District of South Dakota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Federal Charges Filed Against Roberts County Man for Aggravated Assault and Felony Child AbuseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Roberts County, South Dakota, man has been charged with Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Felony Child Abuse and Neglect of a Child.
Michael Robinson, a/k/a Michael O’Brien, Jr., age 21, was indicted on January 7, 2020. He appeared before the U.S. Magistrate Judge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following his arrest, and he pled not guilty to the Indictment.
According to the Indictment, on October 3, 2019, Robinson engaged in assaultive and abusive conduct toward a child under the age of seven years. For each charge, the maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of 10 years, a monetary fine, or both, and 3 years of supervised release. Each charge also carries a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges are merely accusations and Robinson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe’s Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Robinson was released on conditions pending trial and ordered to appear in federal court in Aberdeen, South Dakota, on March 31, 2020.
Agency Village Man Guilty of Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Agency Village, South Dakota, man has pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter.
Felix Duane Johnson, Jr., age 27, was indicted on January 7, 2020. He appeared before Judge William D. Gerdes in March 2020, and pled guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 8 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
According to court documents, on December 17, 2019, in Roberts County, Johnson unlawfully killed a human being without malice. Johnson was the only adult in the residence at the time the minor victim, who was approximately 11 months old, drowned in the bathtub. He was the person who was responsible for taking care of the children in the home because his girlfriend, who is the victim’s mother, was working at the time the child drowned. Johnson admitted that the death of the child was his responsibility and that the death was a result of his gross neglect and lack of due caution and circumspection. Johnson admitted that, while the child was in the bathtub unattended, he kept getting feelings like he should go and check on the child, but he ignored the promptings and became distracted with his mobile phone. The child ultimately drowned in the bathtub.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Johnson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Agency Village Man Charged in Federal Court with Transferring Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Agency Village/Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been charged with two counts of transferring obscene material to a minor.
Aydan Sam Kirk, Jr., age 22, was indicted on March 3, 2020. He appeared before Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 11, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
According to the charging documents, on September 26 and October 2, 2019, Kirk knowingly used a facility and means of interstate commerce, that is, a computer connected to the internet and a mobile phone, to transfer and attempt to transfer obscene matter to an another individual who had not attained the age of 16 years, knowing that such other individual had not attained the age of 16 years.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Kirk was ordered to home detention pending trial.
Corsica Man Indicted for Fraud and Money Laundering in Multi-Million-Dollar Cattle Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Corsica, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for nine counts of Wire Fraud, six counts of Mail Fraud, and seventeen counts of Money Laundering.
Robert Blom, age 58, was indicted on March 3, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 16, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison, and/or a $250,000 fine for wire fraud and $500,000 fine for money laundering, 3 years of supervised release, and up to $3,200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that beginning on or about January 2014 and continuing through February 2019, Blom devised a scheme to defraud investors.
Blom operated a custom cattle-feeding business in the Corsica area. As part of his business, Blom solicited investors for groups of cattle. He purchased groups of cattle from various livestock companies and the cattle were raised on feedlots owned or used by him. Blom raised the cattle to maturity and then sold them to processing plants. After the groups of cattle were sold, Blom paid the profits to the investors in the groups.
It is alleged, however, that Blom sold the same groups of cattle to multiple different investors. Each invoice should have been used for just one group of investors, but Blom knew that he did not have and could not purchase as many head of cattle as he represented to investors. Sometimes Blom altered the cattle purchase invoices in an effort to conceal that he sold the same group of cattle to multiple different investors.
Also as part of the scheme and artifice, Blom falsely and fraudulently represented to investors that he would use their money to purchase groups of cattle and to care for those cattle. Instead, he routinely used money from new investors to pay back old investors.
On multiple occasions, Blom mailed invoices and other investment-related documents to investors and several investors mailed their investment payments to him. Also on multiple occasions, Blom received payments from investors, often by check and Blom also paid old investors, often by check.
The estimated loss amount at this time is approximately $20 million.
