District of South Dakota

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on January 8, 2025.

Sinte White Butterfly, 25, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

White Butterfly was indicted for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury by a federal grand jury in September 2024. He pleaded guilty on October 29, 2024.

The conviction stemmed from White Butterfly assaulting his infant daughter when she was between one and two months old, in August of 2024, fracturing numerous bones throughout her body and causing brain damage. In pronouncing the sentence, Judge Theeler stated the victim should have been able to count on White Butterfly as someone to protect her from harm, but instead he broke both of her legs, both of her arms, fractured nearly all of her ribs, and caused a skull fracture and a brain bleed, because he was intoxicated and lost his temper. Judge Theeler noted also that the facts of the case, coupled with White Butterfly’s history of violence, called for a strong need to protect the community.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.

This case was investigated by Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.

White Butterfly was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced an Oglala, South Dakota, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on January 6, 2025.

Sheldon Flute, 29, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Flute was indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter and Felony Child Abuse and Neglect by a federal grand jury in November 2023. He pleaded guilty on October 7, 2024.

In August 2023, Flute drove while intoxicated with his 25-day-old infant son in the car. Flute rolled the car near Loneman, South Dakota, fatally injuring the infant, who was not properly strapped in a car seat. Flute then fled the scene with the injured infant and was eventually found by law enforcement at a residence in Red Shirt, South Dakota. The infant passed away from the injuries sustained in the crash.   

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.

This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.

Flute was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Summerset, South Dakota, woman convicted of seven federal criminal offenses, including Enticement to Travel for Illegal Sexual Activity, Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Activity, Possession of Child Pornography, Obstruction of Justice, Tampering with a Witness, and Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor. The sentencing took place on January 3, 2025.

Emily Nicole Yeary, 26, was sentenced to a total of 40 years in federal prison, which will be followed by five years of supervised release. She will pay a $700 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $3,000 in restitution to one of her victims. Another victim’s family will make a later restitution request. Yeary will also pay restitution to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for forensic examinations of Yeary’s phone and other devices.

“This is among the most heinous cases of child exploitation our office has prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “The lengths to which Emily Yeary went to groom and then manipulate these young girls is reprehensible, and the use of these minor victims as pawns in a game of sexual abuse and terror is unforgivable. Yeary earned herself every month of today’s federal sentence. Let us all be grateful for the expertise of DCI’s Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce and the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies throughout South Dakota and other jurisdictions. Law enforcement’s thorough investigation exposed Yeary’s criminal activity and allowed the U.S. Attorney’s Office to seek justice in federal court.”

“I commend the State Trooper, the Division of Criminal Investigation, and South Dakota law enforcement for working with law enforcement across state lines to protect a young victim and hold a serious offender accountable. Human trafficking and its young victims remain a national concern that we unfortunately are not immune from in South Dakota,” said South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley.

In July of 2022, a federal grand jury charged Yeary with multiple crimes arising out of her criminal conduct with minors, including Attempted Exploitation of a Minor, Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity, Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, and Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Activity. The multistate investigation revealed Yeary offended against multiple victims, all of whom were minors from Mississippi, Kentucky, Florida, and Missouri. Yeary pleaded guilty to seven federal offenses on November 1, 2024.

On June 25, 2022, Yeary was arrested by the South Dakota Highway Patrol after being pulled over for speeding. Yeary had a 14-year-old female in her vehicle who had been reported missing from Mississippi. When Yeary bonded out of jail days later, she immediately contacted the same minor, spray painted her truck to avoid detection, and returned to Mississippi, where Yeary removed the child from her home a second time and took her to Kansas.

The investigation revealed that Yeary routinely presented herself to be an underage male named “Riley” and used Tik Tok and other cell phone apps to obtain access to minor females. Over the course of three years, Yeary traveled to multiple states to meet her victims and convince them to run away with her. Yeary crossed state lines intending to engage in sex with her victims, and then took her victims across state lines with similar intentions. Yeary sexually abused at least one of her victims, using a prosthetic penis, after giving alcohol to the minor. Yeary possessed sexually explicit photos of another minor female from Kentucky, with whom Yeary had an illegal sexual relationship with and to whom Yeary sent sexually explicit photos of a prosthetic penis. Yeary had another illegal relationship with a minor from Missouri, whom Yeary hid from police in a college fraternity house. After Yeary was arrested in Rapid City, and while she was in custody at the Pennington County Jail, she attempted to persuade one of her victims not to testify against her and used the same victim to try to persuade the Missouri victim to similarly not cooperate with the prosecution.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

The investigation was led by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Instrumental to the investigation were the Simpson County Mississippi Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Galena Kansas Police Department, Santa Rosa County Florida Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Rankin County Mississippi Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Bureau of Investigations, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Knox County Missouri Sheriff’s Office, Kirksville Missouri Police Department, Hannibal Missouri Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspector’s Service, Cherokee County Kansas Sheriff’s Office, and the Quapaw Nation Marshal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.

Yeary was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Bismarck, North Dakota, woman convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on January 3, 2025.

Summer Rae Trotter, 34, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Trotter was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in December 2023. She pleaded guilty on October 23, 2024.

