District of South Dakota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
California Man Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Lancaster, California, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Bryan Howard, a/k/a Chase Profit, age 30, was indicted on March 12, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 10, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $10,000,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between May 1, 2015, and October 31, 2015, Howard knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in South Dakota.
The charge is merely an accusation and Howard 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.
Howard was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A jury trial has been set for August 13, 2019.
Wagner Man Convicted of Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Jeremy Aungie, age 33, of Wagner, South Dakota, was found guilty of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on June 5, 2019.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and/or a $500,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Aungie was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 6, 2018.
From on or about June 22, 2012, until on or about May 16, 2018, Aungie sexually abused a juvenile female from the time she was 8 years old until she was 13 years old. They lived together in a house in Wagner. The sexual abuse was often accompanied by physical abuse such as hitting, slapping, pulling of hair, and choking.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey C. Clapper and Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for August 19, 2019. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Two Rapid City Men Charged in RobberyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Rapid City, South Dakota, men were charged in federal district court with Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Use and Brandishing of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence, and Conspiracy.
Corbin Conroy, age 40, and Wesley Dillon, age 18, were indicted on April 16, 2019. Conroy and Dillon appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Conroy and Dillon robbing a Rapid City casino in March 2019, and brandishing a pistol at a casino employee.
The charges are merely an accusation and Conroy and Dillon are 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 Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Conroy and Dillon were detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Sisseton Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sisseton, South Dakota, man convicted of abusive sexual contact was sentenced on June 3, 2019, by U.S. District Jude Charles B. Kornmann.
Joel Michael Max, age 30, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
According to court documents, between March 23, 2018, and June 2, 2018, Max did knowingly engage in, and attempt to engage in, sexual contact with a child. Max acted with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, and degrade the child, and to arouse and gratify his sexual desires.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe’s Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Max was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance has been sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Michael Carey, age 57, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
“This is an appropriate prison sentence for a defendant who has been a major source of meth sold in western South Dakota,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “The public can be assured that federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies are working together to do everything possible to dismantle the drug trafficking organizations bringing this poison into our communities. And anyone still trafficking illegal drugs in this state should understand that they are next on the list.”
Carey was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 20, 2018, for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. He pled guilty to the conspiracy charge on February 15, 2019.
On multiple occasions, Carey traveled to California to obtain methamphetamine from a California supplier. Upon Carey’s return, Carey would coordinate with others to distribute the methamphetamine in the Black Hills area. After months of investigation, a traffic stop was conducted while Carey was returning to South Dakota, and approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine were found in his possession. Federal drug charges against an additional co-conspirator with Carey are pending.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the local Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Nelson prosecuted the case.
Carey was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
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.
Eugene Leon Featherman, age 30, was indicted on November 14, 2018. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 31, 2019, 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, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Featherman was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in January 2012. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender for a period of 25 years. It is alleged that between August 25, 2018, and November 14, 2018, Featherman, 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.
The charge is merely an accusation and Featherman is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Featherman was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Charged with Wire Fraud and Theft of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with 18 counts of Wire Fraud and one count of Theft of Government Property.
Robert Rodney Bland, age 51, was indicted on May 21, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on June 6, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 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 charges relate to Bland fraudulently billing for windshield rock chip repairs that were never done on General Services Administration vehicles. The charges are merely an accusation and Bland is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the General Services Administration-Office of Inspector General, the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General, and the Department of Defense-Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Bland was released pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Pukwana Man Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pukwana, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Sidney DuBray, age 24, was indicted on May 14, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 31, 2019, 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 December 20, 2018, DuBray assaulted an individual with a knife causing serious bodily injury to the victim.
The charges are merely accusations and DuBray is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
DuBray was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Peever Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Peever, South Dakota, man convicted of abusive sexual contact was sentenced on June 3, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
David Seaboy, Sr., age 57, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
According to court documents, in November 2007, Seaboy did knowingly engage in, and attempt to engage in, sexual contact with a person who had not attained the age of 12. Seaboy acted with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, and degrade the child, and to arouse and gratify his sexual desires.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe’s Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Seaboy was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Indicted for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangulation and Suffocation, Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, and Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Logan James Fast Horse, age 21, was indicted on May 14, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 29, 2019, 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 1, 2019, Fast Horse assaulted his intimate partner and dating partner, by strangling and suffocating her, and on that same date, Fast Horse kicked her with shod feet with the intent to do bodily harm. The Indictment further alleges that on April 5, 2019, Fast Horse 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 charges are merely accusations and Fast Horse 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.
