District of South Dakota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Eagle Butte Woman Indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead 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 Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises.
TaLonna Bear Eagle, a/k/a TaLonna LeRae Dupris, age 24, was indicted on March 12, 2019. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 5, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 years in federal prison and/or a $5,000,000 fine, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that beginning at a time unknown but no later than on or about April 24, 2018, and continuing through March 12, 2019, Bear Eagle conspired with others to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and maintained a place for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine.
The charges are merely accusations and Bear Eagle is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Bear Eagle was released on bond. A trial date has not been set.
Eagle Butte Man Found Guilty on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Waylon Young Bird, 49, of Eagle Butte, South Dakota, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance as a result of a two-day federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota.
The conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life in prison and an $11,000,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to life of supervised release once released from prison, and $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Young Bird was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 15, 2018.
The jury found that from January 1, 2016 until May 15, 2018, Young Bird had knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine, which is a Schedule II controlled substance on, the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. The Jury also convicted Young Bird of knowingly and intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute a detectable amount of methamphetamine from a March 9, 2018, traffic stop. During this stop, Young Bird was found to have just under 10 grams of methamphetamine hidden in his sock in eight little baggies. Also found during the stop were 74 unused baggies, a straw fashioned into a scoop and a spoon.
The investigation was 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 prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for May 16, 2019. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Fort Thompson Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on April 1, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Rain Blaine, age 19, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison, 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Blaine was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 14, 2018. He pled guilty on January 8, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on June 24, 2018, when Blaine became upset with an individual during a conversation and stabbed the victim in the abdomen. Blaine then dropped the knife and began to physically assault the victim with his hands and feet. The victim had to be airlifted to Sioux Falls, where he was treated for his injuries.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Blaine was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
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Sioux Falls Man Pleads Guilty to Aiding and Assisting in the Preparation of False and Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Isaiah H. Rangel, age 50, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, appeared before District Judge Karen E. Schreier, on April 3, 2019, and pled guilty to an Indictment that charged him with Aiding and Assisting in the Preparation of False and Fraudulent Tax Returns.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 3 years in federal prison and/or a $100,000 fine, a period of supervised release of not more than 1 year, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Between January 29, 2015, and April 15, 2015, Rangel, a resident of South Dakota, operated a tax preparation business known as 1st Global Tax. Rangel willfully assisted in the preparation of a false and fraudulent Income Tax Return of a taxpayer for calendar year 2014.
The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for June 24, 2019. The defendant was released pending sentencing.
Rapid City Man Charged with Firearm and Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Dana Standing Bear, age 40, was indicted on March 19, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The penalty upon conviction is a minimum of 5 years up to 40 years in federal prison and/or a $5,000,000 fine, a minimum of 4 years up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Standing Bear knowingly being in possession of two 9mm semi-automatic pistols, as well as methamphetamine in February 2019 at Rapid City. The charges are merely an accusation and Standing Bear is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers. It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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.
Standing Bear was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rosebud Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on April 1, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Machela Chauncey, a/k/a Machela Ryon, age 29, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison, 4 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Chauncey was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 14, 2018. She pled guilty on January 23, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy that occurred between October 1, 2016 through January 31, 2017, where Chauncey knowingly and intentionally conspired and distributed methamphetamine on the Rosebud Indian Reservation.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Police Department and Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Chauncey was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man and Woman Charged with Drug and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man and woman were charged in federal district court with Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Cory Myers, age 44, and Esmeralda Stands, age 37, were indicted on March 19, 2019. Myers was also charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. Vasknetz and Stands appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, lifetime supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Myers and Stands knowingly possessing stolen firearms as well as methamphetamine. Law enforcement located approximately 30 firearms in a hotel room being occupied by Myers and Stands. The firearms had been reported stolen from a storage unit in Rapid City several days prior to law enforcement recovering them in the hotel room.
The charges are merely an accusation and Myers and Stands 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Myers and Stands were detained pending trial. A trial date has been set for April 30, 2019.
Box ElderWoman Sentenced for Theft of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Box Elder, South Dakota, woman convicted of Theft of Government Property was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Amy N. Garcia, age 34, was sentenced on April 1, 2019, to 6 months in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $4,904.38 in restitution to Dakota Plains Legal Services.