The case stemmed from a Rapid City Police Department officer finding Trotter in possession of a firearm in Rapid City. Trotter is federally prohibited from owning and possessing firearms because she has previous felony convictions.   

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.

Trotter was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Manderson, South Dakota, man for First Degree Murder, Attempted Murder, and Arson.

Reno Rondeau, age 51, was indicted in December of 2024. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on January 3, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The mandatory penalty upon conviction for first degree murder is life in custody and up to a $250,000 fine and a $100 payment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Rondeau intentionally setting fire to and burning his brother’s residence near Manderson in October 2024. When he set the fire, Rondeau knew the home was occupied by his brother and his brother’s friend, who perished in the fire. Rondeau’s brother suffered burn injuries but escaped the flames. The residence was completely destroyed in the fire.

The charges are merely accusations and Rondeau is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

This matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.

The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox is prosecuting the case. 

Rondeau was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Dupree, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on December 16, 2024.

William Vandervier, age 38, was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Vandervier was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2023. He pleaded guilty on September 25, 2024.

On June 26, 2023, officers from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services responded to a residence in Dupree and observed Vandervier standing outside. He reached into a vehicle, grabbed a rifle, and refused to comply with orders from the officers to put down the rifle; instead, he continued holding it until his brother was able to take it away. Vandervier knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms based on prior felony convictions.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Ziebach County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced two Pine Ridge, South Dakota men. The sentencings took place on November 18, 2024.

Angelo Poor Bear, 40, was convicted of Misprision of a Felony and sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Jadan Poor Bear, 31, was convicted of Aiding and Abetting Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and sentenced to one year and eight months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The Court ordered Jadan Poor Bear’s prison sentence to be served consecutively to a one year and eight months sentence he received for another assault he committed on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Angelo and Jadan Poor Bear were indicted for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon by a federal grand jury in February 2024. Jadan pleaded guilty on August 27, 2024, and Angelo pleaded guilty on September 5, 2024.

The charges stemmed from Jadan beating the victim with a baseball bat, causing serious injuries, and Angelo taking steps to prevent law enforcement from discovering the crime. The assault occurred on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in January 2024. 

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.

This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.

Both men were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a St. Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon. The sentencing took place on December 16, 2024.

Martin Metcalf, age 52, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Metcalf was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2023. He pleaded guilty on September 19, 2024.

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on November 24, 2023, in Todd County, South Dakota, within the boundaries of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. On that date, Metcalf entered his girlfriend’s home and threatened to kill her and her children with an AR-15-style rifle. At one point, Metcalf struck his girlfriend on the arm with the rifle. One of the children called 911 while Metcalf was distracted, and law enforcement responded shortly thereafter. Metcalf will forfeit ownership of the firearm to the United States.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Senior Litigation Counsel Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.   

Metcalf was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Possession of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on December 16, 2024.

Asha Graystone, age 34, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $6,000, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Upon release from federal prison, Graystone must register as a sex offender.

Graystone was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2023. She pleaded guilty on October 2, 2024.

The conviction stemmed from incidents between December 6, 2022, and January 10, 2023, when Graystone knowingly possessed digital files depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Graystone has a prior state-level conviction for possession of child pornography out of Minnehaha County, South Dakota in 2020 for which she received a probation sentence.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.

Graystone was allowed to self-surrender to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on or before January 6, 2024. 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schrier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on December 16, 2024.

Jerad Wade Olson, 35, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Olson was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in May 2024. He pleaded guilty in September 2024.

In December 2023, Olson was identified by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as a seller of firearms in the Sioux Falls area. Olson is prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous felony convictions. ATF conducted an operation targeting Olson on December 13, 2023, during which an agent established contact with Olson and posed as a buyer of firearms. Olson agreed to sell the agent a Walther 9mm pistol for $500. The agent met with Olson and completed the sale later that day at Olson’s residence in Vermillion.   

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the ATF and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.

Olson was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Transportation of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on December 16, 2024.

Jeffrey Michael Dicus, age 40, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $3,000, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Upon release from federal prison, Dicus must register as a sex offender.

Dicus was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2023. He pleaded guilty on September 24, 2024.

The conviction stemmed from incidents between January 5, 2017, and February 8, 2023, when Dicus transported child pornography using his Dropbox account. Dicus created his Dropbox account in 2017 and used the online platform to trade images and videos of child pornography with other individuals. He was found in possession of over 5,000 videos and almost 20,000 images of child pornography. The videos and images contained depictions of victims as young as toddler-age engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.

Dicus was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Jeffrey Cooley, age 36, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Cooley was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2024 and pleaded guilty on September 20, 2024.

Cooley was part of a drug conspiracy to distribute cocaine in South Dakota. He obtained the cocaine from a co-conspirator on multiple occasions and distributed it to others in South Dakota. The co-conspirator would send packages containing cocaine to Cooley’s home. In April 2023, law enforcement intercepted one of these packages, which contained approximately half a pound of cocaine. In total, the group moved multiple kilograms of cocaine during Cooley’s involvement.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team from Rapid City, and the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

Cooley was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following sentencing.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Parmelee, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on December 16, 2024.

