District of South Dakota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Threatening Federal OfficialRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man from Eagle Butte, South Dakota, convicted of Threatening a Federal Official. The sentencing took place on April 20, 2026.
Joseph Lafferty, age 68, was sentenced to four years of probation and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Lafferty was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2025. He was convicted following a jury trial in federal district court in January 2026.
The evidence presented at trial established that on July 21, 2025, Lafferty threatened to get his gun and kill a federal official employed by Indian Health Service, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The Defendant made the threat in Eagle Butte, in the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief U.S. District Court Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. The sentencing took place on April 20, 2026.
Milton Galicia-Vasquez was sentenced to five years and three months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Galicia-Vasquez was indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering by a federal grand jury in March 2024. He pleaded guilty on February 2, 2026.
Investigators learned that Galicia-Vasquez was involved with a drug trafficking organization that obtained methamphetamine in Omaha and then distributed it in Sioux Falls. During his involvement in the conspiracy, Galicia-Vasquez received money from a co-conspirator and then sent it through wire transfers to people in Mexico. Galicia-Vasquez did this to conceal the drug-related nature of the money and the true ownership of the funds. Investigators concluded that Galicia-Vasquez was responsible for sending approximately $13,000 in drug proceeds to individuals in Mexico on behalf of the conspiracy. Investigators also determined that Galicia-Vasquez was involved in the distribution of approximately three pounds of methamphetamine while working with the drug trafficking organization.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Galicia-Vasquez was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Chicago Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Methamphetamine and Cocaine with Intent to Distribute it in South DakotaRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court has sentenced a Chicago, Illinois man convicted of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute. The sentencing took place on April 20, 2026.
Antonio Baker, 32, was sentenced to 10 years and five months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, fine, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Baker was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute by a federal grand jury in November 2024. He pleaded guilty on January 20, 2026.
On July 9, 2024, members of the Sioux Falls Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Baker. They eventually utilized a K9 dog, which indicated the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Officers searched the car and found approximately 895 grams of methamphetamine, 233 grams of cocaine, and 258 grams of crack cocaine. Baker was arrested and taken into custody.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Baker was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Federal Jury Convicts Porcupine Man of Five Charges of Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a federal jury has convicted Gary Pourier, age 59, of Porcupine, South Dakota, of five charges of Abusive Sexual Contact, following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on April 16, 2026.
The charges carry a sentence of up to life in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, and a $500 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Pourier was indicted in August 2024.
In July of 2024, Pourier was at the Common Cents Convenience Store near Porcupine when he made contact with the 10-year-old female victim. Pourier sexually fondled the young girl inside the store. After the victim left the store, she reported to a guardian what had happened. Law Enforcement with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety responded to the scene as well as the child’s home. Based on the child’s age, the Federal Bureau of Investigation also responded. The investigation revealed that Pourier made contact with the child, fondled her breasts, and pulled her into his body and would not let the child immediately leave.
The investigating agent with the FBI discovered that this was not the first time Pourier had been accused of sexually touching a child. In 2005, Pourier engaged in sexual contact with two young female children while their mothers attended a cultural ceremony. Both children reported the contact several months later and an investigation was initiated by the FBI in 2006. In 2006, Pourier admitted to becoming aroused while playing with the children. Pourier, however, was never charged.
In the fall of 2024, the FBI learned of another victim. Pourier sexually touched a teenaged girl inside a truck in the summer of 2023, following a sundance ceremony. In total, Pourier was indicted for sexually touching four victims.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for August 3, 2026. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
If you or anyone you know has information about additional crimes Pourier might have committed, please contact FBI Special Agent Brian Healy at 605-343-9632.
Eagle Butte Man Found Guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a ChildRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted Shane Bruguier, age 47, of Eagle Butte, South Dakota, of one count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on April 16, 2026.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years and up to life in custody, a $250,000 fine, five years up to life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Bruguier was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2025.
The evidence presented at trial established that between January 13, 2015, and November 29, 2015, the 8-year-old victim awoke to Bruguier rubbing her vagina after he had pulled down her underwear. The offense occurred in Eagle Butte, SD, within the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to state court.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Bruguier was placed in the custody of the U.S. Marshals pending sentencing.
Sioux Falls Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on April 13, 2026.
Alysia Peneaux, 32, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Peneaux was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in May 2025. She pleaded guilty on January 14, 2026.
For several months in 2024, Peneaux served as a sub-distributor for a California- and Nevada-based drug trafficking organization which transported large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl from California to South Dakota and distributed it in the Sioux Falls area. Peneaux purchased methamphetamine from the organization, which she then re-sold to others in the Sioux Falls area. Peneaux admitted to personally distributing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. Peneaux also participated in the operation by allowing members of the drug trafficking organization to store bulk quantities of drugs at her residence, commonly referred to as a “stash house.”
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
HSTF Minneapolis comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, USMS, USPIS, SD DCI, SFPD, MCSO, and SDHP with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, the Sioux Falls Police Department, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
Peneaux was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on April 13, 2026.
Elizeo Kalimba, 33, was sentenced to 19 years and seven months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Kalimba was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in February 2024. He was convicted following a jury trial in federal court in October 2025.
Kalimba worked with another individual to obtain thousands of fentanyl pills from Arizona that he then distributed in Sioux Falls. Members of the Sioux Falls Police Department used a confidential informant to conduct two controlled purchases of fentanyl pills from Kalimba and then executed a search warrant at his home that led to the discovery of approximately 3900 pills in his home. Investigators believe Kalimba was responsible for trafficking over 13,000 fentanyl pills in and around the city.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Drug Enforcement Administration, South Dakota DCI, and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Kalimba was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted Courtney Richmond, age 49, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine, Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person following a 4-day jury trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls. The verdict was returned on April 10, 2026.
The charges for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance each carry a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, a $10 million dollar fine, at least five years and up to life on supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The charge for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person carries a sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Richmond was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2024.
Investigators with Homeland Security Investigations started investigating Richmond late in 2022 and the DEA started looking into him in the Fall of 2023. Investigators discovered that Richmond was sourcing methamphetamine to at least one other person who was then reselling it to others. They observed text and Facebook messages between the two that confirmed their drug related dealings. Eventually, investigators obtained warrants for Richmond’s person, residences, and vehicles. On December 14, 2023, investigators stopped Richmond in a vehicle that had his company’s BBQ food truck logo on the side. They searched the vehicle and found approximately 75 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded pistol. They then searched his home and found an additional 216 grams of methamphetamine and another loaded firearm. Richmond is not allowed to possess firearms due to four prior felony convictions from the state of Minnesota. The investigation into Richmond and his associates resulted in the seizure of approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brookings Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date will be set for a later date. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Los Angeles, California Man Sentenced to over 23 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Los Angeles, California, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. The sentencing took place on April 6, 2026.
Dejuan Croom, 43, was sentenced to 23 years and 3 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Croom was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering by a federal grand jury in October 2024. He pleaded guilty on January 12, 2026.
