District of South Dakota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Prohibited Person in Possession of a FirearmRead 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 Rosebud, South Dakota man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on July 31, 2023.
Isaiah Lucas Beck, age 20, was sentenced to two years and ten months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He was also ordered to forfeit multiple firearms involved in the matter.
Beck was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in February of 2023. He pleaded guilty on May 1, 2023.
On August 31, 2022, Beck had a verbal confrontation with his father on Highway 83, south of Mission, South Dakota. During the argument, Beck’s father removed a Smith & Wesson pistol and a Del-Ton Incorporated rifle from Beck’s possession. The firearms belonged to Beck, who was an unlawful user of a controlled substance, thus prohibited from possessing any firearms. Both firearms were identified as being shipped and transported in interstate commerce and foreign commerce.
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 Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
Beck was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Man Indicted for Abuse and AssaultRead 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 Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner.
Corey Yankton, Sr., age 36, was indicted in July of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on July 26, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, mandatory minimum of five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Yankton sexually abusing and assaulting a female at Wolf Creek in March of 2023.
The charges are merely accusations and Yankton 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth is prosecuting the case.
Yankton was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for October 3, 2023.
Pierre Man Sentenced for Prohibited Person in Possession of a FirearmRead 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 Pierre, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on July 31, 2023.
Devin Alexander Rosenblum, age 28, was sentenced to two years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He was also ordered to forfeit interest in a Sturm, Ruger & Company pistol involved in the matter.
Rosenblum was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in January of 2023. He pleaded guilty on March 16, 2023.
On October 26, 2022, the South Dakota Board of Pardons and Paroles issued an absconder warrant for Rosenblum. The Dakota Territory Fugitive Task Force adopted the warrant and arrested Rosenblum in Pierre on November 1, 2022. A bag in Rosenblum’s possession was searched and revealed a black Sturm, Ruger & Company Incorporated pistol. Rosenblum admitted the pistol belonged to his roommate and that he took it without permission. Rosenblum is precluded from possessing any firearms due to prior felony convictions. The pistol was identified as being shipped and transported in interstate commerce and foreign commerce.
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 U.S. Marshals Service, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Pierre Police Department, Hughes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
Rosenblum was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Crow Creek Man Sentenced for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Child AbuseRead 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 Crow Creek, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Child Abuse. The sentencing took place on July 31, 2023.
James Drapeau, 35, was sentenced to two years and four months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Drapeau was indicted of the same charges by a federal grand jury in June of 2022. He pleaded not guilty and a jury trial was held in April of 2023. The jury found Drapeau guilty of both offenses.
Drapeau was convicted of assaulting his 14-year-old step-son, who was living in a home within the Crow Creek Reservation with Drapeau. Drapeau, frustrated over a perceived slight, beat the young victim relentlessly, with a broomstick and electrical cord. The victim was able to escape the back bedroom in which he was confined and run to the front living room. Drapeau caught up to the victim, threw him to the ground and proceeded to kick him about the body with shod feet. The young victim sustained significant bruising on his head, lower back, arms, buttocks, and legs as a result of 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 Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Drapeau was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Box Elder and Rapid City Men Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced two brothers from Box Elder and Rapid City, South Dakota, both convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. The sentencing hearings took place on July 28, 2023.
Elias Condon from Box Elder, 24, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Jordan Condon from Rapid City, 22, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Elias and Jordan Condon were indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in July of 2021. They were found guilty at the conclusion of a jury trial on May 24, 2023.
During the conspiracy, Elias and Jordan Condon regularly traveled to Denver, Colorado, to obtain methamphetamine and marijuana. Between October of 2020 and May of 2021, they traveled approximately 18 times, though not always together. When they returned to South Dakota, the methamphetamine and marijuana was provided to others for use and further distribution. Overall, they were responsible for approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine entering South Dakota. During the course of the conspiracy, both men possessed firearms.
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 Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Elias and Jordan Condon were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Wyoming Man Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Gillette, Wyoming, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on July 21, 2023.
Amos Torres, 48, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Torres was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. He pleaded guilty on May 26, 2023.
During the conspiracy, which began no later than March of 2021, Torres conspired with multiple other persons in western South Dakota and surrounding states to obtain large volumes of methamphetamine. Torres then distributed the methamphetamine to others for use and further distribution. Overall, Torres was responsible for obtaining between 1.5 and 5 kilograms. During the conspiracy, Torres also possessed firearms.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Torres was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Woman Indicted for MurderRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, woman for Second Degree Murder.
Stacey Bissonette, age 26, was indicted in July of 2023. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on July 26, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life 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.
