District of South Dakota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Pukwana Woman Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Pukwana, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, Opposing, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on September 20, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Casey Harrison, age 30, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Harrison was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 10, 2020. She pled guilty on September 20, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on July 24, 2020, in Fort Thompson, South Dakota, in which officers responded to a report of an intoxicated and aggressive individual. Upon arrival, officers attempted to arrest Harrison, who assaulted a law enforcement officer by kicking him, squeezing his genitalia, and spitting on him.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Harrison was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
North Dakota Man Sentenced for Possession of Firearm as Drug UserRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mandan, North Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on September 20, 2021, by District Judge Charles B. Kornmann, U.S. District Court.
Joel Kraft, Jr., age 34, was sentenced to two years of probation, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100, and forfeiture of a firearm and ammunition.
Kraft was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 8, 2020. He pled guilty on June 21, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from a traffic stop that occurred on May 25, 2020, on U.S. Highway 12 in Walworth County, South Dakota. Kraft, then knowingly being an unlawful user of marijuana, knowingly possessed a loaded revolver, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce and foreign commerce.
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 South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Lower Brule Man Sentenced for Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter was sentenced on September 20, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Eugene Skunk, age 43, was sentenced to 12 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.
Skunk was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 9, 2020. He pled guilty on June 28, 2021.
On July 26, 2020, in Lower Brule, Skunk struck a man while operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Skunk returned to the scene of the incident and self-reported himself as the driver of the vehicle which struck the victim.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Skunk was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Assaulting Federal OfficersRead 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 21, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Floyd Alex High Hawk, Jr., a/k/a Cactus, age 33, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
High Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020. He pled guilty on June 21, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on August 17, 2020, in Eagle Butte. High Hawk was detained at a tribal jail when he assaulted two detention officers who were attempting to move him to a different cell. High Hawk punched one detention officer in the face and wrestled with another, causing an injury to his knee. Both detention officers were employed by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe pursuant to a contract between the tribe and the federal government.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
High Hawk was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking 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 September 14, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Christopher Charles Walker, age 50, was sentenced to 240 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.
Walker was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021. He pled guilty on June 24, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about May 25, 2020, when Walker knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, agreed with others to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance of methamphetamine, which is a Schedule II controlled substance.
At the time Walker voluntarily joined in the agreement, he knew the purpose of said agreement. Walker distributed over 500 grams of methamphetamine to co-conspirators who, in turn, redistributed it to their drug customers in South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigations, the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.
Walker was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking 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 September 13, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Daniel Michael Thaler, age 37, was sentenced to 158 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.
Thaler was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021. He pled guilty on June 21, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning at an unknown date and continuing until on or about January 12, 2021, when Thaler knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, agreed with others to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, which is a Schedule II controlled substance.
At the time Thaler voluntarily joined in the agreement, he knew the purpose of said agreement. Thaler obtained over 500 grams of methamphetamine from a co-conspirator and redistributed it to drug customers in South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls, Area Drug Task Force and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Thaler was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with Production of Child Pornography and Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead 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 Production of Child Pornography and Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography.
Jeremy James Konda, age 49, was indicted on September 9, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 14, 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 $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Count one of the Indictment alleges that on or about between May 27, 2020, and July 26, 2020, Konda knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions, knowing such depictions would be transported in interstate or foreign commerce or mailed, and such visual depictions would be produced by any means, including by computer.
Count two of the Indictment alleges that on or about between February 2, 2021, and May 1, 2021, Konda knowingly received and attempted to receive, any child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate of foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.
The charges are merely accusations and Konda 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.
Konda was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with Child Pornography ChargesRead 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 Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography and Attempted Production of Child Pornography.
Tyson Thill, age 43, was indicted on September 9, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 14, 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 $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Count one of the Indictment alleges that between on or about February 12, 2021, and July 28, 2021, Thill knowingly received, and attempted to receive, child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any mean, including by computer.
Count two of the Indictment alleges that between on or about February 8, 2019, and July 28, 2021, Thill knowingly attempted to employ, use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct, knowing such visual depictions would be transported in interstate or foreign commerce or mailed, shipped, and transported by computer.
The charges are merely accusations and Thill 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.
Thill was released on bond pending trial, which has been set for November 23, 2021.