Fast Horse was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
McLaughlin Man Charged with Third Degree Burglary and Aiding and Abetting, Co-Conspirator SentencedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for third degree burglary and aiding and abetting.
Lyle Daniel Mousseau, age 42, was indicted on February 13, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William Gerdes on June 4, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
According to the Indictment, on or about July 11, 2018, Lyle Daniel Mousseau and Alexander Guy Jones unlawfully entered and remained in an unoccupied structure, that is, NAPA Auto and Truck of McLaughlin, with intent to commit the crime of larceny.
The charges are merely accusations and Mousseau is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Alexander Guy Jones, age 26, was sentenced on June 4, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann to 11 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for the same burglary. Jones was indicted on October 16, 2018.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting both cases.
Mousseau was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial date has not been set.
Fairburn Man Sentenced for Stealing Guns in Rooster BurglaryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fairburn, South Dakota, man convicted of Theft of a Firearm was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Zephaniah Thompson, a/k/a Zephariah Thompson, age 29, was sentenced on June 6, 2019, to 57 months 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 stems from Thompson aiding and abetting another individual in breaking into The Rooster sporting goods store in Rapid City, and stealing 24 firearms in August 2018. The firearms were taken to the defendant’s residence, and a Dremel tool was utilized to remove serial numbers from several of the firearms. Some of the firearms were later traded for methamphetamine. During the investigation, 22 of the 24 stolen guns were recovered by law enforcement.
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 was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Thompson was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Charged with Assault and Discharging a Firearm During a Crime of ViolenceRead 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 Discharging, Brandishing, Carrying, or Possessing a Firearm during and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
William Hawk, Sr., age 30, was indicted on May 14, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 31, 2019, 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 on May 11, 2019, Hawk assaulted an individual by discharging a rifle at the victim with the intent to do bodily harm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
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 the Department’s 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.
The charges are merely accusations and Hawk is 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 Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
Hawk was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Hot Springs Man Sentenced to 210 Months for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Hot Springs, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on June 3, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Laurens Marcus Maas, age 51, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He was also ordered to forfeit 21 firearms.
Maas was indicted for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm by a federal grand jury on November 7, 2017. He pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine on June 1, 2018.
Maas received methamphetamine from a California supplier of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine Maas received was later distributed in North Dakota and the Black Hills. A search warrant was executed at his residence on October 25, 2017. Law enforcement seized over 6 pounds of methamphetamine, 21 firearms, and ammunition. Additional co-conspirators are pending sentencing and trials in Rapid City.
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 was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Maas was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Tennessee Man Sentenced on Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Maryville, Tennessee, man convicted of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm was sentenced by Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court Judge.
Daniel J. Richardson, Jr., age 62, was sentenced on May 31, 2019, to 5 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 stems from Richardson knowingly possessing two firearm silencers, which had not been registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, in South Dakota in September 2018. Richardson was also originally charged with sending threatening interstate communications regarding Jesuits at Red Cloud Indian School. Although this charge was dismissed as part of the plea agreement, the United States offered evidence of the threatening communications at sentencing, a factor the Judge took into consideration in sentencing Richardson.
“I want to commend the outstanding cooperative efforts of the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety – particularly OST Police Chief Bob Ecoffey – in apprehending this individual,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “This case is an example of how open lines of communication and quick, decisive action by law enforcement can prevent potential tragedy.”
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Richardson was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Two Nicaragua Men Sentenced for Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two men from Nicaragua charged with Illegal Reentry After Deportation pled guilty and were sentenced on May 28, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Elvin Evelio Davila-Marin, age 30, was sentenced to time served (193 days), and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Wilson Uriel Davila-Marin, age 27, was sentenced to time served (193 days), and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The convictions stem from an incident that took place on or about October 10, 2018, when both brothers came into contact with law enforcement in the District of South Dakota. They had both been previously deported from the United States on June 22, 2018, at Alexandria, Louisiana. They both entered the United States illegally and had not obtained the consent of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or the Attorney General of the United States to apply for lawful admission into the United States.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper.
Elvin Davila-Marin and Wilson Davila-Marin were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Man Found Guilty in Violent Shooting SpreeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Lester Waters, Jr., age 38, was found guilty of 2 counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, 2 counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and 2 counts of Discharging, Brandishing, or Possessing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence following a federal trial in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Each assault charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The two firearms charges each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
Evidence at trial established Waters fired a pistol four times while at a party at a Pine Ridge residence on January 25, 2018. Three of the bullets struck one of the victims, ultimately paralyzing him. Another bullet struck a second victim in the face, causing extensive injuries.
