District of South Dakota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - 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 January 24, 2023.
Roy Brushbreaker, III, age 28, was sentenced to 14 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.
Brushbreaker was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 13, 2022.
Brushbreaker was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in April 2019. 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. On July 15, 2022, Brushbreaker moved out of his registered address in Rapid City and thereafter failed to update his registration. His whereabouts were unknown until he was arrested in Rapid City on August 18, 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 U.S. Marshals Service and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Brushbreaker 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 January 24, 2023.
Dwight Black Spotted Horse, age 38, was sentenced to two years and two 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.
Black Spotted Horse was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in May of 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 13, 2022.
Black Spotted Horse was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor on April 23, 2007. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment or student status. Black Spotted Horse last registered in August of 2021, providing a motel in Rapid City, South Dakota, as his address. The motel had no record of Black Spotted Horse staying there in 2021. Black Spotted Horse’s whereabouts were unknown until he was arrested on unrelated charges on April 14, 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 U.S. Marshals Service and Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
Black Spotted Horse was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pierre Woman Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead 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, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on January 24, 2023.
Stephanie Martinez, age 38, was sentenced to 11 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Stephanie Martinez was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in September of 2021. She pleaded guilty on July 11, 2022.
Martinez was involved in a conspiracy with several others to distribute methamphetamine in and around central South Dakota. Martinez received distributable quantities of methamphetamine from others in California. The methamphetamine was further distributed by Martinez and those working for her. In total 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine was distributed during the course of the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Martinez was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Parmelee Man Indicted for AssaultRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Parmelee, South Dakota, man for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangulation.
Allen Two Eagle, age 30, was indicted in April of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 23, 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 of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on September 12, 2021, and on or about September 13, 2021, in Todd County, Two Eagle assaulted and strangled his domestic partner. The assault on September 12 also involved the use of a dangerous weapon, specifically a metal bar, with intent to do bodily harm.
The charge is merely an accusation and Two Eagle is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler is prosecuting the case.
Two Eagle was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for March 28, 2023.
Okreek Man 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 an Okreek, South Dakota, man convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on January 23, 2023.
Leon Good Buffalo, age 24, was sentenced to 11 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.
Good Buffalo was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2021. He pleaded guilty on October 13, 2022.
On October 28, 2021, Good Buffalo was consuming alcoholic beverages and socializing with the victim, an adult male, at a residence in Okreek, South Dakota. Good Buffalo and the victim began to argue, and Good Buffalo retrieved a shotgun from a bedroom. Good Buffalo and the victim then went outside of the residence, at which point Good Buffalo shot the victim in the chest. The victim died as a result of the gunshot wound.
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, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Good Buffalo was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
North Dakota Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for 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 Hankinson, North Dakota, man, who also has ties to Northeastern South Dakota, and who was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on January 18, 2023, in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Sky Walker Lawrence, age 41, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison, followed by lifetime of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $200 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
According to court documents, between approximately 2012 and 2018, Lawrence engaged in abusive sexual contacts with two minor victims. Each victim was threatened or placed in fear in order for Lawrence 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.
Lawrence was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving his sentence.
Mission 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 Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on January 23, 2023.
Jeffery Leo Larvie, age 40, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Larvie was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2022. He pleaded guilty on December 13, 2022.
The conviction stems from Larvie failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between August 5, 2022, and October 20, 2022. Larvie 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.
Larvie was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Theft from a Tribal Elderly Nutrition 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, man convicted of Theft From an Indian Tribal Organization. The sentencing took place on January 23, 2023.
Robert Chasing Hawk, Jr., age 39, was sentenced to two months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $9,869.86 in restitution to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Elderly Nutrition Program, and to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Chasing Hawk, Jr. was indicted for Theft From an Indian Tribal Organization by a federal grand jury in February of 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 4, 2022.
Chasing Hawk, Jr. was an employee for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Elderly Nutrition Program. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Elderly Nutrition Services, Inc. provides reduced price lunch service for elderly tribal members and individuals with disabilities. The Nutrition Center receives funds from State, Federal, and Tribal entities to assist in the feeding of Tribal and non-Tribal members in the community, including the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. As an employee of the Elderly Nutrition Program, Chasing Hawk, Jr. wrote and cashed a total of 17 checks totaling $12,869.86 for his own use and benefit. He later repaid $3,000 of that amount.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Chasing Hawk, Jr. was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man 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 an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on January 23, 2023.
