District of South Dakota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
California Man Sentenced to 12 1/2 years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Spring Valley, California, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on March 7, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Larre Hayes, age 37, was sentenced to 12 1/2 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He also forfeited four firearms.
Hayes was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on February 19, 2021. He pleaded guilty on November 1, 2021. Hayes was involved in a conspiracy responsible for distributing between 1.5 and 5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Rapid City area. Hayes brought methamphetamine from California to South Dakota with co-conspirator, Shelby Tripp Lien, who is currently awaiting trial. Hayes also facilitated the mailing of methamphetamine from California to South Dakota. During the conspiracy Hayes obtained firearms as payment for methamphetamine and also for personal protection.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Hayes was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Brookings Man Charged with Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Brookings, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of Production of Child Pornography.
Keenan Chidaushe, age 25, was indicted on March 1, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 11, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 30 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between November 8, 2021 and November 19, 2021, and on December 19, 2021, Chidaushe knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced two juvenile females to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions, knowing and having reason to know that such visual depictions would be transported in interstate and foreign commerce, or mailed, and such visual depictions would be produced using materials that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, including by computer.
The charges are merely accusations and Chidaushe is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Brooking Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Chidaushe was remanded to state custody pending trial, which has not been set.
Five Men Arrested for Sex Crimes in Online Sting OperationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with the assistance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted a joint online sex crimes operation that ran from March 6, 2022, through March 10, 2022.
As a result, the following five men were arrested:
Kent Mews, age 55, Sioux Falls, SD – Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.
Zachary Murray, age 35, Brookings, SD – Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.
Sky Thomas Roubideaux, age 22, Tea, SD – Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.
Elliott Anderson, age 25, Sioux Falls, SD – Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.
Jordan Matthew Hermanson, age 31, Sioux Falls, SD – Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.
The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction is 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years minimum of supervised release, up to life, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges are merely accusations, and all five Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
“This successful operation illuminates the continued threat child predators pose to our children,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Jamie Holt for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) St. Paul. “I want to thank our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for teaming with us, and the South Dakota DCI’s ICAC task force, in this very important work.”
The cases are being federally prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to extend its appreciation to all law enforcement partners involved in the investigations for their efforts and continued cooperation.
Washington Man Indicted for Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that an Olympia, Washington, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Lawrence Allan Swan, age 63, was indicted on January 11, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 8, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between January 2020 and December 2021, in South Dakota and elsewhere, Swan knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana.
The charge is merely an accusation and Swan is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Corson County Sherriff’s Office, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Swan was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and one count of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm was sentenced on March 7, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Eric Ladeaux, age 35, was sentenced to three seven-year terms in federal prison, to run concurrently. Ladeaux was also sentenced to three three-year terms of supervised release, to run concurrently, and ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Ladeaux, a person who is prohibited from possessing firearms, was arrested and federally indicted after he came into contact with Pennington County Sheriff’s Office deputies in December 2019, and Rapid City Police Department officers in September 2020, and was found to be in possession of firearms. Ladeaux was also found to be in possession of an unregistered firearm during the September 2020 stop.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.
Ladeaux was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Porcupine Man Pleads Not Guilty to Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Porcupine, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Involuntary Manslaughter and False Statements.
Cassian Richards, age 19, was indicted on March 1, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on March 7, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is eight years in federal prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Richards killing another person in February 2022. The charges are merely accusations and Richards is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.
Richards was released from custody pending trial. A trial date has been set for May 10, 2022.
Aberdeen Man Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Aberdeen, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Jose David Recio, Jr., age 26, was indicted on March 2, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 7, 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 on or about December 1, 2021, and February 15, 2022, Recio, who had previously been convicted of a sex crime under State Law, and traveled in interstate commerce, failed to register and update his registration under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
The charge is merely an accusation and Recio is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Recio was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for May 20, 2022.
Wagner Woman Charged with Child Abuse and Neglect and Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Wagner, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Child Abuse and Neglect and Involuntary Manslaughter.
Chelsea Andersh, age 26, was indicted on March 2, 2022. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 7, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about September 11, 2021, Andersh intentionally and knowingly abused, exposed, tortured, tormented, and cruelly punished a child who had not attained the age of seven by subjecting him to an environment which was lacking in proper parental care through the actions and omissions of Andersh, and which was injurious to the child’s welfare. Andersh’s actions led to the death of the child.
