District of South Dakota

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 Possession of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on February 3, 2023.

Zahkim Vela, 23, was sentenced to three years in federal prison, follow by five years of supervised release. Vela was ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100 and $8,000 in restitution. Vela will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Vela was indicted for Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. He pleaded guilty on October 12, 2022.

Vela was federally indicted following a Cybertip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children regarding the download of child pornography using the application Kik Messenger. A search of Vela’s Kik Messenger account contained videos and images of child pornography including of infants and toddlers. The Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce executed a search warrant on Vela’s home and located multiple devices. Vela admitted to receiving, saving, and distributing images of child pornography on Kik Messenger.

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

Vela 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 Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on February 3, 2023.

Michael Wilson, 37, 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.

Wilson was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in April 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 21, 2022.

In February 2020, in Rapid City, Wilson, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessed a Taurus, 9mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Wilson came into contact with law enforcement.

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

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

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. Circuit Judge Jonathan A. Kobes has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on February 1, 2023.

Bullman, 25, 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.

Bullman was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in July 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 14, 2022.

In April 2022, in Rapid City, Bullman, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, was knowingly in possession of an Iberia Firearms Incorporated, model JS40, .40 caliber, semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Bullman came into contact with law enforcement.

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.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Escape from Custody was sentenced on January 31, 2023, by U.S. Circuit Judge Jonathan A. Kobes, sitting in district court.

Preston White Feather, 26, was sentenced to fifteen months in federal prison and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Preston White Feather was indicted for Escape from Custody by a federal grand jury in April of 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 7, 2022.

White Feather was in the Bureau of Prisons custody serving a sentence of 14 months, with three years of supervised release to follow, for Third Degree Burglary. In June of 2021 his supervised release was revoked and he was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment, as well as an additional 22 months’ imprisonment, and three years of supervised release to run concurrently in another criminal file. He was placed at the Community Education Center in Rapid City to finish serving his sentence as part of a re-entry process. He walked away and was found in Rosebud three months later.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.

White 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 Black Hawk, South Dakota, man 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 February 6, 2023.

Stephen Fontenot, Jr., 40, was sentenced to 17 ½ years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Additionally, Fontenot was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, and five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography. Fontenot’s sentences will run concurrently. Fontenot was also ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Fontenot was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2021. He was found guilty at trial on November 3, 2022. 

Fontenot was arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2021 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators. Following multiple sexually explicit chats and text messages with a person Fontenot believed to be a 12-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent, Fontenot proceeded to negotiate a time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts. When Fontenot went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.

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

Fontenot 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 Wentworth, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on February 3, 2023.

Jordan Charles Opdahl, age 30, was sentenced to 12.5 years in federal prison, five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $5,100.

Opdahl was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2021. He pleaded guilty on November 14, 2022.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on October 20, 2020, when Opdahl used his Kik account to access and receive file containing child pornography from other Kik users. Opdahl downloaded the files containing child pornography from the internet and other Kik users to his cellular phone. Opdahl also distributed the files depicting child pornography to other Kik users.

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations. 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.

Opdahl 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 Wanblee, South Dakota, woman convicted of False Statements. The sentencing took place on January 30, 2023.

Talana Francine Standing Bear, a/k/a Talana Francine Sitting Up, 40, was sentenced to time already served, 2 years of supervised release, ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and $14,241.65 in restitution.

Standing Bear was indicted for False Statements by a federal grand jury in February of 2021. She pleaded guilty on July 20, 2022.

The charge related to Standing Bear making materially false statements on documentation relating to her minor child’s Social Security disability income. Standing Bear received $13,695.65 in Title XVI Supplemental Security Income and $546 under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program because of these false statements and put those funds to use for her own benefit, rather than her minor child’s benefit.

This case was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General – Social Security Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama 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 Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on February 2, 2023.

For the firearm conviction, Olson received the statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in custody.  For the controlled substance (methamphetamine) conviction, Olson was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months of imprisonment.  The sentences will run concurrently for a total of 10 years and 10 months.  Olson also was sentenced to four years of supervised release following his prison term and ordered to pay $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and to forfeit the firearm and ammunition involved in the case.