Allen Michael Garreau, age 38, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Garreau was indicted for Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in May of 2021. He pleaded guilty on October 5, 2022.
Garreau possessed 77 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to further distribute that methamphetamine to individuals on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian reservation and other locations in South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Garreau was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Failure to AppearRead 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 Appear. The sentencing took place on January 23, 2023.
Cheyne Thompson, age 31, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Thompson was indicted for Failure to Appear by a federal grand jury in July of 2020. He pleaded guilty on October 5, 2022.
Thompson was convicted in 2012 in U.S. District Court for Second Degree Burglary. Following his release from prison, he was on supervised release with the U.S. Probation Office. On July 1, 2019, a Petition to Revoke Supervised Release was filed, alleging that Thompson violated the terms and conditions of his supervised release. Following his arrest on the Petition on August 23, 2019, Thompson was detained until November 13, 2019, when he was released to attend treatment. Following his release, Thompson absconded and failed to attend his sentencing hearing on January 13, 2020. Thompson's whereabouts remained unknown until he was arrested approximately two years later on February 16, 2022.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Thompson was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Cherry Creek Man Sentenced for Sexual Contact with a ChildRead 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 Cherry Creek, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child. The sentencing took place on January 23, 2023.
Mitchum Dupris, age 33, was sentenced to eight 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. Dupris will have to register as a sex offender.
Dupris was indicted for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. He pleaded guilty on October 4, 2022.
Dupris had sexual contact with a minor child during a time when the child was at the residence of Dupris’ girlfriend.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Dupris was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
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 a jury has convicted Matthew Shawn Buchko, age 40, of Rapid City, South Dakota, of Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City. The verdict was returned on January 20, 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.
Buchko was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2021.
Buchko was federally indicted following a Cybertip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children in relation to an upload of child pornography using the application Discord. The Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce executed a search warrant on Buchko’s home and located multiple devices. A forensic examination of those devices found hundreds of images and videos of child pornography, as well as images and videos of child erotica and computer-generated child pornography.
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 Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has been set for April 24, 2023. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Indicted for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
Taten Joseph Ducheneaux, age 34, was indicted in January of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 20, 2023, and pleaded not guilty.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury or Assault with a Dangerous Weapon is 10 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 Ducheneaux assaulted another person on August 13, 2022, with shod feet and a bat, resulting in serious bodily injury. This conduct occurred in Ziebach County, South Dakota.
These charges are merely accusations and Ducheneaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem is prosecuting the case.
Ducheneaux has been remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending further hearings.
Eagle Butte Man Indicted for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
Taryn Joseph Ducheneaux, age 34, was indicted in January of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 23, 2023, and pleaded not guilty.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury or Assault with a Dangerous Weapon is 10 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 Ducheneaux assaulted another person on August 13, 2022, with shod feet and a bat, resulting in serious bodily injury. This conduct occurred in Ziebach County, South Dakota.
These charges are merely accusations and Ducheneaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem is prosecuting the case.
Ducheneaux has been remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending further hearings.
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 January 19, 2023.
Luke John Schauer, age 29, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Schauer was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2022. He pled guilty on September 13, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on January 18, 2022, when Schauer attempted to coerce an undercover agent posing as a 12-year-old female, to meet and engage in sexually explicit conduct. Using his account on KIK Messenger, Schauer made plans to meet the undercover agent posing as a 12-year-old on February 8, 2022. The text messages on KIK involved interstate commerce because Schauer was in South Dakota and the undercover agent was in Pennsylvania. Schauer was employed as a police officer with the Sioux Falls Police Department at the time of the offense. He was immediately relieved of his duties upon his arrest and his employment terminated.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, with cooperation from the Sioux Falls 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.
Schauer was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PIERRE - 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.
Cyrus Black Spotted Horse, a/k/a Cyrus Menard, age 41, was indicted in January of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 13, 2022, 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, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about between November 8, 2022, and December 15, 2022, in the District of South Dakota, Cyrus Black Spotted Horse, a/k/a Cyrus Menard, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of a conviction under federal law, knowingly failed to register and update his registration.
The charge is merely an accusation and Black Spotted Horse is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service and Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler is prosecuting the case.
