District of South Dakota

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Rosebud, South Dakota man and a Parmelee, South Dakota woman, following their convictions for Second Degree Murder. 

Dillion Millard, age 27, pleaded guilty on August 13, 2025.  On August 10, 2026, he was sentenced to 30 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.

Charmaine Medicine, age 31, pleaded guilty on May 12, 2026.  On August 10, 2026, she was also sentenced to 30 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. 

Millard and Medicine were indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2024.  The convictions stem from an incident that occurred July 2019, in Todd County, South Dakota, in the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.  In the early morning hours of July 9, 2019, Millard and Medicine picked up the victim, a 15-year-old male, from his residence, and told him they were going to go drink alcoholic beverages together. They drove him to a nearby park and walked to a secluded area where they sat and drank.  The victim became intoxicated, at which point Millard began to strangle the victim with his hands.  When the victim stopped struggling, Millard dragged his lifeless body over to a tree and used his belt to tie the victim to a branch by his neck. Medicine and Millard then departed the scene.  A few hours later, however, they returned, poured oil on the victim’s body and lit him on fire in an effort to destroy the evidence of their malicious and evil deed.  The victim’s body was discovered by hikers on the afternoon of July 10, 2019.  The case remained under active investigation until May 2024, when Millard confessed to his and Medicine’s actions.

“I am so saddened and disheartened by the inhumanity of this terrible crime,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “But I’m relieved for the victim’s family that they finally have some answers and can know that a measure of justice has been achieved,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.

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

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

Millard and Medicine were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusion of their individual sentencing hearings.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography.  The sentencing took place on August 3, 2026. 

Jackson Moss, 38, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $15,095 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Forfeiture of several cell phones was also ordered. 

Moss was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in March 2025.  He pleaded guilty on April 21, 2026.

Between June and December 2024, Moss used Kik, an internet-based chat application and cloud service, to search for, download, and view sexually explicit visual depictions of child pornography to his cellular phone.  Moss’s online conduct involving child pornography was so prevalent that the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received at least 12 CyberTips involving multiple files associated with each CyberTip, all relating to his consumption of child pornography.  Investigators found 649 images and 185 videos of child pornography on his phone.  The images and videos depicted minors who were unmistakably under the age of 18 and were engaged in sexually explicit conduct and being sexually abused.

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 Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.  Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case. 

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of five charges of Abusive Sexual Contact.  The sentencing took place on August 3, 2026.  

Gary Pourier, 59, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for each count, followed by five years of supervised release.  Each sentence was ordered to run concurrently.  Further, Pourier was ordered to pay a $500 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and a $5,000 special assessment pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015. 

Pourier was initially indicted for Abusive Sexual Contact by a federal grand jury in August 2024. After his initial indictment, additional charges were added as two other victims came forward alleging abuse at the hands of the defendant.  Four victims testified during the three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota, beginning April 16, 2026.  The jury found Pourier guilty of all counts. 

In July of 2024, Pourier was at the Common Cents Convenience Store near Porcupine when he made contact with a 10-year-old female. Pourier sexually fondled the young girl inside the store.  After the victim left the store, she reported to a guardian what had happened.  Officers with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, responded to the scene and the child’s home.  During its investigation, the FBI learned of additional victims.

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case. 

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Manderson, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.  The sentencing took place on July 27, 2026.

Christopher Calvin Bald Eagle, 71, was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Bald Eagle was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2024.  He pleaded guilty on May 4, 2026.

Bald Eagle was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in September 1992 in United States District Court for the District of South Dakota.  Bald Eagle was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison.  Based on the conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender for life under the provisions of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).  In December 2023, Bald Eagle admitted to a supervised release violation for not updating his address within three business days of a change in his residence.  He was released from custody in April 2024. Upon his release from custody, however, Bald Eagle did not update his address as required by law.  Bald Eagle was charged for violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, again, and eventually arrested. 

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

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

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Kenel, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Dating Partner.  The sentencing took place on August 3, 2026. 

Delyle Ambrose Left Hand, age 55, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Left Hand was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2024.  He pleaded guilty on May 15, 2026.

On September 14, 2023, Left Hand quarreled with his girlfriend at his ranch in rural Kenel, South Dakota, in the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation.  Left Hand punched, kicked, and bit her, resulting in extensive bruising to her face, shoulders and legs.  Left Hand later failed to appear for his jury trial for this conduct in July 2025.

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.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.

Left Hand was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his federal sentence.

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Eric Shepherd, age 53, of Wilmot, South Dakota, and Olivia Locke, age 60, of Sisseton, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on August 3, 2026, and pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Theft from a Program Receiving Federal Funds.             

The maximum penalty upon conviction is five years in custody, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

Shepherd was the executive director of the Sisseton Wahpeton Housing Authority (SWHA) between September 2019 and July 2025.  Locke was the chief financial officer.  During that time, Locke and Shepherd issued and cashed over $3,500,000 in unauthorized SWHA checks for their personal enrichment.  

“Stealing from the government is stealing from the American people,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “Our federal prosecutors are dedicated to ensuring that criminals like these are caught and sentenced to federal prison, so it becomes abundantly clear that crime does not pay.”

“Olivia Locke and Eric Shepherd abused their positions of trust by engaging in multiple fraud schemes and stealing more than $3.5 million in federal funds intended to serve some of the community’s most vulnerable residents,” said Special Agent in Charge Machelle Jindra with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General (OIG). “This is not an isolated act of misconduct but a deliberate effort that diverted millions of dollars in critical resources designed to assist those most in need.  HUD OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and hold accountable individuals who misuse public funds and exploit positions of trust for personal gain.”

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the United States Attorney’s Office, and the Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for November 9, 2026.  The defendants were detained pending sentencing.

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted Cody Ben Zephier, age 21, of Kenel, South Dakota, of Assault of a Dating Partner by Strangulation, Assault of a Dating Partner Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury, and Assault by Striking, Beating and Wounding following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Aberdeen, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on July 29, 2026.

Cumulatively, these convictions are punishable by up to 16 years of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, $600,000 in fines and a mandatory $225 special assessment.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Zephier was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2025.

During the early morning hours of June 27, 2025, Zephier and his live-in girlfriend quarreled in their Kenel, South Dakota, home, within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation.  When Zephier began walking away, his girlfriend slapped him across the back.  Zephier responded by throwing her to the floor, punching her with “hammer fists,” kicking her, and choking her with his hands until she could not breathe.  Zephier then called 911 because he could not stop himself from “smacking” his girlfriend – or her bleeding.  The woman incurred two broken wrists and extensive bruising to her face and neck in the assault.

