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 a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on November 22, 2022.

Brandon Tyon, 43, 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.

Tyon was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in February of 2022. He pleaded guilty on August 1, 2022.

In January 2021, in Rapid City, Tyon, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, while using methamphetamine, possessed three firearms, including a Springfield Incorporated, Springfield Armory trademark, model M1A SOCOM 16, .308 Winchester caliber, semi-automatic rifle, a  Raven Arms, model P25 (2nd Generation), .25 AUTO, semi-automatic pistol, a Sturm, Ruger & Company Incorporated, model 10/22, .22 Long Rifle caliber, semi-automatic rifle, and a Smith & Wesson, model M&P Bodyguard 380, .380 AUTO caliber, semi-automatic pistol, which were found after Tyon 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, Tobaco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter was sentenced on November 21, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.

Cassian Richards, 21, was sentenced to 30 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.

Richards was indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter by a federal grand jury in March of 2022. He pleaded guilty on July 29, 2022.

The conviction stems from Richards who, while in possession of a loaded semi-automatic firearm, got into an altercation at a home near Porcupine in February of 2022. Following the altercation, Richards fled the home with the firearm and got into a vehicle. While getting into the vehicle, Richards carelessly and recklessly handled the firearm and caused the firearm to discharge. The discharged bullet struck another male within the vehicle. The victim succumbed to his injuries within moments of being shot.

This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Parmelee, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor was sentenced on November 21, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Hehaka Thunder Hawk, age 39, was sentenced to a total of 24 months in federal prison, including credit for 10 months already served, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Thunder Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2021. He pleaded guilty on August 19, 2022.

The conviction stemmed from conduct that occurred between September 1, 2020, and September 30, 2020, in Todd County, when Thunder Hawk engaged in sexual contact with the minor victim.

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

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for First Degree Burglary and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.

Justice Long, age 29, was indicted in September of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Moreno on November 18, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 25 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.

According to the Indictment, in July of 2022, Long broke into a home in Lower Brule and assaulted a person inside with a metal bar.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case. 

Long was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for January 17, 2023.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on November 21, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Justin Eagle Pipe, age 38, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Eagle Pipe was indicted for Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm by a federal grand jury in April 2022. He pleaded guilty on August 23, 2022.

On January 1, 2022, Rosebud Sioux Tribal Law Enforcement Services officers conducted a traffic stop of Eagle Pipe’s vehicle due to erratic driving. Officers found Eagle Pipe intoxicated behind the wheel. During a pat down search of Eagle Pipe, officers located a Glock handgun and methamphetamine syringe. Eagle Pipe’s urinalysis was positive for methamphetamine and marijuana. Eagle Pipe was interviewed and admitted to being a regular methamphetamine user. He also admitted that his prior federal felony conviction made it illegal for him to posses firearms. 

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.

The investigation was conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on November 18, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.

Sage Yellow Thunder, 31, was sentenced to 48 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.

Yellow Thunder was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a federal grand jury in June of 2021. He pleaded guilty on July 29, 2022.

In January of 2021, in Rapid City, Yellow Thunder, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessed a Remington Arms Company Incorporated, model 1911 R1, .45 AUTO caliber, semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Yellow Thunder 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on November 21, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Ricky Jason Bedlingon, age 43, was sentenced to three years of probation and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Bedlington was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2021. He pled guilty on August 29, 2022.

The conviction stems from Bedlington failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between May 28, 2021, and May 31, 2021. Bedlington had previously been convicted of a sex offense in state court. Bedlington failed to provide information required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act relating to intended travel to a foreign country.

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

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

 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Minneapolis, Minnesota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on November 21, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Philavanh Soukhanouvong, a/k/a “Joe,” 46, was sentenced to 17 years and six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Soukhanouvong was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in October of 2021. He pleaded guilty on August 30, 2022.

Beginning at an unknown date and continuing to on or about October of 2021, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Soukhanouvong, a/k/a “Joe,” knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others known and unknown, to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, in the Sioux Falls area. The methamphetamine involved in this conspiracy was being sourced in Mexico and Soukhanouvong was receiving it in multiple-pound quantities. 

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

Soukhanouvong 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 convicted of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on November 21, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Joseph Elsey, age 34, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Elsey was indicted for Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm by a federal grand jury in December of 2022.  He pleaded guilty on August 11, 2022.