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 Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Sazama and Eric Kelderman prosecuted and tried the case.
A sentencing date was set for September 17, 2019. Waters was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Darknet Fentanyl Dealer Indicted in Nationwide Undercover Operation Targeting Darknet Vendors Who Were Selling to Thousands of U.s. ResidentsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas announced the indictment of a darknet drug dealer who has been indicted for leveraging Bitcoin’s apparent anonymity to sell fentanyl online. The charges against him are the result of the first nationwide undercover operation targeting darknet vendors that the Justice Department announced in June 2018.
Sean Shaughnessy, 51, of the Dallas Fort Worth, Texas area, was charged by federal grand jury with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance analogue and eight counts of money laundering.
According to the indictment, which was unsealed on May 24 following the defendant’s initial appearance, Mr. Shaughnessy allegedly sold fentanyl and fentanyl analogues over the dark web, an unindexed portion of the internet accessible only via specialized software that allows users to conduct transactions with relative anonymity. His buyers purchased the fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, which was shipped to their addresses, using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, the indictment alleges. One user, who allegedly purchased a fentanyl analogue from Mr. Shaughnessy, overdosed on the substance and died. Mr. Shaughnessy allegedly transferred his Bitcoin proceeds to other cryptocurrency wallets in exchange for regular fiat currency, which was shipped to his home in Dallas. Unbeknownst to Mr. Shaughnessy, he sent more than $120,000 bitcoin to wallet addresses controlled by federal agents. Yesterday, he was ordered to remain in federal custody. The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation into Sean Shaughnessy was part of Operation Dark Gold, a year-long, coordinated national operation that used the first nationwide undercover action to target vendors of illicit goods on the darknet. Special agents of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Field Office posed as a money launderer on dark net market sites, exchanging U.S. currency for virtual currency. Through this operation, HSI New York was able to identify numerous vendors of illicit goods, leading to the opening of more than 90 active cases around the country, including the investigation into Mr. Shaughnessy in the Northern District of Texas.
The Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, coordinated with law enforcement and federal prosecutors from more than 50 U.S. Attorney’s Offices to investigate 65 targets identified by the undercover operation, which led to the arrest and impending prosecution of more than 30 darknet vendors.
One year after 70 search warrants were executed in May 2018, numerous opioid and narcotics distributors have been charged and convicted around the country. Those include:
- Brian Gutierrez-Villasenor, 27, of San Francisco, California, was sentenced recently to serve 120 months in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and transporting funds to promote unlawful activity. Gutierrez-Villasenor was charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. According to his guilty plea, between 2014 and May of 2018, Gutierrez-Villasenor distributed cocaine and methamphetamine for a darknet vendor site called “JetSetLife.” In addition to the prison term, Gutierrez-Villasenor was ordered to pay a $40,000 fine and to serve an additional five-year term of supervised release to begin after his prison term. Gutierrez-Villasenor has been in custody since his arrest on May 17, 2018, and is serving his prison sentence.
- John Edward Monette, 50, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was sentenced to serve five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Monette was convicted of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance on Nov. 15, 2018. On April 25, 2018, a federal search warrant was executed on Monette’s residence as part of Operation Dark Gold. Law enforcement officers seized approximately 838 grams of MDMA, numerous ecstasy pills, approximately 69 grams of cocaine, drug packaging, scales, shipping materials, computers, cell phones and a rifle. Also seized were 3.3882104 bitcoin (approximate value $32,464.38) from a Mycelium wallet on Monette’s cell phone. Monette had been buying MDMA and other controlled substances from sellers in Europe and elsewhere via the dark web. He used Bitcoin to pay his suppliers, and received the drugs via mail. He also used the mail to deliver drugs to his customers.
- Ryan Farace, 34, of Reisterstown, Maryland, and Robert Swain, 34, of Freeland, Maryland, were charged by the U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. Farace was sentenced to serve 57 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug distribution and money laundering conspiracies. The charges arose from a scheme to manufacture and distribute Alprazolam, or “Xanax,” through sales on the dark net in exchange for Bitcoin. Farace and his co-conspirator, Robert Swain, laundered the drug proceeds through financial transactions designed to conceal the source and ownership of the illegal funds. Farace was ordered to forfeit a money judgment equal to $5,665,000 and 4,000 bitcoin (currently worth approximately $3.2 million). Farace was also ordered to forfeit assets seized by law enforcement during the execution of search warrants in 2018, at locations associated with the conspiracies, including approximately $1.5 million in cash, 1.100 bitcoin and approximately $2.5 million in computer equipment. Robert Swain previously pleaded guilty to the money laundering conspiracy and faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison at his sentencing on June 18.
