District of South Dakota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Lower Brule Man Convicted by Federal Jury for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Jade LaRoche, age 42, of Lower Brule, South Dakota, was found guilty of Assaulting, Opposing, Resisting, Impeding, Intimidating, or Interfering with a Federal Officer as a result of a two-day federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
LaRoche was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 11, 2022.
The evidence at trial showed that on October 31, 2021, in Lower Brule, LaRoche forcibly opposed and resisted a federal law enforcement officer. The officer was called to a residence to remove LaRoche. Upon learning that he was going to be placed under arrest, LaRoche ran from the officer into a back bedroom of the home. As the officer approached the back bedroom, the defendant charged out from his hiding spot, striking the officer and knocking him backwards into a table. The victim suffered injuries to his neck, back, and shoulder.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation report was ordered and a sentencing date has not been set. LaRoche was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after the jury announced its verdict.
Kyle Woman Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Kyle, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 7, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Donna Garnette, age 29, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Garnette was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in May 2021, and pleaded guilty in December 2021. The conviction stems from Garnette obtaining and distributing fentanyl (4-ANPP) and hydrocodone pills with her conspirators on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
The case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Task Force, which includes the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation, and the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Garnette was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Fort Thompson Woman Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison Ramsdell announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on July 5, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Marvel Dion, age 37, was sentenced to 18 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.
Dion was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2020. She pled guilty on April 4, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on February 1, 2020, in Fort Thompson. Dion repeatedly struck an officer after being informed she was being placed under arrest.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Dion was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Fort Thompson Man Sentenced for LarcenyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Larceny was sentenced on July 5, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Tanner Shields, age 32, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Shields was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 8, 2022. He pled guilty on April 4, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred June 21, 2021, in Hughes County. Using a stolen pick-up truck and trailer, Shields stole a skid steer and then removed the serial numbers from the equipment.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department, the Tripp County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Shields was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Dupree Man Indicted on Murder and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Dupree, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for First Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
Stuart Cochran, Sr, age 48, was indicted on July 11, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 11, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is life imprisonment, 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 June 25, 2022, in Dewey County, South Dakota, Cochran willfully, deliberately, maliciously, and with premeditation and malice aforethought killed a man by shooting him with a handgun.
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 charges are merely accusations and Cochran is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
Cochran was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Allen Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Allen, South Dakota, man convicted of Enticement of a Minor and Sexual Abuse of a Minor was sentenced on July 6, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
On the charge of Enticement of a Minor, Stacey Garnette, a/k/a Stacy Garnette, age 44, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. As to the charge of Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Garnette was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The prison sentences are to be served concurrently.
Garnette was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2019. He pleaded guilty on January 3, 2022.
The conviction stems from Garnette, while employed at Red Cloud Indian School as a bus driver/mechanic, having an intimate relationship with a 14 year old female. Garnette used a cellular telephone to send messages to the juvenile female to induce her to engage in sexual activity.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Garnette was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
White River Man Indicted for Aggravated Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a White River, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse.
Justin Moreno, age 33, was indicted on May 10, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 5, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison 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 January 2, 2022, in Mellette County, South Dakota, Moreno caused the victim to engage in a sexual act by the use of force.
The charge is merely an accusation and Moreno 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 Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Moreno was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Texas Man Sentenced in South Dakota for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a San Antonio, Texas, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 5, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Isaias Lorenso Santos Escamilla, age 30, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Santos Escamilla was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on November 9, 2021. He pled guilty on April 11, 2022.
Beginning on an unknown date, and continuing until on or about December 2021, Santos Escamilla reached an agreement to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine in the District of South Dakota. During his involvement in the conspiracy, Santos Escamilla received cocaine from a co-conspirator and agreed to transport it to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. His co-conspirator gave him directions on where to deliver the cocaine and he expected to receive payment for delivering it. Law enforcement pulled their vehicle over and discovered approximately 28 kilograms of cocaine and a firearm in the vehicle.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Santos Escamilla was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
St. Francis Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison for Second Degree Murder and AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Second Degree Murder and Assault With a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on July 5, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Isaiah Clarence Young, age 23, was sentenced to a total of 40 years in federal prison. He was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for Second Degree Murder. He was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon. The sentences will be served concurrently. Young was also ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.