Daryl John Plumman, age 32, was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Plumman was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2023. He pleaded guilty on July 24, 2024.

The convictions stem from two different incidents that occurred in 2023 in the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. On April 21, 2023, law enforcement was looking for Plumman in Parmelee in connection with an alleged assault that happened earlier in the day. Plumman was located sitting in the driver seat of a parked vehicle, with a loaded 9 mm pistol under his seat. He was previously convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in federal court. As a result of this conviction, it is illegal for Plumman to possess firearms or ammunition.

On July 29, 2023, Plumman was an inmate at the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Adult Correctional Facility.  On that day, Plumman and another man attacked a fellow inmate and assaulted him with a pencil.

The assault matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State Court.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kirk Albertson and Brian Murphy prosecuted the case.

Plumman was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on December 11, 2024.

Charles Colhoff, age 36, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Colhoff was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024. He pleaded guilty on October 3, 2024.

On November 4, 2023, Colhoff was involved in a shooting in Rapid City where he and another individual exchanged gunfire following an argument. Colhoff was uninjured but the other individual sustained two gunshot wounds and required surgery. Officers processing the scene located three 9mm cartridge casings related to the shooting. Colhoff was located by law enforcement on November 11, 2023, and found to be in possession of a Browning 9mm semi-automatic pistol believed to be the same pistol Colhoff used in the shooting. Ballistics testing was conducted, which confirmed the three 9mm casings recovered at the shooting scene were fired from the pistol recovered from Colhoff. Colhoff knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms based on a prior federal felony offense, which also involved a firearm.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennington County Sheriff's Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

Colhoff was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. The sentencing took place on December 5, 2024.

Charles Martinez-Olson, 33, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $21,000 in restitution to his victims, a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and forfeit his cellular phone. Martinez-Olson will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

A federal grand jury indicted Martinez-Olson in October 2023. He pleaded guilty on September 23, 2024.

Between December 2020 and March 2023, Martinez-Olson used Snapchat to entice two female minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct so Martinez-Olson could record videos of their conduct. Both girls were unmistakably under the age of 12. Martinez-Olson routinely masturbated during these Snapchat video chats while the two female minors exposed their genitals. His Snapchat account contained several videos of the same two girls engaging in sexually explicit conduct at his direction and encouragement. Martinez-Olson also possessed 54 images and 22 videos of other children being sexually abused, including a video of a disabled boy being sexually assaulted.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.

Martinez-Olson was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on December 6, 2024.

Derrick Patton, 42, was sentenced to serve four years in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 in special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

A federal grand jury indicted Patton in May 2024. He pleaded guilty on September 16, 2024.

On March 13, 2024, the Rapid City Police Department were called to do a welfare check on Patton, who was reportedly passed out in a running vehicle for several hours. When officers woke Patton and identified him, they learned he had a felony arrest warrant and had absconded from parole. Patton was in possession of a Ruger 9mm pistol and ammunition. The gun had been reported stolen out of Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Patton also possessed multiple baggies of methamphetamine. Patton is prohibited from possession firearms as a result of a prior felony conviction.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Rapid City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.

Patton was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Travis Orr, age 35, was sentenced to 19 ½  years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Orr was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2023 and pleaded guilty on September 6, 2024.

Between the Fall of 2021 and November of 2022, Orr was part of a drug conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in South Dakota. Orr obtained the methamphetamine from co-conspirators on multiple occasions and distributed it to others in South Dakota. The group moved approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine during Orr’s involvement. Orr was also involved in trading firearms for methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

Orr was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following sentencing.  

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of five counts of Assault on a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on December 2, 2024.

Jeremy Crow, age 31, was sentenced to 77 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release on each count and ordered to pay a total of $500 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for the five convictions. The prison sentences and periods of supervision were ordered to be served concurrently.

Crow was indicted for the charges by a federal grand jury in February 2024. He was found guilty following a federal jury trial in Rapid City in September of 2024.

On December 22, 2023, a 911 call was placed by an unknown caller in a residential area of Pine Ridge. Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety was dispatched to the area. A lone tribal officer arrived on scene and observed Crow and an unknown female with apparent facial injuries. The officer made contact with Crow, who was observed to have uncontrollable movements and believed to be under the influence of a controlled substance. The officer attempted to detain Crow, who immediately resisted and assaulted the officer by pushing him backwards. Crow then jumped into the police vehicle and was going to drive off until the officer jumped in and pushed the ignition switch to off. Crow was forcibly removed from the police vehicle and actively resisted law enforcement’s efforts to detain him. After numerous commands, Crow was eventually tased, but the tasing did not entirely subdue Crow. A bystander noticed the officer was struggling to detain Crow and called for backup for the officer. Additional officers arrived on scene and during the process of handcuffing Crow, the original officer was bit on his right bicep. After securing Crow into the backseat of the patrol car, Crow spat on a female officer. Crow was eventually taken to jail. Two days later, on December 24, 2023, a corrections officer attempted to provide food and a drink to Crow. When the cell door opened, Crow rushed through the door forcing his way out. Crow resisted attempts by the corrections officers to capture him and bit two corrections officers on their hands.

