District of South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Fargo, North Dakota, man, convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on October 10, 2023, in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Bryant Elliot DeCoteau, age 32, was sentenced to 10 years federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

DeCoteau was indicted for Sexual Abuse by a federal grand jury in December of 2022. He pleaded guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact on July 10, 2023.

According to court documents, in January of 2018, and continuing through December of 2019, DeCoteau knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual contact with the victim. 

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe’s Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Swift Bird, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on October 11, 2023, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Cody Dean High Elk, age 40, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

High Elk was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2023.  He pleaded guilty on July 11, 2023.

On the evening of July 3, 2022, High Elk and his wife were arguing while walking to their home in the Swift Bird Community.  High Elk threw his wife to the ground and punched her.  High Elk’s wife fled to their home.  High Elk followed and continued to strike her until shortly before law enforcement arrived.  High Elk’s wife incurred a separated shoulder and bruising on her face, shoulder and forearm in the assault.

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

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that District Court Judge Lawrence Piersol has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota woman convicted of Possession of a Firearm by Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on September 25, 2023.

Ashley Garcia, 36, was sentenced to twelve months and one day in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.   

Garcia was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in February of 2023. She pleaded guilty on June 27, 2023.

On December 21, 2022, Garcia was walking in the area of West 12th and Interstate 29 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota with a rifle. A concerned party called the police department about a woman walking outside, as it was during a blizzard, and the temperature was -9 degrees. When officers arrived, Garcia had the rifle in her left hand, but attempted to discard it upon being approached by law enforcement.

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

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on October 11, 2023.

Jessica Grant, a/k/a Jessi Grant, age 46, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison, five years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Grant was indicted by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. She pleaded guilty on July 11, 2023.

The conviction stemmed from a drug conspiracy beginning in June 2019 and continuing until December 2021.  Grant was involved in a conspiracy with numerous other individuals to distribute methamphetamine in multiple communities in South Dakota, including Eagle Butte, Pierre, Rapid City, and Rosebud.  Grant received large amounts of methamphetamine and re-distributed it to various individuals. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance.

This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

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RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Elijah West, 26, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, of three counts of First Degree Murder, three counts of Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and one count of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person following a five-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on September 22, 2023.

The convictions carry a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine and a $700 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

West was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2022. That same month, West killed three people by shooting them at a residence near Wounded Knee, South Dakota.

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

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

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah B. Collins and Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date will be scheduled. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.  ###

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Mandan, North Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on October 10, 2023. Chief Judge Lange also sentenced a Washington, D.C., man conviction of Misprision of a Felony. The sentencing took place on August 11, 2023.

Abdul Vann, age 48, was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison, seven years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Samuel Vann, age 22, was sentenced to time served of seven months of custody, one year of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Abdul, his son Samuel, and two other co-defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2023. Abdul pleaded guilty on June 22, 2023. Samuel pleaded guilty on June 30, 2023.

The convictions stemmed from a drug conspiracy in December 2022 wherein Abdul Vann knowingly and intentionally agreed with others to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Abdul, and his three co-defendants were arrested while at a gas station in Oacoma. Their vehicles were searched and approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine was found in vacuum sealed bags wrapped as Christmas presents. Abdul and the co-defendants were transporting the methamphetamine from a source in Law Vegas, Nevada, to North Dakota for further distribution. Samuel Vann had actual knowledge of the conspiracy; however, he did not do anything to stop it.  Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance.

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Northern Plains Safe Trains Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case. The two remaining co-defendants will be sentenced later this month.

Samuel Vann was released following his sentencing. Abdul Vann was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Milbank, South Dakota man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on October 2, 2023.

Travis Thiele, 41, was sentenced to twelve years and six months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Thiele was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in April of 2022. He pleaded guilty on June 20, 2023.

Beginning on an unknown data and continuing until April of 2022, Thiele regularly obtained methamphetamine from a co-conspirator and distributed it to others in Northeastern South Dakota. He is believed to have been involved in the distribution of approximately 17 pounds of methamphetamine during his involvement in the conspiracy.  

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

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

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Kenel, South Dakota man convicted of Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner. The sentencing took place on October 10, 2023.

Rodd Rough Surface, age 46, was sentenced to two years and one 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.

Rough Surface was indicted for assault by a federal grand jury in August of 2022. He pleaded guilty on July 10, 2023.

