District of South Dakota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Sturgis Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Sturgis, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on February 23, 2026.
Kaine Sander, 22, was sentenced to one year and 10 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Sander was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in September 2025. He pleaded guilty on October 31, 2025.
In June of 2025, in Meade County, Sander was the passenger in a car stopped by a police officer for having a cracked windshield. Sander possessed a revolver along with ammunition and THC. Sander had previously been convicted of a felony and as a result, is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. To do so constitutes a federal felony crime.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Meade County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sturgis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Sander was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Parmelee Man Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in Federal Prison for Assaulting a Woman and Being a Habitual OffenderRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man from Parmelee, South Dakota, convicted of two counts of Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender. The sentencing took place on February 23, 2026.
Hehaka Thunder Hawk, age 42, was sentenced to three years and eight months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Thunder Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2025. He pleaded guilty on November 24, 2025.
The convictions stem from two separate assaults by Thunder Hawk against an intimate partner, both of which occurred in the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. On November 12, 2021, Thunder Hawk unlawfully entered a residence in Parmelee, South Dakota, and assaulted a woman by pulling her hair and punching her face. Thunder Hawk then fled the residence. On February 10, 2025, Thunder Hawk entered the same woman’s residence through a broken window, got on top of her while she was sleeping, and assaulted her, causing nasal and orbital bone fractures. At the time of both incidents, Thunder Hawk had three prior convictions in Rosebud Sioux Tribal Court for Domestic Abuse.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Zachrison prosecuted the case.
Thunder Hawk was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Parmelee Man Sentenced to Nearly 18 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons, announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Parmelee, South Dakota man convicted of Sexual Abuse. The sentencing took place on Feb. 24, 2026.
Curtis New Holy, age 34, was sentenced to 17 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
New Holy was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2025. He pleaded guilty on December 4, 2025.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on August 4, 2024 in the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. In the early morning hours of that day, New Holy agreed to give the victim, a 12-year-old girl, a ride home from a residence near Parmelee. The victim had been consuming alcoholic beverages and was intoxicated. New Holy subsequently engaged in sexual activity with the victim in his vehicle even though she was intoxicated and semi-conscious.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
New Holy was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Interstate Transportation of a Stolen VehicleRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man from Mission, South Dakota, convicted of Interstate Transportation of a Stolen Vehicle. The sentencing took place on February 23, 2026.
Calvin Hunger, age 35, was sentenced to five 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.
Hunger was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2025. He pleaded guilty on November 20, 2025.
On June 25, 2025, Hunger unlawfully entered the Todd County Maintenance yard in Mission and stole a piece of heavy equipment, specifically a road grader. Hunger drove through the maintenance yard fence and continued to drive the road grader on the highway south from Mission. He was apprehended by law enforcement in Valentine, Nebraska.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, Todd County Sheriff’s Office and Cherry County (NE) Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Zachrison prosecuted the case.
Hunger was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on February 23, 2026.
Jared Paul Dorian, Jr., age 22, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Dorian was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2025. He pleaded guilty on November 20, 2025.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in April 2024 in Eagle Butte in the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation during which Dorian engaged in sexual contact with a 12-year-old girl.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.
Dorian was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing an Unregistered FirearmRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. The sentencing took place on February 23, 2026.
Alan Leon Red Willow, 25, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Red Willow was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm by a federal grand jury in July 2025. He pleaded guilty on October 31, 2025.
In March of 2024, in Rapid City, South Dakota, Red Willow was driving a stolen vehicle. Law enforcement recognized this vehicle as stolen and approached the vehicle. Red Willow unsuccessfully tried to evade law enforcement. Inside the car underneath Red Willow’s seat, law enforcement found a sawed-off shotgun that was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Certain firearms, such as shotguns with a barrel length under 18 inches or an overall length under 26 inches, must be registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. It is a federal crime for a person to possess such a firearm that is not registered to him.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Red Willow was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Voluntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota man convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on February 23, 2026.
Michael Barrera, age 18, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Barrera was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2025. He pleaded guilty on November 20, 2025.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in May of 2025, in the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. On that date, Barrera drove to a residence near Mission and entered armed with a shotgun and confronted the victim, an adult male. Barrera argued with the victim and a struggle ensued, during which Barrera shot the victim in the left shoulder, fatally wounding him. Barrera then fled the scene. On June 4, 2025, Barrera was arrested at a residence in Rapid City, South Dakota.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Barrera was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Kyle Man Sentenced to over 3 Years in Federal Prison for Assaulting a Woman in the Pine Ridge ReservationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on February 23, 2026.
Clay Loafer, 30, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,915.20 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Loafer was indicted for Kidnapping and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury by a federal grand jury in March of 2025. He pleaded guilty on November 3, 2025.
Loafer was convicted of brutally assaulting a woman with whom he had a brief relationship by repeatedly striking and punching her about her face and body.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.
Loafer was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry after DeportationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY – U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Honduran man convicted of Illegal Reentry after Deportation. The sentencing took place on February 23, 2026.
Pedro Perez-Murillo, 41, was sentenced to time served.