Olson was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in June of 2022. He was convicted at a jury trial in November of 2022.

According to evidence presented during trial, in June of 2021, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Olson, having been convicted of a felony and being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, possessed a loaded semi-automatic handgun and ammunition.  Olson also possessed with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance.

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth Ebert prosecuted the case.

The defendant 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 Jonathan A. Kobes, sitting in federal district court in Rapid City, has sentenced a Bismarck, North Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on February 1, 2023.

Dorian Lester, age 26, was sentenced to two years and four months in federal prison, five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Lester was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 7, 2022.

The conviction stems from Lester failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between May 20, 2022 and July 6, 2022. Lester had previously been convicted of a sex offense in federal 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 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.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. Circuit Judge Jonathan A. Kobes has sentenced a Wolcott, New York, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The sentencing took place on January 31, 2023.

Christopher Thomas Dahl, 29, was sentenced to 10 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, and a $5,000 special assessment to the Victims of Trafficking Fund. Dahl will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Dahl was indicted for Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet by a federal grand jury in August of 2021. He pleaded guilty on August 19, 2022.

Dahl was arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2021 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators. Following multiple text messages with an undercover persona, Dahl negotiated a time and place he would meet a 14-year-old girl to have sex. Additionally, Dahl agreed to pay the undercover persona $250 for the unlawful sex acts with the minor. When Dahl went to the pre-determined location to meet the undercover persona, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest. 

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

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. Circuit Judge Jonathan A. Kobes, sitting in federal district court in Rapid City, has sentenced a Box Elder, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. The sentencing took place on February 1, 2023.

Toby Acevedo, 52, was sentenced to 22 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.

Acevedo was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm by a federal grand jury in March 2021. He pleaded guilty on October 14, 2022.

In July 2020, in Rapid City, Acevedo knowingly possessed an illegal shortened rifle, namely a Mossberg International, model 702 Plinkster, .22 Long Rifle caliber, semi-automatic rifle, having a barrel less than 16 inches in length, which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required.

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.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on January 25, 2023.

Charles Schrader, 56, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Charles Schrader was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in June of 2022. He pleaded guilty on September 23, 2022.

During his involvement in the conspiracy, Schrader obtained distributable quantities of methamphetamine from his sources and then would sell the methamphetamine, primarily on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He did so knowing that the methamphetamine he sold would be further distributed by others. During the sentencing, evidence was presented that at times Schrader possessed firearms in relation to his methamphetamine distribution.

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

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. Circuit Judge Jonathan A. Kobes has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on January 31, 2023.

Sabione Bettelyoun, 38, 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.

Bettelyoun was indicted for Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in March of 2022. She pleaded guilty on October 14, 2022.

In February of 2022, in Rapid City, Bettelyoun, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, was found in possession of a SCCY, model CPX-1, 9mm Luger caliber, semi-automatic pistol, ARMSCOR .22 Long Rifle caliber ammunition, and Winchester 9mm Luger caliber ammunition, which was found after Bettelyoun came into contact with law enforcement.  Bettelyoun also possessed methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia. 

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.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. Circuit Judge Jonathan A. Kobes has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. The sentencing took place on January 31, 2023.

Majestic Fairbanks, 28, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100  special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Fairbanks was indicted for Possession of an Unregistered Firearm by a federal grand jury in March of 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 14, 2022.

Between December of 2019 and January of 2020, in Rapid City, Fairbanks possessed a destructive device, described as a metal aerosol canister with CO2 cartridges and a commercial grade firework containing explosives. Fairbanks broke out the front door of a local business and threw the canister inside. The firework then went off inside the business causing damage. Fairbanks was later found by law enforcement in possession of another identical device and admitted to manufacturing the destructive devices.

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

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

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. Circuit Judge Jonathan A. Kobes has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. The sentencing took place on January 31, 2023.

Shane McCloskey, 23, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100  special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

McCloskey was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in February of 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 7, 2022.

In October of 2021, in Rapid City, McCloskey, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, was knowingly in possession of a SCCY, model CPX-2, 9mm Luger caliber, semi-automatic pistol, which was found after McCloskey came into contact with law enforcement.

