District of South Dakota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Nearly 11 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery of a Sioux Falls Convenience StoreRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schrier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Interference with Commerce by Means of Robbery and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. The sentencing took place on November 25, 2024.
Bryan Louis Archambeau, 21, was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Archambeau was indicted for Interference with Commerce by Means of Robbery; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence; and Felon in Possession of a Firearm by a federal grand jury in December 2023. He pleaded guilty to Interference with Commerce by Means of Robbery and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence in July 2024.
In the evening of November 2, 2023, Archambeau went to the 49’er Marathon C-Store in Sioux Falls wearing a medical mask. He entered the store and took two cases of Twisted Tea and exited the store without paying for the items. When confronted about the theft, Archambeau lifted his shirt, brandished a pistol, and then left the scene.
Then, in the evening of November 3, 2023, Archambeau went to the Freedom Valu Center in Sioux Falls. He placed two-12 packs of Twisted Tea on the counter and pulled out a pistol from his waistband. He pointed it at the clerk, racked the slide of the pistol, and demanded money. Archambeau then left the scene.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
Archambeau was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Production of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on November 25, 2024.
Thomas William Tatar, age 38, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100, and restitution in the amount of $3,000. Tatar must register as a sex offender upon release from federal prison.
Tatar was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024. He pleaded guilty on September 11, 2024.
The investigation discovered that Tatar had been grooming a 10-year-old female for months through the online application “Discord”. Tatar convinced the child into thinking they were in a romantic relationship which ultimately led to him convincing her to create for him and send to him depictions of herself engaged in sexually explicit behavior.
“Using the Internet, this defendant targeted a 10-year-old girl and persuaded her to share pornographic images of herself,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “His 30-year sentence rightfully reflects the gravity of his crime. More than that, however, this case is yet another reminder to parents and caretakers across the state that we must be vigilant when it comes to our children’s use of smart phones, tablets, and gaming devices. Each platform provides defendants like this one an avenue through which children can be targeted and victimized. It will take all of us—community members, caretakers, educators, and law enforcement—to put an end to this nightmarish criminal activity.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
Tatar was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Child Pornography and Assaulting a Federal Officer in the Course of a Multi-Hour StandoffRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Distribution of Child Pornography and Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on November 25, 2024.
Brad Hicks, age 58, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200, and restitution in the amount of $39,000. Hicks must register as a sex offender upon release from federal prison.
Hicks was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024. He pleaded guilty on September 4, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from Hicks creating an account through the application BitTorrent to send and receive images and videos of child pornography. He was found to be in possession of 3,045 images and 743 videos of child pornography, which included a victim as young as 3-5 years old.
In addition, on February 27, 2024, when the U.S. Marshal Service attempted to take Hicks into custody, Hicks observed law enforcement outside of his home, retrieved a firearm, and proceeded to have a multi-hour standoff with the Sioux Falls SWAT team. The standoff ended after tear gas was deployed and Hicks finally surrendered.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, and the U.S. Marshal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
Hicks was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Five Years and Eight Months for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Devin Dolphus, age 25, was sentenced on November 20, 2024, to five years and eight months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Forfeiture of the firearm and ammunition was also ordered.
Dolphus was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2024, and pleaded guilty on August 27, 2024.
On March 1, 2024, Dolphus was found passed out in a running vehicle at a gas station in New Underwood. As officers made contact with Dolphus they found him to be disoriented, with bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and hand tremors. A search of the vehicle recovered a Bushmaster model XM15-E2S rifle and two magazines, marijuana, pills, syringes with methamphetamine residue, and other drug related items. At the time of his arrest Dolphus tested positive for THC and methamphetamine. Dolphus is prohibited from possessing firearms because he was previously twice convicted of federal firearm convictions in 2019 and 2021.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Dolphus was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following his sentencing.
Brandon Man Sentenced for Bank EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol has sentenced a Brandon, South Dakota, man convicted of Bank Embezzlement. The sentencing took place on November 25, 2024.
Cade Richard Weeldreyer, age 31, was sentenced to one day in federal prison, four years of supervised release, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100, $1,000 fine, and restitution in the amount of $21,619 to One American Bank.
Weeldreyer was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2024. He pleaded guilty on September 18, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on April 21, 2023, when Weeldreyer, while being employed as a branch manager of One American Bank, embezzled $21,619 from the bank. Weeldreyer took the mutilated currency from the bank’s vault and instead of following the bank’s procedures for handling the currency, kept it for himself and used it for his own purposes.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Sioux Falls Police Department, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schrier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Stolen Firearm. The sentencing took place on November 20, 2024.
Tanner Lee Hershman, 29, was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Hershman was indicted for Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Felon in Possession of a Firearm by a federal grand jury in April 2024. He pleaded guilty to Possession of a Stolen Firearm in August 2024.
On December 21, 2023, officers were called to a residence in Sioux Falls for a report of a domestic disturbance. The reporting party alleged that she had been assaulted by Hershman inside the residence that evening. In speaking with the reporting party, law enforcement learned that Hershman, a convicted felon, was also in possession of a firearm. A Glock model 44, semi-automatic pistol was subsequently located in the garage of the residence and confirmed to be a firearm reported stolen in October 2023. Through investigation, detectives discovered that Hershman had stolen the firearm from the gun owner’s vehicle on October 8, 2023.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Beau J. Blouin prosecuted the case.
