District of South Dakota

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Cherry Creek, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on June 10, 2024.

Dana James Marshall, age 38, was sentenced to five 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 $200.

Marshall was indicted by a federal grand jury in October of 2023. He pleaded guilty on March 11, 2024.

On April 15, 2022, Marshall invited his 18-year-old niece to his bedroom. She accepted his invitation and disrobed at his behest, but clearly told Marshall she did not want him to sexually touch her. Marshall nonetheless seized her by the ribs and groped her private body parts. This incident occurred in the Cherry Creek Community, which lies within the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation.

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 Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Service and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a White River, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on June 10, 2024.

Nathan First In Trouble, age 45, was sentenced to 13 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.

First In Trouble was indicted by a federal grand jury in December of 2023. He pleaded guilty on March 21, 2024.

On December 12, 1995, First In Trouble was convicted in Mellette County, South Dakota of Sexual Contact With a Person Incapable of Consenting. On April 13, 1998, he was also convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in U.S. District Court in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Both convictions required him to register as a sex offender under the provisions of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) and South Dakota law. First In Trouble failed to update his registration between July 29, 2022, and December 12, 2023.

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 and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher prosecuted the case.

First In Trouble was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Wakpala, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner. The sentencing took place on June 10, 2024.

Phillip Lewis Young Hawk, age 45, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by  three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Young Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2023. He pleaded guilty on December 18, 2023.

On April 7, 2023, Young Hawk quarreled with his girlfriend on a rural roadside near Wakpala, South Dakota, which lies within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. Young Hawk knocked his girlfriend down, then kicked her twice with shod feet as she lay helpless on the ground, whimpering and pleading. The assault ended when Young Hawk’s brother forcibly restrained him. Young Hawk’s girlfriend briefly lost consciousness from the assault and incurred significant bruising to her face. Young Hawk has several prior convictions for domestic violence.

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 Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.

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

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Mobridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on June 10, 2024.

Brandon James Noisy Hawk, age 42, was sentenced to 20 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.

Noisy Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury in January of 2024. He pleaded guilty on March 18, 2024.

Noisy Hawk is required to register as a sex offender under federal law for sexually abusing a 13-year-old-girl. This is his fourth conviction for failure to register as a sex offender. Following his last release from prison, Noisy Hawk registered a primary residence with the Mobridge Police Department. Noisy Hawk failed to verify his address as required in October of 2023 and moved out of his home in November of 2023. Noisy Hawk only updated his address following his arrest on state charges on December 4, 2023.

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 Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.

Noisy 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 Judge Karen Schrier, has sentenced a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. The sentencing took place on June 7, 2024.

Evan Brown Bull, age 38, was sentenced to 33 years and four 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.

Brown Bull was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2023. The defendant was convicted following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on March 8, 2024.

Evidence at trial established that between 2016 and 2023, Brown Bull conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and throughout Rapid City.  Brown Bull was seen on video participating in four controlled buys, where he was selling methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Chat records obtained also detailed multiple methamphetamine deals and demonstrated the conspiracy in which Brown Bull was involved.

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 Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child by Force. The sentencing took place on June 10, 2024.

Earlwyn Makes Room For Them, age 28, was sentenced to 15 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.

Makes Room For Them was indicted by a federal grand jury in January of 2023. The defendant pleaded guilty in May of 2024.

In 2014, Makes Room For Them repeatedly abused a young girl living in the same home in Fort Thompson, within the Crow Creek Reservation. Makes Room For Them forced the young victim, who was under age 12, to touch his genitalia. Makes Room For Them also forced his hand down the young victim’s pants and touched her groin.

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 Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

Makes Room For Them was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

SIOUX FALLS - Alison J. Ramsdell, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, will join national, state, local, and tribal leaders in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, 2024. Since 2006, WEAAD has been commemorated to promote awareness and increases understanding of the many forms of elder abuse as well as the resources available to those at risk.

Highlighting the partnership between law enforcement and the public, U.S. Attorney Ramsdell emphasized the importance of awareness and education.

“A recent study found that one in ten older Americans are victims of some form of elder abuse each year,” noted U.S. Attorney Ramsdell. “In observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the District of South Dakota reaffirms its commitment to working with federal, tribal, state, and local community partners to bring an end to elder abuse in all forms. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota will continue to use all available tools to prevent and combat elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.”

Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual, or psychological. The Justice Department maintains a variety of programs and initiatives to combat elder abuse.

The Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force marshals federal and state agencies working collaboratively to investigate and prosecute foreign-based schemes that target older Americans. In addition to aggressively investigating the individuals, organizations, and networks responsible for these crimes, this initiative provides the public with information to guard against both traditional scams, like tech support fraud, as well as trending schemes, such as romance scams.

Using one scam to perpetrate or conceal another, some fraudsters rely on money mules to move the proceeds of their illegal activity. Preying on the good will or financial vulnerability of their targets, scammers recruit people, many times older victims, to participate in schemes to move money in ways that avoid notice. The Money Mule Initiative identifies and addresses money mule activity to disrupt these fraud schemes, and helps people to recognize and avoid participation in perpetuating fraud.

To help older individuals and their families identify and avoid fraudulent activity, the Justice Department provides Senior Scam Alerts with information about the tactics used in specific schemes. Common scams include the following:

• Romance Scams, scammers use dating sites, social networking sites, and chat rooms to meet potential victims. They create fake profiles to build online relationships and eventually convince people to send money in the name of love. Some even make wedding plans before disappearing with the money. An online love interest who asks for money is almost certainly a scam artist.

• Social Security Administration Impostor Scams. Scammers impersonate government administrators and falsely report suspicious activity to request that the victims provide their Social Security number for confirmation.

• Tech Support Scams. Fraudsters contact victims, sometimes through internet pop-up messages, to warn about non-existent computer problems, ask that the victim give them remote access to their computer, and identify a non-existent problem, then demand large sums of money for unnecessary services.

• Lottery Scams. Telemarketers falsely notify victims that they have won a sweepstakes and tell them they must first pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before they can claim their prizes.