Garcia was charged on July 26, 2016. The conviction stems from Garcia, a former secretary and paralegal for Dakota Plains Legal Services (DPLS) in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, altering and cashing five old DPLS checks issued to her. While Garcia was employed by DPLS she was paid by direct deposit, but was provided a payroll check for her records that was identical to a printed check with one exception, the word “VOID” was printed where the numeric dollar amount would normally appear. Between May and June 2016, Garcia took copies of the five voided checks and altered the checks by removing the word “VOID” and the original date on the checks, and then inserting a dollar amount and new date. Garcia then cashed the checks at various locations. In total, Garcia fraudulently stole $4,904.38 in funds rightfully belonging to DPLS. DPLS receives federal funding in order to provide civil legal representation to low income persons.
“Our office takes conduct like this very seriously,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Anyone who steals from the United States government or steals from a federal program will spend some time in federal prison.”
Jeffrey E. Schanz, Inspector General of the LSC, Office of Inspector General, stated: “We hope the prosecution of Amy Garcia offers a strong deterrent to others contemplating stealing Legal Services Corporation (LSC) funds that are intended to provide much needed legal services to an underprivileged population. We appreciate the leadership offered by the U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota in prosecuting individuals who steal funds meant to serve the civil legal needs of the poor in our country.”
This case was investigated by the Legal Services Corporation, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Garcia was ordered to self-surrender to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on a future date.
Allen Woman Indicted for Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Allen, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, a Controlled Substance.
Clara Poor Bear, age 28, was indicted on August 14, 2018. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 28, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 years in prison and/or a $5,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each Count. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between October 1, 2016 and January 31, 2017, Poor Bear knowingly and intentionally conspired and distributed methamphetamine on the Rosebud Reservation.
The charge is merely an accusation and Poor Bear is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Poor Bear was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for May 28, 2019.
Wagner Man Sentenced for Obtaining Controlled Substances by FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wagner, South Dakota, man convicted of Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud was sentenced on April 1, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Robert Fox, Jr., age 36, was sentenced to 5 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Fox was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 6, 2018. He pled guilty on January 3, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from incidents between January 20, 2016, and February 1, 2016, when Fox, who had previously been convicted of a felony, knowingly and intentionally obtained hydrocodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. Fox, complaining of back pain stemming from an injury in 2005, was prescribed a 20-day supply of Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen (80 tablets). Fox subsequently lied and made misrepresentations to multiple medical providers at various medical facilities in an effort to obtain additional hydrocodone tablets.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Fox was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Vicious Knife AttackRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on April 1, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
James Charger, age 21, was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Charger was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2018. He pled guilty on December 2, 2018.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on February 6, 2018, when Charger stabbed another person with a knife in the chest and upper body at least nine times. The victim was flown by emergency air transport to Rapid City Regional Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and survived.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Charger was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sturgis Man Charged with Firearm CrimeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sturgis, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of an Unregistered Firearm.
Kelly Vasknetz, age 47, was indicted on March 19, 2019. Vasknetz appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the charge. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Vasknetz knowingly being in possession of a double-barrel shotgun with a barrel of less than 18 inches in length that was not registered to him. The charge is merely an accusation and Vasketnz is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Sturgis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Vasknetz was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on March 26, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Garrett Alan Heck, age 23, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day 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.
Heck was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 11, 2018. He pled guilty on January 23, 2019.
Heck was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in July 2012. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. It is alleged that between April 27, 2018, and July 2018, Heck, 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.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.
Heck was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pierre Residents Indicted on Fentanyl ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that three Pierre, South Dakota, individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Jacob Seibel, age 25, Christa Seibel, age 22, and Darrell Hamann, age 25, were indicted on March 12, 2019. Jacob Seibel and Christa Seibel appeared on March 18, 2019, and Hamann appeared on March 22, 2019, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno. All three pled not guilty to the Indictments.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, at least 3 years, up to life, of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each Count.
The Indictments allege that between September 1, 2018, and September 5, 2018, Jacob Seibel, Christa Seibel and Hamann knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, in South Dakota.
The charges are merely accusations and Jacob Seibel, Christa Seibel and Hamann are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, Pierre Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
All three defendants were released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mission Woman Charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
Alicia Medicine Eagle, age 38, was indicted on March 13, 2019. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 25, 2019, 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, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on October 14, 2016, and October 26, 2016, Medicine Eagle possessed methamphetamine with intent to distribute it to others.
The charges are merely accusations and Medicine Eagle is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Medicine Eagle was released on bond. A trial date has not been set.