This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

Crow was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Mahto, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury following a three-day federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota, on December 4, 2024.

Raymond Webb, age 42, was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2023.

The charges related to an alleged incident that occurred on September 17, 2023, in rural Mahto, South Dakota, within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. 

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain serious crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Corson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.

SIOUX FALLS — Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the recipients of the Seventh Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing. Among the 13 nationwide recipients was Officer Reece Walno of the Spearfish Police Department in Spearfish, South Dakota.

This prestigious award recognizes law enforcement officers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to strengthening trust, promoting community engagement, and enhancing public safety.

“Community policing is essential to building trust and ensuring public safety,” said Attorney General Garland. “These officers have gone above and beyond their duty to foster partnerships with the communities they serve. Their work is an inspiration to us all and a reminder of the profound impact law enforcement can have on individuals, neighborhoods, and society.”

During the course of 2023, Officer Reece Walno showed his commitment to his department and his community by establishing a strong and diligent work ethic and personally fielding more than 1,200 calls for service. One traffic stop stood out from the rest: On August 8, Officer Walno stopped a vehicle for speeding and equipment violations. During the traffic stop, Officer Walno observed multiple indicators of criminal activity. Officer Walno was able to obtain consent for a K9 free-air sniff which provided additional narcotic detection resources. During the vehicle search, suspected methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia were located and seized. Officer Walno’s training and experience led him to determine the evidence located was involved in the distribution of illegal controlled substances. The driver was later taken into custody for active arrest warrants and other felony and misdemeanor charges.

Despite call volume and shift shortages, Officer Walno continued his proactive investigation and seized the suspect’s cellphone. Officer Walno began the search of the cellphone data and discovered information suggesting further narcotic activity occurring through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Officer Walno contacted the USPS Postal Inspector and provided actionable intelligence which led to an initial seizure of a dark web marijuana parcel from Wyoming. Officer Walno contacted drug agents with the UNET-N [Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team – North)] Drug Task Force and provided further intelligence.

Officer Walno’s investigative tenacity and attention to detail produced significant, well-documented intelligence which allowed law enforcement to stop more than a pound of controlled substances in addition to dark web marijuana from being distributed to Spearfish and other surrounding communities. Officer Walno completed a high-level narcotics investigation while also meeting the high-volume demand for calls for service and continuing other proactive police activities.

U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota Alison J. Ramsdell offered these comments, “I commend Officer Reece Walno on his selection for the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing. In the District of South Dakota, we rely heavily on the work of local law enforcement officers like Officer Walno to build impactful federal drug prosecutions. Officer Walno’s detailed and thorough investigations have been crucial in helping to piece together drug rings and bring drug traffickers to justice. Through the dedicated efforts of Officer Walno and others throughout the law enforcement community in South Dakota, we will continue to dismantle the drug trafficking organizations that are peddling poison in our communities.”

The Attorney General’s Award recognizes individual state, local, and Tribal sworn officers, deputies, and troopers for exceptional efforts in community policing. The awarded individuals have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: criminal investigations, field operations, or innovations in community policing.

The awardees were selected from a nationwide pool of nominees for their outstanding achievements in fostering safer, more inclusive communities.

The Department of Justice commends these officers for their service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to their communities. For more information about the awards, visit www.justice.gov.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schrier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on December 2, 2024.

Wilson Boneshirt, 50, was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Boneshirt was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in May 2024. He pleaded guilty in September 2024.

Boneshirt is required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act due to a 2002 conviction in U.S. District Court, District of South Dakota, for Incest. In March 2024, Boneshirt was on parole with the South Dakota Department of Corrections and residing at the Glory House in Sioux Falls. On March 29, 2024, Boneshirt was granted a two-day furlough to attend a relative’s funeral, but he failed to return to the Glory House as required and did not update the sex offender registry with his new location. His whereabouts were unknown to registration officials until his arrest on May 23, 2024.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Beau J. Blouin prosecuted the case.

Boneshirt was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute. The sentencing took place on December 2, 2024.

Larry Wayne Moss, a/k/a “Lucci,” age 48, was sentenced to 11.5 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Moss was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2023. He pleaded guilty on August 30, 2024.

The conviction stemmed from an investigation early in 2023. Moss sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on three separate occasions between January and March of 2023. On March 6, 2023, investigators obtained a search warrant for the motel where Moss was staying. They executed the search warrant and discovered approximately two pounds of methamphetamine, 42 grams of fentanyl pills, ecstasy, and marijuana. Moss intended to distribute the methamphetamine to others in the District of South Dakota. Methamphetamine is a Scheduled II controlled substance.

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

Moss was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on November 18, 2024.

Patrick Left Hand Bull, age 51, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

A federal grand jury indicted Left Hand Bull in June 2024. He pleaded guilty on August 28, 2024.

Left Hand Bull is required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act as a result of a federal felony conviction in February 2014 for Abusive Sexual Contact. On March 11, 2024, he updated his sex offender registry address to the Cornerstone Rescue Mission in Rapid City. Left Hand Bull resided there intermittently between March 11, 2024, and April 23, 2024. Between April 27, 2024, and May 8, 2024, he did not live at the Cornerstone Rescue Mission and did not register or update his new address with the sex offender registry. Left Hand Bull knew of his requirement to register and knowingly failed to do so.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.