• IRS Scams. Callers claim to be employees of the IRS and tell victims they owe money to the IRS, which must be paid promptly through a wire transfer or stored value card such as a gift card. Victims who refuse to cooperate are threatened with arrest, deportation, or suspension of a business or driver’s license.

To learn more about the Department’s elder justice efforts, please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page. To report elder fraud, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 or visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov. 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man for six counts of Attempted Production of Child Pornography, three counts of Production of Child Pornography, and seven counts of Transfer of Obscene Materials to Minors.

Justin Preuschl, age 27, was indicted in June of 2024. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on June 7, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 30 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and up to $1,600 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that starting in October of 2023 and continuing in 2024, Preuschl engaged in sexually explicit communications with multiple juvenile female victims. Preuschl pretended to be a 15-year-old male and pressured the victims into sending him sexually explicit materials. Preuschl also sent pictures of male genitals to the victims. He was employed as a teacher at Whittier Middle School in Sioux Falls at the time of many of the charged offenses.

The charges are merely accusations and Preuschl 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 ongoing. If you or someone you know has had contact with the Snapchat accounts cpiper9696, justinpreuschl1, swilliams69420, swilliams420696, justin99696, or justin9996, or cambam7276 on TikTok, call the HSI Tipline at 1-877-4-HSI-TIP. The public can also contact HSINorthland@hsi.dhs.gov.

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Sioux Falls Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the North Liberty Iowa Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Wanblee, South Dakota, man convicted of Discharge of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence. The sentencing took place on June 7, 2024.

Francis White Lance, 68, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

White Lance was indicted for Bank Robbery and Discharge of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence by a federal grand jury in November of 2022. He pleaded guilty on March 20, 2024.

On November 7, 2022, White Lance entered the Lakota Federal Credit Union in Kyle, South Dakota, armed with a semi-automatic rifle, and robbed the credit union. He discharged the rifle during the robbery, firing a bullet over the head of one of the tellers. White Lance fled Kyle but was quickly identified by law enforcement. All but $100 of the money White Lance stole from the credit union was recovered by the FBI following his apprehension. At the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Schreier denounced the “horrible message” White Lance’s actions sent to the community and the damage he inflicted by robbing the credit union.       

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 and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.

White Lance 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 with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on June 7, 2024.

Joseph “Jo Jo” Dowty, 33, 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.

In May of 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Dowty for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. Dowty pleaded guilty on March 15, 2024.

On April 4, 2023, police officers with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety were actively searching for Dowty due to an arrest warrant Dowty had for absconding from state parole on his 2018 felony manslaughter conviction out of Pennington County, South Dakota.  When officers arrested Dowty, he was carrying a Ruger Wrangler .22 caliber revolver and more than 11 grams of methamphetamine, which had been broken down into 49 separate packages.

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.

Dowty 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 the second of two Mexican men convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on June 3, 2024.

Mario Castro Covarrubias, 37, was sentenced to 20 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. On March 11, 2024, Melecio Rodriguez Medina, 39, was sentenced to 27 years and three months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Mario Castro Covarrubias and Melecio Rodriguez Medina were indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in February of 2022. Rodriguez Medina pleaded guilty on November 6, 2023, and Castro Covarrubias pleaded guilty on January 3, 2024.

Rodriguez Medina and Castro Covarrubias were based in Mexico and were part of an international organization that arranged for the transportation of large amounts of narcotics to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, from Mexico. While in Mexico, Rodriguez Medina and Castro Covarrubias coordinated with two couriers to get approximately 25 kilograms of cocaine delivered to Sioux Falls in October of 2021. On October 18, 2021, law enforcement seized the cocaine that they had shipped to South Dakota. In December of 2021, the two again coordinated to ship approximately 42 kilograms of cocaine to Sioux Falls, which was also seized. In addition to cocaine, Rodriguez Medina was responsible for organizing a shipment of 1 kilogram of fentanyl pills to Sioux Falls. Investigators also determined that Rodriguez Medina made arrangements for a co-conspirator in South Dakota to pick up multi-pound shipments of methamphetamine in California and then take them back to South Dakota for distribution.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

Both men were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after their respective sentencings.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Plankinton, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The sentencing took place on June 5, 2024.

Kody William Konechne, age 23, was sentenced to 10 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. Konechne must register as a sex offender upon release from federal prison.

Konechne was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2023. He pleaded guilty on February 27, 2024.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 5, 2023, when Konechne used his cell phone to attempt to coerce a 14-year-old female he met on Facebook to engage in sexual activity. The girl, however, was an undercover agent. Konechne was arrested when he arrived at the location where he thought he would be meeting the girl.

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 – Sioux Falls, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

Konechne 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 Brandon, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on June 3, 2024, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Antonio Gary Angelo, age 36, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Angelo was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in October of 2023. He pleaded guilty on March 7, 2024.

On June 30, 2023, Angelo was involved in a traffic stop in Sioux Falls. During the traffic stop, Angelo was non-complaint with law enforcement, refusing to give his name and attempting to flee. Angelo was quickly apprehended by law enforcement and a search of his person was conducted. During the search of his person, Angelo was found in possession of 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 and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen prosecuted the case.

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

ABERDEEN - 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 Production of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on June 3, 2024.

Ted Jeffrey Hurkes, age 46, 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. Upon his release from federal prison, Hurkes must register as a six offender.

Hurkes was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2023. He pleaded guilty on December 4, 2023.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on October 2, 2022, when Hurkes used his cell phone to take pictures and make video recordings of a partially unclothed minor female while she was asleep. The child was unaware of the images being created by Hurkes.

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, and the Watertown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

Hurkes 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 Sisseton, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on June 3, 2024, in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Lincoln Duane Wanna, age 40, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Wanna was indicted for Abusive Sexual Contact and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. He pleaded guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact on November 20, 2023.

The conviction stemmed from Wanna's repeated sexual abuse of a juvenile female from the time she was seven years old until she was 12 years old.