Young was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 8, 2021. He pled guilty on March 22, 2022.
In the early morning hours of January 24, 2021, Young broke into a St. Francis, South Dakota, residence with the intent to commit larceny. He entered a bedroom and turned on a light, awakening a man and a woman who were sleeping in the bedroom. Young grabbed a hammer and assaulted the victims, repeatedly striking them in the head and face. Young then picked up a knife and stabbed both victims repeatedly. The woman suffered fatal injuries. The man was hospitalized for his injuries but survived.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Young was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Escape from CustodyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Escape was sentenced on July 5, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Marlow Poor Thunder, age 27, was sentenced to 20 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.
Poor Thunder was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 10, 2022. He pled guilty on May 26, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on March 29, 2022, in Winner, when Poor Thunder failed to report to the Winner City Jail following a furlough to attend a medical appointment, as ordered by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno. An arrest warrant was issued on March 31, 2022. On April 7, 2022, Poor Thunder was arrested in Sioux Falls.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Poor Thunder was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on July 5, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Todd Kal Wilcox, age 42, was sentenced to 25 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.
Wilcox was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 13, 2021. He pled guilty on April 14, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on July 15, 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota. On that date, a Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officer responded to a call for service to remove Wilcox from a residence for being under the influence and disorderly. The responding officer asked Wilcox to leave the residence, and the officer removed a vodka bottle from Wilcox’s person while escorting him outside. Wilcox thereafter became combative and threatened and assaulted the officer with a metal bar.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
Wilcox was ordered to self-report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service no later than Friday, July 8, 2022, by 2:00 p.m.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on June 30, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Jackson Bissonette, age 31, was sentenced to 24 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.
Bissonette was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 20, 2020, and pleaded guilty on March 23, 2022. The conviction stems from Bissonette, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, illegally possessing a TriStar Arms, Hunter EX.12 gauge over-under double-barrel shotgun, which was found after Bissonette came into contact with law enforcement in January 2020 in Rapid City.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Black Hills Fugitive Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Bissonette was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Charged with Illegal Possession of Drugs and FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime.
Harold Salway Jr., age 22, was indicted on June 23, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica Duffy on June 29, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life 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 charges stem from Salway, unlawfully using and conspiring to distribute a controlled substance, possessing two 9mm semi-automatic pistols and a .22-250 bolt-action rifle between January 2021 and June 2022 in Rapid City. The charges are merely an accusation and Salway is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Salway was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Meth Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 1, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Thomas Prado, age 57, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Prado was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on February 19, 2021. He pleaded guilty to the indictment on March 25, 2022. Prado was responsible for bringing between 1.5 and 5 kilograms of methamphetamine to South Dakota during his involvement in the conspiracy. He obtained methamphetamine in California and shipped it to South Dakota via the U.S. Postal Service to post office boxes in Pine Ridge and Rushville, Nebraska. On several occasions he also transported methamphetamine himself from California. In South Dakota he dispersed the methamphetamine to others for use and distribution primarily in the Pine Ridge area.
This case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the FBI, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, Martin Police Department, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Prado was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Kyle Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Kyle, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on June 30, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Christine Richards, age 26, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, $170 restitution for drug testing costs, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Richards was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on December 21, 2021. She pleaded guilty to the Indictment on April 8, 2022. Richards was responsible for bringing between 1.5 and 5 kilograms of methamphetamine to South Dakota during her involvement in the conspiracy. In South Dakota she dispersed the methamphetamine and recruited others as sub-distributors to sell for her. Richards frequently traveled to the Pine Ridge Reservation to sell methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the FBI, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, Martin Police Department and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Richards was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Iowa Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Waterloo, Iowa, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 5, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Kurtis Jensen, age 43, was sentenced to nine years and six months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Jensen was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on April 6, 2021. He pled guilty on April 7, 2022.