In June of 2023, near Pine Ridge, Bissonette killed a man by stabbing him.
The charge is merely an accusation and Bissonette 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 and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.
Bissonette was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Manderson Man Found Guilty Following a Jury TrialRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Gabriel White Plume, Sr., age 39, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, of Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Use of Force, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation, Distribution of a Controlled Substance to an Individual Under 21, Tampering with a Witness, Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Spouse, Intimate Partner, or Dating Partner, two counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Sexual Abuse following a four-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City. The verdict was returned on July 28, 2023.
White Plume faces any term of years up to life in custody and/or up to a $5,000,000 fine, a minimum of five years up to life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count.
White Plume was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2023.
The charges related to White Plume physically and sexually abusing his dating partner by the use of force at Manderson. The victim sustained substantial bodily injury from the physical assault and serious bodily injury from the sexual assault. Prior to being charged federally, White Plume was able to obtain a cellular device in his cell while incarcerated at Pine Ridge. White Plume used the cellular device to access Facebook in order to corruptly persuade his victim into dropping tribal charges.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Poppen and Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for October 18, 2023. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Texas Man and Nebraska Woman Sentenced for Second Degree Murder, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Assault with a Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Plano, Texas, man convicted of Second Degree Murder and a Niobrara, Nebraska, woman convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
Alexis Delarosa, age 33, was sentenced to 30 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. Delarosa’s sentencing took place on July 20, 2023.
Justina Tuttle, age 39, was sentenced to six years and eight months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Tuttle’s sentencing took place on December 27, 2022.
Delarosa and Tuttle were indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2021. Tuttle pleaded guilty on May 23, 2022. Delarosa pleaded guilty on March 22, 2023.
The convictions stemmed from an incident on December 21, 2020, at Wagner, South Dakota, when both Delarosa and Tuttle went to the residence of George Cournoyer, Jr. Once there, Delarosa and Cournoyer got into a physical fight which resulted in Delarosa hitting Cournoyer multiple times with a hammer. Tuttle joined in at some point and hit Cournoyer with a bat. Delarosa and Tuttle left the home without calling the police. Cournoyer died a short time later.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Yankton Sioux Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
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.
Delarosa and Tuttle were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following their respective sentencings.
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. The sentencing took place on July 24, 2023.
Sky Thomas Roubideaux, age 23, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Roubideaux was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2022. He was found guilty following a jury trial on April 20, 2023.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 7, 2022, when Roubideaux used his cell phone to attempt to coerce an undercover agent posing as a 15-year-old male to engage in sexual activity.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the SD Internet Crimes Against Children task force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Roubideaux was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Found Guilty of Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Anthony Red Elk, age 34, of Rapid City, South Dakota, of one count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse and two counts of Sexual Abuse following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on July 21, 2023.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years up to a maximum of life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine on each count, a minimum of five years up to life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count.
Red Elk was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2021.
The conviction stems from Red Elk engaging in a sexual act between 2008 and 2010, with a female minor who had not attained the age of 12 years, in Wanblee, on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Red Elk then sexually abused the same female in 2018 and 2019 in Wanblee.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for September 25, 2023. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Lower Brule Man Convicted of Voluntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Joseph Thompson, Sr., age 32, of Lower Brule, South Dakota, of Voluntary Manslaughter following a three day jury trial in federal district court in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on July 20, 2023.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Thompson was indicted by a federal grand jury in May of 2023.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on March 25, 2023, in Lower Brule. Thompson was at the home of an acquaintance when he heard a disturbance outside the residence. Thompson left the residence, walked around the corner of the home and saw a man standing near the home. Thompson produced a knife and stabbed the man five times, piercing his heart. There was no indication that the other man was displaying a weapon when Thompson fatally stabbed him.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Bureeau of Indian Affairs - Office of Justice Service - Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Federal Jury Convicts El Salvador Man for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal jury has convicted Edwin Giovanni Salinas, age 44, of El Salvador, of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl) and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl) following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on July 19, 2023.
Each charge carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum penalty of up to life in custody and/or a $10 million fine, five years to life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Salinas was indicted by a federal grand jury in May of 2023.
On November 26, 2022, Salinas, along with his co-defendant, Berta Rosmelvi Gonzales, were pulled over during a traffic stop in northeast South Dakota. During a search of the vehicle, nearly 16 pounds of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, was located. The search revealed 12 packages – two containing powder weighing over 3.5 pounds and 10 containing pills, totaling approximately 50,000. Gonzales entered a guilty plea to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance on July 20, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe Law Enforcement, the Roberts County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services Dangerous Drug Enforcement Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has been set for October 23, 2023. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Operation Stop Scam CallsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are cracking down on telemarketing operations responsible for billions of illegal calls to U.S. consumers. The initiative is called “Operation Stop Scam Calls.”