On July 11, 2021, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officers found a revolver, methamphetamine, and methamphetamine paraphernalia in Elsey’s vehicle in Eagle Butte. Elsey admitted he owned the pistol. Elsey had been convicted of aggravated assault in 2016, and this conviction made it illegal for him to possess firearms. Elsey was also prohibited from possessing firearms because he was a habitual user of methamphetamine.

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

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

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Bismarck, North Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.

Martin Tre Black Cloud, age 19, was indicted in September of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 16, 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, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about June 28, 2022, in McIntosh, South Dakota, on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation, Black Cloud unlawfully assaulted a person with a knife.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency and the Corson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case. 

Black Cloud was released on bond pending trial. A trial date was set for January 17, 2023.

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

Hunter Jacob Peneaux, age 28, was indicted in October of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 10, 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, three of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on August 11, 2022, in Todd County, South Dakota, Peneaux, having been previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, knowingly possessed a firearm.

The charge is merely an accusation and Peneaux 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler is prosecuting the case. 

Peneaux was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for December 20, 2022.

 

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Ethan Blue Bird, age 33, was indicted in November of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Moreno on November 16, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 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 that on August 24, 2022, in Todd County, South Dakota, Blue Bird, being an unlawful user of controlled substances, knowingly possessed a firearm.

The charge is merely an accusation and Blue Bird 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 Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.   

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

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

Patrick Red Legs, age 28, was indicted in October of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Moreno on November 16, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that Red Legs failed to properly register his current address with authorities on multiple occasions in South Dakota. Red Legs was previously convicted of a sex offense and is required to register his current address.   

The charge is merely an accusation and Red Legs 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case. 

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

 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Trent, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments was sentenced on November 14, 2022, by District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Christopher Daniels, 49, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Daniels was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. He pleaded guilty on July 21, 2022. This is Daniels’ third time serving a federal sentence for drug distribution. 

Beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about December of 2021, Daniels, along with at least 14 other co-conspirators, knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together, to knowingly and intentionally distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, within Sioux Falls and many surrounding small communities. The investigation into this drug trafficking organization shows it was responsible for bringing in more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine to the Sioux Falls area. The direct source of supply for this methamphetamine was located in Arizona, and ultimately, Mexico. Targets in both Arizona and Louisiana have also been prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Dakota.   

Christopher Daniels led the South Dakota cell of this organization. Daniels obtained multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine from his source in Arizona both through the mail, as well as by vehicle deliveries to South Dakota. Daniels then distributed the methamphetamine to others who resold it. Daniels also directed others in the handling of proceeds from the organization’s drug distribution activities. The funds involved in the money laundering were sent by wire to people associated with the drug source in Arizona.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation team, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Moody County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, was sentenced on November 7, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Roland Hawk, Jr., age 20, was sentenced to two years and four 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.  Hawk was also ordered to forfeit the firearm used in the offense.

Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. He pleaded guilty on August 15, 2022.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on May, 28, 2021, in Fort Thompson, wherein Hawk struck a sleeping man several time about the head and face with a pistol. As a result of the assault the victim received a laceration to his head. 

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 FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

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

 

 

 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Mark James Olson, age 35, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was found guilty of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on November 16, 2022.

The charge of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person carries a maximum penalty of 10 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. 

The charge of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance carries a mandatory minimum of five years in custody up to 40 years and/or a $5,000,000 fine, mandatory four years of supervised release up to life, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Olson was initially indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2021.  A superseding indictment was returned in July of 2022. 

According to evidence presented during trial, on or about June 28, 2021, in Sioux Falls, 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 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 Sioux Falls Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth Ebert prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has been set for February 6, 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, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Larceny.

Sophie Little Wounded, also known as Sophie Dupris, age 35, was indicted in November of 2022.   She appeared before Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 16, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to five 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 between October 8, 2022, and October 19, 2022, Little Wounded unlawfully took and carried away, with intent to steal and purloin, the personal property of another, with a value of more than $1,000.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case. 