On May 29, 2021, Rough Surface was at his home in Kenel, in Corson County, within the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.  He was drinking alcohol with the victim, his dating partner, when they got into an argument and he assaulted her.  He used his hands to strangle her and gave her a black eye, bruising, and rendered her unconscious. 

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher prosecuted the case.

Rough Surface was ordered to self-surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons by October 31, 2023.

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SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced Daren Lee Basche, a South Dakota man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. This was the last sentencing of the four defendants involved in this indictment, and it took place on October 10, 2023.  Basche, 58, of Brandon, South Dakota, was sentenced to 9 years and 7 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release.  Previously, Jevon McLeod, 33, of Sisseton, South Dakota, was sentenced on March 14, 2023, to 40 years in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release.  Tiarah Bissonette, 26, of Sisseton, South Dakota, was sentenced on March 14, 2023, to 4 years and 9 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release.  Trey Petrich, 24, of Watertown, South Dakota, was sentenced on August 28, 2023 to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release. Additionally, they were each ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

All four defendants were indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. Basche pleaded guilty on June 12, 2023, McLeod pleaded guilty on December 5, 2022, Bissonette pleaded guilty on November 16, 2023, and Petrich pleaded guilty on May 3, 2023.

During this conspiracy, McLeod would pick up pills containing fentanyl from co-conspirators in other states and transport it back to South Dakota to be distributed. Basche, Bissonette and Petrich were sub-distributors for McLeod. The group was responsible for distributing thousands of pills containing fentanyl in Northeast South Dakota.

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigations, the Roberts County Sheriff’s Office, the Codington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

All defendants were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after their sentencings.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on October 10, 2023.

Irene Guerrero, age 39, was sentenced to four years in federal prison, three years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Guerrero was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2022. She pleaded guilty on June 14, 2023.

The conviction stemmed from a drug conspiracy beginning in February 2021 and continuing until June 2022. Guerrero was involved with several other individuals to distribute methamphetamine in and around the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation. Guerrero received distributable quantities of methamphetamine from others which she then sold. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance.

This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

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PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Dupree, South Dakota, man convicted of Second Degree Murder was sentenced on October 11, 2023, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Stuart Cochran, Sr., age 50, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison, four years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Cochran was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2022.  He pleaded guilty on July 11, 2023.

On the morning of June 25, 2022, Stuart Cochran, Sr. was driving home to Dupree when he observed the victim walking on the shoulder of US Hwy 212 near Eagle Butte, SD.  Cochran bore a grudge against the victim based on past altercations.  Cochran pulled up next to the victim.  The two exchanged profanities.  Cochran drew a pistol, leveled it at the victim and pulled the trigger.  When the gun did not fire, Cochran racked the pistol slide and pulled the trigger again, shooting the victim in the face and killing him.

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

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Detroit, Michigan man and a Sioux Falls, South Dakota man, convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on September 29, 2023.

Vernon Lee Mason, Jr., 31, and his co-conspirator, Demetrius Jackson, 42, were both sentenced to ten years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. They were both also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Mason, Jr. and Jackson were indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in March of 2022. Mason, Jr. pleaded guilty on July 17, 2023, and Jackson pleaded guilty on November 8, 2022.

On November 19, 2021, law enforcement stopped the vehicle in which Jackson and Mason, Jr. were traveling. They searched the vehicle and found approximately 57 grams of methamphetamine, which the two intended to distribute to others. Investigators then obtained a search warrant for Jackson’s residence and found an additional 755.5 grams of methamphetamine intended for distribution. Mason was also captured on a wire intercept discussing drug transactions with a local drug dealer from Trent, South Dakota.

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

Mason, Jr. and Jackson were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after their sentencings.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Beresford, South Dakota, man for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography.

Theodore John Jungbauer, age 59, was indicted in October of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on October 6, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between December 13, 2021, and August 24, 2023, Jungbauer knowingly received and distributed, and attempted to receive and distribute, any child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.

The charge is merely an accusation and Jungbauer is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting 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.

Jungbauer was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial which has been set for December 12, 2023.

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced an Aberdeen, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on October 10, 2023.

Tevaughn Brownlee, age 27, was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Brownlee was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2022. He pleaded guilty on July 24, 2023.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on September 11, 2022, in Aberdeen, when Brownlee was involved in a domestic violence incident while possessing a firearm. Brownlee, who had previously been convicted of a felony in the state of Illinois, was in possession of a Smith and Wesson 45 caliber pistol. Due to the prior conviction, Brownlee is prohibited from possessing firearms.