From late 2023 to September 2024, Croom was a member of a California and Nevada-based drug trafficking organization which transported large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl from California to South Dakota, ultimately distributing the drugs in the Sioux Falls area. The organization shipped packages of drugs through the U.S. mail and utilized rental vehicles to drive the drugs – typically stored in hidden compartments – to South Dakota. The organization started out using local hotels as bases for their distribution operations and later shifted to short-term rental properties. Croom served in a managerial role for the organization, under the direction of the group’s leader, Quantiae Harris. Croom drove drug-laden rental vehicles from California to Sioux Falls, assisted in selling the drugs to the group’s local sub-distributors, and deposited large quantities of the drug proceeds in Harris’ bank accounts at his behest.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Minneapolis comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, USMS, USPIS, SD DCI, SFPD, MCSO, and SDHP with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the DEA, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, the Sioux Falls Police Department, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
Croom was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Vermillion Man Sentenced to over 20 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a man from Vermillion, South Dakota, who was convicted of Attempting to Produce Child Pornography, Possession of Child Pornography, and two counts of Receipt and Transportation of Child Pornography following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls this past January. The sentencing took place on April 13, 2026.
Nicholas Keitges, age 34, was sentenced to 20 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $16,000, as well as a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $400. Upon release from federal prison, Keitges must register as a sex offender.
Keitges was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2023.
A thorough investigation by the Sioux Falls Police Department, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations, identified Keitges as an online predator. The investigation discovered that Keitges had started collecting and trafficking in child pornography online, then progressed to playing out his pedophilic fantasies with others online before he was able to befriend and groom a young girl from the Sioux Falls area.
In the Spring of 2022, Keitges used the online platforms Omegle and Snapchat to befriend the 14-year-old girl. He then sexually groomed her and attempted to coerce her into sending him sexually explicit images of her genitalia. When Keitges arrived at her home to meet up for sexual relations, the minor got scared and law enforcement was called. The following year, law enforcement received a CyberTip that discovered Keitges had been using online platforms such as Dropbox and Google to transport files containing child pornography.
The investigation culminated in a jury trial in which Keitges was convicted of one count of attempting to produce child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography, and two counts of transportation of child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department, South Dakota DCI, South Dakota ICAC Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Keitges was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Killing His Nephew on the Pine Ridge ReservationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on April 13, 2026.
Eric Anduja, 53, was sentenced to 15 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.
Anduja was charged by a Superseding Information with Voluntary Manslaughter. He pleaded guilty on January 6, 2026.
In May 2025, Anduja became intoxicated and got into a disagreement with Alban “Boots” Vitales. During the argument, Anduja ultimately stabbed Vitales in the neck with a kitchen knife. Vitales ran from the residence where the argument had taken place, sought help, and passed away on the front door step of a neighbor’s home.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen prosecuted the case.
Anduja was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mitchell Man Sentenced to over 2 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Mitchell, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on April 13, 2026.
Dakota Moore, 24, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Moore was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in October 2025. He pleaded guilty on January 2, 2026.
On August 5, 2025, law enforcement officers were looking for a certain vehicle after receiving reports that someone in the vehicle had fired shots. When law enforcement found the vehicle, they found Moore inside the vehicle and in possession of a firearm. Moore is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior conviction for a felony crime.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Moore was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Federal Jury Convicts Porcupine Man of Assault and Witness Tampering ChargesRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a federal jury has convicted Jimmy Pilcher, age 49, of Porcupine, South Dakota, of Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation, three counts of Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Spouse, Intimate Partner, or Dating Partner, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Witness Tampering, following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on April 9, 2026.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of sentence of 20 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, and a $600 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Pilcher was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2026.
During the wintertime of 2024, Pilcher began a romantic relationship with the victim. Shortly after their relationship started, Pilcher began controlling the victim by monitoring her communications with others. When Pilcher started to lose control of his victim, he began assaulting her and using other forms of mental and emotional manipulation on her. In July 2025, Pilcher saw a picture of the victim with another male and accused her of cheating on him. Pilcher became enraged and punched the victim in the face and stomach and pulled her hair. He used his knee to continuously strike the victim’s upper leg and outer thigh/hip area. Pilcher then strangled the victim over a kitchen sink. This strangulation caused the victim to see flashes of light and impeded her ability to breathe. The next day she received medical attention at Indian Health Services, and the staff observed injuries consistent with abuse, including bruising around her neck.
In October 2025, Pilcher assaulted the same victim in the head and face inside a truck in rural Pine Ridge. Witnesses intervened and were able to get the victim away from Pilcher. The Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety responded to the scene and arrested Pilcher. Following his arrest, Pilcher began contacting the victim from within the jail. Pilcher was able to convince the victim not to show up for court and was eventually released from jail. A tribal protection order was, however, still in effect.
On December 5, 2025, in violation of the protection order, Pilcher took the victim inside his truck and drove to a field away from his residence. While inside the truck, Pilcher accused her of cheating on him with another male. Pilcher dragged the victim across the seat, threw her out of the truck, and pulled her up by her hair. During this beating, Pilcher struck the victim in the face, hit her in the back of the head, punched and kicked her with shod feet, and strangled her. During the beating, Pilcher threatened to kill her and her family. The victim was able to get away from Pilcher and got a ride to her house. Pilcher was eventually arrested by law enforcement.
After his arrest, Pilcher contacted the victim from the jail in Pine Ridge. Pilcher attempted to persuade the victim into not pursuing charges and pleaded with her not to report the full extent of the abuse. Pilcher told the victim and his sister that he had spoken with law enforcement and was aware that his case was under federal investigation.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects over $9.5 Million in Fiscal Year 2025Read the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that the District of South Dakota collected $9,516,233.90 through criminal fines, restitution, loan defaults, bankruptcy, forfeiture, and affirmative civil enforcement efforts in FY2025. Moreover, the District of South Dakota worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $16,747,398.58. Of the total collections, $8.9 million was derived from criminal cases. A significant portion of this amount—$8,801,058.91—was returned to victims of crime, underscoring the Office’s commitment to ensuring justice and support for those adversely affected by criminal acts. The remainder was deposited into the Crime Victims Fund, a crucial resource that provides financial assistance to victims across the United States for costs arising from violent crime such as medical expenses, lost wages, mental health counseling, funeral expenses, and more.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Dakota, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $65,292,431 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2025. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
“Thanks to the diligence and hard work of our U.S. Attorneys and the highly skilled staff in our Financial Litigation and Asset Recovery Units on behalf of South Dakota victims and taxpayers, we have held criminals accountable and done everything we can to make victims whole,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “We will continue to prioritize collection of restitution and debts to the federal government together with our law enforcement partners, as a critical part of our mission.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to over 2 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on April 6, 2026.
Dallas Joseph Bluebird, III, 21, was sentenced to two years and nine 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.
Bluebird was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in November 2024. He pleaded guilty on January 12, 2026.
