District of South Dakota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former Tribal Police Officer Found Guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a ChildRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Oscar Hudspeth, Sr., age 54, of Oglala, South Dakota, of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on October 10, 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.
Hudspeth was indicted by a federal grand jury in December of 2023.
In 2023, a female juvenile disclosed that Hudspeth had sexually abused her while her mother was married to him. The child was forensically interviewed and disclosed that Hudspeth touched her in a sexual manner on more than one occasion while he was her stepfather. The abuse occurred at their home in Oglala while the child’s mother was working. At the time, Hudspeth worked as a law enforcement officer for the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.
“This case represents a tragedy on many fronts, including that the child victim suffered horrendous abuse at the hands of a person sworn to uphold the law,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “Our office’s prosecution is a reminder that no one—not even a police officer—is above the law. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains steadfast in its commitment to vigorously protect children and aggressively fight to vindicate their right to lead lives free from abuse of any kind.”
“Our communities rely on law enforcement officers to serve and protect. Hudspeth betrayed his oath and violated the trust placed in him by harming the most vulnerable among us. No child should ever endure such an egregious crime,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. “This conviction demonstrates the FBI's commitment to ensuring that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable, no matter their position or authority.”
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman 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.
Florence Man Sentenced to over 31 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Pills Containing Fentanyl in Watertown and Sisseton AreasRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Florence, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on October 21, 2024.
Heath Kelvin Hagen, a/k/a Rem, age 37, was sentenced to 31 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Hagen was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2023. He was convicted at trial on July 30, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from Hagen’s involvement in a large fentanyl trafficking organization over the course of the Fall of 2021 into the Spring of 2022. Hagen knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute 400 grams of a substance containing fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. Hagen obtained pills containing fentanyl from a co-conspirator in Minneapolis. Hagen then re-sold the pills to sub-distributors and drug customers in Watertown and Sisseton. Following a search of Hagen’s residence, investigators recovered 60 fentanyl pills hidden in a fake tea can. Investigators determined Hagen was involved in the distribution of over 20,000 pills containing fentanyl.
“This defendant was repeatedly identified as the biggest fentanyl dealer in the Watertown area, responsible for peddling thousands of lethal doses of fentanyl into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “His sentence of over thirty-one years not only reflects the seriousness of his crime, but the relentless, collaborative efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to identify and investigate drug traffickers so that my office can prosecute and put away reckless criminals looking to profit off vulnerable and unsuspecting South Dakotans.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Hagen was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Federal Jury finds Mission Man Guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse and KidnappingRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Canku Martinez, age 22, of Mission, South Dakota, was found guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Kidnapping following a four-day federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on October 18, 2024.
Each charges carries a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, five years up to life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Martinez was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2024.
At trial, the evidence established in the early morning hours of October 29, 2024, in the Rosebud Indian Reservation, Martinez agreed to give a juvenile a ride home from a party near Rosebud, South Dakota. Rather than give her a ride home, however, Martinez drove her to a secluded area outside of Rosebud and made sexual advances. When the juvenile rejected his advances, Martinez produced a knife and forced her to engage in sexual activity. Martinez subsequently dropped the victim off at her residence, told her not to tell anyone what he had done, and left the area shortly thereafter.
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 Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Winner (SD) Police Department. Senior Litigation Counsel Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date has not been set. Martinez was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Election Officer Appointed for the District of South Dakota for the November 2024 General ElectionRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Ann M. Hoffman will lead the efforts of her Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Hoffman has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of South Dakota, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said U.S. Attorney Ramsdell. “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice is committed to protecting the integrity of the election process and bringing to justice those who seek to corrupt it.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
To respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Hoffman will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (605) 838-9446. In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (605) 334-6881.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., by filing a complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at (800) 253-3931.
U.S. Attorney Ramsdell further stated, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Watertown Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Firearms while under Active Domestic Protection OrderRead 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 Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on October 21, 2024, in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Christopher Thomas Manin, age 56, was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine, as well as $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Manin was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in October 2023. He pleaded guilty on July 29, 2024.
On July 25, 2022, the Watertown Police Department was dispatched to an apartment complex in town for reports of a domestic situation transpiring. Officers arrived at the apartment and spoke with Manin. During the investigation, the officers discovered Manin was in possession of several firearms and ammunition while he had an active domestic protection order against him and that he had been previously convicted of a felony.
“The presence of firearms in homes where domestic violence persists drastically increases the likelihood of intimate partner gun violence,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “For that reason, individuals subject to an active domestic protection order are federally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is fully committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to hold accountable perpetrators of domestic violence who illegally possess firearms.”
Manin was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving his sentence.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
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.
Kyle Man Sentenced to 50 years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of four counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor, one count of Abusive Sexual Contact, and one count of Witness Tampering. The sentencing took place on October 17, 2024.
Lloyd Emerson Elk, 48, was sentenced to a total of 50 years in federal prison on each count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $600 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He was also sentenced to five years in prison for Abusive Sexual Contact and 25 years in prison on the Witness Tampering conviction. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently.
Elk was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2024. He was found guilty following a two-day jury trial in July of 2024. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Theeler reflected Elk’s long pattern of violence was very concerning to her. She noted, “Crimes against children are some of the most heinous crimes . . . Adults in positions of power can abuse that position, take away the innocence of a child and hurt them.”
Elk, a former tribal law enforcement officer, sexually abused his stepdaughter multiple times when she was between the ages of five and seven years old. Elk employed years of domestic violence to control the victim and her family, including physical and emotional abuse. Elk told the victim if she ever told anyone about the sexual abuse, that he would kill her, her mother, and her brother. When the victim finally disclosed the abuse in late 2023, the investigation revealed Elk had sexually abused another seven-year-old girl in 1998—while employed as a police officer in Idaho—and made similar threats to her to keep her quiet.
“Every instance of child sexual abuse is simultaneously shocking and heartbreaking,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “But it is unthinkable that such victimization would happen at the hands of a law enforcement officer. It took great courage for the victims in this case to come forward with the truth, and we are grateful to our partners at the FBI who expertly investigated the matter so that our prosecutors could bring this violent defendant to justice, once and for all. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will never yield in our steadfast commitment to protecting women and children from violence.”
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Lindrooth and Megan Poppen prosecuted the case. Elk was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Piedmont Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Piedmont, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on October 10, 2024.
Corbin Mudlin, age 31, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Mudlin was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in February of 2024. He pleaded guilty on July 1, 2024.
In January of 2024, a Rapid City Police Officer observed Mudlin walking in Rapid City and knew that Mudlin had an active warrant for his arrest. The officer contacted Mudlin and arrested him on his active warrant. At the time he was arrested, Mudlin had a SIG Sauer 9mm semi-automatic pistol in his waistband with an extended magazine containing 20 rounds of ammunition. Mudlin knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2016 felony conviction.
