District of South Dakota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Brandishing a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence and Assault on a Federal Officer was sentenced on April 10, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
As to the charge of Brandishing a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence, Daniel Tobacco, age 29, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. As to the Assault on a Federal Officer charge, Tobacco was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison to be served consecutively with the other sentence, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay another $100 special assessment.
Tobacco was indicted for the charges by a federal grand jury in September of 2021, and pleaded guilty in December of 2022. The conviction stems from Tobacco engaging in a standoff with tribal and federal law enforcement at a residence north of Pine Ridge on September 2, 2021. Tobacco fired a semiautomatic pistol several times during the standoff. Tobacco pointed the gun toward an approaching Tribal law enforcement officer and squeezed the trigger as he was tased by the officer.
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 case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.
Tobacco was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Florida Man Found Guilty of Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted James Dean Hanapel, age 22, of Jacksonville, Florida, of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet following a 3-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on April 13, 2023.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, five years up to lifetime of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Hanapel was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2021.
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 his sending of multiple chats and sexually explicit text messages to a person Hanapel believed to be a 14-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent, Hanapel negotiated a time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts. When Hanapel arrived at the pre-determined location to meet the person he believed was 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.
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.
Two Arizona Residents Sentenced in South Dakota Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced Sean Gross, of Phoenix Arizona, and Brandie Rinnet, of Bullhead City, Arizona, on charges of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. The sentencings took place on April 10, 2023.
Sean Richard Gross, age 40, was sentenced to 26 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release on Count 1, Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Additionally, he was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release on Count 2, Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. These sentences to run concurrently to one another. He was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Brandie Rinnet, age 41, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, on the charge of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. She was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Gross and Rinnet were indicted together, along with three others, by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. Gross pleaded guilty on January 17, 2023, and Rinnet pleaded guilty on January 18, 2023.
Gross, along with others, came to an understanding to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota, and elsewhere. During Gross’ involvement, he reached an agreement to provide methamphetamine to Christopher Daniels in South Dakota. Daniels was previously sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for his involvement in this conspiracy. Gross sent Daniels methamphetamine to South Dakota through the mail and also delivered it to him in person, so that Daniels could further distribute the methamphetamine throughout South Dakota.
Daniels would then send the proceeds of his meth sales in South Dakota to Brandie Rinnet in Arizona, who accepted and attempted to conceal these transactions on behalf of Sean Gross. Gross instructed Daniels, and others, on the manner in which they should wire the money for the purpose of concealing the fact that the money sent was acquired from the sale of methamphetamine and to avoid implicating Gross’ involvement. Gross had multiple conversations with Daniels and Rinnet regarding the movement of funds derived from the sale of methamphetamine on behalf of the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation team, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Moody County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Gross and Rinnet were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with Transportation of Child PornographyRead 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 Transportation of Child Pornography.
Matthew Richard Hainje, age 44, was indicted in March of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 11, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 years in federal prison per count 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 Indictment alleges that on December 20, 2022, and again between December 22, 2022, and January 13, 2023, Hainje knowingly transported child pornography. It is alleged that Hainje uploaded graphic images and video files depicting one or more minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct into his Dropbox and Google accounts.
The charges are merely accusations and Hainje is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Sioux Falls Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. 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.
Hainje was remanded to the custody of the State pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on April 10, 2023.
Steven Flood, age 38, was sentenced to two 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.
Flood was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2022. He pleaded guilty on January 17, 2023.
The conviction stems from Flood failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between June 15, 2022, and August 4, 2022. Flood had previously been convicted of a sex offense in federal court which requires him to register for the rest of his life.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. 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.
Flood was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City 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 Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on April 7, 2023.
Sonny Ray Escarsega, a/k/a Sonny Ray Ruiz, age 40, was sentenced to two 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.
Escarsega was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2022. He pleaded guilty on January 9, 2023.
