James Henrikson pleads not guilty to weapons charges

A North Dakota man and former business associate of a Spokane man killed in an alleged murder-for-hire scheme pleaded not guilty to weapons charges in federal court Monday. Thirty-four-year-old James Henrikson, of Watford City, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was arrested near Bismarck last month. Court documents show Henrikson had business dealings in the North Dakota oil patch with Doug Carlile, who was shot and killed by an intruder Dec. 15 at his Spokane home. Fifty-year-old Timothy Suckow, of Spokane, is charged with Carlile’s murder. Suckow has pleaded not guilty to the charge of first-degree murder against him. Documents indicate Henrikson is under investigation for allegedly defrauding a company owned by Three Affiliated Tribes Chairman Tex Hall. Several investors came forward to federal investigators claiming Henrikson took their money and used it for personal expenses as well as other business interests, refusing to pay them returns as he raked in cash. During his court hearing Monday, Henrikson said he would contest federal agencies’ efforts to seize his property outside Watford City, a town on the edge of the Bakken oil fields. A trial in the weapons case has been tentatively scheduled for April. Federal authorities have indicated Henrikson may face further charges. So far, prosecutors have not filed any charges against Henrikson related to Carlile’s death.