Left Hand Bull was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on November 26, 2024.

Jordan Running Hawk, 21, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Running Hawk was indicted for Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in June 2024. He pleaded guilty on September 12, 2024.

In April 2024, an officer with the Rapid City Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Running Hawk. During the traffic stop, the officer discovered Running Hawk was in possession of a firearm and a firearm magazine loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition. When the officer asked Running Hawk about the firearm, Running Hawk attempted to flee but was apprehended by officers shortly thereafter and arrested. Running Hawk is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because he was previously convicted of a felony crime.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.

Running Hawk was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man, convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Charles Merrival, age 32, was sentenced on November 22, 2024, to eight years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Forfeiture of the firearm and ammunition was also ordered. Merrival was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2022 and pleaded guilty on July 8, 2024.

From approximately July 2021 through January 2022, Merrival was involved in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in Rapid City. Law enforcement stopped Merrival in a truck in July 2021.   A search of the vehicle recovered 10 grams of methamphetamine and other drug related items. On January 12, 2022, law enforcement witnessed Merrival hand a backpack to a co-conspirator in a store parking lot. When that backpack was subsequently searched, law enforcement located 40 grams of methamphetamine, a pink semi-automatic pistol, and numerous rounds of ammunition. Merrival was found to be in possession of additional rounds ammunition. During the investigation, multiple sources confirmed Merrival’s history of violence and firearm possession. Merrival is prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous felony convictions. Merrival is a former member and Sergeant-at-Arms of the Ghost Dance Motorcycle Club, a support group for the Bandidos.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Troy Morley, Brian Murphy, and Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.

Merrival was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following his sentencing. Merrival faces additional, unrelated charges in Pennington County.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on November 25, 2024.

Jacob Denker, 41, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Denker was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (fentanyl) by a federal grand jury in June 2024. He pleaded guilty on August 28, 2024.

Beginning around March 2023, Denker began obtaining fentanyl along with his girlfriend, Jamie Lee. They picked up fentanyl in Colorado and then brought it to South Dakota. In Rapid City, Denker and his girlfriend’s sub-distributors further distributed fentanyl throughout the Rapid City area and the Pine Ridge Reservation. This activity continued through September 2023. Overall, Denker and the other co-conspirators were responsible for bringing over 400 grams of fentanyl to the area. Co-defendant Eugene Giago is scheduled for trial on January 7, 2025, and co-defendant Jamie Lee is scheduled for sentencing on January 27, 2025.

This case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the FBI, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, Martin Police Department, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward C. Tarbay prosecuted the case.

Denker was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Mitchell, South Dakota, man convicted of Aggravated Identity Theft. The sentencing took place on December 2, 2024.

Jeremy Zwetzig, age 44, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $1,935.90, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Zwetzig was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2023. He pleaded guilty on August 29, 2024.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on January 23, 2023, when Zwetzig stole mail in Mitchell. One piece of mail contained a check that was not addressed to him. He then used the banking information from that legitimate business check to create a fraudulent check drawn on that same account, unbeknownst to the actual holder of the account. Zwetzig made the fraudulent check payable to an actual person and then negotiated the fraudulent check by depositing it into a bank account that he fraudulently opened using the name of the actual account holder so he could draw the funds and spend them.

This case was investigated by the Mitchell Police Department, the U.S Postal Inspection Service, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

Zwetzig was allowed to self-report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service by December 30, 2024. 

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Box Elder, South Dakota, woman for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, Receipt of Child Pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography.

In August 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Duncan Sioux Witt, age 28, originally from Kansas. She was extradited from South Carolina after being arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service while working in a private school. Witt appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on November 22, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.  

The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 15 years up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

Witt was previously employed at Douglas High School in Box Elder as a special education paraprofessional teacher’s aide. The alleged victim was a student receiving special education services at the time of Witt’s crimes. In February 2024, Witt began sending the boy sexually explicit messages, and sexually explicit images and videos of herself, using Snapchat. She induced the boy to send her sexually explicit pictures and videos of himself, which she saved in her Snapchat account.

The charges are merely accusations and Witt is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

The investigation is being conducted by the Box Elder Police Department and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox is prosecuting the case. 

Witt was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for January 28, 2025. 

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on November 25, 2024.

Mason Neck, age 35, was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Neck was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2024.  He pleaded guilty on August 28, 2024.

Neck was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in 2019. As a consequence of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. In September 2023, Neck began a period of supervised release residing in Rapid City and appropriately registered as a sex offender. In April 2024, Neck moved from his registered address, but did not thereafter update his registration. He was arrested in Rapid City on May 8, 2024.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Senior Litigation Counsel Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.

Neck was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schrier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Interference with Commerce by Means of Robbery and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. The sentencing took place on November 25, 2024.

Bryan Louis Archambeau, 21, was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Archambeau was indicted for Interference with Commerce by Means of Robbery; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence; and Felon in Possession of a Firearm by a federal grand jury in December 2023. He pleaded guilty to Interference with Commerce by Means of Robbery and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence in July 2024.