- Tyler Lee Ward, 35, of Moody, Alabama, and Henry Long Nguyen, 33, of Birmingham, Alabama, pleaded guilty in the Northern District of Alabama to three counts including conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute Alprazolam; maintaining a drug-involved premises; and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Ward was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison and Nguyen was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison. Both Ward and Nguyen were ordered to forfeit numerous assets, including more than $200,000 in cryptocurrency. Joseph William Davis 26, of Madison, Alabama, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute Alprazolam and was sentenced to serve 126 months in prison.
- Sam Bent, 32, of St. Johnsbury, Vermont (and formerly of East Burke, Vermont), and his cousin, Djeneba Bent, 26, also of St. Johnsbury (and formerly East Burke) were both charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont. They both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Sam Bent also pleaded guilty to three counts of money laundering and agreed to a forfeiture money judgment. As part of his plea agreement, Sam Bent admitted that he set up accounts on dark web marketplaces, established online identities, accepted Bitcoin in exchange for sales over the dark web, and mailed controlled substances from several different post offices in Northeastern Vermont and Northwestern New Hampshire in an effort to avoid detection. Their sentencings are currently scheduled for July 2019.
- Kyle Lindemann, 31, of Birmingham, Michigan, was charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, and pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute MDMA. As part of his plea, Lindemann admitted that he had managed a vendor account on the darknet marketplace known as “Dream Market,” on which he sold Alprazolam (Xanax), Adderall, Ecstasy (MDMA), and GHB. Lindemann also agreed to the forfeiture of 4.430550289998 Monero and 39.17488 MilliBitcoin that were seized during Operation Dark Gold, in May 2018.
The investigations are pending.
Bullhead Man Charged with Child Abuse and AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Bullhead, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Child Abuse and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
Rex Harrison, age 52, was indicted on May 14, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on May 29, 2019, 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 4, 2019, Harrison abused, exposed, tortured, tormented, and cruelly punished minor children who had not attained the age of 18, and further assaulted another individual with a tire iron and a vehicle with the intent to do bodily harm.
The charges are merely accusations and Harrison 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.
Harrison was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Pierre Man Sentenced for Being Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, man convicted of Felon in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on May 28, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Michael Schmidt, age 44, was sentenced to time served, 2 years of supervised release, a $200 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Schmidt was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 12, 2018. He pled guilty on March 5, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on January 31, 2018, when a Forest Protection Officer observed Schmidt’s vehicle off a designated road. When the officer approached Schmidt, he informed the officer that there were firearms in the vehicle and acknowledged that he was a felon and had not had his rights restored. The firearms were seized and both were functional and had traveled in interstate and/or foreign commerce.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Lyman County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Forest Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
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 the Department’s 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.
Parmelee Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Parmeleee, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on May 29, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Lionel Eugene Roubideaux, age 55, was sentenced to 15 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.
Roubideaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, 2018. He pled guilty on April 1, 2019.
Roubideaux was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in December 1987. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender for his natural life. Roubideaux failed to update his registration between March 17, 2018, and August 14, 2018.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.
Roubideaux was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on May 28, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Jeffrey W. Provancial, age 27, was sentenced to 14 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.
Provancial was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 11, 2018. He pled guilty on March 5, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from Provancial failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between June 13, 2018, and November 2, 2018. Provancial had previously been convicted of a sex offense in federal court, which required him to register for the rest of his life.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.
Provancial was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Maintaining Drug HouseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises was sentenced on May 29, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Jason Leo Fischer, age 35, was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison, 2 years of supervised release, $1,000 fine, forfeiture of a rifle, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Fischer was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 22, 2017. He pleaded guilty on March 5, 2019.
Between June of 2016 and November of 2017, Fischer used and maintained his residence in Ziebach County for the use and distribution of methamphetamine and marijuana. He was aware that numerous individuals were using and distributing methamphetamine and marijuana on the premises and he failed to stop them. When Fischer was arrested, law enforcement located and seized a .22 caliber rifle from the doorway of Fischer’s bedroom, and confiscated numerous items of drug paraphernalia testing positive for methamphetamine and/or marijuana from within the residence.
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 the Department’s 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 was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Narcotics Division and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan prosecuted the case.
