District of South Dakota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Eagle Butte Woman Sentenced for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on September 2, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Cheyenne Brown, age 33, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, a $500 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Brown was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, 2018. She pled guilty on June 16, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy beginning in January 2015, wherein Brown conspired others to distribute between 500 and 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in and around the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Brown was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Minnesota Woman Sentenced in Federal Firearms CaseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Make a False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm was sentenced on August 10, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Justice May Yang, age 25, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Yang was indicted for Conspiracy to Make a False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm by a federal grand jury on June 6, 2019. She pled guilty on May 27, 2020.
On May 15, 2017, Yang went to purchase a gun in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with an acquaintance, specifically a Ruger model SR 40, 40 caliber semi-automatic handgun bearing serial number 342-99157. Yang knew she was prohibited from purchasing a firearm because she was a fugitive from justice. Yang, along with her acquaintance, completed the ATF Form 4473 in the presence of two clerks. Yang’s acquaintance signed the Form 4473 verifying the information to be true. Question 11.a. asks: “Are you the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm(s) listed on this form?” To that question, Yang falsely marked “Yes” on behalf of her acquaintance, and her acquaintance falsely verified the answer to be true by signing the form as “Transferee/Buyer.” Yang paid for the firearm and kept it.
On May 25, 2017, Yang and her acquaintance again went to buy another firearm – a Ruger model 9E (black in color), 9 millimeter semi-automatic handgun, serial number 337-78160, with laser sight. Yang and her acquaintance knew Yang was still prohibited from purchasing firearms. To purchase the handgun, Yang’s acquaintance filled out ATF Form 4473 and falsely verified he was the actual buyer. Yang took possession of the firearm.
On August 12, 2017, Yang was shopping online. She found a previously owned gun on a website, with a location in Sioux Falls – a Ruger model SR 40C, 40 caliber, semi-automatic handgun, serial number 343-94362. Yang contacted her acquaintance and told him about the gun she wanted. Yang wired the money to her acquaintance so he could buy the firearm for her. Yang’s acquaintance picked up the wired money and went to the store, where he bought the handgun chosen by Yang. To purchase the handgun, Yang’s acquaintance filled out ATF Form 4473 and falsely verified he was the actual buyer. Yang’s acquaintance then drove to Madison, Wisconsin, where he gave the firearm to Yang.
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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Haak prosecuted the case.
Yang was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Fort Thompson Man Sentenced for Assault and RobberyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Robbery was sentenced on August 31, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
AbuBarker Shabbaz-Evans, a/k/a Abu Barker Evans, age 25, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.
Shabbaz-Evans was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 14, 2020. He pled guilty on June 16, 2020.
The convictions stem from two separate incidents. The first incident occurred on September 15, 2019, when Shabbaz-Evans pulled an individual out of a vehicle and repeatedly struck the victim about the head and face with a metal object shaped like a pistol and drove off in his vehicle. The victim suffered a slight fracture in his nose as a result of the assault.
The second incident occurred on January 1, 2020, when Shabbaz-Evans attempted to rob two individuals of pre-paid gasoline at the Crow Creek C-Store. In attempting to take the gasoline, Shabbaz-Evans showed a metal gun shaped object in his waistband and threatened the individuals if they did not give Shabbaz-Evans the gas. Onlookers intervened and prevented the robbery.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Shabbaz-Evans was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Woman Sentenced for Maintaining a Drug-Involved PremisesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises was sentenced on August 31, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Lena Marie Flying By, age 53, was sentenced to 3 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Flying By was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 10, 2020. She pled guilty to a Superseding Information on June 16, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from Flying By’s conduct between 2015 and 2020, wherein she used her residence near Eagle Butte, South Dakota, for herself and others to use and distribute marijuana.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trials Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Flying By was ordered to self-report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service no later than September 8, 2020.
Mission Man Charged with Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Dayton Thin Elk, a/k/a Dayton Haukaas, age 24, was indicted on July 16, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 28, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on April 27, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota, Thin Elk did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with multiple law enforcement officers who were employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.