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 Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Mudlin was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Dell Rapids Man Sentenced for Attempted Receipt 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 Dell Rapids, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on October 15, 2024.
Dylan Ryan, age 25, was sentenced to five 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 his release from federal prison, Ryan must register as a sex offender.
Ryan was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 24. He pleaded guilty on July 29, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 9, 2024, when Ryan, while using his cellular phone and the social media application Reddit, attempted to receive images of child pornography from an undercover agent posing as a 13-year-old female. Ryan drove to a park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 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.
Ryan was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Domestic Violence ChargeRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. The sentencing took place on October 10, 2024.
Kristopher Kerbaugh, Sr., 36, was sentenced to a total of two years and nine 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.
Kerbaugh was indicted for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner by a federal grand jury in May of 2024. He pleaded guilty on July 15, 2024.
The conviction stems from Kerbaugh stabbing the victim, his wife of ten years. Kerbaugh, who at the time was intoxicated, became angry with the victim while accusing her of infidelity and stabbed her three times with a pocketknife. He also beat her. After stabbing her, he attempted to cover her wounds with duct tape. A third party called the police, and the victim was airlifted to the hospital for treatment of her injuries. In sentencing Kerbaugh, District Judge Schreier stated this was one of the more serious assaults she had seen between a husband and wife.
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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.
Kerbaugh was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
North Carolina Woman Sentenced for Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Greensboro, North Carolina, woman convicted of False Statement. The sentencing took place on October 10, 2024.
Dr. Erin Lynn Hower, age 39, was sentenced to time served, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $22,832.00 in restitution.
Hower was indicted on two counts of False Statement by a federal grand jury in January of 2023. She pleaded guilty on June 10, 2024.
Between January and February of 2018, Hower was employed as an urgent care locum tenens pediatrician in a pediatric clinic in North Carolina, where she held a medical license. During that time, Hower saw a male patient twice in January and once in February. Thereafter, Hower engaged in a sexual relationship with the male patient. After the sexual relationship was discovered, the North Carolina Medical Board began an investigation into Hower’s sexual relationship with the patient, as well as other complaints that had been made against her. Hower was made aware of the North Carolina Medical Board’s investigation and knew that one of the allegations being investigated was the sexual relationship with a patient.
In July of 2020, while the North Carolina Medical Board investigation was underway, Hower applied for a pediatric position with Indian Health Service (“IHS") in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. As part of the application, Hower completed a credentialing application, which was sent to and reviewed by several individuals, including the Acting Chief Executive Officer for IHS. The application contained several questions that Hower was required to answer, including whether there were any disciplinary actions or investigations against her by any state licensure board. Hower failed to disclose that the disciplinary action or investigation by the North Carolina Medical Board involved sexual misconduct allegations. Based on her false responses in her application, Hower was hired to work as a pediatrician at IHS in Pine Ridge and began in August of 2020. At no time during her employment did Hower disclose that she was under investigation by the North Carolina Medical Board for having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a patient. While Hower was employed at IHS, the North Carolina Medical Board completed its investigation and concluded Hower’s sexual relationship with a patient constituted unprofessional conduct. On January 4, 2021, the North Carolina Medical Board ordered Hower’s medical license to be indefinitely suspended. Thereafter, Hower continued to work at IHS for several weeks despite her medical license being suspended.
“We trust pediatricians with the most vulnerable among us—our children,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “When pediatricians betray that trust by concealing allegations of sexual misconduct, they not only endanger the lives of those in their care, but they undermine the very foundation of medical ethics. It is therefore imperative that such actions are met with accountability. I am grateful to our partners at HHS-OIG and my colleagues at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for holding this defendant to account in federal court.”
“This physician sentenced in this case lied to conceal the fact that she was under investigation for sexual misconduct allegations when applying for a position in the Indian Health Service, thus jeopardizing patient safety through her dishonesty,” said Special Agent in Charge Linda T. Hanley of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to hold accountable those who undermine the integrity of federal health care programs to ensure that patients are provided quality care by appropriately licensed providers.”
This case was investigated by Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Lengthy Sentences in Federal Prison Handed Down in Ongoing Large Scale Drug Conspiracy and Money Laundering CaseRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced four individuals convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
Nathan Johnson, age 39, from Denver, Colorado, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments on June 17, 2024. He was sentenced to 36 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 $200. Johnson was sentenced in September of 2024.
Michele Johnson, age 48, from Steen, Minnesota, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments on July 29, 2024. She was sentenced to 31 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 $200. She was sentenced in October of 2024.
Jesse Richmond, age 51, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments on June 18, 2024. He was sentenced to 24 years and four 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 $200. Richmond was sentenced in September of 2024.
Tony Hunter, age 53, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance on May 29, 2024. He was sentenced to 27 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. Hunter was sentenced in September of 2024.
Nathan Johnson, Michele Johnson, Matthew Thomas, Jesse Richmond, and Tony Hunter were originally indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2023. A third superseding indictment was filed in May of 2024 adding defendant, Alfred Siani.
From December of 2022 to July of 2023, the above-mentioned defendants alongside numerous other co-conspirators transported large loads of methamphetamine from California to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Nathan Johnson, acting as the leader of the conspiracy, would travel from his home in Denver, Colorado to meet with his source of supply in Southern California. While there, Nathan Johnson would receive approximately 150-pounds worth of methamphetamine which would go on to be further distributed in Denver, Colorado, as well as South Dakota.
While in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Nathan Johnson would distribute bulk amounts of methamphetamine to his co-conspirators: Jesse Richmond, Tony Hunter, and Michele Johnson. Richmond, Hunter, and Michele Johnson would go on to further distribute the methamphetamine throughout the Sioux Falls community and into southwest Minnesota.
The amount of methamphetamine involved was in excess of 300 pounds and over $450,000 in drug proceeds were laundered during the existence of this conspiracy.
“The multi-decade sentences obtained thus far illustrate the seriousness of the crimes and the dogged commitment of every agency involved to focus our resources on those criminals who choose to distribute dangerous substances in our state,” said United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “We are grateful for the collaboration of more than a dozen federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and joint task forces, as well as out-of-state agencies, which resulted in the takedown of a network of drug dealers responsible for bringing hundreds of pounds of illegal narcotics into South Dakota. We are fortunate to have such dedicated men and women doing the difficult investigative and prosecutorial work required to keep our communities safe.”
