District of South Dakota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Involvement in Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on November 1, 2021, by District Court Judge Karen Schreier.
Ashton Aman, age 37, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Aman was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on February 2, 2021. He pled guilty on July 12, 2021.
Beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about February 2, 2021, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Aman knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together, with others known and unknown, to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Aman distributed over 500 grams of methamphetamine to co-conspirators which was then re-distributed to their own customers in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.
Aman was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
Omot Musa Karlo, age 20, was indicted on November 9, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on November 22, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about August 31, 2021, Karlo, who had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed a Glock 19mm Luger caliber, semi-automatic pistol, which had been previously shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.
The charge is merely an accusation and Karlo is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Karlo was remanded to the custody of the State pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
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Rosebud Woman Charged with Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Kendall Logan, age 28, was indicted on March 9, 2020. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 23, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The indictment alleges that on February 5, 2020, in Todd County, Logan did forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a federal officer by using a dangerous weapon, shod feet, while the officer was engaged in his official duties.
The charge is merely an accusation and Kendall is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
Kendall was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Parmelee Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Parmelee, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on November 22, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
William Henry Horse Looking, age 40, was sentenced to two months in federal prison, six months of home confinement, five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Horse Looking was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2021. He pled guilty on November 22, 2021.
Between October 20, 2020, and January 6, 2021, Horse Looking, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under Federal Law, failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Horse Looking was ordered to self-surrender to the U.S. Marshals Service in Pierre, South Dakota, by 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 1, 2021.
Mission Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor was sentenced on November 22, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court Judge.
Julio Rodriguez, III, age 20, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years supervised release, and $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Rodriguez was indicted for Sexual Abuse of a Minor by a federal grand jury on February 8, 2021. He pled guilty on August 19, 2021.
The conviction stems from an incident on July 10, 2020, in Todd County, when Rodriguez, who was 18 years old, engaged in a sexual act with a minor who was 13 years old.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Rodriguez was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Jury Finds Little Eagle Man Guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that Kimo Little Bird, Sr., age 40, of Little Eagle, South Dakota, was found guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, Felony Sex Offense Against a Minor While Required to Register as a Sex Offender, and Tampering with a Witness, as a result of a three-day federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on November 18, 2021.
The convictions carry a maximum penalty of a mandatory minimum of 40 years, up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years up to life of supervised release, and a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Little Bird was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2020.
Little Bird was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in September 2006. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. In 2016, Little Bird sexually abused an 11-year-old girl with whom he was residing. Prior to trial, Little Bird contacted multiple potential witnesses in an effort to manipulate and corruptly persuade the girl to recant her statement.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jay Miller and Troy Morley prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for May 23, 2022. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Yankton Man Charged with Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Yankton, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography.
Dylan James Steffen, age 29, was indicted on November 9, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on November 17, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, lifetime of supervised release, and up $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about between January 22, 2021, and January 24, 2021, and again on or about between March 17, 2021, and March 18, 2021, Steffen knowingly received and distributed, and attempted to receive and distribute, any child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.
The charges are merely accusations and Steffen is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Yankton Police Department, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Steffen was remanded to the custody of the State pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Wanblee Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Wanblee, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, and Obstruction of Justice, was sentenced on November 12, 2021, by District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Wicahpe “Chops” Milk, age 38, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Milk was indicted for all three charges by a federal grand jury in September 2016. He was found guilty at the close of a jury trial held June 28 – July 2, 2021.
Beginning in approximately January 2015, Milk obtained methamphetamine in California and transported it to South Dakota. He also recruited others to transport the methamphetamine. Milk sold the methamphetamine in western South Dakota and recruited at least 15 other people to do so for him. The communities where the methamphetamine was distributed included Rapid City, Wanblee, Pine Ridge, Kyle, Mission, Box Elder, Martin, and Allen. In August 2016, Milk was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Pennington County Sheriff’s Office deputies. Milk fled from the deputies and was arrested after a short foot pursuit. In the vehicle, Milk possessed a firearm and methamphetamine. Because of a prior felony conviction, Milk was prohibited from possessing any firearms. After his arrest, Milk repeatedly engaged in efforts to obstruct the case by writing letters to witnesses with content designed to affect their testimony, including threats, promises, and coercion.
This case was investigated by the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, Martin Police Department, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Milk was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Woman Sentenced for Concealing Person from ArrestRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Concealing Person from Arrest was sentenced on November 17, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol.
Kristina Ann Fuller, age 27, was sentenced to two years of probation and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Fuller was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 2, 2021. She pled guilty on August 23, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from incidents starting on an unknown date through on or about February 25, 2020, when Fuller harbored and concealed a person who was wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Fuller knew that person had an active arrest warrant.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Sioux Falls Area Fugitive Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Rapid City Man Indicted for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Galen Cleveland Iron Cloud, age 30, was indicted on September 14, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 16, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 40 years in federal prison, a $5,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between August 3, 2018, and May 14, 2021, in South Dakota and North Dakota, Iron Cloud knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The charge is merely an accusation and Iron Cloud is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, Oglala Sioux Tribe Police Department, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Corson County Sheriff’s Office, Mobridge Police Department, Rapid City Police Department, and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Iron Cloud was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date was set for June 21, 2022.
Mission Man Indicted on Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
Cassius Farmer, age 28, was indicted on November 9, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 16, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on October 21, 2021, in Mission, Farmer having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed a firearm.
The charge is merely an accusation and Farmer is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Farmer was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Eagle Butte Man Indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Elliot Robert Blue Coat, age 45, was indicted on November 9, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 16, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is ten years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that Blue Coat, a person required to register as a sex offender by reason of a conviction under federal law, knowingly failed to register and update his registration between July 16, 2021, and September 16, 2021, while living in Mobridge, South Dakota.
The charge is merely an accusation and Blue Coat is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by U.S. Marshals Service, Mobridge Police Department, Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, Corson County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Blue Coat was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Eagle Butte Man Charged with Failure to RegisterRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Brighton Veit, age 22, was indicted on November 9, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A Moreno on November 16, 2021 and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life on supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Veit was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in November 2020. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. It is alleged that between September 14, 2021, and September 27, 2021, Veit, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under Federal Law, failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.
The charge is merely an accusation and Veit is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem is prosecuting the case.
Veit was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Eagle Butte Man Charged with Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Joseph Elsey, age 26, was indicted on November 9, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge on November 12, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The indictment alleges that on October 26, 2020, near Eagle Butte, Elsey assaulted a federal officer using shod feet as a dangerous weapon, while the officer was engaged in the performance of her official duties.
The charge is merely an accusation and Elsey is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem is prosecuting the case.
Elsey was released on bond pending trial. A trial date of January 18, 2022, has been set.
Wakpala Man Indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Wakpala, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Fabian Carlo Rodriguez, age 30, was indicted on November 9, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 15, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to ten years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Rodriguez was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in November 2014. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. It is alleged that between February 6, 2021, and July 28, 2021, Rodriguez, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under federal Law, failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.
The charge is merely an accusation and Rodriguez is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Rodriguez was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Spearfish Woman Charged with Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Spearfish, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft of Government Funds.
Christi Marie Johnson, age 36, was indicted on November 9, 2021. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on November 10, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between on or about June 15, 2017, and May 7, 2018, Johnson willfully and knowingly embezzled, stole, purloined, and converted to her own use money from departments and agencies of the United States, namely Title II program benefits payments made to her deceased stepfather, to which Johnson knew she was not entitled. Title II is administered by the U.S. Social Security Administration.
The charge is merely an accusation and Johnson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Johnson was released on bond pending trial which has been set for January 18, 2022.
Okreek Man Indicted for Second Degree Murder and Using a Firearm During Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Okreek, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Second Degree Murder and Using and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
Leon Good Buffalo, age 23, was indicted on November 9, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 15, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on October 28, 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota, Good Buffalo killed a man by shooting him with a shotgun.
The charges are merely accusations and Good Buffalo is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Good Buffalo was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mobridge Man Sentenced for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mobridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on November 15, 2021, by Judge Charles B. Kornmann, U.S. District Court.
Stanley Gene Schily, Sr., age 66, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by eight years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Schily was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 9, 2020. A Superseding Indictment alleging Schily had been previously convicted of a serious drug felony offense was filed on July 13, 2021. He was found guilty by a federal jury on August 10, 2021.
The evidence at trial showed Schily knowingly and intentionally conspired with several individuals to distribute approximately 140 grams of methamphetamine in and around Mobridge from 2019 through March of 2020. On March 5, 2020, law enforcement executed a warrant to search Schily’s residence. Law enforcement recovered approximately .64 grams of methamphetamine, 150 plastic baggies, and several records indicating drug transactions.
This case was investigated by the Mobridge Police Department, the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, the Corson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Schily was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following sentencing.
Mobridge Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mobridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating, or Wounding following a two-day jury trial was sentenced on November 15, 2021, by Judge Charles B. Kornmann, U.S. District Court.
Luke Newton Mowrer, age 31, was sentenced to seven months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, a $20,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.
Mowrer was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2021, and was found guilty by a federal jury on August 25, 2021.
The evidence at trial showed that on October 6, 2019, in McLaughlin, South Dakota, Mowrer voluntarily and intentionally assaulted an individual with a knife. Mowrer was sitting in the back seat of a pickup truck when he assaulted the driver. He then fled the scene while the victim and others reported the crime and sought medical treatment. The victim suffered a cut to the neck. Mowrer had been drinking with the victim and some other acquaintances before the assault and unexpectedly lashed out in violence.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, and the Mobridge Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Mowrer was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following sentencing.
California Woman Sentenced to 235 Months for Involvement in Meth and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Escondido, California, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments was sentenced on November 1, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Maribel Torres, age 37, was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victim Fund.
Torres was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments by a federal grand jury on July 20, 2020. She pled guilty on June 21, 2021.
Beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about July 2020, Torres reached an agreement or came to an understanding to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of a substance containing methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota. During her involvement, she facilitated and directed the transportation and distribution of methamphetamine in South Dakota and elsewhere.
Additionally, beginning at an unknown date and continuing to on or about July 2020, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Torres reached an agreement or came to an understanding to conduct and attempt to conduct financial transactions affecting interstate and foreign commerce. During her involvement, she wired funds derived from the sale of methamphetamine by utilizing various financial institutions. She also directed co-conspirators to do the same on her behalf. Further, she helped coordinate with co-conspirators the movement of cash drug proceeds across state lines.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.
Torres was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Yankton Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for RobberyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Yankton, South Dakota, woman convicted of Interference with Commerce by Robbery was sentenced on November 5, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Tristan Hall, age 25, was sentenced to three years in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. Hall was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stems from Hall driving a getaway car for two males while they robbed the Quality Inn and Big D at gunpoint in Rapid City, South Dakota, in January 2020.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.
Hall was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
White River Man Indicted for ArsonRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a White River, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Arson.
Gabriel Roubideaux, age 34, was indicted on June 8, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 5, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on March 16, 2021, in Mellette County, South Dakota, Roubideaux willfully and maliciously set fire to and burned a residence and an outbuilding.
The charges are merely accusations and Roubideaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Roubideaux was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Found Guilty of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the InternetRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that Christopher Truax, age 34, of Rapid City, South Dakota, was found guilty of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet as a result of a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on November 3, 2021.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of five years up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Evidence at trial established that Truax was arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators. Following multiple chats and text messages with a person Truax believed to be a 13 year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent, he proceeded to negotiate a time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts. When Truax went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has not been set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Charged with Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Zachery Moore, age 28, was indicted on October 21, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 5, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge stems from Moore, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessing a Kimber Manufacturing Incorporated, model Micro 9, 9x19mm Luger caliber, semi-automatic pistol in Rapid City in July 2021. The charge is merely an accusation and Moore is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Moore was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Jury Finds Bridger Man Guilty on Multiple Sexual Abuse ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that Bennett Belt, age 48, of Bridger, South Dakota, was found guilty of three counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor, and one count of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child, as a result of a four-day federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on November 5, 2021.
The convictions carry a maximum mandatory minimum of 30 years, up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, a $500 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and restitution may be ordered.
Belt was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 11, 2020.
Between July 2003 and September 2017, in Bridger, Belt engaged in multiple sexual acts with minors with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, and degrade the victims, and to arouse and gratify Belt’s own sexual desire.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Pennington County Sherriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jay Miller and Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation report was ordered and a sentencing date is to be set. Belt was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after the jury announced its verdict.
Hudson Man Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Hudson, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Aidan Gianni Carl Bratt, age 21, was indicted on August 3, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on November 5, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between October 11, 2020, and January 12, 2021, Bratt, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of a conviction under State Law, and having traveled in interstate commerce, failed to register and update his registration.
The charge is merely an accusation and Bratt is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Bratt was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for January 11, 2022.
Fort Pierre Woman Charged with Bank EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Fort Pierre, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Bank Embezzlement.
Bailey Ricketts, age 26, was indicted on November 9, 2021. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 12, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 30 years in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, five years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and restitution may be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about between August 27, 2019, and January 26, 2021, Ricketts knowingly and intentionally embezzled more than $1,000 from Dakota Prairie Bank in Fort Pierre.
The charge is merely an accusation and Ricketts is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Ricketts was released pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Colorado Man Sentenced to Two Consecutive Life Sentences on Murder ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Denver, Colorado, man convicted of First Degree Premeditated Murder, First Degree Felony Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Assault, Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on November 5, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Francisco Villanueva, age 43, previously convicted of murder in Colorado in the mid-1990s, was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences in federal prison and ordered to pay a $500 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Villanueva was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 22, 2017, and was convicted of the charges by a federal jury following a two-week long trial in September 2021.
The conviction stems from the October 16, 2016, shooting death of Vincent Von Brewer III in front of the SuAnne Big Crow Center in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Villanueva, along with Adan Corona, shot Brewer 15 times with an assault rifle and a 9mm handgun as Brewer attempted to flee from the defendants.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations, and the Denver and Aurora, Colorado, Police Departments. The investigation was also supported by numerous other state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Collins and Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Villanueva was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Black Hawk Man Charged with Criminal ContemptRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Black Hawk, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Criminal Contempt.
Alan Frederick Dillon, age 56, was indicted on July 16, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno November 12, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up six months in federal prison and/or a $1,000 fine, and $25 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about May 16, 2019, Dillon willfully and unlawfully failed to appear for a court hearing at which he was summoned to in Pierre, South Dakota.
The charge is merely an accusation and Dillon is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Dillon was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Felon in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on November 4, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Brian Kadinger, age 48, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Kadinger was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021. He pled guilty on August 20, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on May 9, 2020, in Sioux Falls, when Kadinger knowingly possessed a handgun in his vehicle. A Sioux Falls police officer observed Kadinger sleeping in his vehicle at a storage facility. Kadinger had ingested methamphetamine and the officer found the 9mm Glock after Kadinger was arrested. Kadinger knew that he had previously been convicted of a felony and also knew that he was prohibited from possessing any firearms.
The firearm had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce before Kadinger possessed it.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Kadinger was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Charged with Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Mason Means, age 23, was indicted on October 21, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 1, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge stems from Means, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessing a Cobra, model CA-280, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol in Pine Ridge in March 2021. The charge is merely an accusation and Means is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Means was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Charged with Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.
Elias LaPointe, age 28, was indicted on October 21, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 1, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge stems from LaPointe, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, knowingly being in possession of multiple rounds of .45 AUTO caliber ammunition in Rapid City in July 2021. The charge is merely an accusation and LaPointe is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
LaPointe was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Pine Ridge Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Assaulting Two Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of Assaulting a Federal Officer.
Brianna Brave Heart, age 37, was indicted on October 21, 2021. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 3, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is eight years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund on each charge. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Brave Heart assaulting two federal officers who were employed with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety on December 25, 2020.
The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Safety. U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.
Brave Heart was released from custody pending trial. A trial date has been set for January 11, 2022.
New Mexico Man Sentenced on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a New Mexico man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on November 4, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Cody Newitt, age 34, was sentenced to three 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.
Newitt was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2020, and pleaded guilty on July 9, 2021. The conviction stems from Newitt, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessing a CZUB, model CZ 75 Compact, 9mm Luger caliber semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Newitt came into contact with law enforcement in January 2020 at Rapid City.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Newitt was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Manderson Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Assaulting Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Manderson, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting a Federal Officer.
Unpowin White Plume, age 34, was indicted on October 21, 2021. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 3, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is eight years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to White Plume assaulting a federal officer who was employed with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety on March 8, 2020. The charge is merely an accusation and Means is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Safety. U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.
White Plume was released from custody pending trial. A trial date has been set for January 11, 2022.
Corsica Man Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering in a Multi-Million Dollar Cattle Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Corsica, South Dakota, man convicted of Wire Fraud and Money Laundering was sentenced on November 4, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Robert Blom, age 59, was sentenced to 91 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, $24,282,865.94 in restitution, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.
Blom was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020. He pled guilty on August 2, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on or about January 2014 and continuing through February 2019, when Blom, with the intent to defraud, devised and intended to devise a scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain money and property from others. Blom’s scheme and artifice to defraud was to unjustly enrich himself by obtaining funds fraudulently.
Blom operated a custom cattle-feeding business in the Corsica area. As a part of his business, Blom solicited investors for groups of cattle. He purchased groups of cattle from various livestock companies and those groups of cattle were raised on feedlots owned or used by Blom. He raised the groups of cattle to maturity, and then sold them to processing plants. After the groups of cattle were sold, Blom paid the profits to the investors in the groups.
However, Blom sold the same groups of cattle to multiple different investors. Blom sent identical cattle purchase invoices to multiple investor groups, when each invoice should have been used for just one group of investors. At the time, Blom knew that he did not have and could not purchase as many head of cattle as he represented to investors. Sometimes Blom altered the cattle purchase invoices in an effort to conceal that he sold the same group of cattle to multiple different investors. Because he sold the same groups of cattle to multiple different investor groups, the money generated from the sale of the cattle groups to a processing plant did not generate enough money to pay back all of the investors who invested in those cattle groups.
Blom falsely and fraudulently represented to investors that he would use their money to purchase groups of cattle and to care for those cattle. Instead, he routinely used money from new investors to pay back old investors, often by check.
On multiple occasions during the relevant time period, Blom mailed invoices and other investment-related documents to investors. Several investors mailed their investment checks to him.
As part of Blom’s scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain money from others, Blom caused various wire communications to be sent. This includes an investment check for $256,996.72 made on or about December 17, 2018. This transaction involved an interstate wire transmission from Farmers State Bank in South Dakota, to First Dakota National Bank in South Dakota, through US Bank in Minnesota.
Blom also knowingly conducted multiple financial transactions that affected interstate commerce and that involved the proceeds of his fraud scheme, as described above. Blom made payments to investors knowing that the financial transactions were designed in whole or in part to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of the proceeds of his fraud scheme. Blom knew that the money involved in these financial transactions represented the proceeds of his fraud scheme.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Blom was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Five Years on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime was sentenced on October 28, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Damion Goings, age 30, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Goings was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 17, 2020, and pleaded guilty on July 9, 2021. Between June 2010 and August 2020, Goings carried a firearm while distributing methamphetamine to others. Goings also received and possessed firearms as payment for methamphetamine.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Meade County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Goings was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Little Eagle Man Sentenced to Three Years on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Stolen Firearm was sentenced on October 28, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Keith Looking Back, age 39, was sentenced to three 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.
Looking Back was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 11, 2020, and pleaded guilty on May 26, 2021. In April 2020, Looking Back knowingly possessed a stolen SIG Sauer, model SIG MCX, 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle. The rifle had been stolen by other individuals from Pawn With Us in Rapid City in April 2020.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Looking Back was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Hot Springs Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Hot Springs, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on October 25, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Nathan Bellew, age 40, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and $60 in restitution.
Bellew was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2020. He pleaded guilty on May 28, 2021. During his involvement in the conspiracy, the defendant brought methamphetamine into the state through arrangements made by him with suppliers in other states. Upon arrival in South Dakota, the defendant further dispersed the drugs to others for use and distribution in the Rapid City area.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota National Guard, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Bellew was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on October 25, 2021 by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Nikolas John Larson, age 41, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Larson was ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100 and $51,000 in restitution. Larson will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Larson was arrested and federally indicted following a failed pre-employment polygraph examination. After being informed of the failed polygraph, Larson admitted to visiting the Dark Web to look for and intentionally view images of child pornography from 2009 to 2019. A forensic examination of Larson’s devices revealed over 10,000 images of child pornography and 900 child pornography videos.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.
Larson was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Found Not Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was acquitted of two counts of Sexual Abuse as a result of a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, on October 28, 2021.
Brandon Lindemann, a/k/a Brandon Lindeman, age 36, was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 17, 2020.
The charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of a juvenile female at a time when she was incapable of declining participation near Porcupine in February 2020.
The investigation was conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.
Porcupine Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Carjacking and Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of Carjacking and Use and Brandishing of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence was sentenced on October 29, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Curtis Horse, age 30, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, including three years in federal prison for the Carjacking conviction and a consecutive sentence of seven years in federal prison for the Firearm conviction. Horse was also sentenced to five years of supervised release to follow imprisonment and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution was ordered in an amount to be set at a later date.
Horse was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 8, 2020. He pleaded guilty on July 9, 2021. The conviction stems from Horse burglarizing and damaging property at a construction business building in Rapid City during the early morning hours of November 13, 2020. After breaking into the construction business, Horse stole a vehicle, tools, and a firearm belonging to another business that kept property at the same location. Horse fled with the vehicle until he abandoned it near a school elsewhere in Rapid City. Horse then took the firearm and walked into another business, where an individual was working on an indoor construction project. Horse pointed the gun at the individual, demanding his pickup keys and cell phone. Horse left in the person’s pickup. When law enforcement located Horse, he led them on a high-speed chase in Rapid City before making a turn into and hiding behind a business after cresting a hill, eluding officers. Later that day, law enforcement near Porcupine, South Dakota, on the Pine Ridge Reservation, spotted Horse in the pickup. Horse led officers on a chase at speeds up to 115 miles per hour from Porcupine to Evergreen housing, also on the reservation. Horse then led the chase through residential property in Evergreen before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing from police. Horse was not arrested until the next day, when he was found hiding in the attic of a residence in Evergreen.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.
Horse was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mosher Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mosher, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on November 1, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Tyrone Steven Andrews, age 29, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Andrews was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 2, 2021. He pled guilty on August 2, 2021.
The conviction stems from Andrews failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between November 1, 2020, and June 2, 2021. Andrews had previously been convicted of a sex offense in federal court, which required him to register until the year 2041.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Andrews was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mobridge Man Indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mobridge, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Justin Jerome Howard, age 38, was indicted on October 13, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 25, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is ten years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between August 17, 2021, and August 29, 2021, near Kennel, South Dakota, Howard, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under federal law, failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.
The charge is merely an accusation and Howard is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Mobridge Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Howard was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mission Woman Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman convicted of two counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, one count of Health Care Fraud, and one count of Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud was sentenced on October 22, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Frenchone One Horn, a/k/a Frenchone Kills In Water, age 41, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison to be served consecutively on each count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. One Horn was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison on the charge of Health Care Fraud, to be served consecutively to the assault charges. As to the charge of Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud, One Horn was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison. In total, One Horn was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $400 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
One Horn was indicted for the charges by a federal grand jury on October 22, 2020. She pleaded guilty on May 28, 2021.
One Horn was addicted to prescription controlled substances and was no longer able to obtain controlled substances as a result of her behavior. One Horn assaulted others, including her minor children, in order to obtain prescriptions from medical providers for the injuries she intentionally inflicted. As a result of One Horn’s actions, three victims lost four fingers to amputation. One Horn fabricated stories as to how the individuals received their injuries, and also provided false statements to health care providers in order to obtain controlled substances and health care benefits. Once the individuals received controlled substances, One Horn took the controlled substances, despite the individuals having significant bodily injuries.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
One Horn was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Minnesota Man Sentenced for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Dent, Minnesota, man convicted of Possession of Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on October 25, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Stacy Hansen, age 52, was sentenced to two months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, to include eight months of home confienment, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Hansen was indicted for Felon in Possession of a Firearm by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020. He pled guilty on August 4, 2021.
The conviction stems from an incident on January 24, 2020, when Hansen and Elissa Shultz, who lived in the same residence, entered an outdoor store in Pierre, and filled out ATF forms using Shultz’s information. By using Schultz’s information, Hansen was able to purchase three firearms from the store. Hansen cannot legally purchase or possess firearms due to a prior felony conviction. A search warrant was executed on Hansen’s residence and business in August 2020, where multiple firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were seized. Schultz was previously sentenced on October 5, 2021, to 18 months probation for her involvement.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by Hyde County Sheriff’s Office, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Hansen is to self-report at a later time.
Manderson Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Manderson, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced on October 22, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Skyler Two Dogs, age 25, was sentenced to time served, five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Two Dogs was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2019. The charge related to Two Dogs engaging in sexual contact with a juvenile female at Pine Ridge in 2017.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Little Eagle Woman Charged with Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Little Eagle, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death.
Samantha Uses Arrow, age 28, was indicted on October 13, 2021. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 1, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about January 3, 2021, in Little Eagle, Uses Arrow knowingly and intentionally distributed a controlled substance to another person, and the distribution of the controlled substance resulted in that person’s death.
The charge is merely an accusation and Uses Arrow is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Division of Drug Enforcement, the Mobridge Police Department, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Uses Arrow was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Lead Man Pleads Not Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Lead, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.
William Jacob Stone, age 72, was indicted on September 14, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on October 22, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund on each charge. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Stone receiving and possessing computer images of child pornography between March 2020 and June 2021 in South Dakota. The charges are merely accusations and Stone is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is a joint effort between Homeland Security Investigations, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.
Stone was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for December 28, 2021.
Box Elder Man Sentenced for Attempted Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Box Elder, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on October 25, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Brennan John Hauk, age 42, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Hauk was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and a $5,000 special assessment to the Victims of Trafficking Fund. Hauk will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Hauk was arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2019 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting online predators. Following multiple online communications with a person Hauk believed to be a 15-year-old boy, but who was in fact an undercover agent, he proceeded to request nude photographs and negotiate a time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts. When Hauk went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Hauk was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.