This case was investigated by ATF and the Aberdeen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

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

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PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Edward Wilson, a/k/a Eddie Wilson, age 41, of St. Francis, South Dakota of Domestic Assault by a Habitual Offender following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on October 4, 2023.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Wilson was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2023. 

On May 29, 2023, shortly after 8:00 am, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services responded to St. Francis after the victim called 911 reporting an assault. The victim reported to officers that Wilson had assaulted her the night prior, punching her in the face and kicking her in the body numerous times. The responding officers noticed marks on the victim’s face and body consistent with her statement. Wilson later sent text messages to the victim, stating that in a prayer he apologized for what happened and swore he’d never lay a hand on the victim. Wilson has previously been convicted of domestic assault on two separate occasions in U.S. District Court, District of South Dakota.

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

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

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a McLaughlin, South Dakota woman convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on October 2, 2023.

Jessica Black Cloud, age 24, 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.

Black Cloud was indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter by a federal grand jury in August of 2022. She pleaded guilty on June 20, 2023.

On April 19, 2022, Black Cloud was driving a vehicle in Corson County within the Standing Rock Indian Reservation and she had two passengers with her. She was drinking vodka and was under the influence of alcohol and her blood alcohol content was .248%, or more than three times the legal limit. At some time after 3:00 AM, she drove into a curve in the roadway on U.S. Highway 12, lost control of her vehicle, over-corrected, and entered the ditch. Her vehicle spun out of control and ultimately rolled.  One of her passengers was partially ejected and died at the scene. A second passenger remained in the vehicle and had minor injuries. Black Cloud was also ejected and injured, but received medical care and recovered.

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 South Dakota Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher prosecuted the case.

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

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Kenel, South Dakota, woman convicted of Child Abuse. The sentencing took place on October 2, 2023.

Bobbi Rey Yellow Fat, age 41, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Yellow Fat was indicted for Child Abuse by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. She pleaded guilty on June 20, 2023.

In early August of 2022, Yellow Fat was caring for her three-year-old child in Kenel, which is in Corson County and within the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. The child sat on a mop that was soaked with a household cleaning solution. The child had eczema and a history of skin issues which exacerbated the injuries to her through the exposure. Other older children in the defendant’s household asked the defendant to get the child medical care, but she did not. The defendant did not take reasonable steps to address the injuries to the child. The child developed skin infections, suffered bleeding wounds, and was exposed to severe physical pain for over a week through the defendant’s lack of appropriate care and abuse. After law enforcement officers were notified, the child received medical care and healed.

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher prosecuted the case.

Yellow Fat was released after sentencing and must report to prison by October 24, 2023.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on September 28, 2023.

Eugene Perez, 44, was sentenced to 11 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.

Perez was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in January of 2022. He pleaded guilty on June 28, 2023.

The charge stems from Perez conspiring with others to distribute multiple pounds of methamphetamine in and around Rapid City between January 2018 and December 2021.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted JT Myore, age 36, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, of Robbery, Carjacking, and Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on September 27, 2023.

The charges carry a mandatory minimum of seven years in custody up to life, and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count.

Myore was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2021. He was charged in connection with two separate incidents, and the first one occurred in August of 2019 and the second in May of 2021.

In August of 2019, Myore and a co-defendant brandished firearms in order to carjack a Ford Freestyle from another male in Pine Ridge. In May of 2021, Myore and his co-defendants forcibly assaulted a male in Pine Ridge in order to steal his Toyota Celica. The male sustained a broken arm and cuts and contusions to his head and face.

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

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering (Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Property Derived from Specified Unlawful Activity.)

Richard Kamolvathin, a/k/a Danuj Richard Kamolvathin, d/b/a Zolvent Pro, LLC, age 57, was indicted in August of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 12, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and up to $300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that beginning on or about October 13, 2020, and continuing through June 30, 2021, Kamolvathin knowingly devised a scheme to defraud where he fraudulently submitted two applications to the South Dakota Bureau of Finance and Management for Small Business Start-Up Grants for his business, Zolvent Pro, LLC. Kalmovathin’s grant applications and supporting documentation contained false statements, including the date of the registration of the business and the claimed business expenses. As the result, Kamolvathin received two grants: one for $350,000 and one for $13,800. Kamolvathin then used the funds for his own purposes, including the purchase of a luxury watch for $26,710.19.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.   

