District of South Dakota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Rapid City Man Indicted for Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead 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 Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Receipt of Child Pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography.
Tell Logan Cadotte, age 30, was indicted on July 22, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 11, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 15 up to 30 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Cadotte sexually exploiting an underage female between January 2019 and January 2021, by producing images of child pornography. He remained in possession of the images thereafter. A search of Cadotte’s devices found that he knowingly received and possessed images depicting the minor involved in the sexually explicit conduct. The charges are merely an accusation and Cadotte is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rapid City Police Department and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.
Cadotte was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for October 19, 2021.
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Rapid City Man Indicted 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 has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Roy Brushbreaker, III, age 27, was indicted on August 19, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 24, 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.
It is alleged that between May 13, 2021, and July 22, 2021, Brushbreaker, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under Federal Law, failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.
The charge is merely an accusation and Brushbreaker is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Brushbreaker was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Minnesota Man Sentenced for Unlawful Taking of Golden EagleRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Wheaton, Minnesota, man convicted of Unlawful Taking of Golden Eagle was sentenced on August 23, 2021, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Richard Michael Grohs, age 69, was sentenced to three years of probation, three years no trapping, restitution in the amount of $10,000 to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.
Grohs was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020. He pled guilty on August 23, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred between April and May of 2018, in Roberts County, South Dakota, where Grohs was illegally trapping and snared a golden eagle resulting in its death.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Grohs was released following sentencing.
Box Elder Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Sex CrimesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Box Elder, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet was sentenced on August 17, 2021, by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.
Adam Ryan Swift, age 32, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and life in prison for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The sentences are to run concurrently. Swift was also ordered to pay $24,700 in restitution and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Swift was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 11, 2020. He pleaded guilty on April 9, 2021. The conviction stems from Swift communicating with the parent of a 9- year-old girl in New York state, who was in fact an undercover agent, with the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with the minor female. The undercover agent in New York prepared a report and sent to local law enforcement, who were able to identify Swift. Local law enforcement then contacted Swift, posing as the parent of a 5-year-old girl and arranged a time to meet, again with the purpose of Swift engaging in sexual activity with the minor. The meeting took place and Swift was arrested. Forensics of Swift’s devices and accounts revealed he produced images of child pornography with a 4-year-old male, as well as downloaded child pornography off the internet.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Swift was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
St. Francis Woman Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute MethRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Iverina Crow Eagle, age 43, was indicted on October 14, 2020. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 20, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 years in federal prison and/or a $5,000,000 fine, four years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that beginning no later than January 2018, Crow Eagle conspired with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on the Rosebud Indian Reservation.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Crow Eagle was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to 18 Months for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm was sentenced on August 16, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Shaun Shorter, age 32, was sentenced to 18 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.
Shorter was indicted for the charges by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2020, and pleaded guilty on March 10, 2021. Shorter was knowingly in possession of an illegal sawed-off shotgun, which was found after he came into contact with law enforcement in April 2020 in Rapid City.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Shorter was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pierre Man Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute MethRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Randy Little Shield, age 30, was indicted on August 10, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 19, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison 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 on July 14, 2021, in Pierre, Little Shield 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.
Little Shield was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.
Mission Man Charged with Larceny and Assaulting Federal OfficersRead 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 Larceny and Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Derrick One Star, a/k/a Derek One Star, age 34, was indicted on August 10, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 20, 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 March 28, 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota, One Star unlawfully entered a law enforcement vehicle valued over $1,000. The Indictment further alleges that on that same day, One Star did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with law enforcement officers who were employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.
The charges are merely accusations and One Star 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.
One Star was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Lower Brule Woman Sentenced for Assaulting Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, Opposing and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on August 19, 2021, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Kristy Andrews, age 28, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $50.
Andrews was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 11, 2020. She pled guilty on November 12, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on November 23, 2019, in Lower Brule. Andrews assaulted two federal law enforcement officers while they were engaged in the performance of their official duties.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Andrews was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Hermosa Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Hermosa, South Dakota, man convicted on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on August 13, 2021, by Judge Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court.