The charges are merely accusations and Blom is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistance has also been provided by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Attorney General’s Office, Douglas County States Attorney, Douglas County Sheriff, South Dakota Brand Board, North Dakota Brand Board, and the Montana Brand Board. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Blom was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Wisconsin Man Charged with Making a False Statement in the Attempted Acquisition of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Milwaukee, Wisconsin, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of Making a False Statement in the Attempted Acquisition of a Firearm.
William Eugene Baehring, age 67, was indicted on February 4, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 12, 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 up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on December 30, 2019, and January 4, 2020, Baehring twice attempted to purchase firearms from licensed dealers of firearms. Baehring knowingly made false and fictitious written statements in an attempt to deceive the licensed dealers.
The charges are merely accusations and Baehring is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Baehring was released on bond pending trial which has not been set yet.
Two Eagle Butte Women Indicted on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Eagle Butte, South Dakota, women have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises Near a Playground.
Lena Marie Flying By, age 52, and Juanita Red Bird, age 26, were indicted on March 9, 2020. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 11 and 13, 2020, and each pled not guilty to their respective Indictments.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in prison and/or a $500,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictments allege that Flying By, between March 28, 2015, and March 9, 2020, and Red Bird, between October 1, 2018, and October 1, 2019, unlawfully and knowingly used and maintained a residence for the purposes of distributing and using marijuana, within 1,000 feet of a playground in Eagle Butte, South Dakota.
The charges are merely accusations and Flying By and Red Bird are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Flying By and Red Bird were released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Pierre Man Indicted on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Kyle Bordeaux, age 27, was indicted on February 11, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 13, 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 March 16, 2019, in Hughes County, Bordeaux knowingly being an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly possessed a firearm.
The charge is merely an accusation and Bordeaux 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 Northern Plains Safe Trials Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Pierre Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Bordeaux was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
North Dakota Man Indicted on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Dickinson, North Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Scott Alex Doll, age 48, was indicted on February 11, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on March 12, 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 April 25, 2019, in Mobridge, South Dakota, Doll knowingly being an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly possessed a firearm.
The charge is merely an accusation and Doll 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 Corson County Sheriff’s Office, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Doll was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mission Man and Woman Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man and a Mission, South Dakota, woman have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Robert James Riley, age 40, was indicted on March 9, 2020, for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. Harvi Lynn Sharp Butte, a/k/a Harvi Lynn Little Shield, age 43, was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. They both appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 12, 2020, and pled not guilty to their respective Indictments.
The maximum penalty Riley faces upon conviction is life in federal prison and/or a $10,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The maximum penalty Sharp Butte faces upon conviction is forty years in federal prison and/or a $5,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that beginning on or about February 1, 2019, and continuing to March 5, 2019, Riley and Sharp Butte, knowingly and intentionally, combined, conspired, confederated and agreed with each other and others, to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. Further, on March 5, 2019, Riley, knowingly being an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly possessed a firearm.
The charges are merely accusations and Riley and Sharp Butte are 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 Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Riley and Sharp Butte were both remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Aberdeen Woman Indicted for Distributing OxycodoneRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Aberdeen, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Distribution of Oxycodone.
Sheila Salas, age 55, was indicted on December 10, 2019. She appeared through counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 13, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on September 7, 2018, Salas knowingly and intentionally distributed a prescription drug containing oxycodone in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The male victim, to whom Salas unlawfully distributed the oxycodone, suffered a fatal overdose the same day.
The charge is merely an accusation and Salas is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Aberdeen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Salas was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Wakonda Man Charged for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wakonda, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Ricky Bryan Giedd, age 50, was indicted on March 3, 2020. He appeared before Veronica L. Duffy on March 5, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $10 million fine, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Beginning at an unknown date and continuing to on or about February, 2020, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Ricky Bryan Giedd, did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate, and agree together, with others known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charge is merely an accusation and Giedd is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash is prosecuting the case.
Giedd was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Two Cherry Creek Men Charged with Murder, Asault, and Tampering with EvidenceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Cherry Creek, South Dakota, men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Second Degree Murder, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Tampering with Evidence.