Kamolvathin was released on bond pending trial which has been set for February 20, 2024.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Tina Sully, age 53, of Wagner, South Dakota, of seven counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, two counts of Felony Child Abuse, and one count of Abusive Sexual Contact, following a four-day jury trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on September 15, 2023.

Sully was indicted on these charges by a federal grand jury in January of 2022. The charges carry a mandatory minimum of 10 years and possible maximum penalty of life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $1,000 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Sully was a foster and adopted mother to several children. The jury convicted her of unlawfully assaulting and cruelly punishing three of them, including beating them with belts and hangers and withholding food from them for days, between the years of 1993 and 2021. Sully was also convicted of sexually abusing one of the children by grabbing the juvenile male’s genitals.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Yankton Sioux Law Enforcement, and the Charles Mix County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert, who also serves as a prosecutor with the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has not been set. The defendant was released pending sentencing.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Jaden Rae Lalley-Mestas, age 23, was indicted on September 12, 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 15, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction is 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison and/or a $10,000,000 fine, five years minimum of supervised release, up to life, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

The Indictment alleges that from an unknown date through September 12, 2023, Lalley-Mestas conspired with others to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, a controlled substance.

The charge is merely an accusation and Lalley-Mestas is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges is prosecuting the case.   

Lalley-Mestas was detained in U.S. Marshals Service custody pending trial. A trial date has not been set.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime, and two counts of False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm. The sentencing took place on September 1, 2023.

Harold Salway, 24, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $400  special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Salway was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. He pleaded guilty on June 16, 2023.

In June of 2022, at Rapid City, Salway, being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, knowingly possessed multiple firearms which were found after Salway came into contact with law enforcement. Salway also made false statements about his drug usage while purchasing firearms between January of 2021 and March of 2022.  Between January of 2021 and March of 2022, Salway purchased at least 43 firearms, which he then traded for drugs or sold or provided to them to others who were prohibited from possessing them.

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

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

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann sentenced a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse by Force and Habitual Domestic Violence. The sentencing took place on September 19, 2023.

Anthony Bobtail Bear, age 43, was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Bobtail Bear was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2022. A Superseding Information was filed, and the defendant changed his plea to guilty on June 26, 2023.

The defendant was convicted of physically and sexually abusing the mother of his child at a home in Little Eagle. The victim sustained bruising to her head, suffered a loss of consciousness during the abuse, and ultimately required surgery to repair the injuries she sustained from the abuse. The defendant and victim were in a tumultuous on again/off again relationship. This is the defendant’s fifth conviction for assaulting the victim, and sixth conviction for domestic violence against his dating partners.

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

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Yankton, South Dakota, woman convicted of Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Misrepresentation, Fraud, Forgery, Deception, and Subterfuge. The sentencing took place on September 11, 2023.

Lisa Merrigan, age 55, was sentenced to two years of probation and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Merrigan was indicted by a federal grand jury in October of 2022. She pleaded guilty on July 5, 2023.

The conviction stemmed from incidents between June 19, 2021, and September 11, 2021. Merrigan, worked as a registered nurse at a hospital in Chamberlain, South Dakota, during that time period. Merrigan tampered with a vial of fentanyl citrate for injection properly stored within the hospital, by removing the fentanyl citrate for injection from the vial and replacing the majority of it with saline solution. Merrigan then returned the tampered vial to storage, knowing that the diluted fentanyl citrate for injection could be dispensed to surgical patients at the hospital. Fentanyl citrate is a Schedule II controlled substance that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use to relieve severe pain during and after surgery. The fentanyl in the tampered vial was so diluted that had the vial been dispensed to a surgical patient, the pain management would have been minimal or unsuccessful.

This case was investigated by the FDA, Office of Criminal Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Spencer High Hawk, age 27, of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, of Aiding and Abetting Second Degree Murder, following a four-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on September 8, 2023.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in custody 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. 

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

Evidence at trial established that High Hawk beat another man to death near Wounded Knee, South Dakota, in June of 2022.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Lindrooth and Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has been set for December 1, 2023. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Watertown, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on August 28, 2023.

William Dean Locke, age 35, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Locke was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2023. He pleaded guilty on June 5, 2023.

The conviction stems from Locke failing to register as a sex offender as required by state law between December 30, 2021, and October 19, 2022. Locke had previously been convicted of a sex offense in state court which requires him to register for the rest of his life.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman 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.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Todd County, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact With a Child. The sentencing took place on September 12, 2023.