Perez-Murillo was indicted for Illegal Reentry after Deportation by a federal grand jury in September 2025. He pleaded guilty on October 31, 2025.
Perez-Murillo is an alien and Honduran national. Perez-Murillo has been deported from the United States on three previous occasions, with his most recent deportation occurring in 2019. Perez-Murillo was found in the United States in September of 2025. Reentering the United States after deportation is a felony.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
California Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Making False Statements While Purchasing FirearmsRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Playa Del Rey, California, man convicted of three counts of False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm. The sentencing took place on February 13, 2026.
Jacob Barba, age 39, was sentenced to one year and three months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and a $5,000 fine. Barba was also ordered to forfeit seven firearms.
Barba was indicted for False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm by a federal grand jury in May 2024. He pleaded guilty on November 3, 2025.
Between December 2023 and March 2024, Barba obtained a lease within a commercial building in Rapid City for a small storage closet. Barba then used the address at the commercial building as a residential address even though he did not live there and could not have lived there. Barba never used the commercial space for any legitimate purpose. Barba then obtained a fraudulent South Dakota driver’s license, concealed carry permit, and South Dakota hunting license by claiming the commercial storage closet was an apartment within the commercial building. Thereafter, Barba used these documents to obtain seven firearms in South Dakota, claiming on the firearm purchase forms that he was a South Dakota resident and listing the storage closet as his residential address. Barba, however, actually resided in California, where he maintained his home with his wife and a business. Barba would fly into South Dakota and stay at Airbnb locations. During his stay in South Dakota, Barba would purchase firearms that he would then take back to California. The investigation also showed that Barba assisted other individuals who resided outside South Dakota to make it appear as though they lived in South Dakota for the purpose of saving on state income taxes, despite the fact the others never actually lived or did any work in South Dakota.
“At bottom, this was a residency scam run by a California man pretending to live in a small storage closet in Rapid City,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “The lengths to which some will go to skirt the law and cheat the public never cease to surprise.”
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Patterson and Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
St. Francis Woman Sentenced to over 2 Years in Federal Prison for Shooting a Person with a Pellet Gun Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a woman from St. Francis, South Dakota, convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on February 3, 2026.
Chassity Red Tomahawk, age 40, was sentenced to two years and three 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.
Red Tomahawk was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2025. She pleaded guilty on October 30, 2025.
On May 31, 2025, the victim went to Red Tomahawk’s residence in St. Francis, South Dakota, within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. Red Tomahawk was outside when she saw the victim arrive. Red Tomahawk went inside the residence and retrieved a pellet gun. Red Tomahawk came back outside and shot the victim in the chest, causing a pellet to lodge under the victim’s skin. The victim was taken to the hospital due to her injuries.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Zachrison prosecuted the case.
Red Tomahawk was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Nearly 3 Years in Federal Prison for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on February 3, 2026.
James Holloway, age 46, was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Holloway was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2025. He pleaded guilty on October 20, 2025.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on May 2, 2025, in the Lower Brule Indian Reservation. On that day, tribal law enforcement responded to a call for service from a residence in Lower Brule. The caller indicated Holloway had entered the residence without permission. Holloway was found in the basement of the residence by an officer of the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. As the officer was attempting to remove Holloway from the home, Holloway physically struggled with the officer and knocked him down, injuring the officer’s arm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services – Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Holloway was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to over 19 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Conspiracy and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Carrying a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Offense. The sentencing took place on January 27, 2026.
James Shangreaux, age 43, was sentenced to 19 years and seven months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $200 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture of the pistol was also ordered.
Shangreaux was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2025. He pleaded guilty on September 18, 2025.
Shangreaux conspired with others to distribute at least 350 grams of methamphetamine in Rapid City and within the Pine Ridge Reservation. Shangreaux acted as an organizer and leader of the conspiracy, making trips to Colorado, as well as wiring money to his source of supply. Shangreaux’s conspiracy was exposed following a pursuit that was terminated near the reservation and State boundary line. When ultimately taken into custody, Shangreaux was found in possession of methamphetamine as well as a 9mm caliber pistol that he attempted to conceal.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen handled the prosecution.
Shangreaux was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Man Convicted of Assaulting a Deputy U.S. Marshal and of Threatening to Murder Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted Franklin Long Black Cat, age 32, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, of Assaulting a Federal Officer and two counts of Threatening a Federal Officer following a two-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on January 29, 2026.
The maximum penalty for the assault charge is eight years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, and the threat charges carry a maximum penalty of ten years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine. All three charges carry a maximum term of three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Long Black Cat was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2025.
On November 18, 2025, Long Black Cat was in the custody of the United States Marshals Service at the federal courthouse in Rapid City in connection with a court hearing. Long Black Cat spit in the face of one Deputy United States Marshal and threatened to shoot two other Deputy United States Marshals.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date has yet to be set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Man Sentenced to over 2 Years in Federal Prison for Failing to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier, has sentenced a man from South Dakota, convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on January 26, 2026.
Darrell Chase In Winter, 33, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Chase In Winter was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in October 2025. He pleaded guilty on December 22, 2025.