Beginning on an unknown date and continuing until April 6, 2021, Jensen reached an agreement or came to an understanding to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in the District of South Dakota. During Jensen’s involvement, he purchased approximately four ounces of methamphetamine from a co-conspirator and transported it through South Dakota. On May 17, 2020, he was stopped in a vehicle by a South Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper. The trooper eventually searched the vehicle, found the four ounces of methamphetamine and arrested Jensen. Jensen intended to deliver the methamphetamine in his possession to a co-conspirator in Iowa. At the time of Jensen’s arrest, he had an extensive criminal history and was on parole.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Jensen was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Howes Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Howes, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on July 5, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Arnold Dean Buck Elk Thunder, Jr., age 55, was sentenced to 16 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.
Buck Elk Thunder was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 8, 2022. He pled guilty on March 14, 2022.
Buck Elk Thunder was convicted of Sexual Contact with a Child under the age of 16 in May 2001. 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. Between May 17, 2021, and January 11, 2022, Buck Elk Thunder failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Buck Elk Thunder was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Arizona Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Conspiracy and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Phoenix, Arizona, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Obstructing Justice by Retaliating Against a Witness, Victim or Informant, was sentenced on July 5, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
William Stevenson, age 56, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Stevenson was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Obstructing Justice by Retaliating Against a Witness, Victim or Informant, by a federal grand jury on January 4, 2022. He was convicted by a jury on April 14, 2022.
Beginning on an unknown date, and continuing until on or about January 2021, Stevenson and others reached an agreement to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere. Stevenson and other co-conspirators brought eight kilograms of methamphetamine to South Dakota from Arizona to distribute. Stevenson and his co-conspirators were arrested on December 13, 2020, when they tried to sell methamphetamine to an undercover agent. While in jail after the arrest, Stevenson physically assaulted one of his co-conspirators in retaliation for the co-conspirator providing information to law enforcement.
Stevenson’s co-conspirators pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and have also been sentenced in this case. Edwin Donis-Melgar, age 36, of Guatemala, was sentenced on October 12, 2021, and Luis Hernandez Parra, age 35, of Mexico, was sentenced on October 14, 2021. Both Donis-Melgar and Hernandez Parra were sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Manuel Obregon-Robin, age 20, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was sentenced on February 28, 2022, to 37 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Stevenson was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell Names Leadership TeamRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell has announced a new senior management team to lead the District’s enforcement mission. “The mission of the United States Attorney's Office for the District of South Dakota is today as it always has been - to impartially enforce and uphold the laws of the United States with the central goal of enhancing safety in our communities. That work will continue under the experienced leadership of our senior management team. Each of these individuals has dedicated their career to the pursuit of justice and bring to bear a tremendous amount of wisdom and integrity in support of the District’s mission.”
USA Ramsdell named Gregg S. Peterman as First Assistant U.S. Attorney. Mr. Peterman joined the office as an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) in 1995 and has been the Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney in Rapid City since January 2012. As an AUSA, Mr. Peterman prosecuted violent crimes in Indian country, including murder, sexual abuse, aggravated assault, child abuse, and robbery. Mr. Peterman received the United States Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service in Indian Country in 2017, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) Director’s Award for Superior Performance in Indian Country in 2013. He presently serves on the Department of Interior’s Not Invisible Act Commission, and is a former member of the U.S. Attorney General’s Advisory Task Force on Domestic Violence in Indian Country. Mr. Peterman grew up in New Jersey and is a graduate of Syracuse University and Brooklyn Law School.