Escarsega was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in 2003. 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 August of 2022, Escarsega was released from prison and began a period of supervised release. Escarsega initially registered and resided at an address in Rapid City, but he subsequently moved from his registered address and did not update his registration. His whereabouts were unknown until his arrest near Mission, South Dakota, on October 25, 2022.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson 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.
Escarsega was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Man Charged with Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man has been charged with Second Degree Murder.
Trent Brewer, age 20, was recently charged, and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman on April 7, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
In April of 2023, at Pine Ridge, Brewer shot and killed another man during an argument. The charge is merely an accusation and Brewer is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Brewer was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been scheduled for June 13, 2023.
Dupree Woman Sentenced for LarcenyRead 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, woman convicted of Larceny. The sentencing took place on April 6, 2023.
Sophie Little Wounded, a/k/a Sophie Dupris, age 35, was sentenced to time served from her arrest on October 18, 2022, through May 1, 2023, equal to approximately six months of incarceration, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $700 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Little Wounded was indicted for Larceny by a federal grand jury in November of 2022. She pleaded guilty on January 4, 2023.
Little Wounded took a 2013 Ford Mustang from the driveway of a residence in Sioux Falls on the evening of October 18, 2022, or the early morning hours of October 19, 2022, without the owner’s consent. Little Wounded had been visiting at the owner’s residence prior to the theft. Little Wounded also took $700 in cash belonging to the victim. The vehicle was reported stolen on the morning of October 19, 2022, to the Sioux Falls Police Department. The victim also contacted the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, assuming that Little Wounded was headed towards Dupree. At approximately 9:30 a.m. on the morning of October 19, 2022, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services recovered the vehicle by performing a traffic stop on Little Wounded a short distance outside of Eagle Butte. The $700 in missing money was not recovered.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Little Wounded was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Black Hawk Man Sentenced on Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Black Hawk, South Dakota, man convicted of Distribution of a Controlled Substance and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. The sentencing took place on April 7, 2023.
Gregory Martin, 35, was sentenced to six years in federal prison on each charge, to be served concurrently, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Martin was indicted for Distribution of a Controlled Substance and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm by a federal grand jury in March of 2022. He pleaded guilty on December 8, 2022.
In November of 2021, in Box Elder and Black Hawk, Martin knowingly distributed methamphetamine. Additionally, when law enforcement executed a search warrant in December of 2021 at a residence where Martin was staying, he was found in possession of several firearms, including a Mossberg 12-gauge pump-action shotgun with a barrel length of less than 18 inches. The shotgun was not registered to Martin in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as is 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, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Mellette County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Martin was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Man Indicted for Pornography and Sexual AbuseRead 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 Enticement of a Minor, Possession of Child Pornography, and Sexual Abuse of a Minor.
Rowland Coomes, age 35, was indicted in February of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on April 5, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of five years up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count of conviction. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Coomes using his cellular phone to entice a minor female to engage in sexual activity in November of 2021. Coomes also possessed child pornography on his social media account. Between March of 2021 and November of 2022, Coomes sexually abused another minor female at Pine Ridge.
The charges are merely accusations and Coomes is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen is prosecuting the case.
Coomes was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for June 13, 2023.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on April 7, 2023, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Ramon Louis Bagola, age 24, was sentenced to 40 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.
Bagola was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. He pleaded guilty on January 11, 2023.
On the evening of May 16, 2022, Bagola and another individual assaulted the victim in the stairwell of the Evergreen Apartments building in Eagle Butte, knocking the victim unconscious and causing a subdural hematoma. The assault was unprovoked. Bagola took the victim’s car keys and wallet from his person. Bagola used the car keys to steal the victim’s Trailblazer from the apartment parking lot.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Bagola was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Six Sioux Falls Men Charged with Online Sex CrimesRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Watertown Police Department, Tea Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the FBI, conducted a joint online sex crimes operation that ran from March 3, 2023, through March 8, 2023.
As a result, the following six men from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, were arrested and charged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet:
Cole Bogen Bettin, age 27; Joshua David Catron, age 33; Jayden Debevec, age 28; Kody William Konechne, age 21; Michael Valleck, age 32; and Jonah Earl Severson, age 23.