“These sentences should serve as a wake-up call to anyone transporting or distributing methamphetamine into South Dakota communities,” Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steve Bell said. “These four people are facing a combined 119 years in federal prison. Each sentence should provide the offender with ample time to reflect on the damage and destruction they’ve inflicted on so many lives.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (including the Rocky Mountain Field Division, Omaha Field Division, Mexico City Country Office, Los Angeles Field Division, Special Operations Division), as well as South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, FBI, South Dakota Highway Patrol, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation team, El Paso Intelligence Center, and collaboration received from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Marshals Service, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Sioux Falls Police Department, Mitchell Police Department, Denver Police Department, Las Vegas Metro Police Department, Worthington Police Department, Brookings Police Department, Rock County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force, Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force, Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Forde, and the Colorado Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen prosecuted the case.
All four defendants were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Brookings Man Charged with Production of Child Pornography and CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Brookings, South Dakota, man for Production of Child Pornography and Cyberstalking.
Jaykob Elijah Varner, age 24, was indicted in October of 2024. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 8, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The Indictment alleges that between August 1, 2023, and April 13, 2024, Varner knowingly induced, enticed, and coerced a minor female to create images and videos of herself engaged in sexually explicit conduct, then send those images and videos to Varner. The Indictment further alleges that Varner used online applications to harass, intimidate, and keep the minor female under surveillance in order to harass and intimidate her into making such images and videos which caused her substantial emotional distress.
If convicted, Varner faces a possible maximum penalty of up to 30 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges are merely accusations and Varner is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb is prosecuting the case.
Varner was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Sioux Falls Woman Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on October 8, 2024.
Andrea Pitts, age 46, was sentenced to eight years and one month 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.
Pitts was indicted by a federal grand jury in the March of 2023. She pleaded guilty on July 10, 2024.
On November 24, 2022, Pitts and her co-defendant Jennifer Walsh were pulled over due to speeding on I-90 in Chamberlain, South Dakota. During the traffic stop a K-9 was called and alerted to the presence of drugs. A search of the vehicle revealed five pounds of methamphetamine in a hidden compartment. Pitts and Walsh were transporting the drugs from California to South Dakota where the methamphetamine would be distributed.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Pitts was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following her sentencing. Walsh was sentenced on September 23, 2024, to eight years and one month in federal prison.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to over Three Years in Federal Prison for Firearm CrimesRead 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 Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on October 7, 2024.
Marwan Abdulkareem Hamdan, age 27, was sentenced to three years and 10 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.
Hamdan was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in April of 2023. He pleaded guilty to that charge on July 29, 2024.
The charge arose from a traffic stop in the early morning hours of September 4, 2022, in which Hamdan was the front seat passenger. The vehicle was searched, and a firearm was located in the vehicle’s glove box. Forensic analysis found Hamdan’s DNA on the gun.
Hamden is prohibited from possessing firearms because he is a three-time convicted felon. He was convicted of Robbery in the Second Degree in 2015, Identity Theft in 2016, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in 2018.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department’s Violent Crime Unit and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
The defendant was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Drug CrimesRead 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 Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute. The sentencing took place on October 7, 2024.
George Lamoine Ridgway, age 55, was sentenced to 11 years and three 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.
Ridgway was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute by a federal grand jury in August of 2023. He pleaded guilty to that charge on July 19, 2024.
On March 25, 2023, Ridgway was pulled over for a traffic violation northwest of Yankton, South Dakota. His vehicle was searched and law enforcement discovered over five pounds of methamphetamine, along with various, unused packaging materials and baggies, and over $8,000 in cash. The investigation further discovered drug transaction conversations on Ridgway’s cell phone with would-be customers.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
The defendant was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Conspiracy 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 October 7, 2024.
Travis Jones, age 40, was sentenced to 11 years and three 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.
Jones was indicted by a federal grand jury in May of 2024. He pleaded guilty on July 29, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from incidents over the course of many months until January 9, 2024, when Jones knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, and agreed with others to distribute methamphetamine. Jones obtained multiple pounds of methamphetamine from a co-conspirator and distributed it to others. Jones eventually sold an ounce of methamphetamine to a confidential informant on two separate occasions.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Jones was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute FentanylRead 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 Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on October 7, 2024.
Hermon Mehari Gebre, age 19, 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.
Gebre was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2024. He pleaded guilty on July 15, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from incidents over the course of many months until February of 2024, when Gebre, knowingly combined, conspired, and agreed with others to distribute over 400 grams of pills containing fentanyl. Gebre obtained the fentanyl pills from a source on more than one occasion and distributed them to others in South Dakota. Gebre also sold approximately 76 pills to someone who, unbeknownst to Gebre, was working with law enforcement as a confidential informant. Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Sioux Falls Police Department, the Sisseton Wahpeton Law Enforcement Services, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Gegbre was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute FentanylRead 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 Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on October 7, 2024.
Nathan John Barnhart, age 24, was sentenced to two years and nine 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.
Barnhart was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2024. He pleaded guilty on July 22, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from incidents over the course of many months until March of 2024, when Barnhart knowingly combined, conspired, and agreed with others to distribute fentanyl. Barnhart obtained the fentanyl pills from a co-conspirator and distributed them to others in the Sioux Falls area. A search warrant was executed at Barnhart’s residence and found pills containing fentanyl with a total weight of approximately 43 grams. Investigators later learned that Barnhart was involved in distributing approximately 2,700 fentanyl pills in the Sioux Falls area. Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Sioux Falls Police Department, the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Barnhart was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced 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 7, 2024.
Carter Joe Tyree, age 21, 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. Tyree must also register as a sex offender upon his release from federal prison.
Tyree was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2024. He pleaded guilty on July 8, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 8, 2024, when Tyree attempted to use online mobile apps on his cell phone to persuade and coerce an undercover agent posing as a 13-year-old female to engage in sexual activity.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
Tyree was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with 36 Counts of Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man with additional charges of Production of Child Pornography, Attempted Production of Child Pornography, and the Transfer of Obscene Materials to a Minor.
Justin Preuschl, age 29, was previously indicted in June of 2024 for charges involving the exploitation of minors. As the investigation continued law enforcement identified eleven additional victims and the grand jury superseded Preuschl’s indictment with 20 additional charges in October of 2024. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 4, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the Superseding Indictment.
On the counts of production and attempted production of child pornography, Preuschl faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a possible maximum of 30. On the counts of the transfer of obscene materials to a minor Preuschl faces a possible maximum of 10 years in federal prison. Each count also carries a term of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. If sentenced to prison, upon his release he could be placed on supervised release for a period of up to life. There is also a $100 assessment per count to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Superseding Indictment alleges that over a two-year period, Preuschl used various online applications and platforms to persuade, or attempted to persuade, several minor females to produce images of sexually explicit conduct and send the image or video to him. Preuschl also used various online applications to send obscene materials to minor females knowing the females were under the age of 16.
The charges are merely accusations and Preuschl is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb is prosecuting the case.