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 of Affairs.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case. 

A presentence investigation was ordered.  Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.  Zephier was placed in the custody of the U.S. Marshals pending sentencing.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons, announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Fort Thompson man convicted of Second-Degree Murder.  The sentencing took place on July 29, 2026. 

Jami Johnson, Jr., age 19, was sentenced to 17 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.

Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2025.  He pleaded guilty on April 30, 2026.

During the early morning hours of August 11, 2025, a group of young adults attended an outdoor gathering near Lower Brule, South Dakota.  Among those in attendance were Jami Johnson and the victims.  An argument broke out and Johnson and another person – who later took his own life - produced firearms and fired in the direction of victim 1, striking him in the head and killing him instantly.  A second victim, who was not involved in the argument, was struck in the neck and mortally wounded.  The offense occurred in the Lower Brule Sioux Indian Reservation.

“This was a horrifying and senseless act of violence that has shaken the community,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “Two bright young lives were taken, and no courtroom outcome can restore what was stolen from these families.  We share their grief and the hollow space that remains.  This sentence cannot heal those wounds, but it is our hope that it may offer them some measure of justice and, in time, a measure of peace.”

This matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a

federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be

prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.

This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners.  The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components.  Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  This prosecution upholds the Department’s mission to the unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of victims and their families despite the passage of time. 

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs-Office of Justice Services. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Person Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Great Plains Troy R. Morley and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Faith, South Dakota, man convicted of First-Degree Burglary.  The sentencing took place on July 27, 2026. 

Dalton Hump, age 34, was sentenced to one year and six 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.

Hump was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2025.  He was found guilty following a two-day trial in April of 2026.

The evidence presented at trial established that on the evening of July 10, 2024, Hump unlawfully entered a residence in Ziebach County within the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation.  He assaulted two individuals inside the residence before being forced outside.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.

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.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentencing took place on July 27, 2026. 

Christofer Sand, age 28, was sentenced to three years and 10 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.

Sand was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2025.  He pleaded guilty on August 27, 2026.

The conviction stems from Sand having sexual intercourse with a minor child in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, in the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation.  The crime occurred in March 2025, and, at the time, Sand was 27 years old and the victim was 13 years old. 

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.

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.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  The sentencing took place on July 27, 2026. 

Jannelle Olson, 47, was sentenced to six years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Olson was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in October 2025.  She pleaded guilty on May 4, 2026.

The investigation in this matter revealed that Olson’s co-conspirator transported methamphetamine from Omaha to Sioux Falls to have it redistributed there.  Olson obtained methamphetamine from her co-conspirator on multiple occasions and lined up customers for him to sell to.  On July 31, 2025, investigators met Olson and her co-conspirator after they tracked a phone moving from Omaha to Sioux Falls.  They caught Olson with approximately two pounds of methamphetamine in her vehicle and found an additional two pounds of methamphetamine in her co-conspirator’s vehicle.  In total, investigators determined Olson was responsible for distributing approximately seven pounds of methamphetamine during her involvement in the conspiracy. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).  Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

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

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  The sentencing took place on July 27, 2026. 

Kourtney Lang, 33, was sentenced to five years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Lang was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in February 2025.  She pleaded guilty on March 2, 2026.

Lang was part of the Matthew Shade drug trafficking organization that obtained methamphetamine and fentanyl in Arizona and then distributed the drugs in South Dakota.  Lang’s co-conspirators worked to get the methamphetamine to South Dakota through the mail and also by car.  Once the methamphetamine was in South Dakota, Lang assisted her co-conspirators by working to distribute it to others and by collecting drug debts.  In total, investigators believe that Lang was involved with distributing over eight pounds of methamphetamine throughout her involvement with the conspiracy. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force and the United States Postal Inspection Service Criminal Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

Lang was ordered to self-surrender to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on August 17, 2026. 

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota man convicted of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.  The sentencing took place on July 27, 2026. 

Tevin Thin Elk, Sr., age 29, was sentenced to two 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.

Thin Elk was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2025.  He pleaded guilty on April 27, 2026.

The conviction stems from an incident on April 5, 2025, when Thin Elk, who was on supervised release for his prior federal conviction for Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm, was encountered in a rural area in the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.  Law enforcement had been called to the area due to neighbors hearing multiple gunshots.  Law enforcement encountered Thin Elk, who was intoxicated.  Officers observed numerous spent shotgun shells and open alcohol containers and recovered a semi-automatic shotgun nearby. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).  Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  

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 Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on July 23, 2026. 

Courtney Richmond, 49, was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Richmond was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in November of 2024. He was found guilty following a 4-day jury trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls. The verdict was returned on April 10, 2026.

Investigators with Homeland Security Investigations started investigating Richmond late in 2022 and the DEA started looking into him in the Fall of 2023. Investigators discovered that Richmond was sourcing methamphetamine to at least one other person who was then reselling it to others.  They observed text and Facebook messages between the two that confirmed their drug-related dealings.  Eventually, investigators obtained warrants for Richmond’s person, residences, and vehicles.  On December 14, 2023, investigators stopped Richmond in a vehicle that had his company’s BBQ food truck logo on the side.  They searched the vehicle and found approximately 75 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded pistol.  They then searched his home and found an additional 216 grams of methamphetamine and another loaded firearm.  Richmond is not allowed to possess firearms due to four prior felony convictions from the state of Minnesota.  The investigation into Richmond and his associates resulted in the seizure of approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine. 

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

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography.  The sentencing took place on July 24, 2026. 

Parker Behrns, 27, was sentenced to eight years and one month in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $6,095 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Forfeiture was also ordered. 

Behrns was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in September 2025.  He pleaded guilty on February 9, 2026.

Between September 2022 and July 2024, Behrns used his cellular phone and the internet-based application Discord, to search for and receive images and video files containing sexually explicit visual depictions of minors.  In some instances, Behrns posed as a minor female to request child pornography from other Discord 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 South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.  Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Peterman prosecuted the case. 

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a man from Rapid City, South Dakota, convicted of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, and Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography.  The sentencing took place on July 24, 2026.

Kyle Beck, age 23, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Beck was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024.   He was convicted following a court trial on May 12, 2026.

At his trial, the evidence established that on May 28, 2023, Beck messaged a 15-year-old girl via Instagram and requested sexually explicit photographs of her. Beck was subsequently interviewed and admitted to his conduct. 