Klaus Anderst, age 39, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release on the conspiracy charge, and 10 years and three years of supervised release on the firearm charge, sentences to run concurrently. He was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Anderst was indicted for the charges by a federal grand jury on June 11, 2020, and pleaded guilty on February 21, 2021. Anderst, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, was found to knowingly be in possession of multiple firearms, some of which were stolen, and a sawed-off shotgun after he came into contact with law enforcement in March 2020 in Rapid City. Anderst 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.
Anderst was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Spearfish Man Sentenced for Attempted Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Spearfish, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on August 17, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Stanley Lee Lumbardy, age 70, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and a $5,000 special assessment to the Victims of Trafficking Fund. Lumbardy will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Lumbardy was arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2019 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators. Following multiple chats Lumbardy exchanged with a person he believed to be a 15-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent. Lumbardy requested photos from the 15-year-old undercover persona and negotiated a time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts. When Lumbardy 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, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Lumbardy was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Woman Indicted for Assault and Drug ChargesRead 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 and two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Frances Sioux Montero, age 40, was indicted on August 10, 2021. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 17, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, three years up to life of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on May 12, 2021, and June 1, 2021, Montero knowingly and intentionally possessed methamphetamine in Eagle Butte with intent to distribute the drug. Further, on June 1, Montero resisted a lawful arrest and caused the arresting officer to cut his finger when they fell to the ground and a methamphetamine pipe Montero had been holding shattered.
The charges are merely accusations and Montero is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Montero was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Texas Man Charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Galveston, Texas, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Michael Herring, age 55, was indicted on June 8, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 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, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on January 24, 2021, in Pierre, South Dakota, Herring, 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.
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 Pierre Police Department, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Herring was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Attempted Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on July 20, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Darren Harrison, age 26, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Harrison was also ordered to pay a total of $100 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Harrison was arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting online predators. Following multiple online communications with a person Harrison believed to be a 15 year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent, he proceeded to negotiate the time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts. When Harrison 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.
Harrison was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Phoenix Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sex CrimesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Phoenix, Arizona, man convicted of Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet was sentenced on July 8, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Carlocito Slim, age 35, was sentenced to two 10-year terms in federal prison, to run concurrently. Slim was also sentenced to two 5-year terms of supervised release, to run concurrently, and was ordered to pay a total of $200 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Slim was arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2017 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators. Following multiple text messages with a person Slim believed to be a pimp for a 15 year-old prostitute, but who was in fact an undercover agent, he proceeded to negotiate the time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts. When Slim went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor’s pimp, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest. Slim was found guilty following a two-day federal court trial on March 10, 2021.
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.
Slim was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Norris Man Indicted for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Norris, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Abusive Sexual Contact.
Harold White Hat, age 37, was indicted on August 10, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 16, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to three years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on November 3, 2020, in Mellette County, White Hat knowingly engaged in sexual contact with a minor victim. The Indictment further alleges that the victim was incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct and was physically incapable of declining participation in and communicating an unwillingness to engage in the sexual conduct.
The charges are merely accusations and White Hat is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
White Hat was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mobridge Man Convicted by Federal Jury for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that Stanley Gene Schily, Sr., age 66, of Mobridge, South Dakota, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine as a result of a two-day federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and/or an $8,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and restitution may be ordered.
Schily was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 9, 2020. A Superseding Indictment alleging Schily had been previously convicted of a serious drug felony offense was filed on July 13, 2021.
The evidence at trial showed Schily knowingly and intentionally conspired with several individuals to distribute approximately 140 grams of methamphetamine in and around Mobridge, South Dakota, from 2019 through March of 2020. On March 5, 2020, law enforcement executed a warrant to search Schily’s residence. Law enforcement recovered approximately .64 grams of methamphetamine, 150 plastic baggies, and several records indicating drug transactions. Schily spoke with law enforcement and made several admissions about his involvement in methamphetamine trafficking.
This case was investigated by the Mobridge Police Department, the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron J. Cook and Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
A sentencing date was set for November 15, 2021. The defendant was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after the jury reached its verdict.