Jerome White Horse, Jr., age 60, was indicted on March 9, 2020, for Second Degree Murder, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. Samuel White Horse, age 31, was indicted on March 9, 2020, for Second Degree Murder, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Tampering with Evidence. They both appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 11, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in 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 on February 12, 2020, at Cherry Creek, South Dakota, Jerome and Samuel assaulted and, with malice aforethought, murdered a male victim by beating him with a garden hoe. Samuel later concealed the garden hoe with the intent to impair its availability for use in and obstruct the criminal investigation. Jerome is Samuel’s father.
The charges are merely accusations and Jerome and Samuel are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Jerome and Samuel were both remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for May 5, 2020.
South Dakota Man Indicted on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a South Dakota man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
John Thin Elk, age 42, was indicted on March 3, 2020. He appeared before Veronica L. Duffy on March 6, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
If convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Thin Elk faces a mandatory 10 years, with a maximum penalty life, in custody and/or a $10 million fine, a mandatory period 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The maximum penalty upon conviction for the Felon in Possession of a Firearm is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges are merely accusations and Thin Elk is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga 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.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with Possession of a Firearm by Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by Prohibited Person.
Vasiliy Vasilyevic Manuylo, age 25, was indicted on March 3, 2020. He appeared before Veronica L. Duffy on March 5, 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, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
On or about January 26, 2020, in the District of South Dakota, Manuylo, knowing he had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and then being an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, did knowingly possess a firearm and ammunition, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
The charge is merely an accusation and Manuylo is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash is prosecuting the case.
Manuylo was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for May 12, 2020.
Rapid City Woman Indicted on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Journey Austin, age 24, was indicted on March 9, 2020. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 12, 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 November 12, 2019, Austin knowing she was an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance as defined in 21 U.S.C. 802, and knowing she had been convicted of a felony, knowingly possessed a firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce and foreign commerce.
The charge is merely an accusation and Austin 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 Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Austin was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead 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 Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
Daniel Roan Eagle, age 29, was indicted on January 14, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 12, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 40 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison, and/or a $5,000,000 fine, at least 4 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each Count. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on October 27, 2019, Roan Eagle did knowingly and intentionally possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in Todd County, on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.
The charge is merely an accusation and Roan Eagle is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Roan Eagle was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Indicted on Domestic Assault by Habitual Offender, Child Abuse, and Meth ChargesRead 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 Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender, Child Abuse, and Possession of a Controlled Substance With Intent to Distribute.
Alvin Bear Heels, Jr., age 45, was indicted on March 9, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 12, 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, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on April 7, 2019 and February 20, 2020, in Mellette County, South Dakota, Bear Heels unlawfully committed a domestic assault against a spouse or intimate partner and that, at the time of the domestic assault, Bear Heels had at least two prior convictions for offenses that would have been, if subject to federal jurisdiction, an assault against a spouse or intimate partner. The Indictment further alleges that at the same time and place, Bear Heels did abuse, expose, torture, torment, and cruelly punish two different children who had not attained the age of eighteen. The Indictment further alleges that in the district of South Dakota and elsewhere, Bear Heels knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charges are merely accusations and Bear Heels 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.
Bear Heels was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Okreek Man Indicted on Assault and Child Abuse ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Okreek, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangulation and Suffocation and Child Abuse.
Sheldon Denoyer, age 30, was indicted on March 9, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 11, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 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 August 12, 2019, Denoyer unlawfully committed a domestic assault against his intimate partner, by strangling and suffocating her, and further did abuse, expose, torture, torment, and cruelly punish a minor child.
The charges are merely accusations and Denoyer 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.
Denoyer was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Murdo Woman Indicted on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Murdo, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Moriah Moran, age 32, was indicted on March 9, 2020. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 11, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 40 years in prison and/or a $5,000,000 fine, at least 4 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each Count. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on May 7, 2019, Moran knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine in Todd County, on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.
The charge is merely an accusation and Moran is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Moran was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Lower Brule Man Charged with Failure to RegisterRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Jeffrey Paul Jandreau, age 41, was indicted on March 9, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 11, 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, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between December 15, 2019, and February 22, 2020, Jandreau, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, knowingly failed to register and update his registration as required by law.