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Rapid City Police Department, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations.  Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case. 

This case was brought as a 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. Attorney’s 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.

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

Rapid City - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Pine Ridge married couple on one count of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, 14 counts of Wire Fraud, one count of Larceny, and one count of Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.

Patrick Fire Thunder and Tracie Renay Gallego, both 51, were indicted in July 2026.  They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Haigh and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. 

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 assessment on each count to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture and restitution may also be ordered. 

Between November 2022 and November 2024, at Pine Ridge, Fire Thunder and Gallego, both enrolled members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe (OST), acted together to obtain and embezzle checks from OST intended to be paid to Emergency Youth Shelter (EYS) vendors or reimbursement checks from the State of South Dakota to OST for social services provided to youth at the EYS.  Gallego was the Administrative Assistant for the EYS and responsible for submitting vouchers to OST for payment to the EYS vendors. After submitting the vouchers and obtaining OST checks for payment to the EYS vendors, Fire Thunder and Gallego deposited the checks into Fire Thunder’s personal bank account and then transferred the money to various other accounts and used the money for their own personal benefit.

“Our office is committed to uncovering government fraud at every level and prosecuting those who commit it,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “It’s outrageous that enrolled members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe would be stealing government funds meant to fund essential services for tribal youth. The people deserve better.  Our prosecutors look forward to proving these charges in federal court and holding these defendants responsible for their shameless theft.”

“As alleged in this case, this scheme to divert scarce funds for the schemers’ personal use instead of for the intended use -- to support vulnerable youth in the Pine Ridge Indian reservation -- represents a serious breach of trust and an abuse of safety net programs designed to serve individuals in genuine need,” said Special Agent in Charge Linda T. Hanley of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Protecting federally funded social service programs — including those supporting tribal communities — and the people served by them is central to HHS‑OIG’s mission.  Working closely with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate allegations of fraud to ensure that those who attempt to exploit public resources for personal gain are held accountable.”

The charges are merely accusations and Fire Thunder and Gallego are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

Fire Thunder and Gallego were released pending trial. A trial date has not been set.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that the multi-agency team involved in the investigation and prosecution of United States v. Curtis Cummings, et al., has been selected by the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) as the Outstanding Overdose Investigative Effort of the Year.  The lead prosecutor, Assistant United States Attorney Meghan Dilges, and lead investigator, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Patrick Rose, were presented the award by Dan Neill, Executive Director, Midwest HIDTA, Office of National Drug Control Policy, during a ceremony at the Public Safety Building in Rapid City on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

“This was an incredible investigative effort that delivered justice for the victims of this horrible crime and improved public safety by preventing further deaths that would have resulted from the illegal activities of these defendants,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “I could not be more proud of this law enforcement team and I am so grateful their outstanding efforts have been recognized and honored with this award.”
 

“Midwest HIDTA, in partnership with the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), is proud to support our federal, state, local, Tribal, and prosecutorial partners in identifying, disrupting, and dismantling criminal organizations that exploit vulnerable communities. While no investigation can undo the tragic loss of life in this case,

 we recognize the dedication and professionalism of the investigators, analysts, prosecutors, and support personnel whose tireless efforts helped bring those responsible to justice,” said Executive Director, Midwest HIDTA, Office of Drug Control Policy Dan Neill.

In late April 2022, a young man was found deceased in the driver’s seat of his vehicle at a gas station in Rapid City, South Dakota. On the center console of his vehicle were two aluminum foil pieces with remnants of a partially melted blue-green pill. An autopsy indicated the victim died from fentanyl toxicity.  The investigation was led by the South Dakota Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), which includes the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard.

Utilizing a variety of investigative techniques – including digital forensics, surveillance video, social media records, GPS information, and witness interviews – UNET identified four individuals – Curtis Cummings, Katey McGruder, Christina Sanchez, and Wyatt Nygaard – who were involved in the distribution of fentanyl to the victim.

The investigation revealed that Cummings and his wife, McGruder, obtained large amounts of fentanyl from a source of supply in Colorado on a weekly basis. They would then bring the fentanyl back to their home in Rapid City, where it was further distributed by Sanchez and other co-conspirators. On April 26, 2022, Cummings and McGruder provided fentanyl to Sanchez, who provided the fentanyl to Nygaard. Nygaard then provided the fentanyl to the victim, who overdosed and died within minutes of ingesting the fentanyl.

In 2023, Cummings, McGruder, Sanchez, and Nygaard were indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death.

Sanchez, McGruder, and Nygaard each pleaded guilty to Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death.  On January 24, 2024, Nygaard was sentenced to 23 years and four months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.  On August 9, 2024, Sanchez and McGruder were each sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. 

Cummings was convicted following a jury trial of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death.  On January 24, 2025, he was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Comprised of 73 designated counties in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Illinois, the Midwest HIDTA is designed to disrupt the market for illegal drugs throughout the “heartland” of America by identifying, targeting, and dismantling the most violent and prolific drug trafficking organizations operating in the Midwest.  Its goal is to enhance and facilitate the coordination of regional drug-control efforts among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies—through information and intelligence sharing, cooperative investigations, and joint operations—to reduce drug trafficking and its deadly consequences across the region.  The Midwest HIDTA currently supports 61 different initiatives across seven states, including 44 drug task forces, six domestic highway interdiction programs, and five intelligence initiatives.

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor.  The sentencing took place on July 20, 2026. 

Ricky Wayne Hettich, Jr., age 26, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Hettich was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2025.  He pleaded guilty on April 16, 2026.

Around Christmas 2024, Hettich picked up a 15-year-old girl by the waist against her will.  He laid her down on his bed in his father’s basement in McLaughlin, South Dakota, within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation.  Hettich took off the minor’s clothes, then his own, and had sexual intercourse with her.  Whenever the girl tried to escape, Hettich forced her back down.  The intercourse resulted in pregnancy.  Investigators learned Hettich also had sexual intercourse with the girl on a prior 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 FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.

Hettich was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his federal sentence. 

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Judge Eric Schulte, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a man from Fort Thompson, South Dakota, convicted of Sexual Assault of a Minor.  The sentencing took place on July 13, 2026. 

Elijah Brown Thunder, age 29, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,444.70 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Brown Thunder was indicted in April 2025.  He pleaded guilty on April 13, 2026.