In the evening of November 2, 2023, Archambeau went to the 49’er Marathon C-Store in Sioux Falls wearing a medical mask. He entered the store and took two cases of Twisted Tea and exited the store without paying for the items. When confronted about the theft, Archambeau lifted his shirt, brandished a pistol, and then left the scene.

Then, in the evening of November 3, 2023, Archambeau went to the Freedom Valu Center in Sioux Falls. He placed two-12 packs of Twisted Tea on the counter and pulled out a pistol from his waistband. He pointed it at the clerk, racked the slide of the pistol, and demanded money. Archambeau then left the scene.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.

Archambeau was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Production of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on November 25, 2024.

Thomas William Tatar, age 38, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100, and restitution in the amount of $3,000. Tatar must register as a sex offender upon release from federal prison.

Tatar was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024. He pleaded guilty on September 11, 2024.

The investigation discovered that Tatar had been grooming a 10-year-old female for months through the online application “Discord”. Tatar convinced the child into thinking they were in a romantic relationship which ultimately led to him convincing her to create for him and send to him depictions of herself engaged in sexually explicit behavior.

“Using the Internet, this defendant targeted a 10-year-old girl and persuaded her to share pornographic images of herself,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “His 30-year sentence rightfully reflects the gravity of his crime. More than that, however, this case is yet another reminder to parents and caretakers across the state that we must be vigilant when it comes to our children’s use of smart phones, tablets, and gaming devices. Each platform provides defendants like this one an avenue through which children can be targeted and victimized. It will take all of us—community members, caretakers, educators, and law enforcement—to put an end to this nightmarish criminal activity.”

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.

Tatar was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Distribution of Child Pornography and Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on November 25, 2024.

Brad Hicks, age 58, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200, and restitution in the amount of $39,000. Hicks must register as a sex offender upon release from federal prison.

Hicks was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024. He pleaded guilty on September 4, 2024.

The conviction stemmed from Hicks creating an account through the application BitTorrent to send and receive images and videos of child pornography. He was found to be in possession of 3,045 images and 743 videos of child pornography, which included a victim as young as 3-5 years old.

In addition, on February 27, 2024, when the U.S. Marshal Service attempted to take Hicks into custody, Hicks observed law enforcement outside of his home, retrieved a firearm, and proceeded to have a multi-hour standoff with the Sioux Falls SWAT team. The standoff ended after tear gas was deployed and Hicks finally surrendered.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, and the U.S. Marshal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.

Hicks was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Devin Dolphus, age 25, was sentenced on November 20, 2024, to five years and eight months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Forfeiture of the firearm and ammunition was also ordered.

Dolphus was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2024, and pleaded guilty on August 27, 2024.

On March 1, 2024, Dolphus was found passed out in a running vehicle at a gas station in New Underwood. As officers made contact with Dolphus they found him to be disoriented, with bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and hand tremors. A search of the vehicle recovered a Bushmaster model XM15-E2S rifle and two magazines, marijuana, pills, syringes with methamphetamine residue, and other drug related items. At the time of his arrest Dolphus tested positive for THC and methamphetamine. Dolphus is prohibited from possessing firearms because he was previously twice convicted of federal firearm convictions in 2019 and 2021.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

Dolphus was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following his sentencing.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol has sentenced a Brandon, South Dakota, man convicted of Bank Embezzlement. The sentencing took place on November 25, 2024.

Cade Richard Weeldreyer, age 31, was sentenced to one day in federal prison, four years of supervised release, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100, $1,000 fine, and restitution in the amount of $21,619 to One American Bank.

Weeldreyer was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2024. He pleaded guilty on September 18, 2024.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on April 21, 2023, when Weeldreyer, while being employed as a branch manager of One American Bank, embezzled $21,619 from the bank. Weeldreyer took the mutilated currency from the bank’s vault and instead of following the bank’s procedures for handling the currency, kept it for himself and used it for his own purposes.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Sioux Falls Police Department, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schrier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Stolen Firearm. The sentencing took place on November 20, 2024.

Tanner Lee Hershman, 29, was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Hershman was indicted for Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Felon in Possession of a Firearm by a federal grand jury in April 2024. He pleaded guilty to Possession of a Stolen Firearm in August 2024.

On December 21, 2023, officers were called to a residence in Sioux Falls for a report of a domestic disturbance. The reporting party alleged that she had been assaulted by Hershman inside the residence that evening. In speaking with the reporting party, law enforcement learned that Hershman, a convicted felon, was also in possession of a firearm. A Glock model 44, semi-automatic pistol was subsequently located in the garage of the residence and confirmed to be a firearm reported stolen in October 2023. Through investigation, detectives discovered that Hershman had stolen the firearm from the gun owner’s vehicle on October 8, 2023.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Beau J. Blouin prosecuted the case.

Hershman was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man for Larceny and Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.

Mason Big Crow, age 50, was indicted in September of 2024. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman on November 22, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to ten years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

As the treasurer for the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Big Crow had nearly exclusive access to the tribe’s debit and credit card, and also had access to the tribe’s bank accounts. Between January 2021 and March 2023, Big Crow embezzled tribal funds to make personal purchases that had not been authorized by the tribe and that were used for his personal benefit. 