Mission Man Sentenced for BurglaryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Third Degree Burglary was sentenced on March 26, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Preston White Feather, age 23, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
White Feather was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 12, 2018. He pled guilty on January 23, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in the early morning hours of April 9, 2018, wherein White Feather broke into and burglarized the Todd County High School in Mission, and stole property belonging to the school, valued at over $4,000.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
White Feather was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Manderson Man Sentenced for Possessing a Firearm and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Manderson, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Elijah West, age 21, was sentenced on March 25, 2019, to 24 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stems from West knowingly being in possession of a Ruger .22 caliber revolver, while unlawfully using and distributing methamphetamine in February 2018 at Pine Ridge.
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 Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Patterson and Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.
West was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Kyle Man Sentenced for Discharge of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of Discharging a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Charles Kieffe, age 34, was sentenced on March 22, 2019, to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $3,854.54 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Kieffe was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2018. The charge related to Kieffe pursuing a vehicle on March 23, 2018, near Kyle. After getting a short distance in front of the victims’ vehicle, Kieffe stopped his vehicle causing the victims to slam on their vehicle’s brakes. Kieffe exited his vehicle and discharged a .270 caliber rifle at the victims’ vehicle, striking the windshield and the passenger’s side window. The victims quickly spun their vehicle around and sped away from Kieffe. Kieffe confessed to law enforcement that he intentionally discharged the firearm at the victims’ vehicle, thinking someone who had sold him $1,500 worth of bad drugs was inside the vehicle. One of the victims sustained a shrapnel injury to her leg and property damage to her vehicle.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Office of Justice Services, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Kieffe was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Fort Thompson Man Sentenced for Domestic Assault by an Habitual OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender was sentenced on March 26, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Michael Farmer, age 31, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Farmer was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 11, 2018. He pled guilty on December 21, 2018.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on July 19, 2017, when Farmer, who has four prior convictions of domestic assault, had been out all night following an argument the previous day, came home and forced his intimate partner out of the residence. While removing the victim from the home, Farmer struck her on the arms and legs causing bruising.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Farmer was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Commemorates Women’s History Month by Honoring First Woman to Serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of South DakotaRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS, SD – In observance of Women’s History Month, United States Attorney Ron Parsons is pleased to honor and highlight the first and only woman to serve as the Presidentially-appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, the Honorable Karen E. Schreier.
Annette Abbott AdamsThe first U.S. Attorneys were appointed in 1789 and it was not until 129 years later that the first woman became a U.S Attorney. Her name was Annette Abbott Adams. She was appointed by the court and then nominated by President Wilson in 1918 to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California. It was not until 39 years later, in 1957, before the next woman was appointed as a U.S. Attorney, Kathleen Ruddell, who was nominated by President Eisenhower to serve in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Karen E. SchreierIt took some time, but the District of South Dakota eventually caught up with history. In 1993, Karen E. Schreier was appointed by President Clinton and confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the 36th U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota. She served in that capacity for six years until 1999, when she was appointed by President Clinton and confirmed by the Senate as the first and only woman to serve as a U.S. District Judge in the District of South Dakota. Judge Schreier presided as Chief Judge of the District of South Dakota from 2006 to 2013, and continues to serve as the principal U.S. District Judge for the Southern Division.
Thanks in large part to the pathfinding accomplishments of leaders such as Judge Schreier, women now make up 56 percent (18 out of 32) of Assistant U.S. Attorneys serving in the District of South Dakota and approximately 60 percent of its total staff. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is proud to commemorate Women’s History Month and to encourage the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.
White House Announces the Presidential Task Force on Protecting Native American Children in the Indian Health Service SystemRead the Press Release
March 26, 2019
Today, President Donald J. Trump announced the formation of a Presidential Task Force on Protecting Native American Children in the Indian Health Service System (Task Force). He charged the Task Force with investigating the institutional and systemic breakdown that failed to prevent a predatory pediatrician from sexually assaulting children while acting in his capacity as a doctor in the Indian Health Service. The pediatrician left the agency in 2016 and is now in Federal prison.
This Task Force’s focus is separate and distinguishable from other investigations into the Indian health system. Specifically, the work of the Task Force will not interfere with: (1) the criminal investigation of one particular pediatrician; (2) a review underway at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including a review by the Department’s Inspector General, which HHS Secretary Azar ordered earlier this year; or (3) a review conducted by an outside, independent contractor retained by the Indian health system.