Fort Thompson Man Sentenced for Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter was sentenced on August 16, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Patrick Dion, age 55, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100, and restitution in the amount of $7,126.48.
Dion was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 8, 2021. He pled guilty on May 10, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on January 14, 2021, in Fort Thompson. Dion was driving his vehicle while intoxicated and failed to yield for a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk. The victim died instantly.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Morley prosecuted the case.
Dion was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Nine Men Arrested in Sex Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
Acting United States Dennis R. Holmes announced that the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted a joint sex trafficking operation during the 2021 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The operation began on August 6, 2021, and continued through August 12, 2021.
As a result, the following nine men were arrested and charged with a variety of offenses:
Alec Walker Daniel, 22, Rapid City, South Dakota: Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
Alexander Wayne Basaldu, 35, Rapid City, South Dakota: Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
Jesse James Young, 36, Rapid City, South Dakota: Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
Joshua Robert Lehmann, 34, Rapid City, South Dakota: Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
Christopher Thomas Dahl, 28, Wolcott, NY: Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of a Minor
Stephen Gregory Fontenot, 39, Black Hawk, South Dakota: Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
Anthony James Kemp, 54, Spearfish, South Dakota: Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
James Dean Hanapel, 20, Ellsworth AFB: Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
Clayton John Paulson, 36, Spearfish, South Dakota: Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet is 10 years up to life in federal prison; any term of years, not less than five, up to lifetime supervised release; $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund; and a $5,000 assessment if not indigent. Restitution may also be ordered.
The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction for Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of a Minor is 15 years up to life in federal prison; a $250,000 fine; any term of years, not less than five, up to lifetime supervised release; $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund; and a $5,000 assessment if not indigent. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges are merely accusations and all nine defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The agencies involved in the operation were DCI, ICAC, HSI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ellsworth AFB Office of Special Investigations, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.
The cases are being federally prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to extend its appreciation to all law enforcement partners involved in the investigations for their efforts and continued cooperation.
Cherry Creek Man Sentenced for Assault and Tampering with EvidenceRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Cherry Creek, South Dakota, man was sentenced for Assault by Striking, Beating, or Wounding and Tampering with Evidence on August 12, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Samuel Francis White Horse, age 33, 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 $125.
White Horse was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2020. He was convicted after a three-day federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota, on June 25, 2021.
The jury found that on February 12, 2020, White Horse assaulted a man, who crashed his vehicle into White Horse’s yard while suffering from a medical emergency, by punching him in the head. Jerome White Horse, Jr., the defendant’s father, also used a garden hoe to strike the victim in the head multiple times. The victim died several days later after suffering from significant bleeding in his brain. Jerome White Horse, Jr. pled guilty to and was convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter. After witnessing his father beat the victim with the garden hoe, the defendant took control of the weapon and hid it under the front porch of his home to conceal it from law enforcement. The garden hoe was recovered during the execution of a search warrant a couple days later and found by the South Dakota Forensic Laboratory to have the victim’s DNA on the blade and Jerome White Horse, Jr.’s DNA on the handle.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
White Horse was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after the sentencing.
Rapid City Man Sentenced 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 by Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Judge.
Alex Usher, age 32, was sentenced on August 9, 2021, to four years and nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He was also ordered to pay $600 in restitution.
Usher was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2019. The charge relates to Usher, who is a previously convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms, being found in possession of a Winchester shotgun, which was found after a search of Usher’s residence in November 2018.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.
Usher was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pierre Woman Charged with Wire Fraud, Mail Fraud, and Money LaunderingRead 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 Wire Fraud, Mail Fraud, and Money Laundering.
Marietta Ravnaas, age 52, was indicted on August 3, 2021. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 10, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $500,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and up to $700 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that Ravnaas participated in a scheme involving CARES Act unemployment benefits. Specifically, other participants in the scheme unlawfully obtained, possessed, and shared with one another the personal identifying information (PII) of various individuals. The PII was used to falsely and fraudulently apply for unemployment benefits from various states. The Indictment alleges that Ravnaas knowingly allowed the fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits payments to be deposited into her bank account, and then transferred money at the direction of other participants in the scheme. Ravnaas frequently transferred the funds to other participants using WorldRemit, an international money transfer service. Ravnaas also kept some of the funds to use for her own purposes.