Hershman was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Former Oglala Sioux Tribe Treasurer Indicted for Theft from the TribeRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man for Larceny and Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.
Mason Big Crow, age 50, was indicted in September of 2024. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman on November 22, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to ten years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
As the treasurer for the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Big Crow had nearly exclusive access to the tribe’s debit and credit card, and also had access to the tribe’s bank accounts. Between January 2021 and March 2023, Big Crow embezzled tribal funds to make personal purchases that had not been authorized by the tribe and that were used for his personal benefit.
The charges are merely an accusation and Big Crow is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case was brought pursuant to the Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities. The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include: the FBI; the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development; IRS Criminal Investigation; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.
For additional information about the Guardians Project, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (605) 330-4400. To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.
The investigation is being conducted by Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Big Crow was released pending trial. A trial date has not been scheduled.
Sisseton Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzlement and Theft ViolationRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Sisseton, South Dakota, woman convicted of Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization. The sentencing took place on November 14, 2024, in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Amanda Joy Quinn, age 42, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. She was ordered to pay $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Quinn was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2023. She pleaded guilty on June 24, 2024.
From about June 2017 through July 2020, Ms. Quinn, who had been elected Treasurer of the Long Hollow District of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe, embezzled approximately $107,295. While working in the capacity of Treasurer, Ms. Quinn processed checks from the Long Hollow District’s bank account, then authorized checks from that bank account for overpayments to herself and others. She negotiated the checks in her name and kept the cash. At her change of plea hearing, Ms. Quinn admitted to the scheme; she acknowledged that she was not entitled to that money and that her receipt of it was unlawful.
This case was brought pursuant to the Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities. The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include: the FBI; the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development; IRS Criminal Investigation; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.
For additional information about the Guardians Project, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (605) 330-4400. To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb.
Quinn will self-report to the U.S. Marshals Service to serve her sentence at a later date.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 21 Months in Federal Prison for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schrier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on November 18, 2024.
Tanner Kills Enemy, 26, was sentenced to one year and nine months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The sentence was ordered to run consecutively to a state sentence Kills Enemy is currently serving at Mike Durfee State Prison for Aggravated Assault.
Kills Enemy was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in May 2024. He pleaded guilty in October 2024.
Kills Enemy is required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act as a result of a conviction in October of 2020 for Sexual Abuse in Rosebud Sioux Tribal Court. On February 1, 2024, while on federal supervised release for a prior Failure to Register conviction, Kills Enemy left his registered address in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and failed to update the sex offender registry with his new address or location. Kills Enemy’s whereabouts were unknown to registration officials until he was arrested on March 15, 2024.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Beau J. Blouin prosecuted the case.
Kills Enemy was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Assaulting a Woman and for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact and one count of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on November 18, 2024.
Eugene Hollow Horn Bear, age 65, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Hollow Horn Bear was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024. Following a two-day jury trial in August 2024, he was found guilty of two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact. He pleaded guilty to one count of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender on September 12, 2024.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on the evening of July 20, 2023, the victim awoke to Hollow Horn Bear touching her genital area and breasts after she had gone to sleep in an abandoned carwash in Mission, South Dakota, in the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. The victim called out for help and another individual pulled Hollow Horn Bear off the victim and forced him to leave the carwash. Hollow Horn Bear had failed to update his sex offender registration when he committed this offense.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.
Hollow Horn Bear was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for 12 Years and Seven Months for Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Brittany Aguilar, age 33, was sentenced on November 15, 2024, to 12 years and seven months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Aguilar was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2024, and pleaded guilty on August 21, 2024.
On November 30, 2023, Aguilar was involved in a traffic stop following a trip to Colorado. During the search of the vehicle law enforcement found over 2,000 fentanyl pills that were intended to be distributed in the Rapid City area.
This case was investigated by the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Division of Criminal Investigation, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Aguilar was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following her sentencing.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced for Stabbing Brother on Pine Ridge ReservationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on November 18, 2024.
Jadan Poor Bear, 31, was sentenced to one year and eight months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Poor Bear’s prison sentence is to be served consecutively to a sentence he received for another assault Poor Bear committed on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
A federal grand jury indicted Poor Bear for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in March of 2024. He pleaded guilty on August 27, 2024.
On March 23, 2023, Poor Bear used a knife to stab his brother in the upper chest and shoulder, after an argument. The brother suffered serious injury, including a pneumothorax of his chest and intra-abdominal bleeding. He was life-flighted by helicopter to a hospital in Rapid City, where he underwent surgery to repair his injuries.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court, rather than State court.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.
Poor Bear was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Nebraska Man Indicted and Detained for Kidnapping South Dakota MinorRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Bellevue, Nebraska, man has been arraigned on charges of Kidnapping, Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity, and Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.
On November 7, 2024, a federal grand jury issued an Indictment of Sean Carlos Payne, age 33. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on November 18, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the charges in the Indictment. Payne was originally charged by Criminal Complaint on October 21, 2024, after he was arrested near Rawlins, Wyoming. There, Payne fled a traffic stop and fled Wyoming law enforcement officers at high speeds, with the minor in his vehicle. Payne is alleged to have used various internet-based applications and chat platforms to communicate with the minor prior to October 20, 2024. He is also alleged to have solicited sexually explicit images of her and sexually abused her before crossing state lines with her to engage in further illegal sex with her.