In November, 2017 Brown Thunder engaged in a sexual act with a young victim between the age of 12 and 16.  Brown Thunder committed multiple acts of sexual abuse upon her, over an extended period. The sexual abuse occurred in the Crow Creek Sioux Indian Reservation.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain 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 is part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners.  The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components.  Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  This prosecution upholds the Department’s mission to the unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of victims and their families despite the passage of time.

This case was investigated by the FBI.  Missing and Murdered Indigenous Person Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Great Plains Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man from Eagle Butte, South Dakota, convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on July 13, 2026. 

Trevin Antonio, age 29, was sentenced to three years and six 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.

Antonio was indicted in October 2025.  He pleaded guilty on April 9, 2026.

The conviction stems from Antonio assaulting a woman with a weapon in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, within the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation, on July 31, 2025. The victim suffered severe lacerations to her face that required hospitalization.  

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 Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child. The sentencing took place on July 14, 2026. 

Shane Bruguier, age 47, was sentenced to 30 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.

Bruguier was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2025.  He was found guilty following a three-day jury trial in April of 2026. 

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred sometime between January 2015 and November 2015 in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, within the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation. The evidence presented at trial established that the 8-year-old victim was asleep in her bed and awoke to find that Bruguier had pulled her underwear down and was rubbing her vagina with his hand. The victim pushed Bruguier away and told him to get out of her room.  The abuse was disclosed during a forensic interview in 2021. 

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 Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man from Dupree, South Dakota, convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter.  The sentencing took place on July 13, 2026. 

Gradyn Blue Arm, age 27, was sentenced to 12 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.

Blue Arm was indicted in September 2025.  He pleaded guilty on April 9, 2026.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on June 3, 2025, within the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation.  After being asked to leave a residence in Dupree, South Dakota, Blue Arm returned to the location armed with knives.  Blue Arm argued with the victim and others in the front yard before walking away from the residence.  The victim and two other individuals followed Blue Arm.  Soon thereafter, Blue Arm stabbed the victim in the abdomen with a knife, which resulted in the victim’s death.

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 Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Pierre, South Dakota man and woman in a case charging Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm. 

Brandon Hitt, age 41, and Luticia Falcon, age 41, were indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2025. 

On March 19, 2026, Falcon pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  On June 15, 2026, she was sentenced to eight years and four months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crimes Victim Fund.

On June 15, 2026, Hitt pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.  On July 20, 2026, he was sentenced to 26 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  The court also ordered forfeiture of numerous firearms.

These convictions stemmed from an extensive drug distribution conspiracy beginning in June 2024 and continuing until October 2025. Hitt was the source of supply for several individuals in the Pierre and Rapid City, South Dakota, areas.  He obtained his drugs from individuals in Texas. Hitt would acquire up to five kilograms of methamphetamine at a time.  Falcon would help transport the methamphetamine from Texas to South Dakota where she and others would distribute it on behalf of Hitt.  As part of the conspiracy, Hitt, who is a convicted felon, would routinely carry firearms.  The conspiracy involved between 15 and 45 kilograms of methamphetamine. Five other co-defendants are currently set for trial on November 3, 2026.

“These substantial prison sentences removing these dangerous drug dealers from our community are the result of the incredible cooperation, teamwork and hard work by all levels of law enforcement in our state,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “That work continues until all of our communities are safe.”

“We are removing illegal drugs from our communities thanks to strong partnerships among law enforcement at every level. We share a common goal: keeping our citizens safe,” said South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 

This case was investigated by the FBI Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Pierre Police Department, the Hughes County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.

Following their sentencing hearings, both Falcon and Hitt were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Fort Thompson man convicted of Using and Carrying a Firearm During and Relation to a Crime of Violence.  The sentencing took place on July 20, 2026. 

Tigh Bagola, age 42, was sentenced to seven 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.

Bagola was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2025.  He pleaded guilty on April 20, 2026.

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in July 2023 in the Crow Creek Sioux Indian Reservation.  On the afternoon of July 5, 2023, Bagola was walking in Ft. Thompson, South Dakota, when he encountered the victims.  Bagola argued with the victims and then brandished a handgun at them.  Bagola fired the gun in the victims’ direction, and then fled the scene.   

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

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).  Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  

This case was investigated by the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services – Crow Creek Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that United States District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced an Arizona man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  The sentencing took place on July 20, 2026. 

John Parrado, 38, was sentenced to 21 years and 10 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. 

Parrado was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in September 2025.  He pleaded guilty on January 5, 2026.

In 2025, Parrado conspired with other people to obtain fentanyl and distribute it in South Dakota. He received much of his supply from out of state through the U.S. mail.  Ultimately, Parrado was personally involved in the distribution of 400 grams of the drug in the state.

“This is another step forward in eliminating these deadly substances from our state,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “My deepest thanks go out to the strong detective work of the Rapid City Police, the DEA, ATF, and Postal Inspection Service, working together to reel in this fentanyl dealer and put him away.”

This case was investigated by the Rapid City Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Peterson prosecuted the case.

Parrado was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence. 

RAPID CITY, SD – United States Attorney Ronald A. Parsons, Jr. announced at a joint press conference held today in Rapid City, South Dakota, that a multi-agency law enforcement operation has resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals located throughout the Pine Ridge Reservation, Rapid City, and Box Elder, South Dakota, as well as in Colorado, as part of Operation Take Back America, with the goal of protecting our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

Operation Black Book is a federal investigation into a multi-state cocaine trafficking organization responsible for importing kilograms of cocaine into western South Dakota, including to communities within the Pine Ridge Reservation.  Through the investigation, law enforcement has thus far seized over 37 firearms, more than $61,000, and approximately five kilograms of cocaine intended for distribution in South Dakota.

The investigation was spearheaded by the FBI Badlands Safe Trails Task Force (FBI Task Force) in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).  The South Dakota National Guard Counter Drug Unit, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and Rapid City Police Department also assisted in the investigation.  The FBI Task Force is comprised of investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs—Division of Drug Enforcement, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.

The first phase of the operation occurred in Colorado on June 16, 2026, resulting in the arrest of three individuals responsible for supplying the South Dakota drug trafficking organization with cocaine.  The second phase of the operation began in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 21, 2026, and continued until the afternoon.  By the end of the operation, law enforcement officers arrested 14 targeted fugitives.

