District of South Dakota

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Piedmont, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on August 5, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Billi American Horse, age 33, was sentenced to 10 years custody in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

American Horse was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in October of 2021.  She pleaded guilty on May 13, 2022.

During her involvement in the conspiracy, American Horse obtained methamphetamine and distributed it primarily in western South Dakota. American Horse was involved in a pursuit with law enforcement in July 2021, in which she was transporting large amounts of methamphetamine and other illegal drugs.  During the pursuit, she threw illegal substances out the window in an effort to discard the drugs.  Once officers were able to stop her, they located methamphetamine and other drugs in American Horse’s vehicle, as well as locating a significant amount of methamphetamine that had been thrown from the vehicle.

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Toledo, Ohio, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on September 12, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Maurice Anthony Streater, age 32, was sentenced to 12 months and a day 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.

Streater was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2021.  He pleaded guilty on June 15, 2022.

The conviction stems from Streater failing to register as a sex offender as required by state law between January 1, 2021, and September 9, 2021.  Streater had previously been convicted of a sex offense in state court which requires him to register for the rest of his life.

This case was 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.

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Newcastle, Nebraska, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on September 9, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Joseph Ross Burks, age 41, was sentenced to 18 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.

Burks was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2022.  He pleaded guilty on June 23, 2022.

The conviction stems from Burks failing to register as a sex offender as required by state law between May 22, 2021, and July 27, 2021.  Burks had previously been convicted of a sex offense in state court which requires him to register for the period of 25 years. 

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.

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

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

Dallas Ford, age 28, was indicted in March of 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 31, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction 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 charge stems from Ford illegal possessing a .22 caliber, semi-automatic pistol in December 2021 in Sturgis.  The charge is merely an accusation and Ford is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

Ford was detained pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Willie Gene Murphy, Jr., age 51, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was found guilty of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance, as a result of a federal court trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on September 7, 2022. 

On September 1, 2022, Murphy pleaded guilty to the charge of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person in the same case pursuant to a Petition to Plead Guilty.  

The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in custody and/or a $1,000,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Murphy was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2022. 

On December 17, 2019, Murphy knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine. Additionally, Murphy was a convicted felon and knowingly and intentionally possessed firearms, to wit: a Ruger, model AR-556, .5.56 x 45 mm, semi-automatic rifle, a Smith and Wesson, model SD40VE, .40 caliber handgun and a Smith and Wesson SD 9, 9-millimeter handgun.

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 Drug Enforcement Administration, South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Appear was sentenced on September 6, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Michael Pomani, age 44, was sentenced to time served of two months in federal prison, one year of supervised release with a condition that he be placed on home confinement for two months, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Pomani was also ordered to pay $16,800 in restitution to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the care of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation as a result of his illegal sale of bald eagle feathers, hawk wings, and owl feathers.

Pomani was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 10 of 2022.  He pleaded guilty on June 6, 2022.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on December 12, 2017, when Pomani failed to appear for his pretrial conference and jury trial.  Pomani had previously been charged with violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and was released on bond in October 2017.  Pomani knowingly failed to appear for his jury trial on the wildlife charges.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

Pomani was released to begin serving his term of supervision.

United States Attorney Alison Ramsdell announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man convicted at trial of Assaulting a Federal Law Enforcement Officer was sentenced on September 6, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Jade LaRoche, age 42, was sentenced to three years and eight 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.

LaRoche was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 11, 2022.  He was found guilty by a federal jury, following a two-day jury trial, on September 6, 2022.

The evidence at trial showed that on October 31, 2021, in Lower Brule, LaRoche forcibly opposed and resisted a federal law enforcement officer.  The officer was called to a residence to remove LaRoche.  Upon learning that he was going to be placed under arrest, LaRoche ran from the officer into a back bedroom of the home.  As the officer approached the back bedroom, the defendant charged out from his hiding spot, striking the officer and knocking him backwards into a table.  The victim suffered injuries to his neck, back, and shoulder.

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with Intent to Commit Murder, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

Rain LaRoche, age 31, was indicted in August of 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 10, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. 

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.  

The Indictment alleges that on July 19, 2022, at Fort Thompson, South Dakota, LaRoche assaulted another person with a dangerous weapon, causing serious bodily injury.  The Indictment further alleges that LaRoche committed the acts with the intent to murder the victim.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, Crow Creek Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

LaRoche was detained pending trial.  A trial date has been set for October 11, 2022.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of Second-Degree Murder was sentenced on August 31, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Stetson Eagle Elk, age 29, was sentenced to 18 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.