The charges are merely accusations and Ravnaas is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Labor-Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Ravnaas was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for October 12, 2021.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Mission Woman Indicted for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Carlianna Erickson age 25, was indicted on June 8, 2021. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 9, 2021, 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 May 4, 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota, Erickson did assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and that such conduct involved physical contact.
The charge is merely an accusation and Erickson 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.
Erickson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mission Man Charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead 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 Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Kerry Browning, age 35, was indicted on June 8, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 9, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on April 11, 2021, in Todd County, Browning, 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.
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 Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Browning was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Bullhead Man Sentenced on Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Bullhead, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting In Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on August 09, 2021, by Judge Charles B. Kornmann, U.S. District Court.
Leland Brown, age 45, was sentenced to 12 months plus one day in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Brown was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 9, 2020. He pled guilty on May 11, 2021.
On April 20, 2020, in Bullhead, Brown was arguing with his significant other. As the argument escalated, Brown assaulted the victim with shod feet and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Standing Rock Agency - Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Brown must self-report to prison by August 31, 2021.
Porcupine Man Sentenced to Twenty Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced on August 2, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Leonard Martin Brings Plenty, age 73, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Brings Plenty was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2019. He pleaded guilty on December 9, 2020.
In 2016, Brings Plenty sexually molested two young females, ages four and six, at his residence in Porcupine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Brings Plenty was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to Prison for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced on July 30, 2021, by Judge Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court.
Ronald Pumpkin Seed, age 36, was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Pumpkin Seed was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in January 2017. He pleaded guilty on April 30, 2021.
The conviction stems from Pumpkin Seed having sexual contact with a female under the age of 10, between 2011 and 2016 at Pine Ridge.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Pumpkin Seed was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
North Dakota Man Sentenced on Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Bottineau, North Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 30, 2021, by Judge Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court.
Jeffrey Walters, age 62, was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison, followed by three years supervised release, and was ordered to pay $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Walters was indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled substance by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2020. He pleaded guilty on April 9, 2021.
The conviction stems from Walters possessing, with intent to distribute, 1,288 grams of methamphetamine, 80 grams of cocaine, and 14 grams of marijuana near Buffalo, South Dakota, which was found after Walters came into contact with a Harding County Sheriff’s Deputy in March 2020.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Harding County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.
Walters was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Woman Sentenced to Five and a Half Years for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 29, 2021, by Judge Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court.
Carmen Dillon, age 49, was sentenced to five and a half years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Carmen Dillon was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on October 22, 2020. She pleaded guilty on April 23, 2021.
From approximately July 2019 to January 2020, methamphetamine was brought to South Dakota by others. The defendant tracked packages she knew to contain methamphetamine that were being sent through the mail. The defendant also accepted such packages and signed for them upon their arrival. She thereafter distributed methamphetamine in South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, 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.
Dillon was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Custer 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 Custer, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on July 30, 2021, by Judge Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court.
Kelly Campbell, age 28, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Campbell was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury August 20, 2020. He pleaded guilty on April 30, 2021.
The conviction stems from Campbell, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, being in possession of a Browning Arms Company, model Nomad, .22 Long Rifle caliber, semi-automatic pistol. This firearm was found in Campbell’s possession after a pursuit by the Rapid City Police Department on March 20, 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, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Campbell was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Box Elder Woman Sentenced to 24 1/2 Years for Meth Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Box Elder, South Dakota, woman who pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 29, 2021, by Judge Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court.
Jennifer Cagle, age 32, was sentenced to 24 1/2 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Jennifer Cagle was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2020. She pleaded guilty on April 2, 2021.
During her involvement in the conspiracy, the defendant dispersed methamphetamine to others for use and further distribution in the Rapid City area. Over the course of her involvement, she bought and sold several pounds. The defendant also obtained firearms during the course of the conspiracy. The defendant also had methamphetamine sent to her through the mail.