The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction is 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years minimum of supervised release, up to life, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges are merely accusations and all six Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents work tirelessly to protect children from exploitation,” said Jamie Holt, HSI St. Paul Special Agent in Charge. “This successful online sex crimes operation shows the threat child predators pose in our communities and the importance of working hand-in-hand with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to bring individuals and networks who prey on vulnerable populations to justice.”
The cases are being federally prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey C. Clapper and Jeremy R. Jehangiri.
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 U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to extend its appreciation to all law enforcement partners involved in the investigations for their efforts and continued cooperation.
Spearfish Man Sentenced for Attempted 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 Spearfish, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on April 3, 2023.
Anthony James Kemp, 56, was sentenced to five 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. Kemp will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Kemp was indicted for Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, and Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography by a federal grand jury in August of 2021. He pleaded guilty on December 2, 2022.
Kemp was arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2021 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators. Following multiple text messages with an undercover persona Kemp thought was a 15-year-old girl, he negotiated a time and place he would meet the girl to have sex. When Kemp 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 Homeland Security Investigations, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Kemp was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison 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, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on March 24, 2023.
Brittany Vermeulen, 35, 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.
Vermeulen was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. She pleaded guilty on January 6, 2023.
During her involvement in the conspiracy Vermeulen obtained distributable quantities of fentanyl, at times traveling to the Denver, Colorado, area to pick up fentanyl. Upon her return to South Dakota, she would then distribute the fentanyl, primarily in the Black Hills area.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. 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 Gina S. Nelson prosecuted the case.
Vermeulen was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with Production of Child Pornography and KidnappingRead 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 Production of Child Pornography and two counts of kidnapping.
Derek Wayne Rondeau, age 32, was indicted in January of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 27, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and $400 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on June 9, 2022, and again on June 15, 2023, Rondeau kidnapped two juvenile females and knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced them to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct. Rondeau also knew and had reason to know that such depictions would be transported in interstate and foreign commerce, or mailed, shipped, and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, including by a computer.
The charges are merely accusations and Rondeau is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations. 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.
Rondeau was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead 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 Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Maurice Sitting Bear, age 48, was indicted in March of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 9, 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, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that Sitting Bear, who had previously been convicted of a sex crime and required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, failed to do so between April 12, 2021, and January 18, 2023.
The charge is merely an accusation and Sitting Bear is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman 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.
Sitting Bear was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for May 16, 2023.
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 March 24, 2023.
Warren Hotchkiss, 42, was sentenced to four years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Hotchkiss was indicted for Possession of an Unregistered Firearm by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. He pleaded guilty on November 21, 2022.
In August of 2022, at Rapid City, Hotchkiss was found in possession of a semi-automatic rifle with a barrel length less than 16 inches which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required.
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.
Hotchkiss was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Indicted for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead 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 Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.
John Ray Heath, age 51, was indicted in March of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on March 24, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count of conviction. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Heath attempting to engage an undercover law enforcement agent, posing as a 14-year-old female, in sexual activity between January and March of 2023.
The charge is merely an accusation and Heath is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.
Heath was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Found Guilty of Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Nathan David Hankins, age 30, of Rapid City, South Dakota, has been convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography following a court trial in federal district court in Rapid City. The verdict was returned by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on March 23, 2023.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years up to of 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Restitution may also be ordered.
Hankins was indicted by a federal grand jury in December of 2019.
Hankins was federally indicted following a Cybertip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children in relation to a download of child pornography from Hankins’ Google account. The Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce executed a search warrant on Hankins’ residence and located several devices. A forensic examination of those devices found hundreds of images of 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 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.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced for Theft of Firearms and Assault on a Federal OfficerRead 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 Theft of Firearms and Assault on a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on March 24, 2023.