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 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 the Sisseton Wahpeton Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy R. Jehangiri and Elizabeth A. Ebert prosecuted the case.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Victorville, California, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on June 3, 2024.

Terry Morris III, age 24, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Terry Morris Jr., age 41, father of Terry Morris III, was sentenced on November 13, 2023, for his Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance charge to 33 years and four months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was then sentenced on the Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments charge to 20 years in federal prison. Both sentences were ordered to run concurrently with one another, but consecutive to his sentence in California. He was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Morris III and his other five co-conspirators were indicted on charges of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments by a federal grand jury in June of 2023. Morris III pleaded guilty on March 15, 2024.

Morris Jr. orchestrated a drug trafficking organization from his prison cell within the Kern Valley State Prison in California, where he was incarcerated for murder. Using a cell phone which had been smuggled in, Morris Jr. communicated by call, text, and social media with members of his family, to include Terry Morris III, along with numerous other co-defendants from both South Dakota and California, in order to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area. Morris III was involved in the distribution of approximately 27 pounds of methamphetamine and hundreds of fentanyl pills during his involvement in this conspiracy. Morris Jr. is attributed with distributing at least 200 pounds of methamphetamine and 80,000 fentanyl pills during his involvement in this conspiracy, drugs that were known to be sourced from Mexican cartels.

Others that have been charged as part of this conspiracy include Rigoberto Hernandez, age 32, of Los Angeles, California, who was sentenced on May 1, 2023, to 11 years and eight months in federal prison; Reginald Davis, age 41, also of Los Angeles, was sentenced on May 26, 2023, to 17 years and one month in federal prison; Kessara Mikkelson, age 35, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was sentenced on October 30, 2023, to 19 years and seven months in federal prison; Asia Gunhammer, age 31, also of Sioux Falls, was sentenced on October 30, 2023, to 10 years and six months in federal prison. All defendants were also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

This case was investigated by the FBI, Sioux Falls Police Department, and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

Morris III 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 Decatur, Georgia, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments. The sentencing took place on June 3, 2024.

Julia Precious Ballansaw, 21, was sentenced on the count of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance to five years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. She was then sentenced on the count of Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments to five years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, each sentence to run concurrently with one another. She was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Ballansaw was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments by a federal grand jury in October of 2023. She pleaded guilty on March 14, 2024.

Ballansaw obtained methamphetamine from a co-conspirator in California and then transported it back to another co-conspirator in South Dakota in order for it to be further distributed. Ballansaw also obtained methamphetamine from another co-conspirator in South Dakota and distributed it to others within South Dakota. Additionally, Ballansaw and others conducted wire transfers at financial institutions of funds that were derived from the sale of controlled substances in South Dakota, in order to send the money to co-conspirators in California.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Sioux Falls Police Department, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

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

SIOUX FALLS – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Medicare Fraud Prevention Week is being observed June 3–June 9, 2024. The Department of Justice prioritizes combating health care fraud, a commitment reflected in fiscal year 2023's outcomes. Over $2.68 billion in fraud settlements and judgments were secured, with more than $1.8 billion relating specifically to the health care sector.

These recoveries replenish funds to federal programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE, the health care program for service members and their families. Equally important is the role of federal fraud statutes enforcement and the prosecution of offenders, which serve as deterrents against fraudulent schemes. These actions not only prevent financial loss but also shield patients from unnecessary or potentially harmful medical interventions.

Join us in observing Medicare Fraud Prevention Week by visiting the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota Twitter/X account @DSDNews1 to learn about ways to stop Medicare fraud from occurring.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Senior District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Des Moines, Iowa, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on May 16, 2024.

Douglas Hennigar, age 66, was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Hennigar was indicted for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Abusive Sexual Contact by a federal grand jury in September of 2023. He pleaded guilty on March 15, 2024.

In 2010, Hennigar moved to the Pine Ridge Reservation after meeting the victims’ grandmother/mother through social media. The grandmother cared for multiple children, including her 10-year-old daughter at the time. Almost immediately after moving in with the grandmother, Hennigar sexually abused two female children, who were between the ages of 5-10. The abuse spanned multiple years and occurred on and off the Pine Ridge Reservation. At the time of the abuse, the youngest child was five years old, but did not disclose the abuse until she was 14 years of age.

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

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

SIOUX FALLS - It has long been a priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to address the disproportionately high rates of violence experienced by Native Americans living in reservations in our state, and relatedly, the high rates of indigenous persons reported missing. As Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Month draws to a close, the U.S. Attorney’s Office renews its commitment to work with federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement partners to respond to the crisis of violence and abuse in our tribal communities with the urgency these matters demand.

In the last year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has demonstrated its commitment by securing additional resources for Indian country prosecutors, including an MMIP AUSA that is now located in Pierre and serving the Great Plains Region. We have resolved previously unsolved cases, including the 1992 murder of a minor victim in Roberts County. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Peterman served as a Department of Justice representative on the Not Invisible Act Commission, which held seven in-person hearings and one national virtual hearing. In all, the Commission heard from 260 witnesses who shared their suffering and hope, expertise, experiences, and recommendations. In November of 2023, the Commission published “Not One More: Findings & Recommendations of the Not Invisible Act Commission,” which detailed their findings and included hundreds of recommendations to the Departments of Justice and Interior. As Chair of the AGAC’s Native American Issues Subcommittee, U.S. Attorney Ramsdell participated in and led national conversations about the Department of Justice’s response to this report, including at the White House Tribal Nations Summit in December 2023.

And throughout the year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office engaged in regular outreach to tribal communities to address MMIP issues and other public safety concerns, including at tribal council meetings, school assemblies, tribal law enforcement trainings, tribally organized conferences, and community forums. Lastly, federal prosecutors and victim witness specialists engaged in monthly multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings in each reservation, and the District’s Law Enforcement Coordinator joined with federal prosecutors and investigators to conduct in-person opioid training for federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement in Rosebud, Eagle Butte, Pine Ridge, Yankton, and Mobridge.