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.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Rapid City, South Dakota, man for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Cory Debruyckere, age 31, was indicted in January of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on January 27, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge stems from Debruyckere knowingly possessing a semi-automatic pistol in Rapid City in March of 2022. Debruyckere has two prior felony convictions and, as a result, cannot legally possess firearms.

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

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case. 

Debruyckere was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for April 4, 2023.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on January 30, 2023.

Misty Bradford, 48, was sentenced to 15 years and eight 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. She also forfeited $23,979.00.

Misty Bradford was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in June of 2022. She pleaded guilty on September 23, 2022.

Bradford obtained methamphetamine and distributed it to others for use and further distribution in the Pine Ridge area. In June of 2022, a search warrant was executed at Bradford’s residence in Pine Ridge. Drug paraphernalia and two safes were discovered. One of the safes contained multiple bags of methamphetamine totaling 1.53 kilograms and $23,979.00 in cash. Bradford and others were responsible for distributing between 1.5 and 5 kilograms of methamphetamine during the course of the conspiracy.

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

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. Circuit Judge Jonathan A. Kobes has sentenced an Orr, Minnesota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on January 31, 2023.

Jeremy Morris, 44, 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.

Jeremy Morris was indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 14, 2022.

Morris was traveling near Sturgis, South Dakota, when law enforcement stopped his vehicle. Upon a search of the vehicle, 4.985 kilograms of methamphetamine and a firearm were found. Morris admitted that he intended to further distribute the methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team – North (UNET-N, which covers the Northern Black Hills) and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. 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. UNET-N is comprised of law enforcement from Spearfish Police Department, Deadwood Police Department, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, and South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.

Morris 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 an Elk Point, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on January 30, 2023.

Hector Paulin-Torres, age 34, was sentenced to 2.5 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Paulin-Torres was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2022. He pleaded guilty on September 23, 2022.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on September 18, 2021, when Paulin-Torres knowingly possessed digital files that contained child pornography. Paulin-Torres used his cellular phone to save the digital files containing images of a minor female engaging in sexually explicit conduct. 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Elk Point Police Department, and the Vermillion Police Department. 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.

Paulin-Torres 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 two Sully County, South Dakota, men convicted of False Statements in Connection with Federal Crop Insurance. The sentencing took place on January 30, 2023.

James Garrett, age 68, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,045,544 in restitution to the United States. Levi Garrett, age 44, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $279,396 in restitution to the United States.

The defendants were indicted for several counts of False Statement in Connection with Federal Crop Insurance by a federal grand jury in October of 2021. A jury convicted James Garrett of two counts and Levi Garrett of one count following a six-day trial on October 31, 2022.

James Garrett and his son Levi Garrett operated a family farm and ranch in Sully County. In 2018, the defendants falsely certified to a crop insurance company that they planted 2,200 total acres of sunflowers. In fact, the defendants did not plant any sunflowers, and they wrongfully received indemnity from the insurance company as if their entire crop failed. In 2019, James Garrett falsely certified he planted 47.5 acres of corn as part of a larger claim. In fact, no corn was planted, and he wrongfully received indemnity from the insurance company that year. The defendants fraudulently obtained over $1.3 million in total benefits from their crimes.     

“The federal crop insurance program is a vital risk management tool designed to help honest farmers sustain their agricultural productions under difficult circumstances. James and Levi Garrett unlawfully exploited that program and lined their pockets at the expense of taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Ramsdell. “Our office is committed to prosecuting any South Dakotan who dishonestly takes advantage of government programs, and we do so in partnership with hard-working investigators like those individuals at the U.S. Department of Agriculture who pursued this case.”       

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Risk Management Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron J. Cook and Alexis A. Warner prosecuted the case.

The defendants were ordered to report to their prison facility as designated by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.  

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 Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on January 27, 2023.

Brian Jackson, 64, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Jackson was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in January of 2020. He pleaded guilty on September 23, 2022.

During the conspiracy, Jackson obtained and transported methamphetamine between California and South Dakota on multiple occasions, with the purpose of distributing the methamphetamine in Western South Dakota. On one return trip from California, Jackson was stopped by South Dakota Highway Patrol troopers and was found to be in possession of approximately two pounds of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), 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 Gina S. Nelson prosecuted the case.