David Gibbons, a/k/a DJ Gibbons, 28, was sentenced to five years and 10 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 and $3,795 in restitution on the theft of firearms charge. Gibbons was also sentenced to five years and 10 months in federal prison on the assault of a federal officer case, of which two years were ordered to run consecutively with the theft of firearms charge, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.
Gibbons was indicted for Theft of Firearms by a federal grand jury February of 2021 and for Assault on a Federal Officer in January of 2022. He pleaded guilty on November 4, 2022.
In September of 2020, Gibbons stole ten firearms, including a Derya Arms, 12-gauge, semi-automatic shotgun, from the True Value Hardware Store in Martin, South Dakota. Gibbons later traded several of those firearms for methamphetamine. Gibbons was arrested on the theft of firearms charge and was then held in custody at the Pennington County Jail. In September of 2021, while being held at the Pennington County Jail, Gibbons assaulted a Pennington County Jail Sheriff’s Department Correctional Officer.
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, the Rapid City Police Department, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Gibbons was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
North Sioux City Man Sentenced for Tax Returns ChargesRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a North Sioux City, South Dakota, man convicted of one count of False Income Tax Return and three counts of Willful Failure to File Tax Returns. The sentencing took place on March 27, 2023.
James R. Winckler, age 60, was sentenced to three years of probation, a fine in the amount of $25,000, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $175.
Winckler was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2021. He pleaded guilty on October 3, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from Winckler’s actions while serving as the bookkeeper, daily operations manager, and president of a small cosmetics business known as Medco Lab, Inc.
In 2016, Winckler willfully made and filed his individual 2012 income tax return that understated his income by approximately $450,000. He received the funds from Medco Lab, Inc., to purchase his home in Dakota Dunes. As a result of his guilty plea, Winckler was required to pay $150,312 in taxes on his unreported income.
Winckler also willfully failed to file tax returns for the years 2015, 2016, and 2017. Winckler received income from Medco Lab, Inc., but failed to file tax returns until after he learned the Internal Revue Service (IRS) was investigating him. Winckler knew he was required by law to make and file income tax returns to the IRS specifically stating his gross income.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Eagle Butte 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 an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on March 29, 2023.
Daniel Red Horse, Jr. age 52, was sentenced to 33 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.
Red Horse was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in August of 2022. He pleaded guilty on December 28, 2022.
Red Horse has two prior federal sex offense convictions. As a result, Red Horse is required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Between May 2, 2022, and June 3, 2022, Red Horse did knowingly fail to register and update his registration. This is his eighth conviction for failing to register.
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 Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Red Horse was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Indicted for Illegal Possession of 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 and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.
Takoda Walker Ghostbear, age 24, was indicted in February of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on March 17, 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 Ghostbear, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, knowingly being in possession of a Glock pistol and ammunition in Rockerville in November of 2022.
The charge is merely an accusation and Ghostbear is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.
Ghostbear was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mission Man Sentenced for ArsonRead 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 Arson. The sentencing took place on March 13, 2023.
Tommy Vargas, a/k/a Tommy Lee Spotted Eagle, age 33, was sentenced to two 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 and $74,633.15 restitution.
Vargas was indicted for Arson and Burglary by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. He pleaded guilty on December 8, 2022.
In the early morning hours of February 27, 2022, Vargas entered the Sinte Gleska University maintenance building without permission. Vargas freely moved within the building for approximately one hour, entering various rooms in the building. Vargas collected numerous items and removed them from the building. Vargas also found a gas can in the building and poured gas on the floor of building before disconnecting the surveillance system. Vargas then ignited the gas and exited the building. First responders were able to suppress the fire within 20 minutes, but the fire still caused damage to the building.
This case was investigated by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the South Dakota Fire Marshal. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
Vargas was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
McLaughlin Man Acquitted of Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury as a result of a federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota, on March 21, 2023.
Raymond Earl Otter Robe, age 47, was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2022.
The charges related to the alleged stabbing of two individuals in McLaughlin.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.
Two of Four Defendants Sentenced in Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Dumont, Minnesota, man and a Sisseton, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on March 14, 2023.