USA Ramsdell also named Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Haak to serve as Chief of the Criminal Division. Mr. Haak joined the office as an AUSA in 2002 and has served as Deputy Criminal Chief for the District since 2015. Mr. Haak has also served as the District’s Senior Litigation Counsel, as well as the point of contact for the Attorney General’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force. In 2016 and 2018, Mr. Haak was recognized by the Drug Enforcement Administration for his outstanding contributions in the field of federal drug law enforcement. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Haak spent fourteen years in the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office, first in the appellate division and then as a drug prosecutor. Mr. Haak grew up in Howard, South Dakota, and earned both his B.A. and J.D. from the University of South Dakota.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana J. Ryan will continue to serve as Chief of the Civil Division. Ms. Ryan joined the office in 1989 as a criminal prosecutor handling violent crime in Indian country. In 1997, Ms. Ryan transitioned to civil litigation, and in 2004, she became the Civil Chief. As Civil Chief, Ms. Ryan supervises all affirmative and defensive litigation for the District and runs the Financial Litigation Unit, which collects federal civil debts and enforces court orders for criminal restitution. Ms. Ryan is an experienced litigator who has been lead counsel on more than 150 criminal matters, 750 civil cases, and 89 appeals. She has served on the National Civil Chief’s Working Group and continues to serve as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) counselor for EOUSA. In 1999, Ms. Ryan received an EOUSA Director’s Award for Superior Achievement in Promoting Equal Employment Opportunities. Ms. Ryan grew up in Mobridge, South Dakota, and earned both her B.A. and J.D. from the University of South Dakota.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin M. Koliner will continue to serve as Chief of the Appellate Division. Mr. Koliner joined the office as an AUSA in 2006 and has served as Appellate Chief since January 2013. Over the last sixteen years, Mr. Koliner has prosecuted large-scale human trafficking cases, including several sex trafficking cases that resulted in multiple life sentences, and represented the federal government before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals across the full range of matters handled by the district, including complex civil cases, white collar crimes, sex abuse and other violent crimes, civil rights violations, cybercrimes, gun crimes, and drug conspiracies. He has been honored to serve as a Department of Justice representative at international meetings of experts aimed at crafting multinational human trafficking and human rights policies. Mr. Koliner grew up in Yankton, South Dakota, and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and of the University of Virginia School of Law.
Rapid City Business Owner Sentenced for Not Paying Employee TaxesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Withhold, Properly Account for, and Pay Over Tax was sentenced on June 30, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Frank Morrison, age 72, was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200,000 fine, $684,927.56 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund
Morrison was charged on March 18, 2022, and pleaded guilty on April 1, 2022. The conviction stems from Morrison, while the owner of Thirsty’s Bar and Restaurant in Rapid City, failing to pay over taxes to the IRS after he withheld those taxes from his employees from 2008 through 2020. Morrison then used a large portion of those funds for his own personal use.
The investigation was conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Morrison was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Allen Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Allen, South Dakota, woman convicted of Second Degree Murder was sentenced on June 30, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Jonnie Fineran, age 20, was sentenced to 21 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.
Fineran was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2020 and pleaded guilty on April 8, 2022. The murder charge stemmed from Fineran, acting with a juvenile cohort, killing a man by stabbing him repeatedly with a knife in July 2020 in Manderson, South Dakota.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Fineran was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Bullhead Man Indicted for Possession of a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Bullhead, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
Nicholas James Black Cloud, age 20, was indicted on January 11, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 29, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to ten years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on October 25, 2021, in McLaughlin, South Dakota, Black Cloud was in possession of a stolen firearm, which he took from a vehicle.
The charge is merely an accusation and Black Cloud is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Corson County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Black Cloud was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Two Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Fort Pierre, South Dakota, woman and a Pierre, South Dakota, man both convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance were sentenced on June 28, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Shannon Spears, age 44, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. John Klein, age 45, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Both Spears and Klein were each also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, and special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Klein was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 13, 2021. He pled guilty on March 24, 2022. Spears was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 14, 2021. She pled guilty on March 10, 2022.
The convictions stem from Klein and Spears conspiring with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute methamphetamine in and around central South Dakota. Klein utilized sources of supply of methamphetamine from Minnesota and Colorado to bring large amounts of methamphetamine to the Pierre area, where he would utilize individuals, including Spears, to distribute that methamphetamine in and around central South Dakota. It was reasonably foreseeable that over 500 grams of methamphetamine was distributed during the course of the conspiracy.
Klein’s spouse, Taylor Huemoeller, a/k/a, Taylor Klein, who was also involved in the conspiracy, is set to be sentenced on August 15, 2022. Randy Little Shield was previously sentenced to 10 years in federal custody for his role in the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the FBI, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Klein and Spears were both immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Kyle Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on June 23, 2022, by Judge Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court.
Chester Benjamin Apple, a/k/a Chester Janis, age 39, was sentenced to 10 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.
Apple was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in March 2021 and pleaded guilty in December 2021. The conviction stems from Apple obtaining methamphetamine and distributing it in South Dakota from approximately January 2015 through March 2021.
The case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Task Force, which includes the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation, and the Martin, South Dakota, Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.