Enforcement actions target individuals and entities who deceptively collect consumers’ telephone numbers and then provide those telephone numbers to robocallers and others (falsely representing that these consumers have consented to receive calls), as well as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers who facilitate tens of billions of illegal robocalls every year. Significant actions have already been taken against individuals and entities who unjustly profited by facilitating the movement of money from scam call victims to fraudsters.
Illegal telephone calls interrupt cherished time with family and friends and, when they are used to commit fraud, can be financially and emotionally devastating.
The DOJ is taking action against those who trick people into phony consent to receive these calls and those who make it easy and cheap to place these calls.
Cases brought by the DOJ range from actions targeting fraudsters who directly contacted victims, to actions targeting those who provided scam call operators with the means to perpetrate their schemes. So far, the DOJ’s actions have contributed to over 180 actions taken by the federal and state partners participating in Operation Stop Scam Calls.
The DOJ and its partners urge consumers to be on the lookout for illegal calls, to take steps to minimize the number of illegal calls received, and to report any scam calls to law enforcement.
- Callers may pressure you to send money by trying to scare you. They may pretend to be someone you know who is in trouble, a government agency, or a major company. These are fraudsters. Hang up.
- Don’t trust your caller ID. It can be faked.
- If you answer the telephone and hear a recorded message instead of a live person, it’s potentially a robocall trying to sell you something. It is probably illegal and likely a scam.
- Only call a telephone number you know is real.
- Make sure your number is on the Do Not Call Registry, www.donotcall.gov, and consider using your telephone’s call blocking options or getting a call blocking app or service.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. To review a list of common transnational elder fraud scams, many facilitated by telephone calls, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch/transnational-elder-fraud-strike-force.
Waubay Man Charged with Escape from CustodyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Waubay, South Dakota, man for Escape from Custody.
Levi Ambrose Locke, age 32, was indicted in May of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on July 17, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to five years in federal prison 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 Indictment alleges that on or about April 13, 2023, Locke escaped while in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons at Dismas Charities, Inc. Locke was serving part of a federal sentence when he allegedly left the premises and did not return.
The charge is merely an accusation and Locke is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Locke was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for September 19, 2023.
Sturgis Man Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken sentenced a Sturgis, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Todd Deutsch, 55, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Deutsch was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in October of 2020. He was found guilty following a jury trial on January 13, 2023.
During the conspiracy, Deutsch conspired with multiple other persons in western South Dakota, to obtain large volumes of methamphetamine from places like California, Nevada, and Colorado, and then worked with his co-conspirators to distribute the methamphetamine within the District of South Dakota, primarily in the Black Hills area.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) and the Drug Enforcement Agency. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gina S. Nelson and Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Deutsch was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Platte Woman Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY- United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Platte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on July 17, 2023.
Vonda Hand, 67, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Hand was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) by a federal grand jury in February of 2023. She pleaded guilty on April 14, 2023.
Between October of 2022 and February of 2023, Hand made arrangements to obtain methamphetamine in Arizona. She traveled there to pick it up, recruiting others to assist her, and then dispersed the methamphetamine to others in South Dakota. She knew that people in South Dakota were going to further distribute the substance. Overall, Hand was responsible for distributing between 5 and 15 kilograms of methamphetamine during the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Platte Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Hand was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Belle Fourche Man Sentenced to ProbationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Belle Fourche, South Dakota, man convicted of Concealment of an Event Affecting Title II Disability Entitlement. The sentencing took place on July 17, 2023.
Kevin Dodd Eisele, 60, was sentenced to one year of probation, ordered to pay $1,652.90 in restitution, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Eisele was indicted for Theft of Government Funds and Concealment of an Event Affecting Title II Disability Entitlement by a federal grand jury in March of 2022. He pleaded guilty on March 3, 2023.
The conviction stemmed from between July of 2020 and June of 2021, when Eisele knowingly failed to disclose a change in his household resources in order to continue receiving and spending his SSI benefits.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on July 11, 2023.
Ramon Morales-Padilla, 42, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Morales-Padilla was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in July of 2021. He pleaded guilty on January 27, 2023.