Payne has an extensive multi-state criminal history, including an Iowa conviction from June 2024, for attempted enticement of a minor. He also has been charged in Nebraska with aggravated assault, domestic violence, and terroristic threats.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for kidnapping is a mandatory minimum of 20 years up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges are merely accusations and Payne is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, the Meade County Sheriff’s Office, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the Rawlins Wyoming Police Department, and the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox is prosecuting the case.
At his arraignment, Payne consented to detention and was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Sisseton Woman Acquitted of Theft from an Indian Tribal OrganizationRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Sisseton, South Dakota, woman was acquitted of Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization following a federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota, on November 12-14, 2024.
Diahna Kirk, a/k/a Diahna Rose Kirk, age 36, was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2024.
The charge related to the alleged embezzlement of money by Kirk belonging to the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Fuel Inc., which is an Indian tribal organization
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI. The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Selling Firearms in South DakotaRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on November 12, 2024, in Sioux Falls.
Ocean Stevenson, age 21, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay a $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Stevenson was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2024. He pleaded guilty on August 5, 2024.
On December 13, 2023, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted an operation targeting Stevenson as an illegal seller of firearms. During the operation, an ATF agent assumed an undercover role and exchanged in communications with Stevenson, during which Stevenson agreed to sell a .40 caliber handgun. The agent met with Stevenson at a location in Sioux Falls to complete the sale. Stevenson is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2023 felony conviction in Pennington County.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
Stevenson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving his sentence.
Porcupine Man Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Abusing a Minor FemaleRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentencing took place on November 13, 2024.
Michael Lee Spider, Jr., age 30, was sentenced to four years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Spider was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in April of 2024. He pleaded guilty on August 5, 2024.
In September of 2023, Spider met up with a 14-year-old female at a residence in the Pine Ridge Reservation. The female became intoxicated and high on marijuana. Spider and the female engaged in a sexual act.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Spider was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Plankinton Man Charged as an Unlawful User of Controlled Substances in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Plankinton, South Dakota, man for Possession of Firearms by a Prohibited Person.
Cory John Cumings, age 45, was indicted in November of 2024. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L Duffy on November 14, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about December 21, 2023, Cumings, knowing he was an unlawful user of controlled substances, was in possession of excess of 100 firearms and ammunition.
The charge is merely an accusation and Cumings is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. The Davison County Sheriff’s Office and the Mitchell Police Department also assisted with the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce is prosecuting the case.
Cumings was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mitchell Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Assaulting a Federal Officer in the Cheyenne River ReservationRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mitchell, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on November 12, 2024
Dustin Todd Long, age 38, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Long was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2023. He pleaded guilty on August 14, 2024.
The conviction stems from Long pointing a handgun toward Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officers after refusing to obey their commands in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, on August 22, 2023. During the incident, Long waved the handgun around while walking toward Main Street, where he continued to ignore commands to drop the firearm. After Long was apprehended, law enforcement was able to determine that the firearm was unloaded.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.
Long was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Justice Department Secures Agreement to Eliminate Voting Barriers for Native Americans in South DakotaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department has secured an agreement with Bennett County, South Dakota, and county officials to resolve claims that the county has failed to make its registration and early voting opportunities equally open to Native American voters as required by Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
Under the terms of the agreement, Bennett County will operate a satellite office in Allen, South Dakota, to provide in-person registration and absentee voting services during regular business hours for the full state-mandated 46-day absentee voting period prior to federal, state and county elections.
“It is time to eliminate all barriers standing between Native American voters and the ballot box across our country. An inclusive democracy must provide all of its eligible voters access to the full range of voter registration and early voting opportunities required by law,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “With this agreement, we will ensure that Native American voters will have the same access to registration and early voting as do other voters. The Justice Department will continue to challenge discriminatory election-related laws and policies and will vigorously enforce federal law to move us ever closer to a fully enfranchised Native electorate.”
“The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy, but that right is hollow without access to registration and early voting opportunities,” said U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell for the District of South Dakota. “We are grateful Bennett County has agreed to improve voting access for Native Americans in South Dakota by adding and staffing a satellite office in Allen.”
The Justice Department’s investigation found that Native Americans in Bennett County did not have equal access to the in-person registration and absentee voting available under state law. American Indians who live on Tribal lands disproportionally lack the ability to travel long distances to the county seat of Martin, South Dakota, for those in-person voting services. Since 2015, the state has made Help America Vote Act funds available to counties like Bennett to establish a satellite office on Tribal lands.
More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931. Individuals can also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota either by emailing [email protected] or by calling 605-330-4400.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm Possession and Violating Sex Offender LawsRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencings took place on October 28, 2024.
As to the conviction for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Jason Pumpkin Seed, age 36, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. For the conviction for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, Pumpkin Seed was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. The Court ordered the prison sentences and periods of supervised release to be served concurrently. Pumpkin Seed was also ordered to pay $200 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
A federal grand jury indicted Pumpkin Seed in July and November of 2023. He pleaded guilty to both charges on July 23, 2024.
The conviction for possessing a firearm resulted from Pumpkin Seed’s arrest after fleeing Rapid City Police officers in a stolen car in February of 2023. After Pumpkin Seed abandoned the car, officers recovered a loaded Hi-Point semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number inside the car. Pumpkin Seed’s DNA was recovered from the car and the firearm. At the time he possessed the firearm, Pumpkin Seed was a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms,
The conviction for failing to register as a sex offender stems from Pumpkin Seed failing to register his address with the sex offender compliance officer in May of 2023, as required by federal law. Pumpkin Seed had previously been convicted in federal court of a violent sex offense. His sex offense conviction requires him to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case is also part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Rapid City Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.