The Task Force will examine any systemic problems that may have failed to prevent this doctor’s actions and led to any failures of the Indian Health Service to protect Native American children. The Task Force will develop recommended policies, protocols, and best practices to protect Native American children and prevent such abuse from ever happening again.
The Task Force will be comprised of subject-matter experts from several United States Government agencies, and co-chaired by Joseph Grogan, Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, and the Honorable Trent Shores, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma and citizen of the Choctaw Nation. The Task Force will also draw on the expertise of other Federal employees and resources and seek perspective and input from tribal leaders and Native American voices.
Members of the Presidential Task Force on Protecting Native American Children in the Indian Health Service System:
Joseph Grogan, Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, Co-Chair
United States Attorney Trent Shores, Co-Chair
Bo Leach, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services
Stephanie Knapp, MSW, LCSW, Child/Adolescent Forensic Interviewer, Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Office for Victims Assistance, Child Victim Services Unit
Shannon Bears Cozzoni, Tribal Liaison and Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma
Caitlin A. Hall, MD, FAAP, Clinical Director/Pediatrician, Dzilth-na-o-dith-hle Health Center, Indian Health Service
Farnoosh Faezi-Marian, Program Examiner, Office of Management and Budget
U.S. Attorney's Office Collects over $2.1 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2018Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that the District of South Dakota collected $2,163,413.25 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 from civil and criminal actions. Of this amount, $1,457,048.53 was collected in criminal actions, and $706,364.72 was collected in civil actions.
As a whole, the Justice Department collected nearly $15 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2018. The $14,839,821,650 in collections in FY 2018 represents nearly seven times the appropriated $2.13 billion ($2,136,750,000) budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices.
Also, working with partner agencies and divisions, the District collected $84,598 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2018. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
“The recovery of these funds is a critical component of our mission,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Thanks to the excellent work of our Civil Division and Financial Litigation Unit under the leadership of our Civil Chief Diana Ryan, these recovered dollars will play a vital role in helping crime victims and preventing losses to the American taxpayer.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Education.
Pine Ridge Man Found Guilty of False StatementRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota man, Weldon Two Bulls, age 48, was found guilty of False Statement following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota. The jury did not reach a unanimous verdict on the charge of Accessory After the Fact.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 5 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 conviction stemmed from the defendant making a false statement to a federal agent regarding his recollection of a brutal assault on a woman in November of 2018. The jury convicted Two Bulls of knowingly and falsely telling a federal agent that he was too intoxicated to remember what happened to the victim.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cassandra DeCoste and Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
A sentencing date has not been set. Two Bulls is out of custody pending sentencing.
Timber Lake Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Timber Lake, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on March 26, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Chad Holzer, age 40, was sentenced to 24 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.
Holzer was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 14, 2018. He pled guilty on January 3, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on September 23, 2018, when Holzer was attempting to enter an individual’s home with a hatchet. The owner of the home heard pounding at the front door and opened it. At that time, Holzer entered the residence and a physical altercation ensued. During the fight, Holzer held up the hatchet and swung it at one of the individuals, causing a laceration and swelling to their hand.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Holzer was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
South Sioux City Man Sentenced in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a South Sioux City, Nebraska, man convicted of conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine was sentenced on March 19, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Jose Valentin Carrillo, age 35, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Carrillo was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on January 9, 2018. He pled guilty to the offense on December 10, 2018.
Carrillo was responsible for setting up the sale of one kilogram of methamphetamine between one of his co-conspirators and a confidential informant working with law enforcement. He received $500 from the co-conspirator for brokering the sale.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Drug Enforcement Administration, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the police departments of Sioux City, Iowa, Madison, South Dakota, and Brookings, South Dakota, and the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.
Carrillo was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Woman Sentenced in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine was sentenced on March 25, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Nicole Marie Watson, age 35, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Watson was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on March 13, 2018. She pled guilty on December 10, 2018.
Watson received approximately eight pounds of methamphetamine from co-conspirators that she distributed in Sioux Falls.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, South Dakota Highway Patrol, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.
Watson was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Iowa Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Hawarden, Iowa, man convicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm was sentenced on March 25, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Austin Joseph Gengler, age 28, was sentenced to 67 months in custody, concurrent to a state sentence he is currently serving, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Gengler was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury on October 10, 2018. He pled guilty on December 10, 2018.