The charges are merely accusations and Thin Elk is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Thin Elk was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Aberdeen Man Indicted on Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Aberdeen, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Juan Shaw Smith, age 28, was indicted on August 11, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 28, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on March 26, 2020, Smith having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and knowing he had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and knowing he was an unlawful user of a controlled substance did knowingly possess a firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce and foreign commerce.
The charges are merely accusations and Smith is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017, as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The investigation is being conducted by the Brown County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Smith was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on August 25, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol.
Levi Shanteau, age 25, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Shanteau was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020. He pled guilty on June 10, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on January 30, 2020, in Sioux Falls, where police responded to an escalating violent situation. Levi Shanteau left the house as the police arrived and a loaded handgun was found tucked in his pants. Shanteau was on probation at the time for a 2018 felony drug conviction, which he knew prohibited him from possessing a gun.
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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice's signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department's past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Shanteau was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Woman Sentenced for Threatening a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, woman convicted of Influencing a Federal Officer by Threat was sentenced on August 24, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Jamie E. Oliver, a/k/a Jamie E. Decory, age 35, was sentenced to 4 years of probation and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Oliver was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 11, 2020. She pled guilty on August 24, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on October 6, 2019, in Mission, South Dakota. On that date, a Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Officer responded to a call for service. Oliver was arrested for assaulting another individual. While she was being transported to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Adult Correctional Facility, Oliver remarked that she was going to remember the officer and take the officer’s life. During transport, Oliver continued to threaten to murder the law enforcement officer, who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.
Oliver was immediately released.
Rapid City Man Charged with Unlawful Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
Nicholas Carlow, age 21, was charged on August 20, 2020. Carlow appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 26, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Carlow, previously convicted of a felony and prohibited from possessing firearms, possessing a Cugir Arms Factory semi-automatic pistol and a stolen Ruger semi-automatic pistol in March and July 2020 at Rapid City. The charges are merely an accusation and Carlow is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Carlow was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Charged with Unlawful Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.
Allen Libby, age 29, was charged on August 20, 2020. Libby appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 26, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charge. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Libby, previously convicted of a felony and prohibited from possessing firearms, possessing a 9mm semi-automatic pistol in April 2020 at Rapid City. The charge is merely an accusation and Libby is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Libby was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Jasper Chase Alone, age 34, was charged on August 20, 2020. Chase Alone appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 26, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charge. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Chase Alone knowingly failing to update his sexual offender registration between November 2019 and March 2020. The charge is merely an accusation and Chase Alone is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Chase Alone was released pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for First Degree Murder of ChildRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of First Degree Murder and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on August 21, 2020, by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.
Zachariah Michael Poor Bear, age 26, was sentenced to life in federal prison and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund as to the First Degree Murder charge. Poor Bear was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, to be served concurrently to the murder charge, and was ordered to pay another $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for the Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury charge.
The conviction stemmed from Poor Bear killing a 19 month-old baby by inflicting blunt force trauma to her head and abdomen in May 2015 at Pine Ridge. Poor Bear was found guilty at trial.
“The murder of a child is incomprehensible,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “We mourn the loss of this precious little girl and pray that the justice represented by this life sentence will bring some measure of rest to her family.”
“This crime was gut-wrenching and there is no question the sentencing is just,” said FBI Minneapolis Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Bob Perry. “The FBI is responsible for investigating the most serious crimes in Indian Country and along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to aggressively pursue these cases. The FBI is committed to protecting all of the tribal communities we serve, helping victims, and ensuring that justice is met for violent offenders.”
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah B. Collins and Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.
Poor Bear was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man and Woman Indicted for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man and woman have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.
Renae Jo Pacheco, a/k/a Renae Jo Hopkins, age 51, and Thomas Pacheco, Sr., age 29, were indicted on August 11, 2020. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 24, 2020, and pled not guilty to their Indictments.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum 10 years, up to life in prison and/or a $10,000,000 fine, at least 5 years, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each Count. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictments allege that beginning at a time unknown but no later than on or about January 1, 2015, and continuing to on or about January 1, 2020, Hopkins and Pacheco, did knowingly and intentionally, combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with persons known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.