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. Cagle was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Former South Dakota Attorney Sentenced for Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Vale, South Dakota, woman convicted on two counts of Wire Fraud, two counts of Money Laundering, and one count of Bank Fraud, was sentenced on August 2, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Rena Hymans, age 48, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, ordered to pay a $500 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and $163,969.37 in restitution.
Hymans was indicted for the charges by a federal grand jury August 20, 2020. She pleaded guilty on January 27, 2021. Hymans, in her capacity as a South Dakota licensed attorney, transferred unearned money from her client trust account – where she was required to hold it for the benefit of a client - to her own business and personal accounts, and then used the money for her personal benefit between February 2014 and January 2020.
“IRS-CI will continue to investigate those who take advantage of their position of trust while knowingly taking advantage of their clients,” said Tyler Hatcher, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation’s St. Louis Field Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Hymans was ordered to self-surrender to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on August 24, 2021.
Sturgis Man Sentenced to 15 ½ Years for Meth Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sturgis, South Dakota, man who pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 28, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier.
John Thornberry, age 24, was sentenced to 15 1/2 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
John Thornberry was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on September 17, 2020. He pleaded guilty on May 7, 2021. The defendant was stopped by law enforcement in June 2020 and found in possession of multiple firearms. He was prohibited from possessing those firearms, which he forfeited as part of his plea agreement.
During his involvement in the conspiracy, methamphetamine was brought to South Dakota by others. The defendant then dispersed methamphetamine to others for use and further distribution, primarily in the Rapid City area.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota National Guard, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Thornberry was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Obtaining Controlled Substances by DeceptionRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Obtaining Controlled Substances by Deception was sentenced on August 2, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Michael Brian Whirlwind Soldier, age 47, was sentenced to one month in federal prison, one year of supervised release, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100, and restitution in the amount of $4,428.98 to the Rosebud Ambulance Service and Crow Creek Ambulance Service.
Whirlwind Soldier was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 9, 2020. He pled guilty on August 2, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from incidents that occurred between December 17, 2019, and July 28, 2020, in the District of South Dakota, wherein Whirlwind Soldier, while employed as a paramedic with the Rosebud and Crow Creek Ambulance Services, knowingly and intentionally stole hundreds of vials of fentanyl, morphine, and hydromorphone from the ambulance services. Whirlwind Soldier consumed all of the substances he stole.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Whirlwind Soldier was ordered to turn himself into the custody of the U.S. Marshals service within one week of sentencing.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on August 2, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Todd Eastman, age 33, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Eastman was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on July 16, 2020. He pled guilty on April 26, 2021.
From 2015 to 2020, Eastman was involved in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in and around the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation in central South Dakota. Eastman helped to transport the methamphetamine from Nebraska to South Dakota.
This case was investigated by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Eastman was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man and Box Elder Man Sentenced for Unauthorized Access to a Protected Computer to DefraudRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Box Elder, South Dakota, man and a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Unauthorized Access to a Protected Computer to Defraud were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Bryan Bernhold, Box Elder, age 26, was sentenced on July 29, 2021, to 1 year probation, 100 hours of community service, restitution to Microsoft, Inc. in the amount of $22,264.98, a $2,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Jacob Sheldon LaFlash, Rapid City, age 26, was sentenced on July 30, 2021, to 2 years of probation, 100 hours of community service, 6 months of home confinement, restitution to Microsoft, Inc. in the amount of $83,652.69, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
LaFlash and Bernhold were indicted by a federal grand jury on January 22, 2020. LaFlash pled guilty on April 23, 2021, and Bernhold pled guilty on May 7, 2021.
The convictions stemmed from incidents between October 27, 2017, and May 1, 2018, when both LaFlash and Bernhold knowingly and with intent to defraud accessed a protected computer without authorization to further their intended fraud and thereby obtain the benefits of Microsoft 0365.