Fischer was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Canton Man Sentenced for Sending Firearm in the MailRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Canton, South Dakota, man convicted of Mailing a Firearm was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Kohl Hammer, age 19, was sentenced on May 20, 2019, to 3 years of probation and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Hammer was charged on September 18, 2018. The charge related to Hammer knowingly mailing a Taurus, model 85B2, .38 Special caliber, double-action revolver in August 2018 at Rapid City, in violation of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Postal Service.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and 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 U.S. Postal Inspector. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Hammer was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Agency Village Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Agency Village, South Dakota, man convicted of sexual abuse of a minor was sentenced on May 20, 2019, by U.S. District Jude Charles B. Kornmann.
Sylanus Flute, age 25, was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
According to court documents, between February and April of 2017, Flute engaged in sexual acts with a juvenile female under the age of 16. Flute was over 22 years old when he engaged in the sexual acts. The sexual acts were nonconsensual.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe’s Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Flute was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Two Men and One Woman Sentenced for Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two men and one woman were convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and were sentenced on May 14, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Victor Manuel Caperon, age 36, from San Diego, California, convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, was sentenced to 130 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.
Amos Hall, a/k/a Amos Lee Hall, IV, age 36, from Watertown, South Dakota, convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Alexis Dumarce, age 31, from Watertown, South Dakota, convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, was sentenced to 50 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.
Caperon was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 13, 2018. He pled guilty on November 14, 2018. Hall and Dumarce were indicted by a federal grand jury on June 13, 2018. They pled guilty on November 13, 2018.
The convictions stem from a methamphetamine conspiracy in and around the Watertown and Sisseton, South Dakota areas from November 23, 2017, through February 28, 2018. The conspiracy involved over 500 grams of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Hall, Dumarce, and two other co-defendants, Dyvon Byrd and Danny Callahan, were selling methamphetamine brought to South Dakota from California by Caperon and co-defendant Josh Paul. Caperon and Paul were found with six pounds of methamphetamine on February 28, 2018, during a traffic stop in Corson County, South Dakota. This methamphetamine was intended for sale in the Watertown and Sisseton areas.
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Corson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Watertown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Caperon, Hall, and Dumarce were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. Byrd, Callahan, and Paul are set to be sentenced on June 3, 2019.
St. Francis Man Indicted for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a ChildRead 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 Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child.
Abraham Joseph Crane, a/k/a Abraham Joseph Pretty Voice, a/k/a Sam Crane, age 64, was indicted on May 14, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 17, 2019, 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 up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between August 1, 2018, and November 16, 2018, in Todd County, South Dakota, Crane knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act with a child under the age of 12.
The charge is merely an accusation and Crane is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Crane was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Sisseton Man Charged with Sexual Abuse and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sisseton, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for sexual abuse and obstruction of justice.
Brendon Javon Jacob Rodlund, age 29, was indicted on September 5, 2018. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William Gerdes on May 13, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
According to the Indictment, between on or about the 30th day of April and 1st day of May, 2016, Rodlund knowingly engaged in a sexual act with the victim, while the victim was physically incapable of declining participation in and communicating her unwillingness to engage in the sexual act. Rodlund also gave false testimony regarding the incident in tribal court.
The maximum penalties upon conviction for each count are as follows: up to life imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine; a mandatory minimum term of five (5) years, up to life, of supervised release; $100 special assessment for victim/witness fund; $5,000 assessment to the domestic trafficking fund; and restitution may be ordered.
The charges are merely accusations and Rodlund is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe’s Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Rodlund was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial date has not been set.
Sioux Falls Woman Charged with Escape from CustodyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for escape from custody.
Diana Bald Eagle, age 44, was indicted on May 8, 2019. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica Duffy on May 15, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
According to the indictment, Bald Eagle was in the custody of the U.S. Marshal’s Service by virtue of a federal contract with the Yankton County Jail. Bald Eagle was granted a furlough and an extension, but failed to return to the Yankton County Jail on or about the 14th day of April 2019, therefore, Bald Eagle did unlawfully escape from such custody when she, without authorization, failed to be present at the Yankton County Jail, in Yankton, South Dakota, as ordered.
The maximum penalties upon conviction are as follows: 5 years imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine; 3 years of supervised release; $100 special assessment for victim/witness fund; and restitution may be ordered.
The charges are merely accusations and Bald Eagle is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Bald Eagle was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial date of July 23rd has been set.
Rosebud Woman Indicted for Assault and Child Abuse ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and Child Abuse.
Victoria Smashed Ice, age 26, was indicted on May 14, 2019. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 17, 2019, 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, 3 years up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about April 1, 2019, Smashed Ice assaulted a child with shod feet, she repeatedly kicked the child while wearing cowboy boots with the intent to do bodily harm. The Indictment further alleges that Smashed Ice abused, exposed, tortured, tormented, and cruelly punished the child.