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

 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Yankton, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography was sentenced on November 14, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Dylan James Steffen, age 30, was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Steffen was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2021. He pled guilty on August 17, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from incidents between January 22, 2021, and January 24, 2021, when Steffen knowingly received and distributed material which contained child pornography. While using his KIK social media account, Steffen engaged in chat conversations with other KIK users. During those conversations, Steffen shared files that contained images and videos of child pornography, including prepubescent minors that had not attained the age of twelve years old.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Yankton Police Department, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of First Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence that Causes Death was sentenced on November 14, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Casey Lynn Crow Ghost, age 44, was sentenced to life in federal prison on both charges, ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and ordered to forfeit his ownership of a handgun used in the crimes.

Crow Ghost was indicted for First Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence that Causes Death by a federal grand jury in January of 2021. He was convicted by a jury on all charges on August 11, 2022.

The convictions stem from the December 12, 2020, shooting death of Crow Ghost's romantic partner in McLaughlin on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. The victim's body was discovered on December 15, 2020, and an autopsy determined she died from a gunshot wound to the back of the head. Crow Ghost was interviewed by law enforcement and claimed that the shooting was both an accident and a result of self-defense. Evidence gathered by law enforcement showed Crow Ghost murdered the victim with a handgun and did so with premeditation. 

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 FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency, and the Corson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and one count of Witness Tampering was sentenced on November 14, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Jerome Moses Goodhouse, Jr., age 31, was sentenced to life in federal prison on both counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, 20 years in federal prison for Witness Tampering, and ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Goodhouse was indicted for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and Witness Tampering by a federal grand jury in January of 2022. He was convicted by a jury on all charges on August 24, 2022.

In 2017, Goodhouse sexually abused two minor children in McLaughlin on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. After abusing one minor, he threatened her and told her to remain quiet about what he did to her.

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

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron J. Cook and Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on November 7, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Stanford Points At Him, age 56, was sentenced to credit for time served through November 22, 2022, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Points At Him was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in June of 2022. He pleaded guilty on August 8, 2022.

Points at Him was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in July 1997. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender every six months and update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. Points At Him last registered in April of 2021 and failed to complete his bi-annual registration as required. Points At Him was non-compliant with his registration requirements until he was arrested on February 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 U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.

Points At Him was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Scott Deisinger, age 51, was indicted in October of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 9, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 years in custody and/or a $5,000,000 fine, lifetime supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

In August of 2022, in Rapid City, Deisinger, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, was found in possession of three 9mm semi-automatic pistols as well as methamphetamine, which was found after Deisinger 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.

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

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

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

 

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for First Degree Murder, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon to a Child, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury to a Child, and Child Abuse.

Noah Virgil White Lance, III, age 33, was indicted in November of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 9, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The penalty upon conviction is mandatory life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered. 

The Indictment alleges that on or about between November 9 and November 13, 2022, at Mission, in Todd County, South Dakota, White Lance killed a minor victim while engaged in the perpetration or attempted perpetration of child abuse. The Indictment also alleges that White Lance assaulted and abused the minor victim and abused another minor victim during the same time frame.

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

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

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

 

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Sexual Abuse of a Person Incapable of Consent as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota, on November 10, 2022.

Darren Flute, age 45, was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2021.

The charge related to an alleged incident that occurred on August 15 or 16, 2020, in Lyman County, South Dakota.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, Lower Brule Agency. The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.

 

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a South Dakota man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on November 1, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Jeremiah Jay Swalley, age 40, was sentenced to 18 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.

Swalley was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in November of 2021. He pleaded guilty on March 14, 2022.

Swalley was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in January 2017. 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. Swalley left his previously registered address on September 3, 2021, and failed to update his registration between September 9, 2021, and October 26, 2021.

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 U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler  prosecuted the case.

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

 

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding, was sentenced on November 7, 2022, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.

Wesley Hammond, age 29, was sentenced to time served since May 26, 2022, equal to approximately five and a half months in custody, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Hammond was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. He pleaded guilty on September 22, 2022.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on May, 26, 2022, in Rosebud, South Dakota, wherein Hammond assaulted a woman by punching her in the face.

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

 

 

 

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on November 7, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Floyd Black Spotted Horse, Jr., age 35, 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.

Black Spotted Horse, Jr., was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in June of 2022. He pleaded guilty on August 15, 2022.

Black Spotted Horse, Jr., was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force in June 2008. 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. Black Spotted Horse, Jr., was found to be living at a residence other than his registered address on February 10, 2022. He relocated to multiple locations without updating his registration until he was arrested on April 29, 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 U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.