Pumpkin Seed was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Watertown Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Abusing a Minor ChildRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Watertown, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on November 4, 2024, in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Deserick Jake Bird, age 37, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $200 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Bird will also be serving an 80-year sentence for a sexual assault conviction from the State of South Dakota.
Bird was originally indicted for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child by a federal grand jury in February of 2022. He pleaded guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact on August 19, 2024.
Over a three-year period, Bird sexually assaulted a young girl between eight and 11 years old. A second victim also came forward to report that Bird had sexually assaulted her when she was 14 years old.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Sisseton Wahpeton Tribal Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
Watauga Man Sentenced to over 13 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a Felon and for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Watauga, South Dakota, man convicted of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm and Simple Assault on a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on November 4, 2024.
Justin James Schneider, age 39, was sentenced to over 13 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and a $125 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. His revolver was also forfeited.
Schneider was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2023. Following a jury trial, he was convicted on August 8, 2024.
On June 20, 2023, the Corson County Sheriff’s Office received credible information that Schneider had discharged a revolver earlier that day and was armed and dangerous. The Corson County Sheriff requested and received assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services to detain and arrest Schneider. A BIA officer found Schneider in Bullhead, South Dakota, which lies within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. When the officer attempted to arrest him, Schneider fled in his pickup to a nearby pasture and engaged in an armed stand-off with Corson County deputies and BIA police officers. Schneider eventually hopped back into his pickup and fled to the Bullhead Community Center, striking a police squad car en route. Schneider then exited his pickup, brandishing a revolver, gesturing wildly towards nearby civilians and disregarding repeated police commands to drop his gun. As Schneider moved quickly towards unarmed children, a police officer shot him to protect the public. Schneider was taken into custody without further incident.
Schneider has nine prior felony convictions, including convictions for Aggravated Assault, Assault Against a Law Enforcement Officer, Felony Driving Under the Influence, Possession of Methamphetamine and Ingestion of Methamphetamine.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Corson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Schneider was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Two Winner Men Sentenced to Federal Prison, One for 10 Years and Another for Five Years, for Their Roles in a Drive by ShootingRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced two Winner, South Dakota, men convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon. The sentencings took place on November 5, 2024.
Arthur Black Bull, age 19, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Therryn Black Horse, age 22, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Black Bull and Black Horse were indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2024. Black Bull pleaded guilty on August 5, 2024. Black Horse pleaded guilty on August 7, 2024.
The convictions stem from an incident that occurred in April of 2023 in Winner Tribal Housing, which is in Tripp County, South Dakota, and which is part of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. In the early morning hours of April 13, 2023, Black Bull and Black Horse drove by the victim’s residence in Winner Tribal Housing. Black Horse had a previous disagreement with the victim and wanted to scare him. As they passed the residence in their vehicle, Black Bull fired multiple rounds at the residence with a 9mm pistol, striking the outside of the residence. The victim and his family were in the residence at the time of the shooting, but no one was injured. Shell casings collected from the scene were later matched to a pistol that was seized by law enforcement in a traffic stop in May of 2023. The pistol was subsequently traced to Black Bull. He and Black Horse will forfeit ownership of the pistol to the United States.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the FBI. Senior Litigation Counsel Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Black Bull and Black Horse were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sisseton Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Abusing Several Minor GirlsRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Sisseton, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentencing took place on November 5, 2024, in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Daniel Oscar Seaboy, age 23, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay a $200 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Seaboy was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2024. He pleaded guilty on August 19, 2024.
In March of 2023, a 13-year-old female and a 14-year-old female were at Seaboy’s house visiting another minor female. Seaboy provided alcohol and marijuana to the girls. Seaboy then had sexual intercourse with the 14-year-old female and infected her with a sexually transmitted disease. Seaboy also had sexual intercourse with the 13-year-old female without her consent.
Separately, in October of 2023, Seaboy lured a 14-year-old female from her home, provided her with alcohol and a vape pen, and had sexual intercourse with her without her consent. Seaboy also infected this minor female with a sexually transmitted disease.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Sisseton Wahpeton Tribal Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
Seaboy was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving his sentence.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on November 4, 2024.
Jaden Rae Lalley-Mestas, age 24, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Lalley-Mestas was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2023. He pleaded guilty on August 16, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from a package seizure that occurred in April of 2023 when law enforcement discovered that approximately six pounds of methamphetamine was shipped in a package destined for Lalley-Mestas’ home. Agents later examined the contents of Lalley-Mestas’ phone pursuant to a search warrant and discovered that he was working with others to receive the package and provide it to another co-conspirator.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Lalley-Mestas was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Acquitted of EscapeRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Escape from Custody following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, on November 7, 2024.
Jericho Ladeaux, age 31, was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2024.
The charges relate to Ladeaux allegedly failing to report to a Rapid City halfway house to finish his federal sentence. Ladeaux was found in Rapid City by local law enforcement approximately seven hours after he had been ordered to report to the halfway house.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.
Rapid City Man Convicted in Federal Jury Trial of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Curtis Cummings, age 39, of Rapid City, South Dakota, of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City. The verdict was returned on November 7, 2024.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum of 20 years up to life in custody and/or a $10,000,000 fine, five years up to life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Cummings was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2023.