Kevin Sharkey, age 46, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Sharkey was indicted by a federal grand jury in May of 2022.  He pleaded guilty on June 14, 2023.

The conviction stems from conduct that occurred between March 1, 2017, and August 31, 2017, in Todd County, wherein Sharkey engaged in a sexual contact with a child who had not attained the age of 12 years.

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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.   

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a St. Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon. The sentencing took place on September 12, 2023.

Albert Guerue, age 43, was sentenced to four years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Guerue was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2022. He pleaded guilty on June 14, 2023.

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on April 7, 2022, in Todd County, South Dakota. On that date, Guerue was consuming alcoholic beverages at the residence of the victim, an adult woman. Guerue became angry and threatened to kill the victim. Guerue then assaulted the victim by punching her with his fists, kicking her legs with shod feet, and striking her with a metal bar. The victim suffered lacerations to her head and face that required medical attention.

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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.   

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Brandishing a Firearm During a Federal Crime of Violence. The sentencing took place on September 11, 2023.

Samuel Oreoluwa Roberts, 24, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Roberts was indicted for Interference with Commerce by Threats and Violence as well as Brandishing a Firearm During a Federal Crime of Violence by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. He pleaded guilty on July 3, 2023.

Roberts robbed the Get-n-Go gas station and convenience store on March 29, 2022, using a pistol to demand money from the store employees. Roberts stole $245 in cash. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert, who also serves as a prosecutor with the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.

Roberts was ordered to remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service for transport to the Bureau of Prisons.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Mandan, North Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. The sentencing took place on September 11, 2023.

Sarah Jahner Clifford, age 45, was sentenced to 19 years and seven months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Clifford was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. She pleaded guilty on December 8, 2022.

The conviction stemmed from a drug conspiracy beginning in January of 2021 and continuing until July of 2022. Clifford was involved in an extensive conspiracy with several other individuals to distribute methamphetamine in and around the central South Dakota area, including on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation and the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. Clifford received significant quantities of methamphetamine from sources in Denver, Colorado. Clifford and others would transport the methamphetamine back to South Dakota where it was sold by Clifford and those working for her.

As part of the conspiracy Clifford possessed various firearms, including a Stevens Arms shogun and a Raven Arms pistol. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed the shotgun has a barrel length of 14 inches and is not registered to Clifford in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by law. Further, Clifford is a felon and prohibited from possessing any firearms.

This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Northern Plains Safe Trains Drug Enforcement Task Force, and ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Winnebago, Nebraska, woman convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on August 28, 2023.

Trista Whitewater, age 33, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Whitewater was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2022. She pleaded guilty on June 23, 2023.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on June 8, 2023, when Whitewater, who was booked at the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Yankton Sioux Correctional Facility in Wagner for several tribal charges, assaulted a Lead Correctional Officer. After causing a disruption in her pod, Whitewater threatened to hit the Lead Correctional Officer and then fought with the Lead Correctional Officer and other correctional officers, including swinging her fists and scratching the officers, resulting in scratches on the Lead Correctional Officer’s face and her glasses being broken.

This case was investigated by the BIA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman 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.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Victor Alfonso Leon-Pacheco, age 33, of Bakersfield, California, of Conspiracy to Distribute (fentanyl), Conspiracy to Distribute (methamphetamine), and Use of a Communications Facility to Facilitate a Drug Trafficking Crime, following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on September 7, 2023. U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier presided over the trial.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in custody and/or a $10,000,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Leon-Pacheco was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2022.  Since 2016, Leon-Pacheco was in custody in Oklahoma. He obtained a contraband cell phone and used the phone to operate a drug trafficking organization across the United States. Leon-Pacheco arranged for family and friends in California to send packages of drugs to various places, including western South Dakota, through the US Postal Service. Those people also received money wire transfers and cash on behalf of the defendant. The methamphetamine and fentanyl were then further distributed by people in the area.  Law enforcement was able to introduce an undercover agent, who communicated with the defendant by an encrypted application over the course of several months. The defendant sent approximately 6,000 fentanyl pills and 10 pounds of methamphetamine to law enforcement. During a search of his cell by Oklahoma officials, the contraband phone was located. A co-conspirator, Eduardo Acosta, has already pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 36 months custody.