The arrestees have all been federally indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Some members of the drug trafficking organization face additional federal charges related to financial crimes and firearms offenses for their conduct in furtherance of the drug trafficking organization.  The investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be considered.  An indictment is merely an accusation.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“Today this FBI announced the results of Operation Black Book, with 14 arrests of drug trafficking organization members operating near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in Southwest South Dakota,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “These were subjects allegedly flooding Pine Ridge and surrounding Indian Country with deadly narcotics going unchecked for years - and now they’ll face justice thanks to this sweeping investigation with partners. This op is an example of how this FBI is committing never before seen resources to our Indian Country partners who have been wrongly forgotten for decades. With the launch of Operation Steadfast Promise in April, this FBI’s first of its kind durational campaign to crush violent crime on Tribal Lands, the FBI now has over 400 agents/staff dedicated to working Indian Country, 3 more Safe Trails Task Forces for a total of 29 – all representing the FBI's largest ever commitment, partnering with 575 federally recognized tribes in America. These communities deserve to be remembered and under this FBI, they will be.”

“Operation Black Book is the latest chapter in our mission to carry out this Administration’s directive to completely dismantle and eliminate drug trafficking organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “This complex and skillfully executed operation represents law enforcement at its finest.”

“Operation Black Book is just one piece of the FBI’s total commitment to tribal communities under this year’s surge of resources to tribal lands called Operation Steadfast Promise,” said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson.  “Our agents and task forces are in the community and on tribal lands every day working to protect the public from gang members, drug traffickers, and transnational organized crime.  Investigations like this prove that our partnerships with state, local, and tribal law enforcement are paying off for public safety.”

“Drug trafficking organizations exist to make money.  IRS-Criminal Investigation exists to follow the money, and we’re proud to use that expertise to support our law enforcement partners in a joint effort to disrupt and dismantle dangerous drug activity,” said IRS-CI St. Louis Field Office Special Agent in Charge William Steenson.

“The DEA will go wherever an investigation takes us, be that a big city or small village, to remove the threatening individuals determined to profit off of the sale of deadly poisons,” DEA Omaha Field Division Special Agent in Charge Dustin Gillespie said.  “Today’s operation shows what can be accomplished when law enforcement partners work side-by-side on a cause that benefits our communities.”

“These arrests are the result of a strong partnership between law enforcement at the federal, state, tribal and local levels. Together we are taking illegal drugs out of our communities and making our streets safer,” said South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley.

“The Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement is grateful for the outstanding collaboration demonstrated throughout this investigation. The partnership between our agents, the Badlands Safe Trails Task Force, the FBI, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, DEA, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe was essential to achieving these results. Our collective efforts reflect a shared commitment to protecting Indian Country and ensuring the safety and well‑being of our communities,” said Deputy Associate Director Tom Atkinson.

The following is a list of the defendants arrested in connection with Operation Black Book: 

• Wuttichai Chankaeo – 32 years old; Commerce City, Colorado
• Joseph Valdez – 49 years old; Westminster, Colorado
• Amber Bravo – 42 years old; Westminster, Colorado
• Zeno Rendon – 31 years old; Box Elder, South Dakota
• Deja Guthmiller – 23 years old; Rapid City, South Dakota
• Mason Martin – 23 years old; Rapid City, South Dakota
• Dylan Sanchez – 34 years old; Rapid City, South Dakota
• Jarrian Ribitsch – 31 years old; Pine Ridge, South Dakota
• Laci Ribitsch – 32 years old; Pine Ridge, South Dakota
• Sara Clifford – 33 years old; Rapid City, South Dakota
• Ryan Jones – 38 years old; Rapid City, South Dakota
• Caleb Allard – 35 years old; Rapid City, South Dakota
• Savannah Backward – 31 years old; Pine Ridge, South Dakota
• Evan Sanchez – 33 years old; Rapid City, South Dakota

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 

The FBI’s Operation Steadfast Promise is a comprehensive surge of resources to address a wide range of violent crime threats including gangs and criminal enterprises, violent crimes against children, and fugitive apprehension cases while working to improve public safety in Tribal communities.

 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons, United States Marshal Dan Satterlee, and Sioux Falls Chief of Police Jon Thum, along with representatives of other law enforcement agencies, held a joint press conference at the Sioux Falls Police Department on Thursday, July 16, 2026, to announce the overall impact of a local three-day Homeland Security Taskforce, Operation Repeat Offender Project.

Operation Repeat Offender Project was a collaborative federal, state, and local law enforcement operation in Sioux Falls and the surrounding area conducted the week of July 6, 2026, that targeted fugitives, parole absconders, gang members, and their associates.  The operation resulted in the arrest of 35 individuals, 11 of whom received additional new felony state charges.

“With surgical precision, this successful joint operation, conducted by a team of dedicated law enforcement officers risking their lives, has removed dangerous fugitives from our community and returned them to where they belong—behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.

“These operations highlight the great work that goes on every day in South Dakota.  Partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies are the backbone to South Dakota’s law enforcement efforts and continue to keep our communities as safe as possible,” said U.S. Marshal Satterlee. “Deputy U.S. Marshals and our task force partners carry out this dangerous work on a daily basis throughout the state and will continue to do so for a safer South Dakota.”

“The success of this three-day operation highlights the power of collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies,” said HSI St. Paul Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy. “By joining forces as a unified law enforcement community, we are able to deliver meaningful results and advance our shared mission of safeguarding the public. This operation is a clear demonstration of our unwavering commitment to public safety.”

“We continue to demonstrate within our community that we are strongest when collaborating together. This joint law-enforcement operation is another classic example of how effective we can be when we join forces. When law-enforcement works well together, it has a direct positive result to public safety within our communities, and I am incredibly proud of our combined effort,” said Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum.

Operation Results:

• 35 targeted and collateral individuals arrested:

  Of those arrested, 11 received new felony state charges.  These charges include Possession of Controlled Substance, Weapons Possession, and Aggravated Eluding.

A total of 55 outstanding warrants cleared. 

8 Parole Absconders Arrested.

• 2 firearms seized
• 34 grams of methamphetamine seized.
• 9.7 grams of fentanyl seized.

            (close to 5,000 lethal doses of fentanyl).

Agencies that assisted with the Repeat Offender Project:

United States Attorney’s Office

U.S. Marshals Service

Homeland Security Investigations

Sioux Falls Police Department

South Dakota Highway Patrol

South Dakota Department of Corrections / Parole Services

Brandon Police Department

South Dakota Fusion Center

Beadle County Sheriff’s Office

Moody County Sheriff’s Office

 

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on July 14, 2026. 