Jevon Joseph Mcleod, a/k/a “Buddy Traffick”, 32, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. Tiarah Grace Bissonette, 25, was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. They were also both ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Mcleod and Bissonette were indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. Mcleod pleaded guilty on December 5, 2022, and Bissonette pleaded guilty on March 14, 2023, directly preceding the sentencing hearing.
McLeod was the leader of a conspiracy in South Dakota to obtain pills containing fentanyl from out of state and distribute them in the Northeastern area of the state. McLeod recruited Bissonette and others to assist him in selling thousands of pills during the conspiracy. Bissonette obtained pills weighing a total of over 40 grams from McLeod and sold them to others.
The other two defendants are scheduled for trial on June 6, 2023.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Interior - Bureau of Indian Affairs, South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation, and the Roberts County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Mcleod was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, while Bissonette was given one day to self-report to the U.S. Marshal Service.
Two Men Sentenced for Role in Aggravated AssaultRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced two South Dakota men convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on March 14, 2023, in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Cody Nicolas Gill, age 33, from Waubay, South Dakota, and Jesse Burton Robert Hopkins, Sr., a/k/a JJ, age 36, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, were each sentenced to three years and nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Hopkins was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. They were each ordered to pay $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Gill and Hopkins were indicted for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury by a federal grand jury in October of 2022. Gill and Hopkins pleaded guilty to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury on December 12, 2022.
According to court documents, in late July of 2022, in Day County, South Dakota, Gill and Hopkins committed an aggravated assault against the victim. Gill and Hopkins jumped the victim for no reason, punching and kicking the victim while on the ground. The victim sustained serious injuries to his jaw, among other injuries, as a result of the assault.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe’s Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Gill and Hopkins were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving their sentences.
Timber Lake Woman Sentenced for Voluntary ManslaughterRead 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 Timber Lake, South Dakota, woman convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on March 13, 2023.
Brenna Low Dog, age 37, was sentenced to eight 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.
Low Dog was indicted for Second Degree Murder by a federal grand jury in February of 2022. She pleaded guilty on December 8, 2022.
On January 14, 2022, Low Dog and her boyfriend got into a verbal argument. Low Dog reported to law enforcement that her boyfriend pushed her down, struck her three times in the arms with his fists, and pulled her hair. Low Dog stabbed her boyfriend once in the chest with a knife that had a five-inch serrated blade, and he died as a result.
This case was investigated by the Dewey County Sheriff’s Office, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Low Dog was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Meth ConspiracyRead 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, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on March 13, 2023.
Roberta Diane Dempsey, 58, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Dempsey was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. She pleaded guilty on November 28, 2022.
During her involvement, Dempsey allowed her co-conspirators to use her home to store and repackage multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine. Additionally, she obtained small quantities of methamphetamine from her co-conspirator to distribute to others. Dempsey was personally involved in the distribution of over 500 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Moody County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Dempsey was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead 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 March 13, 2023.
Ryan Garner Gillis, 51, was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Gillis was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in January of 2022. He pleaded guilty on December 14, 2022.
On August 21, 2021, Gillis was in a vehicle with his co-conspirators and was legally stopped and searched by law enforcement. Inside, law enforcement found 137.68 grams of methamphetamine. On that same day, law enforcement conducted a search of his residence and seized another 150.63 grams of methamphetamine. Additionally, law enforcement searched another residence where Gillis was storing items and seized yet another 212 grams of methamphetamine, along with approximately $46,374 in cash, which was the proceeds of previous methamphetamine sales. Gillis obtained all this methamphetamine with the intent of distributing it to others throughout the Sioux Falls area.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen, who also serves as a prosecutor with the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.
Gillis was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the InternetRead 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 Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The sentencing took place on March 15, 2023.
Kent Mews, age 56, 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 $5,100.
Mews was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2022. He pleaded guilty on January 20, 2023.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 6, 2022, when Mews attempted to use his cell phone to knowingly persuade and coerce an undercover agent, posing as a 15-year-old male, to engage in sexual activity.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the FBI. 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.