Preuschl was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Wakpala Woman Sentenced for Child AbuseRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Wakpala, South Dakota, woman convicted of Child Abuse. The sentencing took place on September 30, 2024.
Sheyenne Cadotte, 28, was sentenced to three 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. One of her conditions of supervised release prohibits Cadotte from living with children or contacting her own children unless approved in writing by her probation officer.
Cadotte was indicted for Child Abuse by a federal grand jury in June of 2022. She pleaded guilty on May 16, 2024.
In 2021, Cadotte lived with her four-year-old daughter in Kenel, South Dakota, which lies within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. Cadotte’s daughter is a profoundly delayed non-verbal child who requires a feeding tube for sustenance. During the summer and fall of 2021, Cadotte starved her daughter, routinely skipping scheduled feedings and swapping whole milk for formula. Due to this neglect, the girl’s weight dropped from 34 pounds in May to 25 pounds in December, when she was removed from Cadotte’s care. The child is currently thriving in an institutional setting.
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 and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Cadotte was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on October 2, 2024.
Lionel Morrison, age 53, was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Morrison was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in July of 2023. He pleaded guilty on June 7, 2024.
In May of 2023, Morrison, who was intoxicated, was driving a vehicle just north of Pine Ridge when he lost control of the vehicle. After losing control of the vehicle, Morrison overcorrected the path of the vehicle causing it to roll three times causing the front passenger to be ejected from the vehicle. The victim ultimately succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital.
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.
Pine Ridge Man Charged with Assaulting an InfantRead 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 Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury against a minor victim.
Sinte White Butterfly, age 25, was indicted in September of 2024. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on September 30, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge stems from White Butterfly assaulting a two-month-old infant and causing serious bodily injury to the infant in August of 2024.
The charge is merely an accusation and White Butterfly is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This matter is being 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.
The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth is prosecuting the case.
White Butterfly was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
McLaughlin Man Sentenced for Voluntary ManslaughterRead 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 Voluntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on September 30, 2024.
Johnathan Guggolz, 48, 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.
Guggolz was indicted by a federal grand jury in October of 2023. He pleaded guilty on July 8, 2024.
On the afternoon of August 29, 2023, in McLaughlin, South Dakota, within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation, a 62-year-old man pulled into the school driveway to pick his wife up from work. Guggolz pulled up next to the man and confronted him about his driving, mocking and belittling him. The man eventually exited his car, secured a pair of duct-taped homemade nunchucks to protect himself, and squared up with Guggolz, a former amateur boxer. After a few moments of posturing, the man thrust the nunchucks towards Guggolz’ hip. Guggolz then punched the man in the face, knocking him unconscious. The man fell backwards and struck his head on the concrete. Guggolz glanced down at the man, now lying helpless on the driveway, then returned to his pickup and drove away. The man subsequently died of a traumatic brain injury incurred in 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, the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, and the Mobridge Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Guggolz was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession 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 Possession of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on September 30, 2024.
Justin Lee Williams, age 48, was sentenced to three years and five 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. Once released, Williams must register as a sex offender.
Williams was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2024. He pleaded guilty on July 15, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from incidents between March 23, 2023, and June 27, 2023, when Williams possessed images of child pornography. A CyberTip was received which showed that Williams had accessed child pornography on his cellular phone. Law enforcement conducted multiple searches and located two cell phones with several images and videos of child pornography, including that of a minor female as young as 6-10 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 Homeland Security Investigations, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
Williams was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Indiana Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracies Involving Cyber Intrusion and $37 Million Cryptocurrency TheftRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Evan Frederick Light, age 21, of Lebanon, Indiana, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica Duffy on September 30, 2024, and pleaded guilty to an Indictment that charged him with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments.
The maximum penalty for each count upon conviction is 20 years in custody and/or a fine, three years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
“These convictions reflect the relentless efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI in identifying a cybercriminal, holding him accountable, and prioritizing the victims of his crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Ramsdell. “Although this defendant tried to hide in the shadows of a cyber underworld, he was not beyond the reach of our team, and today’s guilty verdicts should serve as a reminder that this Office and its law enforcement partners will bring cyber criminals to justice, regardless how sophisticated their crimes may be.”
“This case underscores the FBI’s unwavering commitment to identifying and bringing cybercriminals to justice," said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Cyber-intrusions pose a serious threat to both individuals and businesses, and we are dedicated to protecting the public from these sophisticated attacks. The FBI will continue to work alongside our partners to ensure that those who exploit technology for financial gain are held accountable, no matter how complex or far-reaching their schemes may be.”
According to court documents, in February of 2022, Light was involved in a cyber-intrusion involving an investment holdings company located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. During the cyber-intrusion, Light stole customer personal identifiable information (“PII”) and then stole cryptocurrency worth over $37 million from nearly 600 victims. He acted with one or more unidentified perpetrators.
Specifically, during the cyber intrusion, Light accessed the identity of a real client of the investment holdings company and unlawfully utilized that identity to infiltrate the investment holdings company’s computer servers. After successfully accessing the computer servers, he then exfiltrated from the servers the PII of hundreds of other clients, using this access to steal virtual currencies from the clients who held such assets with the investment holdings company.
The stolen cryptocurrency, under Light’s control, was then funneled to various locations throughout the world, including multiple mixing services and gambling websites to conceal his identity and to hide the virtual currency. Light’s conduct adversely affected victims all over the world, including South Dakota. As a result of his conduct, the total loss was approximately $37 million.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri.
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 pending sentencing.
Huron Man Sentenced 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 Huron, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The sentencing took place on September 30, 2024.
Kyle Dean Bult, age 38, was sentenced to 12 years and seven 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. Once released, Bult must register as a sex offender.
Bult was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2024. He pleaded guilty on July 1, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from incidents between March 9, 2024, and March 10, 2024, when Bult accessed the media application Taimi, via his cellular phone, and initiated a text conversation with a 15-year-old female. During the conversation, Bult sent several messages to her asking questions, including her age. Bult also sent several messages that were sexual in nature, including asking for a meeting for a sexual encounter. Unbeknownst to Bult, an undercover agent was posing as the 15-year-old female. Bult drove to a meeting place and was arrested.
This is Bult’s third criminal conviction for a sexual offense involving a minor 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 Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
Bult was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Allen Man Found Not Guilty of Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Allen, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Involuntary Manslaughter following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, on September 25, 2024.
Layne Sharp, age 28, was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2023.
The charge related to Sharp allegedly operating a motor vehicle on May 15, 2022, near Pine Ridge while under the intoxicating influence of alcohol after which the vehicle crashed resulting in another male being killed.
The investigation was conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe – Department of Public Safety and the FBI. The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.
Two Lead Men Indicted for Possessing a Machine GunRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted two men from Lead, South Dakota, for illegal possession of machine guns.