Law enforcement arrested Gengler on May 8, 2018, for absconding parole. His vehicle was searched and a .410 gauge shotgun was located. Gengler is prohibited from possessing firearms because he is a convicted felon.
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 Sioux Falls Area Fugitive Task Force, the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.
Gengler was returned to the Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield, South Dakota, to finish his state sentence. He will then be taken to a federal institution to serve his sentence in this matter.
Eagle Butte Woman Indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead 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 Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises.
Andrea Circle Bear, a/k/a Andrea High Bear, age 29, was indicted on March 12, 2019. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 21, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in prison, and/or a $1,000,000 fine, at least 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 April 24, 2018, and April 30, 2018, Circle Bear possessed methamphetamine with intent to distribute it and maintained a place for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine.
The charges are merely accusations and Circle Bear is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Circle Bear was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Chicago Man Sentenced for Possessing Crack Cocaine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Chicago, Illinois, man convicted of possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute it was sentenced on March 25, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Charles Marshall Smith, a/k/a “Blue,” age 36, was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Smith was indicted for Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on November 7, 2017. He pled guilty on November 27, 2018.
On September 5, 2017, Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force detectives executed a search warrant for Smith’s residence in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They located 327.9 grams of crack cocaine and 73.4 grams of heroin in the home, which Smith intended to distribute to others in South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, Sioux Falls Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.
Smith was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Two from Indiana Charged with Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two individuals from Indiana have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana and Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana.
Brendan Lee, age 23, from Chesterton, Indiana, and Sarah Worthman, age 23, from Bloomfield, Indiana, were indicted on March 5, 2019. Both appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 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 $1,000,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on February 21, 2019, Lee and Worthman were traveling through the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation in a U-Haul truck and were stopped by law enforcement. During the traffic stop, law enforcement found approximately 151 pounds of marijuana in their vehicle. Lee and Worthman were apprehended at the scene.
The charges are merely accusations and Lee and Worthman are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Lee was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial and Worthman was released on bond conditions. A trial date has been set for April 30, 2019.
New Mexico Man Charged with Failure to Pay Child SupportRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Ocoma, New Mexico, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Pay Child Support.
Joseph A. Mesteth, age 50, was indicted on December 4, 2018. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 20, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 4 years in federal prison and/or a $500,000 fine, 2 years of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on from October 1, 2005, and continuing to the present, and from October 1, 2006, and continuing to the present, Mesteth, while residing in a different state with respect to his three children who reside in South Dakota, willfully and unlawfully failed to pay a past due support obligation as ordered in an amount greater than $10,000.00.
The charges are merely accusations and Mesteth is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Mesteth was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mobridge Man Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mobridge, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.
Waylon Laframboise, age 41, was indicted on February 13, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 19, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 years in federal prison and/or a $5,000,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between February 1, 2014, and January 1, 2015, Laframboise knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The charge is merely an accusation and Laframboise is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Laframboise was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
McLaughlin Man Charged with Kidnapping and AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Kidnapping, Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangling, and Assault by an Habitual Offender.
Brandon Ducheneaux, age 44, was indicted on March 12, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on March 20, 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 between March 3, 2016, and March 4, 2016, Ducheneaux kidnapped his intimate partner and assaulted her by strangulation. During the time of the assault, Ducheneaux had at least two prior convictions of assault against a spouse or intimate partner.
The charges are merely accusations and Ducheneaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirsten Jasper is prosecuting the case.
Ducheneaux was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Lower Brule Man Charged with Burglary, Larceny, and Aiding and AbettingRead 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 First Degree Burglary, Larceny, and Aiding and Abetting.
Demitre’ Ecoffey, age 24, was indicted on February 13, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 21, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 25 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on May 25, 2017, Ecoffey entered an occupied structure at night with another individual with the intent to commit larceny, and stole personal property that had a value in excess of $1,000.
The charges are merely accusations and Ecoffey 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.
Ecoffey was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Jury Finds Pierre Man Guilty of 7 Felony Counts Related to Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, Interstate Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, and Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Amin Ricker, age 32, of Pierre, South Dakota, was found guilty of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, one count of Travel With Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, and four counts related to Transporting, Distributing, Receiving, and Possessing Child Pornography following a five-day jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on March 22, 2019.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum of thirty years up to life in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years up to life of supervised release, and $700 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
“Thanks to the joint efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, this vicious child sex predator is going to be locked up for a very long time,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.