The charges are merely accusations and Smashed Ice is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Smashed Ice was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rosebud Man Indicted on Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault of a Dating Partner by Strangulation.
Geordie Long, age 18, was indicted on October 16, 2018. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 15, 2019, 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 August 26, 2019, Long did unlawfully assault an intimate partner and dating partner, by strangulation and suffocation.
The charge is merely an accusation and Long 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.
Long was released pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Pierre Man and Woman Indicted on Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, man and woman have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Andrew Bunch, age 29, and Nicole Hopkins, age 35, were indicted on May 14, 2019, for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Bunch was also indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. They both appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 16, 2019, and both pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in prison and/or a $10,000,000 fine, 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 the 1st day of March 2018, and continuing to on or about the 1st day of February 2019, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Bunch and Hopkins, 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, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charges are merely accusations and Bunch and Hopkins 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.
The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Pierre Police Department, Stanley County Sheriff’s office, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Bunch was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and Hopkins was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Marty Man Charged with Escape from CustodyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Marty, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for failure to register as a sex offender.
Raymond Lloyd Jandreau, age 61, was indicted on May 9, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica Duffy on May 17, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
According to the Indictment, Jandreau was convicted of a sex offense in South Dakota state court. This conviction requires him to register for life as a sex offender. Since July 1, 2016, Jandreau’s whereabouts have been unknown. His last known address was in Farmington, New Mexico, but that residence was vacated with no sign of Jandreau. His last known address in the District of South Dakota was in Marty, within the jurisdiction of the Yankton Sioux Tribe Reservation.
The maximum penalties upon conviction are as follows: 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine; a mandatory minimum term of 5 years, up to life, of supervised release; $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund; $5,000 assessment to the domestic trafficking fund; and restitution may be ordered.
The charges are merely accusations and Jandreau is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Jandreau was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial date has not been set.
Allen Man Sentenced for False StatementRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Allen, South Dakota, man convicted of False Statement was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Nathaniel “Thomas” Waters, age 46, was sentenced on May 16, 2019, to time served of 6 months, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Waters was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in January 2018. The charge related to Waters making false statements to law enforcement regarding the fire and homicide of his nephew at Waters’ residence at Allen on October 16, 2017. Waters eventually admitted that his previous statements were false and that he lied during the prior interviews.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Office of Justice Services, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Poppen and Ben Patterson prosecuted the case.
Agency Village Man Charged with Assault with Intent to Commit MurderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Agency Village, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
John Matthew Pilcher, age 48, was indicted on March 5, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William Gerdes on May 13, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
According to the Indictment, on or about the 10th day of November 2018, Pilcher assaulted the victim with a dangerous weapon, namely a knife or a sharp-edged object, with the intent to commit murder, and the assault did result in serious bodily injury.
The maximum penalties upon conviction for each count are as follows: 20 years and 10 years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine; a mandatory minimum term of five (3) years of supervised release; $100 special assessment for victim/witness fund; and restitution may be ordered.
The charges are merely accusations and Pilcher is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Pilcher was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial date of June 25, 2019, has been set.
Sisseton Man Sentenced for Aggravated Assaults Involving Two Women and for a Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sisseton, South Dakota, man convicted of felon in possession of a firearm and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon was sentenced on May 14, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Anthony Janisch, age 29, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
According to court documents, on or about June 20, 2017, Janisch, having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did unlawfully possess a firearm. Janisch also brandished that firearm during the aggravated assault of two women and made specific threats to victims. The firearm was loaded and he put it to the head of one of the victims, while making threats.
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 was conducted by Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Janisch was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sisseton Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Assault of Partner by Strangulation or SuffocationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sisseton, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for aggravated sexual abuse by force, threat, or fear, and assault of partner by strangulation or suffocation.
Joshua John Max, age 35, was indicted on February 5, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William Gerdes on May 13, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
According to the Indictment, on or about the 25th day of April, 2015, Max knowingly engaged, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act by using force, by threatening, and by placing in fear of death and serious bodily injury, and unlawfully assaulted an intimate partner by strangling and suffocating.
The maximum penalties upon conviction for each count are as follows: up to life imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine; a mandatory minimum term of five (5) years, up to life, of supervised release; $100 special assessment for victim/witness fund; $5,000 assessment to the domestic trafficking fund; and restitution may be ordered.
The charges are merely accusations and Max is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe’s Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Max was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial date of June 25, 2019, has been set.