Most recently, on May 14, 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office hosted a Tribal MMIP Summit in Pierre, SD, to introduce tribal leaders to the concept of Tribal Community Response Plans (TCRP), which are guides for how tribal communities will respond to reports of missing persons. Importantly, the development of these plans is led by Tribes, allowing each Tribe to incorporate culturally appropriate protocols into every aspect of the TCRP. Leadership from all nine South Dakota Tribes were invited to the Summit, where participants heard presentations from federal and state law enforcement partners, including the FBI, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Social Security Administration, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, as well as prosecutors and personnel from within the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.

Participants also heard from members of the Fort Peck Tribes, including Fort Peck’s chief tribal judge, lead criminal investigator, and Chief of Police, who jointly discussed the challenges and advantages to developing a TCRP and other opportunities for cross-jurisdictional collaboration with state and federal partners. Lastly, representatives from the National Criminal Justice Training Center of Fox Valley Technical College were in attendance to discuss training and technical assistance available to Tribes, including resources to assist with the development of TCRPs. Representatives also discussed the availability of AMBER Alert training to improve the investigative response of local law enforcement to high-risk victims and children in crisis. As part of this outreach, each Tribe received AMBER Alert in Indian Country Toolkits, which will assist officers in quickly gathering necessary information to ensure AMBER Alerts and NCIC entries include as much information as possible. Items included tools such as mobile printers, scanners, and hotspots.

This engagement follows on decades of work by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota to develop meaningful relationships with tribal leaders and their communities. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office has been unwavering in its commitment to improving public safety in Indian country,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “We remain committed to listening closely to tribal communities and working collaboratively with our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners to address public safety concerns throughout Indian country.”

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 Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on May 29, 2024.

Shane Allan Nelson, age 38, was sentenced to five 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.

Nelson was indicted by a federal grand jury in May of 2022. He pleaded guilty on February 13, 2024.

The conviction stemmed from incidents between March 13, 2020, and March 18, 2020, when Nelson received materials containing child pornography. Nelson used his Apple iPhone to access the internet and direct a 16-year-old female in Delaware to send him nude photos of herself.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

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.

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

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Kenton Wynn Walks, age 39, of McLaughlin, South Dakota of Simple Assault and Assault by Striking, Beating and Wounding following a two-day jury trial in federal district court in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on May 22, 2024.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of one and a half years in federal prison and/or a $105,000 fine, up to one year of supervised release, and a $50 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Walks was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2022.

On April 22, 2022, law enforcement in McLaughlin was called because Walks had assaulted an elderly man by kicking him in the head. The assault occurred on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. The victim suffered a laceration on the rear right side of his head, which produced a significant amount of blood. The laceration was approximately three inches long and required six staples to be closed.

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 Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has not been set. The defendant was ordered to self-report for sentencing on July 2, 2024.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Tea, South Dakota, woman convicted of Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Misrepresentation, Fraud, Forgery, Deception, and Subterfuge. The sentencing took place on May 24, 2024.

Brittany Enstad, age 40, was sentenced to two years of probation and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Enstad was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2023. She pleaded guilty on March 6, 2024.

The conviction stemmed from incidents between July 1, 2022, and December 30, 2022, when Enstad, who was working at a registered nurse at the Sanford Canton-Inwood Medical Center in Canton, South Dakota, obtained blister packs from the narcotics cabinet containing OxyContin, removed the OxyContin, and replaced the drug with other medications, such as melatonin and acetaminophen. Enstad then resealed the blister packs knowing that the other medications could be dispensed to patients at the medical center instead of OxyContin. Enstad used the stolen OxyContin for her own use.

“Patients deserve to have confidence that they are receiving the proper treatment from those entrusted with providing their medical care. Those who knowingly tamper with medicines for patients put those patients’ health at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Chicago Field Office. “Our office will continue to pursue and bring to justice healthcare professionals who take advantage of their position and compromise patients’ health and comfort by tampering with needed drugs.”

This case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigation and the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Porcupine, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, on May 22, 2024.

Daelan High Wolf, age 37, was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2024.

High Wolf was charged with possessing a handgun in a vehicle driven he was driving on February 17, 2021. High Wolf is prohibited from possessing firearms because he has a felony conviction.

The investigation was conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Little Eagle, South Dakota, woman convicted of First Degree Burglary. The sentencing took place on May 20, 2024.

Amanda Lorraine Bobtail Bear, age 31, was sentenced to 30 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.

Bobtail Bear was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2023. She pleaded guilty on October 30, 2023.

On April 1, 2023, Bobtail Bear learned a 12-year-old girl had kissed Bobtail Bear’s 25-year-old brother-in-law. In response, Bobtail Bear and several other individuals, including Bobtail Bear’s 14-year-old niece, broke into the 12-year-old girl’s Little Eagle home, which is within the Standing Rock Reservation. Bobtail Bear kicked the 12-year-old girl and encouraged her niece to “hit her some more!” while the 12-year-old begged them to stop. Bobtail Bear’s brother restrained the 12-year-old girl’s wheelchair-bound father during the assault to prevent him from protecting his daughter. The 12-year-old girl sustained minor 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 as opposed to State court.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.

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

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Little Eagle, South Dakota, woman convicted of Child Abuse. The sentencing took place on May 20, 2024.

Adele Fay Fast Horse, age 26, was sentenced to two years of probation and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Fast Horse was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2023. She pleaded guilty on October 30, 2023.

On April 1, 2023, Fast Horse’s 14-year-old niece showed her photographs of Fast Horse’s husband kissing a 12-year-old girl in Little Eagle, which is within the Standing Rock Reservation. Fast Horse offered the niece money to beat up the 12-year-old-girl. Later that day, the niece and several other individuals broke into the 12-year-old’s home, woke her up and assaulted her. The 12-year-old girl sustained minor injuries. When the niece showed Fast Horse a recording of the assault, Fast Horse paid her $20.

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 Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Wanblee, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault on a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on May 17, 2024.

Chad Doyle Jr., 22, was sentenced to 15 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.

Doyle was indicted for two counts of Assault on a Federal Officer by a federal grand jury in January of 2024. He pleaded guilty to one count of Assault on a Federal Officer on March 11, 2024.