Jackson 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 Chadron, Nebraska, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on January 27, 2023.

William Bear Robe, 39, was sentenced to four 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.

Bear Robe was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in June of 2019. He was found guilty following a federal jury trial in Rapid City in September of 2022.

The conviction stems from Bear Robe engaging in sexual contact with a child under the age of 12 in 2012, at Oglala, South Dakota.

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

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol has sentenced a current inmate from a Nebraska prison convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. The sentencing took place on January 20, 2023.

Ray Noel Camacho, Sr., a/k/a “Pato,” age 38, was sentenced to 31 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200. Camacho is already serving a 31 to 64-year prison sentence for terroristic threats and use of a firearm to commit a felony. His federal sentence will be served consecutively to his state sentence.

Camacho was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2021. He was found guilty on all charges as a result of a federal jury trial in November of 2022.

The conviction stemmed from incidents when Camacho, who was the leader of a large drug trafficking organization based in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area, was responsible for the distribution of at least 120 pounds of methamphetamine. This consisted of approximately 70 lbs. of methamphetamine seized in South Dakota alone. In May of 2019, one traffic stop led to a search and seizure of 50 pounds of methamphetamine, which was stored within a spare tire and hidden compartments within the vehicle.   

Camacho arranged and strategically orchestrated multi-pound deliveries of methamphetamine from Mexico, and payment for said deliveries, through three-way phone calls made from the South Dakota State Penitentiary. Said calls were recorded by the prison and used as key evidence in his trial. Camacho recruited numerous co-conspirators to aid him in his organization, which included current and former inmates and individuals known to them from the outside community. Camacho is the last of 22 defendants involved in this drug trafficking organization to be found guilty.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, and the IRS Criminal Investigation team. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Hodges and Paige Petersen prosecuted the case.

Camacho 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 Modesto, California, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on January 30, 2023.

Zachery Moore, 29, 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.

Moore was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in October of 2021. He pleaded guilty on September 23, 2022.

In July of 2021, in Rapid City, South Dakota, Moore, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, was found in possession of a stolen Kimber, model Micro 9, 9mm, semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Moore came into contact with law enforcement. Moore was also found in possession of heroin and other drug distribution materials.

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.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted three Dewey County men for Theft of Firearms From a Federal Firearm Licensee, Possession of Stolen Firearms, Burglary and Larceny

Weston Clausen, age 24, Ford Traversie, age 22, and Jalen Ducheneaux, age 23, were indicted in January of 2023. Clausen appeared before Magistrate Judge Mark Moreno on January 18, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. Traversie and Ducheneaux both appeared before Magistrate Judge Moreno on January 25, 2023, and both men pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $400 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between August 13-15, 2022, in Dewey County, in the District of South Dakota, the three men burglarized Reloaders Corner, a Federal Firearms Licensee, and stole multiple firearms, ammunition, and other things of value from the business.

The charges are merely an accusation and Clausen, Traversie, and Ducheneaux are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Law Enforcement, Dewey County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case. 

Clausen and Traversie were released on bond pending trial. Ducheneaux was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial date has not been set.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Nathaniel Antonio Hernandez, age 22, was indicted in January of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on January 25, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The charge stems from Hernandez knowingly possessing a semi-automatic rifle in Rapid City in November of 2022. Hernandez has multiple prior felony convictions and as a result, cannot legally possess firearms.

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

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case. 

Hernandez was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for April 4, 2023.

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, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on January 25, 2023.

Richard Peneaux, 29, was sentenced to two years and four months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Peneaux was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in May of 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 13, 2022.

Peneaux was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor on March 4, 2014. As a result of this conviction, 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. Peneaux last registered in February of 2022, providing an address for the Cornerstone Mission in Rapid City, South Dakota, as his address. On February 14, 2022, contact was made with Cornerstone Mission and Peneaux had not been staying there. Peneaux’s whereabouts were unknown until he was arrested in Sioux Falls on unrelated charges on April 8, 2022.

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

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Mission, South Dakota, man for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.

Dylan Blue Bird, age 29, was indicted in November of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 19, 2023, 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, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on September 30, 2022, in Todd County, Blue Bird did assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and that such conduct involved the use of a dangerous weapon, specifically, a vehicle.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler is prosecuting the case. 