The charges are merely accusations and Hopkins and Pacheco are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Hopkins was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. Pacheco was released pending trial. Trial dates have not been set.
McLaughlin Woman Sentenced for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on August 24, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Melissa Rose Decoteau, a/k/a Melissa Rose Bobtail Bear, age 35, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Decoteau was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 16, 2019. She pled guilty on August 24, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy in 2018, wherein Decoteau conspired with others to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Mobridge Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Corson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Decoteau was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Dupree Man Indicted on Cattle Conversion ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Dupree, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conversion of Mortgaged or Pledged Property.
Daris William LaPlante, age 51, was indicted on August 11, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 25, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is five years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between October 19, 2016, and December 27, 2019, LaPlante, with intent to defraud, did knowingly sell cattle mortgaged and pledged by LaPlante to the Farm Service Agency, an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, without the permission and consent of the Farm Service Agency, having a value over $1,000. LaPlante sold these cattle at several auction houses throughout South Dakota and kept the proceeds for himself.
The charge is merely an accusation and LaPlante is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
LaPlante was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Canadian Woman Found Guilty of Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Bethlehem Shah, age 22, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine as a result of a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on August 21, 2020.
The charges carry a minimum of at least 10 years and not more than life imprisonment and/or a $10,000,000 fine, at least 5 years up to life supervised release, a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and restitution.
Shah was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 14, 2018.
On August 1, 2018, a co-conspirator was stopped by a South Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper, near Spearfish, South Dakota. During a search of the vehicle, the Trooper located approximately 40 kilograms, or 88 pounds, of cocaine. Defendant Shah was set to meet the co-conspirator in Fargo, North Dakota, where Shah would pick up the cocaine and transport it across the border into Canada. Through a series of consensually recorded phone calls to Shah by the co-conspirator and law enforcement, Shah then traveled to Spearfish believing she was going to pick up the cocaine. Instead, Shah was arrested.
“I want to congratulate the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the DEA, and the entire UNET team for this significant interdiction, investigation, and conviction,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “As drug trafficking networks continue to become more brazen and sophisticated, all of our law enforcement agencies are joining together to meet the challenge.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the local Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gina Nelson and Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date is pending. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Bridger Man Charged with Sexual Abuse of a ChildRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Bridger, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, Sexual Abuse of a Minor, and Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child.
Bennett Belt, age 47, was indicted on August 11, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 25, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on multiple instances between July 2003 and September 2017, in Ziebach County, South Dakota, Belt knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in abusive sexual acts with minor victims.
The charges are merely accusations and Belt is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
Belt was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Brandon Woman Charged with 16 Counts of Wire FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Brandon, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Wire Fraud.
Sheila Verbrugge, age 50, was indicted on August 17, 2020. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on August 25, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and up to $1,600 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on beginning in approximately January 2010, and continuing through April 8, 2020, Verbrugge devised and intended to devise a scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain money and property from others by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises, to unjustly enrich herself by obtaining fraudulent funds.
From approximately 2006 through on or about April 8, 2020, Verbrugge was the billing and payroll clerk for Blachowske Truck Line, Inc. (“Blachowske”), located in Brandon. In this capacity, her duties included managing Blachowske’s T-Chek account. T-Chek is a system used by Blachowske to pay for various job-related expenses incurred by Blachowske’s truck drivers, such as fuel and truck maintenance. Each week, T-Chek emailed an invoice to Blachowske for that week’s charges. Blachowske then paid the invoice electronically using an automated clearing house (“ACH”) payment.
On multiple occasions during the relevant time period, Verbrugge falsely and fraudulently issued T-Cheks payable to herself, deposited them into her personal bank account, and then used the funds for her own purposes. She disguised her theft by altering the weekly T-Chek report and deleting her name and location and replaced it with names of Blachowske truck drivers and locations she knew to be associated with those truck drivers. Because of the false information entered, Blachowske paid the T-Chek invoices.
The charges are merely accusations and Verbrugge is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Brandon Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Verbrugge was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Watertown Man Charged with Receipt, Distribution, and Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Watertown, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography and Transportation of Child Pornography.