The charge is merely an accusation and Jandreau is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
Jandreau was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Gettysburg Man Indicted on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Gettysburg, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Jamie Holzwarth, a/k/a Dream, age 38, was indicted on March 9, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 11, 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 February 26, 2020, in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, Holzwarth, knowing that he had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess a firearm.
The charge is merely an accusation and Holzwarth 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 Cheyenne River 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.
Holzwarth was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Eagle Butte Woman Indicted on Larceny and Bank Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Larceny and Bank Fraud.
Yesica Rose Lara, age 34, was indicted on March 9, 2020. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 11, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 30 years in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between July 29, 2018 and September 11, 2018, Lara did unlawfully forge checks from closed accounts and attempted to cash them at multiple locations in Eagle Butte. The Indictment further alleges that Lara attempted to execute a scheme and artifice to obtain moneys, funds, credits, asset, securities, or other property owned by financial institutions.
The charges are merely accusations and Lara 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 Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Lara was released on bond 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 Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Lucian Rising Sun, a/k/a Sonny Rising Sun, age 28, was indicted on March 9, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 11, 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 January 29, 2020, Rising Sun unlawfully assaulted an individual and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim.
The charge is merely an accusation and Rising Sun 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.
Rising Sun remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Former Rapid City Priest Convicted on 65 Counts in Theft, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Marcin Stanislaw Garbacz, age 41, formerly an ordained priest assigned to the Catholic Diocese in Rapid City, South Dakota, was found guilty by a federal trial jury of 50 counts of Wire Fraud, nine counts of Money Laundering, one count of Transportation of Stolen Money, and five counts of Making and Subscribing a False Tax Return following a week-long jury trial at the federal courthouse in Rapid City.
Wire Fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count.
Money Laundering carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and/or a $500,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count.
Transportation of Stolen Money carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count.
Making and Subscribing a False Tax Return carries a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Restitution may also be ordered.
Evidence at trial established that Garbacz, while employed as a priest with the Catholic Diocese in Rapid City, devised a scheme to steal monies collected from parishioners at various church services by secretly entering the areas in three parish churches where such monies were stored. He took steps such as entering the church buildings late in the evening, removing and replacing special, tamper-proof bank bags, making multiple same-day deposits totaling tens of thousands of dollars of stolen money in ATMs well after midnight, and laundering such stolen money through a variety of banks, investment firms, and credit card companies.
Garbacz used the hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen parishioner money to purchase for himself over a dozen gold-plated chalices, numerous bronze statues, a $10,000 diamond ring, Mont Blanc fountain pens, and more.
“The cache of worldly treasures accumulated by this common thief looks like something from Raiders of the Lost Ark,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “He bought it all using money he stole from his parishioners – money that was intended to help the Church and help the poor. The selfishness and greed of it all is mind-boggling.”
“Income is taxable, regardless of the source” said Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge, at the IRS Criminal Investigation division. “Special Agents are following the money to make sure everyone complies with the tax laws.”
Once he was made aware of the federal investigation, Garbacz drained his bank account of more than $50,000 and bought a one-way plane ticket to Poland. Fortunately, he was arrested by federal agents at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in May 2019 just before his flight was to depart.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted and tried the case, and the investigation was led by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
A sentencing date will be scheduled. Garbacz was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Attends Department of Justice 2020 National Opioid SummitRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons, DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon and AUSA Jennifer MammengaWASHINGTON D.C. – United States Attorney Ron Parsons attended the Department of Justice’s National 2020 Opioid Summit held on March 4-6, 2020, at the Robert F. Kennedy Building in Washington D.C. The summit brought together U.S. Attorneys, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, health professionals, and other experts from across the country to discuss strategies for confronting and solving the opioid crisis. Featured speakers included U.S. Attorney General William Barr, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, First Lady Melania Trump, Uttam Dhillon (Acting Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration), and Sam Quinones (Journalist and Author of Dreamland). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Mammenga, Opioid Coordinator for the District of South Dakota, was also in attendance at the summit.