Blue Bird was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for March 14, 2023.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Rosebud, South Dakota, man for Possession of an Unregistered Firearm and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.

Isaiah Beck, age 19, was indicted in September of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 19, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on May 9, 2021, and June 25, 2022, in Todd County, Beck, an unlawful user of a controlled substance, possessed a firearm with a barrel length of less than 18 inches and the firearm was not registered to him.

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

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler is prosecuting the case. 

Beck was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for March 28, 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 Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on January 24, 2023.

Roy Brushbreaker, III, age 28, was sentenced to 14 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.

Brushbreaker was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 13, 2022.

Brushbreaker was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in April 2019.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment.  On July 15, 2022, Brushbreaker moved out of his registered address in Rapid City and thereafter failed to update his registration.  His whereabouts were unknown until he was arrested in Rapid City on August 18, 2022.

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

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.

Brushbreaker 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, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on January 24, 2023.

Dwight Black Spotted Horse, age 38, was sentenced to two years and two 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.

Black Spotted Horse was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in May of 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 13, 2022.

Black Spotted Horse was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor on April 23, 2007. As a result of this conviction, 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. Black Spotted Horse last registered in August of 2021, providing a motel in Rapid City, South Dakota, as his address. The motel had no record of Black Spotted Horse staying there in 2021. Black Spotted Horse’s whereabouts were unknown until he was arrested on unrelated charges on April 14, 2022.

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

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.

Black Spotted Horse 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 Pierre, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on January 24, 2023.

Stephanie Martinez, age 38, was sentenced to 11 years and eight 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 Crime Victims Fund.

Stephanie Martinez was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in September of 2021. She pleaded guilty on July 11, 2022.

Martinez was involved in a conspiracy with several others to distribute methamphetamine in and around central South Dakota. Martinez received distributable quantities of methamphetamine from others in California. The methamphetamine was further distributed by Martinez and those working for her. In total 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine was distributed during the course of the conspiracy.

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

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Parmelee, South Dakota, man for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangulation.

Allen Two Eagle, age 30, was indicted in April of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 23, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on September 12, 2021, and on or about September 13, 2021, in Todd County, Two Eagle assaulted and strangled his domestic partner. The assault on September 12 also involved the use of a dangerous weapon, specifically a metal bar, with intent to do bodily harm.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler is prosecuting the case. 

Two Eagle was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for March 28, 2023.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge, Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced an Okreek, South Dakota, man convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on January 23, 2023.

Leon Good Buffalo, age 24, was sentenced to 11 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.

Good Buffalo was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2021. He pleaded guilty on October 13, 2022.

On October 28, 2021, Good Buffalo was consuming alcoholic beverages and socializing with the victim, an adult male, at a residence in Okreek, South Dakota. Good Buffalo and the victim began to argue, and Good Buffalo retrieved a shotgun from a bedroom. Good Buffalo and the victim then went outside of the residence, at which point Good Buffalo shot the victim in the chest. The victim died as a result of the gunshot wound.

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

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

Good Buffalo 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 Hankinson, North Dakota, man, who also has ties to Northeastern South Dakota, and who was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on January 18, 2023, in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Sky Walker Lawrence, age 41, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison, followed by lifetime of supervised release.  He was ordered to pay $200 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

According to court documents, between approximately 2012 and 2018, Lawrence engaged in abusive sexual contacts with two minor victims. Each victim was threatened or placed in fear in order for Lawrence to perpetrate the abusive sexual contacts. The abuse took place in Northeastern South Dakota and within the tribal lands of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe. 

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

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on January 23, 2023.

Jeffery Leo Larvie, age 40, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Larvie was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2022. He pleaded guilty on December 13, 2022.

The conviction stems from Larvie failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between August 5, 2022, and October 20, 2022. Larvie had previously been convicted of a sex offense in federal 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 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.

Larvie 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 an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Theft From an Indian Tribal Organization. The sentencing took place on January 23, 2023.