Black Spotted Horse was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for March 14, 2023.
McLaughlin Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on January 18, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Mikal White Mountain, age 39, was sentenced to 27 months 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.
White Mountain was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. He pleaded guilty on October 17, 2022.
White Mountain was convicted of Gross Sexual Imposition in North Dakota in 2005. Accordingly, White Mountain is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. Between September 4, 2021, and December 14, 2021, White Mountain failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Corson County Sheriff’s Office, the North Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Cook prosecuted the case.
White Mountain was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Indicted for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
Peyton James Jewett, age 34, was indicted in January of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 17, 2023, and pleaded not guilty.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury or Assault with a Dangerous Weapon is 10 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 Jewett assaulted another person on August 13, 2022, with shod feet and a bat, resulting in serious bodily injury. This conduct occurred in Ziebach County, South Dakota.
These charges are merely accusations and Jewett is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem is prosecuting the case.
Jewett has been remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.
Bullhead Man Sentenced on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Bullhead, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Stolen Firearm was sentenced on January 18, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Nicholas Black Cloud, age 21, was sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Black Cloud was indicted for Possession of a Stolen Firearm by a federal grand jury in January of 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 17, 2022.
On October 25, 2021, Black Cloud stole a pistol from a vehicle in McLaughlin, South Dakota. When he later encountered the police, Black Cloud threw the pistol away so he would not get caught with it. Law enforcement subsequently recovered the firearm.
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.
This case was investigated by the Corson County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Cook prosecuted the case.
Black Cloud was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Tabor Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzling from Two Catholic ParishesRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Tabor, South Dakota, man convicted of Wire Fraud. The sentencing took place on January 17, 2023, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Steven Joseph Bares, age 53, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $287,457.37 in restitution and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
According to court documents, Bares willfully and unlawfully devised a scheme to defraud and obtain money and property from two parishes by false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. Saint Wenceslaus Parish in Tabor, South Dakota, and Saint John the Baptist Parish in Lesterville, South Dakota, are two small Catholic parishes located in rural South Dakota towns. The churches shared a single priest. The only administrative staff at the churches was Bares, who primarily worked as the bookkeeper. In that capacity, Bares wrote checks to pay bills and entered checks in the general ledgers.
In May of 2021, the Sioux Falls Catholic Diocese, on behalf of the above-named parishes, hired an accounting firm to conduct a forensic audit. The audit uncovered multiple checks made out to companies belonging to Bares that did not correspond to any service or equipment purchased from those companies. Furthermore, these checks were neither entered in the general ledger nor entered as a legitimate expense.
Between January of 2013 and March of 2020, Bares embezzled money from the two parishes, totaling $324,001.37. The investigation confirmed that the checks identified in the audit report were deposited into accounts held by Bares.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Bares was ordered to self-surrender to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on February 13, 2023.
Sturgis Man Convicted of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury convicted Todd Deutsch, age 54, of Sturgis, South Dakota, of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance following a four-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on January 13, 2023.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum of at least 10 years up to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and/or a $10,000,000 fine, at least five years up to life supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Deutsch was indicted by a federal grand jury in January of 2020. The evidence at trial showed that for at least two and a half years, 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.
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.
St. Francis Man Indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a St. Francis, South Dakota, man for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Tanner Kills Enemy, age 24, was indicted in January of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Moreno on January 13, 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, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between October 19, 2022, and January 11, 2023, Kills Enemy, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of a conviction under Indian tribal law, failed to properly register and update his registration.
The charge is merely an accusation and Kills Enemy is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Kills Enemy was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
McLaughlin Man Charged with Kidnapping and AssaultRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man for Kidnapping, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Elias Glen Sims, age 18, was indicted in January of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 17, 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, five years of supervised release, and $300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that in November of 2022, at McLaughlin, within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation, Sims kidnapped and assaulted another person with a handgun.
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 charge is merely an accusation and Sims is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Sims was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Wanblee Man Charged with Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Wanblee, South Dakota, man for Bank Robbery and Discharge of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence.
Francis White Lance, age 65, was indicted in November of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on January 10, 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, five years of supervised release, and $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on November 7, 2022, White Lance took money belonging to Lakota Federal Credit Union, located in Kyle, South Dakota. White Lance also brandished and discharged a firearm during the commission of the robbery.