The case stemmed from Doyle assaulting an Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety patrol officer in December of 2023. During the assault, Doyle kicked and attempted to punch the officer.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because officers employed with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety are federal law enforcement officers.   

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

Doyle 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. Chief District Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on May 16, 2024.

T Jay Joseph Sullivan, 29, was sentenced to five 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. Sullivan will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Sullivan was indicted for Receipt of Child Pornography and Transportation of Obscene Matters by a federal grand jury in March of 2023. He pleaded guilty on February 14, 2024.

The investigation originated from a CyberTip which reported child pornography associated with Sullivan’s Facebook account. Investigators learned Sullivan messaged a thirteen-year-old girl over Facebook, sent the girl images of his penis, and requested the girl send him images of some of her specific body parts. The thirteen-year-old girl sent Sullivan images that constituted child pornography. During the investigation, detectives learned Sullivan also requested nude images from a different thirteen-year-old girl by using Facebook Messenger and sent that girl images of his penis. All the messages and images were located in Sullivan’s Facebook account.

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 Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.

Sullivan 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 by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on May 17, 2024.

Vance Hayes, 34, was sentenced to three years and five 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.

Hayes was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in May of 2023. He pleaded guilty on March 11, 2024.

Hayes was arrested in March of 2023 after being pulled over in Rapid City for a traffic violation.  During the traffic stop, officers learned Hayes was in possession of a stolen firearm. Hayes is a convicted felon and was on federal supervised release at the time. Hayes was aware of his status as a convicted felon and was also aware he was prohibited from possessing firearms.

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 Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.

Hayes 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 Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor and one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on May 16, 2024.

Wilbur Morrison, age 36, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release on each count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor, and 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for the charge of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. He was also ordered to pay a total of $300 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for the three convictions. The prison sentences and periods of supervision shall be served concurrently.

Morrison was indicted for the charges by a federal grand jury in May of 2023. He was found guilty following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, in February of 2024.

On the evening of January 12, 2023, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety was dispatched to Morrison’s residence for a report of a physical assault between Morrison and his adult brother. Law enforcement learned from a neighbor that Morrison was intoxicated and sexually abusing the victim in the living room of the home. The victim, including other children in the home, ran to the neighbor’s house where the incident was reported to law enforcement. All children were forensically interviewed by the Child Advocacy Center in Rapid City. The victim disclosed sexual abuse occurring on the evening of January 12, 2023, and on at least one other occasion.

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 and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

Morrison 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 Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on May 15, 2024.

Justin Bradford, 46, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for the Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person charge. He was sentenced to 19 years and seven months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for the Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance charge. He was also ordered to pay a total of $200 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The prison sentences and periods of supervision are to be served concurrently.

Bradford was indicted for the charges by a federal grand jury in October of 2022. He pleaded guilty on March 10, 2024.

In September of 2022, law enforcement searched Bradford’s residence in connection with a homicide that occurred. Bradford was not involved in the death of the individual, but the shooter intended on purchasing methamphetamine from Bradford when the shooting took place. During the search, law enforcement seized three firearms and several different kinds of ammunition. Bradford was a convicted felon and was not lawfully allowed to possess firearms or ammunition. Bradford was also charged with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine from 2019 through 2022. Bradford managed and organized at least three individuals involved in the conspiracy.

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 Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

Bradford 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 Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Fargo, North Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute. The sentencing took place on May 20, 2024.

Travis Leanell Henley, 28, was sentenced to 14 years and seven months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Henley was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute by a federal grand jury in February of 2023. He pleaded guilty on October 10, 2023.

On April 5, 2022, Henley was pulled over for a traffic violation in Roberts County, South Dakota. The Roberts County Deputy noticed a strong smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle and the vehicle was searched. The deputy located marijuana in the ash tray, approximately $3,000 in cash in the center console, a loaded firearm in the backseat, and over nine pounds of methamphetamine in the back hatch of the vehicle. Upon the deputy locating the methamphetamine, Henley fled the scene on foot. After a short chase, Henley was captured and arrested for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Roberts County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cass County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert prosecuted the case.

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

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Mobridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on May 20, 2024.

Charles Evyn Russell, age 36, was sentenced to nine years and one month in federal prison, followed by ten years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Upon his release from federal prison, Russell will be required to register as a sex offender.

Russell was indicted by a federal grand jury in October of 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 30, 2023.

The conviction stems from incidents between July 31, 2021, and April 1, 2022, when Russell possessed over 600 images of child pornography on various computer and electronic devices at his residence in Mobridge. Russell used the application KIK to obtain child pornography from other users.

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, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Mobridge Police Department, and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on May 20, 2024.

Benjamin Eagle, age 62, was sentenced to ten 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.

Eagle was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2023. He pleaded guilty on November 20, 2023.

Around August 9, 2022, Eagle was visiting a residence in McLaughlin, within the Standing Rock Reservation. He was at the residence because he was consuming alcohol, was not getting along with his significant other, and could not be at his own residence. Eagle used force to engage in sexual contact with a nine-year-old child. The child later disclosed the abuse at a child advocacy center in Bismarck, North Dakota. Eagle admitted he had no excuse nor justification for abusing the child and knew the wrongfulness of his actions at the time of the 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 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 Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher prosecuted the case.

Eagle 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. Circuit Judge Jonathan A. Kobes, sitting in district court in Rapid City, South Dakota, has sentenced a Manderson, South Dakota, man convicted of Misprison of a Felony. The sentencing took place on May 14, 2024.

Ivan White Plume, a/k/a Ivan White Butterfly, 33, was sentenced to time served, one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. White Butterfly served a total of one year and 11 months in custody.

White Butterfly was indicted for Accessory After the Fact to Second Degree Murder by a federal grand jury in May of 2022. He pleaded guilty on February 14, 2024.