Black Spotted Horse, Jr. was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

 

 

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of an Unregistered Firearm and Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number.

Christopher Fullen, age 29, was indicted in October of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 8, 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, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

In April of 2022, in Rapid City, Fullen was found in possession of a Sturm, Ruger, & Company Incorporated, model 10/22, .22 Long Rifle caliber, semi-automatic rifle with an obliterated serial number and a barrel length of less than 16 inches, which was found after Fullen 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.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case. 

Fullen was released pending trial. A trial date has not been set.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Jeffery Leo Larvie, age 40, was indicted in November of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on November 9, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 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 Larvie, who had previously been convicted of a sex crime and required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, failed to do so between August 5, 2022, and October 20, 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.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

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

 

 

 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Martin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Steven Flood, age 37, was indicted in November of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on November 8, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 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 Flood, who had previously been convicted of a sex crime and required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, failed to do so between June 15, 2022, and August 4, 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.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on November 7, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Russell Dean Wright, age 54, 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.

Wright was indicted by a federal grand jury in May of 2022. He pled guilty on August 15, 2022.

The conviction stems from Wright failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between November 1, 2021, and April 4, 2022. Wright had previously been convicted of a sex offense in federal court which requires him to register for 25 years upon his release from federal prison.

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

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

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

 

 

 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced announced that Ray Noel Camacho, a/k/a “Pato,” age 38, from Nebraska, but currently serving a 31 to 64-year prison sentence for terroristic threats and use of a firearm to commit a felony, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on November 3, 2022.

The charges, due to sentencing guidelines in Camacho’s case, carry a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in custody and/or a $10 million fine, life of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Camacho was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2021. 

Ray Camacho, a/k/a “Pato”, was the leader of a large drug trafficking organization based in the Sioux Falls area, which 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.    

Mr. 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.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Huron, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on November 7, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Jeffrey Pomerico, 27, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Pomerico was indicted for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. He pleaded guilty on August 15, 2022.

Beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about December 7, 2021, Pomerico reached an agreement to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in the District of South Dakota.  He voluntarily and intentionally joined the methamphetamine conspiracy sometime around the summer of 2021.

During his involvement, Pomerico personally participated in the handling and distribution of over 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. He had an agreement with a co-conspirator to obtain methamphetamine from him on a regular basis, for redistribution in South Dakota. 

On October 27, 2021, Pomerico and another co-conspirator agreed to meet with Christopher Daniels, who is being sentenced for his role in this conspiracy on November 14, 2022, for the purpose of purchasing one pound of methamphetamine. After they purchased the pound of methamphetamine from Mr. Daniels at his home in Trent, South Dakota, law enforcement tried to stop their vehicle and his co-conspirator did not stop for the police. Eventually, they pulled into a cornfield, and threw the pound of methamphetamine out of the window. Pomerico then got out of the vehicle and tried to hide from law enforcement officers. Eventually, the officers found both him and the one pound of methamphetamine in the cornfield. 

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Fort Pierre, South Dakota, woman convicted of Bank Embezzlement was sentenced on November 7, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Bailey Ricketts, age 27, was sentenced to one month in federal prison, followed by three months of home confinement, two years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $38,135.43, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Ricketts was indicted for Bank Embezzlement by a federal grand jury in November of 2021. She pleaded guilty on August 11, 2022.

From August 2019 to November 2020, while employed at a bank in Fort Pierre, Ricketts knowingly embezzled money from the bank by transferring money into her own account and accounts belonging to her family members. 

This case was investigated by the FBI and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

Ricketts was ordered to report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service by the end of the week.

 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal jury in Rapid City, South Dakota, has convicted Stephen Fontenot, Jr., age 40, of Black Hawk, South Dakota, of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, and Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography. The verdict was returned on November 3, 2022.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of 15 years up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years up to lifetime of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Fontenot was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2021. 

Evidence at trial established that Fontenot was arrested 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, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, Homeland Security Investigations, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins 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 Omar Perez-Ochoa, age 31, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments, and John Radermacher, age 41, of Couderay, Wisconsin, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on October 21, 2022.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in custody and/or a $10 million fine, five years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund to be paid by Perez-Ochoa, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund to be paid by Radermacher. 

Perez-Ochoa and Radermacher were indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2022.