Anthony Little Hoop, age 36, was sentenced to 2 years and 4 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.

Little Hoop was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2026. He pleaded guilty on May 7, 2026.

Little Hoop was convicted of Sexual Abuse in United States District Court, District of South Dakota in September 2012. As a result of his conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and update his registration within three business days of relocation or change in employment or student status. In November 2025, Little Hoop updated his sex offender registration to reflect that he was residing at a residence in Sioux Falls. Little Hoop left that residence in December 2025 and did not update his registration. An arrest warrant was issued, and on March 11, 2026, Little Hoop was arrested in Sioux Falls.

This case was brought as a 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. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Unit 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 United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Zachrison prosecuted the case.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man on charges of Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, Bank Fraud, and Aggravated Identity Theft.

Benjamin Paul Wiener, age 43, was indicted last month on 29 counts.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on July 10, 2026, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. 

The maximum penalty upon conviction for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering is up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both imprisonment and a fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The maximum penalty upon conviction for Bank Fraud is up to 30 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both imprisonment and a fine, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

The maximum penalty upon conviction for Aggravated Identity theft is a mandatory minimum consecutive term of two years’ imprisonment in addition to any term of imprisonment imposed for any other counts of conviction.

According to the indictment, Wiener devised a fraud scheme to obtain money and digital currency from victims who invested with Wiener’s companies.  Wiener made materially false statements and fraudulent representations to induce his victims to invest money with his companies.  His fraud scheme has negatively impacted dozens of victims throughout the region, including in South Dakota and Minnesota. 

After obtaining funds from his victims, Wiener then allegedly moved victims’ funds to conceal and disguise the location, source, ownership, and control of the funds.  In other words, as alleged in the indictment, Wiener laundered the fraud proceeds through and into various financial institutions and cryptocurrency exchanges to cover his conduct and to control and expend the funds on personal expenses.  In furtherance of this scheme, as alleged, when victims’ funds became depleted or a certain investor requested the return of their investment, Wiener would seek new investors to then use new funds to use on personal expenses and to pay back previous investors.  As a result of Wiener’s conduct, the government alleges the estimated total loss is approximately $20 million.

Wiener allegedly used the following entities to perpetrate the fraud scheme and money laundering activities:  Benaiah Capital LLC; Benaiah Holdings, Inc.; Benaiah Digital Fixed Income LP; Benaiah Digital LP; Benaiah Management Company, Inc.; Benaiah Enterprises, LLC; Aslan Management, LLC; and Runway Four10. 

In addition, the indictment alleges Wiener defrauded a financial institution located in Sioux Falls.  In April 2025, as alleged, he secured a line of credit for $1,000,000 by falsifying to the bank various documents, information, and correspondence.  To do so, he utilized, without authority, another individual’s personal identifying information.   

As with any indictment, the charges are merely accusations, and Wiener is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. 

The investigation is being conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the FBI, and the United States Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case. 

Wiener was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date of September 15, 2026, has been set.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota woman convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  The sentencing took place on July 6, 2026. 

Brenda Fernandez, age 52, was sentenced to four years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, $ 1,000 fine, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Fernandez was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2025.  She pleaded guilty on April 8, 2026.

The conviction stems from a traffic stop on September 1, 2024, in the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation during which officers recovered 34 grams of pure methamphetamine, a scale, baggies and a drug ledger in Fernandez’s possession.  Fernandez was intending to distribute the methamphetamine within the reservation. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 

This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, Dewey County Sheriff’s Office, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, FBI, and DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.  The sentencing took place on July 13, 2026. 

Aaron England, 30, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

England was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in January 2025.  He pleaded guilty on April 13, 2026.

On July 23, 2024, in Rapid City, SD, law enforcement initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle England was driving.  England failed to immediately stop.  He later parked the car and fled from law enforcement on foot.  On the floorboard of the driver’s side, law enforcement found a stolen pistol along with drug paraphernalia, which England had been in possession of before fleeing.  England was later caught and arrested. England had been convicted of a crime punishable beyond a year in prison.  As a result, he was a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).  Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  

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

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Pukwana, South Dakota, man and woman, each of whom was earlier convicted of Embezzlement and Theft from Indian Tribal Organization.  The sentencing took place on June 29, 2026.

Kyle James Loudner, age 40, was sentenced to one year and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.  Restitution was also ordered for $160,000.

Talyn Ashley Douville, age 34, was sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.  Restitution was also ordered for $160,000.

The two were jointly indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2025.  Loudner pleaded guilty on March 30, 2026, and Douville pleaded guilty on April 6, 2026.

Between May 27, 2022, and July 2, 2024, Loudner, an elected official, and Douville, a tribal employee, embezzled approximately $160,000 belonging to the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe.

According to Loudner’s and Douville’s admissions in court, on May 3, 2022, Loudner was elected to the CCST Tribal Council.  Following his election, he and Douville established three different checking accounts.  Between May 27, 2022, just weeks after his election, and July 2, 2024, nearly 100 checks were drawn out of government checking accounts that were made payable to Loudner, to Douville, to both defendants, or to cash.  Each defendant signed many of these checks, and they embezzled funds totaling $160,000.

“Make no mistake about it,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Stealing from the government, including tribal governments, will land you in prison.”            

This case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.

Loudner and Douville will report to the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving their federal sentences in July 2026.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Parmelee, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.  The sentencing took place on July 6, 2026. 

Jonathan Sierra, age 22, was sentenced to time served through August 7, 2026, equal to approximately ten months in custody, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Sierra was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2026.  He pleaded guilty on April 1, 2026.

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in July 2025, within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.  On the date of the event, a Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Officer was speaking to Sierra’s ex-girlfriend at her residence in Mission, South Dakota.  Sierra drove up to the house, and the officer asked Sierra to get out of his vehicle.  Sierra exited the vehicle with a knife in his hand.  The officer repeatedly commanded Sierra to put the knife down.  Eventually, Sierra threw the knife into the street.  When the officer tried to detain Sierra, Sierra began to struggle and kicked the officer.  Sierra also kicked an assisting officer during the struggle.

This case was investigated by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Zachrison prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on July 13, 2026.

Fred Leading Cloud, age 68, was sentenced to 2 years and 4 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.

Leading Cloud was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2025. He pleaded guilty on April 20, 2026.

On May 22, 2025, Leading Cloud got into an altercation with the victim in Mission, South Dakota, within the exterior boundaries of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. During the altercation, Leading Cloud pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim in the neck. 