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Chief Judge Robert A. Lange has sentenced a Hastings, Nebraska, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on September 5, 2023.

Joaquin Cervantes, 39, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, follow by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Cervantes was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in May of 2023. He pleaded guilty on June 16, 2023.

The conviction stems from Cervantes, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly being in possession of a Remington semi-automatic rifle in Rapid City, South Dakota, in March of 2023.

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

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

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Lantry, South Dakota, woman convicted of Larceny. The sentencing took place on September 1, 2023.

Trude Clown, age 47, was sentenced to all time served through October 11, 2023, equal to approximately one-and-a-half months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. She was further ordered to pay restitution of $20,143.61 and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Clown was indicted for Larceny by a federal grand jury in August of 2022. She pleaded guilty on May 31, 2023.

The conviction stemmed from Clown purchasing a variety of goods and services between February 1, 2022, and June 1, 2022, with information she obtained from the victim’s bank card. Clown used this information to make numerous unauthorized purchases online and from businesses located on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Indian Reservation.

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

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

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Sturgis, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine). The sentencing took place on August 28, 2023

Devan McKenzie, 27, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison, followed by five of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

McKenzie was indicted for three counts of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl) by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. She pleaded guilty on April 14, 2023.

Beginning around February of 2020, McKenzie began selling controlled substances with Brook and Dustin Staeffler. The group made arrangements to obtain the drugs in Colorado and then transport them to South Dakota. McKenzie transported the substances on several occasions and recruited her own sub-distributors to further sell the drugs in the Rapid City area. Overall, the conspiracy was responsible for at least 1.29 kilograms of methamphetamine, 857.5 grams of fentanyl, and 860.5 grams of heroin. During the investigation, law enforcement executed search warrants at McKenzie’s residence, and located drugs and items indicating she was actively engaged in selling illegal substances.

This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, which is local a drug task force comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Sturgis, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine). The sentencing took place on August 28, 2023

Devan McKenzie, 27, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison, followed by five of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

McKenzie was indicted for three counts of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl) by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. She pleaded guilty on April 14, 2023.

Beginning around February of 2020, McKenzie began selling controlled substances with Brook and Dustin Staeffler. The group made arrangements to obtain the drugs in Colorado and then transport them to South Dakota. McKenzie transported the substances on several occasions and recruited her own sub-distributors to further sell the drugs in the Rapid City area. Overall, the conspiracy was responsible for at least 1.29 kilograms of methamphetamine, 857.5 grams of fentanyl, and 860.5 grams of heroin. During the investigation, law enforcement executed search warrants at McKenzie’s residence, and located drugs and items indicating she was actively engaged in selling illegal substances.

This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, which is local a drug task force comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on August 29, 2023.

Nathan David Hankins, 30, was sentenced to two 10-year terms in federal prison, to run concurrently. Hankins’ federal custody time will run consecutively with a previously imposed state custody sentence. Hankins was also sentenced to lifetime supervised release and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Hankins was indicted for Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography by a federal grand jury in December of 2019. He was convicted at a court trial on March 23, 2023.

Hankins was federally indicted following a Cybertip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children in relation to a download of child pornography from Hankins’ Google account. The Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce executed a search warrant on Hankins’ residence and located several devices. A forensic examination of those devices found hundreds of images of child pornography.

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

This case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Crockett, Texas, man convicted of Bank Larceny. The sentencing took place on August 30, 2023.

Keivon Jones, 26, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay approximately $100,000 in restitution and $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Jones, along with his co-defendants, were indicted for Bank Larceny and Transportation of Stolen Money by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. Jones pleaded guilty on May 8, 2023.

Three co-defendants were previously sentenced in this case:

• Kytorrion Young, age 32, was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison;
• Kendrick Kennedy, age 24, was sentenced to six months in federal prison; and
• Alton Himes, age 25, was sentenced to 19 months in federal prison.

According to court documents, on December 2, 2021, in the early morning hours, Jones, and his three co-defendants, approached an automated teller machine (ATM) belonging to Dakotaland Federal Credit Union located in Madison, South Dakota. One of the vehicles that Jones and his co-defendants were driving at that time was a stolen Ford F-350 pickup truck. The truck was stolen from a parking lot located on the campus of South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. 

Jones and his co-defendants used the stolen truck and towing equipment, including straps and J-hooks, to physically break into the ATM and remove three cash boxes. After forcefully removing the boxes, Jones and his co-defendants stole the boxes and fled the area in the stolen pickup truck. They then traveled across state lines with the stolen cash. 