On June 30, 2024, Bluebird and another male subject exchanged gunfire with each other outside a Sioux Falls convenience store. Despite numerous shots being fired, no one was hit by the gunfire. Both subjects fled from the scene prior to police arrival, but investigators were able to identify Bluebird as one of the shooters based on DNA recovered from the firearm, which was left at the scene. Bluebird is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2023 conviction for Second Degree Escape.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
Bluebird was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Guatemalan National Sentenced in Federal Court for Illegal Reentry after DeportationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY – U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Guatemalan man convicted of Illegal Reentry after Deportation. The sentencing took place on March 30, 2026.
Mario Zetino-Alvarez, 25, was sentenced to time served. He was then immediately deported and has arrived back in Guatemala.
Zetino-Alvarez was indicted for Illegal Reentry after Deportation by a federal grand jury in November 2025. He pleaded guilty on December 19, 2025.
On October 21, 2025, law enforcement discovered Zetino-Alvarez in South Dakota. They learned he is an alien unlawfully present in the United States having been previously deported from the United States in 2024. Zetino-Alvarez did not receive permission to reenter the country. Reentering the United States after deportation is a federal felony.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Guatemalan National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry after DeportationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY – U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Guatemalan man convicted of Illegal Reentry after Deportation. The sentencing took place on March 30, 2026.
Wilber Zetino-Alvarez, 29, was sentenced to time served. He was then immediately deported and has arrived back in Guatemala.
Zetino-Alvarez was indicted for Illegal Reentry after Deportation by a federal grand jury in November 2025. He pleaded guilty on December 19, 2025.
On October 21, 2025, Zetino-Alvarez was found in the United States in South Dakota by law enforcement. Law enforcement learned he is an alien unlawfully present in the United States. He had been deported from the United States twice before. Zetino-Alvarez did not receive permission to reenter the country. Reentering the United States after deportation is a federal felony.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Stolen AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man from Eagle Butte, South Dakota, convicted of Possession of Stolen Ammunition. The sentencing took place on March 30, 2026.
Nathanal Benoist, age 26, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, ordered to forfeit a firearm and ammunition, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Benoist was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2025. He pleaded guilty on July 28, 2025.
The conviction stems from Benoist breaking into a store in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, in the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation on November 1, 2024, while the store was closed. Benoist shot out the front window of the store, entered the store through the broken window, and stole ammunition.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.
Benoist was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Woman Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on April 6, 2026.
Amber Marie Gentapanan, 28, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Gentapanan was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in August 2025. She pleaded guilty on January 12, 2026.
The case arose on March 25, 2025, when Gentapanan possessed a semi-automatic pistol in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She fled from law enforcement and discarded a bag containing the pistol but was apprehended. She is prohibited from possessing any firearm due to her 2022 felony conviction for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
Gentapanan was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine in Rapid CityRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on March 30, 2026.
Ezra Bald Eagle, 27, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Bald Eagle was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in June 2025. He pleaded guilty on December 22, 2025.
Between December 2024 and May 2025, Bald Eagle cultivated a network in the Rapid City area to facilitate the sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Bald Eagle routinely traveled to Colorado to purchase large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl and then transported the narcotics into Rapid City. Once back in South Dakota, Bald Eagle and his network of sub-distributors sold large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl within the Rapid City area. Bald Eagle’s operation ended on May 20, 2025, when law enforcement conducted a targeted traffic stop as Bald Eagle returned to South Dakota from purchasing narcotics in Colorado. During the stop, officers seized over 3,300 counterfeit M/30 fentanyl pills, 96 grams of fentanyl powder, and three quarters of a pound of methamphetamine.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward C. Tarbay prosecuted the case.
Bald Eagle was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Woman Sentenced to over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Brutally Assaulting Another Woman in the Pine Ridge ReservationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assault Resulting in Sioux Bodily Injury – Aiding and Abetting. The sentencing took place on April 6, 2026.
Jessie Sutton, 37, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Sutton was indicted for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury – Aiding and Abetting, as well as Assault with a Dangerous Weapon – Aiding and Abetting by a federal grand jury in November 2024. She pleaded guilty on December 22, 2025.
The charges stem from an incident in which Sutton and her sister, Joann Sutton, brutally attacked another woman about her body and head necessitating emergency surgery to address resultant brain injuries.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.
Sutton was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Woman Sentenced to over 19 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine in Rapid City and in the Pine Ridge ReservationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on April 6, 2026.
Shauntel Shangreaux, 32, was sentenced to 19 years and two months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Shangreaux was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in February 2025. She pleaded guilty on December 29, 2025.
Throughout 2023, Shangreaux distributed multiple ounces of fentanyl and multiple pounds of methamphetamine throughout the Rapid City community and on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Her principal source for the drugs was the drug trafficking organization leader, Juan Sertuche, who was convicted at trial in January 2026. Between 2002 and September 2023, Juan Sertuche led a drug distribution conspiracy and provided hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine and tens and thousands of fentanyl pills to multiple sub-dealers, including Shangreaux, to be further distributed in the Rapid City and Pine Ridge areas of South Dakota.
“Shangreaux was a key lieutenant in Sertuche’s interstate criminal operation,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the FBI, DCI, Rapid City Police, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, and the BIA, our federal prosecutors have been dismantling that organization piece by piece.”
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Rapid City Police Department, Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Oglala Sioux Tribe-Department of Public Safety (OSTDPS). Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige M. Petersen prosecuted the case.
Shangreaux was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Faith, South Dakota Man Found Guilty After Trial of First-Degree BurglaryRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted Dalton Hump, age 34, of Faith, South Dakota, of one count of First-Degree Burglary following a two-day jury trial in federal district court in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on April 2, 2026.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Hump was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2025.
At trial, the evidence established that on the evening of July 10, 2024, Hump unlawfully entered a residence in Ziebach County, in the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation. Hump assaulted two individuals inside the residence before being forced outside.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to state court.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Hump was placed in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Box Elder Woman Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine in Rapid CityRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Box Elder woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on March 30, 2026.
Lindsey Fitzgerald, 37, was sentenced to 11 1/2 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.
Fitzgerald was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in February 2025. She pleaded guilty on December 19, 2025.
Between October 2021 and November 2024, Fitzgerald and others were involved in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Rapid City, South Dakota, area. The trafficking organization routinely traveled to other states to purchase multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine destined for South Dakota. Fitzgerald made multiple trips out of state with a co-conspirator in order to transport large quantities of methamphetamine into South Dakota. Once here, Fitzgerald both personally and with a network of sub-distributors orchestrated the sale of at least 10 pounds of methamphetamine inside the state. Law enforcement seized over eight pounds of methamphetamine during the investigation.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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, the Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward C. Tarbay prosecuted the case.
Fitzgerald was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Todd County Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man from Todd County, South Dakota, convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentencing took place on March 30, 2026.
Treon Eastman, age 25, was sentenced to two 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.