Robert Chasing Hawk, Jr., age 39, was sentenced to two months in federal prison, followed by two  years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $9,869.86 in restitution to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Elderly Nutrition Program, and to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Chasing Hawk, Jr. was indicted for Theft From an Indian Tribal Organization by a federal grand jury in February of 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 4, 2022.

Chasing Hawk, Jr. was an employee for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Elderly Nutrition Program. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Elderly Nutrition Services, Inc. provides reduced price lunch service for elderly tribal members and individuals with disabilities. The Nutrition Center receives funds from State, Federal, and Tribal entities to assist in the feeding of Tribal and non-Tribal members in the community, including the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. As an employee of the Elderly Nutrition Program, Chasing Hawk, Jr. wrote and cashed a total of 17 checks totaling $12,869.86 for his own use and benefit. He later repaid $3,000 of that amount. 

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

Chasing Hawk, Jr. 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 an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on January 23, 2023.

Allen Michael Garreau, age 38, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Garreau was indicted for Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in May of 2021. He pleaded guilty on October 5, 2022.

Garreau possessed 77 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to further distribute that methamphetamine to individuals on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian reservation and other locations in South Dakota.

This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

Garreau 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 an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Appear. The sentencing took place on January 23, 2023.

Cheyne Thompson, age 31, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release.  He was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Thompson was indicted for Failure to Appear by a federal grand jury in July of 2020.  He pleaded guilty on October 5, 2022.

Thompson was convicted in 2012 in U.S. District Court for Second Degree Burglary. Following his release from prison, he was on supervised release with the U.S. Probation Office.  On July 1, 2019, a Petition to Revoke Supervised Release was filed, alleging that Thompson violated the terms and conditions of his supervised release. Following his arrest on the Petition on August 23, 2019, Thompson was detained until November 13, 2019, when he was released to attend treatment.  Following his release, Thompson absconded and failed to attend his sentencing hearing on January 13, 2020. Thompson's whereabouts remained unknown until he was arrested approximately two years later on February 16, 2022.      

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.

Thompson 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 Cherry Creek, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child. The sentencing took place on January 23, 2023.

Mitchum Dupris, age 33, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.  He was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Dupris will have to register as a sex offender.

Dupris was indicted for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. He pleaded guilty on October 4, 2022.

Dupris had sexual contact with a minor child during a time when the child was at the residence of Dupris’ girlfriend.

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

Dupris 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 Matthew Shawn Buchko, age 40, of Rapid City, South Dakota, of Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City. The verdict was returned on January 20, 2023.

The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years up to of 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Restitution may also be ordered. 

Buchko was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2021. 

Buchko was federally indicted following a Cybertip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children in relation to an upload of child pornography using the application Discord. The Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce executed a search warrant on Buchko’s home and located multiple devices. A forensic examination of those devices found hundreds of images and videos of child pornography, as well as images and videos of child erotica and computer-generated child pornography.

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. Attorneys Sarah B. Collins and Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has been set for April 24, 2023. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.

Taten Joseph Ducheneaux, age 34, was indicted in January of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 20, 2023, and pleaded not guilty.

The maximum penalty upon conviction for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury or Assault with a Dangerous Weapon is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges Ducheneaux assaulted another person on August 13, 2022, with shod feet and a bat, resulting in serious bodily injury. This conduct occurred in Ziebach County, South Dakota.   

These charges are merely accusations and Ducheneaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem is prosecuting the case.   

Ducheneaux has been remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending further hearings.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.

Taryn Joseph Ducheneaux, age 34, was indicted in January of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 23, 2023, and pleaded not guilty.

The maximum penalty upon conviction for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury or Assault with a Dangerous Weapon is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges Ducheneaux assaulted another person on August 13, 2022, with shod feet and a bat, resulting in serious bodily injury. This conduct occurred in Ziebach County, South Dakota.   

These charges are merely accusations and Ducheneaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem is prosecuting the case.   

Ducheneaux has been remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending further hearings.

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 Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The sentencing took place on January 19, 2023.