Mews was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with Failure to RegisterRead 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 Failure to Register: International Travel Reporting Violation.
Scott Richard Semrad, age 49, was indicted in March of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 17, 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, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between February 5, 2022, and February 22, 2022, Semrad, a sex offender by reason of a conviction under state law, unlawfully and knowingly failed to provide information required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act relating to intended travel to a foreign country.
The charge is merely an accusation and Semrad 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.
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.
Semrad was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mission Man Convicted of Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Dylan Blue Bird, age 30, of Mission, South Dakota, of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer following a two-day jury trial in federal district court in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on March 16, 2023.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Blue Bird was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2022.
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.
A sentencing date has not been set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Lower Brule Man Sentenced for Assault of an Intimate Partner by StrangulationRead 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 Lower Brule, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangulation. The sentencing took place on March 13, 2023.
William Thigh a/k/a William Fire Cloud, age 38, was sentenced to 20 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.
Thigh was indicted for three counts of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, and two counts of Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangulation by a federal grand jury in February of 2022. He pleaded guilty on December 12, 2022.
Between the November 28, 2021, and November 30, 2021, at Lower Brule, Thigh assaulted his intimate partner by strangling her. Thigh placed his hands around the victim’s neck and applied pressure.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Morley prosecuted the case.
Thigh was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for LarcenyRead 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 Larceny. The sentencing took place on March 14, 2023.
True Clark, age 28, was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Clark was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $395, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Clark was indicted for Larceny by a federal grand jury in October of 2022. He pleaded guilty on December 19, 2022.
Late on September 3, 2022, or in the early morning hours of September 4, 2022, Clark stole a 2017 Buick Enclave valued in excess of $20,000 from a residence in Eagle Butte. The vehicle’s owner discovered the car missing on the morning of September 4, 2022. The vehicle was equipped with OnStar. The vehicle’s owner and law enforcement contacted OnStar and were able to pinpoint the vehicle’s location as being at a specific residence in Cherry Creek, South Dakota. OnStar disabled the vehicle, and law enforcement responded to Cherry Creek. Clark was still inside the vehicle when law enforcement arrived and took him into custody.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Clark was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Todd County Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead 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 Todd County, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentencing took place on March 13, 2023.
Fremont Menard, a/k/a Fremont Menard, Jr., age 20, was sentenced to four 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.
Menard was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2022. He pleaded guilty on December 8, 2022.
The conviction stems from conduct that occurred in September of 2021 in Todd County, wherein Menard engaged in a sexual act with a minor who had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson 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.
Menard was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Role in Fraud & Money Laundering SchemesRead 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 Launder Monetary Instruments. The sentencing took place on March 13, 2023, in Sioux Falls.
Marvin Antuan Williams, age 32, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $584,250.24 in restitution, to forfeit his interest in money and personal property, as well as to pay a $100 statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Williams was indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments by a federal grand jury in April of 2022. He pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments on November 9, 2022.
According to court documents, from 2020 to April 2022, Williams, along with his co-defendants, conspired with others to commit bank fraud. The scheme impacted multiple financial institutions throughout the Sioux Falls area were 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, Williams and his 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 IRS Criminal Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; Sioux Falls Police Department; U.S. Postal Service; and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Williams was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving his sentence.
Mission Man Sentenced for Assault by Strangulation and SuffocationRead 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 Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation. The sentencing took place on March 13, 2023.
Alexander Brave, age 29, was sentenced to two 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.
Brave was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2022. He pleaded guilty on December 7, 2022.
The conviction stems from conduct that occurred in October of 2021 in Todd County, South Dakota, wherein Brave assaulted his intimate partner by strangling and suffocating her.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Brave was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell Joins DOJ Delegation to Alabama to Commemorate “Bloody Sunday” and Passage of Voting Rights Act of 1965Read the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - Earlier this week, Alison J. Ramsdell, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, joined more than two dozen other U.S. Attorneys from across the country as a delegation to commemorate the 58th Anniversary of “Bloody Sunday,” the March over Selma’s Edmund Pettus Bridge and the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Ramsdell has served as a member of the Attorney General Advisory Committee’s (AGAC) Civil Rights Subcommittee since her appointment in April 2022.