Between July of 2020 and July of 2021, Morales-Padilla obtained methamphetamine from co-conspirators. He further distributed it to others for use and distribution in Rapid City. During the conspiracy, he possessed dangerous weapons. It was reasonably foreseeable to Morales-Padilla that at least four kilograms of methamphetamine would be distributed during the course of the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) and the Drug Enforcement Agency. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gina S. Nelson and Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Morales-Padilla was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Colorado Man Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Denver, Colorado, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (heroin). The sentencing took place on July 10, 2023.
Arthur Manning, 56, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Manning was indicted for two counts of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (heroin and fentanyl) and Money Laundering by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. He pleaded guilty on March 31, 2023.
Between October of 2020 and October of 2021, Manning supplied heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl to people located in South Dakota. He knew that people in South Dakota were going to further distribute the substances. Overall, Manning was responsible for distributing approximately two pounds of methamphetamine, 1,000 grams of fentanyl, and three pounds of heroin. Manning received payment in cash and through online money transfer services.
This case was investigated by Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) and the Drug Enforcement Agency. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Manning was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Man Found Not Guilty of AssaultRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Assault by Striking, Beating, or Wounding as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota, on July 7, 2023.
Mario Lopez, age 22, was charged by a complaint filed in January of 2023.
The charge related to an alleged incident that occurred on January 20, 2023, in Todd County, South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Six Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota man convicted of Obscene Visual Representations of the Sexual Abuse of Children. The sentencing took place on July 10, 2023.
Michael David Quincy, 38, was sentenced to six years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and order to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Quincy will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Quincy was indicted for Receipt of Child Pornography and Obscene Visual Representations of the Sexual Abuse of Children by a federal grand jury in May of 2022. He pleaded guilty on March 29, 2023.
Quincy was federally indicted following a Cybertip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children in relation to suspected child pornography from Google. The Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce executed a search warrant on Quincy’s home and located multiple devices. A forensic examination of those devices found hundreds of images of computer-generated child pornography.
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 Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Quincy was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. The sentencing took place on July 10, 2023.
Ryan Reausaw, age 39, 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.
Reausaw was indicted for Possession of an Unregistered Firearm by a federal grand jury in November of 2021. He pleaded guilty on May 12, 2023.
In August of 2021, in Rapid City, Reausaw was found by law enforcement to be illegally in possession of a Remington Arms 12-gauge shotgun having a barrel length of less than 18 inches, which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by law.
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.
Reausaw was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Florida Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Jacksonville, Florida, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The sentencing took place on July 7, 2023.
James Dean Hanapel, 22, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Hanapel will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Hanapel was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2021. He was found guilty by a jury on April 13, 2023.
Evidence at trial established that Hanapel was arrested as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2021 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators. Following multiple chats and sexually explicit text messages with a person Hanapel believed to be a 14-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent, Hanapel proceeded to negotiate a time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts. When Hanapel went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.
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 Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, Homeland Security Investigations, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Hanapel was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on July 7, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Duane Starkey, age 33, was sentenced to two 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.
Starkey was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2022 and pleaded guilty in March of 2023.
The conviction stems from Starkey, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, being in possession of a SCCY 9mm caliber semi-automatic pistol and Remington 9mm Luger ammunition in August of 2022 in Rapid City, which was found after Starkey came into contact with law enforcement.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Starkey was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to Life ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of First Degree Murder and Discharge of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence. The sentencing took place on July 6, 2023.
Colton Bagola, 30, was sentenced to life in federal prison for the First Degree Murder charge and a consecutive 10 year sentence in federal prison on the Firearm charge. He was also ordered to pay $200 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Bagola was indicted for the charges by a federal grand jury in January of 2020. He was found guilty following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, in October of 2022.
The conviction stems from Bagola shooting a 30-year-old male in the back of the head killing him on December 17, 2019, at Pine Ridge.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Poppen and Gina Nelson prosecuted the case.
Bagola was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on June 30, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Alex Jaramillo, age 36, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Jaramillo was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2021 and pleaded guilty in March of 2023. The conviction stems from Jaramillo conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine in South Dakota and elsewhere between March and June of 2021.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Jaramillo was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Wagner Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Wagner, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on July 6, 2023.
Zander Zephier, age 22, was sentenced to 21 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.
Zephier was indicted by a federal grand jury in May of 2022. He pleaded guilty on April 26, 2023.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on January 1, 2021, when Zephier knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, sexual contact with a child who had not attained the age of 16. Zephier will also need to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the Yankton Sioux Tribal Law Enforcement and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Zephier was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on June 26, 2023.
Kyle J. Kirchhoff, 28, was sentenced to three years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and a $5,000 special assessment to the Victims of Trafficking Fund. Kirchhoff will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Kirchhoff was indicted for Production of Child Pornography, Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography by a federal grand jury in March of 2022. He pleaded guilty on March 10, 2023.