Eastman was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2025. He pleaded guilty on January 8, 2026.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. Between April 2023 and July 2023, Eastman engaged in a sexual act with a female victim who was between 12-16 years old.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Office and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Eastman was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Las Vegas Man Convicted at Federal Trial of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted Quantiae Harris, age 49, of Las Vegas, Nevada, of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine, Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Fentanyl, and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering following a 5-day jury trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Harris was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2024. The verdict was returned on March 27, 2026.
The two charges for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and up to life imprisonment, a $20 million dollar fine, and at least 10 years to life of supervised release. The charge for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, a $500,000 fine or twice the value of the monetary instruments involved (whichever is greater), and three years of supervised release.
In 2023 and 2024, Harris was the leader of a California and Nevada-based drug trafficking organization responsible for bringing large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl to the Sioux Falls area. Harris and his underlings sent packages of drugs through the U.S. mail and used rental vehicles with hidden compartments to drive drugs from California to South Dakota. They began operating out of hotel rooms before switching to short-term rental properties, typically Airbnbs, in Sioux Falls, which they used as bases of operation to distribute the drugs to local sub-distributors.
The organization was careful not to conduct their sales at the places they were staying. When a customer needed to purchase more drugs, they would call or text one of the members and be directed to meet up at public location close to wherever the organization was staying at the time. The meetups were brief, often only lasting a matter of seconds. Customers were directed to pay either in cash or using an online funds transfer service, which was typically Cash App.
Testimony at trial established the drug trafficking organization sold over 100 pounds of methamphetamine and tens of thousands of fentanyl pills during the time it was operational. The criminal syndicate is also attributed to having been the first to introduce powder fentanyl—an even more potent and lethal form of the drug than the pill form—to the Sioux Falls market. Thanks in large part to Harris and his subordinates, powder fentanyl has since become the predominant illegal opioid in the local market.Harris or the drug dealers who worked for him would vacuum-seal bags of collected cash to be hidden in rental cars on return trips to Nevada and California, as well as deposit some of the illegal proceeds in local banks. Harris was specifically linked to over $1.2 million in money laundering transactions during the time his drug trafficking organization was operational in Sioux Falls.
“This was a major bust of significant figure in the lurid underworld of illegal drugs. I’m incredibly proud of the team of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and our federal prosecutors who made this case and secured the conviction of this Las Vegas drug dealer, responsible for so much misery and suffering in the Sioux Falls area,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.
“The Trump Administration has designated fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction due to its extreme lethality in extremely small amounts,” U.S. Attorney Parsons continued. “In its pure powder form, it truly is a chemical weapon. If a member of your family used fentanyl in Sioux Falls over the past few years, this defendant is one of the primary drug dealers likely to have brought it here. The jury listened carefully to the evidence and returned a guilty verdict on every count. He is now out of business for good.”
Below are photographs of some of the fentanyl and methamphetamine seized during the investigation and admitted at trial.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, the Sioux Falls Police Department, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted and tried the case to a successful jury verdict. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen assisted in the preparation of the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Minneapolis comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, USMS, USPIS, SD DCI, SFPD, MCSO, and SDHP with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota.
A presentence investigation was ordered, and sentencing is set for June 15, 2026. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Federal Prosecutor for District of South Dakota Recognized as Midwest HIDTA Outstanding Prosecutor of the YearRead the Press Release
(Left to Right Group): U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons, AUSA Mark Hodges, Midwest HIDTA Director Dan Neill, EAUSA Alison Ramsdell, FAUSA and Criminal Chief Gregg Peterman
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges has been selected by the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) as the Outstanding Prosecutor of Year. Hodges was presented with the Award by Daniel Neill, Executive Director, Midwest HIDTA, Office of National Drug Control Policy, during a ceremony at the Sioux Falls Police Department on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.“This well-deserved award is a recognition of Mark’s tireless commitment and incredible success working with agents and offices at all levels of law enforcement in the prosecution and conviction of drug dealers and their money launderers throughout the state, our nation, and reaching across international borders,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “His hard work and dedication, day in and day out, helps make South Dakota a safer place to live. Mark is truly a prosecutor’s prosecutor, and we are proud to have him as our colleague.”
“A critical component of Midwest HIDTA’s mission is to reduce the availability of illicit drugs by targeting, disrupting, and dismantling drug trafficking organizations. The Midwest HIDTA Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Initiative for the District of South Dakota is strategically designed to strengthen the capacity of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and ensure aggressive, coordinated federal prosecution. AUSA Hodges’ efforts exemplify the impact and intent of this initiative—holding traffickers accountable while making our communities safer,” said Executive Director Neill.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges began his career as a federal drug prosecutor in 2020, when he was selected to serve as the HIDTA-funded Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota. After just one year in that position, he was hired by the U.S. Attorney’s Office as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division. Since joining the office, he has prosecuted dozens of complex, multi-defendant drug conspiracies and fentanyl overdose deaths, racking up more than 2,500 years of federal prison time for drug dealers. In 2024, he was promoted to OCDETF Lead Attorney, and today, he serves as the District’s Homeland Security Task Force Lead Attorney.
Comprised of 73 designated counties in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Illinois, the Midwest HIDTA is designed to disrupt the market for illegal drugs throughout the “heartland” of America by identifying, targeting, and dismantling the most violent and prolific drug trafficking organizations operating in the Midwest. Its goal is to enhance and facilitate the coordination of regional drug-control efforts among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies—through information and intelligence sharing, cooperative investigations, and joint operations—to reduce drug trafficking and its deadly consequences across the region. The Midwest HIDTA currently supports 61 different initiatives across seven states, including 44 drug task forces, six domestic highway interdiction programs, and five intelligence initiatives.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 5 years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota man convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. The sentencing took place on March 16, 2026.
Gregory Henderson, 63, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Gregory Henderson was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering by a federal grand jury in May of 2024. On December 4, 2025, he was found guilty at trial of the Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, and acquitted of the Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
The case involved Henderson moving money on behalf of a drug trafficking organization, by sending drug proceeds via multiple electronic means, including CashApp, to individuals identified by his co-conspirators, in order to conceal the fact that the money was derived from the sale of narcotics and to conceal the ownership of the funds.
The drug trafficking organization that Henderson laundered funds for was led by Darrell Devorce. The group trafficked methamphetamine from California to South Dakota over multiple years. Devorce coordinated loads of methamphetamine to be driven to South Dakota by multiple different couriers. He also directed multiple people from South Dakota to electronically send money to people in California who were associated with him. In total, the Devorce drug trafficking organization was responsible for trafficking approximately 200 pounds of methamphetamine and laundering over $700,000. The investigation resulted in the convictions of 13 defendants in federal court.“This case is a continuation of the outstanding efforts by federal law enforcement agents to follow the money as it is sought to be laundered by drug trafficking organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.
“This case is another great example of what happens when we combine resources with our law enforcement partners,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. “Anyone involved in putting dangerous drugs onto our streets needs to be tracked and stopped. Finding the funding source of the drug trafficking operation is what IRS-CI special agents do best.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and IRS – Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges and Connie Larson prosecuted the case.