Rapid City Woman Sentenced for LarcenyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Larceny was sentenced on May 13, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Whitney Bagola, age 25, was sentenced to credit for time served, 3 years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $5,107.68, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Bagola was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 23, 2019. She pled guilty on February 22, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on January 7, 2019, when Bagola entered a vehicle valued at more than $1,000 that was not hers and drove off in it. She abandoned the vehicle approximately 150 miles later, after the car ran out of gas.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Bagola was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Sentenced for Burglary ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Third Degree Burglary was sentenced on May 13, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Jonathan Yellow Eyes, age 23, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Yellow Eyes was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 11, 2018. He pled guilty on February 19, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in the early morning hours of December 6, 2017, wherein Yellow Eyes broke into and burglarized the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Head Start Administration Building in Rosebud. While inside the building, Yellow Eyes stole multiple items, including the keys to a vehicle that belonged to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Head Start. Yellow Eyes subsequently exited the building, located the vehicle, and stole it. The vehicle was later found abandoned in Sioux Falls.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Yellow Eyes was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Minnesota Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child under Twelve YearsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Moose Lake, Minnesota, man convicted of two counts of abusive sexual contact of a child under twelve years was sentenced on May 13, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Roland Joseph Brant, age 64, was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
According to court documents, between February and July 2007, in Roberts County, South Dakota, Brant knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, sexual acts with two children who had not attained the age of 12.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Brant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
McLaughlin Man Sentenced for Possession of Firearms by Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of felon in possession of a firearm by prohibited person was sentenced on May 13, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Jesse Boyd Brown Otter, age 37, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
According to court documents, on or about the 28th day of December, 2017, in the District of South Dakota, Jesse Boyd Brown Otter, having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, did knowingly possess a firearm and ammunition.
The Indictment alleges that Brown Otter possessed a Bond Arms, Model “Cowboy Texas Defender” 45 Long Colt caliber/410 gauge derringer-style handgun, bearing serial number 33176, and a Bond Arms, Model “Snake Slayer” 45 Long Colt caliber/410 gauge derringer-style handgun, bearing serial number 61571, and 4 rounds of Starline 45 Long Colt ammunition.
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 was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Brown Otter was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Woman Sentenced for Theft from an Indian Tribal OrganizationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization was sentenced on May 13, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Memoree Ducheneaux, age 28, was sentenced to 1 year of probation, restitution in the amount of $1,461.93, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Ducheneaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 14, 2018. She pled guilty on February 20, 2019.
Between November 25, 2016, and August 13, 2017, Ducheneaux was employed at the Lakota Thrifty Mart in Eagle Butte. During the course of her employment, Ducheneaux knowingly stole, embezzled, and converted to her own use, funds totaling an amount of $1,461.93 belonging to the Lakota Thrifty Mart, an Indian tribal organization.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of The Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities. The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include: Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Postal Inspector Service; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.
For additional information about The Guardians Project, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (605) 330-4400. To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.
Aberdeen Physician Sentenced for Distributing OxycodoneRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a physician working in Aberdeen, South Dakota, convicted of distributing oxycodone, was sentenced on May 14, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Troy Edward Adolfson, age 47, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $20,000, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Adolfson was indicted for Distribution of a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on June 6, 2018. He pled guilty on November 14, 2018.
While working at a hospital in Aberdeen, Adolfson wrote prescriptions for oxycodone to others, who filled the prescriptions and gave the pills to Adolfson. He gave these people some of the oxycodone and a cash “tip” for filling the prescriptions. He illegally prescribed approximately 1,400 pills of oxycodone in this manner.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.
Adolfson was ordered to report on August 13, 2019, to begin serving his sentence.
Yankton Woman Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Yankton, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Lorraine Marie Prairie Chicken, age 34, was indicted on May 8, 2019. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on May 10, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $10,000,000 fine, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about October 17, 2018, Prairie Chicken knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others, to distribute a mixture and substance containing at least 500 grams of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charge is merely an accusation and Prairie Chicken 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.
Prairie Chicken was released on bond pending trial, which has not been set.
Minnesota Man and California Man Sentenced for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Child, Furnishing Alcohol Beverages to a Child, and Failure to AppearRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mankato, Minnesota, man and a Delano, California, man were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Jay Leslie Haggard, age 32, was found guilty of two counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Child as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on March 7, 2019. He was sentenced on March 8, 2019, to time served, 1 year of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $50.
Ryan Lawrence Juan, age 24, pled guilty to two counts of Furnishing Alcoholic Beverages to a Child and one count of Failure to Appear on March 1, 2019. He was sentenced, on May 9, 2019, to time served and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $75.