Chase In Winter was previously convicted of a federal sex offense. Because of his prior conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. Chase In Winter was aware of his obligation to register and to keep his registration current with officials within the county in which he resided. Nonetheless, from early August through November 2025, Chase In Winter knowingly failed to register and update his registration.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson prosecuted the case.
Chase In Winter was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his federal sentence.
This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Federal Jury Convicts Manderson Man of First Degree Murder and Arson ChargesRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a federal jury has convicted Reno Rondeau, age 52, of Manderson, South Dakota, of First Degree Felony Murder, Assault With Intent to Commit Arson, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Arson, following a 3-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on February 5, 2026.
The charges carry a mandatory sentence of life in prison and/or a $250,000 fine and a $400 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Rondeau was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2024.
In October 2024, Rondeau intentionally set fire to his brother’s residence near Manderson, South Dakota. When he set the fire, Rondeau knew the home was occupied by his brother and his brother’s friend, Tanya White Butterfly. Sadly, Ms. White Butterfly, a former correctional officer with the Oglala Sioux Tribe, perished in the fire. While Rondeau’s brother, John Rondeau, Sr., ultimately escaped the fire, he sustained burn injuries while trying to save White Butterfly’s life. The residence was completely destroyed in the fire.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for May 18, 2026. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
California Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief U.S. Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Thermal, California, man convicted of Attempted Production of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on February 9, 2026.
Juan Pedro Gobea, age 34, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Once released from federal prison, Gobea must register as a sex offender.
Gobea was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2024. He pleaded guilty on November 3, 2025.
The conviction stemmed from an undercover chat operation in March 2024, when Gobea attempted to persuade someone he believed to be a 15-year-old girl to send him sexually explicit images. Gobea used his online Reddit account with username “saviourtaste” to ask the persona for nude pictures. Gobea was actually conversing with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 15-year-old girl from South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the SD ICAC Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Gobea was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 16 Months in Federal Prison for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte, has sentenced a man from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on February 3, 2026.
Garrett Heck, age 30, was sentenced to sixteen months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Heck was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2025. He pleaded guilty on October 23, 2025.
As a result of a prior conviction, Heck is required to register as a sex offender and update his registration within three business days of relocation or change in employment or student status. On May 14, 2025, Heck updated his sex offender registration to reflect his new employment. On May 20, 2025, Heck was no longer working at his registered employment, but he did not update his registration. Heck further did not update his registration after being evicted from his residence on July 7, 2025. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued, and on July 29, 2025, Heck was arrested in Sioux Falls.
This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Unit prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Zachrison prosecuted the case.
Heck was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
St. Francis Woman Sentenced to over 2 Years in Federal Prison for Assault with a Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons, announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a St. Francis, South Dakota woman convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. The sentencing took place on February 2, 2026.
Leah Leading Fighter, age 44, was sentenced to two years and five 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.
Leading fighter was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2024. She pleaded guilty on November 6, 2025.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in September 2023 in the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. In the early morning hours of September 24, 2023, Leading Fighter entered a residence in St. Francis, and began assaulting the victim, an adult woman, who was asleep. Leading Fighter dragged the woman out of the residence and continued assaulting her, including repeatedly kicking and stomping her face, back, and stomach with shod feet. The victim suffered injuries that required hospitalization.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Leading Fighter was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for EscapeRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a man from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, convicted of Escape. The sentencing took place on February 2, 2026.
Timothy Joseph Cervantez, 25, was sentenced to one year and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Cervantez was indicted for Escape by a federal grand jury in October 2025. He pleaded guilty on December 15, 2025.
Following a 2024 conviction for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Cervantez was sentenced to a term of 33 months in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons. He was allowed to serve part of his sentence at a residential reentry center in Sioux Falls. On September 23, 2025, Cervantez left the residential reentry center without permission and did not voluntarily return.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson prosecuted the case.
Cervantez was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his federal sentence.
Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for over 2 Years for Failing to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a man from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on January 26, 2026.
Kyle Allen Felicia, 43, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Felicia was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in November 2025. He pleaded guilty on December 22, 2025.
Felicia was previously convicted of a federal sex offense. Because of his prior conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. Felicia was aware of his obligation to register and to keep his registration current with officials within the county in which he resided. Nonetheless, from mid-August through November 2025, Felicia knowingly failed to register and update his registration.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson prosecuted the case.
Felicia was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his federal sentence.
This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Fort Thompson Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine in Central South DakotaRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on February 2, 2026.
Dillon Big Eagle, age 35, was sentenced to eleven years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, as well as a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Big Eagle was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2024. He pleaded guilty on November 10, 2025.
The conviction stemmed from a drug conspiracy beginning in January 2023 and continuing until December 2023. Big Eagle was involved in a conspiracy with several other individuals to distribute methamphetamine in and around the central South Dakota area, including within the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Sioux Indian Reservations. As part of the conspiracy, Big Eagle was involved in distributing over 500 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Big Eagle was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Yankton Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Fentanyl Resulting in the Death of a Young WomanRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that on January 26, 2026, Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a man from Yankton, South Dakota, convicted of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death.