Luke John Schauer, age 29, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Schauer was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2022. He pled guilty on September 13, 2022.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on January 18, 2022, when Schauer attempted to coerce an undercover agent posing as a 12-year-old female, to meet and engage in sexually explicit conduct. Using his account on KIK Messenger, Schauer made plans to meet the undercover agent posing as a 12-year-old on February 8, 2022. The text messages on KIK involved interstate commerce because Schauer was in South Dakota and the undercover agent was in Pennsylvania. Schauer was employed as a police officer with the Sioux Falls Police Department at the time of the offense. He was immediately relieved of his duties upon his arrest and his employment terminated.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, with cooperation from the Sioux Falls Police Department. 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.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Cyrus Black Spotted Horse, a/k/a Cyrus Menard, age 41, was indicted in January of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 13, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about between November 8, 2022, and December 15, 2022, in the District of South Dakota, Cyrus Black Spotted Horse, a/k/a Cyrus Menard, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of a conviction under federal law, knowingly failed to register and update his registration.

The charge is merely an accusation and Black Spotted Horse is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service and Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler is prosecuting the case. 

Black Spotted Horse was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for March 14, 2023.

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on January 18, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Mikal White Mountain, age 39, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

White Mountain was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. He pleaded guilty on October 17, 2022.

White Mountain was convicted of Gross Sexual Imposition in North Dakota in 2005. Accordingly, White Mountain is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. Between September 4, 2021, and December 14, 2021, White Mountain failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Corson County Sheriff’s Office, the North Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Cook prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.

Peyton James Jewett, age 34, was indicted in January of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 17, 2023, and pleaded not guilty.

The maximum penalty upon conviction for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury or Assault with a Dangerous Weapon is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges Jewett assaulted another person on August 13, 2022, with shod feet and a bat, resulting in serious bodily injury. This conduct occurred in Ziebach County, South Dakota.   

These charges are merely accusations and Jewett is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem is prosecuting the case.   

Jewett has been remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Bullhead, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Stolen Firearm was sentenced on January 18, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Nicholas Black Cloud, age 21, was sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Black Cloud was indicted for Possession of a Stolen Firearm by a federal grand jury in January of 2022. He pleaded guilty on October 17, 2022.

On October 25, 2021, Black Cloud stole a pistol from a vehicle in McLaughlin, South Dakota.  When he later encountered the police, Black Cloud threw the pistol away so he would not get caught with it. Law enforcement subsequently recovered the firearm.

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

This case was investigated by the Corson County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Cook prosecuted the case.

Black Cloud 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 Tabor, South Dakota, man convicted of Wire Fraud. The sentencing took place on January 17, 2023, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Steven Joseph Bares, age 53, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release.  He was ordered to pay $287,457.37 in restitution and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

According to court documents, Bares willfully and unlawfully devised a scheme to defraud and obtain money and property from two parishes by false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. Saint Wenceslaus Parish in Tabor, South Dakota, and Saint John the Baptist Parish in Lesterville, South Dakota, are two small Catholic parishes located in rural South Dakota towns. The churches shared a single priest. The only administrative staff at the churches was Bares, who primarily worked as the bookkeeper. In that capacity, Bares wrote checks to pay bills and entered checks in the general ledgers.

In May of 2021, the Sioux Falls Catholic Diocese, on behalf of the above-named parishes, hired an accounting firm to conduct a forensic audit. The audit uncovered multiple checks made out to companies belonging to Bares that did not correspond to any service or equipment purchased from those companies. Furthermore, these checks were neither entered in the general ledger nor entered as a legitimate expense.

Between January of 2013 and March of 2020, Bares embezzled money from the two parishes, totaling $324,001.37. The investigation confirmed that the checks identified in the audit report were deposited into accounts held by Bares.

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.

Bares was ordered to self-surrender to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on February 13, 2023.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury convicted Todd Deutsch, age 54, of Sturgis, South Dakota, of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance following a four-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on January 13, 2023.

The charges carry a mandatory minimum of at least 10 years up to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and/or a $10,000,000 fine, at least five years up to life supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Deutsch was indicted by a federal grand jury in January of 2020.  The evidence at trial showed that for at least two and a half years, Deutsch conspired with multiple other persons in western South Dakota, to obtain large volumes of methamphetamine from places like California, Nevada, and Colorado, and then worked with his co-conspirators to distribute the methamphetamine within the District of South Dakota, primarily in the Black Hills area.

This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) and the 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, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gina S. Nelson and Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.

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