The charge is merely an accusation and White Lance is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Blair is prosecuting the case.
White Lance was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for March 21, 2023.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on January 9, 2023.
John Winn, 44, was sentenced to nine 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.
Winn was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession of a Stolen Firearm by a federal grand jury in November of 2021. He pleaded guilty on August 31, 2022.
In June of 2021, in Rapid City, Winn, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, was found in possession of a SIG Sauer Incorporated, model P320, 9x19 mm Parabellum caliber, semi-automatic pistol; a Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company, model Combat Commander, .45 AUTO caliber, semi-automatic pistol; a Sturm, Ruger & Company Incorporated, model LCR, .357 Magnum caliber, double-action-only revolver; and a Taurus, model PT145, .45 AUTO caliber, semi-automatic pistol, which were found after Winn came into contact with law enforcement. The SIG Sauer firearm had been reported stolen and the Taurus firearm had an obliterated serial number. Along with the firearms, law enforcement recovered numerous items consistent with drug distribution, including methamphetamine.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Missouri Man Sentenced to over 12 Years for Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Kansas City, Missouri, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on January 9, 2023.
Ricky Lee Young, Jr., 39, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Young was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in April of 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 7, 2022.
In the summer of 2021, Young and his co-conspirator rented a storage unit in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This storage unit was intended to hold the controlled substances they obtained from Kansas City, in order to distribute them throughout the Sioux Falls area. Young would make trips with his co-conspirator to this storage unit and either retrieve or drop off crack cocaine to further their distribution. On October 1, 2021, law enforcement searched their storage unit and found approximately 100 grams of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base, a/k/a crack cocaine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen prosecuted the case.
Young was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Howard Man Sentenced for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Howard, South Dakota, man convicted of Production of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on December 27, 2022.
Lee James Thames, age 26, was sentenced to 26 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.
Thames was indicted by a federal grand jury in January of 2022. He pleaded guilty on September 30, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from incidents between March 16, 2021, and April 29, 2021, when Thames intentionally used his cellular phone to take sexually explicit photographs and videos of a minor female, who had not attained the age of 12 years, and saved them to his Snapchat Memories account.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation 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.
Thames was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Brookings Man Sentenced for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the InternetRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Brookings, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The sentencing took place on January 9, 2023.
Zachary Scott Murray, age 36, 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.
Murray was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 14, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 6, 2022, when Murray used his cell phone to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an undercover agent posing as a 14 year-old female, to engage in sexual activity.
This case was investigated by the 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.
Murray was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
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Rosebud Woman Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, woman charged with Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer pleaded guilty and was sentenced on January 4, 2023, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Kendall Logan, age 29, was sentenced to one year in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay $25.00 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stems from an incident that took place on February 5, 2020, in Rosebud, when Logan kicked a federal police officer employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in the abdomen.
The investigation was conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller.
Logan was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for EscapeRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Escape from Custody. The sentencing took place on January 5, 2023.
Jeremy Crow, 29, was sentenced to six months in federal prison, with no supervised release to follow, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He remains under supervision obligations in a different case.
Jeremy Crow was indicted for Escape from Custody by a federal grand jury in August of 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 21, 2022.
Crow was in the Bureau of Prisons custody serving a sentence for Robbery and Brandishing a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime. He was placed at the Community Education Center in Rapid City to finish serving his sentence as part of a reentry process. He walked away from the facility in July of 2022 and was located in Rapid City approximately 45 days later by the Rapid City Police Department.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Crow was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Married Couple Arrested for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Federal Criminal Complaint and Arrest Warrants were returned on a Vale, South Dakota, husband and wife charging Production of Child Pornography.
Timothy Scott White, age 42, and Leslie Marie White, age 24, were arrested on the Complaint on December 19, 2022. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on December 21, 2022, and pleaded not guilty.
If convicted of the charge, the defendants each face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, up to a maximum possible penalty of 30 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, a lifetime term of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Whites were arrested pursuant to an ongoing investigation involving online child pornography production and distribution. The charge relates to the Whites, being the parents of a minor, permitting or encouraging the minor to engage in or assist another person in engaging in sexually explicit conduct, for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. The visual depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct were then transmitted over the Internet. The conduct is alleged to have occurred between February 1, 2022, and December 19, 2022.
Timothy White was employed by the Spearfish Emergency Ambulance Service and the Piedmont Fire Department.