Ray Steele, age 62, was indicted in May of 2024 for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Unlawful Possession of a Machine Gun. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 7, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
John Sitar, age 43, was indicted in September of 2024 for Unlawful Possession of a Machine Gun and Possession of Unregistered Firearm. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on September 23, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
In May of 2024, search warrants were executed at the residences of Steele and Sitar. Law enforcement found seven firearms, thousands of ammunition rounds, hundreds of ammunition components, and six machine gun conversation devices in Steele’s residence. Steele is a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms. Sitar was found to possess a machine gun conversion device, as well as a short-barrel rifle which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required by law.
“Machine gun conversion devices convert semi-automatic firearms into highly lethal and illegal machine guns,” said Alison J. Ramsdell, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota. “The use of such devices presents a grave threat to both the public and law enforcement.”
The maximum penalty for Steele upon conviction is up to 15 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. The maximum penalty for Sitar upon conviction is up to 10 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.
The charges are merely an accusation and Steele and Sitar are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
These cases are 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 investigations are being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Lead Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the cases.
Steele was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending his trial, which is scheduled for December 17, 2024. Sitar was released on bond pending his trial, which has not been scheduled yet.
Mission Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, Larceny, and Failure to AppearRead 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 Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, Larceny, and Failure to Appear. The sentencing took place on September 16, 2024.
Hunter Brave, 21, was sentenced to one year and ten months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, $1,000 restitution, and ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Brave was indicted for possession of an unregistered firearm in September of 2023. He was indicted for failure to appear, and robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon, by a federal grand jury in January of 2024. On May 14, 2024, a Superseding Information charging Larceny was filed. Brave pleaded guilty in all three cases on May 22, 2024.
On August 6, 2023, Brave was in a vehicle parked outside the Sunrise Apartments in Mission, South Dakota, on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Brave was in possession of a “short shotgun” also known as a sawed-off shotgun, and fired a round off prompting calls to 911 by community members. Law enforcement responded and found Brave with the shotgun that was not registered to him in the National Firearms and Transfer Record. Following his indictment, Brave was released on bond conditions.
On November 28, 2023, Brave and a co-defendant stole a vehicle in Mission, driving in a reckless manner, causing damage to the vehicle. On November 30, 2023, Brave failed to appear for a bond revocation hearing in federal court in Pierre as required by his bond conditions.
These cases were investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Brave was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Madison Man Sentenced for Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Madison, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on September 16, 2024.
Christopher James Smith, age 32, was sentenced to six and a half 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. Smith must register as a sex offender upon his release from federal prison.
Smith was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2023. He pleaded guilty on June 26, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from incidents between January 18, 2021, and August 19, 2022, when Smith knowingly received files containing child pornography, including victims as young as one and two-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 Homeland Security Investigations, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey C. Clapper and Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
Smith was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
California Woman Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced an Antioch, California, woman convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Jennifer Walsh, age 44, was sentenced on September 23, 2024, to eight years and one month 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.
Walsh was indicted by a federal grand jury in the March of 2023. She pleaded guilty on June 24, 2024.
On November 24, 2022, Walsh and her co-defendant Andrea Pitts were pulled over due to speeding on I-90 in Chamberlain, South Dakota. During the course of the traffic stop, a K-9 drug detection dog was called and alerted to the presence of drugs. A search of the vehicle revealed five pounds of methamphetamine in a hidden compartment. Walsh and Pitts were transporting the drugs from California to South Dakota where the methamphetamine would be distributed.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Walsh was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following her sentencing. Pitts is scheduled to be sentenced on October 8, 2024.
Rosebud Woman Sentenced for AssaultRead 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, woman convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on September 17, 2024.
Talena Pretty Bird, age 22, was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Pretty Bird was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2023. She pleaded guilty on March 5, 2024.
In the morning of November 24, 2022, Pretty Bird, her sister, her mother, and two juveniles responded to a call from Pretty Bird’s brother. Pretty Bird’s brother mistakenly reported that a female had assaulted him and vandalized his vehicle. When Pretty Bird arrived at her brother’s location in Spring Creek, an argument began between Pretty Bird’s group and the victim. The argument escalated to Pretty Bird and others assaulting the victim. Pretty Bird’s sister assaulted the victim with a bat, and Pretty Bird also punched and struck the victim. As a result of the assault, the victim suffered a broken left arm that required surgery and a scalp laceration that required staples. The offense occurred within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.
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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher prosecuted the case.
Pretty Bird was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Found Guilty of Five Charges of Assault on a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Jeremy Crow, age 31, of Rapid City, South Dakota, of five counts of Assault on a Federal Officer following a two-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on September 11, 2024.
Each charge carries a maximum penalty of eight years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Crow was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2024.
On December 22, 2023, a 911 call was placed by an unknown caller in a residential area of Pine Ridge. Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety was dispatched to the area. A lone tribal officer arrived on scene and observed Crow and an unknown female with apparent facial injuries. The officer made contact with Crow, who was observed to have uncontrollable movements and believed to be under the influence of a controlled substance. The officer attempted to detain Crow, who immediately resisted and assaulted the officer by pushing him backwards. Crow then jumped into the police vehicle and was going to drive off until the officer jumped in and pushed the ignition switch to off. Crow was forcibly removed from the vehicle and actively resisted law enforcement’s efforts to detain him. After numerous commands, Crow was eventually tased, but the tasing did not entirely subdue Crow. A bystander noticed the officer was struggling to detain Crow, and called for backup for the officer. Additional officers arrived on scene and during the process of handcuffing Crow, the original officer was bit on his right bicep. After securing Crow into the backseat of the patrol car, he then spat on a female officer. Crow was eventually taken to jail. Two days later, on December 24, 2023, a corrections officer attempted to provide food and a drink to Crow when he rushed through the cell door forcing his way out. Crow resisted the corrections officers and bit two of them on their hands.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has been set for December 2, 2024. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Kyle Man Found Not Guilty of Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Kyle, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, on September 13, 2024.
Howard Rooks, age 53, was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2024.
The charges relate to the alleged sexual abuse of a 13 year-old female child in August 2023, at Kyle.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.
South Dakota Surgical Hospital Agrees to Pay More Than $12.7M to Resolve Alleged False Claims Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Siouxland Surgery Center LLP, doing business as Dunes Surgical Hospital (Dunes), United Surgical Partners International Inc. (USPI) and USP Siouxland Inc. have agreed to pay approximately $12.76 million to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations relating to improper financial relationships between Dunes and two physician groups. Dunes is a surgical hospital located in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. Since July 1, 2014, USPI has maintained partial ownership of Dunes through USP Siouxland, a wholly owned subsidiary of USPI. Dunes and USPI disclosed the arrangements at issue to the government following an internal compliance review and independent investigation.