Henderson was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Martin Man Sentenced to over Five Years in Federal Prison for Vehicular Assault of an Elderly Man in the Pine Ridge ReservationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Martin, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on March 23, 2026.
Jose Jimenez, 40, was sentenced to five years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was further ordered to pay $31,523.68 in restitution to the victim of his crime and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Jimenez was indicted for two counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon by a federal grand jury in September 2024. He pleaded guilty on December 8, 2025.
In July 2024, at approximately noon, Jimenez was driving a truck eastbound toward Batesland when he encountered another vehicle on Highway 18. In a no-passing zone on a hill, and while speeding, Jimenez struck the victim’s vehicle head on. The elderly male victim was life-flighted to Monument Health in Rapid City. He suffered multiple spinal injuries, a facial fracture, and multiple contusions and has undergone multiple surgeries. Jimenez and his passenger were uninjured.
After crashing into the victim’s vehicle, Jimenez discarded a bottle of alcohol from his vehicle. In the truck, law enforcement found one empty bottle of alcohol and another, unopened bottle of alcohol. Jimenez tested positive for alcohol on scene but was under the legal limit at the time of the accident. At sentencing, Jimenez asked for leniency due to his substance abuse history and because he was “hung over” at the time of the accident.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Jimenez was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to over 2 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Sioux Falls man convicted of Possession of Ammunition by Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on March 23, 2026.
Joseph Carpenter, 38, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Carpenter was indicted for Possession of Ammunition by Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in June 2025. He pleaded guilty on January 2, 2026.
The case arose on February 13, 2025, when law enforcement in Sioux Falls searched a hotel room where Carpenter had been staying and discovered ammunition of various types. Carpenter is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because of a previous felony conviction.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
Carpenter was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
U.S. Attorney’s Office and South Dakota Attorney General’s Office Hold Joint Press Conference on Combating Government FraudRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons and South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley held a joint press conference at the Sioux Falls Police Department on Thursday, March 26, 2026, to highlight new federal and state initiatives to combat the serious problem of fraud committed against state and federal governments and government programs.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and South Dakota Attorney General’s Office are working together toward the same goals: protecting taxpayer dollars, ensuring government program funding goes to the people in need of assistance, and prosecuting those who steal from state, federal, or tribal governments. Alongside law enforcement and agency partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and South Dakota Attorney General’s Office work together to detect, root out, and prosecute fraudulent conduct. Tips and leads from employees, contractors, and concerned citizens are often how fraud is first discovered.
“Fraud is not a mistake. It is not a technicality. It is not just ‘gaming the system.’ And it is not victimless. It is stealing. And those who steal from the American taxpayer will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.
“South Dakotans deserve a state government that is transparent and free from corruption,” said Attorney General Jackley. “I have and will hold offenders accountable.”
NATIONAL CONTEXT: THE SCALE OF THE PROBLEM
According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the federal government loses an estimated $233 billion to $521 billion every year to fraud — representing 3% to 7% of total federal spending. Since 2003, cumulative improper payments have totaled approximately $2.8 trillion. In fiscal year 2024 alone, 16 federal agencies reported $162 billion in improper payments across 68 programs.
The federal multi-agency crackdown on benefit fraud in Minnesota—which resulted in charges against 98 defendants and 64 convictions to date—demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement across multiple agencies. The new national DOJ Fraud Enforcement Division created under the Trump Administration is modeled on that effort and dedicated to combating fraud—both criminal and civil—in every federal program, in every state. On March 24, 2026, Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald was confirmed by the United States Senate to lead that division.
THE USAO’S NEW GOVERNMENT FRAUD UNIT
Recently, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota established a Government Fraud Unit to integrate civil and criminal prosecutors from the outset of every case involving government fraud. This unit facilitates the simultaneous pursuit of criminal charges and civil remedies, including recovery under the False Claims Act, which allows the government to seek treble damages for fraud against federal programs. The Unit’s focus areas include:
• Healthcare fraud (Medicare, Medicaid, and federal health programs)
• Procurement and grant fraud
• False Claims Act violations
• Theft from tribal programs and organizations
• Financial fraud against federal programs of every kind
The USAO Government Fraud Unit in South Dakota will work closely and coordinate with the new Fraud Enforcement Division at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
SOUTH DAKOTA ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE PROGRAMS
Attorney General Marty Jackley has three programs that promote government accountability within South Dakota: the Public Integrity Unit, Medicaid Fraud Abuse and Neglect Services, and Cooperative Disability Investigations.
South Dakota’s Public Integrity Unit was established through Senate Bill 62, which was proposed by Attorney General Jackley, passed by the 2025 Legislature, and signed by Governor Larry Rhoden. The legislation created mandatory reporting requirements for state employee misconduct and provided protection for employees who make good faith reports to authorities.
In its first year, the unit received 58 reports that resulted in 16 investigations, nine substantiated allegations, and four individuals charged. A yearly report will be presented to the legislative Government Operations and Audit Committee. This year’s Public Integrity Report can be found at: https://atg.sd.gov/docs/January%202026%20Public%20Integrity%20Report%20to%20GOAC.pdf
Medicaid Fraud, Abuse and Neglect Services recovered $942,248.56 in 2025, while the office’s Cooperative Disability Investigations program was ranked the sixth most productive unit in the country for Fiscal Year 2025. The program recorded $4.5 million in Social Security Program Savings and $2.9 million in Medicaid/Medicare Program Savings.
“We will not tolerate fraud that steals from taxpayers,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Every dollar recovered is a dollar returned to the public.”
RECENT FEDERAL CASES IN SOUTH DAKOTA
Crop Insurance Fraud—Sully County (Criminal Convictions and Civil Judgment: $4,019,820)
Two Sully County farmers falsely certified to a federal crop insurance company that they had planted approximately 2,200 acres of sunflowers and corn that were never planted, then collected over $1.3 million in insurance payments. After criminal convictions in 2022, the government pursued civil remedies under the False Claims Act. In September 2025, a federal judge entered a civil judgment of $4,019,820 against the defendants. The case, which was investigated by the USDA Office of Inspector General and the USDA Risk Management Agency, demonstrates the USAO Fraud Unit’s integrated civil and criminal enforcement model.
Theft from Tribal Employment Office—Pine Ridge (Indicted: $4.7 Million+)
Two defendants were federally indicted for conspiring to divert over $4.7 million in employment fee checks from the Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) on the Pine Ridge Reservation into a private bank account over a seven-year period. The funds—meant to support tribal employment programs—were allegedly split between the two defendants and used for personal purchases including homes and vehicles. Both face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 22 counts of wire fraud, and 7 counts of money laundering, each carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. One defendant has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. The other has pleaded not guilty. The case was investigated by the FBI and HHS Office of Inspector General.