The ATM was destroyed in the process of the larceny and was deemed a total loss, costing over $30,000 to replace. The total amount of cash stolen was $32,300, and it belonged to Dakotaland Federal Credit Union.

Jones’s co-defendants – Kytorrion Young, Alton Himes, and Kendrick Kennedy – knowingly participated with Jones in carrying out bank larceny.

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

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Wagner, South Dakota, woman convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on August 21, 2023.

Chelsea Andersh, age 29, was sentenced to four years of probation and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Andersh was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2022. She pleaded guilty on May 31, 2023.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on September 11, 2021, when Andersh, after smoking methamphetamine and marijuana, gave her five-month old son a bottle and put him back in the bed with her. Later that day, the baby was discovered on his side, his face into Andersh’s body, under her arm, deceased. The autopsy revealed that the cause of death was “asphyxia due to smothering due to bed sharing with mother.” The contributing cause was “maternal methamphetamine use.”

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 Yankton Sioux Law Enforcement, Charles Mix County Sheriff’s Office, Wagner Police Department, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Production of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on August 21, 2023.

Tyson Thill, age 45, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Upon release from custody, Thill must register as a sex offender.

Thill was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2021. He pleaded guilty on May 30, 2023.

The conviction stemmed from incidents between February 8, 2019, and July 28, 2021, when Thill downloaded an application to use a camera from a remote location on his cell phone. Thill used the app to control the camera of another phone that he hid in a bedroom for the purpose of taking photographs of a minor getting dressed. Thill knew the minor was underage.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

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

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on August 25, 2023.

Amanda Vu, 36, was sentenced to 18 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.

Vu was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) by a federal grand jury in October of 2022. She pleaded guilty on May 15, 2023.

Starting around January of 2020 and lasting until her arrest in November of 2022, Vu obtained methamphetamine from Colorado, which she then transported to South Dakota. Vu sold the methamphetamine to people in South Dakota for use or to further distribute. Although exact quantities are unknown, law enforcement estimates she brought back approximately 60 kilograms of methamphetamine. During the conspiracy, the defendant also rented multiple vehicles, a storage unit, and short-term house rentals to facilitate her organization and avoid detection by law enforcement. 

This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, which is a local drug task force comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken and U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier, sentenced two men, convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Both sentencings took place on August 11, 2023.

Jose Arguello, 37, of Rapid City, South Dakota, was sentenced to 25 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. Arguello was sentenced by Judge Viken.

Fernando Valenzuela, 41, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced to 11 years 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. Valenzuela was sentenced by Judge Schreier.

Arguello and Valenzuela were indicted, along with several others, for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance in the spring of 2021, and each pleaded guilty in May of 2023.

Beginning around July 2020, methamphetamine was trafficked into South Dakota from Arizona and Mexico through coordination by Jose Arguello, Fernando Valenzuela, and several other persons. Arguello served as lead organizer of the conspiracy and recruited and coordinated others to send money packages through the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, and other mail carriers. At times, money was also wired to various locations. All of the money sent was to obtain large volumes of methamphetamine. When the bulk quantities of methamphetamine arrived in the Rapid City area, Arguello divided and packaged it and dispersed it to multiple sub-distributors for further distribution in the Black Hills. Some members of the conspiracy, including Kevin Dunn, expanded the group’s methamphetamine trafficking activities to North Dakota. Dunn was previously sentenced to 20 years in prison in January of 2023, by Judge Viken.

In addition to the large volume of methamphetamine that was distributed through the course of this conspiracy, multiple firearms were also possessed in furtherance of the conspiracy.

In total, four members of the conspiracy have been sentenced, three have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing, one still has a pending warrant, and one is set for a trial at the end of August of 2023.

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

Arguello and Valenzuela were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sturgis, South Dakota, man convicted of Bank Robbery. The sentencing took place on August 10, 2023.

Deric Dufek, 33, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crimes Victim Fund.

Dufek was indicted for Bank Robbery by a federal grand jury in March of 2022. He pleaded guilty in June of 2023.

On March 14, 2022, Dufek entered Great Western Bank in Spearfish, South Dakota, wearing a mask. Dufek proceeded to go to a bank teller window and showed the teller a note reading "give me the money OR DIE" demanding money from the teller. The teller, believing the defendant had a gun, produced stacks of money to the defendant. The defendant fled Spearfish but was apprehended by law enforcement in Deadwood, South Dakota, later the same day.