Flandreau Woman Charged with Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Flandreau, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Caley Studsdahl, age 24, was indicted on September 9, 2021. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 15, 2921, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to eight years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on April 21, 2020, Studsdahl forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with the Acting Chief of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe while he was engaged in the performance of his official duties and said conduct involved physical contact.
The charge is merely an accusation and Studsdahl is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Studsdahl was released on bond pending trial which has been set for November 23, 2021.
White River Man Sentenced for Attempted Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a White River, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on September 3, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Greydon Shangreaux, age 25, was sentenced to time served, equal to approximately three and 1/2 months in custody, followed by five years of supervised release. Shangreaux was also ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100 and will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Shangreaux 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 Shangreaux believed to be a 15-year-old girl, 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 Shangreaux 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.
Watertown Man Charged with Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Watertown, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography.
Justin Derick Kohrt, age 38, was indicted on September 9, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 16, 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, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between on or about March 2, 2021, and June 3, 2021, Kohrt knowingly received, and attempted to receive, child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.
The charge is merely an accusation and Kohrt 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.
Kohrt was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Wagner Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child Under 12 Years OldRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Wagner, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child Under 12 Years Old was sentenced on September 13, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Frank Sanchez, age 66, was sentenced to 87 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.
Sanchez was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 3, 2019. He was found guilty following a three-day jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred between on or about June 1, 2006 and September 1, 2006, in the Marty area, when Sanchez engaged in sexual contact with a female minor who had not attained the age of 12 years.
This case was investigated by the Yankton Sioux Tribal Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Sanchez was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Wire Fraud was sentenced on September 13, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Dallas Harkness, age 64, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $738,557.34 to Hoegemeyer Hybrids (formerly Curry Seed Company), and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Harkness was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 6, 2020. He pled guilty on June 21, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from a wire fraud scheme that began on or about January 2010 and continued through September 25, 2018. Harkness was a sales manager for Curry Seed Company located in Elk Point, South Dakota. On multiple occasions during the course of the scheme, Harkness received checks from Curry Seed customers as payment or pre-payment for seed. Instead of sending the checks to Curry Seed for deposit, Harkness falsely and fraudulently deposited some of those customer checks into checking accounts he controlled. Harkness then used the funds for his purposes.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Harkness has been allowed to self-surrender by October 12, 2021.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead 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 Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography.
Dylan St. Claire, age 30, was indicted on September 9, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 14, 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, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between on or about March 10, 2021, and July 21, 2021, St. Claire knowingly received, and attempted to receive, child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.
The charge is merely an accusation and St. Claire 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.
St. Claire was released on bond pending trial which has been set for November 23, 2021.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with 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.
Ricky Jason Bedlington, Jr., age 42, was indicted on September 9, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 15, 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 between on or about May 28, 2021, and May 31, 2021, Bedlington, a sex offender by reason of a conviction under state law, unlawfully and knowingly failed to provide information required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act relating to intended travel to a foreign country.
The charge is merely an accusation and Bedlington 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.
Bedlington was released on bond pending trial, which has been set for November 23, 2021.
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 September 3, 2021 by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.
Caleb Oien, age 26, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years supervised release. Oien was also ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100, and will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Oien was arrested and federally indicted following a Cybertip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children. The Cybertip included images of child pornography of young children downloaded by Oien to his Dropbox account. A forensic examination of Oien’s devices and Dropbox account revealed well over 600 images of child pornography of children under the age of 12.
This case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Oien was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on September 7, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Casey Brasgalla, age 39, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for each count. The sentences are to be served concurrently. Brasgalla was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The convictions relate to Brasgalla and another male, both who are prohibited from possessing firearms, possessing firearms which were found after they came into contact with Rapid City Police Department officers in November 2020. Brasgalla was also found to be in possession of a firearm and destructive device in December 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.
Brasgalla was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for 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 by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on September 7, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Darius Emery, age 33, was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Emery was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021. He pleaded guilty on May 7, 2021. The conviction stems from Emery, previously convicted of a felony and prohibited from possessing firearms, possessing a semi-automatic pistol and a double-action revolver, which were found after Emery came into contact with Rapid City Police Department officers in August 2019 and June 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.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Emery was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to 30 Years for 15 Internet Crimes Against ChildrenRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of five counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, one count of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, six counts of Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, two counts of Receipt of Child Pornography, and one count of Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on September 8, 2021, by Judge Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court.