In February 2022, White Butterfly was questioned by tribal law enforcement officers about the disappearance of a 17-year-old female. Despite knowing that his relative, Tyson White Plume, had confessed to shooting and killing the victim, White Butterfly concealed his knowledge of the minor’s death and the shooter’s confession.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Jonathan A. Kobes, sitting in district court in Rapid City, South Dakota, has sentenced a Hot Springs, South Dakota, man for Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on May 14, 2024.

Christian Justus Willard, a/k/a “Bamalife24”, age 24, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Willard was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $3,000 in restitution to his victim.

A federal grand jury indicted Willard in August of 2023 for offenses relating to sexual exploitation of a minor. On March 8, 2024, he pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography.  

Willard used the internet-based application Snapchat and his cellular phone to entice a 13-year-old female to engage in sexually explicit activity. Despite knowing the victim’s age, Willard solicited sexually explicit photos and videos from the victim and offered her drugs. Willard saved several of the illegal photos and videos on his cellular phone.

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, the Hot Springs Police Department, and the Fall River County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.

Willard 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 an Aurora, Colorado, man convicted of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Anthony Ward, age 39, was sentenced on May 17, 2024, 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 $200.

A co-conspirator, Darnell Young, was sentenced to 17 years and six months in federal prison on October 24, 2023.

Both defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in the spring of 2023. Anthony Ward was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance resulting in serious bodily injury and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance following a four-day federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, that concluded on February 26, 2024.

The convictions stem from an investigation into Ward that started in the spring of 2022. Investigators eventually stopped a vehicle that Ward was traveling in and found approximately 150 fentanyl pills, $2,859.00 in cash, and a handgun in a bag in the trunk of the vehicle. Through the investigation, law enforcement learned that Ward was responsible for sourcing thousands of fentanyl pills from Denver to Rapid City. They also learned that he sourced a fentanyl pill that was eventually distributed to someone in Rapid City who smoked the pill and overdosed. Another person present at the scene was able to revive the victim with Narcan. Ward also received a sentencing enhancement for lying under oath during his trial.   

This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Agency, 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. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

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

SIOUX FALLS – Alison J. Ramsdell, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, has announced multiple local recipients of High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) awards. The presentation took place in Sioux Falls on April 24, 2024. The awards were presented for the extraordinary work done on the Three Sisters and Grand Ram Operations, which involved the dismantling of drug trafficking activity from Mexico to South Dakota and other states.

The Midwest HIDTA Outstanding Prosecution Award was given to those involved with Operation Three Sisters, an investigation that began when Sioux Falls Police Department (SFPD) Narcotics Detectives received information about a couple in Sioux Falls who was selling large amounts of methamphetamine. Members of the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force conducted an investigation into those two individuals, which resulted in the seizure of approximately two pounds of methamphetamine from their home. Investigators also located information at the home that led to the source of the illicit drugs. That information was utilized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) agents to conduct an investigation into an individual who was arranging to have methamphetamine brought to Sioux Falls from Mexico through California. Agents were then able to work up to two individuals in Mexico who were working to source narcotics to Sioux Falls and other areas. As a result of the investigation, large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl were removed from the distribution stream. In all, the investigation revealed that more than 250 pounds of methamphetamine had been distributed in the community.

The investigation and subsequent prosecutions demonstrate the impact that significant information sharing can have in dismantling large drug distribution conspiracies. The key to reaching the source in Mexico was intelligence sharing and a willingness to work together by local, state, and federal agencies investigating different members of the conspiracy. In total, twenty defendants were federally prosecuted and convicted as a result of this operation, including Salvador Madrigal, Jr., who was sentenced to 33 years and four months in federal prison on August 7, 2023.

Recipients of the Outstanding Prosecution Award include agents from the SFPD, DCI, DEA, ATF, IRS, and SDHP, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Hodges and Elizabeth Ebert, Legal Administrative Specialist Lindsay Nicola (USAO), and Litigation Support Manager Jeff Peters (USAO).

The Midwest HIDTA Outstanding Investigative Collaboration Award was given to those involved with Operation Grand Ram. During this operation, investigators infiltrated the distribution network of the drug trafficking organization (DTO). Investigators discovered that defendants were bringing methamphetamine from California and Minneapolis to South Dakota for further distribution. They also learned that at least one defendant was obtaining methamphetamine from Sioux Falls and bringing it to Wisconsin to sell. Ultimately, investigators learned that proceeds from the drugs sold in South Dakota were being sent back to individuals in Mexico. Throughout the operation, investigators seized multiple pounds of methamphetamine, thousands of fentanyl pills, and thousands of dollars. Operation Grand Ram resulted in the federal prosecution of 16 individuals for distribution of controlled substances, money laundering, and firearm violations in the District of South Dakota.

Recipients of the Outstanding Investigative Collaboration Award include agents from HSI, MCSO, DEA, IRS, and SFPD, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges.

The HIDTA program, created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, provides assistance to Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. This grant program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). There are currently 33 HIDTAs, and HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia. The DEA plays a very active role and has more than 1,500 authorized special agent positions dedicated to the program. At the local level, the HIDTAs are directed and guided by Executive Boards composed of an equal number of regional Federal and non-Federal (state, local, and tribal) law enforcement leaders. 

South Dakota counties involved in the Midwest HIDTA include Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Clay, Codington, Custer, Lawrence, Lincoln, Meade, Minnehaha, Pennington, Union, and Yankton.

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Justin James Schneider, age 38, of Watauga, South Dakota, was found guilty of Assault by Striking, Beating or Wounding as a result of a two-day federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota. 

The charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison and/or a $100,000 fine, one year of supervised release, and a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.  

Schneider was indicted by a federal grand jury in January of 2023. 

On October 26, 2022, in McIntosh, South Dakota, within the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, Schneider, a non-Indian man, was taking out the trash when he saw another man. Schneider believed the other man, a tribal member, had wronged him several months earlier. Schneider gestured for the man to join him in a neighbor’s yard. When they met, Schneider accused the man of misconduct, then punched him several times in the face. Schneider walked the man to his wife’s workplace, forced him to apologize for the alleged misdeed, and then punched him once more on the nose, breaking it.