Apple was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Glenham Man Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Glenham, South Dakota, man convicted of Bank Fraud was sentenced on June 27, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Gabe Outtrim, age 43, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $144,050.94, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Outtrim was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 3, 2021. He pled guilty on December 7, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on approximately September 17, 2018, and continuing through February 21, 2019, when Outtrim, who was the branch manager and vice-president of the CorTrust Bank branch in Leola, South Dakota, knowingly executed a scheme to defraud the bank.
In his capacity, Outtrim had lending authority to approve loans up to $200,000 without having to send the loan application and supporting documentation to the bank’s loan committee for review and approval.
Outtrim made a nominee loan in the name of an unknowing bank customer and used the loan proceeds for his own benefit.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Outtrim was allowed to self-surrender by October 4, 2022.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Prohibited Person in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on June 27, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Tahlon Ducheneaux, age 29, was sentenced to 62 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.
Ducheneaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 13, 2021. He pled guilty on March 28, 2022.
The conviction stems from an incident on March 23, 2021, in Eagle Butte during a traffic stop, in which Ducheneaux was the passenger in the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement located a red backpack that belonged to Ducheneaux and inside the bag found a pistol and drug paraphernalia. Ducheneaux is a felon and an unlawful user of a controlled substance, making him a prohibited person.
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 Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Ducheneaux was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison Ramsdell announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on June 27, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Shilo Ziegler, age 39, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Ziegler was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 9, 2020. He pled guilty on March 28, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred sometime prior to December 13, 2015, in Lower Brule, South Dakota. Ziegler set up a video tablet in a room he knew a minor victim was about to enter and change in after she exited the shower. A video was later recovered on the same tablet which showed the nude minor.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Ziegler was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on June 27, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Francis Kills In Sight, age 28, was sentenced to 26 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.
Kills In Sight was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 8, 2022. He pled guilty on March 28, 2022.
Kills In Sight was convicted of Sexual Contact in November 2014. 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. Between December 22, 2021, and January 4, 2022, Kills In Sight failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
Kills In Sight was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on June 27, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Jeffery Leo Larvie, age 39, was sentenced to five months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Larvie was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 1, 2022. He pled guilty on April 4, 2022.
The conviction stems from Larvie failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between September 22, 2021, and February 1, 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.
Larvie was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Fort Pierre Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Fort Pierre, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on June 27, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Lisa Herren, a/k/a Lisa Miller, age 43, was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Herren was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 8, 2021. She pled guilty on January 27, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy which began in September 2018, in which Herren conspired with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute methamphetamine in and around Stanley County, South Dakota. It was reasonably foreseeable that over 50 grams of methamphetamine was distributed during the course of the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Stanley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Herren was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Flandreau Woman Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Flandreau, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on June 27, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Caley Studsdahl, age 24, was sentenced to three years of probation and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.
Studsdahl was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 8, 2021. She pled guilty on April 4, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on or about April 21, 2020, when Studsdahl was approached by the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Acting Chief of Police because there was a tribal warrant for her arrest. The Acting Chief of Police placed Studsdahl in handcuffs, conducted a search, and placed her in the rear cage of his patrol vehicle. Before he could close the door, Studsdahl voluntarily and intentionally assaulted the Acting Chief of Police by spitting on his face and said an obscenity directed at him.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
California Man Sentenced on Meth ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Bakersfield, California, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on June 27, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Lee Molica, age 61, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Molica was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 10, 2021. He pled guilty on March 11, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from a traffic stop on May 20, 2021, in Buffalo County, South Dakota. During the stop, law enforcement located two plastic baggies containing approximately 90 grams of methamphetamine, which Molica intended to distribute on the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Indian Reservations.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the FBI, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Molica was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sisseton Man Sentenced to Nine Months in Federal Prison for Assault of a Federal EmployeeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Sisseton, South Dakota, man convicted of assault of a federal employee was sentenced on June 21, 2022, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Richard Reuben Simon, age 28, was sentenced to nine months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay $25 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Simon was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 14, 2021. He pled guilty on April 4, 2022.
On August 16, 2021, Simon forcibly assaulted, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with the victim, while the victim was employed as a federal health care professional with the Indian Health Service (IHS), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, assigned to perform health care functions, while she was engaged in the performance of her official duties.