The settlement resolves allegations that, from at least 2014 through 2019, Dunes made significant financial contributions to a non-profit affiliate of a physician group whose physicians referred patients to Dunes. Those payments allegedly funded the salaries of athletic trainers who generated referrals to both the physician group and to Dunes. The settlement also resolves allegations, that during the same time period, Dunes provided another physician group with free or below-fair-market-value clinic space, staff, and supplies. The United States alleged that these arrangements violated both the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) and the Physician Self-Referral Law, commonly known as the Stark Law. The AKS prohibits the provision of remuneration to induce the referral of services or items that are paid for by a federal health care program. The Stark Law prohibits hospitals from billing for certain services referred by physicians with whom the hospital has a financial relationship, unless that relationship satisfies one of the law’s statutory or regulatory exceptions. A claim submitted in violation of the AKS or the Stark Law can also violate the False Claims Act.
“The AKS and Stark Law are designed to ensure that decisions about patient care are based on physicians’ independent medical judgment and not their personal financial interest,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “As this settlement reflects, we will hold accountable those who violate these important safeguards, but we will also give to those who disclose their wrongdoing, take appropriate remedial actions and meaningfully cooperate with the government’s investigation.”
In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that Dunes and USPI took a number of significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government. Following an internal compliance review and independent investigation, Dunes and USPI promptly took remedial actions and disclosed the relevant arrangements to the government. Dunes and USPI also provided the government with a detailed and thorough written disclosure and cooperated with the government throughout its investigation.
“Illegal kickbacks and self-referrals make healthcare more expensive and create the potential for medical decisions that are not based on what is best for patients,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy T. Duax for the Northern District of Iowa. “Our office welcomes the cooperation of those who self-disclose and will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that taxpayers do not bear the costs of illegal and unethical practices.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to fostering a healthcare environment that prioritizes patient well-being above all,” said U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell for the District of South Dakota. “We stand firmly against any actions that could undermine the trust and transparency that form the cornerstone of patient care and remain committed to working closely with healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies to promote ethical practices to ensure patients receive the highest standard of care.”
“Individuals and entities that participate in the federal health care system are required to obey laws designed to preserve the integrity of program funds and ensure the provision of appropriate, quality services to patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Linda T. Hanley of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Together with our federal and state law enforcement partners, we remain committed to investigating allegations of improper arrangements that can put patient safety at risk.”
The settlement resolves allegations of false billings to the Medicare, TRICARE and Medicaid programs. The Medicaid program is jointly funded by the federal and state governments. In addition to the approximately $12.76 million to be paid to the federal government for alleged violations of the False Claims Act, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska will collectively receive approximately $1.37 million for their share of the Medicaid portion of the settlement.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota; and HHS-OIG.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Trial Attorney Nathan Green, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Gray for the Northern District of Iowa and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis Warner for the District of South Dakota handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the United States in the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
U.s. Attorney’s Office to Work with Local Partners to Reduce Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has approved an initial set of 78 communities across 47 states for designation under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022. The Justice Department - through its United States Attorney’s offices (USAOs) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) - will partner with each designated jurisdiction to develop a plan to reduce intimate partner firearm violence and to prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders prohibited under 18 U.S. Code Section 922(g) from owning firearms.
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell applauded Attorney General Garland as well as the Oglala Sioux Tribe for agreeing to participate in this program. “Intimate partner violence involving guns presents a grave danger to victims trapped in violent relationships. Once domestic violence abusers take to firearms, the threat to their victims increases exponentially. Through this program, we will add new focus and commitment to our federal, tribal, and state investigative and prosecutive response. History has shown that, particularly with this type of crime, law enforcement collaboration and strong community partnerships provide the best means of stemming this violence and punishing those who perpetrate it.”
“We are proud to stand alongside our colleagues at the U.S. Attorney’s Office on this focused initiative,” said Special Agent in Charge Travis S. Riddle, of the St. Paul Field Division. “A firearm in the hands of domestic abuser is a very real threat to those trapped in these unfortunate situations. We highly encourage those who may find themselves, or may know of a person, affected by domestic violence where a firearm is involved to reach out to authorities. No one should have to live their life in constant fear, and we’re here to work alongside our law enforcement partners to investigate these cases.”
Communities have been designated in close coordination with community stakeholders. They include rural areas, suburban areas, urban areas, and Tribal communities. The Justice Department used data to identify communities that could benefit from increased focus on intimate partner violence resources and where the local jurisdiction is committed to partnering with the Department to increase the use of federal tools to prosecute offenders under 18 U.S.C. 922(g). The designation represents the partnership and coordination between the department and the local jurisdiction to ensure federal resources are being leveraged effectively to address intimate partner firearm violence.
The Justice Department anticipates additional jurisdictions to be designated as USAOs continue coordination with their local stakeholders. All USAOs, with or without specific community designations under Section 1103, will continue to combat intimate partner firearm violence and prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders as part of their Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy and in support of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime.
St. Francis Man Convicted of BurglaryRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a St. Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Second-Degree Burglary. The sentencing took place on September 9, 2024.
Antonio Molina, 35, was sentenced to one year and five 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.
Molina was indicted for second-degree burglary by a federal grand jury in August of 2023. He pleaded guilty on June 10, 2024.
The conviction arose from an incident in St. Francis, within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation, where Molina broke into an individual’s home and attempted to steal various items, including a firearm. Molina was apprehended by law enforcement as he was leaving the scene of the burglary.
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 Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Molina was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for 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 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on September 9, 2024.
Calvin Spotted Tail, 44, was sentenced to 27 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.
Spotted Tail was indicted by a federal grand jury in December of 2023. He pleaded guilty on June 6, 2024.
On December 1, 2005, Spotted Tail pleaded guilty to Sexual Abuse in federal court in South Dakota. As a result of this conviction, Spotted Tail is required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Spotted Tail last registered with authorities on October 31, 2023. He left his registered address on November 2, 2023, did not return, and did not update his registration as required. Spotted Tail was arrested on October 31, 2023, in Sioux Falls.
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 Brian J. Murphy prosecuted the case.
Spotted Tail was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Parmelee Man Sentenced for Attempted RobberyRead 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 Parmelee, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Robbery. The sentencing took place on September 10, 2024.
Phillip Clairmont, age 25, was sentenced to four years and 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. Clairmont was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $25,000.
Clairmont was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2024. He was found guilty following a two-day jury trial in June of 2024.