The charges are merely an accusation and  Big Crow is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.   

This 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: the FBI; 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; IRS Criminal Investigation; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the 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.

The investigation is being conducted by Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case. 

Big Crow was released pending trial. A trial date has not been scheduled.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Sisseton, South Dakota, woman convicted of Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization. The sentencing took place on November 14, 2024, in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Amanda Joy Quinn, age 42, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. She was ordered to pay $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Quinn was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2023. She pleaded guilty on June 24, 2024.

From about June 2017 through July 2020, Ms. Quinn, who had been elected Treasurer of the Long Hollow District of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe, embezzled approximately $107,295. While working in the capacity of Treasurer, Ms. Quinn processed checks from the Long Hollow District’s bank account, then authorized checks from that bank account for overpayments to herself and others. She negotiated the checks in her name and kept the cash. At her change of plea hearing, Ms. Quinn admitted to the scheme; she acknowledged that she was not entitled to that money and that her receipt of it was unlawful.

This 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: the FBI; 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; IRS Criminal Investigation; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the 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.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb.

Quinn will self-report to the U.S. Marshals Service to serve her sentence at a later date.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schrier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on November 18, 2024.

Tanner Kills Enemy, 26, was sentenced to one year and nine months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The sentence was ordered to run consecutively to a state sentence Kills Enemy is currently serving at Mike Durfee State Prison for Aggravated Assault.

Kills Enemy was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in May 2024. He pleaded guilty in October 2024.

Kills Enemy is required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act as a result of a conviction in October of 2020 for Sexual Abuse in Rosebud Sioux Tribal Court. On February 1, 2024, while on federal supervised release for a prior Failure to Register conviction, Kills Enemy left his registered address in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and failed to update the sex offender registry with his new address or location. Kills Enemy’s whereabouts were unknown to registration officials until he was arrested on March 15, 2024.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Beau J. Blouin prosecuted the case.

Kills Enemy was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact and one count of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on November 18, 2024.

Eugene Hollow Horn Bear, age 65, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Hollow Horn Bear was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024. Following a two-day jury trial in August 2024, he was found guilty of two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact. He pleaded guilty to one count of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender on September 12, 2024.

According to the evidence presented at trial, on the evening of July 20, 2023, the victim awoke to Hollow Horn Bear touching her genital area and breasts after she had gone to sleep in an abandoned carwash in Mission, South Dakota, in the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. The victim called out for help and another individual pulled Hollow Horn Bear off the victim and forced him to leave the carwash. Hollow Horn Bear had failed to update his sex offender registration when he committed this offense.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.

Hollow Horn Bear was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Brittany Aguilar, age 33, was sentenced on November 15, 2024, to 12 years and seven months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Aguilar was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2024, and pleaded guilty on August 21, 2024.

On November 30, 2023, Aguilar was involved in a traffic stop following a trip to Colorado. During the search of the vehicle law enforcement found over 2,000 fentanyl pills that were intended to be distributed in the Rapid City area.

This case was investigated by the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Division of Criminal Investigation, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

Aguilar was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following her sentencing. 

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on November 18, 2024.

Jadan Poor Bear, 31, was sentenced to one year and eight months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Poor Bear’s prison sentence is to be served consecutively to a sentence he received for another assault Poor Bear committed on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

A federal grand jury indicted Poor Bear for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in March of 2024. He pleaded guilty on August 27, 2024.

On March 23, 2023, Poor Bear used a knife to stab his brother in the upper chest and shoulder, after an argument. The brother suffered serious injury, including a pneumothorax of his chest and intra-abdominal bleeding. He was life-flighted by helicopter to a hospital in Rapid City, where he underwent surgery to repair his injuries.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court, rather than State court.

This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.

Poor Bear was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Bellevue, Nebraska, man has been arraigned on charges of Kidnapping, Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity, and Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.

On November 7, 2024, a federal grand jury issued an Indictment of Sean Carlos Payne, age 33. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on November 18, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the charges in the Indictment. Payne was originally charged by Criminal Complaint on October 21, 2024, after he was arrested near Rawlins, Wyoming. There, Payne fled a traffic stop and fled Wyoming law enforcement officers at high speeds, with the minor in his vehicle. Payne is alleged to have used various internet-based applications and chat platforms to communicate with the minor prior to October 20, 2024. He is also alleged to have solicited sexually explicit images of her and sexually abused her before crossing state lines with her to engage in further illegal sex with her.

Payne has an extensive multi-state criminal history, including an Iowa conviction from June 2024, for attempted enticement of a minor. He also has been charged in Nebraska with aggravated assault, domestic violence, and terroristic threats.

The maximum penalty upon conviction for kidnapping is a mandatory minimum of 20 years up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges are merely accusations and Payne is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, the Meade County Sheriff’s Office, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the Rawlins Wyoming Police Department, and the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox is prosecuting the case. 

At his arraignment, Payne consented to detention and was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Sisseton, South Dakota, woman was acquitted of Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization following a federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota, on November 12-14, 2024.

Diahna Kirk, a/k/a Diahna Rose Kirk, age 36, was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2024.