False Claims Act: Telecommunications contractors sued for defrauding Indian Tribe—Rosebud, SD ($2.1 Million+)
The owners and agents of a telecommunications company have been sued under the False Claims Act for allegedly making false claims for payment to the federal government to enrich themselves. A tribal government was awarded a federal grant to expand internet access on the reservation. The Tribe awarded the contract to complete the work to defendants, who then conspired to invoice the Tribe for equipment never purchased and to create fraudulent, inflated invoices for vehicles that were then charged to the federal grant. The claim is subject to treble damages under federal law. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General.
Tax Preparer Scheme for Submitting Fraudulent Tax Returns—Sioux Falls (Indicted: $685,437)
Working out of her Sioux Falls home, the defendant allegedly submitted fraudulent income tax returns on behalf of dozens of unwitting clients from approximately 2020 through 2023. The tax returns included a variety of falsely claimed items, such as Schedule A deductions and childcare tax credits, thereby inflating individual tax refunds. Defendant was indicted in January 2026 on 45 counts of Aiding and Assisting in the Preparation and Presentation of a False and Fraudulent Tax Return and faces a maximum penalty of three years on each count. The defendant has pleaded not guilty. The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Superintendent Embezzlement, Bureau of Indian Education School—Pine Ridge (Indicted: $700,000)
The superintendent of a federally funded Bureau of Indian Education school on the Pine Ridge Reservation was indicted on charges of embezzlement and theft from a tribal organization, larceny, and theft of government property for allegedly stealing approximately $700,000 through multiple schemes. The school receives most of its operating budget from the federal government. The defendant has pleaded not guilty. Trial is scheduled for June 2026. Forfeiture proceedings are underway to recover stolen funds for the school and community. The case was investigated by the Department of Interior, Office of Inspector General.
RECENT STATE CASES IN SOUTH DAKOTA
Stealing from Children: Lonna Carroll, former DSS administrative assistant, was sentenced to seven years and ordered to repay $1.78 million for stealing from Child Protection Services between 2010 and 2023.
Exploiting Trust: Mark Rathbun, former state driver’s license examiner, faces an 85-count indictment for possession of child pornography and unlawful access of computer systems. Charges include using confidential driver’s license data and creating or sharing computer-generated pornographic images of minors. Rathbun’s case is pending. He is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.
Falsifying Inspections: Renee Strong, former Department of Public Safety employee, was convicted for forging food service inspections.
Concealing Fraud: Danielle Degenstein, former Department of Revenue employee, was sentenced and fined for failing to report a colleague’s creation of fake vehicle titles.
Medicaid Fraud: Sharon Monson of Pierre was indicted on five felony charges for allegedly defrauding the South Dakota Medicaid Program of approximately $588,000. Monson, owner of At Home Nursing, faces charges including unlawful receipt of medical benefits, aggravated grand theft, perjury, and failure to maintain necessary records. The case is pending, and Monson is presumed innocent.
HOW TO REPORT FRAUD
Members of the public who have information about fraud against federal programs are encouraged to come forward. Reports can be made confidentially.
• U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Dakota: (605) 330-4400 (Sioux Falls); (605) 224-5402 (Pierre); (605) 342-7822 (Rapid City) | www.justice.gov/usao-sd
• South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation: (605) 773-3331
• FBI: tips.fbi.gov | 1-800-CALL-FBI
• USDA OIG (crop/food programs): 1-800-424-9121
• HHS OIG (Medicare/Medicaid): 1-800-HHS-TIPS
• GAO FraudNet: gao.gov/fraudnet | [email protected] | (800) 424-5454
Individuals with inside knowledge of fraud against the government may also be eligible to file a qui tam lawsuit under the False Claims Act and may receive between 15% and 30% of any government recovery. Federal law prohibits retaliation against whistleblowers.
Rapid City Woman Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on March 23, 2026.
Alice High Rock, 33, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
High Rock was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in May 2025. She pleaded guilty on December 8, 2025.
On April 9, 2025, Rapid City Police Department received reports that High Rock was driving a vehicle while intoxicated and discharging a firearm. Law enforcement tracked the vehicle to a residence where High Rock was located and found her in possession of a stolen pistol. High Rock was previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in custody. It is a federal crime to possess a firearm after such a conviction.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
High Rock was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to over 15 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on March 23, 2026.
Zachariah Highelk, 35, was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Highelk was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in February 2025. He pleaded guilty on December 3, 2025.
Between 2019 and 2024, Highelk took trips to Colorado and Washington to meet with his sources of supply to purchase bulk amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl. He would then return to Rapid City, SD, and begin distributing the drugs to others in the community.
Highelk was responsible for multiple pounds of methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl pills being distributed throughout the Rapid City community, spreading on to Indian reservations in the State.
“This was an incredible takedown by South Dakota and federal law enforcement that we believe put a substantial dent in the drug trade,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “For any methamphetamine or fentanyl ingested in western South Dakota over the past several years, there is a decent chance it passed through this drug dealer’s hands at some point. He will spend the next fifteen years reflecting on that from a federal prison cell. On to the next.”
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen prosecuted the case.
Highelk was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Woman Sentenced to over 4 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Pine Ridge, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on March 9, 2026.
Bessie Rose Brewer, 33, was sentenced to four years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for the Conspiracy charge, to run concurrent to three years in federal prison for the Firearms Possession charge.
Brewer was indicted for Possession of Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in May 2025. Brewer was subsequently charged by Superseding Information for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine & Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person in November 2025. She pleaded guilty to both charges on November 17, 2025.
In January 2025, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop finding Brewer in the vehicle. During the stop, law enforcement located and seized a pistol from Brewer’s jacket pocket and located a small amount of cocaine in the vehicle. Through further investigation, law enforcement learned Brewer had been receiving cocaine from others and selling that cocaine in the Pine Ridge Reservation.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Task Force, which is comprised of members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward C. Tarbay prosecuted the case.
Brewer was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Kyle Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Assault on Pine Ridge ReservationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on March 23, 2026.
Oliver Brown Bull, 38, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Brown Bull was indicted for two counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon by a federal grand jury in March 2025. He was found guilty of one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury following a federal jury trial in December 2025.
On January 31, 2025, in the Pine Ridge Reservation, Brown Bull assaulted another man by pushing him to the ground and punching him multiple times in the face. Brown Bull then kicked the victim in the face. As a result, the victim suffered several injuries, including a broken eye socket, a laceration around his eye, two broken bones in his nose, and severe bruising. At the time of trial, the victim was still suffering from the assault, including continued pain and disfigurement.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Brown Bull was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for EscapeRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Escape from Custody. The sentencing took place on March 23, 2026.
Lawrence Oakie, 44, was sentenced to one year in federal prison and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Oakie was indicted for Escape from Custody by a federal grand jury in May 2025. He pleaded guilty on December 1, 2025.
In May 2025, Oakie left the Community Alternatives of the Black Hills, where he was finishing the remainder of his federal prison sentence, without permission and did not return. Oakie was arrested after law enforcement located him at an apartment complex in Rapid City after responding to a call for service related.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Oakie was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
De Smet Man and Woman Each Sentenced to Terms in Federal Prison and Home Confinement for Willful Failure to Collect or Pay over $600,000 in Employment TaxRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a De Smet, South Dakota, man and woman convicted of Willful Failure to Collect or Pay Over Employment Tax and Aiding and Abetting. The sentencing took place on March 18, 2026.