On January 13, 2024, Clairmont entered a convenience store in Parmelee, which is within the boundaries of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. The victim worked at the store and was seated behind the store counter. Clairmont approached the victim and began assaulting him, by striking him in the head and face, and demanded money. The victim agreed to give Clairmont money, at which point Clairmont stopped assaulting the victim. The victim then retrieved a firearm and shot Clairmont in the abdomen. Clairmont immediately fled the store, and the victim called 911. Clairmont was located a short time later at a nearby residence and was hospitalized for 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 as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Clairmont was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Fort Pierre Woman Convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Fort Pierre, South Dakota, woman convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on September 9, 2024.
Carla Reed, 62, was sentenced to four years and seven months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Reed was indicted for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance by a federal grand jury in July of 2023. She pleaded guilty on June 12, 2024.
Reed was involved in distributing methamphetamine in the Fort Pierre area. Reed would take trips to Denver, Colorado, to pick up large amounts of methamphetamine and bring it back to Fort Pierre, where she distributed it from her home. On February 18, 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Reed’s vehicle on a return trip from Denver, seizing 130 grams of pure methamphetamine.
This case was investigated Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Task Force and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Reed was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
U.S. Attorney’s Offices Announces Canadian Man Pleads Guilty to Destruction of an Energy Facility for Acts in both North Dakota and South DakotaRead the Press Release
BISMARCK – District of North Dakota United States Attorney Mac Schneider and District of South Dakota United States Attorney Alison Ramsdell announced that Cameron Monte Smith, a citizen of Canada appeared in Federal court on September 11, 2024, in Bismarck and pleaded guilty before District Court Judge Daniel M. Traynor to one count of destruction of an energy facility charged in the District of North Dakota and one count of destruction of an energy facility charged in the District of South Dakota.
Smith is facing up to 20 years of imprisonment on each count.
Smith admitted to damaging the Wheelock Substation, located near Ray, N.D., in an amount exceeding $100,000, in May of 2023. The Wheelock substation is operated by Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative and Basin Electric Power Cooperative.
Smith also admitted to damaging a transformer and pumpstation of the Keystone Pipeline located near Carpenter, South Dakota, in an amount exceeding $100,000, in July of 2022.
Smith damaged the Wheelock substation and the Keystone Pipeline equipment by firing multiple rounds from a high-power rifle into the equipment resulting in disruption of electric services to the North Dakota customers and resulting in disruption of the Keystone Pipeline in South Dakota.
“This defendant deliberately and very violently attacked our nation’s energy infrastructure,” Schneider said. “Our law enforcement partners put an end to those attacks, and this guilty plea provides a measure of accountability for the defendant’s actions and extensive damage he caused. Our career prosecutors and colleagues in the District of South Dakota deserve credit for working cooperatively to ensure this defendant faced justice in federal court.”
“Cameron Smith orchestrated and executed attacks on critical energy infrastructure in North and South Dakota using a high-powered rifle,” said U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell. “Thanks to our partners in the District of North Dakota, the FBI, ATF, and the National Security Division, this defendant has been held to account for his criminal activity, and he will now be subject to serious time in federal prison.”
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Williams County (ND) Sheriff’s Office, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Clark County (SD) Sheriff’s Department, and the Beadle County (SD) Sheriff’s Department, and is being prosecuted by North Dakota Assistant U.S. Attorneys David D. Hagler and Jonathan J. O’Konek, and District of South Dakota Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Jehangiri, with the assistance of Trial Attorneys Jacob Warren and Justin Sher of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Two South Dakota Men Indicted for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, and authorities in Clay and Yankton Counties announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man and a Yankton, South Dakota, man for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death.
Evan Wylde Nelson, age 18, and Udda Ambi Kobaba, age 19, were indicted in August of 2024. Nelson appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on August 29, 2024, and Kobaba appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on August 30, 2024. Nelson and Kobaba pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 20 years in custody, up to life and/or a $1,000,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
On or about between December 20, 2023, and December 22, 2023, in the District of South Dakota, the defendants, Evan Wylde Nelson and Udda Ambi Kobaba, a/k/a “Tayski,” intentionally distributed fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and the distribution of said fentanyl resulted in the death of a victim.
In May of 2024, Nelson was indicted by a Yankton County Grand Jury on three felony counts: one count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance to a Minor Resulting in Death; one count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance to a Minor; and one count of Unauthorized Possession of a Controlled Substance, which is a Class 5 Felony. The state charges will now be dismissed due to the federal indictment.
“We appreciate the working relationship with all of the agencies involved,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Fentanyl cases, especially ones leading to death, need to be strongly prosecuted by all law enforcement agencies and prosecutors.”
U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell agreed, “We are fortunate to have good working relationships with our state counterparts, which allows law enforcement agencies to seek federal prosecution when appropriate. Here, where it is alleged that the distribution of fentanyl resulted in the death of a minor victim, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will aggressively pursue a just result in federal court.”
The charge is merely an accusation and Nelson and Kobaba are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Agencies involved in the investigation include the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Vermillion Police Department, Yankton Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce is prosecuting the case.
Nelson and Kobaba were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to over 33 Years for Distribution of FentanylRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on August 29, 2024.
Cory Croyle, 37, was sentenced to 33 years and four 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.
Croyle was indicted for two counts of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in September of 2023. He pleaded guilty on March 20, 2024.
The conviction stems from Croyle and others distributing large quantities of fentanyl and heroin in the Rapid City area between 2021 and 2023. In sentencing Croyle, Judge Schreier noted the conspiracy involved one of the larger quantities of drugs she has seen in her decades on the bench. The conspiracy led to the death of a community member. Croyle knew the deadly risks of distributing fentanyl, and yet he continued to sell the substance, even though he was on state parole at the time of the offense. The judge further found Croyle’s significant role in the conspiracy and his attempts to obstruct the investigation justified a sentence of over 33 years.
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.
Croyle was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on August 29, 2024.
Dustin Ray Richards, 31, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and forfeited a Smith & Wesson firearm and 9mm ammunition.
Richards was indicted for Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in March of 2024. He pleaded guilty on June 24, 2024.
On January 30, 2024, law enforcement responded to an apartment complex in Rapid City after receiving a call for service. When officers arrived, they located Richards who had a knife in his hand. Officers ordered Richards to drop the knife, however, Richards was not compliant with officers, became combative, and attempted to flee before officers were able to get Richards into custody. In a bag Richards had with him, officers located a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol, which Richards was prohibited from having due to a number of prior felony conviction. Richards was also on State parole for a drug offense at the time of his arrest.
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 Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Richards was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Sentenced for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead 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 Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on August 28, 2024.
Tevin Thin Elk, Sr., age 27, was sentenced to time served through September 25, 2024, or approximately 16 months in custody, three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. He was also ordered for forfeit the firearm.