The charges are merely accusations and Andersh is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Charles Mix County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Andersh was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Wagner Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Wagner, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a sex Offender was sentenced on March 7, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Russell Duane Hubbeling, age 57, was sentenced to nine 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.
Hubbeling was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 5, 2021. He pled guilty on December 1, 2021.
The conviction stems from Hubbeling failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between August 5, 2021, and September 2, 2021. Hubbeling 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.
Hubbeling was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on February 24, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Melvin Corbine, age 44, was sentenced to four years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Corbine was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2020. He pleaded guilty on September 24, 2021. While involved in the conspiracy, Corbine distributed methamphetamine in the Rapid City area 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.
Corbine was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of Receipt of Child Pornography and two counts of Possession of Child Pornography.
Titus Amiotte, age 21, was indicted on February 17, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on February 25, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of five years up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, lifetime supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Amiotte was federally indicted following a Cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The charges relate to Amiotte receiving and possessing child pornography between 2020 and 2022. The charges are merely accusations and Amiotte is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is a joint effort between the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, Homeland Security Investigations, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.
Amiotte was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for May 3, 2022.
Pine Ridge Man Pleads Not Guilty to Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Abusive Sexual Contact.
Howard Blue Bird, age 44, was indicted on November 18, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on March 2, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and a $200 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Blue Bird knowingly engaging in a sexual act with a minor in 2018 near Porcupine, South Dakota.
The charges are merely accusations and Blue Bird is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.
Blue Bird was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for May 10, 2022.
Mission Woman Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on March 7, 2022, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Carlianna Erickson, a/k/a Carlianna Erickson-Redday, age 25, was sentenced to nine months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.
Erickson was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 8, 2021. She pled guilty on January 31, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on May 4, 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota. On that date, Erickson assaulted a corrections officer at the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Adult Correctional Facility.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Erickson was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Manderson Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Manderson, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on March 3, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
James Shawn Jumping Eagle, age 46, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Jumping Eagle was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury on March 2, 2021, and pleaded guilty on April 7, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from Jumping Eagle failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between February 9, 2021, and February 20, 2021. Jumping Eagle had previously been convicted of a sex offense in federal court, which required him to register for the rest of his life.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.
Jumping Eagle was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with Attempted Production of Child Pornography and Transfer of Obscene Materials to MinorsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Attempted Production of Child Pornography and Transfer of Obscene Materials to Minor.
Luke John Schauer, age 28, was indicted on March 1, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 4, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 30 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between January 18, 2022, and February 4, 2022, Schauer attempted to employ, use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an OCE undercover agent posing as a 12-year-old female minor, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct, knowing and having reason to know that such depictions would be transported in interstate or foreign commerce or mailed, and such depictions would be produced using materials that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, including by computer.
The Indictment also alleges that during the same periods of time, Schauer knowingly used his cellular phone to transfer and attempt to transfer obscene materials to the same undercover agent posing as a 12-year-old child.
The charges are merely accusations and Schauer is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, with cooperation from the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Schauer was released pending trial which has been scheduled for April 19, 2022.
McLaughlin Man Indicted for Sexual Abuse of Children and Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and Witness Tampering.
Jerome Moses Goodhouse, Jr., age 30, was indicted on January 12, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 3, 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, a lifetime of supervised release, $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and $5,000 to the Domestic Trafficking Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that in 2017 at McLaughlin, Goodhouse sexually abused two minor victims. He also knowingly intimidated and threatened one of his victims to not report what he had done to law enforcement.
The charges are merely accusations and Goodhouse is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Goodhouse was released on bond pending trial. A trial date was set for April 19, 2022.
Lower Brule Man Indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Robert Stricker, age 48, was indicted on February 8, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 3, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to ten years 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.
Stricker was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in 2013. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. It is alleged that between September 2021 and February 2022, Stricker, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under Federal Law, failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.
The charge is merely an accusation and Stricker is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
Stricker was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Watauga Man Indicted for LarcenyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Watauga, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Larceny.
Arlen Eugene Kern, age 57, was indicted on December 14, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 1, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to five years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between April 2018 and June 2020, in McIntosh, South Dakota, Kern stole over $1,000 in United States currency and tangible goods from his place of employment.
The charge is merely an accusation and Kern is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Corson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Kern was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Wakpala Man Charged with Embezzlement and Theft from Indian Tribal OrganizationsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Wakpala, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.