Kyle Garret Soto, age 34, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1500 and a $5,000 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Soto was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 8, 2018, and was convicted by a jury following a week-long jury trial in Rapid City in April 2021. Between February 2014 and April 2018, Soto engaged in prolific sexual activity with numerous minors over the internet, including demanding, receiving, and sending pornographic images and videos. Soto threatened to distribute the minors’ images and videos online if they failed to comply with his ultimatums to provide him with additional pornographic items. Subsequent to his arrest in April 2018, forensic examination of Soto’s devices revealed hundreds of images of child pornography. Soto’s victims ranged in age from approximately seven years old to 15 years old.
The investigation was conducted by the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, and the New Mexico Office of Attorney General.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Collins and Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to Seven Years on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Use and Brandishing of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence was sentenced on August 24, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Thomas Richards, age 23, was sentenced to seven 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 and $320 in restitution to the Corner Pantry convenience store.
Richards was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 10, 2021, and pleaded guilty on May 14, 2021. In February 2021, Richards used a pistol to rob a Corner Pantry convenience store in Rapid City by brandishing the firearm at the store clerk.
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.
Richards was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Marty Man Sentenced for Assault with a Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Marty, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on September 14, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Gordon Primeaux, age 63, was sentenced to 24 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.
Primeaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 6, 2020. He pled guilty on June 10, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on or about August 22, 2020, when Primeaux stabbed the victim with a knife three times, with intent to do bodily harm to the victim.
This case was investigated by the Yankton Sioux Tribe and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Primeaux was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Kyle Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on September 8, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Marcus Pawnee Leggins, age 33, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison, followed by three years supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Pawnee Leggins was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on September 17, 2020. He pleaded guilty on May 26, 2021.
Beginning at an unknown date, but no later than January 2016 to September 2020, Pawnee Leggins knowingly and intentionally conspired and acted in concert with numerous other individuals to possess and distribute methamphetamine in and around the areas of Kyle and Allen, South Dakota, as well as other locations on the Pine Ridge Reservation. During the course of the conspiracy, Pawnee Leggins possessed and distributed at least 50 grams of substances containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services – Division of Drug Enforcement, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, and the South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.
Pawnee Leggins 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 a Sioux City, Iowa, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on September 13, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Jacob Lee Schmidt, age 32, was sentenced to 17 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.
Schmidt was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 4, 2021. He pled guilty on June 23, 2021.
The conviction stems from Schmidt failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between February 1, 2021, and May 4, 2021. Schmidt 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.
Schmidt was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Hurley Man Charged with Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Hurley, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography.
Lester Jahnig, age 50, was indicted on September 9, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 14, 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, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between on or about May 3, 2019, and December 16, 2020, Jahnig knowingly received, and attempted to receive, child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.
The charge is merely an accusation and Jahnig is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Jahnig was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Pine Ridge Man Found Guilty of Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that Garrett Waters, age 39, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, was found guilty of three charges of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor following a federal jury trial in Rapid City. The verdict was returned on September 3, 2021.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund on each charge.
Waters was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 2, 2021. The charges relate to Waters having sexual contact with a female, who was under the age of 12 years, between 2018 and 2020, at Pine Ridge.
This case was investigated by the Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
North Dakota Man Indicted for Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Fort Yates, North Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Assault by Strangulation, and Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender.
Calvin Killspotted, a/k/a Sonesakda Killspotted, age 39, was indicted on August 10, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 7, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 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 June 2 and 3, 2021, in Corson County, Killspotted unlawfully assaulted an intimate partner when he had previously been convicted of two prior acts of domestic abuse, and that the assault resulted in bodily injury. The Indictment further alleges that Killspotted unlawfully assaulted an intimate partner by strangling and suffocating her.
The charges are merely accusations and Killspotted is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justices Services, the Corson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Killspotted was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Lower Brule Man Sentenced for Resisting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man convicted of Resisting, Opposing, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on September 7, 2021, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Shiloh Small Jumper, age 31, was sentenced to 3 years of probation, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.
Small Jumper was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 17, 2020. He pled guilty on September 7, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on February 4, 2020, in Lower Brule, South Dakota. Following a complaint call of a disturbance, officers arrived at the scene where Small Jumper was present and would not leave the residence. Small Jumper resisted officer’s attempts to place him under arrest.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Fort Pierre Man Sentenced for Resisting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Fort Pierre, South Dakota, man convicted of Resisting, Opposing, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on September 7, 2021, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Londelle Ashley, age 31, was sentenced to four months custody and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.