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 Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Zachrison prosecuted the case.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted John Odom Harris, Jr., age 41, of Stockton, California of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine following a 4-day jury trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on July 10, 2026.

The charge carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a $10 million dollar fine and at least five years up to life supervised release. 

Harris was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2024.  

Harris was responsible for distributing over 100 pounds of methamphetamine to a co-conspirator who then distributed the methamphetamine to others in South Dakota from early 2023 to early 2024. Harris sent methamphetamine to South Dakota through the mail.  He also provided it to his co-conspirator in California, who then transported the drugs to South Dakota in cars and on trains.  Four other conspirators from the same drug trafficking organization have been convicted in federal court to date.  Harris’s co-conspirator, Marquez McGee, was caught in possession of 42 pounds of methamphetamine in January 2024.  After pleading guilty, McGee was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison in December of that year.

“Methamphetamine dealers seeking to distribute their poisonous product would be wise to cross off South Dakota from their list,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.

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

A presentence investigation was ordered.  Sentencing will be set for a later date.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rushville, Nebraska, woman convicted of four counts of Wire Fraud and three counts of Money Laundering.  The sentencing took place on June 29, 2026. 

Buffy Redfish, age 57, was sentenced to 6 years and 6 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $4,744,415.36 in restitution.

From May 2006 to November 2024, Redfish worked for the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s (OST) Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO), which enforces the tribal requirement that all employers engaged in business on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation give preference to qualified Native Americans in employment, contracting, and other business or economic development activities.  One of Redfish’s duties was to collect TERO fee checks from contractors and transfer them to OST’s revenue department for deposit into the tribe’s general fund. Between November 2017 and May 2024, Redfish and a co-defendant, working together, developed a scheme to defraud OST by diverting TERO fee checks totaling more than $4.7 million belonging to the tribe and depositing the checks into the co-defendant’s bank account. The two then split the embezzled funds between themselves and used the funds for their own personal benefit, including purchasing homes and vehicles. Redfish is a member of the Gila Tribe in Arizona.

“This Administration has made prosecution of government fraud a top priority,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “This substantial prison sentence for stealing millions of dollars from the Oglala Sioux Tribe is another step forward by our office in fulfilling that directive.”

“Together with her co-defendant, Buffy Redfish stole $4.7 million from an Oglala Sioux Tribe program and out of the hands of the people of the Pine Ridge Reservation," said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. "The FBI will take every necessary investigative step to stop fraud and ensure the integrity of public programs. Those entrusted with public and tribal funds must uphold that trust or they face significant prison sentences."

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a federal jury has convicted John Stanford Roth, age 58, of Glendale, Arizona, of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Fentanyl following a three-day trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on July 8, 2026.

The two conspiracy charges each carry a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a $10 million dollar fine and at least five years up to life supervised release. 

Roth was indicted by a federal grand jury in October of 2025.  

Evidence at trial showed Roth worked with others as part of the drug trafficking organization headed by Matthew Shade to distribute cartel-sourced fentanyl and methamphetamine from Arizona to Sioux Falls and the surrounding area. Roth provided the drugs and other members of the conspiracy transported and sold them. The evidence revealed more than 200 pounds of methamphetamine was delivered to Sioux Falls for sale within approximately 8 months in 2024 and early 2025.

The organization’s leader, Matthew Shade of Tea, pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and was sentenced in early May of this year to serve more than 21 years in federal prison.  To date, thirteen defendants have been indicted in connection with the Shade organization.  Roth is the tenth defendant to have been convicted; three more indicted defendants are awaiting trial.

“The dominoes are crashing down for the members of this crooked drug trafficking organization,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “This unanimous guilty verdict rendered by the jury, after carefully reviewing all the evidence, has tipped the scales toward justice even more.”

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Investigations Service and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Connie Larson and Mark Hodges prosecuted the case. 

Roth’s sentencing is set for September 28, 2026.  Following the guilty verdict, he was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Yankton, South Dakota man convicted of two counts of Production of Child Pornography.  The sentencing took place on July 6, 2026.

Robert Barbetti, age 34, was sentenced to 45 years in federal prison, 8 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.  Once released from federal prison, Barbetti must register as a sex offender. 

Barbetti was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024.  He pleaded guilty on April 6, 2026.

The conviction stemmed from an investigation into several cyber tips which led to the discovery that between 2018 and 2023, Barbetti had been using various online social media platforms, including SnapChat and Wink, to target minor children and coerce them into producing child sexual exploitation materials at Barbetti’s direction and for his sexual gratification. 

Barbetti’s criminal conduct included coercing a juvenile male living in Texas to perform sexual acts on his own prepubescent brother, record the sexual acts, and send them to Barbetti over the internet.  Barbetti’s criminal conduct also included persuading a minor female living in Virginia to produce videos of herself naked from the waist down while committing indecent acts. 

“This Administration has no higher priority than protecting innocent children,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.

This case was investigated by the FBI, DCI, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert-Webb 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.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a man from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.  The sentencing took place on July 6, 2026. 

James Murphy, 34, was sentenced to one year and three 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.

Murphy was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in February 2025.  He pleaded guilty on April 6, 2026.

Murphy was convicted of a federal sex offense in 2014 for soliciting a 13-year-old girl off Backpage for sex in exchange for money.  At the time, Murphy was 21 years old.  Because of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  Murphy was aware of his obligation to register and to keep his registration current.  Nonetheless, from early November 2023 through December 2024, Murphy knowingly failed to register and update his registration despite being instructed by law enforcement to do so.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson prosecuted the case.

Murphy was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his federal sentence. 

This case was brought as a 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. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Unit, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.  The sentencing took place on June 26, 2026. 

Rudolph Bissonette, 34, was sentenced to 12 months and a day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Bissonette was indicted for Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in December 2025.  He pleaded guilty on April 15, 2026.

On October 15, 2025, law enforcement observed a vehicle committing a traffic violation.  Bissonette was the driver. He had been drinking alcohol and had a blood alcohol content of .266%.  Bissonette informed law enforcement there was a pistol in the vehicle.  Law enforcement also found a round of ammunition in Bissonette’s front-right pants pocket.  Bissonette is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to prior convictions punishable beyond a year in prison.  It is a federal felony to possess firearms or ammunition after a felony conviction.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).  Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  

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

Bissonette is to self-surrender to the U.S. Marshals Service at a date and time ordered by the Court. 