Evan Nelson, 20, was indicted for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death by a federal grand jury in August 2024. After pleading guilty, he was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $8,860.66 in restitution to the victim’s family.
On December 22, 2023, Nelson sold several fentanyl pills to the victim, a 15-year-old female from Vermillion. She took one of the pills and suffered a fatal overdose from fentanyl toxicity. The next morning, her mother found her deceased in her bedroom in the family home. Text messages on the victim’s phone showed she arranged to purchase the pills from Nelson at a gas station near Gayville. Investigators later learned Nelson had purchased the pills from co-defendant Udda Kobaba several days earlier in Sioux Falls. Kobaba was previously sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his role in the case.
“I grieve for the lost and unfinished life of the fifteen-year-old victim in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons. “Illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids trafficked from Mexico and China first hit the streets of Sioux Falls in 2018. Although progress has been made, they remain one of the leading causes of misery and death in our state, especially among young people. But let me say this clearly: I have hope. The United States is deploying every tool and using every pressure point it has to achieve the goal of the total elimination of drug cartels. This prison sentence and the convictions and ongoing investigations of others involved in the trafficking chain are part of that national effort. If you are a drug dealer, get out while you can. Because when it comes to determination, effort, and the deployment of federal resources, I can promise you that we have only just begun.”
“As parents, we want to protect our children from the harmful things in this world,” DEA Omaha Field Division Special Agent in Charge Dustin Gillespie said. “And yet, today a family is mourning the loss of a 15-year-old girl, while the young man who sold her fentanyl now faces 22 years in federal prison. Let this story sink in and let it be the catalyst that moves you to talk with your own family about the dangers of fentanyl and other drugs. The DEA will continue working with our federal, state and local partners to remove this threat, but we need your help to raise awareness to this potentially lethal substance.”This case was investigated by the Vermillion Police Department, the Yankton Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Sioux Falls Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
Nelson was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Woman Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Obstructing Justice by Retaliating Against WitnessRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, woman convicted of Obstructing Justice by Retaliation Against a Witness. The sentencing took place on January 30, 2026.
Vanessa Highpipe, 31, 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.
Highpipe was indicted for Obstructing Justice by Retaliation Against a Witness by a federal grand jury in May 2025. She pleaded guilty on November 10, 2025.
Highpipe assaulted the victim in April 2025 with a closed fist causing minor injuries after encountering the victim in Rapid City. Highpipe’s victim previously testified in a federal jury trial where Highpipe’s romantic partner was convicted of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death in March 2025. Following the assault, Highpipe made statements to others admitting that she assaulted the victim because of the trial testimony.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET). UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward C. Tarbay prosecuted the case.
Highpipe was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Lennox Woman Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine in the Sioux Falls AreaRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Lennox, South Dakota woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on January 26, 2026.
Ashley Mortimer, 39, was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, fine, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Mortimer was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in November 2024. She pleaded guilty on October 14, 2025.
For several months in early 2024, Mortimer operated as a sub-distributor for a California-based drug trafficking organization operating in the Sioux Falls area. Mortimer purchased large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl from the organization, which she then re-sold. At sentencing, Mortimer was attributed to distributing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the DEA, the. U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Mortimer was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Federal Jury Finds Mission Man Guilty of Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Frank White Thunder, age 38, of Mission, South Dakota, was found guilty of Second Degree Murder, Commission of a Crime of Violence While Failing to Register as a Sex Offender, Robbery, Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender following a four-day federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota. The jury issued its verdict on January 30, 2026.
The charge for Second Degree Murder carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The charge for Commission of a Crime of Violence While Failing to Register as a Sex Offender carries a mandatory minimum five years in federal prison up to a maximum of 30 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The charge for Robbery carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The charges for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The charge for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
White Thunder and co-defendants Jesse White Thunder, age 40, and Michael Leader Charge, age 25, both also of Mission, South Dakota, were indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2024.
At trial, the evidence established that on the evening of October 22, 2024, Michael Leader Charge drove Frank White Thunder and Jesse White Thunder to a residence in the Antelope housing community, near Mission. Frank White Thunder confronted the victim outside the residence and stabbed him in the torso with a martial-arts style sword, mortally wounding the victim. Jesse White Thunder was standing nearby and immediately took from the victim’s pockets two imitation pistols. Surveillance video showed the defendants’ vehicle leaving the scene and all three men were located the next day. Frank White Thunder was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in 2008. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of any change in residence. At the time of the murder, he had an active federal arrest warrant for failing to register as a sex offender.
On October 6, 2025, Jesse White Thunder and Michael Leader Charge each pleaded guilty to Accessory After the Fact to an Assault With a Dangerous Weapon. They are each awaiting sentencing.
“This was a senseless, intentional killing,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “We will do our best at the upcoming sentencing to make sure this defendant never has the opportunity to murder again.”
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the United States Marshals Service, and the FBI. Supervisory Assistant United States Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date has not yet been set. Kucera was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Manderson Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child Pornography and AssaultRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Manderson, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography and Assault by Beating, Striking or Wounding. The sentencing took place on January 26, 2026.