Ashley was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 1, 2020. He pled guilty on June 22, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on August 19, 2020, in the Big Bend community on the Crow Creek Indian Reservation. Bureau of Indian Affairs officers were called to a report of a person acting in a disorderly manner at a residence. When officers entered the home, the defendant rushed the officer and actively resisted arrest.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to Life in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse was sentenced on August 26, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Robert Dowty, Sr., age 59, was sentenced to life in federal prison, lifetime of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Dowty was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2018. He was found guilty of the charge following a jury trial in Rapid City on August 2, 2019.
The conviction stems from Dowty forcibly sexually assaulting a child under the age of 16 years between June and September of 2018 at Pine Ridge. Additional victims testified at trial regarding past sexual abuse by Dowty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Dowty was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on August 24, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Dale Martin, Jr., age 30, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Martin was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2020. He pleaded guilty on February 10, 2021.
The conviction stems from Martin, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, being in possession of a Savage, model 111, .270 caliber bold-action rifle. This firearm was found in Martin’s possession after the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety was called to the I-Bank in Pine Ridge on June 18, 2020. Martin ran from the I-Bank location to a nearby trailer after law enforcement instructed him to drop the firearm. After being verbally instructed to come out of the house, Martin exited the residence with the rifle slung around his back. Martin threw the firearm off the porch and re-entered the residence. Law enforcement entered the residence and took Martin into custody.
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, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Martin was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Oklahoma Man Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sapulpa, Oklahoma, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Charles Nathaniel Graves, age 35, was indicted on July 7, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 7, 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 Graves, 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 September 1, 2019, and July 7, 2021.
The charge is merely an accusation and Graves 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.
Graves was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Hermosa Woman Sentenced to Eight Years on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Hermosa, South Dakota, woman convicted on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on August 30, 2021, by Judge Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court.
Megan Smith, age 39, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Smith was indicted for the charges by a federal grand jury on June 11, 2020, and pleaded guilty on May 7, 2021. Smith, being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, was found to knowingly be in possession of multiple firearms, some of which were stolen, and a sawed-off shotgun after she came into contact with law enforcement in March 2020 in Rapid City. Smith was also found in possession of methamphetamine and had been distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in and around 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 Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Smith was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sisseton Woman Sentenced for Theft from an Indian Tribal OrganizationRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sisseton, South Dakota, woman convicted of Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization was sentenced on August 30, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Jordyn Juanita Kirk, age 27, was sentenced to five years of probation, restitution to the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Court in the amount of $14,463.80, a $3,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Kirk was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 20, 2020. She pled guilty on May 21, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from incidents that occurred between May 17, 2018, and October 5, 2018. At the time, Kirk was employed as an executive assistant to the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate (“SWO”) Vice-Chairman. As part of her job duties, she was responsible for taking possession of money collected by other SWO tribal departments, including the SWO Tribal Court, and delivering it to the SWO Finance Office for deposit. Kirk stole cash from the SWO Tribal Court and used it for her own purposes. Kirk covered up her actions by not delivering the accompanying cash collection reports to the SWO Finance Office.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman 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.
Armour Man Charged with Threatening CommunicationsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Armour, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for threatening communications.
Larry Lee Grueschow, age 64, was indicted on August 3, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on August 30, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to five 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.
On or about the 11th day of June, 2020, Grueschow did transmit in interstate commerce, from the State of South Dakota to Washington, D.C., a telephone communication to a member of Congress. The telephone communication contained a threat to injure the member of Congress and others.
The charge is merely an accusation and Grueschow is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Grueschow was released pending trial. A trial date of November 2, 2021, has been set.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for RobberyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Use and Brandishing of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence was sentenced on August 25, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Troy Fairbanks, age 29, was sentenced to three years and ten months in federal prison for the Robbery conviction and seven years in federal prison for the Firearm conviction. The sentences are to be served consecutively. Fairbanks was also sentenced to three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The convictions relate to Fairbanks and two other individuals robbing the Quality Inn and Big D at Rapid City in January 2020, and brandishing a pistol at an employee at each establishment.
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.
Fairbanks 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 Receiving Child Pornography was sentenced on August 26, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Jebadiah Swenson, age 39, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $11,000 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Swenson was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in August 2020. He pleaded guilty on December 16, 2020.
