FBI Recovers Remains in North Dakota

FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Johnson of the Salt Lake City Division and Chief of Police Frank DiFonzo of the Sidney, Montana Police Department announce a development in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Sherry Arnold.

On March 20, 2012, special agents assigned to the FBI Evidence Response Team began efforts to recover human remains in the vicinity of Williston, North Dakota. During this operation, the FBI received support and assistance from several Montana and North Dakota law enforcement agencies to include the Sidney Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Williams County Sheriff’s Office, Williston Police Department, and the North Dakota Highway Patrol. By the early morning hours of March 21, 2012, special agents had recovered the physical remains of a female. While a positive identification has not been made at this time, it is believed the remains are those of Sherry Arnold of Sidney, Montana. Further efforts to verify the identity of the remains are currently underway by law enforcement. After a positive identification is made, a news release will be issued. Due to the ongoing investigation, no further details about the case can be released at this time.

Ms. Arnold went missing Saturday, January 7, 2012 at approximately 6:30 a.m. while on her morning run in Sidney, Montana.

Seeking Assistance from Property Owners in Sherry Arnold Case

The FBI, the Sidney Montana Police Department, the Williams County Sheriff’s Office, and the Williston, North Dakota Police Department are requesting assistance from North Dakota and northeastern Montana property owners in the case of missing Montana school teacher Sherry Arnold. Based on investigative evidence gathered over the last few days, it is believed that Ms. Arnold may be deceased; her body has not been recovered.

Law enforcement is requesting North Dakota property owners in Williams County, McKenzie County, Mountrail County, and extreme northeastern Montana check shelter belts and vacant farmsteads on their land for disturbed soil. The surrounding grassy area may also appear to be matted. A shelter belt is a line of trees that protects soil from the wind. Ms. Arnold’s body may be buried in a shelter belt that contains mature or rotted trees.

It is important to note, law enforcement is only requesting help from property owners and is not requesting volunteers to come search. Property owners are advised not to put themselves at risk. Property owners who discover something unusual are asked not to disturb the site and immediately contact the Williams County Law Enforcement Center at (701) 774-9191.

Ms. Arnold went missing Saturday, January 7, 2012, at approximately 6:30 a.m., while on her morning run in the community of Sidney, Montana. Two adult males are in custody in connection with this investigation.

FBI Update on Sherry Arnold Disappearance

FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Johnson of the Salt Lake City Division and Chief of Police Frank DiFonzo of the Sidney, Montana Police Department, would like to inform the public that there has been a significant development in the investigation of the disappearance of Sherry Arnold. Based on a tip from the public, law enforcement took one adult male into custody, and another adult male is being questioned by police. The investigation to determine what happened to Ms. Arnold continues.

Ms. Arnold went missing Saturday, January 7, 2012, at approximately 6:30 a.m., while on her morning run. Over the course of several days, hundreds of Sidney residents joined public safety personnel to search for her. Dozens of tips were called into the tip line that was established to bring in information about this case.

The FBI and Sidney Police Department would like to thank the community of Sidney, Montana for its support during this difficult time. Also, they extend their sincere appreciation to the Richland County Sheriff’s Office and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation for their continued assistance in this ongoing investigation.