John Steele, Jr., 51, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution and $125 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture was also ordered.
A federal grand jury indicted Steele for the charges in July 2024. He pleaded guilty on October 30, 2025.
Between 2012 and 2016, Steele hid his Samsung cellular phone in the bathroom of the home he shared with his girlfriend. Steele surreptitiously photographed a minor female as she exited the shower when the girl was approximately 13 years old. In 2023, Steele assaulted the adult female by striking her with his hand at Manderson. When Steele’s cellular phone was examined as part of the assault investigation, the sexually explicit photos Steele took of the minor were discovered.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.
Steele was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
California Woman Sentenced to Nearly 3 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a San Jacinto, California woman convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. The sentencing took place on January 26, 2026.
Nicole Dorrough, 52, was sentenced to 34 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Dorrough was indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering by a federal grand jury in May 2024. She pleaded guilty on November 10, 2025.
Dorrough was a member of a large drug trafficking organization that was responsible for sending hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine from California to Sioux Falls. The group also trafficked cocaine and marijuana. Dorrough specifically received drug proceeds from co-conspirators in South Dakota through electronic payments like Cash-App or Zelle. Significant amounts of cash were deposited into her bank account during her involvement in the conspiracy. Once she had received the drug proceeds from South Dakota, she would then provide them to a co-conspirator in California. The scheme allowed funds to quickly be transferred from state to state while keeping the name of the main co-conspirator off the transactions. Investigators identified approximately $700,000 of money laundering activity by the group, of which Dorrough was personally involved in transactions totaling approximately $200,000.
“People who launder and move around the dirty money obtained from drug deals are just as culpable as the dealers directly funneling that poison into our neighborhoods and communities,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Dorrough was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Wanblee Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison for Failing to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler sentenced a Wanblee, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on January 26, 2026.
Bradlee Doyle, age 22, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Doyle was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2025. He pleaded guilty on October 24, 2025.
Doyle was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in November 2023 in United States District Court, District of South Dakota. Based on his conviction, he is required to register or update his registration every time he moves or changes his address. Doyle registered his address in Rapid City, SD, in July 2025. Doyle subsequently left his address and did not update his address within three days. Doyle was aware of his obligations to register and knowingly failed to do so. Doyle was later located and arrested in August 2025, on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen handled the prosecution.
Doyle was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced an Indianapolis, Indiana, man convicted in a federal jury trial of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. The sentencing took place on January 26, 2026.
Abdul Waheed Mohammed, age 33, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $163,000 in restitution.
Mohammed was indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud by a federal grand jury in November 2024. Mohammed was found guilty on the Conspiracy charge after a three-day jury trial in October 2025.
In September 2023, Mohammed and several co-conspirators, including co-defendant Shalinee Vyas, were involved in a scam targeting elderly victims across the United States and fraudulently taking money from them. The victims were told and convinced by these scammers that they had committed a crime or had their bank accounts hacked. In September 2023, those working with Mohammed contacted an elderly victim in the Rapid City area and falsely claimed to be law enforcement officers. The victim was told she had been involved in a crime and would be arrested if she did not do exactly what she was told, which included paying over cash and gold to resolve the non-existent criminal matter. The scammers also told the victim she could not speak about the matter to anyone, or she would be arrested. Over the course of a week, the victim lost more than $100,000 to the scammers when they came to the victim’s home to pick up cash and gold.
After these events, the victim’s friends noticed a change in her behavior that ultimately led to uncovering the scam. The victim notified law enforcement of the communications and law enforcement learned that another $95,000 in gold was to be picked up by a scammer. Law enforcement then conducted an operation and arrested Mohammed when he arrived at the victim’s home to pick up the gold. Following Mohammed’s arrest, law enforcement located numerous messages in Mohammed’s phone from Vyas to Mohammed and others directing Mohammed to various locations throughout the United States to collect cash from elderly victims who were being scammed, including the pick-up of gold in Rapid City.
“This defendant and his ring of thieves systematically preyed upon the elderly and vulnerable to rob them of their life savings and hard-earned retirement funds,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “It really takes a special kind of rotten to make a living scaring, threatening, stealing from, and impoverishing our senior citizens in what are supposed to be their golden years. I’m so proud of these law enforcement officers for catching these criminals and holding them accountable.”
This case was investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Mohammed was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
If you or someone you know is asked to do any of these things mentioned in the above case, you are dealing with a fraudster, and you should do the following immediately:
• Do not send any more money
• Save copies of your communications, receipts, bank records, etc.
• Call your local police department, sheriff’s office, or the FBI
• Submit a complaint online at IC3.gov
In addition, an individual employed by the federal government will never:
• Tell you to withdraw any of your money from your bank accounts.
• Ask you to convert your money into gold bars or some other form of currency.
• Come to your house or meet you at a predetermined location and take money from you.
• Ask you to wire money to an account.
• Ask you to send money via CashApp, Zelle, Apple Pay, or any other peer-to-peer platform.
• Ask you to send cryptocurrency.
• Ask you to buy gift cards and send them.