The charge is merely an accusation and the Whites are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted as part of a joint effort between the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Butte County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.
The Whites were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for February 28, 2023.
Wanblee Man Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Wanblee, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on December 20, 2022.
Steven James Quiver, 46, was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Quiver was indicted for Assaulting a Federal Officer by a federal grand jury in April of 2021. He pleaded guilty on August 19, 2022.
The conviction stems from Quiver assaulting an Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Officer, who had been dispatched to Quiver’s residence on February 11, 2020. Quiver strangled and threatened to shoot the officer. After ignoring repeated commands to comply, Quiver was tased by the officer and taken into custody.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.
Quiver was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Obregon, Mexico Man Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced an Obregon, Mexico, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on December 15, 2022.
Noel Rivera, 44, was sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison, followed by five years supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Rivera was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in August of 2021. He pleaded guilty on April 25, 2022.
As part of his role within the drug trafficking organization, Rivera coordinated with other co-conspirators and would transport large quantities of methamphetamine from Arizona and other places outside of South Dakota into South Dakota. Rivera also coordinated with others regarding the storage and distribution of the methamphetamine once it arrived in South Dakota. The conspiracy lasted more than a year’s time frame. In August of 2021, agents conducted a search warrant of multiple locations in the Rapid City area tied to the conspiracy and located over 70 pounds of methamphetamine, multiple pounds of heroin and cocaine, as well as thousands of fentanyl pills, approximately $144,000, and thirteen firearms. One co-conspirator has pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and is awaiting sentencing. The second co-conspirator is awaiting trial.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Agency, 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 Gina Nelson prosecuted the case.
Rivera was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to over 12 Years for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced 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 December 19, 2022.
EJ Medina, 42, was sentenced to 12 years and seven 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.
Medina was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in October of 2021. He pleaded guilty on September 19, 2022.
Beginning on an unknown date and continuing to on or about October of 2021, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Medina conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. He was involved in a wide-ranging conspiracy, which was responsible for trafficking methamphetamine from Oregon to the Sioux Falls area. After being indicted, Medina rammed his vehicle into the vehicle of Deputy U.S. Marshals who were attempting to arrest him, and then fled on foot. The deputies caught Medina and placed him under arrest.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Medina was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Woman Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced 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 December 12, 2022.
Stevie Williams, 39, 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.
Williams was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in March of 2021. She pleaded guilty on August 19, 2022.
During the conspiracy, methamphetamine was trafficked into South Dakota from Arizona and Mexico through arrangements made with Williams and others in the conspiracy. Williams was responsible for sending large amounts of money through the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, and other mail carriers for the methamphetamine that was received. The methamphetamine was then dispersed to others for use and further distribution. Others charged in the conspiracy are awaiting sentencing or trial.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Agency, 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 Gina S. Nelson prosecuted the case.
Williams was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Woman from Washington State Sentenced on Drug Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Pasco, Washington, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on December 19, 2022.
Lourdes Rios, 47, was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. Rios was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Rios was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in September of 2021. She pleaded guilty on September 20, 2022.
Beginning on a date unknown and continuing until on or about August 8, 2021, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Lourdes Rios, knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together, with others, to knowingly and intentionally distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Rios was traveling through South Dakota when a traffic stop of her vehicle resulted in the seizure of 805 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert prosecuted the case.
Rios was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Man Indicted for AssaultRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Rosebud, South Dakota, man for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangulation.
Daymon Oliver, age 41, was indicted in September of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 21, 2022, 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.
The Indictment alleges that on July 20, 2022, in Mission, South Dakota, within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation, Oliver unlawfully assaulted and strangled his domestic partner. The assault resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim.
The charges are merely accusations and Oliver is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler is prosecuting the case.
Oliver was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for February 14, 2023.
Mission Woman Sentenced for 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 Mission, South Dakota, woman convicted of Child Abuse. The sentencing took place on December 19, 2022.
ShawnDae White Bird, age 33, was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison, followed by three years supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
White Bird was indicted for Child Abuse by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. She pleaded guilty on September 1, 2022.