Cummings was part of a large-scale distribution of fentanyl in the Rapid City area from December of 2021 through June of 2023. Cummings and others traveled to Colorado on a weekly basis to obtain significant quantities of fentanyl pills. When they returned to Rapid City, Cummings distributed the fentanyl pills from his home. During the course of the conspiracy fentanyl pills distributed by Cummings, and others working for him, were consumed by an individual on April 26, 2022, resulting in the overdose death of that individual.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Agency. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan N. Dilges and Edward C. Tarbay prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for January 24, 2025. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
McLaughlin Man Sentenced to Nearly 14 Months in Federal Prison for Burglary in the Standing Rock ReservationRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of First-Degree Burglary. The sentencing took place on November 4, 2024.
Nathaniel B. Griffin, age 49, was sentenced to nearly 14 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Griffin was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2023. He pleaded guilty on July 29, 2024.
Shortly after nightfall on July 5, 2023, Griffin and two co-defendants went to a woman’s home in McLaughlin to assault a man they believed had inappropriately touched a girl. McLaughlin lies within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. As the woman yelled at them to go away, one of the co-defendants kicked in her front door. Griffin and another co-defendant rushed into the house while their accomplice stood on the stoop. Although the man was passed out, one of Griffin’s co-defendants repeatedly kicked him in the face while Griffin illumined the scene with a cell phone flashlight. The man incurred a broken nose and shattered orbital and sinus bones in the affray. He still struggles with his vision and headaches today.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Griffin was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
After Being Found Guilty in a Federal Jury Trial of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, A South Dakota Man Has Been Sentenced to 45 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a South Dakota man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on November 4, 2024, in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Lance Quintin Longie, age 42, was sentenced to three years and nine months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Longie was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in May of 2024. Longie proceeded to trial on August 5, 2024, and the jury returned a guilty verdict.
Longie is required to register a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act because he was convicted of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First Degree in 2004 in the District Court of Minnesota, Clay County. In the summer of 2022, Longie was residing in Moorhead, MN, and last registered with the Moorhead Police Department on June 29, 2022. Later that summer, Longie traveled to South Dakota and took up residence in New Effington. Longie resided at the New Effington address and did not update the sex offender registry in South Dakota until he was arrested at the residence by officers with the Roberts County Sheriff’s Office on March 22, 2024.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Beau Blouin prosecuted the case.
Longie was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving his sentence.
Rapid City Woman Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Facilitating Live Broadcast of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on October 31, 2024.
Krystal Kay Bulin, 30, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. She was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $3,000 in restitution to her victim. Bulin will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
A federal grand jury indicted Bulin in November of 2023 for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor by a Parent or Guardian and Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Child Pornography. She pleaded guilty on August 2, 2024.
The investigation began when a concerned citizen alerted law enforcement after observing a 16-year-old minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct while broadcasting on the online streaming platform “BuzzCast.” The South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force determined the minor lived in Rapid City, and that the defendant was facilitating the livestream in order to make money for a speeding ticket she received. The defendant, the victim’s temporary guardian, repeatedly typed messages to viewers and moderated the chat room in which viewers were watching and commenting on the minor’s exploitation in real time. One of the viewers sent the defendant $100 via CashApp as payment for the child pornography he watched of the victim.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, the Rapid City Police Department, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.
Bulin was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Minnesota and South Dakota Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine Throughout the Sioux Falls AreaRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Worthington, Minnesota, man and a Brandon, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Keophothone Rounoubon, age 31, was sentenced on April 16, 2024, to 11 years and three months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
Tremaine Vang Sihavong, age 35, was sentenced on October 28, 2024, to five years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
Rounoubon and Sihavong were indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2023. Rounoubon pleaded guilty on January 26, 2024, and Sihavong pleaded guilty on August 16, 2024.
Starting in approximately 2020 and ending in approximately 2023, these two defendants agreed together and with others to sell methamphetamine throughout the Sioux Falls area. The conspiracy involved tens of pounds of methamphetamine and thousands of dollars in drug proceeds.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
Rounoubon and Sihavong were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving their sentences.
Blackhawk Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for More Than 26 Years for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Blackhawk, South Dakota, man, convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Darin Wherley, age 38, was sentenced on November 1, 2024, to 26 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Wherley was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2023, and pleaded guilty on June 12, 2024.
Wherley’s conviction stemmed from his involvement in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution operation in western South Dakota. During this conspiracy Wherley would supply thousands of dollars to Mark Bond to purchase large amounts of methamphetamine from his Colorado sources, Richard Glover and Teresa Goodroad. Once the drugs were in South Dakota, it would be distributed by various individuals. Between 15 and 45 kilograms of methamphetamine was distributed during the course of this criminal enterprise.
“Darin Wherley was involved in a drug conspiracy that brought nearly 100 pounds of methamphetamine into western South Dakota, including into the Pine Ridge Reservation,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “His 26-year sentence and the sentences handed down to his co-conspirators reflect not only the seriousness of the crimes committed, but also the persistence of the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force to locate, investigate, and hold accountable those who peddle illicit substances in our South Dakota communities.”
Glover, Goodroad, Bond, and others part of this conspiracy were sentenced earlier this summer. Glover and Goodroad both received sentences of 17 years and six months in prison and Bond received a sentence of 26 years and eight months in prison.
This case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the FBI, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, Martin Police Department, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Wherley was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following his sentencing.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The sentencing took place on October 30, 2024.
