witness, FBI Testimony in Graves Trial.  Report says Mr. Graves has fired two court-appointed attorneys. I was only aware of one being released.

The KFYR report says one of the women who testified on Thursday said she thought she would just be pushing drugs for Mr. Graves and not engage in prostitution. A bit more detail from the woman who said she was punished for not bringing back money:  she indicated she had been selling drugs that day and was tasered three times as punishment. An FBI agent was testifying on Thursday and was expected to continue on Friday.

Mr. Sheeler reports on day five of the trial.

Continue reading “Day 5 of Keith Graves’ trial. Government rests their case.”

Andrew Sheeler reports in Bismarck Tribune: Alleged driver testifies against Graves.

On day 4 of the trial, three more women testified of being abused.

Article is not as detailed as I would like, obviously. Text says one of the three avoided being trafficked and mentioned her cousin was exploited. That seems to be the same comment as yesterday, but also seems to be from a different person.

One woman testified on Tuesday, four more Wednesday, and three yesterday would equal eight witnesses, which is the number of women alleged to have been trafficked in the indictment.

Continue reading “Day 4 of Keith Graves’ trial”

Andrew Sheeler reports in Bismarck Tribune:  Witnesses defiant in Graves’ sex-trafficking trial.

On day 3 of the trial, four more women testified of being trafficked. Each of them claimed on the stand they had been sexually assaulted at least once by Mr. Graves. That leaves three allegedly trafficked women still to testify.

At least two of the women lashed out at him during cross-examination.

Continue reading “Day 3 of Keith Graves’ trial”