 Eagle Elk was indicted by a federal grand jury in January of 2022 and pleaded guilty on June 3, 2022.  The conviction stems from Eagle Elk, along with Gary Little Bull, shooting and killing Todd Little Bull in August 2016 in Kyle.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on August 31, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Severt Shon Young Bear, III, a/k/a Yamni Young Bear, age 40, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Young Bear was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in February of 2021, and pleaded guilty in March of 2022.  The conviction stems from Young Bear conspiring with at least five other persons to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in South Dakota between November 2015 and February 2021.

The case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Task Force, which includes the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation, and the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Kenel, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force, Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangulation and Suffocation, and Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner.

Rodd Rankeen Rough Surface, age 45, was indicted in August of 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 7, 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, five years of supervised release, and a $300 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on May 29, 2021, in Kenel, Rough Surface assaulted and strangled an intimate partner and then sexually abused her through the use of force.  Rough Surface caused the victim to suffer substantial bodily harm.    

The charges are merely accusations and Rough Surface 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 FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

Rough Surface was released pending trial.  A trial date was set for November 1, 2022.

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

Tanner Kills Enemy, age 24, was sentenced to 10 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.

Kills Enemy was indicted by a federal grand jury in January of 2022.  He pleadedd guilty on June 16, 2022.

Kills Enemy, a person required to register as a sex offender by reason of a conviction under tribal law, knowingly failed to register and update his registration between November 12, 2021, and December 16, 2021, while living in St. Francis on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

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

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

Trevor Red Bird, age 34, was sentenced to 26 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.

Red Bird was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2022.  He pleaded guilty on June 2, 2022.

Red Bird was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in May of 2008.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  Red Bird was convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in 2017 and again in 2019.  In March 2021, Red Bird was released from prison and began supervised release in Rapid City.  Initially, Red Bird properly updated his registration.  In December 2021, however, he moved from his registered address but did not update his registration.  An arrest warrant was subsequently issued and on February 1, 2022, Red Bird was arrested in Rapid City.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse, Distribution of a Controlled Substance to a Person Under Age Twenty-One and Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation.

Alexander Brave, age 29, was indicted in August of 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 2, 2022, and pled 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 in August of 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota, Brave distributed methamphetamine to a victim who was under the age of 21, and that he engaged in a sexual act with that victim while she was incapable of declining participation in the sexual act.  The Indictment further alleges that between June of 2021 and October of 2021, in Todd County, Brave engaged in a sexual act with a second victim who had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years, and that he assaulted the victim by strangling, suffocating, and attempting to do so.

The charges are merely accusations and Brave 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 Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse and Distribution of a Controlled Substance to a Person Under Age Twenty-One.

Jeremy Richards, age 28, was indicted in August of 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 2, 2022, and pled 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 in August of 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota, Richards distributed methamphetamine to a victim who was under the age of 21, and that he engaged in a sexual act with that victim while she was incapable of declining participation in the sexual act.  The indictment further alleges that between January 1, 2021, and January 1, 2022, in Todd County, Richards distributed methamphetamine to two other individuals who were under the age of 21.

The charges are merely accusations and Richards 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 Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on August 16, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Javier Clark Moreno, age 41, was sentenced to 17 ½ years in federal prison, followed by eight years of supervised release.  Moreno was ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100 and will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Moreno, formerly the Captain of the Salvation Army of the Black Hills, was arrested and federally indicted following two Cybertips from Kik Messenger.  An examination of Moreno’s Kik account revealed over 10,000 recordings and images of child pornography including sadism and penetration of infants and toddlers.  Moreno later admitted to viewing and collecting child pornography since the early 2000’s. 

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on August 29, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Travis Spotted Wolf, age 30, was sentenced to six 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.

Spotted Wolf was indicted by a federal grand jury in December of 2021 and pleaded guilty in April 2022. The conviction stems from Spotted Wolf, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessing a Taurus, model PT111 Millennium Pro G2, 9mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Spotted Wolf came into contact with law enforcement in August of 2021.

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Cody Wayne Hopkins, age 31, of Montgomery, Pennsylvania, was found guilty of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on August 25, 2022.

The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of five years up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Evidence at trial established that Hopkins was arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally targeting internet predators.  Following multiple text messages with a person Hopkins believed to be a 13-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent, he proceeded to negotiate the time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts.  When Hopkins went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he instead was met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.

The undercover operation was a joint effort between the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins and Kelsey Blair tried the case.

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Manderson, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of Involuntary Manslaughter was sentenced on August 23, 2022, by Judge Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court.