Hunter Hill, age 23, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Upon release from federal prison, Hill must register as a sex offender.
Hill was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2024. He pleaded guilty on August 12, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 10, 2024, when Hill, while using his cellular phone and the social media application Taimi, attempted to receive images of child pornography from an undercover agent posing as a 15-year-old female. Hill drove to a park in Sioux Falls to meet with the undercover agent and was subsequently arrested.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
Hill was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Woman Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of FentanylRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on October 28, 2024.
Kaylonie Goff, 30, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Goff was also ordered to pay $5,013.18 in restitution to the family of an overdose victim.
Goff was indicted for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death and two counts of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in September of 2023. She pleaded guilty on August 13, 2024.
The conviction stems from Goff and others distributing large quantities of fentanyl and heroin in the Rapid City area between 2021 and 2023. A pill Goff sold led to the overdose death of another person. In sentencing Goff, Judge Theeler focused on the deadly risks of distributing fentanyl and the fact every time Goff sold fentanyl, she was putting others at risk. The judge further found Goff’s significant role in the conspiracy and her attempts to obstruct the investigation justified a sentence of 25 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, which is a local drug task force comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.
Goff was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Porcupine Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of Bank Fraud.
Lyle Dean Misun Tibbits, 31, was sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Tibbits was also ordered to pay $22,500 in restitution to Security First Bank.
Investigation showed Tibbits, who was employed as a ranch hand, stole checks from his employer’s checkbook and successfully cashed six of them, for a total loss of $22,500. Tibbits’ seventh attempt to cash a check was reported as fraudulent. Tibbits was captured on bank video footage cashing the checks. In sentencing Tibbits to a custody term, Judge Schreier stated his choice to steal checks from his employer was “reprehensible.” Judge Schreier further required Tibbits to make monthly payments towards the restitution after his release from custody.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.
Tibbits was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Piedmont Man Sentenced to over Six Years in Federal Prison on Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Piedmont, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on October 28, 2024.
Sammy Stabber, 55, was sentenced to six years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Stabber was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in November of 2023. He pleaded guilty on August 13, 2024.
The case originated from a traffic stop in Rapid City in August of 2023. Stabber, the passenger in the car, fled the traffic stop. When he was apprehended, officers learned he had absconded from parole and had been carrying over three ounces of methamphetamine.
In sentencing Stabber, District Judge Theeler noted the seriousness of the crime of distribution of methamphetamine and how much danger it causes in the community.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.
Stabber was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine and Failure to Appear in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Failure to Appear. The sentencing took place on August 5, 2024.
Ethan Blue Bird, age 35, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Blue Bird was indicted for failure to appear in April of 2023 and later, in January of 2024 for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. He pleaded guilty on May 6, 2024.
From January of 2021 through April of 2023, Blue Bird was involved in a conspiracy with several others in the distribution of methamphetamine on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. As part of the conspiracy, Blue Bird was responsible for distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine. On April 24, 2022, Blue Bird was found in possession of a firearm. He admitted to law enforcement to being a daily user of methamphetamine. Following his initial indictment, Blue Bird was released on bond conditions. On March 28, 2023, Blue Bird failed to appear for the jury trial previously scheduled relating to the firearm offense.
These cases were investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan Dilges and Kirk Albertson prosecuted the cases.
Blue Bird was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Martin Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact and Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Martin, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on October 29, 2024.
KT High Elk, also known as KT Burgee, age 30, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
High Elk was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. He pleaded guilty on July 17, 2024.
High Elk and an 18-year-old woman were at a house party on January 15, 2022, in Eagle Butte in the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. When the woman went upstairs, High Elk followed her, then touched her genitalia without her consent. At the time, High Elk was required to register as a sex offender based on a 2014 conviction for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. He was apprehended horseback riding near Snellman, Minnesota, in March of 2024.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
High Elk was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Manderson Man Sentenced to over Four Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine in the Pine Ridge ReservationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Manderson, South Dakota, man, convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Tyler Laforge, age 45, was sentenced on October 31, 2024, to four years and nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Laforge was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2023, and pleaded guilty on June 24, 2024.
His conviction stemmed from his involvement in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution operation in Rapid City, South Dakota, and in the Pine Ridge Reservation. During this conspiracy Richard Glover and his significant other, Teresa Goodroad, were the source of supply for Mark Bond and Todd Pape in South Dakota. Bond and Pape would make trips to Colorado to pick up pounds of methamphetamine from Goodroad and Glover. Other times Goodroad and Glover would deliver the drugs to Bond and Pape in South Dakota. Once the drugs were in South Dakota they would be distributed by various individuals in the Pine Ridge Reservation, including Laforge, Marlena Pond, Chris Janis, Tessie Laforge, and others. Between 15 and 45 kilograms of methamphetamine were distributed during the course of this criminal enterprise.
Glover, Goodroad, Bond, Pape, Pond, Janis, and Tessie Laforge were sentenced earlier this summer to federal prison as follows:
- Bond received a sentence of 26 years and eight months in federal prison
- Pape received a sentence of 25 years in federal prison
- Glover received a sentence of 17 years and six months in federal prison
- Goodroad received a sentence of 17 years and six months in federal prison
- Pond received a sentence of six years in federal prison
- Janis received a sentence of six years in prison
- Tessie Laforge received a sentence of two years and six months in prison.
This case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the FBI, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, Martin Police Department, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan N. Dilges and Edward Tarbay prosecuted the case.