Thin Elk Sr. was indicted by a federal grand jury in January of 2023. He pleaded guilty on May 30, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from a traffic stop on August 19, 2022, in Mission, within the Rosebud Indian Reservation. During the course of the traffic stop a drug K9 alerted to the vehicle, resulting in a search. Officers located marijuana, a methamphetamine pipe, and an extended magazine on Thin Elk’s person, and a Glock pistol in the backseat of the vehicle. Thin Elk admitted to officers the firearm was his and he was a regular user of marijuana and methamphetamine. Thin Elk’s UA that day was positive for both substances.
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 Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Thin Elk Sr. was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
St. Francis Man Sentenced for 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 St. Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on August 26, 2024.
George Allen Scott, age 39, was sentenced to 16 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.
Scott was indicted by a federal grand jury in January of 2024. He pleaded guilty on May 30, 2024.
Scott was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in 2012. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. In December of 2023, Scott relocated from St. Francis to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and appropriately updated his sex offender registration. He subsequently moved out of his Sioux Falls residence, however, and did not update his registration. He was arrested in St. Francis on January 26, 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 Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Scott was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Jamaican National Extradited for Scheme to Defraud American CitizenRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - A Jamaican national was extradited to the United States and made his initial appearance today in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, following his role in a long-running scheme to defraud a California woman.
Dwayne Anderson, 35, of Hannover, Jamaica, will face federal wire fraud charges. He was arrested, pursuant to the U.S. request for extradition, on July 11, by Jamaican authorities. He has remained in custody in Jamaica since that time.
According to the indictment, from as early as 2010 until September 2017, Anderson participated in a scheme to defraud an American woman. Using phony names, he contacted the victim by telephone, text message, and email and falsely informed her that she had won millions of dollars in a sweepstakes. Anderson persuaded the victim, who believed the defendant’s false representations, to send money to pay various fees and taxes associated with the sweepstakes. He instructed the victim on how, and to whom, to send these payments. Anderson repeatedly contacted the victim with additional requests to pay money and told the victim that her winnings would be forthcoming if she paid the requested money.
Anderson induced the victim to travel to Jamaica in September 2017 by falsely informing her that she would be able to collect her prize winnings. He told the victim to bring $1,600 in cash with her to Jamaica and instructed the victim to give the money to a driver that met her at the airport. The victim paid the purported fees but never received any of her purported winnings.
“The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch is committed to bringing transnational criminals who defraud Americans to justice, wherever they are located,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Ensuring that those who perpetrate these types of fraud schemes are held accountable is a priority of the department, and I thank the government of Jamaica for its assistance extraditing the defendant to face charges here in the United States.”
“Making a living by exploiting the trust of Americans and draining their hard-earned savings is despicable,” said U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell for the District of South Dakota. “The District of South Dakota, working alongside our law enforcement partners, will pursue and prosecute anyone who engages in criminal acts that harm Americans.
“Collaboration between international law enforcement partners is critical to protecting the international rule of law and the U.S. Mailstream,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to protecting Americans from transnational crime and is grateful to our partners in Jamaica for assistance in bringing Anderson to Justice.”
Anderson is charged with eight counts of wire fraud filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota in February 2023 and was unsealed upon the defendant’s extradition to the United States on Aug. 22. If convicted, Anderson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count.
USPIS investigated the case. The Jamaica Constabulary Force provided critical assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Jamaica to secure the arrest and extradition of Anderson.
Trial Attorneys Brandon Robers and Edward Emokpae of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann Hoffman for the District of South Dakota prosecuted the case.
The Justice Department continues to investigate and bring charges in other similar matters involving attempts to defraud residents of the United States. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage www.justice.gov/elderjustice. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints can be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, at www.ovc.gov.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its fraud enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
California Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Los Angeles, California, man convicted of Possession of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on August 26, 2024.
Terrell Stanley, age 25, was sentenced to three years and ten 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. Stanley must register as a sex offender upon his release from federal prison.
Stanley was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2023. He pleaded guilty on June 18, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on April 12, 2022, when Stanley knowingly possessed video files with child pornography. The videos involved a 16-year-old female that Stanley met online. The video files were obtained without the minor’s consent and were subsequently used to attempt to coerce the victim into providing more pornographic files.
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 and the Brookings Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Stanley was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Jamaican National Extradited for Scheme to Defraud American CitizenRead the Press Release
A Jamaican national was extradited to the United States and made his initial appearance today in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, following his role in a long-running scheme to defraud a California woman.
Dwayne Anderson, 35, of Hannover, Jamaica, will face federal wire fraud charges. He was arrested, pursuant to the U.S. request for extradition, on July 11, by Jamaican authorities. He has remained in custody in Jamaica since that time.
According to the indictment, from as early as 2010 until September 2017, Anderson participated in a scheme to defraud an American woman. Using phony names, he contacted the victim by telephone, text message, and email and falsely informed her that she had won millions of dollars in a sweepstakes. Anderson persuaded the victim, who believed the defendant’s false representations, to send money to pay various fees and taxes associated with the sweepstakes. He instructed the victim on how, and to whom, to send these payments. Anderson repeatedly contacted the victim with additional requests to pay money and told the victim that her winnings would be forthcoming if she paid the requested money.
Anderson induced the victim to travel to Jamaica in September 2017 by falsely informing her that she would be able to collect her prize winnings. He told the victim to bring $1,600 in cash with her to Jamaica and instructed the victim to give the money to a driver that met her at the airport. The victim paid the purported fees but never received any of her purported winnings.
“The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch is committed to bringing transnational criminals who defraud Americans to justice, wherever they are located,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Ensuring that those who perpetrate these types of fraud schemes are held accountable is a priority of the department, and I thank the government of Jamaica for its assistance extraditing the defendant to face charges here in the United States.”
“Making a living by exploiting the trust of Americans and draining their hard-earned savings is despicable,” said U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell for the District of South Dakota. “The District of South Dakota, working alongside our law enforcement partners, will pursue and prosecute anyone who engages in criminal acts that harm Americans.
“Collaboration between international law enforcement partners is critical to protecting the international rule of law and the U.S. Mailstream,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to protecting Americans from transnational crime and is grateful to our partners in Jamaica for assistance in bringing Anderson to Justice.”
Anderson is charged with eight counts of wire fraud filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota in February 2023 and was unsealed upon the defendant’s extradition to the United States on Aug. 22. If convicted, Anderson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count.
USPIS investigated the case. The Jamaica Constabulary Force provided critical assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Jamaica to secure the arrest and extradition of Anderson.
Trial Attorneys Brandon Robers and Edward Emokpae of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann Hoffman for the District of South Dakota prosecuted the case.
The Justice Department continues to investigate and bring charges in other similar matters involving attempts to defraud residents of the United States. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage www.justice.gov/elderjustice. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints can be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, at www.ovc.gov.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its fraud enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.