(either by mailing the physical cards or by scratching them off and sending pictures of the redemption information)• Tell you they need remote access to your computer or any of your accounts.
• Ask you for your social security number, bank account information, or any other sensitive information over phone or email.
Eagle Butte Man Found Guilty of Threatening Federal OfficialRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted Joseph Lafferty, age 68, of Eagle Butte, South Dakota, of one count of Threatening a Federal Official following a 3-day jury trial in federal district court in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on January 23, 2026.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of six years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, with a violation of a condition of release possibly resulting in two years of additional incarceration on any such revocation, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Lafferty was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2025.
The evidence presented at trial established that on July 21, 2025, Lafferty threatened to get his gun and kill a federal official employed by Indian Health Service, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The Defendant made the threat in Eagle Butte, in the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation.
“This jury verdict should send a clear message,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “We take threats of violence against public officials very seriously and they will be investigated and swiftly prosecuted under the full force of the law.”
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered. Sentencing has been scheduled for April 20, 2026. The defendant was continued on release pending sentencing.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to More Than 2 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on January 26, 2026.
Jonathan Bagola, 38, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Bagola was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in April 2025. He pleaded guilty on October 24, 2025.
On January 25, 2025, in Rapid City, Bagola was discovered to be in possession of a pistol with an obliterated serial number while police officers conducted a traffic stop. Bagola was previously convicted of a crime punishable beyond a year in prison and, as a result, is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Bagola was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sexually Abusing a MinorRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on January 12, 2026.
Colton Condon, 24, was sentenced to one year and six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Condon was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2025. He pleaded guilty on October 1, 2025.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred between October 1, 2023, and November 14, 2023, in Eagle Butte in the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation. Condon, who was 21 years old at the time, had sexual contact with the victim when she was 14 years old.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.
Condon was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Dupree Man Sentenced to Federal Prison on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Dupree, South Dakota, man convicted of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. The sentencing took place on January 20, 2026.
Sam Reede, age 38, was sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Reede was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2025. He pleaded guilty on September 10, 2025.
The conviction stems from Reede possessing a rifle and ammunition in his residence while fully aware he was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition based on a prior felony conviction he previously attained.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.
Reede was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Vermillion Man Convicted of Child Pornography Charges Following Federal Jury TrialRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted Nicholas Keitges, age 33, of Vermillion, South Dakota, of Attempted Production of Child Pornography, two counts of Receipt and Transportation of Child Pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography, following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls. The verdict was returned on January 22, 2026.
The charge of Attempted Production of Child Pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a possible maximum of 30 years. Receipt and Transportation of Child Pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in federal prison and a possible maximum of 20 years in prison. Possession of Child Pornography carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Each count is also subject to a fine of up to $250,000, and at least five years and up to life of supervised release, and $400 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Keitges was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2023.
In April 2022, Keitges used several online platforms, Omegle and Snapchat, to befriend a 14-year-old girl in the Sioux Falls area. He sexually groomed her and attempted to coerce her into producing sexually explicit images of her genitalia. The minor got scared and law enforcement was called. Through a thorough investigation by the Sioux Falls Police Department, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations, Keitges was identified as the online perpetrator. He was later arrested, charged, and now stands convicted.
Then in April 2023, the South Dakota ICAC Task Force received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Law enforcement’s investigation into that CyberTip discovered that Keitges had been using his Dropbox and Google Gmail accounts to transport multiple files of child pornography. Again, Keitges was identified as this online perpetrator.
“Thanks to the efforts of this incredible team of law enforcement officers, this defendant now stands convicted of federal charges associated with his reprehensible and illegal activities,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “We will do everything we can to ensure he stays in federal prison and away from your children for as long as possible under the law.”
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department, South Dakota DCI, South Dakota ICAC Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has been set for April 13, 2026. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Former Rapid City Gymnastics Coach Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Hayden Sengua, age 25, of Rapid City, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on January 21, 2026, and pleaded guilty to receiving child sexual abuse material.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum term of five years up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of five years up to life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Beginning in 2018 and continuing into January 2025, Sengua knowingly downloaded image and video files containing sexually explicit visual depictions of young children. Sengua saved the files on his cell phone, in his Google account, and on an external hard drive.
When he was arrested last year, Sengua was in possession of approximately 15,000 total media files depicting child sexual abuse. Some of the imagery Sengua collected depicts the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers, as well as the bondage and torture of minors. Sengua also used a virtual machine to attempt to hide his collection of child pornography. At times, he used the IP address associated with a local Rapid City gymnastics center, to search for and download child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The investigation was conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation - Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for May 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Failing to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a man from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on January 20, 2026.
Louis Leroy Butcher, 58, was sentenced to one year and six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Butcher was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in September 2025. He pleaded guilty on October 14, 2025.
Butcher was previously convicted of a federal sex offense. Because of his prior conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. Butcher was aware of his obligation to register and to keep his registration current with officials within the county in which he resided. Nonetheless, from late July through August 2025, Butcher knowingly failed to register and update his registration.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson prosecuted the case.
Butcher was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his federal sentence.