Ricker was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 12, 2017.
In February 2017, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Pierre Police Department began investigating Ricker based on reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that indicated Ricker was actively sharing and receiving child pornography via social media. On February 14, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Ricker’s residence in Pierre, seizing multiple electronic devices, including mobile phones, laptop computers, and thumb drives.
Analysis of Ricker’s electronic devices revealed thousands of images and videos of child pornography. Airline, bank, and electronic records corroborated live testimony that Ricker traveled in 2014 and 2015 from Huron, South Dakota, to Texas and engaged in sexual acts with 7-year-old children living there, and he preserved videos and images of the acts, storing them in folders named after each of the children. Ricker later used electronic platforms to share child pornography, including images involving the victims. Law enforcement analyzed social media accounts including Instagram, Kik, Yahoo, and Facebook, as well as Dropbox, which led them to Ricker’s Pierre residence. In mid-2015, Ricker, who was employed as a locomotive conductor, transferred from Huron to Pierre.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Huron Police Department, Pierre Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Ranger Division, and the Bogata (TX) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kirk Albertson and Cameron Cook prosecuted the case.
A sentencing date has not been set. Ricker was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Fort Thompson Man Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Jacey Estes, age 24, was indicted on March 12, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 22, 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 November 3, 2018, Estes assaulted an individual with shod feet, and said assault resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim.
The charges are merely accusation and Estes 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.
Estes was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Eagle Butte Man Charged with Larceny and Possession of Ammunition by a FelonRead 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 Larceny and Possession of Ammunition by a Felon.
Judson His Law, age 24, was indicted on March 12, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 20, 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 November 3, 2018, His Law stole another person’s pickup truck. The Indictment further alleges that His Law, having previously been convicted of a felony, possessed fifty rounds of ammunition, which he took from the pickup.
The charges are merely accusations and His Law 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 Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
His Law was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Couple Charged with Aiding and Abetting Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aiding and Abetting Sexual Abuse of a Minor.
Julia Pease, age 24, of Fort Thompson, South Dakota, and Chad Pease, age 44, of Chamberlin, South Dakota, were indicted on March 12, 2019. Both appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 21, 2019, 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, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on July 6, 2015, and September 1, 2015, the Defendants engaged in and attempted to engage in a sexual act with a minor.
The charge is merely an accusation and both are 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.
Both were released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Eagle Butte Man Indicted for Firearm ChargesRead 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 Possession of an Unregistered Firearm and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.
Devin Dolphus, a/k/a Devin Pretty Weasel, age 19, was indicted on March 12, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 19, 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 January 16, 2019, Dolphus being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and prohibited from possessing a firearm was found in possession of a shotgun having a barrel length of less than 18 inches. This firearm was not registered in the National Firearms Registration database.
The charges are merely accusations and Dolphus is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Dolphus was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Eagle Butte Man Charged with Burglary and Sexual AbuseRead 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 First Degree Burglary and Aggravated Sexual Abuse.
Shawn Iron Hawk, age 25, was indicted on February 20, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 18, 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 December 30, 2018, Iron Hawk entered a home occupied by an individual and sexually assaulted the victim.
The charges are merely accusations and Iron 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.
Iron Hawk was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Sisseton Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child Appears in Federal CourtRead 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 of a child and for abusive sexual contact.
Storm Gaylord Blue, age 25, was indicted on December 4, 2018. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 5, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
According to the Indictment, in October 2017, in Roberts County, South Dakota, Blue engaged in forcible sexual acts with a child. The maximum penalties upon conviction for each count are as follows: life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both; 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 Blue 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.
Blue was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial date of May 14, 2019, has been set.
Pierre Man Indicted on Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Arlyn Keckler, age 38, was indicted on February 13, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 12, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison, including a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison and/or a $10,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that beginning at a time unknown but no later than on May 1, 2015, and continuing to February 13, 2019, in South Dakota, Keckler knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charge is merely an accusation and Keckler is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Norther Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Keckler was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mission Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding was sentenced on March 15, 2019, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Franklin Jones, age 37, was sentenced to 9 months in federal prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.
Jones was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, 2018. He pled guilty on January 18, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on September 1, 2018, wherein Jones assaulted his domestic partner, by hitting her in the leg with a chair.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Jones was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Business Owner and Business Face Federal Charges for Embezzlement and Theft from Indian Tribal OrganizationsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a business owner and his business have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.