Microsoft Office 365 (“O365”) was the brand name that Microsoft used for proprietary software and related services. O365 was sold in yearly subscriptions for home and business users and allowed users to access the services of that software from anywhere, anytime, on any device. O365 was typically sold for $99 for a one-year subscription, which included upgrades during the subscription period.
LaFlash and Bernhold discovered a means of gaining access to O365 on the Microsoft computers without paying for it. After they established a seller account on eBay, they advertised for sale "Microsoft Office 365 Lifetime License” on eBay for $8.99 and $9.99. LaFlash and Bernhold also established a PayPal account to receive money for the sale of O365. However, they were not authorized by Microsoft to sell any software or other services for any length of time. Between October 26, 2017, and May 1, 2018, LaFlash sold 4,592 fraudulent O365 user accounts and received $71,129.59 from the unauthorized and fraudulent sale of O365 on eBay. Bernhold sold 2,787 fraudulent O365 user accounts and received $22,264.98 from the unauthorized and fraudulent sale of O365 on eBay.
LaFlash and Bernhold accessed the Microsoft protected computers on different dates and in so doing, created more than 7,000 fraudulent O365 user accounts through wire signals that affected interstate and foreign commerce.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Porcupine Man Sentenced for Assault on a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault on a Federal Officer was sentenced on July 28, 2021, by Judge Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court.
Griffin Lee Cross, age 26, was sentenced to 2 years of probation and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Cross was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in September 2020. He pleaded guilty on April 23, 2021.
The conviction stems from an Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Officer responding to a report of an intoxicated individual at a residence near Porcupine on February 12, 2020. Cross was intoxicated and the officer arrested him. While escorting Cross to the patrol vehicle, Cross threw his head back, making contact with the officer’s forehead and causing the officer to fall backwards.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Mission Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on August 2, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Renae Jo Pacheco, a/k/a Renae Jo Hopkins, age 52, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervise release, $1,000 fine, and $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Pacheco was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on August 11, 2020. She pled guilty on May 10, 2021.
Between 2015 and 2020, Pacheco was involved in a conspiracy with several family members and others to distribute between 500 and 1500 grams of methamphetamine on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation in central South Dakota.
This case was investigated by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Pacheco was ordered to self-surrender on August 9, 20201, to the U.S. Marshals Service.
Minnesota Man Sentenced to 15 ½ Years for Meth Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, man who pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 28, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Michael Sherard, age 34, was sentenced to 15 1/2 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Michael Sherard was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on August 20, 2020. He pleaded guilty on April 5, 2021.
During his involvement in the conspiracy the defendant travelled to Nebraska to obtain methamphetamine, which he then transported to South Dakota. Upon arrival in the Rapid City area, the defendant then dispersed methamphetamine to others for use and further distribution.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Agency, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, 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.
Sherard was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Manderson Man Sentenced for Assault with a Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Manderson, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on July 28, 2021, by Judge Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court.
Jon Cole Clifford, age 35, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison with credit for time served, 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Clifford was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in December 2019. He pleaded guilty on April 30, 2021.
The conviction stems from Clifford stabbing his brother in July 2019, during an argument near Manderson.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man was sentenced of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance on August 2, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Anthony Story, age 43, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Story was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 11, 2020. A jury found Story guilty after a two-day trial on May 19, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on August 14, 2019, in Eagle Butte, wherein Story knowingly possessed 37 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute the drug. Story was arrested while he was sleeping inside a camper in Eagle Butte next to a lightbulb fashioned into a pipe, and a small bag holding the methamphetamine and a digital scale. Law enforcement officers discovered Story and the methamphetamine while searching for another individual. Plastic bags holding the methamphetamine were submitted to the South Dakota Forensic Laboratory for DNA testing. The DNA profiles obtained from swabs of the plastic bags were found to match Story’s DNA profile.
The investigation was conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Story was immediately remanded 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 July 28, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol.
Steven Roubideaux, age 51, was sentenced to 20 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.
Roubideaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 2, 2021. He pled guilty on May 3, 2021.
The conviction stems from Roubideaux failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between May 17, 2020, and May 28, 2020. Roubideaux 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.