This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Unit, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Man Sentenced to 25 Months in Federal Prison for Failing to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a South Dakota man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on January 20, 2026.
David George Flute, III, 36, was sentenced to two years and one month in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Flute was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in June 2025. He pleaded guilty on October 20, 2025.
Flute was previously convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child. Due to this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. Flute has seven prior convictions for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender and is well-aware of his obligation to register and to keep his registration current. Following his most recent release from federal prison on November 11, 2024, Flute decided to abscond from probation and remain on the lam until located and arrested by United States Marshals in Sioux Falls on May 21, 2025.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Flute was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his federal sentence.
This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Unit prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Rapid City Woman Who Discharged Firearm at Local Grocery Store Sentenced to over Six Years in Federal Prison on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a woman from Rapid City, South Dakota, convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on January 12, 2026.
Talisse Fighting Bear, 34, was sentenced to six years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The federal sentence was ordered to run concurrent to a state sentence Fighting Bear is currently serving.
Fighting Bear was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in May 2025. She pleaded guilty on October 8, 2026.
At a grocery store in Rapid City, South Dakota, Fighting Bear pointed a handgun at several people. Before arriving to the grocery store, Fighting Bear had fired one round into the air. While inside, she held a store clerk at gunpoint and directed her to move. Fighting Bear then pointed the gun at two other people. Fighting Bear had been previously convicted of a felony and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Fighting Bear was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a man from Rapid City, South Dakota, convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on January 12, 2026.
Raymond Winters, 36, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Winters was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in February 2025. He pleaded guilty on October 8, 2025.
On January 22, 2025, in Rapid City, South Dakota, Winters quickly fled the vehicle he was driving and threw a firearm onto the ground after he noticed law enforcement’s presence. Winters was carrying ammunition and a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. Evidence showed that shortly before his encounter with law enforcement, Winters had pointed the firearm at his domestic partner several times. Winters had been previously convicted of a felony. As a result, he is prohibited from possessing firearms.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Winters was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Acquitted on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a man from Rapid City, South Dakota, was acquitted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, on January 14, 2026.
Christian Kelly, age 32, was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2025.
The charges related to an incident in Rapid City, South Dakota, during which Kelly was alleged to have been seen waving around an illegally modified rifle and hiding it under a vehicle once law enforcement arrived.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF and the Rapid City Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.
Spearfish Woman Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine in Western South DakotaRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a woman from Spearfish, South Dakota, for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on January 12, 2026.
Sindy Richards, 35, was sentenced to 20 years, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Richards was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in November 2024. She pleaded guilty on October 6, 2025.
A prolific drug dealer in western South Dakota, Richards joined a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in 2023. During her involvement, she worked with others to obtain methamphetamine from California, typically through the mail, for redistribution in and around the Black Hills. Richards was identified by law enforcement as being closely associated with the main drug dealer in this case, assisting him in meeting with other co-conspirators within the Rapid City area to further distribute methamphetamine. Investigators determined Richards was involved in trafficking approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine during her involvement in the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service, the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), and the Drug Enforcement Administration. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Hodges and Paige Petersen prosecuted the case.
Richards was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Firearm While Prohibited as a Felon and Drug UserRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on January 12, 2026.
Jamie Perez, 43, was sentenced to 14 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.
Perez was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in November 2024. He pleaded guilty on October 7, 2025.
On September 28, 2024, Sioux Falls Police found Perez asleep behind the wheel of his running vehicle, stopped on a city street. The officers later placed Perez under arrest for Driving Under the Influence. The officers then searched Perez’s vehicle and found a scale containing methamphetamine residue and a Smith & Wesson 9MM pistol. In addition to being a drug user, Perez is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2018 felony conviction for Possession of Controlled Substance.
“This defendant was found by the Sioux Falls Police passed out behind the wheel of a running car, high on methamphetamine and in possession of a loaded gun,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Our streets are immeasurably safer now that he has been shipped off to federal prison.”
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
Perez was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
California Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Participating in Large-Scale Drug Distribution Conspiracy in Sioux FallsRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a man from California City, California, convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on January 5, 2026.
Alonzo Green, 43, 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.
Green was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in October 2024. He pleaded guilty on October 8, 2025.
Green was a member of a California-based drug trafficking organization which began operating in the Sioux Falls area in the Fall of 2023. The group sourced large quantities of narcotics, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, from California, and then used short-term rental properties as bases of operation to distribute the drugs in and around Sioux Falls. As a member of the group, Green directed multiple shipments of drugs through the mail and assisted in driving loads of drugs from California to South Dakota. He was arrested while transporting one such load on September 17, 2024. Green and a co-conspirator were stopped by the South Dakota Highway Patrol while traveling through the Hot Springs area. DEA agents on site obtained a search warrant and found packages containing over 4,900 grams of methamphetamine and 925 grams of powder fentanyl in Green’s vehicle.
“This was a tremendous arrest resulting in an appropriate prison sentence that has significantly disrupted the activities of this California-based drug trafficking organization in South Dakota,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Impressive work all around by these dedicated law enforcement officers.”