“It was an honor to join colleagues from across the United States to commemorate a turning point in the civil rights movement that gave rise to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965,” said U.S. Attorney Ramsdell. “The Department of Justice was founded to ensure the protection of civil rights, including the right to vote, and that objective remains one of our sacred missions here in the District of South Dakota and across the country.”
In addition to participating in the March over the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Sunday, March 5th, the delegation met with Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of DOJ’s Civil Rights Division and held other meetings with community and civil rights leaders.
- The group met with distinguished jurist Myron Thompson. As former Chief Judge in the Middle District of Alabama, Judge Thompson was instrumental in preserving the Montgomery bus station where the Freedom Riders were attacked in 1961.
- The group met with Bryan Stevenson, Founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit that provides legal representation to people who have been wrongly convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in state jails and prisons.
- The attorneys heard from The Johnson Institute in the federal courthouse where many key civil rights cases were decided. Through its programming, The Johnson Institute demonstrates the importance of the U.S. Constitution and an independent judiciary.
- The U.S. Attorneys visited The Legacy Museum and the Memorial for Peace and Justice, which provide a comprehensive history of racial injustice.
The U.S. Attorneys from the following districts also attended the Selma and Montgomery events: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, South Carolina, Colorado, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Western and Middle Districts of Louisiana, Eastern District of Wisconsin, Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, Middle District of Florida, Northern and Eastern Districts of California, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Virginia, Western District of North Carolina, Southern District of Ohio, Eastern District of New York, and Southern District of West Virginia. The delegation was hosted by the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama, and organized by U.S. Attorneys Nick Brown and Rachael Rollins.
The Attorney General’s Advisory Committee was established nearly 50 years ago by Attorney General Elliott Richardson. The Committee’s purpose is to give U.S. Attorneys a voice in Department policies and to advise the Attorney General of the United States.
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Nebraska Woman Charged with Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Winnebago, Nebraska, woman for two counts of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding Federal Officers.
Trista Whitewater, age 33, was indicted in November of 2022. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 10, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on June 8, 2022, Whitewater, who was booked at the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Yankton Sioux Correctional Facility in Wagner, South Dakota, for several tribal charges, assaulted a Lead Correctional Officer and a Correctional Officer.
The charges are merely accusations and Whitewater is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the BIA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Whitewater was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for May 16, 2023.
Colorado 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 Broomfield, Colorado, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on March 3, 2023.
Edward Ybarra, 43, was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Edward Ybarra was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. He pleaded guilty on November 18, 2022.
During his involvement in the conspiracy Edward Ybarra was living in Colorado. He supplied methamphetamine to Jordan Condon and Elias Condon who transported it to South Dakota. Once the methamphetamine arrived in South Dakota it was further distributed to others for use and distribution. Between five kilograms and 15 kilograms of methamphetamine was distributed during the conspiracy. Jordan Condon and Elias Condon are currently awaiting trial.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Rapid City Police Department, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. 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.
Ybarra was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Charged with Illegal Possession of 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 and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm.
Jonah Burning Breast, age 29, was indicted in February of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on March 8, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years in federal 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 stem from Burning Breast knowingly possessing an unregistered and short-barreled 12-gauge, pump-action shotgun in Rapid City in January of 2023. Burning Breast has a prior felony conviction and, as a result, cannot legally possess firearms.
The charges are merely accusations and Burning Breast is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.
Burning Breast was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Martin Woman Indicted for Larceny and EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Martin, South Dakota, woman for Larceny and Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.
Madonna Peterson, age 57, was indicted in February of 2023. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman on March 8, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty 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.
Between January of 2017 and July of 2021, Peterson stole more than $100,000 from her employer.