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted Avery Hawk Wing, age 35, of Rapid City, South Dakota, of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on July 2, 2026.

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

Hawk Wing was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2024.  

Evidence at trial showed Hawk Wing handled a rifle that was in a tote bag that belonged to him.  Hawk Wing told law enforcement that he touched the firearm when going through his tote bag.  Unsurprisingly, forensic examination revealed Hawk Wing’s DNA on several locations of the firearm, consistent with him handling the firearm.  Hawk Wing was previously convicted of a crime punishable beyond a year in prison and, as a result, is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

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

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be set for a later date.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man and woman, both from Mission, South Dakota, following their convictions for Larceny. 

Amelia Bordeaux age 20, pleaded guilty on April 1, 2026.  On June 29, 2026, she was sentenced to time served, equal to approximately four months in custody, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Andrew Whiting, age 20, pleaded guilty on January 12, 2026.  On April 21, 2026, he was sentenced to time served, equal to approximately eight months in custody, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Bordeaux and Whiting were indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2025.

The convictions stem from an incident that occurred on February 18, 2025, within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.  On that date, Whiting and Bordeaux stole a pickup truck that was parked at a residence in Mission.  They subsequently got the vehicle stuck in a rural area south of Mission and abandoned it. The vehicle was recovered by law enforcement the following day.

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

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.

Bordeaux and Whiting were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusion of their individual sentencing hearings.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man from Mission, South Dakota, convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.  The sentencing took place on July 6, 2026. 

Jaret Wooden Knife, age 28, was sentenced to one year and one month in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Wooden Knife was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2025.  He pleaded guilty on April 9, 2026.

Wooden Knife was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in U.S. District Court in 2022. Consequently, he is required to register as a sex offender and update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment or student status.  In July 2025, Wooden Knife began a period of supervised release residing in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and he appropriately updated his sex offender registration.  Wooden Knife thereafter relocated from his registered address and updated his sex offender registration to reflect a different residence in Sioux Falls, but he never resided at the new address.  An arrest warrant was subsequently issued, and on September 12, 2025, Wooden Knife was arrested in Sioux Falls.

This case was brought as a 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. Attorney’s 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.  Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons, announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Lower Brule, South Dakota man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.  The sentencing took place on July 6, 2026. 

Cody Crazy Bull, age 35, was sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Crazy Bull was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2025.  He pleaded guilty on April 9, 2026.

This conviction stems from an incident that occurred on May 12, 2025, in Lower Brule, South Dakota.  Federal officers with the Bureau of Indian Affairs observed Crazy Bull in the driver’s seat of a vehicle in a parking lot.  Aware that Crazy Bull had an active tribal arrest warrant, the officers attempted to place him under arrest.  As an officer was standing in an open door of the vehicle, Crazy Bull put the vehicle in reverse and backed up quickly, striking the officer with the vehicle door.  The officer then jumped into the moving vehicle to avoid being run over and gave repeated commands for Crazy Bull to stop the vehicle.  Crazy Bull eventually stopped the vehicle and fled on foot until he was apprehended a short time later hiding in a mechanical closet of a nearby building.

“The reckless and intentional actions of this fugitive from the law might well have killed this heroic federal officer acting in the line of duty,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “Thank goodness the police lieutenant is safe.  Our office backs the blue, and we will do everything we can to put anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer behind bars where they belong.”

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services-Lower Brule Agency and the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.  The sentencing took place on June 29, 2026. 

Marcel Boyd, 40, was sentenced to two years and six 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.

Boyd was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in September 2024.  He pleaded guilty on March 31, 2026.

On July 10, 2024, law enforcement responded to a report of gunshots fired in Kyle, South Dakota.  Boyd pointed a pistol at others and shot it off in the air.  Boyd then ran into the home of someone he knew.  Law enforcement officers observed a small child’s hand wave for help from inside.  They entered the home and safely secured Boyd.  Underneath the mattress where Boyd was found, officers located the pistol. Boyd had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and, accordingly, is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).  Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Judge Eric Schulte, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a man from Rapid City, South Dakota, convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.  The sentencing took place on June 30, 2026. 

Brian Bear Heels, age 41, was sentenced to five years and five months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Bear Heels was indicted in August 2025.  He pleaded guilty on March 11, 2026.

On April 15, 2025, within the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation, Bear Heals fled from several tribal law enforcement officers and intentionally used his vehicle to hit three separate law enforcement vehicles multiple times, causing significant damage to all three vehicles. 

This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced an Omaha, Nebraska, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  The sentencing took place on June 29, 2026. 

Anthony Robinson, 37, was sentenced to 22 years and five 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.

Robinson was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in October 2025.  He pleaded guilty on April 6, 2026.

The investigation in this matter revealed that Robinson trafficked methamphetamine from Omaha to Sioux Falls.  He was a source of supply for multiple other co-conspirators who re-distributed the methamphetamine in the Sioux Falls area.  Throughout the conspiracy, investigators seized approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine associated with Robinson.  Investigators believe Robinson was responsible for trafficking approximately 40 pounds of methamphetamine during his involvement in the conspiracy. 

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

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Sturgis, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography.  The sentencing took place on June 29, 2026. 

Luke Basche, 21, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $48,570 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Forfeiture was also ordered. 

Basche was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in February 2025.  He pleaded guilty on March 31, 2026.

Between December 2022, and January 2025, Basche used Mega, an internet-based chat application to search for, download, and view sexually explicit visual depiction of child pornography to his cellular phone.  After Basche received and downloaded child pornography to his Apple iPhone, he stored many of the depictions in his Dropbox and Google accounts, which are cloud-based internet storage services.  Investigators found over 2,500 images and 445 videos of child pornography on his phone.  Basche also stored child pornography on computers and a hard drive.  The victims depicted in child pornography he received included infants and toddlers.

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 Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.  Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case. 

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.  The sentencing took place on June 22, 2026. 

Harold White Hat, age 42, was sentenced to 16 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.

White Hat was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2025.  He pleaded guilty on February 25, 2026.

White Hat was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in United States District Court, District of South Dakota, in May 2022.  As a result of his conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and regularly update his registration.  In September 2025, White Hat updated his sex offender registration to reflect that he was residing at a residence in Sioux Falls.  Later, however, White Hat left that residence and did not update his registration.  An arrest warrant was issued, and on November 17, 2025, White Hat was arrested in Sioux Falls.

This case was brought as a 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. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Unit 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 United States Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Zachrison prosecuted the case.

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