The conviction stems from Swenson using the LiveMe social media application between October 1, 2019, and March 7, 2020, to obtain links to child pornography on the Internet. Special agents executed a search warrant and found hundreds of images and videos of child pornography on electronic devices belonging to Swenson. The images and videos included child pornography depicting sadism and masochism, sexual abuse of infants and toddlers, and bestiality.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.
Swenson 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 Stolen Firearm and Receipt of a Firearm While Under Indictment.
Huya Smoke, age 19, was indicted on August 19, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 25, 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 Smoke knowingly being in possession of a stolen 9mm semi-automatic pistol in Rapid City in April 2021. At the time, Smoke was also under indictment in Meade County, South Dakota. The charges are merely an accusation and Smoke 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.
Smoke was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Marshall County Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Federal Prison for Sexual Abuse of ChildRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Veblen Flats, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced on August 30, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Dominic Steven Redday, age 43, 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.
Redday was indicted for Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child and Sexual Abuse of a Minor by a federal grand jury on August 17, 2020. He pled guilty on June 7, 2021.
From on or about April 2011 to 2012, Redday knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, sexual contacts with a young female victim, using force, threats, and fear. At the time of the sexual contact, the victim was 12 years of age.
This case was investigated by the Sisseton Wahpeton Tribal Law Enforcement Criminal Investigations Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Redday was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
White River Man Charged with Burglary and LarcenyRead 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 Third Degree Burglary and Larceny.
Kurt Bartlett, age 27, was indicted on February 8, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 25, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to five 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 July 9, 2021, in Mission, Bartlett unlawfully entered the Todd County School District Bus Shop and stole property valued over $1,000.
The charges are merely accusations and Bartlett 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.
Bartlett 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 Making a False Statement in the Acquisition of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Making a False Statement in the Acquisition of a Firearm was sentenced on August 23, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Zachary Taylor Bobbs, age 36, 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.
Bobbs was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 1, 2020. He pled guilty on June 1, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on November 8, 2019, when Bobbs knowingly made a false and fictitious written statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer when he tried to purchase a firearm. Said written statement was likely to deceive the firearms dealer. Bobbs falsely indicated on ATF Form 4473 that he had never been convicted of a felony and that he had never been convicted of a domestic violence when, in fact, he had been convicted of both.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Deputy Chief John E. Haak prosecuted the case.
Bobbs was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
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 August 25, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Myles Feather Earring, 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.
Feather Earring was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 6, 2021. He pled guilty on June 8, 2021.
The conviction stems from Feather Earring failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between January 7, 2021, and February 9, 2021. Feather Earring 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.
Feather Earring was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mobridge Man Convicted by Federal Jury for AssaultRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that Luke Newton Mowrer, age 31, of Mobridge, South Dakota, was found guilty of Assault by Striking, Beating, or Wounding as a result of a two-day federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He was acquitted of two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison and/or a $100,000 fine, one year of supervised release, and a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Mowrer was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2021.
The evidence at trial showed that on October 6, 2019, in McLaughlin, South Dakota, Mowrer voluntarily and intentionally assaulted an individual and caused an injury to the person. 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.
Sentencing in the case was scheduled for November 15, 2021. The defendant was ordered to self-surrender to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on October 5, 2021.
St. Francis Woman Sentenced for Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, woman convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter was sentenced on August 23, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Diana Swift, age 32, was sentenced to 34 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.
Swift was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 10, 2020. She pled guilty on June 1, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on September 14, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota. On that date, Swift had been consuming alcohol, and was driving a car westbound on US Highway 18 west of Mission, South Dakota. Swift was traveling at a high rate of speed when she drifted on the eastbound shoulder, overcorrected and then veered into oncoming traffic, striking an eastbound vehicle driven by the victim, an adult female. The victim died as a result of injuries suffered in the wreck.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Swift was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on August 23, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Lloyd Jacob One Star, a/k/a Lloyd One Star, III, age 31, was sentenced to 48 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.
One Star was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 8, 2021. He pled guilty on June 3, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on December 14, 2021, in Todd County. On that date, One Star got into a verbal confrontation with his long-term girlfriend, the victim, at their residence. One Star became angry and punched the victim in the face, permanently injuring her left eye. One Star also kicked the victim and hit her with a chair. One Star fled the residence after a family member intervened.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
One Star was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a 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 August 23, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Kameron Lamont Jackson, 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.