Vincent Michael Perez, age 35, was indicted on August 17, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on August 21, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between August 7, 2019, and August 17, 2019, Perez knowingly received and distributed, and attempted to receive and distribute child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including a computer.
The Indictment also alleges that between August 7, 2019, and August 30, 2019, Perez knowingly transported child pornography using the internet, and uploaded graphic image and video files depicting one or more minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct into his Dropbox account with his e-mail address.
The charges are merely accusations and Perez is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Watertown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Perez was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Watertown Man Charged with Receipt, Distribution, and Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Watertown, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography and Transportation of Child Pornography.
Derek Michael Mason, age 19, was indicted on August 17, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on August 21, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between May 1, 2017, and May 5, 2020, Mason knowingly received and distributed, and attempted to receive and distribute child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including a computer.
The Indictment also alleges that between October 14, 2019, and May 5, 2020, Mason knowingly transported child pornography using the internet, and uploaded graphic image and video files depicting one or more minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct into his Dropbox account with his e-mail address.
The charges are merely accusations and Mason is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Mason was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
St. Francis Man Charged with Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Charles Cordier, III, age 21, was indicted on January 14, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 19, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on November 5, 2019, in Rosebud, South Dakota, Cordier did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and that such conduct involved the use of a dangerous weapon.
The charge is merely an accusation and Cordier is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Cordier was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Joseph Blue Bird, age 33, was indicted on August 11, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 20, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Blue Bird was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in February 2014. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. It is alleged that between March 7, 2020, and May 6, 2020, Blue Bird, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under Federal Law, failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.
The charge is merely an accusation and Blue Bird is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Mobridge Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Blue Bird was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mission Man Indicted on Meth and Ammunition ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession With Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.
Kevin Bordeaux, age 21, was indicted on August 11, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 20, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, at least 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on March 3, 2020, Bordeaux did knowingly and intentionally possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. On March 4, 2020, a search warrant was executed on Bordeaux’s residence wherein several rounds of ammunition were seized.
The charges are merely accusations and Bordeaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers. It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.
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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Bordeaux was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mission Man Indicted on Kidnapping and Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Kidnapping and Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation.
Steven McDaniel, a/k/a Steven McDaniels, age 33, was indicted on December 17, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 20, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between June 6, 2019, and June 7, 2019, McDaniel kidnapped and held a woman in Mission, and unlawfully assaulted her by strangling and suffocating her.
The charges are merely accusations and McDaniel is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
McDaniel was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Former South Dakota Attorney Indicted for Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Vale, South Dakota, woman was charged in federal district court with thirty counts of Wire Fraud, ten counts of Money Laundering, and one count of Bank Fraud.
Rena M. Hymans, age 48, was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 20, 2020. Hymans appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 24, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The maximum penalty on each count of wire fraud is 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The maximum penalty on each count of money laundering is 20 years in federal prison and/or a $500,000 fine, or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The maximum penalty for bank fraud is 30 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The indictment alleges that between June 2017 and January 2020, Hymans, in her capacity as a South Dakota licensed attorney, devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain money by transferring it from a client trust account – where she was holding it for the benefit of a client – to her own business and personal accounts and then using the money for her personal benefit.
The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case. The charges are merely accusations and Hymans is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Hymans was released pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Former Director of Tribal Development Entity Pleads Guilty to BriberyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons has announced the following plea, identified below, brought by the Guardians Project, a collaborative federal law enforcement initiative in the District of South Dakota designed to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s tribal communities.
Guilty Plea for Bribery Related to Programs Receiving Federal Funds
Daniel Thomas White, age 44 of Peever, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on August 24, 2020, and pleaded guilty to bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.
At the time of the bribery scheme, White served as the Director of the Dakota Nations Development Corporation (DNDC), an entity of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe. White’s duties included, among other things, overseeing housing and construction projects of the DNDC.
DNDC, by and through the tribe, received federal assistance in excess of $10,000 during the one-year period between October 1, 2017, and September 30, 2018. DNDC established an entity called the SWO Elderly Village Limited Partnership. The purpose of the entity was to obtain tax credit financing to build an elderly village complex on tribal land. On April 22, 2016, SWO’s tribal council passed a resolution authorizing DNDC to pursue low-income housing tax credits for the elderly village complex. The tribe also committed nearly $3,000,000 to the project.