Renner Woman Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Renner, South Dakota, woman convicted of Bank Fraud was sentenced on March 2, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Tessa Crawford, age 24, was sentenced to 2 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $3,877.92, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Crawford was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 8, 2019. She pled guilty on December 2, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on or about November 8, 2017, and continuing through on or about February 14, 2018, when Crawford, along with others, knowingly executed and attempted to execute a scheme and artifice to defraud financial institutions by obtaining money, funds, credits, assets, securities, and other property owned by, and under the custody and control of, the financial institutions, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises.
Crawford stole several legitimate checks from the unsecured mailboxes of various individuals in the Sioux Falls area. Crawford then “washed” the checks by using chemicals to remove some of the original handwritten ink and altered the payee and the amount sections of the checks. She then negotiated the checks and attempted to negotiate the checks for her own purpose and benefit, and recruited others to negotiate the checks and attempt to negotiate the checks on her behalf.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Crawford was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.
Ira Little Bear, age 29, was sentenced on February 24, 2020, to 2 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Little Bear was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2019.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Little Bear was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead 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.
Wanbli Morris, age 34, was sentenced on February 28, 2020, to 6 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stems from Morris, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully being in possession of a stolen Hi-Point 9mm semi-automatic pistol, which he forcibly took from a sales clerk while robbing a Rapid City Fresh Start convenience store in April 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.
Morris was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead 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.
Joseph Marr, age 26, was sentenced on February 28, 2020, to 4 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stems from Marr, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, being in possession of a loaded Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol after taking law enforcement on a high speed chase reaching 100 miles per hour.
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.
Marr was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.
John Dethlefs, age 52, was sentenced on February 28, 2020, to time served, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stems from Dethlefs, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing ammunition, unlawfully possessing multiple types of ammunition in September 2016 at Rapid City, which was found after law enforcement executed a search warrant on Dethlefs’ residence.
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.
Pierre Man Charged with Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer and Influencing a Federal Officer by Threat.
Richard Barela, age 28, was indicted on February 11, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 4, 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 January 14, 2020, Barela did forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with U.S. Marshals by using a knife, while the U.S. Marshals were engaged in the performance of their official duties. The Indictment further alleges that during the incident, Barela threatened to murder the U.S. Marshals.
The charges are merely accusations and Barela is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pierre Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirsten Jasper is prosecuting the case.
Barela was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Parker Man Indicted on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Parker, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Rollin Lee Dollens, age 52, was indicted on February 11, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on March 2, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 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 September 16, 2019, Dollens, knowingly being an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly possessed a firearm in Corson County, South Dakota.
The charge is merely an accusation and Dollens is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Corson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Dollens was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
California Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Yuba City, California, man who was convicted at a federal jury trial in October 2019 of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on February 28, 2020, by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Juan Porcayo, age 49, was sentenced to a total of 14 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 2016 to September 2017, while living in California, Porcayo supplied approximately 10 kilograms of methamphetamine to persons in Rapid City, South Dakota, for distribution.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, which is comprised of investigators from the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Porcayo was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
California Man Facing Charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Meth in South DakotaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a San Jose, California, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Michael George Sequeira, age 35, was indicted on December 17, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 2, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $10 million fine, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about the date of this Indictment, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Michael George Sequeira, did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate, and agree together, with others known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute a mixture and substance containing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846.
The charge is merely an accusation and Sequeira is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga is prosecuting the case.
Sequeira was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Arizona Man Sentenced for Role in South Dakota Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Surprise, Arizona, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute 500 Grams of Methamphetamine was sentenced on February 24, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schrerer.
Johnny Gould, age 44, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Gould was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on February 5, 2019. He pled guilty on November 25, 2019.
Beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about September 30, 2017, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Gould did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate, and agree together, with others known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute a mixture and substance containing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Gould was the source for approximately twenty pounds of methamphetamine that was distributed in South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.
Gould was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Washington Man Charged with Prohibited Person in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Bridgeport, Washington, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.
Johnathan Bravo Barrera, age 25, was indicted on February 11, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on February 21, 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, three years of supervised release, $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and restitution.
The Indictment alleges that on October 23, 2019, in Corson County, Bravo while knowingly being an unlawful user of and addicted to marijuana knowingly possessed two firearms, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce and foreign commerce.