White Bird gave birth to the victim in July of 2021. In early September, doctors prescribed the victim a medication to treat a diagnosed condition. White Bird failed to fill the prescription, leaving the condition untreated. The condition developed into an ulcerated and infected wound that required a debridement procedure.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
White Bird was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Latvian Citizen Extradited from Norway Sentenced in Federal Court for Role in Money Laundering 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 Latvian woman convicted of Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Property Derived from Specified Unlawful Activity. The sentencing took place on December 19, 2022.
At the time of her sentencing hearing, Lubova Burkute, 40, had served approximately one year in custody following her extradition from Norway. She was sentenced to time served and ordered to pay $11,835,573 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Burkute was indicted for Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments by a federal grand jury in June of 2021. She pleaded guilty on September 23, 2022.
According to court documents, in approximately 2015 and continuing until 2021, Burkute conspired and agreed with others to knowingly conduct financial transactions affecting interstate and foreign commerce. Specifically, Burkute and her co-conspirators engaged in depositing, transferring, wiring, and withdrawing U.S. Currency, foreign currency, and funds at financial institutions, which involved the proceeds of specified unlawful activity – wire fraud. Burkute and her co-conspirators knew that the transactions were designed in whole or in part to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of the proceeds of the fraud scheme. While conducting and attempting to conduct such financial transactions, it is alleged that Burkute knew that the property involved in the financial transactions represented the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity.
While Burkute was a minimal participant in the conduct giving rise to her conviction, her co-conspirators, including Nathan Peachey and John Rick Winer, were two of the primary perpetrators of the fraud scheme and money laundering activities. As to that conduct, Peachey and Winer, among others, informed investors that the monies provided to one or more of the co-conspirators would be used for charitable or humanitarian projects, oftentimes using religion or sovereign-citizen ideologies to entice and induce victims into investing money in the scheme. They also made promises that there would be a return on investments. Peachey and Winer informed investors that the monies provided to one or more of the co-conspirators would not be expended on personal expenses. Investor money was not used for charitable or for humanitarian projects, and investors never received a return on investments relating to the monies provided to Peachey, Winer, or their co-conspirators. The purpose of the conspiracy was to enrich the co-conspirators, all of whom amassed nearly $13 million, and then spent the fraud proceeds on a luxury residence located in a suburb of Oslo, Norway, renovation costs on the house, a Mercedes Benz, nearly $4 million in silver, travel, and personal expenses. This fraud scheme impacted victims from around the United States, including South Dakota, Minnesota, Arizona, New Mexico, Florida, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.
Peachey and Winer were convicted for their roles in fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice conspiracies. Peachey and Winer were sentenced to 300 months and 262 months in federal prison, respectively. Each was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release, pay nearly $11 million in restitution, and to forfeit a residence in Norway, a luxury vehicle, and approximately $4 million in silver coins.
This case was investigated by the following agencies:
- IRS Criminal Investigation;
- FBI;
- ØKOKRIM, the Norwegian National Authority for Prosecution and Investigation of Economic and Environmental Crime, Oslo, Norway;
- Oslo, Norway, Police Department;
- Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs; and
- South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Burkute was released after the sentencing hearing. Burkute resided in and operated from Norway, among other places, and she is a citizen of Latvia, where she was ordered to immediately self-deport.
Florida Man Sentenced for Wire FraudRead 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 North Miami Beach, Florida, man convicted of Wire Fraud. The sentencing took place on December 19, 2022.
Tyler Vandenhoek, age 35, was sentenced to time served, equal to approximately three days in custody, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $6,650 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Vandenhoek was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2022. He pleaded guilty on December 19, 2022.
Between January 2020 and February 2020, Vandenhoek stole blank checks belonging to two different victims and then wrote and cashed multiple fraudulent checks at locations in and around Mission, South Dakota.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Belle Fourche Woman Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Belle Fourche, South Dakota, woman convicted of Distribution of a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on December 16, 2022.
Jordan Dolney, 24, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison, followed by three years supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Jordan Dolney was indicted for Distribution of a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in February of 2022. She pleaded guilty on October 7, 2022.
Dolney assisted her co-defendant, Thomas Beetem, with obtaining a substance containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, and then assisted in coordinating the distribution and transfer of that substance to another in Rapid City, South Dakota. Beetem was previously sentenced to 16 months in custody.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Meade County Sheriff’s Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Dolney was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Winner 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 Winner, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on December 12, 2022.