Joshua Iron Cloud, Sr., age 38, was indicted on September 8, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 23, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to five years in 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 between March and May 2020, Iron Cloud embezzled, stole, and converted more than $1,000 of monies, funds, and credits belonging to Oyate Community Development Corporation of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, an Indian Tribal Organization. It is alleged that Iron Cloud used those monies on personal items and expenditures.
The charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case was brought pursuant to The Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities. The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include: Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Postal Inspector Service; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.
For additional information about The Guardians Project, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (605) 330-4400. To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Iron Cloud was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on February 28, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Jason Kimmel, Sr., age 40, was sentenced to 31 months in federal prison, to run concurrently with 18 months sentenced in another file, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Kimmel was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 13, 2021. He pled guilty on November 22, 2021.
Kimmel was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in 2005. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. Between February 10, 2021, and April 1, 2021, Kimmel, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under Federal Law, 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 Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Kimmel was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the InternetRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet was sentenced on February 28, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Christopher Truax, age 35, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Truax will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Truax was arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators. Following multiple chats and text messages with a person Truax believed to be a 13-year old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent, he proceeded to negotiate a time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts. When Truax went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.
This case was 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.
Truax was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Newell Woman Indicted for Distribution of a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Newell, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Distribution of a Controlled Substance.
Kimberly Rich, age 56, was indicted on February 17, 2022. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on February 25, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is forty years in federal prison and/or a $5,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that in January 2022, Rich knowingly and intentionally distributed a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. The charges are merely an accusation and Rich is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Meade County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Blair is prosecuting the case.
Rich was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
New Mexico Man Charged with Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Santa Fe, New Mexico, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Isidro Ortega, age 62, was indicted on January 20, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on February 23, 2022, and pled 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 charge stems from Ortega, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly being in possession of a Jimenez Arms Incorporated, model J.A., .380 Auto caliber, semi-automatic pistol, in Rapid City in August 2021, which was found after Ortego came into contact with law enforcement. The charge is merely an accusation and Ortega 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 South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Ortego was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mission Man Charged with Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse of a Minor.
Jaret Wooden Knife, age 24, was indicted on February 8, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 1, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, not less than 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 on or about January 10, 2020, in Mission, Wooden Knife knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act with a minor female.
The charge is merely an accusation and Wooden Knife is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler is prosecuting the case.
Wooden Knife was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for April 12, 2022.
Lower Brule Man Indicted for Assaulting Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Marty LaRoche, age 28, was indicted on December 14, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 1, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to eight 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 29, 2021, in Lower Brule, LaRoche spit on and struck a federal officer.
The charge is merely an accusation and LaRoche is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
LaRoche was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Lower Brule Man Indicted for Assaulting Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Ronald Flute, Jr., age 25, was indicted on November 9, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 1, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to eight 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 August 14, 2021, in Lower Brule, Flute struck a federal officer.
The charge is merely an accusation and Flute is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
Flute was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Little Eagle Man Indicted for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Corey Lynn Flying Bye, Jr., age 33, was indicted on February 8, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 1, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 years in federal prison, a $5,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between January 2020 and January 2021, on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota, Flying Bye knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The charge is merely an accusation and Flying Bye is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Mobridge Police Department, the Corson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Flying Bye was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Colorado Woman Sentenced to Three Years Probation for Possession of a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Lakewood, Colorado, woman convicted of Possession of a Controlled Substance was sentenced on February 25, 2022, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann.
Rigdon, age 33, was sentenced to three years probation with conditions, a $1,000 fine, and a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Rigdon was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on July 24, 2018. She pleaded guilty on December 13, 2021, to a superseding information charging her with Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Rigdon was stopped by law enforcement with two co-defendants while traveling from Colorado to South Dakota in June 2018. Law enforcement located approximately 242 grams of methamphetamine in the locked glove box of the vehicle.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, which is comprised of law enforcement from the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota National Guard, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on February 28, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Chester Dennis Marshall, age 55, was sentenced to five years of supervised release and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Marshall was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 4, 2021. He pled guilty on October 25, 2021.
The conviction stems from Marshall failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between January 2, 2021, and January 25, 2021. Marshall had previously been convicted of a sex offense in federal court, which required him to register for the rest of his life.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Pine Ridge Man Indicted for Robbery and AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Robbery, Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony, and Assault on a Federal Officer.