Laforge was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following his sentencing.
Justice Department to Monitor Compliance in Four South Dakota CountiesRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that the Justice Department will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Bennett, Jackson, Minnehaha, and Oglala Lakota Counties for the Nov. 5 general election.
The Justice Department enforces federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all eligible citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will coordinate the effort. Monitors will include Justice Department personnel, who will contact state and local election officials as needed throughout Election Day.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act and Civil Rights Acts. The division’s Disability Rights Section enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that persons with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote. The division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter suppression based on race, color, national origin or religion.
On Election Day, Civil Rights Division personnel will be available all day to receive questions and complaints from the public related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws. Reports may be made through the department’s website www.civilrights.justice.gov or by calling toll-free at 800-253-3931. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will also be available to receive complaints on Election Day at (605) 838-9446. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (605) 334-6881.
Individuals with questions or complaints related to the ADA may call the department’s toll-free ADA information hotline at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or submit a complaint through a link on the department’s ADA website at www.ada.gov.
Complaints related to any disruptions at a polling place should always be reported to local election officials (including officials based in the polling place). Complaints related to violence, threats of violence or intimidation at a polling place should be reported immediately to local police authorities by calling 911. These complaints should also be reported to the department after local authorities have been contacted.
More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents and other resources, is available at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
Bridger Mother and Son Sentenced to Decades in Federal Prison on Murder and Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, sentenced a Bridger, South Dakota, woman and her son, both convicted of Second-Degree Murder, Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencings took place on October 28, 2024.
Theodora Belt, age 48, was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison on the murder charge and 10 years in prison on each of the remaining assault charges, all to run concurrently. Bailey Belt, age 23, was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison on the murder charge and 10 years in prison on the assault charges involving two separate victims, all to run concurrently.
Both defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2023. On, June 28, 2024, mother and son were convicted following a federal jury trial of all counts in the Indictment.
The convictions stem from an incident that occurred on May 27, 2023, in Bridger, in the Cheyenne River Reservation. Theodora and Bailey Belt were at the victims’ home socializing. An argument began between the parties and the defendants assaulted victim #1 by punching, kicking, and beating him with a shovel. As victim #1 lay on the ground outside the home he was run over with Theodora’s car, which ultimately killed him. In addition, Bailey Belt struck victim #2 in the head with a shovel, causing him to be life-flighted to Rapid City for medical treatment. He survived the assault.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Troy R. Morley and Brian J. Murphy prosecuted the case.
The defendants were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Arraigned on Federal Charges Following Arrest for Large Scale Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that the United States has brought federal charges against a Rapid City, South Dakota, man for Distribution of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.
Lewis Patterson III, age 39, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on October 30, 2024. Patterson pleaded not guilty to the Criminal Complaint.
If convicted of distributing child pornography, Patterson faces a mandatory minimum of five years up to 20 years in prison, and a fine of up $250,000. He faces a mandatory minimum of five years up to life of supervised release. Restitution is mandatory. Patterson also faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of possessing child pornography.
The charges are merely accusations and Patterson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Law enforcement’s initial investigation has established that since at least March of 2024, Patterson personally distributed hundreds of thousands of images and videos of children being sexually abused across multiple internet-based applications, platforms, and encrypted messaging services. Patterson also utilized artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency to profit from his child pornography distribution scheme.
“The frequency with which criminals target and sexually exploit children is terrifying,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “We are fortunate to have federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that regularly collaborate through the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce to expose this nefarious activity. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize the federal prosecution of anyone looking to use the Internet to exploit children.”
In response to the arrest, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley stated, “Cooperation by law enforcement resulted in this successful investigation. As Attorney General, I will continue to use every tool available to protect children and hold accountable those harming children.”
The investigation is being led by the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, consisting of members of the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s office, partnered with Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox is prosecuting the case.
Patterson was detained following his arraignment and is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A detention hearing is scheduled for November 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
Valentine Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Valentine, Nebraska, man convicted of seven counts of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on October 28, 2024.
Christopher Franklin Beauvais, 41, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $700 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $1,426 in restitution to one of his victims.
Beauvais was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. He pleaded guilty on July 22, 2024.
Between June of 2006 and November of 2012, in Mission, South Dakota, within the Rosebud Indian Reservation, Beauvais sexually abused three adolescent girls. He repeatedly touched the girls’ buttocks, breasts, and genital areas in a home, at his workplace, and in public. The children were between 12 and 15 years old. That abuse ended in 2012 when Beauvais solicited a picture of the youngest girl’s bare breasts. Later, in 2020 in Mission, Beauvais touched yet another 12-year-old girl’s genital area over the clothing while she slept in her bed.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain serious crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carl Thunem and Wayne Vanhueizen prosecuted the case.
Beauvais was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for over Three Years for Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter.
Devin White Calf, age 23, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
White Calf was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in December of 2023. He pleaded guilty on April 5, 2024.
In September of 2023, White Calf consumed alcohol with a group of friends and relatives. At some point, White Calf drove his group to a place called “Top of the World.” This location is just west of Pine Ridge. At this location, the group continued to drink alcohol. While leaving “Top of the World,” White Calf lost control of the vehicle. One of the passengers, a 16-year-old female, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries. Multiple other passengers were also ejected from the car and sustained bodily injuries. Law enforcement was dispatched to the scene because individuals nearby could hear screaming and crying. When law enforcement arrived on scene, White Calf told them that he was not driving and that someone with the last name “Titus” was driving. Several months later, White Calf eventually admitted to law enforcement that he was the driver.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe – Department of Public Safety and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
White Calf was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Parmelee Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Shooting Another ManRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Parmelee, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon. The sentencing took place on October 29, 2024.