This case was investigated by the Corson County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation report was ordered and a sentencing date of August 1, 2024, was set.  Schneider remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Jonathan A. Kobes, sitting in district court in Rapid City, South Dakota, and U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier have sentenced two Rapid City, South Dakota, men, one Rapid City, South Dakota, woman, and one Denver, Colorado, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Mark Bond, age 59, was sentenced by Eighth Circuit Judge Kobes on May 15, 2024, to 26 years and eight months 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.

Todd Pape, age 61, was sentenced by Eighth Circuit Judge Kobes on May 15, 2024, to 25 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.

Teresa Goodroad, age 41, was sentenced on May 15, 2024, by Judge Schreier to 17 years and six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Kaylee Heppner, age 37, was sentenced on May 15, 2024, by Eighth Circuit Judge Kobes to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Bond and Pape were indicted by a federal grand jury in the summer of 2022, and pleaded guilty on March 11, 2024.

Goodroad and Heppner were indicted by a federal grand jury in the fall of 2023, and pleaded guilty on March 15, 2024.

These convictions stemmed from activities involving the large scale distribution of methamphetamine in Rapid City, South Dakota, and on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Goodroad and her significant other, Richard Glover, who is set to be sentenced later this summer, were the source of supply for Bond and Pape in South Dakota. During the course of the conspiracy, Bond and Pape would make trips to Colorado to pick up pounds of methamphetamine from Goodroad and Glover.  Other times Goodroad and Glover would deliver the drugs to Bond and Pape in South Dakota.  Once the drugs were in South Dakota it would be further distributed by multiple individuals, including Heppner. Between 15 and 45 kilograms of methamphetamine was distributed during the course of this criminal enterprise. 

Co-defendant Marlena Pond was previously sentenced to six years in custody. Six other co-defendants are pending sentencing later this summer.

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 Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

All four were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following their respective sentencings.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Parmelee, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangulation and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm. The sentencing took place on May 15, 2024.

Tanner Barron, age 32, was sentenced to two years and six 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.

Barron was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2023. He pleaded guilty on February 29, 2024.

In the evening of September 30, 2022, Barron and the mother of his children had a verbal argument about their relationship. The disagreement continued into the next day and became physical when Barron threw the victim down. Barron then placed his hands on the victim’s neck and applied pressure, sufficient to leave a bruise and cause her voice to be hoarse. Officers from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services responded to the scene, but Barron was no longer present. Officers located Barron in his vehicle at a gas station in Rosebud on October 2, 2022. A search of his person revealed a pipe used to ingest methamphetamine. A pistol was found on the front floorboard of Barron’s vehicle. As a regular user of methamphetamine, Barron was prohibited from possessing a firearm. The offenses occurred within the Rosebud Reservation.

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.

Further, 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Jonathan A. Kobes, sitting in district court in Rapid City, South Dakota, has sentenced an Oglala, South Dakota, man convicted of one count of Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet and two counts of Commercial Sex Trafficking. The sentencing took place on May 14, 2024.

Gordon Weston, age 58, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release on each count of conviction, and ordered to pay a total of $300 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for the three convictions. The prison sentences and periods of supervision shall be served concurrently.

Weston was indicted for the charges by a federal grand jury in September of 2021. He was found guilty following a federal jury trial in Rapid City in January of 2024.

Weston was employed as the Activities Coordinator at the Emergency Youth Shelter in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, from 2009 to 2021. During his employment he met several females at the shelter, one of which was the charged victim in the case. The victim was a vulnerable child who had been removed from her household due to neglect, violence, and drug and alcohol abuse. After the victim was released from the shelter, Weston contacted her through social media and solicited her for sexual intercourse in exchange for money. Weston engaged in two acts of Commercial Sex Trafficking on two separate occasions. Through the investigation, it was revealed that Weston had victimized at least one other female.

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. Attorneys Megan Poppen and Jeff Clapper prosecuted the case.

Weston 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 New Underwood, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on May 14, 2024.

Matthew Bowman, 35, was sentenced to five years and ten months in federal prison, followed by five years supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Bowman will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Bowman was indicted for Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography by a federal grand jury in November of 2023. He pleaded guilty on January 24, 2024.

The charge stems from Bowman receiving child pornography between September of 2020 and July of 2022. Investigators found images depicting child sex abuse, and some of the images depicted children appearing as young as four to six years old. Bowman’s child pornography collection was reported to law enforcement through a cybertip from Google Drive and Google Photos.

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 Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Lead, South Dakota husband and wife convicted of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States have been sentenced to prison. The couple must also pay $211,564.17 in restitution.

On May 15, 2024, U.S. Circuit Judge Jonathan A. Kobes sentenced Tami Lee Stokes, 52, to 15 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.

On May 16, 2024, U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced Jason Lee Stokes, 48, to 18 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 Stokes were indicted by a federal grand jury in October of 2023 for Theft of Government Funds, Conspiracy to Defraud the United States, and False Statement. They both pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the United States on March 8, 2024. The conviction stems from the Stokes’ scheme to fraudulently obtain benefits from the Social Security Administration (“SSA”). 

In December of 2012, Jason Stokes submitted an application for Social Security Title II Disability Insurance Benefits, claiming he was unable to work because of illness. He qualified for benefits.  Thereafter, Jason and his wife, Tami Stokes, repeatedly reported false and fraudulent information to the SSA about the nature and extent of Jason’s alleged disability.

From 2013 to 2023, Jason and Tami filed written reports and attended doctors’ appointments claiming Jason needed a wheelchair, could not physically function without constant assistance, and was unable to work. At doctors’ appointments, Jason acted as though he was suffering the symptoms falsely reported in the Stokes’ written reports. The Stokes also sought and obtained benefits on behalf of a minor dependent child. In reality, Jason was healthy and continued to work as a self-employed construction contractor, putting his LLC in his wife’s name to hide his employability.  

Throughout the time period of the fraud, the Stokes obtained $166,458.00 in Title II benefits for Jason’s falsified disability, and $43,042.00 in Title II benefits on behalf of their minor child, resulting in a total payout of approximately $209,500.00. During this time period, the Stokes purchased three snowmobiles, two vehicles, a trailer, and a motorcycle. They obtained numerous hunting licenses, took month-long international vacations, and enjoyed various outdoor activities including helicoptering and boating.