The charge is merely an accusation and Peterson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Peterson was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been scheduled.
Fifteen Years in Federal Prison for Sisseton Man Convicted of Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Sisseton, South Dakota, man, convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on March 3, 2023 in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Conrad Brown, age 44, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $300 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Brown was indicted for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and Abusive Sexual Contact by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. He pleaded guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact on October 25, 2022.
According to court documents, between approximately 2019 through 2021, Brown engaged in abusive sexual contacts with minor victims. The victims were threatened or placed in fear in order for Brown to perpetrate the abusive sexual contacts. The abuse took place in Northeastern South Dakota and within the tribal lands of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe.
This case was investigated by the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe’s Law Enforcement and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Brown was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving his sentence.
Spearfish Woman Indicted for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Spearfish, South Dakota, woman on seven counts of Wire Fraud.
Janeen Keene, 54 was indicted in January of 2023. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman on March 3, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 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.
Between May of 2020 and July of 2020, in Spearfish, Keene, along with others, devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain unemployment benefits.
The charge is merely an accusation and Keene is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Keene was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Indicted for Illegal Possession of 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.
Edwin Blaine Grass, age 37, was indicted in February of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on March 3, 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 Grass, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, knowingly being in possession of a Taurus revolver in Rapid City in January of 2023.
The charge is merely an accusation and Grass is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.
Grass was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Manderson Man Sentenced to 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 Manderson, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentencing took place on February 27, 2023.
John Joseph White Plume, Sr., 51, was sentenced to 41 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.
White Plume was indicted for Sexual Abuse of a Minor by a federal grand jury in October of 2021. He pleaded guilty on July 11, 2022.
The conviction stems from White Plume engaging in sexual acts with the victim on March 1, 2021, at Manderson.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
White Plume was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Four Persons Charged with Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted three individuals from North Dakota and an individual from Washington, DC for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Abdul Vann, age 47, from Mandan, ND; Samuel Vann, age 21, from Washington, DC; Monica Yellow Bird, age 40, from Fort Yates, ND; and Kerstyn Lanz, age 30, from West Fargo, ND, were indicted in February of 2023. Samuel Vann appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 27, 2023 and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. Abdul Vann, Monica Yellow Bird, and Kerstyn Lanz all appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 1, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $20,000,000 fine, lifetime of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that beginning at an unknown time and continuing until February 14, 2023, in Lyman County, all four defendants knowingly and intentionally distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, which is a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charges are merely accusations and Abdul Vann, Samuel Vann, Yellow Bird, and Lanz are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Division of Drug Enforcement, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
All four Defendants were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for May 9, 2023.
Swift Bird Woman Sentenced for Possession with Intent 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 a Swift Bird, South Dakota, woman convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on February 27, 2023.
Regina Maynard, age 31, was sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Maynard was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2022. She pleaded guilty on October 4, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on February 7, 2022, when law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Maynard and a co-defendant. They searched the vehicle and found inside Maynard’s purse a digital scale and several baggies. Five packages of methamphetamine, totaling 139 grams of pure methamphetamine, were found in a safe disguised to look like a book. Maynard admitted possessing the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it in and around central South Dakota and on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation.
This case was investigated by the Stanley County Sheriff’s Office and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Maynard was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Woman Sentenced in Meth ConspiracyRead 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, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on February 28, 2023.
Tiffany Nicole Seidel, 31, was sentenced to 11 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Seidel was indicted for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. She pleaded guilty on December 2, 2022.
Seidel reached an agreement with co-conspirators to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota. On April 7, 2022, she assisted her co-conspirators in completing the sale of one pound of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. She and her co-conspirators met the confidential informant in the parking lot of a grocery store, where they completed the sale of approximately 333.8 grams of methamphetamine, at 98% purity, for $4,600. Her involvement in the conspiracy ended in June of 2022, when she was arrested for her conduct.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen, who also serves as a prosecutor with the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.
Seidel was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.