Roubideaux was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
North Carolina Man Sentenced to 12 ½ Years for Meth Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Archdale, North Carolina, man who pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 28, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Erick Anaya, age 31, was sentenced to 12 1/2 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Erick Anaya was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on October 22, 2020. He pleaded guilty on April 28, 2021.
During his involvement in the conspiracy, the Defendant transported approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine to South Dakota from California. The defendant then dispersed methamphetamine to others for further distribution. The Defendant also collected money from people in South Dakota and transported that money back to the suppliers.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Agency, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota National Guard, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Anaya was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Huron Man Charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Huron, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Yeh Thwin, age 23, was indicted on April 6, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on July 28, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about November 12, 2020, Thwin, having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed a Glock GmbH, Model 22C Gen 3, .40 Smith and Wesson caliber, semi-automatic pistol. That pistol had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.
The charge is merely an accusation and Thwin is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Thwin was released on bond pending trial which has been set for October 5, 2021.
Dupree Woman Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Dupree, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating, or Wounding was sentenced on July 27, 2021, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Cache Patricia Hebb, age 25, was sentenced to 6 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.
Hebb was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 10, 2019. She pled guilty on July 27, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in Dupree on July 3, 2019, wherein Hebb used a hairbrush to discipline a child. Hebb used unreasonable force and caused bruising to the child.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Hebb was ordered to self-surrender to the U.S. Marshals Service on August 10, 2021.
Whitewood Man Sentenced on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Whitewood, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.
Travis Longfox, age 29, was sentenced on July 26, 2021, to 36 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stems from Longfox, who is a previously convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms, being found in possession of a Kel-Tec .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Longfox came into contact with law enforcement in July 2019 in 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, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Longfox was immediately remanded to the custody of the US Marshals Service.
Rapid City Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments was sentenced on July 26, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Lisa Cuff, age 30, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for each count to be served concurrently, followed by five years of supervised release on each count to run concurrently, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.
Cuff was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 20, 2020. She pled guilty on March 8, 2021.
The conviction regarding methamphetamine distribution stemmed from incidents beginning on an unknown date and continuing until approximately July 2020, when Cuff, along with at least one other person reached an agreement or came to an understanding to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of a substance containing methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance.
The conviction regarding money laundering stemmed from incidents beginning on an unknown date and continuing until approximately July 2020, when Cuff knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together, and with others, to knowingly conduct and attempt to conduct money transfers at financial institutions and transporting case drug proceeds, which involved the proceeds of a conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tamara Nash and Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Cuff was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Todd County Man Indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Todd County, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for failure to register as a sex offender.
Eugene Hollow Horn Bear, age 61, was indicted on July 14, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 26, 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 5 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 November 2, 2020, and April 23, 2021, in the District of South Dakota, Hollow Horn Bear, 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 a registration.
The charge is merely an accusation and Hollow Horn Bear 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.
Hollow Horn 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 Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 26, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Timothy Tod Hartman, age 36, was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Hartman was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 20, 2020. He pled guilty on May 6, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on or about February 25, 2020, when Hartman knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, which is a Schedule II controlled substance.
Hartman had been under surveillance as part of an ongoing drug investigation. A traffic stop was attempted, but Hartman drove off. Knowing where he lived, officers went to his residence and arrested him. They found him with a Glock pistol, with an extended magazine containing 20 rounds, almost 10 grams of marijuana, 13 grams of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. A search of Hartman’s apartment also revealed 61 grams of methamphetamine and a stolen handgun.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Hartman was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on July 26, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Eric Wallace Hedrick, age 47, was sentenced to 120 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.
Hedrick was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 9, 2019. He pled guilty on May 6, 2021.
The conviction stemmed from incidents between December 28, 2018, and May 28, 2019, when Hedrick knowingly possessed child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer. Hedrick used his cell phones and tablet to search the internet for images and videos containing child pornography. Hedrick’s sentence was enhanced due to a prior sex offense conviction in 2006.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Hedrick was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.