Haggard and Juan was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 6, 2017.
The convictions stemmed from an incident between August 22, 2017, and August 23, 2017, when Haggard and Juan met two juvenile females and provided them with alcoholic beverages.
The conviction on the Failure to Appear charge stemmed from Juan failing to appear for his initial appearance set for September 17, 2018, with Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Kyle Man Convicted of First Degree MurderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Clarence Yellow Hawk, age 29, of Kyle, South Dakota, was found guilty of First Degree Murder and Discharging a Firearm During a Crime of Violence as a result of a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota. Yellow Hawk was found not guilty of Possessing a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number. The jury returned the verdicts on May 3, 2019.
The convicted charges carry penalties of mandatory life in prison and a $250,000 maximum fine, as well as a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and restitution.
Throughout the day on May 27, 2017, Clarence Yellow Hawk, a/k/a “Whodi” and Jamie Shoulders were with Scott Benson. During the mid-afternoon, Yellow Hawk and Shoulders traveled with Benson to meet with Christopher “Chris” E. Janis and another person. Benson drove his vehicle, Yellow Hawk rode in the front passenger seat, and Shoulders rode in the back seat. Benson parked his vehicle at a driveway approach approximately two miles north of Sharps Corner. Upon arriving, Benson exited the driver’s seat and entered the back seat of the minivan occupied by Chris Janis (driver’s seat) and his passenger. While Benson was in the minivan, Shoulders took a handgun from the car and walked to the minivan’s driver-door window, by Janis. Shoulders shot Chris Janis through the window using the handgun, which broke the glass, and then fired at least one additional shot at him. As shots rang out, Benson and the passenger began fleeing the minivan. Yellow Hawk exited Benson’s vehicle, approached the minivan and picked up the handgun Shoulders dropped, and shot Janis several additional times. Chris Janis died from his multiple gunshot wounds. Yellow Hawk and Shoulders fired at least 7 rounds at Janis.
Benson returned to the driver’s seat of his vehicle, Yellow Hawk got into the front seat, and Shoulders got into the back seat. Benson initially drove south towards Sharps Corner, then around the area before returning to another person’s house, where Yellow Hawk, Shoulders and Benson split up. During the drive, Yellow Hawk threw the firearm out the window, which was later recovered by law enforcement. The firearm used by Yellow Hawk and Shoulders to shoot Chris Janis belonged to Scott Benson.
“This judgment rendered by the jury represents justice for Chris Janis,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “And it is our hope that it will bring some measure of peace to his grieving family.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn N. Rich and Gregg Peterman prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has been set for August 20, 2019. Jamie Shoulders pled guilty to Second Degree Murder. He will also be sentenced on August 20, 2019. Both Yellow Hawk and Shoulders are in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Woman Sentenced in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mitchell, South Dakota, woman convicted of conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine was sentenced on May 6, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Reva Dawn Janis-Bauer, age 45, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Janis-Bauer was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on August 7, 2018. She pled guilty on February 22, 2019.
Janis-Bauer sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Sioux Falls in May and June of 2018, totaling approximately 60 grams. On June 17, 2018, a search of her vehicle and a motel room she was renting revealed over 1,000 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.
Janis-Bauer was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Two Men Sentenced in Fentanyl Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two South Dakota men convicted of conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl were sentenced on May 6, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Stuart Harlon Siecke, age 28, of Worthing, South Dakota, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Dean Joseph Bourn, age 37, of Vermillion, South Dakota, was sentenced to 88 months in federal prison, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Both men were indicted with others for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on February 5, 2019. They both pled guilty on February 22, 2019.
Siecke and Bourn were obtaining fentanyl from co-conspirators in Minneapolis for redistribution in South Dakota.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the police departments of Vermillion, Yankton, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.
Both men were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
St. Francis Woman Indicted on Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting In Serious Bodily Injury.
Tiffany Spotted War Bonnet, age 44, was indicted on April 9, 2019. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 7, 2019, 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 4, 2019, Spotted War Bonnet assaulted an individual with a sharp metal object with the intent to do bodily harm, and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.
The charges are merely accusations and Spotted War Bonnet 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.
Spotted War Bonnet was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rosebud Man Indicted on Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With Intent to Commit Murder, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Dylan Blue Thunder, a/k/a Dylan Black Lance, age 19, was indicted on April 9, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 7, 2019, 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 March 29, 2019, Blue Thunder stabbed an individual with a knife in the neck with the intent to commit murder, and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.
The charges are merely accusations and Blue Thunder 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.
Blue Thunder was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.