Faron John Apple, age 32, was indicted on February 17, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on February 25, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is fifteen years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that in June 2021, Apple robbed an on-duty Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety officer and then assaulted the officer. The charges are merely an accusation and Apple is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Blair is prosecuting the case.
Apple was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mission Woman Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on February 28, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Teyaune Clairmont, a/k/a Teyaune Clairmont Escobedo, age 30, was sentenced to 28 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.
Clairmont was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 9, 2020. She pled guilty on November 29, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in the early morning hours of June 27, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota. Clairmont went to the victim’s residence and argued with her. After arguing with the victim for several minutes, Clairmont became angry and lunged at the victim, biting the victim on the arm, back, and nose. The injury to the victim’s nose was severe and required reconstructive surgery
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Clairmont was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Manderson Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Manderson, South Dakota, man convicted at trial of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on February 18, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
A federal jury found Alec Respects Nothing guilty in November 2021. Respects Nothing, age 31, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
During his involvement in the conspiracy, Respects Nothing obtained methamphetamine from multiple large scale methamphetamine suppliers, which he then sold to others, primarily on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Many of the people Respects Nothing supplied with methamphetamine went on to further distribute it to others.
This case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina S. Nelson prosecuted the case.
Respects Nothing was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Lake Andes Man Sentenced for Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Lake Andes, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography was sentenced on February 28, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Cameron Allen Zephier, age 25, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Zephier was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 2, 2021. He pled guilty on November 30, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from incidents between May 6, 2020, and September 30, 2020, when Zephier used his Snapchat accounts to upload files containing child pornography. Zephier downloaded the files from the internet to his cellular phone.
Zephier admitted to knowingly having received the digital files containing child pornography that had been transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce via the means of his cellular phone. Zephier knew the files contained child pornography as they depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Charles Mix County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Zephier was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Fort Thompson Man Indicted for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse of a Minor.
Adonis Collins, age 19, was indicted on February 8, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 25, 2022, and pled 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 July 2021 and August 2021, in Fort Thompson, Collins knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act with a minor female.
The charge is merely an accusation and Collins is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services – Crow Creek Agency, and the Isleta, New Mexico, Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
Collins was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Arkansas Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Bella Vista, Arkansas, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on February 28, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Jeffrey Alan Mosal, age 45, was sentenced to 30 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.
Mosal was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 6, 2021. He pled guilty on November 30, 2021.
The conviction stems from Mosal failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between January 30, 2020, and April 6, 2021. Mosal had previously been convicted of a sex offense in U.S. Circuit Court, District of Arkansas, which required him to register for 25 years.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Mosal was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
McLaughlin Man Indicted for Abusive Sexual Contact with a ChildRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child.
Theophile Donald Soft, Jr., age 60, was indicted on December 14, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 23, 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, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between April 2013 and April 2015, in Corson County, South Dakota, Soft knowingly engaged in, and caused to engage in, a sexual contact with a minor female.
The charge is merely an accusation and Soft is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Soft was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Eagle Butte Woman Indicted for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Brenda Faye Fernandez, age 48, was indicted on February 8, 2022. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 23, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between January 1, 2021, and September 30, 2021, in South Dakota, Fernandez knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The Indictment further alleges that on May 26, 2021, in Eagle Butte, Fernandez knowingly and intentionally possessed methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
The charges are merely accusations and Fernandez is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Fernandez was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on February 18, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Waylon Loefer, age 42, was sentenced to three and ½ 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.
Loefer was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 17, 2021, and pleaded guilty on September 27, 2021. The charge stems from Loefer, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessing a Taurus, model PT840, .40 Smith & Wesson, semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Loefer came into contact with law enforcement in February 2021 at 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 Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Loefer was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Colorado Man Sentenced to Life in Prison on Murder ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Denver, Colorado, man convicted of First Degree Premeditated Murder, First Degree Felony Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Assault, Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on February 18, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Adan Corona, a/k/a “Ace Boogie,” age 35, was sentenced to life in federal prison for the murder and an additional ten years on the firearm charge, to run consecutively, and ordered to pay a $500 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Corona was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 22, 2017, and was convicted of the charges by a federal jury following a two-week long trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, in September 2021.