On October 27, 2017, DNDC contracted with Tatanka Contracting to do the earthwork associated with the elderly village project. The contract was for a guaranteed price of $1,070,740, although a change order increased the total of the contract to $1,129,679. According to documents filed with the Court, on or about November 6, 2017, White corruptly solicited, demanded, and agreed to accept a thing of value from a person or persons working for and on behalf of Tatanka Contracting, intending to be influenced and rewarded in connection with a transaction and series of transactions of the Dakota Nations Development Corporation involving $5,000 or more.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
A sentencing date of May 24, 2021, has been set.
Allen Woman Charged in MurderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Allen, South Dakota, woman was charged in federal district court with First Degree Murder.
Jonnie Fineran, age 18, was charged on August 4, 2020. Fineran appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 12, 2020, and pled not guilty to the charge.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is mandatory life in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Fineran killing a man by stabbing him on July 24, 2020, at Manderson. The charge is merely an accusation and Fineran is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.
Fineran was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Two South Dakota Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for CarjackingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Rapid City, South Dakota, men convicted of Carjacking Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person were sentenced on August 13, 2020, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Moses Crowe, age 27, was convicted by a jury of all three charges and was sentenced to a total of 22 ½ years in federal prison as to the Carjacking conviction. Crowe was also sentenced to two 5-year terms of supervised release, to run concurrently, and was ordered to pay a total of $300 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Ranson Long Pumpkin, age 33, was convicted by the same jury of Aiding and Abetting, Carjacking Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. Long Pumpkin was sentenced to a total of 20 years in federal prison. Long Pumpkin was also sentenced to two 5-year terms of supervised release, to run concurrently, and was ordered to pay a total of $200 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Saul Crowe earlier pleaded guilty on January 25, 2019, to Carjacking and Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and was sentenced on June 21, 2019, to serve just over 20 years in federal prison.
Evidence at trial established that Moses Crowe, Long Pumpkin, and Saul Crowe carjacked an occupied van by force on October 13, 2017. Together, the men held the victim at gunpoint and repeatedly strangled him to unconsciousness. The men drove the victim to an isolated area north of Rapid City, where they pistol-whipped and severely beat him. Using two different semi-automatic pistols, Moses Crowe and Saul Crowe each fired multiple rounds near the victim, while Long Pumpkin continued to physically assault him.
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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team; the Rapid City Police Department; the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office; the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and the RCPD/PCSO Special Response Team. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Sazama and Gina Nelson prosecuted and tried the case. ATF Special Agent Riley Cook was the lead case agent.
Crowe and Long Pumpkin were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sturgis Man Sentenced for Attempted Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sturgis, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on August 4, 2020, by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court Judge.
Conner Harmon, age 22, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 8 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stemmed from an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2018 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators. Harmon was arrested and federally indicted following multiple chats and text messages with a person Harmon believed to be a 14 year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent. Harmon proceeded to negotiate the time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts. When Harmon went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.
The investigation was conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Harmon was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.
Damian Buchholz, age 34, was sentenced on August 14, 2020, to 2 years in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stemmed from Buchholz, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, possessing a Springfield Armory 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a Smith & Wesson .38 special caliber revolver, both with obliterated serial numbers, which were found after Buchholz came into contact with Rapid City police officers in September 2019.
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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Buchholz was immediately remanded to the custody of the US Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Attempted Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on August 14, 2020, by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court Judge.
Kenneth Williamson, age 52, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stemmed from an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2019 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators. Williamson was arrested and federally indicted following multiple chats and text messages with a person he believed to be a 15 year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent. Williamson requested sexually explicit images from the 15-year-old undercover persona and proceeded to negotiate the time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts. When Williamson went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.
The investigation was conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Williamson was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Firearm Charges and Voluntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence was sentenced on August 17, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Dante Johnson was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.