The charge related to the alleged embezzlement of money by Kirk belonging to the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Fuel Inc., which is an Indian tribal organization

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI. The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on November 12, 2024, in Sioux Falls.

Ocean Stevenson, age 21, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay a $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Stevenson was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2024. He pleaded guilty on August 5, 2024.

On December 13, 2023, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted an operation targeting Stevenson as an illegal seller of firearms. During the operation, an ATF agent assumed an undercover role and exchanged in communications with Stevenson, during which Stevenson agreed to sell a .40 caliber handgun. The agent met with Stevenson at a location in Sioux Falls to complete the sale. Stevenson is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2023 felony conviction in Pennington County.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the ATF and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.

Stevenson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving his sentence.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentencing took place on November 13, 2024.

Michael Lee Spider, Jr., age 30, was sentenced to four years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Spider was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in April of 2024. He pleaded guilty on August 5, 2024.

In September of 2023, Spider met up with a 14-year-old female at a residence in the Pine Ridge Reservation. The female became intoxicated and high on marijuana. Spider and the female engaged in a sexual act.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.

This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

Spider was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Plankinton, South Dakota, man for Possession of Firearms by a Prohibited Person.

Cory John Cumings, age 45, was indicted in November of 2024. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L Duffy on November 14, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about December 21, 2023, Cumings, knowing he was an unlawful user of controlled substances, was in possession of excess of 100 firearms and ammunition.

The charge is merely an accusation and Cumings 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 gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. The Davison County Sheriff’s Office and the Mitchell Police Department also assisted with the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce is prosecuting the case.

Cumings was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mitchell, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on November 12, 2024

Dustin Todd Long, age 38, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Long was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2023. He pleaded guilty on August 14, 2024.

The conviction stems from Long pointing a handgun toward Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officers after refusing to obey their commands in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, on August 22, 2023. During the incident, Long waved the handgun around while walking toward Main Street, where he continued to ignore commands to drop the firearm. After Long was apprehended, law enforcement was able to determine that the firearm was unloaded.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.

Long was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department has secured an agreement with Bennett County, South Dakota, and county officials to resolve claims that the county has failed to make its registration and early voting opportunities equally open to Native American voters as required by Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bennett County will operate a satellite office in Allen, South Dakota, to provide in-person registration and absentee voting services during regular business hours for the full state-mandated 46-day absentee voting period prior to federal, state and county elections.

“It is time to eliminate all barriers standing between Native American voters and the ballot box across our country. An inclusive democracy must provide all of its eligible voters access to the full range of voter registration and early voting opportunities required by law,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “With this agreement, we will ensure that Native American voters will have the same access to registration and early voting as do other voters. The Justice Department will continue to challenge discriminatory election-related laws and policies and will vigorously enforce federal law to move us ever closer to a fully enfranchised Native electorate.”

“The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy, but that right is hollow without access to registration and early voting opportunities,” said U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell for the District of South Dakota. “We are grateful Bennett County has agreed to improve voting access for Native Americans in South Dakota by adding and staffing a satellite office in Allen.”

The Justice Department’s investigation found that Native Americans in Bennett County did not have equal access to the in-person registration and absentee voting available under state law. American Indians who live on Tribal lands disproportionally lack the ability to travel long distances to the county seat of Martin, South Dakota, for those in-person voting services. Since 2015, the state has made Help America Vote Act funds available to counties like Bennett to establish a satellite office on Tribal lands.   

More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931. Individuals can also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota either by emailing usasd.information@usdoj.gov  or by calling 605-330-4400.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencings took place on October 28, 2024.

As to the conviction for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Jason Pumpkin Seed, age 36, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. For the conviction for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, Pumpkin Seed was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. The Court ordered the prison sentences and periods of supervised release to be served concurrently. Pumpkin Seed was also ordered to pay $200 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  

A federal grand jury indicted Pumpkin Seed in July and November of 2023. He pleaded guilty to both charges on July 23, 2024.

The conviction for possessing a firearm resulted from Pumpkin Seed’s arrest after fleeing Rapid City Police officers in a stolen car in February of 2023. After Pumpkin Seed abandoned the car, officers recovered a loaded Hi-Point semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number inside the car. Pumpkin Seed’s DNA was recovered from the car and the firearm. At the time he possessed the firearm, Pumpkin Seed was a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms,

The conviction for failing to register as a sex offender stems from Pumpkin Seed failing to register his address with the sex offender compliance officer in May of 2023, as required by federal law. Pumpkin Seed had previously been convicted in federal court of a violent sex offense. His sex offense conviction requires him to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case is also part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Rapid City Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.

Pumpkin Seed was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Watertown, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on November 4, 2024, in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Deserick Jake Bird, age 37, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $200 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Bird will also be serving an 80-year sentence for a sexual assault conviction from the State of South Dakota.

Bird was originally indicted for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child by a federal grand jury in February of 2022. He pleaded guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact on August 19, 2024.

Over a three-year period, Bird sexually assaulted a young girl between eight and 11 years old. A second victim also came forward to report that Bird had sexually assaulted her when she was 14 years old. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Sisseton Wahpeton Tribal Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.