Michael Wiese, 66, was sentenced to three months in federal prison, followed by three months of home confinement, and three years of supervised release. He was further ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Audrey Saylor, 65, was sentenced to three months in federal prison, followed by three months on home confinement, and three years of supervised release. She was further ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Wiese and Saylor were also ordered to jointly pay over $610,000 in restitution.
Wiese and Saylor were indicted for multiple counts of Willful Failure to Collect or Pay Over Employment Tax and Aiding and Abetting and Filing False Tax Return and Aiding and Abetting by a federal grand jury in June 2024. Wiese and Saylor pleaded guilty on December 1, 2025.
Wiese and Saylor were co-owners and operators of American Engineered Products, LLC (“AEP”), which is based in De Smet, South Dakota. AEP is in the business of designing and manufacturing items such as bases for casino slot machines and cash kiosks. They exercised control over every aspect of AEP’s business affairs, including preparing AEP’s month-end report, providing information to AEP’s corporate tax return preparer to file AEP’s corporate federal income tax returns, managing AEP’s day-to-day bookkeeping, issuing paychecks to AEP’s employees, and providing the year-end Forms W-2 to AEP’s employees.
Throughout calendar years 2017 through 2020, Wiese and Saylor, on behalf of AEP, withheld taxes from its employees’ paychecks, including federal income taxes, Medicare, and Social Security taxes (collectively referred to as “payroll taxes”), knowing that they had the responsibility to collect, truthfully account for, and pay over AEP’s payroll taxes. Beginning in January 2017, Wiese and Saylor made no payments of the payroll taxes to the IRS by the required due dates. Beginning in 2017, AEP also failed to file required forms with the IRS. In sum, Wiese and Saylor willfully failed to truthfully account for and pay over to the IRS all of the payroll taxes withheld and due and owing to the United States on behalf of AEP and its employees. Their conduct continued until about January 2021, adversely impacting AEP’s employees’ accrual of future federal benefits.
“This is a form of theft from the government,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Our Financial Litigation Unit will do its best to recover these stolen funds on behalf of the American taxpayer.”
“Failure to collect and pay over employment taxes is a serious criminal offense,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. “It harms the future Social Security and Medicare benefits of the employees. Business owners have a responsibility to withhold the taxes from their employees’ pay and remit them to the IRS.”
This case was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Saylor will report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service in late March 2026 to begin serving her sentence, while Wiese will report in early July 2026.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota Woman Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on March 16, 2026.
Ashlee Vanarsdale, 39, was sentenced to 20 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.
Vanarsdale was indicted for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury by a federal grand jury in July 2025. She pleaded guilty on December 17, 2025.
On the afternoon of June 5, 2025, Sioux Falls Police were dispatched to a report of a woman reportedly overdosing on fentanyl. First responders found the victim unconscious and not breathing. They were able to revive her through the administration of Narcan. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where a blood test showed the presence of fentanyl in her system. The subsequent investigation revealed the victim had purchased fentanyl powder from Vanarsdale shortly before the overdose. In an interview with law enforcement, Vanarsdale admitted selling the victim half a gram of fentanyl powder for $150.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department, the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
Vanarsdale was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota Man Sentenced to Six Months in Federal Prison for Defrauding a Local Credit UnionRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota man convicted of Bank Fraud. The sentencing took place on March 18, 2026.
Brandon Phillips, 32, was sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, restitution, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Brandon Phillips was indicted for Bank Fraud by a federal grand jury in June 2025. He pleaded guilty on December 15, 2025.
Phillips was involved in a scheme where he cashed a forged check in the amount of $2,500 at a credit union in Sioux Falls, in order to defraud the credit union out of the funds.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
Phillips was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Los Angeles, California Man Sentenced to More Than 2 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Los Angeles, California, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on March 16, 2026.
Isaiah Croom, 23, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Croom was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in November 2024. He pleaded guilty on December 15, 2025.
In late 2024, Croom operated as a member of a California-based drug trafficking organization that brought large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl from California to South Dakota and used short-term rental properties as bases of operation to distribute the drugs in and around Sioux Falls. Croom participated in the conspiracy by delivering drugs to customers and collecting cash.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Minneapolis comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, USMS, USPIS, SD DCI, SFPD, MCSO, and SDHP with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the DEA, the USPIS, the IRS, and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
Croom was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sisseton Man Sentenced to More Than 2 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a man from Sisseton, South Dakota, convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on March 13, 2026.
Robert Wolfe, Jr., 45, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to forfeit the firearm and pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Wolfe, Jr. was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in February 2025. He pleaded guilty on November 17, 2026.
On April 19, 2024, deputies with the Roberts County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on Wolfe’s residence in Sisseton. During the search, deputies found a Remington bolt-action rifle in the residence. Wolfe is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2014 felony conviction for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
This case was investigated by the Roberts County Sheriff’s Office, the BATF, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
Wolfe, Jr. was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures $23,500 Settlement on Behalf of Sioux Falls Child with Disability Denied Opportunity to Sing with Children’s Choir at Foreigner ConcertRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that the United States has reached a Settlement Agreement with Counter Productions Inc. to resolve allegations that the company violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) when it denied a Sioux Falls student, a member of the Sioux Falls Children’s Choir who uses a wheelchair, the opportunity to perform with the classic rock band Foreigner during their August 2024 concert in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
As part of the resolution, Counter Productions, Inc. agreed to pay the impacted family a sum of $23,500. In addition to securing monetary relief, the agreement requires Counter Productions Inc. to adopt new ADA compliance measures, including policies for future performances and ADA compliance training for its employees.
Title III of the ADA prohibits places open to the public (such as restaurants, hotels, theaters, and stores) from discriminating against people based on a disability, or their association with someone with a disability, in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods or services offered.
This agreement resolves allegations that staff with Counter Productions, Inc. refused to make reasonable accommodations for a member of the Sioux Falls Children’s Choir who required the use of a wheelchair that would have allowed her to sing along with her friends as part of a special song that Foreigner had planned for the concert. The production company claimed that the concert staging area was too hazardous to permit her participation, despite various options proposed by staff at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, members of the Sioux Falls Children’s Choir, and the parents of the child. As a result, the child and her family were not allowed to be part of the event.
“I want to make clear that the band Foreigner was not responsible for this unfortunate situation and none of its members were even aware it was happening,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “This was a decision by the production company, and I’m glad it has agreed to this resolution. Most importantly, we are delighted that the Bauman family is now able to put this matter behind them. We have been so impressed by the courage and determination of this young woman, for whom a bright future awaits.”