The conviction stems from Kirchhoff possessing child pornography that he self-produced between January of 2019 and February of 2022.
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 Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, Homeland Security Investigations, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.
Kirchhoff was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Found Guilty of Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Michael Raymond Holst, age 48, of Rapid City, South Dakota, of Receipt of Child Pornography, Obscene Visual Representations of the Sexual Abuse of Children, and Possession of Child Pornography following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on June 29, 2023.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of five years up to lifetime of supervised release, and a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Holst was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2022.
Evidence at trial established that law enforcement was alerted after Holst downloaded an image of child pornography off the internet that was later uploaded to his Synchronoss account. The Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce identified Holst as the owner of the account and executed a search warrant on his home where they seized multiple devices. A forensic examination of those devices found hundreds of images of child pornography and thousands of images of computer-generated child pornography.
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 Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah B. Collins and Anna Lindrooth tried 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.
Justice Department Launches Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Regional Outreach ProgramRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS – The Department of Justice today announced the creation of the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which permanently places 10 attorneys and coordinators in five designated regions across the United States to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people.
“This new program mobilizes the Justice Department’s resources to combat the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons, which has shattered the lives of victims, their families, and entire Tribal communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will continue to accelerate our efforts, in partnership with Tribes, to keep their communities safe and pursue justice for American Indian and Alaska Native families.”
“These new positions represent the Justice Department’s continuing commitment to addressing the MMIP crisis with urgency and all of the tools at our disposal,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “MMIP prosecutors and coordinators will work with partners across jurisdictions and alongside the Tribal communities who have been most devastated by this epidemic.”
U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell stated, “Year after year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District South Dakota dedicates a significant portion of its resources to combatting crime and promoting public safety in Indian country. We are honored to have been selected as one of five districts to receive additional funding to hire an AUSA who will be specifically dedicated to MMIP matters. Given the urgency of the issue, we wasted no time in selecting an experienced attorney to serve in this capacity—Troy Morley, the District’s Tribal Liaison, will be the MMIP AUSA for the Great Plains Region.”
The MMIP regional program prioritizes MMIP cases consistent with the Deputy Attorney General’s July 2022 directive to U.S. Attorneys’ offices promoting public safety in Indian country. The program fulfills the Justice Department’s promise to dedicate new personnel to MMIP consistent with Executive Order 14053, Improving Public Safety and Criminal Justice for Native Americans and Addressing the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People, and the Department’s Federal Law Enforcement Strategy to Prevent and respond to Violence Against American Indians and Alaska Natives, Including to Address Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons issued in July 2022.
The program will dedicate five MMIP Assistant U.S. Attorneys and five MMIP coordinators to provide specialized support to United States Attorneys’ offices to address and combat the issues of MMIP. This support includes assisting in the investigation of unresolved MMIP cases and related crimes, and promoting communication, coordination, and collaboration among federal, Tribal, local, and state law enforcement and non-governmental partners on MMIP issues. The five regions include the Northwest, Southwest, Great Plains, Great Lakes, and Southeast Regions, and MMIP personnel will be located within host United States Attorneys’ offices in the Districts of Alaska, Arizona, Eastern Washington, Minnesota, New Mexico, Northern Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, and Western Michigan. Programmatic support will be provided by the MMIP Regional Outreach Program Coordinator at the Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA).
“The Executive Office for United States Attorneys and the United States Attorney community are committed to preventing and responding to cases of missing or murdered Indigenous people. To that end, we will work together with all relevant federal, Tribal, state, and local law enforcement partners to locate missing persons and solve crimes where they have occurred,” said EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson. “This new program will allow the Department to build upon the work done by individual United States Attorneys’ offices and ensure continued support to those offices by coordinating outreach regionally on MMIP matters.”
More broadly, this MMIP Program will complement the work of the Justice Department’s National Native American Outreach Services Liaison, who is helping amplify the voice of crime victims in Indian country and their families as they navigate the federal criminal justice system. Further, the MMIP Program will liaise with and enhance the work of the Department’s Tribal Liaisons and Indian Country Assistant United States Attorneys throughout Indian Country, the Native American Issues Coordinator, and the National Indian Country Training Initiative Coordinator to ensure a
comprehensive response to MMIP.Montana Man Sentenced for Trafficking Golden Eagle FeathersRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Hardin, Montana, man convicted of three counts of violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The sentencing took place on June 26, 2023.
Harvey Hugs, age 59, was sentenced to three years in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $300. Hugs was also ordered to pay $70,000 in restitution for the 14 juvenile eagles that he killed.
Hugs was indicted by a federal grand jury in May of 2022. He was found guilty following a jury trial on February 14, 2023.
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act makes it a crime for anyone to take, sell, purchase, and barter, bald and golden eagles and any parts and feathers of eagles. In February of 2020, Montana authorities received information that Hugs, who had been convicted of trafficking in eagles in 2012, was again involved in trafficking golden eagle feathers. Between August 20, 2020, and November 3, 2020, law enforcement utilized recorded phone calls and text messages in which Hugs offered to sell various eagle feathers. On two separate occasions, Hugs knowingly sold golden eagle tails for several hundred dollars each. On a third occasion, Hugs sold a set of golden eagle wings and a gold eagle tail for $1,000. For each sale Hugs mailed the golden eagle feathers to South Dakota and requested that the payment be wired to him, under his daughter’s name, in Montana.
A search warrant was executed at Hugs’ Montana home on March 3, 2021, where multiple items, including several eagle tails and wings, were seized. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Forensics Lab in Ashland, Oregon was able to determine that items seized from Hugs’ home genetically matched items Hugs sold and shipped to South Dakota during this case. In total, 14 juvenile eagles were genetically identified from the items seized.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Montana Game and Fish Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Hugs was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Yankton Man Sentenced for Production 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 Yankton, South Dakota, man convicted of Production of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on June 23, 2023.
Jason Sejnoha, age 44, was sentenced to 15 ½ years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $5,100, and restitution in the amount of $439.06.
Sejnoha was indicted by a federal grand jury in October of 2021. He pleaded guilty on March 20, 2023.
The conviction stemmed from incidents between May 6, 2021, and May 31, 2021, when Sejnoha intentionally hid a camera in a home to create video recordings. The camera was disguised to be part of an electrical outlet and was placed in the bathroom of a home in Yankton. Sejnoha used the hidden camera to create video recordings of unclothed minors.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Yankton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
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.
Sejnoha was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Charged in Federal Court with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a man from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Israel Estrada, age 29, was indicted on May 2, 2023. He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on June 20, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty 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 and forfeiture may also be ordered.
According to the Indictment, on March 3, 2023, Estrada possessed a firearm, after having been convicted of a felony. The firearm had been previously shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.
The charges are merely accusations, and Estrada is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Estrada was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending further proceedings and trial. A trial date of August 29, 2023, has been set.
Brookings Man Sentenced for Making Counterfeit U.S. CurrencyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Brookings, South Dakota, man convicted of Making Counterfeit U.S. Currency. The sentencing took place on June 20, 2023.
Julian Huffman, age 28, was sentenced to 21 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. Restitution and forfeiture were ordered.
Huffman was indicted by a federal grand jury in December of 2022. He pleaded guilty on March 31, 2023.
The conviction stemmed from incidents between September 9, 2022, and November 21, 2022, when Huffman made dozens of counterfeit $20 Federal Reserve notes and passed them at various businesses in and near Brookings.
This case was investigated by the Brookings Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Huffman was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Two Sioux Falls Men Sentenced to Nearly 12 Years and Four Years, Respectively, in Federal Prison for Roles in Fraud and Money Laundering SchemesRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced two men from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, each convicted of Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments. The sentencings took place on June 12 and 15, 2023, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Antyon Hamilton Hogan, age 25, was sentenced to 11 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $563,127.06 in restitution, to forfeit his interest in money and personal property, as well as to pay $100 a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Cameron Terrill Hardiman, age 43, was sentenced to four years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $563,127.06 in restitution, to forfeit his interest in money and personal property, as well as to pay $100 a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Four co-defendants were previously sentenced in this case:
- Marvin Antuan Williams, age 32, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison;
- Keyvon Hamilton Hogan, age 22, was sentenced to two years in federal prison;
- Emilio Herrera, age 22, was sentenced to two years of probation; and
- Giovanni Hamilton Hogan, age 23, was sentenced to two years of probation.
In announcing these sentences U.S. Attorney Ramsdell stated, “This office will continue to pursue justice on behalf of the multiple individuals and financial institutions adversely impacted by these crimes. The sentences handed down in this case demonstrate the serious nature of these crimes and are a reflection of the hard work and cooperation of our state and federal law enforcement partners.”