The victim was working in an official capacity as a nurse practitioner for an IHS facility. During an exam of the Defendant, he made inappropriate comments to and committed a simple assault against the victim, specifically including unlawful physical contact amounting to simple assault.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Simon was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Man Indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Damon Clyde Has Horns, age 41, was indicted on March 8, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 24, 2022, and pled 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 6, 2021, and March 8, 2022, in the District of South Dakota, Has Horns, a person required to register as a sex offender by reason of conviction under federal law, knowingly failed to register and update his registration.
The charge is merely an accusation and Has Horns is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler is prosecuting the case.
Has Horns was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Woman Sentenced to 10 Years Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on June 23, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Rayne Jackson, age 28, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and $60 restitution for drug testing costs.
Jackson was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2020. She pleaded guilty on January 14, 2022. During her involvement in the conspiracy, methamphetamine was brought to South Dakota from out-of-state by the defendant, or by others through arrangements with her. She then dispersed methamphetamine in South Dakota to others for use and distribution.
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 National Guard, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case. Two co-defendants, Nathan Bellew and Eric Yockey, were previously sentenced.
Jackson was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Louisiana Man Sentenced for Attempted Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Kaplan, Louisiana, man convicted of Attempted Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on June 22, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Robert Lee Goodwill, Jr., age 21, was sentenced to two and a half 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. Goodwill will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Goodwill was arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators. Goodwill initiated sexual chats and sought images of child pornography from a person he believed to be a 15-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent. Goodwill then negotiated a time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts. When Goodwill went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was met by law enforcement and placed under arrest.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Goodwill was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Fort Thompson Man Indicted for Sexual Abuse ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison Ramsdell announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor by Force.
Jeffery Pickner, age 45, was indicted on June 14, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 24, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison 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 between July 1994 and June 1997, Pickner sexually abused two victims, both of whom were under the age of twelve. The Indictment further alleges that between November 2015 and September 2016, Pickner sexually abused a third victim by force, who had not attained the age of sixteen.
The charges are merely accusations and Pickner is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
Pickner was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Final Defendant of Four Sioux Falls Men Arrested for Role in Bank Fraud & Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for his role in bank fraud and money laundering conspiracies.
Keyvon Hamilton Hogan Jr., age 22, was indicted on April 5, 2022. He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman on June 22, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. Keyvon Hamilton Hogan Jr. has been charged with three co-defendants: Antyon Hamilton Hogan Jr., age 24; Marvin Antuon Williams, age 31; and Giovanni Hamilton, age 23.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 30 years in custody for Bank Fraud Conspiracy, 20 years in custody for Money Laundering Conspiracy, and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution and forfeiture may also be ordered.
According to the Indictment, in 2020 and continuing until April 2022, all of the defendants conspired and agreed with others to knowingly conduct and attempt to conduct bank fraud and financial transactions affecting interstate and foreign commerce. Specifically, the co-conspirators knowingly conspired to execute and attempt to execute a scheme and artifice to defraud financial institutions throughout the Sioux Falls area and elsewhere, including, but not limited to, First Premier Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Levo Credit Union, First National Bank, First Bank and Trust, U.S. Bank, American Bank and Trust, American State Bank, Navy Federal Credit Union, Pima Federal Credit Union, JP Morgan Chase, and Security National Bank of South Dakota. These defendants, as alleged, schemed to obtain money, funds, and other property owned by, and under the custody and control of, the aforementioned financial institutions, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises.
After obtaining funds through fraud, the co-conspirators and others engaged in depositing, transferring, wiring, and withdrawing currency, and funds at financial institutions, which involved the proceeds of specified unlawful activity – that is, the bank fraud identified above. These defendants 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 the defendants knew that the property involved in the financial transactions represented the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity.
The charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the following agencies:
- Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation;
- Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations;
- Sioux Falls Police Department;
- U.S. Postal Service; and
- South Dakota Highway Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Antyon Hogan, Williams, and Keyvon Hogan were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending further proceedings and trial. Giovanni Hamilton was released on bond. A trial date of August 30, 2022, has been set.
Colorado Man Sentenced for Impeding the Internal Revenue ServiceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Longmont, Colorado, man convicted of Impeding the Internal Revenue Service was sentenced on June 21, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol.