“We are grateful to the DOJ for its persistence in pursuing this Americans with Disabilities Act case to the point of an agreeable settlement,” said Christa Bauman, on behalf of her daughter and the rest of her the family. “We hope this case helps other people who live with a disability to feel seen, heard, valued and empowered to stand up for themselves.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anne Weyer and Sharla Svennes investigated the underlying complaint and negotiated this resolution in collaboration with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. The claims resolved through the Settlement Agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
The ADA was passed on July 26, 1990, over 35 years ago. The Act reaffirmed our nation’s continued commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities have the right to live, work, and fully participate in the community alongside their fellow citizens. More information about the ADA is available at the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (833)-610-1264 (TTY) and via the ADA website at http://www.ada.gov. ADA complaints may be filed by email to [email protected].
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on March 9, 2026.
Tyler Hausten, 46, 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.
Hausten was indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in April 2025. He pleaded guilty on December 22, 2025.
On November 24, 2024, Sioux Falls Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being operated by Hausten. During the course of the stop, officers located a bag under the driver’s seat containing 132 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
Hausten was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sturgis Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Enticement of a Minor Using the InternetRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Sturgis, South Dakota, man convicted of Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The sentencing took place on March 9, 2026.
Bryson Priest, 26, was sentenced to 10 years and three months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $95 in restitution and $100 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture was also ordered.
Priest was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in October 2024. He pleaded guilty on November 21, 2025.
Between March 2021 and January 2023, Priest engaged in sexually explicit communications with a female minor who was 15 years old when they began communicating, and Priest was between 21 and 23 years old. Priest persuaded the minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct during their online communications. Priest then created images of the minor by taking screen shots with his cell phone of the images and videos she sent him of her engaging in the sexually explicit activity or by recording his cell phone screen while she “live-streamed” with him over Snapchat. Priest was also in possession of other child sexual abuse material, discovered after law enforcement searched accounts and devices belonging to Priest.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Rapid City Police Department. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Priest was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Box Elder Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Box Elder, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on March 9, 2026.
David Derby, 29, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $190 in restitution and $100 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture was also ordered.
Derby was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in September 2025. He pleaded guilty on November 12, 2025.
Between September 2024 and April 8, 2025, Derby used the internet-based application Kik and his Motorola cellular phone and Samsung tablet computer to receive video files containing sexually explicit visual depictions of minors into his Kik account. Law enforcement officers located video files of child pornography in Derby’s Kik account. One of the videos was of a juvenile male being sexually assaulted.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Derby was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Tea, South Dakota Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Tea, South Dakota man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on March 2, 2026.
Sean Blanchfill, 48, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, fine, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Blanchfill was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in February 2025. He pleaded guilty on November 25, 2025.
Blanchfill was part of an organization that obtained methamphetamine in Arizona and then distributed it in and around Sioux Falls. Blanchfill’s role in the group was to distribute methamphetamine and investigators determined he was responsible for personally selling over eight pounds of it. The total amount of methamphetamine trafficked by the organization was over 100 pounds.
“Our law enforcement partners are working around the clock in Sioux Falls and communities across South Dakota to stamp out methamphetamine and other illegal drugs and put the dealers of these toxic substances behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “With their hard work, and our southern border as secure as it has ever been, progress is becoming evident, as the crime numbers just released by the Sioux Falls Police Department have shown. State, local, tribal, and federal law enforcement are united in this mission. And this substantial federal prison sentence is one more link in the chain.”
This case was investigated by U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Blanchfill was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Woman Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing the Fentanyl that Killed Another WomanRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death. The sentencing took place on March 2, 2026.
Anastasia Muggins, 33, was sentenced to 20 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.
Muggins was indicted for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death by a federal grand jury in May 2025. She pleaded guilty on December 11, 2025.
On December 15, 2024, Sheila Eastman, who was born in Flandreau and was an enrolled member of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, was found deceased in her Sioux Falls residence. The coroner concluded Eastman died from fentanyl toxicity. Sioux Fall Police Detectives investigated the case and determined Muggins had distributed approximately 0.1 grams of fentanyl powder to Ms. Eastman. She ingested it and died.
“On December 15, 2025, the one-year anniversary of the death of Sheila Eastman from fentanyl poisoning, this Administration issued an Executive Order officially designating fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “As this case tragically shows, illicit fentanyl is much closer to a chemical weapon than a simple narcotic. Just two milligrams, an almost undetectable trace amount equivalent to 10 to 15 grains of table salt, is a lethal dose. Hundreds of thousands of Americans like Sheila have been killed by the fentanyl smuggled into this country from China and the Mexican drug cartels. We are committed to doing everything we can to put an end to the death and misery these chemical weapons continue to cause.”
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Muggins was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Nearly 2 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on March 2, 2026.
Donald Hoff, 34, was sentenced to 22 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Hoff was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in August 2025. He pleaded guilty on December 30, 2025.
Hoff possessed a Taurus 9mm pistol on March 21, 2025, in Sioux Falls, as well as approximately 27 grams of methamphetamine. He was prohibited from possessing the firearm because he had previously been convicted of a felony—possession of a stolen vehicle—under South Dakota law.
This case was investigated by ATF and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
Hoff was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Woman Sentenced to 2 Years of Federal Probation for Participating in an Assault within the Pine Ridge ReservationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assault by Beating, Striking, or Wounding. The sentencing took place on February 27, 2026.
Joann Sutton, 24, was sentenced to two years of federal probation and ordered to pay a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Sutton was indicted for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury – Aiding and Abetting and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon – Aiding and Abetting by a federal grand jury in November 2024. She pleaded guilty on December 1, 2025.
Accompanying her sister, Jessie Sutton, Joann Sutton set upon and attacked another woman beating her about her body with a weapon and kicking her. The woman suffered injuries requiring immediate medical attention. Jessie Sutton, charged with a federal felony assault charge, is scheduled to be sentenced later.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.
California Woman Sentenced to Nearly 3 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Riverside, California, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. The sentencing took place on February 9, 2026.
Destiny Canty, 46, was sentenced to 34 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Canty was indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering by a federal grand jury in May 2024. She pleaded guilty on November 10, 2025.
Canty received payments from co-conspirators in South Dakota and elsewhere, utilizing various electronic means including CashApp, electronic deposits, and Western Union, and was aware that the funds were generated from the illegal sale of narcotics. She then provided the funds to the leader of the drug trafficking organization. The payments were made in this manner to hide the narcotic-related source and true owner of the funds. In total, Canty was found to have laundered approximately $80,000. The total amount of money laundered by the organization that Canty was associated with was over $700,000.
“Our law enforcement partners are using every available tool to dismantle drug trafficking organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “That includes following the money and prosecuting those who try to launder it for these criminal groups. For this defendant, and many more to come, the money trail ends in a federal prison cell.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to working alongside other law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug trafficking organizations,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. “We use our financial expertise to track down members of these organizations to shut down their funding sources and bring them to justice. Each one who goes to prison is a victory for our communities.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Canty was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Minneapolis comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, USMS, USPIS, SD DCI, SFPD, MCSO, and SDHP with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota.