District of South Dakota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Parmelee Man Indicted for Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Parmelee, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse.
Justis Running Bear, age 23, was indicted on October 13, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 22, 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 May 9, 2018, and March 28, 2021, in Mission, South Dakota, Running Bear knowingly engaged in a sexual act with the victim and that the victim was incapable of declining participation in the sexual act.
The charges are merely accusations and Running Bear is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Running Bear 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 Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on October 18, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court Judge.
Michael Lovejoy, age 38, was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Lovejoy was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury on June 8, 2021. He pled guilty on August 16, 2021.
Lovejoy was convicted of a sex offense in 2003. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. Between September 28, 2020, and April 29, 2021, Lovejoy failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration. Lovejoy registered an address in Elk Point, South Dakota, on July 28, 2020. He left that address and ultimately traveled to Eagle Butte, South Dakota, without updating his address. Lovejoy did not properly register for a period of seven months.
This case was investigated by U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Lovejoy was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Saint Francis Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Saint Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on October 18, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Tanner Kills Enemy, age 23, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Kills Enemy was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2021. He pled guilty on July 26, 2021.
Between November 4, 2020, and March 9, 2021, Kills Enemy, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, failed to properly register while living on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Kills Enemy was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Theft of Government Property and FraudRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Theft of Government Property and Supplemental Security Income Benefits Fraud was sentenced on October 19, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Linda R. Reade.
Holli Lundahl, a/k/a Holli Telford, age 65, was convicted by a jury of both charges and was sentenced to a total of 18 months in federal prison. Lundahl was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a total of $200 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $70,110 in restitution. Lundahl must serve her sentence consecutive to a federal sentence of three years in custody she received for fraudulent behavior in Wyoming.
Evidence at trial established Lundahl knowingly stole and converted to her own use Social Security Administration Title XVI Social Security Supplemental Income payments between 2011 and 2019. The evidence showed Lundahl received and kept the payments, even though she was not entitled to them, because she owned property and had resources far in excess of the limits permissible for Title XVI beneficiaries. In order to continue to receive the benefits, Lundahl falsely reported, concealed, and failed to disclose to the Social Security Administration extensive property, resources, and assets she held or possessed.
This case was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General – Social Security Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted and tried the case.
Lundahl was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on October 18, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Benjamen T. Flute, a/k/a Benjamin T. Flute, age 42, was sentenced to 24 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.
Flute was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 8, 2020. He pled guilty on July 15, 2021.
Flute was convicted of 2nd-Degree Rape in Caddo County, Oklahoma, in December 2007. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. In August 2020, Flute was released from prison and began a period of supervised release in Rapid City, but failed to update his sex offender registration. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued, and on November 25, 2020, Flute turned himself into law enforcement.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Flute was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Found Guilty of Multiple Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that Eric Ladeaux, age 35, of Rapid City, South Dakota, was found guilty of two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and one count of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on October 14, 2021.
Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction relates to Ladeaux, a person who is prohibited from possessing firearms, possessing firearms that were found after he came into contact with Pennington County Sheriff’s Office deputies in December 2019 and Rapid City Police Department officers in September 2020. Ladeaux was also found to be in possession of an unregistered firearm in the September 2020 stop.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.
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.
Mission Man Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter and Failure to AppearRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter and Failure to Appear was sentenced on October 18, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Emanuel Marcus Crow Dog-Luxon, age 23, was sentenced to a total of 37 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 $200.
Crow Dog-Luxon was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 21, 2020. He pled guilty on July 15, 2021.
The conviction for Involuntary Manslaughter stemmed from an incident that occurred on August 24, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota. On that date, Crow Dog-Luxon had been consuming alcohol, and was driving a vehicle westbound on US Highway 18 west of Mission. Crow Dog-Luxon was traveling at a high rate of speed when he veered across the eastbound lane of traffic into the ditch. Crow Dog-Luxon traveled several hundred feet before re-entering the roadway, at which point the vehicle rolled. Crow Dog-Luxon’s passenger, an adult female, was ejected from the vehicle and died as a result of injuries suffered in the wreck.
Following his Indictment, Crow Dog-Luxon was released on bond. A plea agreement was subsequently filed and the case was scheduled for a change of plea hearing. Crow Dog-Luxon did not appear for the change of plea hearing and he was charged with Failure to Appear.
These cases were investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted these cases.
Crow Dog-Luxon was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Iowa Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Inwood, Iowa, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on October 15, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Kyle William King, age 35, 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.
King was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 6, 2021. He pled guilty on July 19, 2021.
The conviction stems from King failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between October 1, 2020, and February 8, 2021. King had previously been convicted of a sex offense in state court, which requires him to register for the rest of his life.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
King was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Woman Indicted for Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Toni Carole Cochran, age 26, was indicted on October 13, 2021. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 19, 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 January 21, 2021, in Eagle Butte, Cochran assaulted and resisted an officer by using her vehicle as a dangerous weapon and, following arrest, spat on another officer while both officers were engaged in the performance of their official duties.
The charge is merely an accusation and Cochran 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.
Cochran was released on bond pending trial. A trial date of December 14, 2021, has been set.
Beresford Man Sentenced for Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Beresford, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography was sentenced on October 18, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence P. Piersol.
Anthony James Berst, age 34, was sentenced to 66 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Berst was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 2, 2021. He pled guilty on August 2, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from incidents between September 7, 2020, and January 6, 2021, when Berst used his Snapchat account to upload files containing child pornography. Berst also downloaded files that contained child pornography from the internet on to his cell phone and laptop.
Berst knowingly received digital files that depicted child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Beresford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Berst was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Yankton Man Charged with Multiple Counts of Production 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 on four counts of Production of Child Pornography.
Jason Sejnoha, age 43, was indicted on October 5, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 13, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 30 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and up to $400 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between May 6, 2021, and August 12, 2021, Sejnoha knowingly used three minor females and one minor male to produce visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct, knowing that such visual depictions would be produced with materials that had been made out of state.
The charges are merely accusations and Sejnoha is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Sejnoha was released on bond pending trial, which has been set for December 21, 2021.
Sioux Falls Man Indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead 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 Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Eugene Leon Featherman, age 33, was indicted on October 5, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 13, 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, mandatory minimum five years of supervised release, up to life, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between July 19, 2021, and September 7, 2021, in the District of South Dakota, Featherman a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of a conviction under federal law, knowingly failed to register and update his registration.
The charge is merely an accusation and Featherman is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler is prosecuting the case.
Featherman was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Sioux Falls Couple Sentenced for Meth Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man and a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Lanny Leif Vensand, Jr., age 58, was sentenced on September 27, 2021, to 235 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.
Robin Jo Vensand, a/k/a Robin Jo Graff, age 57, was sentenced on October 13, 2021, to 262 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.
The Vensands were indicted by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021. Lanny pled guilty on June 18, 2021, and Robin pled guilty on June 21, 2021.
The convictions stemmed from incidents beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about January 12, 2021, when the Vensands knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together and with others, to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, which is a Schedule II controlled substance.
They voluntarily and intentionally joined in an agreement or understanding to distribute methamphetamine. At the time they joined in the agreement or understanding, they both knew the purpose of that agreement or understanding.
They purchased over 500 grams of methamphetamine from co-conspirators, which they sold to other co-conspirators. They were aware that the methamphetamine supplied would be distributed to drug customers in South Dakota and elsewhere.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Lanny Vensand and Robin Vensand were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead 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 Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.
Nathan David Hankins, age 28, was indicted on December 17, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on October 1, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of five up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Hankins receiving and possessing child pornography between August 2019 and December 2019, at Rapid City. The charges are merely an accusation and Hankins 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 Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.
Hankins was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.
Pine Ridge Man Acquitted of Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Assault with Intent to Commit Murder, and Discharge of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence following a three-day federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, commencing on October 5, 2021.
Charles Schrader, age 55, was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 8, 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.
Pierre Woman Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute MethRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Taylor Huemoeller, a/k/a Taylor Klein, age 31, was indicted on September 14, 2021. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 13, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison, with a mandatory minimum custody sentence of 10 years, and/or a $10,000,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between July 13, 2021, and July 14, 2021, in Pierre, Huemoeller conspired with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in central South Dakota.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Huemoeller was released on conditions and a jury trial is currently set for November 30, 2021.
Parker Man Sentenced for Meth Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Parker, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on October 14, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
David Lee King, age 53, was sentenced to 200 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.
King was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 2, 2021. He pled guilty on May 10, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on an unknown date until on or about February 2, 2021, when King knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, which is a Schedule II controlled substance.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.
King was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Ohio Man Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Toledo, Ohio, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Maurice Anthony Streater, age 31, was indicted on September 9, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 12, 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 January 1, 2021, and September 9, 2021, Streater, 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, knowingly failed to register and update his registration.
The charge is merely an accusation and Streater is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Streater was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mitchell Man Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mitchell, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Russell Duane Hubbeling, age 57, was indicted on October 5, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 8, 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, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that Hubbeling, who had previously been convicted of a sex crime and required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, failed to do so between August 5, 2021, and September 2, 2021.
The charge is merely an accusation and Hubbeling 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.
Hubbeling was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for December 14, 2021.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced 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 convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on October 13, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Theophile Jesse Taken Alive, age 38, was sentenced to 24 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.
Taken Alive was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 6, 2021. He pled guilty on July 12, 2021.
The conviction stems from Taken Alive failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between March 19, 2020, and November 3, 2020. Taken Alive had previously been convicted of a sex offense in federal court which requires him to register for the rest of his life.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Taken Alive was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Box Elder Man Sentenced to over 20 years for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Box Elder, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime was sentenced on October 4, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Charles Clark, age 42, was sentenced to 15 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for count one; and five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for count two. Sentences are to run concurrently.
Clark was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2020. He pleaded guilty to both counts on June 25, 2021. During his involvement in the conspiracy, multiple pounds of methamphetamine were brought to South Dakota from Mexico through arrangements made by the Defendant. Upon arrival in South Dakota, it was further dispersed to others for use and distribution. The Defendant also possessed a firearm while in the presence of others as a display of intimidation, in furtherance of the drug distribution conspiracy.
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.
Clark was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Box Elder Man Sentenced to over 20 years for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Box Elder, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime was sentenced on October 4, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Charles Clark, age 42, was sentenced to 15 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for count one; and five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for count two. Sentences are to run concurrently.
Clark was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2020. He pleaded guilty to both counts on June 25, 2021. During his involvement in the conspiracy, multiple pounds of methamphetamine were brought to South Dakota from Mexico through arrangements made by the Defendant. Upon arrival in South Dakota, it was further dispersed to others for use and distribution. The Defendant also possessed a firearm while in the presence of others as a display of intimidation, in furtherance of the drug distribution conspiracy.
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.
Clark was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Transient Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Federal Prison for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a transient man convicted of failure to register as a sex offender was sentenced on October 4, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Daniel James Cooper, age 55, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Cooper was indicted for failure to register as a sex offender by a federal grand jury on April 6, 2021. He pled guilty on June 21, 2021.
Cooper was convicted in Minnesota in 1994 for criminal sexual conduct in the second degree. As a result, Cooper is required to register as a sex offender for life. Beginning in October 2020, Cooper moved from the location of his registration with the South Dakota Sex Offender Registry and knowingly failed to update his sex offender registration. He was arrested by law enforcement on February 16, 2021, at a residence, and had traveled between Codington County, South Dakota, and the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation between October 20, 2020, and February 16, 2021, evading law enforcement during that timeframe.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson prosecuted the case.
Cooper was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sisseton Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Federal Prison for Robbery and Aiding and AbettingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sisseton, South Dakota, man convicted of Robbery and Aiding and Abetting was sentenced on October 4, 2021 by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Brendon Javon Jacob Rodlund, age 29, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Rodlund was indicted for assault with intent to commit murder, maiming, robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and aiding and abetting by a federal grand jury on November 10, 2020. He pled guilty on May 11, 2021.
During the night between November 16 and 17, 2015, Rodlund, along with three co-conspirators, while aiding and abetting each other, assaulted a victim in an effort to rob the victim of property and things of value. The robbery and assault took place at Dry Wood Lake near Sisseton, South Dakota.
Rodlund is also serving a separate federal sentence of approximately 13 years for sexual assault. His robbery sentence will be served consecutively to his prior sentence for sexual assault.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Rodlund was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on October 4, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Phillip Gene Beck, age 25, was sentenced to ten months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100, and forfeiture of a handgun and ammunition
Beck was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 11, 2020. He pled guilty on July 12, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on October 21, 2017, in St. Francis, South Dakota. Beck, an unlawful user of methamphetamine, knowingly possessed a handgun and ammunition.
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 Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Beck was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on October 4, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Anthony Edward Farmer, age 37, was sentenced to 24 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.
Farmer was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020. He pled guilty on July 29, 2021.
Farmer was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact With a Child in June 2010. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. In June 2020, Farmer was released from prison and began a period of supervised release, but failed to update his sex offender registration. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued and on May 28, 2021, Farmer was arrested in Rosebud.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Farmer was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on October 5, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Louis Andrew Rabbitt, Jr., age 40, was sentenced to 27 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.
Rabbitt was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, 2019. He pled guilty on July 29, 2021.
Rabbitt was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in August 2001. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. On July 19, 2019, Rabbitt began a period of supervised release and initially registered at a residence in Rapid City. Rabbitt subsequently moved from his registered address, and failed to update his sex offender registration. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued and on April 1, 2021, Rabbitt was arrested in Mission, South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Rabbitt was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Public Official Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Peever, South Dakota, man convicted for his role in a bribery scheme was sentenced on October 4, 2021 by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Public official Daniel Thomas White, age 46, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $23,000 in restitution and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
According to court documents, the Dakota Nations Development Corporation (“DNDC”) was an agency of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe, a tribal government that received federal assistance in excess of $10,000 during the one-year period between October 1, 2017, and September 30, 2018. At that time, White served as the Director of the DNDC. White’s duties included, among other things, overseeing housing and construction projects of the DNDC.
DNDC established an entity called the SWO Elderly Village Limited Partnership. The purpose of the entity was to obtain tax credit financing to build an elderly village complex on tribal land. On April 22, 2016, SWO’s tribal council passed a resolution, committing nearly $3,000,000 to the project.
On October 27, 2017, DNDC contracted with Tatanka Contracting to do the earthwork associated with the elderly village project. The contract was for a guaranteed price of $1,070,740, although a change order increased the total of the contract to $1,129,679.
To secure the dirt work contract, owners of Tatanka bribed White and White accepted the agreed amount of $30,000 as the bribe or kickback. Specifically, in November 2017, White did corruptly solicit, demand, agree, and agree to accept a thing of value from a person or persons working for and on behalf of Tatanka Contracting, intending to be influenced and rewarded in connection with a transaction and series of transactions of the DNDC.
White pleaded guilty to his role in the bribery scheme on August 24, 2020. He was ordered to self-report to the U.S. Marshal’s Service or Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his term of imprisonment at a date to be determined.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
The case was brought pursuant to The Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities. The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include: Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Postal Inspector Service; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.
For additional information about The Guardians Project, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (605) 330-4400. To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.
Pierre Woman Sentenced for Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, woman convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter was sentenced on October 4, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Emerald Plenty Chief, age 26, was sentenced to 26 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.
Plenty Chief was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021. She pled guilty on July 15, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in Hughes County, South Dakota, on April 26, 2020. On that date, Plenty Chief was at a gathering at the West Bend State Recreation Area east of Pierre, along with her four-year-old son, the victim. Plenty Chief was consuming alcoholic beverages and was intoxicated. At some point, Plenty Chief decided to leave and departed the area with the victim in the back seat of her vehicle. A short time later, Plenty Chief was traveling northbound on West Bend Road when she approached a curve at a speed of approximately 77 mph, in an area where the posted speed limit is 55 mph. Plenty Chief failed to negotiate the curve and overcorrected, at which point the vehicle left the roadway and rolled. Plenty Chief was not wearing seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. The victim was not secured in a child seat and was likewise ejected from the vehicle. The victim died as a result of the injuries suffered in the wreck. An adult passenger was also injured in the wreck.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Hughes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Plenty Chief was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Peever Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Interstate Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Peever, South Dakota, man convicted of Interstate Domestic Violence was sentenced on September 20, 2021 by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Brandon Lee Renville, age 30, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Renville was indicted for interstate domestic violence, kidnapping, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021. He pled guilty on June 21, 2021.
According to the Indictment, on or about November 6, 2020, Renville caused his spouse to travel in interstate commerce by force and coercion. In the course of and as a result of that conduct, he intentionally committed or attempted to commit a crime of violence, that is, an assault or attempted assault with a dangerous weapon.
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 Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe’s Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Renville was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. Renville was also ordered to forfeit a firearm seized as a part of this case.
Parmelee Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Parmelee, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting a Federal Officer was sentenced on October 4, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Matthew M. Horned Eagle, Jr., age 31, was sentenced to time served through October 21, 2021, to equal 12 months in federal custody, three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Horned Eagle was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021. He pled guilty on July 15, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on April 13, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota. Horned Eagle forcibly assaulted a law enforcement officer, who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, by knocking a body camera off the law enforcement officer’s vest during a physical struggle and later spitting on another officer.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Horned Eagle was immediately released.
North Dakota Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Wahpeton, North Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on October 4, 2021 by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Vincent Chasing Hawk, age 40, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Chasing Hawk was indicted for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon by a federal grand jury on November 10, 2020. He pled guilty on July 16, 2021.
The conviction stems from an incident on September 5, 2020, in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, when Chasing Hawk and the victim had been drinking. Chasing Hawk, unprovoked, stood up and started punching the victim. All totaled, Chasing Hawk punched the victim approximately 30 times. During the assault, the victim fell onto the floor. After the victim was on the floor, Chasing Hawk then stomped on the victim. During the assault, Chasing Hawk knocked a clothes iron off a table. After knocking the iron off the table, Chasing Hawk picked up the iron, and hit the victim at least four times with the iron.
This case was investigated by Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Chasing Hawk was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Indicted for Sexual AbuseRead 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 Sexual Abuse.
Buddy Robert Poor Bear, a/k/a Bud Poor Bear, age 55, was indicted on July 13, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 6, 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 April 15, 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota, Poor Bear knowingly engaged in a sexual act with the victim and that the victim was incapable of declining participation in the sexual act.
The charge is merely an accusation and Poor Bear is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Poor Bear was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Marvin Man Sentenced to 30 years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Marvin, South Dakota, man convicted of Production of Child Pornography was sentenced on October 4, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Adam Robert Lane age 35, was sentenced to 360 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.
Lane was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 2, 2021. He pled guilty on July 12, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from incidents on or about between July 18, 2020, and October 23, 2020, when Lane intentionally used his cellular phone to take pictures and videos of a minor female who was 7 years old at the time.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Lane was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Highmore Woman Sentenced on Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Highmore, South Dakota, woman convicted of Sale or Transfer of Firearms to a Prohibited Person was sentenced on October 5, 2021, by Chief Judge Robert A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Elissa Schultz, age 41, was sentenced to 18 months of probation and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Schultz was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Sale or Transfer of Firearms to a Prohibited Person, and False Statements During Purchase of a Firearm by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020. She pled guilty on June 21, 2021.
The conviction stems from an incident on January 24, 2020, in Pierre, when Schultz transferred a firearm to her significant other, Stacey Hansen, knowing he had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Hansen has pled guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm and will be sentenced on October 25, 2021.
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 N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Schultz was immediately released to begin her probation following the sentencing hearing.
Fort Thompson Man Sentenced for RobberyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Robbery was sentenced on October 5, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Jacob Hawk Wing, age 27, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $1,030, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Hawk Wing was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 11, 2020. He pled guilty on July 15, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on July 26, 2020, in Fort Thompson. Hawk Wing robbed a convenience store at gun point, and stole U.S. currency and two bottles of alcohol.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Hawk Wing was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced 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 convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on October 5, 2021, by Chief Judge Robert A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Charles Moran, age 44, was sentenced to 25 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Moran was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury on May 2, 2021. He pled guilty on July 15, 2021.
Moran was convicted of a sex offense in 1997. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. Between November 18, 2020, and February 21, 2021, Moran failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.
This case was investigated by U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Moran was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Two Colorado Men Found Guilty of Executing Pine Ridge ManRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that Francisco Villanueva and Adan Corona of Denver, Colorado, were convicted of multiple crimes following a two-week federal jury trial held in Rapid City, South Dakota. The guilty verdicts were returned on September 29, 2021.
Villanueva, age 43, previously convicted of murder in Colorado in the mid-1990s, and Corona, age 35, were charged with 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.
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 and 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. Both defendants face lifetime terms of imprisonment. A sentencing date has not been set.
Pierre Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on October 4, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Daniel James Boe, age 36, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, $1,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Boe was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on December 8. 2020. He pled guilty on July 15, 2021.
Beginning in January of 2017, Boe was involved in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in and around the Pierre area and central South Dakota. Boe was involved with the distribution of 200-350 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Boe was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Yankton Woman Charged with Theft of Government Funds and Concealment of Information from SSI ProgramRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Yankton, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft of Government Funds and Concealment of Information from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program. The SSI program is administered by the U.S. Social Security Administration
Tina Marie Jensen, age 47, was indicted on September 9, 2021. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 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 up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about between September 9, 2016, and July 31, 2019, Jensen willfully and knowingly embezzled, stole, and purloined money from federal departments or agencies: Title XVI program benefits payments made to her child (for whom she was representative payee), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits payments, and Medicaid coverage.
The Indictment also alleges that on or about October 2017, Jensen had knowledge of the occurrence of an event affecting her initial and continued right to receive payment of Title XVI SSI benefits. Specifically, Jensen knowingly failed to disclose a change in her household resources, in order to continue receiving and spending her child’s SSI benefits.
The charges are merely accusations and Jensen is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Social Security Administration Cooperative Disability Investigation Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Jensen was released on bond pending trial, which has been set for November 30, 2021.
Stephan Man Sentenced for Assault and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Stephan, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Brandishing of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence was sentenced on September 21, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Robert Johnson, a/k/a Pitbull, age 43, was sentenced to 108 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 $200.
Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020. He pled guilty on June 21, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on June 20, 2020, in Lower Brule, South Dakota. Johnson approached an individual while brandishing a shotgun. In the course of a brief struggle, the shotgun fired and struck the victim in the shoulder region. Johnson fled the scene, and the shotgun was recovered the next day.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
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.
Johnson was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Charged with EscapeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced Rapid City, South Dakota man, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Escape from Custody and Criminal Contempt.
David Low Dog, age 36, was indicted on July 13, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 22, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to five years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on May 21, 2021, Low Dog, who was on a temporary furlough, failed to comply with an order issued by the U.S. District Court and escaped from the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service from the Hughes County Jail in Pierre, South Dakota.
The charges are merely accusations and Low Dog is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
Low Dog was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Oglala Man Indicted on Commercial Sex Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Oglala, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet and two counts of Commercial Sex Trafficking.
Gordon Weston, age 55, was indicted on September 14, 2021. Weston appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on September 17, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to lifetime supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each charge. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Weston using a cellular phone connected to the internet to persuade a female under 18 years of age to engage in prostitution and other sexual activities in South Dakota between August 2020 and February 2021. The charges are merely accusations and Weston is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Based on the evidence obtained in this investigation, authorities believe there may be additional victims of the alleged conduct. Anyone with information about this matter is encouraged to call the FBI Minneapolis Field Office at (763) 569-8000.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen is prosecuting the case.
Weston was released from custody pending trial. A trial date has been set for November 23, 2021.
Mission Man Sentenced for Simple AssaultRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Simple Assault of a Minor was sentenced on September 21, 2021, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Xavier Quiver, a/k/a Xavier Medicine Blanket, age 26, was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.
Quiver was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020. He pled guilty on June 24, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on February 9, 2020, in Mission. On that date, Quiver was in a parked vehicle with family members when he became angry and reached into the back seat and struck a four-year-old child in the head and face.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Quiver was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
McLaughlin Man Indicted for Burglary, Intentional Damage to Property, Trespass, and StalkingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Third Degree Burglary, Intentional Damage to Property, Criminal Trespass, and Stalking.
Christopher Aaron Miller, age 42, was indicted on September 14, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 22, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is five years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between January 1, 2018, and September 14, 2021, in McLaughlin, Miller harassed and stalked two victims. In September 2019, Miller burglarized the victims’ garage and intentionally caused damage to the victims’ vehicle on several occasions.
The charges are merely accusations and Miller is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Corson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Miller was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
McLaughlin Man Indicted for AssaultRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender, Assault by Strangulation, and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
Lyle Walter Iron Horn, age 41, was indicted on September 14, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 23, 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, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that in McLaughlin, on February 20, 2021, Iron Horn assaulted an individual with shod feet and on August 13, 2020, assaulted the same individual by strangulation. Both assaults were committed against Iron Horn’s domestic partner and occurred after Iron Horn had been convicted of at least two prior acts of domestic violence.
The charges are merely accusations and Iron Horn is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Iron Horn was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Fort Thompson Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on September 27, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Gavin Drapeau, age 29, was sentenced to 30 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.
Drapeau was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2021. He pled guilty on July 20, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on January 11, 2021, in Fort Thompson, South Dakota. Drapeau unlawfully assaulted an individual with shod feet, which resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Drapeau was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Resisting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on September 20, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Kenton Romero, age 26, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Romero was indicted for Assaulting a Federal Officer by a federal grand jury on April 13, 2021. He pled guilty on June 29, 2021.
The conviction stems from an incident on August 3, 2020, when law enforcement attempted to make a traffic stop on Romero in Eagle Butte. When they approached the vehicle, Romero drove off and a pursuit ensued. Romero drove at a high rate of speed through a residential area. The vehicle Romero was driving made physical contact with one of the patrol vehicles involved in the pursuit. Romero also drove in an oncoming traffic lane towards another officer that was responding to the pursuit. Romero then left the community of Eagle Butte and headed westbound out of town on Highway 212. Finally, Romero maneuvered his vehicle to force an officer involved off the road and into the ditch. Romero did not stop voluntarily and was apprehended when his vehicle either ran out of gas or broke down.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Romero was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter was sentenced on September 20, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Robert Stands And Looks Back, a/k/a Robert Stands, Jr., age 45, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Stands And Looks Back was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020. He pled guilty on June 29, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in Todd County, South Dakota, on August 25, 2020. On that date, Stands And Looks Back had been consuming alcohol, and was driving a vehicle on BIA Highway 1 south of Rosebud. Stands And Looks Back was driving southbound when he crossed over into the northbound lane of traffic and struck and killed a man who was lying in the roadway.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Stands And Looks Back was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Red Scaffold Man Sentenced for BurglaryRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Red Scaffold, South Dakota, man convicted of Second Degree Burglary was sentenced on September 20, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
William Collins, age 43, was sentenced to 36 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.
Collins was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, 2019. He pled guilty on May 27, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on March 23, 2019, in Red Scaffold. On that date, Collins unlawfully entered a residence with the intent to assault a woman therein.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Collins was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.