Brent Lester, age 28, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Lester was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2023. He pleaded guilty on July 17, 2024.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in October of 2022 within the boundaries of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. On October 14, 2022, Lester visited the residence of the victim, an adult male, in Mission, South Dakota. Lester was invited into the residence, but subsequently became loud and confrontational prompting the victim to demand Lester leave. Lester then produced a pistol and fired one shot at the victim, causing superficial wounds to the victim’s abdomen. Lester fled the scene but was apprehended by law enforcement later that day.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Senior Litigation Counsel Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Lester was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Wakpala Man Convicted by Federal Jury for Burglary and AssaultRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Francis Lee DuBray, age 35, of Wakpala, South Dakota, was found guilty on October 24, 2024, of First-Degree Burglary and two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, following a three-day federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on October 24, 2024.
The charge of First-Degree Burglary carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered. The charges of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
DuBray was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2023.
Shortly after nightfall on July 5, 2023, DuBray and two co-defendants went to a woman’s home in McLaughlin, South Dakota, to assault a man they believed had inappropriately touched a girl. McLaughlin lies within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. As the woman yelled at them to go away, one of the co-defendants kicked in her front door. DuBray’s co-defendants rushed into the house while DuBray stood by on the stoop, hollering and chastising the woman for allowing the man to stay in her house. Although the man was passed out, DuBray’s co-defendants repeatedly struck him with a metal bat and kicked him in the face while the woman pleaded for them to stop. They broke his nose and shattered his orbital and sinus bones. He still struggles with his vision and headaches today. As DuBray’s co-defendants left the home, one of them knocked the woman to the floor. As she crawled towards the front door, DuBray kicked her in the face, then fled with his companions.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain serious crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation report was ordered and a sentencing date of June 2, 2025, was set. DuBray remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Sioux Falls Man Found Guilty of Attempted Enticement of a Minor and Sex Trafficking of a ChildRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Gerber David Santos Gonzalez, age 25, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet and Sex Trafficking of a Child by Force or Coercion following a two-day jury trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls. The verdict was returned on October 23, 2024.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Santos Gonzalez was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2024.
Santos Gonzalez used his cell phone and the Facebook Messenger app to try to convince who he believed was a 15-year-old girl to have a sexual encounter with him and offered her $100 to do so. The 15-year-old girl was actually an undercover law enforcement officer. Santos Gonzalez arranged to meet the 15-year-old girl persona at a park in Sioux Falls, where he was apprehended by authorities and taken into custody.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Watertown Police Department, Tea Police Department, Rapid City Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has not been set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
McLaughlin Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on October 21, 2024.
Ronald Long Feather, 25, was sentenced to 34 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Long Feather was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2023. He pleaded guilty on July 23, 2024.
Shortly before 7:00 p.m. on March 9, 2023, in McLaughlin, which lies within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation, a belligerent and intoxicated man hurled a plastic snow shovel at Long Feather’s front door, damaging the screen. Long Feather, heavily intoxicated himself, stepped outside and confronted him on the stoop. During the ensuing scuffle, Long Feather stabbed the man in the neck. The man fled on foot to his uncle’s home, who turned him away, opining the blood would scare the children. No one called 911. The man wandered the snow-covered streets of McLaughlin until Good Samaritans rendered aid and called for an ambulance. The man’s heart stopped twenty minutes before reaching the Mobridge Hospital. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Long Feather was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Little Eagle Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating or Wounding. The sentencing took place on October 21, 2024.
Chate Moses Bobtail Bear, 46, was sentenced to one year in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Bobtail Bear was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2024. He pleaded guilty on July 29, 2024.
On January 25, 2024, Bobtail Bear quarreled with his brother-in-law at a home in Little Eagle, which lies within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. At police direction, Bobtail Bear decamped. Later that evening, Bobtail Bear returned, kicked open the door, entered the house, and swatted his brother-in-law across the face, who sustained a fractured sinus and a laceration to his knee in the affray.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain serious crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs- Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carl Thunem and Brian Murphy prosecuted the case.
Bobtail Bear was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Assaulting Fellow Inmate and Possessing a Sawed-Off ShotgunRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. The sentencing took place on October 21, 2024.
Kobe Ryan Running Bear, a/k/a Kobe Running Bear-Espinoza, age 21, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Running Bear was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2023. He pleaded guilty on July 24, 2024.
The convictions stem from two separate incidents which occurred in July of 2023 within the boundaries of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. On July 4, 2023, Running Bear was driving a vehicle faster than the posted speed limit in Mission, South Dakota. A law enforcement officer observed Running Bear and initiated a traffic stop, but Running Bear accelerated and attempted to flee. During the pursuit, Running Bear threw a short shotgun from his vehicle. The shotgun was recovered by law enforcement and Running Bear was subsequently apprehended. The short shotgun had a barrel of less than eighteen inches in length and was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Running Bear will forfeit ownership of the firearm to the United States.
On July 29, 2023, Running Bear was an inmate at the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Adult Correctional Facility. At one point, Running Bear and another man attacked a fellow inmate and assaulted him with a pencil.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Running Bear was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.