Dustin Martin Kirk, age 46 of Sisseton, South Dakota, was indicted on March 5, 2019, on two counts of embezzlement and theft from an Indian Tribal Organization. Two counts in the indictment relate to his dissolved business, Siouxland Lumber & Materials, LLC. Kirk appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on March 11, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The Indictment alleges that between in or about August 2016 and December 2018, in the District of South Dakota, Dustin Martin Kirk and his business embezzled, stole, and converted more than $1,000 of monies, funds, credits, goods, assets, and other property belonging to Dakota Nation Development Corporation and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Housing Authority, both of which being entities of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe and Indian Tribal Organizations.
The maximum penalty upon conviction on each count is up to 5 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case was brought pursuant to 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 U.S. 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 U.S. 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.
Sioux Falls Woman Charged with Distribution and Receipt of Child PornographyRead 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 Distribution and Receipt of Child Pornography.
Sharon Dvorak, age 49, was indicted on March 5, 2019. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 11, 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, lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between July 16, 2018, and July 10, 2018, Dvorak knowingly received and distributed, and attempted to receive and distribute, any child pornography, that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.
The charge is merely an accusation and Dvorak is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Dvorak was released on bond pending trial, which has not been set.
Two Lower Brule Men Sentenced for BurglaryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Lower Brule, South Dakota, men convicted of First Degree Burglary and Aiding and Abetting have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Jaron Grassrope, age 19, was sentenced on October 15, 2018, to 14 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. James Felicia, age 21, was sentenced on March 4, 2019, to 24 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Grassrope and Felicia were also ordered to pay $450 in restitution.
Grassrope and Felicia were indicted by a federal grand jury on October 17, 2017. Grassrope plead guilty on July 25, 2018, and Felicia plead guilty on August 20, 2018.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on July 2, 2017, when Grassrope and Felicia entered an occupied structure and stole a PS4 and attempted to take a television. When the owner of the home confronted Grassrope and Felicia, he and another individual that was in the home, were stabbed. Grassrope and Felicia fled from the residence and were apprehended later in the day.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Grassrope and Felicia were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Found Guilty of Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of ChildrenRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Zam Lian Mung, age 29, was found guilty of Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of Children following a federal trial in Rapid City, South Dakota.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Evidence at trial established that on August 7, 2018, Mung responded to a prostitution advertisement on CityxGuide.com posted by Division of Criminal Investigation undercover agents, which purported to offer young girls for sex. Following several messages with a person Mung believed to be associated with a 15-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent, he proceeded to negotiate the time and place they would meet, along with the $150 he would pay to engage in sex acts with the minor.
The undercover operation and arrest was a joint effort between the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Collins prosecuted and tried the case.
A sentencing date has not been set. Mung was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Lower Brule Man Charged with Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead 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 Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Alan Thompson, Sr., age 55, was indicted on February 13, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 6, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 8 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on December 29, 2018, Thompson forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with a federal officer while they were engaged in the performance of their official duties, and said conduct did involve physical contact.
The charge is merely an accusation and Thompson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
Thompson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Two Eagle Butte Men Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Eagle Butte, South Dakota, men convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Aiding and Abetting, have been sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Andrew Good Eagle, age 19, was sentenced on February 22, 2019, to 27 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Christian Marshall, age 27, was sentenced on March 4, 2019, to 63 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Good Eagle and Marshall were indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2019. Marshall plead guilty on November 30, 2018, and Good Eagle plead guilty on December 7, 2018.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on August 6, 2018, when Marshall and Good Eagle assaulted the victim – who was inside a tent - by punching him, kicking with him shod feet, and striking him with a piece of metal rebar multiple times. The victim sustained three lacerations on his head, which were nine inches in length. The lacerations required a total 57 staples/sutures to close. The victim also sustained a fractured kneecap and a broken finger.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Marshall and Good Eagle were both immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Ridgeview Man Sentenced for Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Ridgeview, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced on March 5, 2019, by U.S. District Court Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Ryun Bowker, age 27, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Bowker was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 24, 2017. He pled guilty on September 24, 2018.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 17, 2016, when Bowker, who was employed as a corrections officer with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe at the time, transported an inmate to the Indian Health Services for a concussion she sustained during a fight. During the transportation on the way back to the jail, Bowker told the individual to get to the back seat of the vehicle, and at which time Bowker attacked the individual and sexually abused the victim without her consent.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Bowker was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.