“The sentencings and judgments imposed today against Mr. Hogan and his co-conspirators demonstrate that individuals who engage in these types of financial crime will be held accountable,” said Jamie Holt, Homeland Security Investigations St. Paul Special Agent in Charge. “The hours spent by agents to ensure a successful prosecution is a testament that HSI and our law enforcement partners are closely investigating criminal schemes for illicit financial gain.”
“Mr. Hogan and his co-conspirators engaged in a variety of financial crimes that included stealing checks from mailboxes and bank accounts,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock, St. Louis Field Office. “The diligent pursuit of this group of thieves by IRS-CI and our law enforcement partners disrupted the scheme and brought them to justice.”
All six co-defendants were indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments by a federal grand jury in April of 2022. According to court documents, from 2020 to April of 2022, Antyon Hamilton Hogan, Hardiman, their four co-defendants, conspired with others to commit bank fraud. The scheme impacted multiple financial institutions throughout the Sioux Falls area and elsewhere, as the defendants obtained money from those banks by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises.
After obtaining funds through fraud, the co-conspirators engaged in depositing, transferring, wiring, and withdrawing currency and funds at financial institutions to conceal and disguise the proceeds of the fraud scheme.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation; Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Sioux Falls Police Department; U.S. Postal Service; and South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Antyon Hamilton Hogan and Hardiman were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving their respective terms of imprisonment.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with 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 for two counts of Possession of Child Pornography and Transportation of Child Pornography.
Jeffrey Michael Dicus, age 38, was indicted in June of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on June 9, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and up to $300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about between April 12, 2013, and February 8, 2023, and also between February 16, 2018, and February 8, 2023, Dicus knowingly possessed and attempted to possess material which contained images of child pornography that had been shipped and transported using an electronic device, and had been shipped and transported in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce.
The Indictment also alleges that on or about between January 5, 2017, and February 8, 2023, Dicus knowingly transported child pornography into his Dropbox account.
The charges are merely accusations and Dicus is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigation and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
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.
Dicus was remanded back to the custody of the State pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on June 9, 2023.
Harland Bernard Johnson, 74, was sentenced to six years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and a $5,000 special assessment to the Victims of Trafficking Fund. Johnson was also ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution and will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Johnson was indicted for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Receipt of Child Pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography by a federal grand jury in November of 2021. He pleaded guilty on September 23, 2022.
The conviction stems from Johnson receiving child pornography between January of 2018 and February of 2021, at Rapid City.
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 Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, Homeland Security Investigations, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Johnson was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Indicted for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Rapid City, South Dakota, man for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Christian Lorenzo Witt, age 30, was indicted in May of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on June 9, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 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 charge relates to Witt, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly being in possession of a Glock GmbH pistol in Rapid City in March of 2023.
The charge is merely an accusation and Witt is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The investigation is being conducted by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.
Witt was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Indicted for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Rapid City, South Dakota, man for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Raymond Contreras, age 28, was indicted in May of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on June 9, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 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 charge relates to Contreras, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly being in possession of a Sporting Arms Manufacturing shotgun in Rapid City in March of 2023.
The charge is merely an accusation and Contreras is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.
Contreras was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Pierre Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead 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 Pierre, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on June 12, 2023.
Sylvan Larrabee, age 31, was sentenced to 17 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Larrabee was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2023. He pleaded guilty on March 16, 2023.
The conviction stems from conduct that occurred between December 9, 2022, and January 3, 2023, wherein Larrabee, who is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of a federal conviction for Sexual Contact with a Minor, did knowingly fail to register and update his registration.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Larrabee was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead 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 Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on June 13, 2023.
Dylan Blue Bird, age 30, was sentenced to three 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.
Blue Bird was indicted for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer by a federal grand jury in November of 2022. He was found guilty after a jury trial on March 16, 2023.
On September 30, 2022, at approximately 11:30 pm, officers with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services attempted a traffic stop on Blue Bird after observing traffic violations in Todd County. Blue Bird did not stop and led officers on a high-speed pursuit on Highway 18, reaching speeds in excess of 110 miles per hour. During the pursuit, Blue Bird drove in the opposing lane of travel towards an officer engaged in the pursuit, forcing the officer off the roadway. The pursuit came to an end after officers deployed spike strips, disabling Blue Bird’s vehicle.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
Blue Bird was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Indiana Man Charged in Federal Court with Wire Fraud and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a man from Lebanon, Indiana, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments.
Evan Frederick Light, age 20, was indicted on May 2, 2023. He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on June 12, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for each charge is up to 20 years in custody, and/or a $500,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution and forfeiture may also be ordered.