Ultimately, their ten years of fraud was uncovered in 2022 when a doctor at a required consultative exam noted Jason’s muscle tone and other bodily functions did not match his purported levels of impairment. Investigators surveilled the Stokes engaging in their daily routine and observed them shopping, traveling to Mexico to go scuba-diving, going to restaurants, and driving. These activities completely contradicted the Stokes’ representation to the SSA that Jason couldn’t leave the home and needed assistance in essentially every aspect of his life.

When sentencing Tami Stokes on May 15, 2024, to fifteen months in federal prison, U.S. Circuit Judge Jonathan A. Kobes stated that Tami took “full advantage of the fraud on the United States” and lived “the high life on the taxpayers’ dime.” At Jason Stokes’ sentencing on May 16, 2024, U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier told Jason, “Most of the people in South Dakota are honest, hardworking people. The scheme you were involved in here was not that at all.” Judge Schreier outlined the “outright lies” that the Stokes fed the SSA, including that Jason could not shave or brush his teeth, meanwhile the Stokes used “government money to purchase [various vehicles] and other items.” Judge Schreier sentenced Jason to eighteen months in federal prison, citing Jason’s conduct as more egregious than Tami’s because of the fact he actually pretended to be totally disabled. 

This case was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General – Social Security Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.

The Stokes were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

SIOUX FALLS - In honor of National Police Week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota pauses to recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement. The week will be observed Saturday, May 11 through Friday, May 17, 2024.

“As our country recognizes National Police Week, the Justice Department joins families and communities in remembering the members of the law enforcement community who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the public,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “Policing is difficult and dangerous, yet time and time again, law enforcement officers answer the call, showing up for their communities when they are needed the most. Their devotion to duty is matched only by that of their loved ones who make daily sacrifices to support them. The Justice Department is committed to doing everything in our power to help provide our law enforcement partners with the resources they need to carry out their noble work on behalf of the public.”

“In South Dakota, federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement officers collaborate daily to protect communities throughout the state,” said U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell. “They do this work despite the tremendous risk to personal safety and a persistent shortage of resources. As we confronted earlier this year with the tragic death of Moody County Chief Deputy Ken Prorok, law enforcement’s selfless commitment to public safety sometimes leads to the ultimate sacrifice. We at the U.S. Attorney’s Office are grateful, every day, for the tireless work and dedication of our partners in blue.”

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.  

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

On Monday, May 13, the names of more than 280 officers killed in the line of duty in 2024 who have been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial were read during a Candlelight Vigil. To view a recording of the livestream of this event, visit https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2024/candlelight-vigil/.

To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.  

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, man convicted of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute. The sentencing took place on May 6, 2024.

Verran Burdunice, 60, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Burdunice was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute by a federal grand jury in June of 2023. He pleaded guilty on February 21, 2024.

On February 1, 2023, Burdunice met with someone who, unbeknownst to him, was working with law enforcement to conduct a controlled purchase of crack cocaine from him. Following that meeting, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Burdunice’s vehicle in Brookings, South Dakota. A search of the car revealed approximately 212 grams of methamphetamine. This methamphetamine was later tested and found to be 100% pure.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brookings Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

Burdunice 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 Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on May 6, 2024.

Jason Winckler, 44, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised released. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Winckler was indicted for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. He pleaded guilty on February 21, 2024.

On or about March 17, 2022, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Winckler distributed a pill containing fentanyl to one of his drug customers, who in turn gave it to his girlfriend, who ingested the pill and experienced an overdose. The police were called and when officers arrived, the victim was unconscious, not breathing, and was turning blue. The officers were able to revive the victim after administering three doses of Narcan.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizbeth Ebert prosecuted the case.

Winckler 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 Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on May 6, 2024, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Uver Revolorio-Hernandez, age 50, was sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Revolorio-Hernandez was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in September 2023. He pleaded guilty to on January 23, 2024.

On July 31, 2023, Uver Revolorio-Hernandez was arrested after threatening and shooting at a neighbor and the neighbor’s six-year-old child. Revolorio-Hernandez shot at them four times from his vehicle while he drove away from the scene. Law enforcement located two spent 9mm shell casings outside of the victim’s residence and one bullet inside the victim’s residence, which had penetrated three walls of the home.

When law enforcement officers encountered Revolorio-Hernandez in his vehicle, he was intoxicated and in possession of a loaded Hi-Point 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number and two spent 9mm casings.

Revolorio-Hernandez is prohibited from possessing a firearm because he is an illegal alien and because he is a convicted felon; specifically, Revolorio-Hernandez was convicted of Assault – 2nd Degree Dangerous Weapon (Felony) on March 17, 2008, in Scott County, Minnesota.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case was investigated by the City of Sioux Falls Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Elizabeth Ebert prosecuted the case.

Revolorio-Hernandez was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving his sentence.

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 Possession of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on May 6, 2024.

Marc Jones, age 30, was sentenced to 20 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. Jones must register as a sex offender upon his release from federal prison.

Jones was indicted by a federal grand jury in May of 2023. He pleaded guilty on February 23, 2024.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 23, 2023, when Jones possessed images of child pornography on his cell phone. The images were taken of minor females exiting a shower. The minors were unaware of the photographs being taken. Jones was previously convicted in 2014 of 4th Degree Rape in South Dakota.

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on May 6, 2024.

Jesse Leader Charge, age 29, 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.

Leader Charge was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in December of 2023. He pleaded guilty on February 5, 2024.

On October 7, 2019, Leader Charge was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in U.S. District Court, District of South Dakota. As a result of this conviction, Leader Charge must comply with the requirements of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Leader Charge was released from a prison term on September 11, 2023, and began his term of supervised release residing in Rosebud. Leader Charge failed to update his registration upon release from prison and did not update his registration until he was arrested in December of 2023.

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 and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.

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