Loren Brown, age 86, was sentenced to three years of probation, a $3,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Brown was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 17, 2017. He pled guilty on August 10, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning in April of 2004 when Theodore Nelson and his son, Steven Nelson, created over 25 sham trusts to hide their income and assets from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), thus evading the assessment and payment of federal income taxes. The Nelsons used forms created by Brown. The trusts were designed, in part, to make it difficult for the IRS to determine the Nelsons’ federal income tax liability. The Nelsons appointed John Sheridan and Loren Brown as trustees and successor trustees for the trusts until Sheridan’s death in 2011. In this manner, the Nelsons were able to put many layers between themselves and their assets/income. Brown’s agreement to act as successor trustee helped the Nelsons hide their income and assets from the IRS.
The Nelsons reside in Letcher, South Dakota. Loren Brown and his co-defendant, Randy L. Garriss, acted as signors for South Dakota bank accounts associated with Nelson trusts and performed most of their actions on behalf of the Nelsons’ tax evasion in South Dakota.
Among other acts, Brown and Garriss corruptly endeavored to obstruct and impede the due administration of the internal revenue laws by mailing to the IRS a Protest and Demand for Administrative Review on behalf of the Nelsons. Garriss signed on his own behalf and that of Brown as trustees for Steve Nelson and the Nelsons’ trusts. The letter was received by the IRS on January 5, 2016.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Final Defendant of Three Arrested for Role in Kidnapping, Carjacking, and Firearm Offense Against FBI EmployeeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a woman from Kersey, Colorado, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for her role in Kidnapping, Carjacking, and Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
Lourdes Bonilla, age 23, was indicted on May 19, 2022. She made her initial appearance before U.S. Judge Daneta Wollmann on June 24, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. Juan Francisco Alvarez-Sorto, age 24, and Deyvin Morales, age 27, made their initial appearances before U.S. Judge Daneta Wollmann on June 9, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment
The maximum term of imprisonment upon conviction for each count is as follows: up to life for Kidnapping; up to fifteen (15) years for Carjacking; and a mandatory minimum of seven (7) years up to life for Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Each count also has a maximum fine of $250,000.
According to the indictment, on or about May 6, 2022, near Red Shirt, in the District of South Dakota, the defendants, Juan Francisco Alvarez-Sorto, a/k/a Juan Francisco Alvarez, a/k/a “Juanito R.,” a/k/a “Juan Jr.,” Deyvin Morales, a/k/a Deyvin Eliabid Escriba Morales, a/k/a Deybi Eleabit Escriba Morales, a/k/a “Guate,” a/k/a “Watay,” a/k/a “Chapine,” and Lourdes Alondra Bonilla, a/k/a “Bhabie Doze,” a/k/a “Princess_Doze,” did willfully and knowingly kidnap and abduct a victim. At the time, the victim was engaged in the performance of their official duties as a professional support employee with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The defendants also took the victim’s vehicle, with force, violence, and intimidation, and brandished a rifle during the commission of the charged criminal conduct. It is alleged that the defendants aided and abetted each other in committing the charges set forth in the indictment.
The charges are merely accusations, and each defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
The defendants were all detained pending further court proceedings in South Dakota. A trial date of August 16, 2022, has been set.
Rosebud Man Indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Floyd Black Spotted Horse, Jr., age 35, was indicted on June 14, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 21, 2022, and pled 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 February 16, 2022, and April 29, 2022, in the District of South Dakota, Black Spotted Horse, a person required to register as a sex offender by reason of 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.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. 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 not been set.
Mitchell Man Charged with Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Mitchell, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography.
Justin Douglas Brende, age 42, was indicted on June 14, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on June 16, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 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 November 1, 2020, and October 3, 2021, Brende knowingly received and distributed, and attempted to receive and distribute, child pornography that has been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.
The charge is merely an accusation and Brende is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Mitchell Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Brende was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial which has been set for August 23, 2022.
Mission Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor was sentenced on June 21, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Jaret Wooden Knife, age 24, was sentenced to 18 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.