An Information was filed against Johnson on January 14, 2019. He pled guilty on June 1, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on January 12, 2019, when Johnson fired a gun and people at a neighboring house heard it. Upon hearing the gunshot, the victim exited the residence to see what was going on. As the victim stepped forward, Johnson pointed a handgun at him and shot the victim in the chest. The victim collapsed and died due to the gunshot wound.
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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Johnson was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Allen Woman Charged in MurderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Allen, South Dakota, woman was charged in federal district court with First Degree Murder.
Jonnie Fineran, age 18, was charged on August 4, 2020. Fineran appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 12, 2020, and pled not guilty to the charge.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is mandatory life in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Fineran killing a man by stabbing him on July 24, 2020, at Manderson. The charge is merely an accusation and Fineran is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.
Fineran was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Meth ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on August 18, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Patrick Cummings, age 34, was sentenced to 86 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Cummings was also ordered to forfeit ownership of a handgun seized during the investigation.
Cummings was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, 2019. He pled guilty on August 18, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from a traffic stop that occurred on July 4, 2019, in which Cummings possessed with the intent to distribute 127 grams of methamphetamine. Also found during the stop was a Smith & Wesson .380 AUTO caliber, semi-automatic pistol.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers. It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.
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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Cummings was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on August 17, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Richard Peneaux, age 26, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Peneaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 11, 2020. He pled guilty on June 16, 2020.
Peneaux was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in March 2014. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. On December 19, 2019, Peneaux absconded from the Community Alternatives of the Black Hills Corrections Center in Rapid City, South Dakota. As a result, federal warrants were issued to have Peneaux arrested. On January 7, 2020, Rapid City Police Officers arrested Peneaux, after he led them on a foot pursuit and provided a false name and social security number. Between the time Peneaux absconded through the time of his arrest, Peneaux failed to properly register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.
Peneaux was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Charged with Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of an Unregistered Firearm.
Shaun Shorter, age 31, was charged on July 23, 2020. Shorter appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 12, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Shorter possessing a prohibitively-shortened 12 gauge shotgun in April 2019 at Rapid City that was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required. The charge is merely an accusation and Shorter is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Shorter was released pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mission Woman Indicted on Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting In Serious Bodily Injury.
Thomasine Noela Charging Bear, age 35, was indicted on August 11, 2020. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 17, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on June 19, 2020, Charging Bear assaulted an individual with a sharp edged instrument with the intent to do bodily harm and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.
The charges are merely accusations and Charging Bear is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Charging Bear was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Fort Thompson Man Sentenced to 102 Months in Federal Prison for Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man was sentenced in Pierre federal court on August 17, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Devon Wayne Saul, age 27, was sentenced to 102 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Saul was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
According to court documents, on August 18, 2019, Saul knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a victim while the victim was incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct and was physically incapable of declining participation in and communicating her unwillingness to engage in the sexual act, and Saul knew the victim was incapacitated. In early morning hours of August 18, the victim was drinking with friends. The victim drank too much and became incapacitated. Saul and one other person carried the victim to his vehicle and placed her inside the vehicle. After placing the victim in his vehicle, Saul left the others and was alone with the victim when he perpetrated the sexual assault inside his vehicle.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe’s Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Saul was remanded to custody to serve his sentence.
Eight Men Arrested in Sex Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted a joint sex trafficking operation during the 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The operation began on August 7, 2020, and continued through August 13, 2020.
As a result, the following eight men were arrested:
Robert Lee Goodwill, Jr., 20, Rapid City, SD - Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of a Minor
Cody Wayne Hopkins, 29, Montgomery, PA - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
Michael Ray Hudson, 32, Rapid City, SD - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
Travis John McDonald, 28, Rapid City, SD - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
William Nicholas Riley, 60, Sturgis, SD - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
Kevin William Clements, 22, Claysville, PA - Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of a Minor
Darren Wilber Harrison, 25, Rapid City, SD - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
Christopher Covey Dale Truax, 33, Rapid City, SD - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction for Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of a Minor is 15 years if victim is under 14 years of age, and 10 years if between 14-17 years of age, up to life in federal prison; a $250,000 fine; any term of years, not less than 5, up to lifetime supervised release; $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund; and a $5,000 assessment if not indigent. Restitution may also be ordered.