The charge is merely an accusation and Bravo 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 Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Corson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirsten Jasper is prosecuting the case.
Bravo was released on bond. A trial date has not been set.
Rosebud Woman Indicted for Assault of and Threatening a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer and Influencing a Federal Officer by Threat.
Jamie E. Oliver, a/k/a Jamie E. Decory, age 34, was indicted on February 11, 2020. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 26, 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 October 6, 2019, Oliver did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with and threaten to murder a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.
The charges are merely accusations and Oliver 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.
Oliver was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on February 24, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Terri Paulhamus, age 39, was sentenced to 60 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.
Paulhamus was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 14, 2018. She pled guilty on December 5, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy that occurred between 2016 and 2017, in which Paulhamus, knowingly and intentionally, conspired and agreed with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Paulhamus was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.
Warren Hotchkiss, age 39, was sentenced on February 25, 2020, to time served, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The charge related to Hotchkiss unlawfully possessing a short-barrel Weatherby, model PA 08 TR, 12 gauge pump action shotgun in March 2019 at Rapid City, which was found after law enforcement executed a search warrant on Hotchkiss’ residence.
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.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Fourth 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 February 24, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Bradley Makes Room For Them, age 35, was sentenced to 33 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.
Makes Room For Them was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 17, 2019. He pled guilty on December 17, 2019.
Makes Room For Them was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in September 2003. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Makes Room For Them was convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in 2014, 2016, and 2018. In September 2019, Makes Room For Them was released from prison and began a period of supervised release, but failed to update his sex offender registration. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued and on September 29, 2019, Makes Room For Them was arrested in Rapid City.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Makes Room For Them was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pukwana Woman Sentenced for Theft of Mail by Postal Service EmployeeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pukwana, South Dakota, woman convicted of Theft of Mail by Postal Service Employee was sentenced on February 24, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Kayla Ottmo, age 36, was sentenced to 2 years of probation, $315 in restitution, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Ottmo was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 9, 2019. She pled guilty on November 26, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from incidents between on or about September 2018, and November 2, 2018, when Ottmo stole letters, packages, bags, and mail that were not addressed to her. These items had been placed in the custody and control of the U.S. Postal Service and were intended to be conveyed by mail. Ottmo stole the contents of the letters, packages, bags, and mail, namely gift cards and other items of value, and converted them to her own use. At the time, Ottmo was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Pukwana as a rural carrier associate.
This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Pine Ridge Woman Acquitted of Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, woman was acquitted of Second Degree Murder as a result of a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, on February 21, 2020.
Doreen Brown, age 44, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 9, 2019.
The charges related to the stabbing death of Brown’s boyfriend at Pine Ridge on June 27, 2019.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced for BurglaryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Third Degree Burglary was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.
Nicholas Otter Robe, age 20, was sentenced on February 25, 2020, to 5 years of probation, ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and $40,700 in restitution.
Otter Robe was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2018. The charge related to Otter Robe causing extensive damage to a Chevrolet Impala and Chevrolet Suburban on June 2, 2018, at the Pine Ridge School. Otter Robe then broke a window to gain entrance to the school and entered various offices and multiple classrooms, leaving a path of destruction to federal and school property in his wake. Otter Robe caused in excess of $40,700 damage to the vehicles and federal and/or Pine Ridge School property.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Office of Justice Services, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.
Mount Vernon Man Sentenced for Distribution and Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mount Vernon, South Dakota, man convicted of Distribution and Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on February 24, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Richard Charles Tellinghuisen, age 29, was sentenced to 121 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.
Tellinghuisen was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 9, 2019. He pled guilty on November 26, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from incidents on or about September 11, 2017, and September 12, 2017, when Tellinghuisen entered a chat room on the internet hosted by KIK where he chatted with an undercover agent. Tellinghuisen distributed several videos containing child pornography to the undercover agent.
Tellinghuisen knew the files contained child pornography and he admitted to knowingly distributing files containing child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Tellinghuisen was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
McLaughlin Man Charged with Abusive Sexual Contact with a ChildRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child and Sexual Contact.