Wooden Knife was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 8, 2022. He pled guilty on March 28, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on January 10, 2020, in Mission, when Wooden Knife knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a minor female.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
Wooden Knife was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Fort Pierre Man Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Fort Pierre, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Exploitation of a Child was sentenced on June 21, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
James Cadwell, age 40, was sentenced to 28 years in federal prison, followed by seven years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Cadwell was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 10, 2020. He pled guilty on March 3, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on October 26, 2020, in Pierre, South Dakota, when the minor victim was in Cadwell’s care. Cadwell knowingly persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced his minor victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of recording such conduct, and said recordings were produced by mobile phone and shared by computer.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Pierre Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher prosecuted the case.
Cadwell was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Found Not Guilty of Sexual Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota, beginning on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, and concluding on Friday, June 17, 2022.
Luis Torres, a/k/a “Bubba”, age 22, was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 10, 2021.
The charges related to the sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl in rural Eagle Butte.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.
Colorado Man Found Guilty of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Attempts to Interfere with Administration of Internal Revenue LawsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Randy L. Garriss, age 68, of Lamar, Colorado, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Attempts to Interfere with Administration of Internal Revenue Laws as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and up to a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Garriss was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 6, 2017.
The convictions stemmed from incidents beginning in April of 2004 when Theodore Nelson and his son, Steven Nelson, created over 25 sham trusts to hide their income and assets from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), thus evading the assessment and payment of federal income taxes. The trusts were designed to make it difficult for the IRS to determine the Nelsons’ federal income tax liability. The Nelsons appointed John Sheridan and Loren Brown as trustees and successor trustees for the trusts until Sheridan’s death in 2011. In this manner, the Nelsons were able to put many layers between themselves and their assets and income. In 2011, Garriss joined the conspiracy as a trustee for the Nelsons’ trusts. Garriss’ actions as trustee helped the Nelsons hide their income and assets from the IRS. Among other acts, Garriss also corruptly endeavored to obstruct and impede the due administration of the internal revenue laws by mailing anti-tax documents to the IRS on behalf of the Nelsons. Garriss signed on his own behalf and that of Brown as trustees for Steve Nelson and the Nelsons’ trusts.
“One of IRS Criminal Investigation’s highest priorities is to combat abusive tax avoidance schemes and the individuals who promote them,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation. "The guilty verdict of Randy Garriss for his agreement to conspire against and impede the IRS with Ted Nelson, Steve Nelson, and Loren Brown shows how IRS Criminal Investigation will work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring tax cheats to justice."
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for September 12, 2022. The defendant was released on bond until sentencing.
Pine Ridge Man Indicted for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse of a Minor.
McKinley Two Bulls-Hunter, age 24, was indicted on May 19, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on June 15, 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, at least five years, up to life, of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between April 2021 and July 2021, in Pine Ridge, Two Bulls-Hunter knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act with a minor female. The charge is merely an accusation and Two Bulls-Hunter is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Blair is prosecuting the case.
Two Bulls-Hunter was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set of August 23, 2022. ###
Spearfish Woman Sentenced for Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Spearfish, South Dakota, woman convicted of Theft of Government Funds was sentenced on June 13, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Christi Marie Johnson, age 37, was sentenced to five years of probation, $16,594.50 in restitution, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 9, 2021. She pled guilty on March 9, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from incident between on or about June 15, 2017, and May 7, 2018, when Johnson willfully and knowingly embezzled, stole, purloined, and converted to her own use money from departments and agencies of the United States, namely Title II program benefits payments made to her deceased stepfather, to which Johnson knew she was not entitled. Title II is administered by the U.S. Social Security Administration.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on June 13, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Lyle Walter Iron Horn, age 41, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Iron Horn was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 14, 2021. He pleaded guilty on March 15, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on February 20, 2021, in McLaughlin, South Dakota, in which Iron Horn assaulted an individual with shod feet.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Iron Horn was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Commission of a Felony Offense Against a Minor While Required to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Commission of a Crime of Violence While Failing to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on June 13, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Alton Bear Heels, age 30, was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison, followed by seven years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.
Bear Heels was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 8, 2021. He pleaded guilty on March 10, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in April 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota, when Bear Heels knowingly 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. In addition, at the time of the above-described conduct, Bear Heels was a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act by virtue of a conviction under Indian tribal law.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Bear Heels was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.