The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet is 10 years up to life in federal prison; any term of years, not less than 5, up to lifetime supervised release; $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund; and a $5,000 assessment if not indigent. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges are merely accusations and all eight defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The Agencies involved in the operation were DCI, HSI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.
The cases are being federally prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to extend its appreciation to all law enforcement partners involved in the investigations for their efforts and continued cooperation.
Eagle Butte Woman Sentenced for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on August 17, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Jocelyn Chasing Hawk, a/k/a Jocelyn Bear Eagle, age 39, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Chasing Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 23, 2019. A three-count Superseding Indictment was filed on June 1, 2019. She pled guilty on June 4, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy beginning in 2017 and continuing through 2019, wherein Chasing Hawk, knowingly and intentionally, conspired with others to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation, and in Rapid City, South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Chasing Hawk was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Domestic Assault by a Habitual Offender and Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation.
Dustin Marrowbone, a/k/a Dustin Condon, age 30, was indicted on August 11, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 14, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on May 12, May 26, and June 14, 2020, in Dewey County, South Dakota, Marrowbone unlawfully assaulted his intimate partner by strangulation and suffocation after having been previously convicted on at least two previous occasions of assaulting a spouse or intimate partner.
The charges are merely accusations and Marrowbone is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
Marrowbone was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
South Dakota Federal Prosecutor Honored with the 2020 USD Attorney of the Year AwardRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons is pleased to announce that Constance Larson, Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Sioux Falls Office, has been selected as the 2020 recipient of the USD Women in Law Attorney of the Year Award. She was honored at an event in Sioux Falls on August 14, 2020.
The USD Women in Law Attorney of the Year award seeks to annually recognize one South Dakota attorney who exemplifies excellent character, a drive for mentoring women within the profession, and a dedication to positively affecting South Dakota residents through their professional duties and involvement within the state.
“Our friend and colleague Connie Larson embodies the best principles and highest ideals of the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “We are grateful to the University of South Dakota Women in Law for recognizing her incredible legal talent, her passion for justice, and her heartfelt commitment to serving and mentoring others.”
Constance graduated from the University School of Law in 1995. Following graduation, she clerked for the South Dakota Supreme Court. While clerking, Constance had a diverse experience in the law and had the opportunity to be mentored by members of the South Dakota judiciary.
Following clerking, Constance began her career as a prosecutor in the Pennington County States Attorney’s Office, where she served for two years. Following her time in Pennington County, Constance transitioned to the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office, where she served for ten years.
In 2008, Constance continued her service to the people of South Dakota in taking on the role of Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota. In this capacity, Constance maintains a rigorous and diverse practice focusing on federal felony offenses.
Constance maintains her commitment to the profession and the community by remaining active as a mentor within the South Dakota State Bar and serving on various state bar committees, including chairing the Criminal Pattern Jury Instruction Committee. She also serves her South Dakota community in various capacities.
Rosebud Woman Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter and PerjuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Involuntary Manslaughter and Perjury.
Kaylee Spotted Elk, age 28, was indicted on March 2, 2020, for Involuntary Manslaughter and on June 16, 2020, for Perjury. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 14, 2020, and pled not guilty to the respective Indictments.
The maximum penalty Spotted Elk faces upon conviction is up to 8 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment for Involuntary Manslaughter alleges that on January 12, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota, Spotted Elk killed a man by operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner.
The Indictment for Perjury alleges that on November 6, 2019, Spotted Elk, knowingly lied about a material fact at a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota, while she was under oath and swore to tell the truth.
The charges are merely accusations and Spotted Elk is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigations are being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kirk W. Albertson and Cameron J. Cook are prosecuting the cases.
Spotted Elk was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Hermosa Man Sentenced for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Hermosa, South Dakota, man convicted of three counts of Wire Fraud was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.
David Astin, age 38, was sentenced on August 12, 2020, to 3 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. In addition, he was ordered to pay $433,877.06 in restitution.