Joseph Dallas Spotted Horse, age 61, was indicted on February 11, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on February 21, 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, five years of supervised release, $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and restitution.
The Indictment alleges that in August of 2015, Spotted Horse knowingly engaged in sexual contact with a child who had not attained the age of 12 years. The Indictment further alleges that Spotted Horse engaged in sexual contact with an individual who at the time was incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct and was physically incapable of declining participation in and communicating an unwillingness to engage in the abusive sexual contact.
The charges are merely accusations and Spotted Horse is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirsten Jasper is prosecuting the case.
Spotted Horse was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Fort Pierre Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Pierre, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on February 25, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Frank Loring Miller, Jr., age 61, was sentenced to 57 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.
Miller was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 16, 2019. He pled guilty on December 12, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy that occurred between February 1, 2019, and July 16, 2019, in which Miller, knowingly and intentionally, conspired and agreed with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in and around the Pierre and Ft. Pierre communities. As part of the conspiracy, Miller and his co-defendants traveled to Denver, Colorado to pick up methamphetamine. On June 23, 2019, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Miller’s vehicle wherein 236 grams of methamphetamine, a scale, pipes and other items of distribution were found.
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Pierre Police Department, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Miller will self-report on March 10th to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Former Watertown Woman Charged with Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a former Watertown, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft of Government Funds, False Statement, Concealment of Information from SSI Program, and Misuse by a Representative Payee.
Marilyn Ruth Holley, age 40, was indicted on January 7, 2020. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on February 25, 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 up to $400 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The first count of the Indictment alleges that between November 19, 2015, and April 1, 2019, Holley willfully and knowingly embezzled, stole, and purloined money from Title XVI program benefits payments made to a minor child from whom Holley was a representative payee. Title XVI is administered by the Social Security Administration.
The second count of the Indictment also alleges that on or about April 5, 2016, Holley knowingly made false statements and representations in a Social Security Administration non-medical review, that is she falsely reported that a minor child was living in her home, when he was not.
The third count of the Indictment alleges that between November 19, 2015, and April 1, 2019, Holley failed to disclose that a minor child had ceased to live in her home, in order to continue to receive and spend SSI benefits payments made by the Social Security Administration to her.
Finally, the fourth count of the Indictment alleges that between November 19, 2015, and April 1, 2019, Holley knowingly and willfully converted the minor child’s benefits to her own use.
The charges are merely accusations and Holley is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Social Security Administration, Cooperative Disability Investigation Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Holley was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead 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.
Shawn Hawley, age 39, was sentenced on February 24, 2020, to 18 months in federal prison, followed by 18 months of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stems from Hawley, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, being in possession of an Izhmash, model Saiga-12, 12 gauge shotgun, which was found after Hawley came into contact with law enforcement in November 2018 at Rapid City.
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.
Hawley was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pierre Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on February 24, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Joel Boe, age 38, was sentenced to 60 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.
Boe was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 10, 2019. He pled guilty on December 5, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy that occurred between June 2017 and September 2019, in which Boe, knowingly and intentionally, conspired and agreed with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in and around the Pierre and Ft. Pierre communities.
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Pierre Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Boe was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Felon in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on February 24, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Luke Joseph Burning Breast, age 36, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, forfeiture of a firearm, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Burning Breast was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 14, 2019. He was convicted of the charge on December 10, 2019, following a two-day jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota.
The conviction stemmed from Burning Breast being previously convicted of Drug User in Possession of a Firearm, a felony, in U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota in 2008. On April 9, 2019, in Rosebud, South Dakota, Burning Breast was at a residence when a heated altercation ensued between him and his domestic partner. Law enforcement was contacted and responded to the residence. At the scene, officers overheard Burning Breast say his rifle was placed outside during the argument. Upon questioning, Burning Breast affirmed the location of the rifle and acknowledged his prior felony conviction, but erroneously asserted the conviction was expunged. Officers found the rifle outside the residence as Burning Breast described. Burning Breast’s felony conviction had not been expunged and remained valid.
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 Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Elmore prosecuted the case.
Burning Breast was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.