Both Perez-Ochoa and Radermacher were involved in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution organization operating out of Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas. This organization was responsible for receiving and distributing multiple pounds of methamphetamine in South Dakota and elsewhere. 

Radermacher obtained multiple pounds of methamphetamine from Canbie Thompson on multiple occasions and then returned to Wisconsin with that methamphetamine to further this drug conspiracy. Radermacher and Thompson originally met in federal prison, while both were serving federal sentences for drug distribution. 

Perez-Ochoa was involved with this methamphetamine conspiracy by becoming a drop location for multiple pounds of methamphetamine, along with multiple payments of thousands of dollars for methamphetamine, to ultimately be wired or otherwise transferred down to Mexican sources.  

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth Ebert prosecuted the case.

Presentence investigations were ordered and sentencing dates will be set in the near future. The defendants were both remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

 

 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Sisseton, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and Abusive Sexual Contact.

Thomas Avery Drum, age 58, was indicted in October of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 31, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years up to life of supervised release, and $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

According to the Indictment, between on or about August 26, 2014, and August 25, 2015, in Roberts County, Indian Country, in the District of South Dakota, Drum did knowingly engage in, and attempt to engage in, a sexual act with a child under the age of twelve years.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case. 

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft From an Indian Tribal Organization.

Tiffany LaClaire, age 35, was indicted in July of 2022.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on October 31, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to five 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 between July 17, 2021, and March 23, 2022, LaClaire did knowingly steal, embezzle, willfully misapply, and convert to her use, the moneys, funds, and assets belonging to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, an Indian Tribal Organization, in an amount greater than $1,000.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case. 

LaClaire was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for January 3, 2023.

 

 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Peever, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

Larry Levi Finley III, age 25, was indicted in October of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 31, 2022, 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, five years up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

According to the Indictment, between on or about July 1, 2021, and October 31, 2021, in Roberts County, Indian Country, in the District of South Dakota, Finley did knowingly engage in and attempt to engage in a sexual act with a minor who had attained the age of twelve years, but had not attained the age of sixteen years, and was at least four years younger than Finley.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case. 

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

 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that James Garrett, age 68, and Levi Garrett, age 44, of Sully County, South Dakota, were found guilty of three counts of False Statement in Connection with Federal Crop Insurance, as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota. The defendants were found not guilty on four other crop insurance fraud charges and two charges of Major Fraud Against the United States. The verdict was returned on October 31, 2022.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

The defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in October of 2021. 

In 2018, the defendants falsely certified to a crop insurance company that they planted 2,200 acres of sunflowers in Sully County. In fact, the defendants did not plant sunflowers, and they wrongfully received a total indemnity from the insurance company of $495,048. In 2019, James Garrett falsely certified he planted 47.5 acres of corn in Sully County. In fact, no corn was planted, and he wrongfully received a total indemnity from the insurance company of $484,405.          

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.

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

 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Colton Bagola, age 29, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, was found guilty of First Degree Murder and Discharge of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on October 28, 2022.

The murder charge carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. 

Bagola was indicted by a federal grand jury in January of 2020. 

The conviction stems from Bagola shooting a 30-year-old male in the back of the head and killing him, on December 17, 2019, at Pine Ridge.

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 FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Poppen and Gina Nelson 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.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Mobridge, South Dakota, man  has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Distribution of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.

Charles Evyn Russell, age 35, was indicted in October of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 28, 2022, 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, a lifetime of supervised release, and $400 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between July of 2021 and April of 2022, in Mobridge, Russell knowingly distributed and possessed child pornography.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Mobridge Police Department, and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case. 

Russell was released on bond pending trial. A trial date was set for January 3, 2022.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and Abusive Sexual Contact With a Child.

David Paxton, age 69, was indicted in May of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Moreno on October 27, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison 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 between August 24, 2017, and July 31, 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota, Paxton knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act with a child under the age of 12. The indictment further alleges that between May 29, 1988, and March 19, 1992, in Todd County, Paxton knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, sexual acts or sexual contact with three other children, who were under the age of 12.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.   

Paxton was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for December 13, 2022.

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Threatening a Federal Law Enforcement Officer.

Richard Todd Steele, age 42, was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2021.