This case was investigated by the Spearfish Police Department, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina S. Nelson prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (fentanyl). The sentencing took place on August 10, 2023.

Phillip Moore, 33, was sentenced to 12 years and six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Moore was indicted for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury by a federal grand jury in October of 2021. He pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance on May 5, 2023.

Beginning in 2021, Moore coordinated with other persons to bring fentanyl in the form of small blue pills from Arizona to South Dakota for distribution. Once the fentanyl arrived in the Rapid City area, Moore worked with others to disperse the fentanyl. On October 15, 2021, a local Rapid City man purchased fentanyl from a batch of fentanyl that had been brought into Rapid City as part of Moore’s conspiracy. The man overdosed and CPR and NARCAN were administered to revive him.  

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

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Wilson Brave Heart, age 50, of Mission, South Dakota, of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer following a two-day jury trial in federal district court in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on August 16, 2023.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of eight years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Brave Heart was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2023. 

On March 11, 2023, Brave Heart was arrested by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officers and charged with domestic abuse. He was then transported by an officer to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Adult Correctional Facility. While he was completing intake processing at the Adult Correctional Facility, Brave Heart spit in the face of the arresting officer. 

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

A sentencing date has not been set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Sonora, Mexico, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on August 11, 2023.

Miguel Armenta Rivas, 39, was sentenced to 14 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.

Rivas was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in August of 2021. He pleaded guilty on April 13, 2022.

As part of his role within the drug trafficking organization, Rivas coordinated with other co-conspirators and would transport large quantities of methamphetamine from Arizona and other places outside of South Dakota into the Rapid City, South Dakota area. Rivas also coordinated with others regarding the storage and distribution of the methamphetamine once it arrived in South Dakota. The conspiracy lasted more than a year’s time frame. In August of 2021, agents conducted a search warrant of multiple locations in the Rapid City area tied to the conspiracy and located over 70 pounds of methamphetamine, multiple pounds of heroin and cocaine, as well as thousands of fentanyl pills, approximately $144,000, and thirteen firearms. One co-conspirator, Noel Rivera, has also been sentenced. Rivera was sentenced in December of 2022 to 17.5 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Another co-conspirator is awaiting trial.

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

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on August 14, 2023.

Diego Martin Duran Acosta, age 32, was sentenced to 33 years and nine months in federal prison and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Duran Acosta was indicted by a federal grand jury in January of 2022. He pleaded guilty on November 14, 2022.

The conviction stemmed from incidents when Duran Acosta distributed methamphetamine. He voluntary joined an agreement with others to have the methamphetamine sold to him so he could resell it and share with other co-conspirators. A search warrant was obtained for his hotel room on September 20, 2021. Law enforcement discovered approximately nine pounds of methamphetamine, which is a Schedule II controlled substance.

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in Alexandria, MN, the West Central MN Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of two separate charges, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault on a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on August 9, 2023.

Dre Red Feather, 31, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison on the Assault with a Dangerous Weapon conviction, and six years and five months in federal prison for the Assault on a Federal Officer, to be served consecutively. Red Feather was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund

Red Feather had been previously released from federal custody on an unrelated case just eight days before he was involved in an assault in the East Ridge area of Pine Ridge, which resulted in the death of a man. On the afternoon of July 9, 2022, Red Feather and two others went to the home of the victim to obtain alcohol. A verbal argument ensued outside of the victim’s home that escalated into a physical altercation. Red Feather stabbed the victim during the fight, who died as a result.

While Red Feather was in custody on the assault that resulted in the victim’s death, Red Feather assaulted a corrections officer at the Pennington County Jail. Red Feather approached a corrections officer, and then kicked and repeatedly struck the corrections officer in the face.

The case was investigated by the FBI, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gina Nelson and Megan Poppen prosecuted the cases.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on August 14, 2023.

Gary Heckel, 71, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Heckel will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Heckel was indicted for Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography by a federal grand jury in August of 2022. He pleaded guilty on March 24, 2023.

Heckel was federally indicted following a Cybertip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children in relation to suspected child pornography from Dropbox. The Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce executed a search warrant on Heckel’s home and located multiple devices. A forensic examination of those devices found over 84,000 images of child pornography and over 46,000 videos of child pornography.

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

This case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.

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