Glenford Old Lodge, age 33, was sentenced to 13 months federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Old Lodge was indicted for Failure to Register by a federal grand jury in March of 2022. He pleaded guilty on September 1, 2022.
Between September 2, 2021 and September 5, 2021, Old Lodge, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of a conviction of federal law, knowingly failed to register and update his registration.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, Pierre Police Department, and the Winner Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
Old Lodge was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man 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 Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on December 12, 2022.
Perry Joseph Fogg, age 24, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, $1,185 restitution, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Fogg was indicted by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. He pleaded guilty on September 1, 2022.
On July 19, 2021, in Mellette County, within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation, upon sudden quarrel or heat of passion, Fogg unlawfully killed the victim by striking the victim with a pickup.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
Fogg was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced a federal grand jury has indicted a Rapid City, South Dakota, man for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Bradley Makes Room For Them, age 38, was indicted in June of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Moreno on December 12, 2022, 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, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Makes Room For Them was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in September of 2003. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. It is alleged that between March 16, 2022, and April 25, 2022, Makes Room For Them, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of a conviction under federal law, failed to properly register and update his registration.
The charge is merely an accusation and Makes Room For Them is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Makes Room For Them was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mission Man Sentenced for Third Degree BurglaryRead 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 Third Degree Burglary. The sentencing took place on December 12, 2022.
Justice White Horse, age 20, was sentenced to 11 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $230 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
White Horse was indicted for Third Degree Burglary by a federal grand jury in April of 2022. He pleaded guilty on September 1, 2022.
On February 8, 2022, in Mission, within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation, White Horse entered an unoccupied structure, that is the Buffalo Brew coffee shop, with the intent to commit larceny therein. At the time of the offense, White Horse was not licensed or privileged to be in the business.
This case was investigated by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
White Horse was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Little Eagle Woman Sentenced for Distribution of Methamphetamine Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Little Eagle, South Dakota, woman convicted of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death. The sentencing took place on December 12, 2022.
Samantha Lee Uses Arrow, age 29, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Uses Arrow was indicted for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death by a federal grand jury in October of 2021. She pleaded guilty on September 26, 2022.
In January 2021, in Little Eagle, within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation, Uses Arrow injected methamphetamine into another person, who died from methamphetamine toxicity.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency and Division of Drug Enforcement, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Mobridge Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Uses Arrow was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Little Eagle Man Sentenced for BurglaryRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man convicted of First Degree Burglary. The sentencing took place on December 12, 2022.
Dustin Jade Red Fox, age 30, was sentenced to 27 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.
Red Fox was indicted for First Degree Burglary by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. He pleaded guilty on September 26, 2022.
In June 2022, in Little Eagle, within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation, Red Fox entered the residence of his former dating partner without permission and assaulted her. Red Fox then attempted to start the residence on fire by burning a blanket on a stove.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Red Fox was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Dupree Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of 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 Dupree, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on December 12, 2022.
Joseph Bowker, 31, was sentenced to two years and five 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.
Bowker was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. He pleaded guilty on June 21, 2022.
In August 2021, in Rapid City, Bowker, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessed a Taurus, model PT111, Millenium Pro G2, 9x19mm Luger caliber, semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Bowker 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.
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.
Bowker was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Watauga Man Sentenced for LarcenyRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Watauga, South Dakota, man convicted of Larceny was sentenced on December 5, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Arlen Eugene Kern, age 57, was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay a $2,000 fine, restitution in the amount of $9,376.59, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Kern was indicted for Larceny by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. He pleaded guilty on September 12, 2022.
Between 2018 and 2020, in McIntosh, South Dakota, within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation, Kern stole over $1,000 from his place of employment through the misuse of a company debit card.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Corson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Kern was released after sentencing.
Rosebud Man Charged with Multiple Counts of Sexual Abuse and Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Rosebud, South Dakota, man for three counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor and one count of Abusive Sexual Contact.
Shane Mousseaux, age 35, was indicted in November of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on November 30, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and up to $400 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges in Counts 1, 2, and 3, that between August 6, 2020, and June 21, 2022, Mousseaux knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, sexual acts with a female minor who had not attained the age of 16 years.
Count 4 of the Indictment alleges that between August 6, 2020, and June 21, 2022, Mousseaux knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, sexual contact with the same victim.
The charges are merely accusations and Mousseaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI. 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.
Mousseaux was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.