According to the Indictment, in 2021 and continuing until May of 2023, Light conspired and agreed with others to defraud and to obtain money and property from others by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. After obtaining funds through fraud, Light and others engaged in transactions with virtual currencies and electronic payments. These transactions were designed to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the fraud proceeds.
The charges are merely accusations and Light is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Light was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending further proceedings and trial. A trial date has been set for August 15, 2023.
Eagle Butte Woman Sentenced for Concealment of Information from the Supplemental Social Security Income ProgramRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Concealment of Information from the Supplemental Social Security Income Program. The sentencing took place on June 12, 2023.
Dale Arthur, a/k/a Dale Hendricks, age 41, was sentenced to four months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $10,825.00, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Arthur was indicted by a federal grand jury in May of 2022. She pleaded guilty on March 16, 2023.
The conviction stems from conduct that occurred between December 9, 2022, and March 20, 2023, when Arthur fraudulently claimed financial benefits from the Supplemental Social Security Income Program for dependents that were no longer under her care, during time periods she was incarcerated, and was not entitled to benefit payments on behalf of another.
This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Arthur was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on June 12, 2023.
Sydney Garreau, age 44, was sentenced to 12.5 years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Garreau was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2022. He pleaded guilty on February 22, 2023.
The conviction stemmed from a drug conspiracy beginning in February of 2021 and continuing until August of 2022, when Garreau was involved with several other individuals to distribute methamphetamine in and around the central South Dakota area, including on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation. Garreau received distributable quantities of methamphetamine from a source of supply and then distributed the methamphetamine to various individuals on the reservation. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Garreau was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Dupree Man Sentenced for Sexual Contact with a Person Incapable of ConsentingRead 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 Dupree, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Contact with a Person Incapable Of Consenting. The sentencing took place on June 12, 2023.
Floyd Traversie, age 21, was sentenced to three years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Traversie was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2021. He pleaded guilty on March 27, 2023.
The conviction stems from conduct that occurred between June 15, 2020, and June 30, 2020, at a residence in rural Ziebach County within the Cheyenne River Reservation. Traversie engaged in sexual contact with a 17-year-old female, who at the time was incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct and was physically incapable of declining participation in and communicating an unwillingness to engage in the sexual contact, knowing that the victim was incapacitated.
This case was investigated by the and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Traversie was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
- Black Hawk Man Indicted for Child Pornography Charges
Tea Woman Charged with Tampering with Consumer Products and Obtaining Controlled Substances by FraudRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Tea, South Dakota, woman for Tampering with Consumer Products and Obtaining Controlled Substances by Misrepresentation, Fraud, Forgery, Deception, and Subterfuge.
Brittany Enstad, age 39, was indicted in June of 2023. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on June 7, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and up to $800 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between on or about July 1, 2022, and December 30, 2022, Enstad, who was employed as a licensed registered nurse at a medical facility, tampered with blister packs containing OxyContin, Hydrocodone Bitartrate, Oxycodone Hydrochloride, and Oxycodone and Acetaminophen, by removing the medications from their blister packs and replacing them with different medications.
The Indictment also alleges that during the same period of time, Enstad knowingly and intentionally acquired and obtained OxyContin, Hydrocodone Bitartrate, Oxycodone Hydrochloride, and Oxycodone and Acetaminophen, which are all Schedule II controlled substances.
The charges are merely accusations and Enstad is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FDA, DEA, HHS-OIG, and Canton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Enstad was released on bond pending trial, which has not been set.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to over Three Years for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead 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 June 6, 2023, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Richard Paul Olson, age 33, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and forfeiture of the firearm was ordered by the Court.
Olson was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. He pleaded guilty on May 10, 2023.
According to court documents, during the execution of a warrant at Olson’s residence on April 21, 2022, law enforcement located a firearm loaded with a round in the chamber and four rounds in the magazine in his residence. Olson was in possession of that firearm, storing it in his nightstand. Olson is prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous felony convictions.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, SD Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Olson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving his sentence.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to over Five Years in Federal Prison for Bank RobberyRead 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 Bank Robbery. The sentencing took place on June 5, 2023 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Ayub Ibrahim Mohamed, age 23, was sentenced to five years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Mohamed was indicted for Bank Robbery by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. He pleaded guilty on March 1, 2023.
According to court documents, on August 23, 2022, Mohamed entered a Wells Fargo Bank in Sioux Falls, and demanded $200,000 from the tellers. Bank employees complied with Mohamed’s demands, providing $200,000. Mohamed took the bank’s money. Law enforcement responded in short order. Mohamed was apprehended outside of the bank and the money was recovered.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Mohamed was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving his sentence.