This case was investigated by the DEA, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
Green was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Denver Man Convicted on Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted Juan Sertuche, age 43, of Denver, Colorado, of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine, Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Fentanyl, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on January 8, 2026.
“We may never know the true depths of the devastation, suffering, and loss inflicted on our communities by the methamphetamine, fentanyl, and automatic weapons trafficked and sold by this defendant,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “But we will do our best to hold this profiteer of misery fully accountable and ensure he receives a federal prison sentence that will put him out of that business for a long time.”
The two charges for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance each carry a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life imprisonment, a $10 million dollar fine, at least five years up to life supervised release, and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The charge for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum of five years up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Sertuche was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024.
Between 2002 and September 2023, Juan Sertuche led a drug distribution conspiracy and provided hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine and tens of thousands of fentanyl pills to multiple sub-distributors to be further distributed in the Rapid City and Pine Ridge areas of South Dakota. On one occasion, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of couriers who Sertuche had directed to travel from Denver to the Rapid City area. During the traffic stop, law enforcement discovered 19 pounds of methamphetamine intended to be further distributed in the Rapid City area. In September 2023, Sertuche was arrested following a traffic stop in Jackson County where he was found to be in possession of approximately 1500 fentanyl pills that he intended to be further distributed.
Following his arrest, Sertuche, continued to try to get others he was conspiring with to continue the drug distribution efforts, including by collecting money and making trips to Denver to pick up methamphetamine and fentanyl. Sertuche also directed another person on several occasions to collect numerous firearms that were part of his drug dealing to Denver to be traded for methamphetamine. Law enforcement was able to recover those firearms, including two fully automatic machine guns, before they could be taken and used as currency for drugs.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Wyoming State Highway Patrol, and the North Metro Denver Drug Task Force. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation will be ordered, and a sentencing date will be set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to over 2 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on January 5, 2026.
Joshua Munyan, 41, was sentenced to two years and three 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.
Munyan was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in March 2025. He pleaded guilty on September 29, 2025.
The charges stem from an incident in which Munyan was pulled over while driving by an officer with the Rapid City Police Department who later discovered Munyan possessed a Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver. Munyan is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm because he was previously convicted of a felony drug offense in Pennington County.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.
Munyan was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Assaulting Tribal Police OfficerRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on January 6, 2026.
Everett Joseph Menard, age 29, was sentenced to one year and four 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.
Menard was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2025. He pleaded guilty on October 1, 2025.
The conviction stems from an incident in March 2025 in the jurisdiction of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation following Menard’s arrest by tribal officers after they responded to a call. During the arrest, Menard became combative, struck a Tribal Police Officer in the face, and attempted to flee.
“Assaults on law enforcement officers will be prosecuted and the perpetrators punished,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “We stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave, dedicated, and professional officers of the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Police seeking to protect the security and safety of the communities they serve every day.”
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Menard was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Sentenced to 6 ½ Years in Federal Prison for Shooting at Another ManRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. The sentencing took place on January 6, 2026.
Richard Joseph One Feather, age 56, was sentenced to six years and six months in federal prison, followed by three of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
One Feather was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2025. He pleaded guilty on October 1, 2025.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on July 20, 2024, in the Winner Housing area of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. One Feather confronted the victim, an adult male, with a handgun and fired the gun in his direction, narrowly missing him.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
This matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
One Feather was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Kyle Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Assaulting a Woman Causing Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on January 2, 2026.
Vinnie Sonny Makes Good, 37, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $200 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $328.02 in restitution.
Makes Good was indicted for the charges by a federal grand jury in December 2024. He pleaded guilty on October 10, 2025.
In March 2023, Makes Good assaulted his dating partner inside a vehicle near Kyle. He then threw her out of the vehicle and assaulted her by kicking and punching her. The victim sustained injuries to her face, torso, and legs, and further sustained a broken pinky finger.
In October 2023, Makes Good assaulted the same partner causing her to sustain a 3 mm left tentorial subdural hematoma as well as fractures to vertebra in her back. She was initially transported to Indian Health Services Hospital in Pine Ridge and then on to Monument Health in Rapid City for further care.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandating certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Makes Good was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Fall River County Man Sentenced to more than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a man from Fall River County, who was convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on January 2, 2026.
Shawn Lant, 40, was sentenced to 12 years and six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Lant was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in September 2023. He pleaded guilty on October 1, 2025.
This conviction stemmed from Lant’s involvement in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution operation in Rapid City, South Dakota, and in the Pine Ridge Reservation. During this conspiracy, Colorado codefendants supplied Lant and others with significant quantities of methamphetamine that was distributed in South Dakota. Lant was involved in distributing 5-15 kilograms of methamphetamine while part of this criminal enterprise.
“As long as these drug dealers continue to bring methamphetamine and other poisons into our communities, we will continue to do everything we can to track, investigate, arrest, and indict these criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “I’m grateful for the collective efforts of all our Safe Trails task force officers and law enforcement partners across the state in helping to keep our communities safe.”
This case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Fall River County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan N. Dilges and Edward C. Tarbay prosecuted the case.
Lant was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.