Jackson was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2021. He pled guilty on June 3, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred between December 12, 2020, and March 9, 2021, in Rapid City. Jackson, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under Federal Law, knowingly failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration when he changed his place of residence.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Jackson was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Failure to RegisterRead 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 August 23, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
David Marrowbone, age 58, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Marrowbone was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2020. He pled guilty on May 21, 2021.
Marrowbone was convicted of Assault with the Intent to Commit Rape in March 1982. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. Marrowbone was convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in 1998, 2015, and 2018. On March February 15, 2019, Marrowbone began his term of supervised release but failed to update his sex offender registration between December 25, 2020, and April 21, 2021.
This case was investigated by U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Marrowbone was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Gettysburg Man Sentenced on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Gettysburg, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on August 23, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Jamie Holzwarth, age 39, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He must also forfeit the firearm.
Holzwarth was indicted for Possession of Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2020. He pled guilty on June 1, 2021.
The conviction stems from an incident on February 26, 2020, in Eagle Butte, when Holzwarth, who had previously been convicted of crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, and being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, knowingly possessed a firearm, which had been previously shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce. Law enforcement encountered Holzwarth intoxicated in a running vehicle with the firearm and drug related items.
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 Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Holzwarth was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Colorado Man Sentenced to 15 Years on Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Denver, Colorado, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on August 17, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Emilio Hernandez, age 38, was sentenced to 15 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.
Hernandez was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 19, 2018, and pleaded guilty on April 21, 2021. Hernandez was found to knowingly be in possession of methamphetamine in April 2018 in Rapid City after Hernandez came into contact with law enforcement. Hernandez intended to distribute the methamphetamine.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Hernandez was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
California Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a San Jose, California, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on August 24, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Michael George Sequeira, age 37, was sentenced to 135 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.
Sequeira was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 17, 2019. He pled guilty on March 8, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning at an unknown date and continuing until on or about December of 2019, when Sequeira knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, agreed with others to distribute a mixture or substance containing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, which is a Schedule II controlled substance.
At the time Sequeira voluntarily joined in the agreement, he knew the purpose of said agreement. Sequeira provided over 500 grams of methamphetamine to his co-conspirators in South Dakota, who then would redistribute it to drug customers in South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Department, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.
Sequeira was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Woman Sentenced to Probation, Community Service, and Ordered to Pay Restitution for Making a Materially False StatementRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that Tami Haug-Davis, age 64, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier on August 23, 2021, and was sentenced for Making a Materially False Statement.
Haug-Davis was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $15,000 to the Missouri Valley Crisis Center (MVCC) and to the Department of Justice. She was also sentenced to one year of probation and to serve 40 hours of community service.
Beginning in or about September 2016 until February 2019, Tami Haug-Davis was the Director of the Missouri Valley Crisis Center (MVCC) in Chamberlain, South Dakota. During this time, MVCC was funded in large part by state and federal grants, awarded by the South Dakota Department of Social Services. MVCC received funds from the following federal grants: Family Violence Prevention Services (FVPS), Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families and Crime Victims Assistance (VOCA), Department of Justice, Office of Victims of Crime.
In the fall of 2018, South Dakota Department of Public Safety Victim Services Program (DPS) conducted a review of MVCC pursuant to their receipt of federal and state grants. DPS later issued MVCC a Corrective Action Plan dated October 11, 2018. The plan listed seventeen items for which MVCC needed to provide supporting documentation to DPS, including a corrective action that MVCC must provide detailed board meeting minutes from the last three meetings and a complete list of the Board of Directors.
MVCC provided a response to DPS’s directive for more information. Following receipt of MVCC’s response, a complaint was issued by the State of South Dakota’s Division of Criminal Investigation. On March 28, 2019, the Department of Justice – Office of the Inspector General opened an investigation regarding the management of MVCC as it had provided federal grant monies to MVCC. The Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General joined the investigation, as it had also provided federal grant monies to MVCC.
As part of the joint investigation, federal agents with each agency interviewed Haug-Davis. On August 30, 2019, and July 14, 2020, during interviews with federal agents, Haug-Davis knowingly and intentionally made materially false statements regarding the creation, submission, and veracity of board meeting minutes and documents provided to DPS in response to the October 11, 2018, corrective action plan. Her statements were made about a matter within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services, and she knew her statements were untrue when she made the statements to investigators.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Justice – Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, and the State of South Dakota’s Division of Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Jehangiri.