The conviction stems from the October 16, 2016, shooting death of Vincent Von Brewer III in front of the SuAnne Big Crow Center in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Corona, along with Francisco Villanueva, shot Brewer 15 times with an assault rifle and a 9mm handgun, as Brewer attempted to flee from the defendants. Villanueva was previously sentenced on November 5, 2021, to two consecutive life sentences in federal prison.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations, and the Denver and Aurora, Colorado, Police Departments. The investigation was also supported by numerous other state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Collins and Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Corona was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Box Elder Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Enticement of MinorsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Box Elder, South Dakota, man convicted of Enticement of Minors Using the Internet was sentenced on February 17, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Francis James Kistler, age 61, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Kistler was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $700 in restitution. Kistler will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Kistler was federally indicted and arrested after sexually exploiting two underage females between January 2019 and July 2019, while he was employed as a deputy sheriff for the Fall River County Sheriff’s Office.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Kistler was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Charged with Failure to AppearRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Appear.
Blade Marshall, age 24, was indicted on February 8, 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 18, 2022, and pled 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 January 24, 2022, Marshall failed to appear for his jury trial for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
The charge is merely an accusation and Marshall is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Marshall was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Eagle Butte Man Charged with Failure to AppearRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Appear.
Cheyene Michael Thompson, age 30, was indicted on July 16, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 16, 2022, and pled 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 January 13, 2020, Thompson failed to appear for his sentencing hearing for violating the terms and conditions of his supervised release.
The charge is merely an accusation and Thompson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
Thompson 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 over Seven Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on February 14, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Megan Lawrence, age 42, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Lawrence was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on February 19, 2021. She pleaded guilty on October 22, 2021. Lawrence was involved in a conspiracy responsible for distributing between 1.5 and 5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Rapid City area. Methamphetamine was brought to South Dakota from California by Lawrence's co-conspirators, Larre Hayes and Shelby Tripp Lien. Lawrence helped further distribute the methamphetamine upon its arrival. Lawrence also received packages in the mail containing methamphetamine, coordinated by Hayes. Hayes is awaiting sentencing and Lien is pending trial.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Lawrence was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Three Years for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on February 3, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Michael “Texas” Cole, age 31, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Cole was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2020. He pleaded guilty on May 28, 2021. Defendant was stopped for driving a vehicle with a suspended license. During the stop, a drug-detection dog alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics in the vehicle and drug paraphernalia was located. Upon the arrest of the defendant fentanyl was discovered in his shoes, which he intended to distribute to others.
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.
Cole was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to 12 1/2 years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on February 4, 2022 by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Anthony Larson, age 40, was sentenced to 12 1/2 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Larson was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on September 17, 2020. He pleaded guilty on September 3, 2021. Larson was part of a conspiracy responsible for distributing between 1.5 and 5 kilograms of methamphetamine in western South Dakota. Others charged in the conspiracy have trial and sentencing dates pending.
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.
Larson was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on February 7, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Mark Smith, age 44, 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.
Smith was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on March 18, 2021. He pleaded guilty on September 23, 2021. During his involvement in the conspiracy, the Defendant arranged for methamphetamine to be shipped to South Dakota from California. The methamphetamine was then dispersed to others for use and further distribution.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Smith was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Ammunition by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on February 9, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Jake Williams, age 38, was sentenced to 42 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.
Williams was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 22, 2021, and pleaded guilty on July 26, 2021. The conviction stems from Williams, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing ammunition, knowingly possessing 9mm rounds of ammunition which were found after Williams came into contact with law enforcement in April 2021 at 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 Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Williams was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Attempted Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on February 4, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Michael Ray Hudson, age 34, 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. Hudson will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Hudson was arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators. Hudson initiated sexual chats and sought images of child pornography from a person he believed to be a 15-year-old boy, but who was in fact an undercover agent. Hudson then negotiated a time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts. When Hudson 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.
Hudson was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Woman Charged with Discharging a Firearm During an Assault and First Degree BurglaryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Discharge and Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, First Degree Burglary, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Samantha Red Feather, age 31, was indicted on January 20, 2022. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on February 4, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each charge. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Red Feather entering a residence at Pine Ridge and shooting the owner on October 27, 2021. The charges are merely accusations and Red Feather 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 Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Safety and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen is prosecuting the case.
Red Feather was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for April 12, 2022.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Assault and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on February 4, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Timothy George Buckman, age 37, was sentenced to a total of 11 years in federal prison. Buckman was also sentenced to three years of supervised release to follow imprisonment and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Buckman was arrested and federally indicted following an altercation on December 8, 2020, where Buckman, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, assaulted two individuals with a 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 Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Buckman was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.