The charges related to an alleged incident that occurred on June 13, 2021, in Corson County, South Dakota.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency, and the U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assaulting a Federal Officer was sentenced on November 1, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Chassidy Crazy Bull, age 20, was sentenced to seven months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, $7,968.10 in restitution, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Crazy Bull was indicted for Assaulting a Federal Officer by a federal grand jury in March of 2022. She pleaded guilty on July 19, 2022.

On September 21, 2021, Crazy Bull went on a 15-minute-high speed chase with Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement through the communities of Lower Brule and West Brule, South Dakota.  At the end of the pursuit, Crazy Bull rammed her vehicle into the patrol vehicle of one of the officers involved in the pursuit. The officer suffered a knee injury.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency and Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal trial jury has convicted Jesse Sierra, a/k/a Jesse Sierro, age 37, of Oglala, South Dakota, of Kidnapping, two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force, Interstate Domestic Violence, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Assault by Strangulation of a Dating Partner following a five-day federal trial in Rapid City, South Dakota. The jury also convicted Jesse Sierra’s brother, Dustin Sierra, a/k/a Dustin Sierro, age 38, also of Oglala, of Kidnapping and Interstate Domestic Violence. The verdicts were returned on October 28, 2022.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count of conviction.

The Sierras were indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2019. 

Evidence at the trial established Jesse Sierra traveled to the female victim’s place of employment in July 2019, and convinced her to leave with him and his brother, Dustin. When the Sierra brothers began driving the female to the Pine Ridge Reservation, then against her will, the female attempted to jump out of the vehicle. Jesse Sierra wrapped his arm around her neck and strangled her to a point of unconsciousness. Each time the female regained consciousness, Sierra strangled her again. Between July 13, 2019, and July 17, 2019, the Sierra brothers took the female to a number of locations on the Pine Ridge Reservation against her will. Jesse inflicted multiple physical and sexual assaults upon the female during the time he held her against her will. Around July 17, 2019, Dustin drove Jesse and the female to Chadron, Nebraska, and hid her in a motel. On July 21, 2019, Jesse dropped her off at the hospital in Chadron. Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies searched for the victim from July 14, 2019, until she was located at the Chadron hospital on July 21, 2019.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Rapid City Police Department, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, Box Elder Police Department, Dawes County Sheriff’s Office, Chadron Police Department, and Nebraska State Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Sazama and Kelsey Blair prosecuted the case.

Presentence investigations were ordered and sentencing dates were set for January 27, 2023. The defendants were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

 

 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Ann Hoffman will lead the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. AUSA Hoffman has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of South Dakota and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said U.S. Attorney Ramsdell. “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process, and we ask that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to our office.”

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).  

The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

AUSA/DEO Hoffman will be on duty in the District of South Dakota while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at (605) 357-2363. In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (605) 334-6881.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that two South Dakotan men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

Cody Nicolas Gill, age 32, and Jesse Burton Robert Hopkins, Sr., a/k/a JJ, age 35, were indicted in October of 2022. Each appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 25, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction for each count 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 and forfeiture may also be ordered.

According to the Indictment, in late July of 2022, in Day County, South Dakota, Gill and Hopkins committed an aggravated assault against the victim. The victim sustained serious bodily injuries as a result of the assault.

The charges are merely accusations, and Gill and Hopkins are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe’s Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case. 

Both defendants were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date of December 27, 2022, has been set.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that three Pine Ridge, South Dakota, men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Second Degree Murder – Aiding and Abetting.

Lance Wahokiza Red Cloud, age 27, Vine Phillipe Hayes, age 47, and Michael Red Cloud, age 30, were indicted in September of 2022. All three men appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in 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 charges relate to Lance Red Cloud, Vine Hayes, and Michael Red Cloud beating a man to death in November of 2021, at Pine Ridge, South Dakota.

The charge is merely an accusation, and all three men are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case. 

Lance Red Cloud, Vine Hayes, and Michael Red Cloud were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Mobridge, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Use of a Communication Facility in the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Importation of a Controlled Substance, and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.

Dana Aman, age 53, was indicted in October of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 24, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $1,000,000 fine, at least three years up to life of supervised release, and $500 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges between January of 2020 and March of 2021, Aman used the U.S. Postal Service to illegally import various controlled substances that he then helped distribute. The Indictment further alleges that Aman, a drug user, illegally possessed firearms.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Services, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case. 

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