Astin’s Wire Fraud conviction stemmed from actions he took in 2012, when he entered into an agreement whereby he managed a local investor’s foreign exchange currency accounts in exchange for compensation. Astin told the investor he had consistently received returns of eight percent per month in his own account, and promised one to three percent returns monthly in the investor’s accounts. The investor told Astin he was not willing to suffer significant losses in his foreign exchange accounts and Astin believed he would not be compensated if the investor suffered significant losses.
Beginning in August 2012 and continuing through August 2013, however, Astin created and provided fraudulent statements and spreadsheets to the investor showing the investor was making significant earnings in his foreign exchange accounts, when in fact Astin was losing hundreds of thousands of dollars of the investor’s money. As a result of the fraudulent statements and spreadsheets, the investor continued to invest more money and compensate Astin for his work. In total, Astin lost $433,877.06 of the investor’s money, while being compensated more than $75,000.00.
The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Astin was immediately remanded to the custody of the US Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation.
Seth Stadel, age 27, was indicted on August 11, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 13, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on June 10, 2020, in Lantry, Stadel assaulted an individual which resulted in serious bodily injury, and further assaulted the victim by strangling and suffocating them.
The charges are merely accusations and Stadel is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
Stadel was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Eagle Butte Man Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Gordon Blue Arm, age 65, was indicted on August 11, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 13, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on February 27, 2020, in Eagle Butte, Blue Arm assaulted an individual with a wooden stick with the intent to do bodily harm, and said assault resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim.
The charges are merely accusations and Blue Arm is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
Blue Arm was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Threatening a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Influencing a Federal Officer by Threat was sentenced on August 10, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Anthony One Star, Jr., a/k/a Tony One Star, a/k/a Sonny One Star, age 32, was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
One Star was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 22, 2020. He pled guilty on May 19, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on December 15, 2019, in the Two Strike Community near Rosebud. On that date, a Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Officer responded to a report of an intoxicated male walking in the roadway. When the officer arrived in the area, he observed One Star dressed in all black and walking in the middle of the roadway. One Star was arrested for public intoxication and disorderly conduct. While he was being transported to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Adult Correctional Facility, One Star remarked that he was a cop killer and that he was going to find and kill the officer when the officer was off duty.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
One Star was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Sentenced for Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on August 10, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Bryan Herman, age 55, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $575, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Herman was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 10, 2019. He pled guilty on February 26, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in South Dakota on July 15, 2016. Herman took possession of a .45 caliber, semi-automatic pistol that day, and sold it at a pawn shop in Nebraska. Herman was an unlawful user of and addicted to prescription painkillers at that time, controlled substances under federal law. Herman used the proceeds from the sale of the firearm to continue fueling his drug habit after losing employment due to a failed drug test.
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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Elmore prosecuted the case.
Herman was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Martin Woman Sentenced for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Martin, South Dakota, woman who pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 31, 2020, by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Julissa Poor Bear, age 31, was sentenced to a total of 16 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
From approximately January 2015 to August 2016, Poor Bear distributed over 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in Rapid City and the east side of the Pine Ridge Reservation. Poor Bear worked with others to bring methamphetamine to South Dakota from California. During the course of her dealing, Poor Bear threatened people, possessed firearms, and attempted to intimidate a witness by posting about that witness on Facebook.
Several co-conspirators have already been sentenced. One additional co-conspirator, Wicahpe Milk, is pending trial.
This case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, Martin Police Department, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Poor Bear, who has been in custody since April 2019, was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Arizona Man Charged with Failure to Pay Child SupportRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Anthem, Arizona, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Pay Child Support.
Jacob A. Tate, age 44, was indicted on June 6, 2018. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on August 7, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 2 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and up to $500 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that from October 1, 2012, through August 7, 2020; from March 1, 2015, through August 7, 2020; from February 1, 2014, through August 7, 2020; from June 1, 2015, through August 7, 2020; and from July 1, 2014, through August 7, 2020, Tate willfully and unlawfully failed to pay past due child support obligations to his 5 children.
The charges are merely accusations and Tate is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga is prosecuting the case.
Tate was released on bond pending trial, which has been set for October 13, 2020.