Moses Runs Against, age 39, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison on both counts of Involuntary Manslaughter, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund on each count.  The prison sentences are to be served consecutively and the time of supervised release is to be served concurrently.

Runs Against was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2022.  He pleaded guilty on May 13, 2022.  The conviction stems from Runs Against, while intoxicated, crashing head-on into another vehicle on January 22, 2022, just north of Manderson.  The collision resulted in the death of two females and serious injuries to two other females.

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Overland Park, Kansas, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on August 29, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Sylvester Mitchell, III, age 31, was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Mitchell was indicted for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance by a federal grand jury in September of 2021.  He pleaded guilty on June 7, 2022.

Beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about December 2021, Mitchell reached an agreement to distribute fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, in the District of South Dakota.    

During his involvement, Mitchell obtained pills containing fentanyl from a co-conspirator and distributed them to drug customers in South Dakota.  On July 27, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at an apartment where Mitchell was staying.  When the officers searched the apartment, they found approximately 73 grams of blue M-30 pills that were later tested and found to contain fentanyl.  Mitchell posted bail after that arrest and was released.  As Mitchell was leaving Sioux Falls, a South Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper followed him.  Mitchell pulled off the interstate and abandoned a safe at a business near the exit of the interstate.  The trooper eventually found the safe and discovered approximately 454 grams of pills containing fentanyl inside of it.  Through Mitchell’s involvement in the conspiracy, he personally distributed over 400 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Box Elder, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on August 19, 2022, by U.S. District Karen E. Schreier.

John Cody Klingman, age 31, was sentenced to three years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.  Klingman was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $5,000 in restitution.  Klingman will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Klingman was arrested and federally indicted following several Cybertips from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children.  The Internet Crimes Against Children taskforce executed a search warrant on Klingman’s home and seized multiple devices.  Forensic examination of those devices rendered searches for child and teen pornography, as well as computer-generated child pornography and age difficult images.

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Obstructing Justice by Retaliating Against a Witness was sentenced on August 19, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Edward Martin, age 50, was sentenced to six years and six months in federal prison and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  All but 18 months of the sentence are concurrent to a 20-year sentence Martin received for his conviction for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.   

Martin was indicted for Obstructing Justice by Retaliating Against a Witness by a federal grand jury in December of 2021.  He was found guilty following a federal court trial held on August 1, 2022.  Martin threatened an individual who had provided information to law enforcement about a drug conspiracy in which Martin was involved.  Martin made threatening comments to the individual in an attempt to dissuade the individual from testifying against Martin’s co-conspirators in pending federal criminal proceedings. 

The investigation was conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.  

Martin was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Summerset, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Attempted Exploitation of a Minor, Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity, Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, and Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Activity.

Emily Nicole Yeary, age 24, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 22, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The charges relate to Yeary attempting to sexually exploit a 14-year-old and transporting the minor across state lines for sexual activity.  The charges are merely an accusation and Yeary is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the South Dakota Highway Patrol, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Galena Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.

Yeary was detained pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that four individuals from Sisseton, South Dakota, who were all convicted of Robbery and Aiding and Abetting, have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Tiffany Bernard, age 30, was sentenced on August 22, 2022, to 15 years in federal prison – the maximum possible sentence – followed by three years of supervised release.  She was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution was also ordered for $300,358.89, relating to the victim’s medical expenses and lost wages.

In late 2021, Bernard’s three co-defendants were sentenced for their respective roles in the robbery and assault.  On October 4, 2021, Brendon Javon Jacob Rodlund, age 32, was also sentenced to the maximum of 15 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Rodlund is also serving a separate federal sentence of approximately 13 years in federal prison for sexual assault.  His robbery sentence will be served consecutively to his prior sentence for sexual assault.

Andrew David Renville, age 34, was sentenced on November 1, 2021, to the maximum of 15 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.  Renville was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Randall Delbert Pumpkinseed, age 33, was also sentenced on November 1, 2021, to 13 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.  Pumpkinseed was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

According to court documents, between November 16 and 17, 2015, Bernard, Rodlund, Pumpkinseed, and Renville assaulted by force, violence, and intimidation, and did take and attempt to take things of value from the victim.  The robbery and assault took place at Dry Wood Lake near Sisseton, and all defendants aided and abetted each other in perpetrating these crimes.

This case was investigated by the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe’s Law Enforcement, the FBI, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.

All defendants are in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Cherry Creek, South Dakota, man convicted of First Degree Burglary was sentenced on August 22, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Timothy Red Elk, age 42, was sentenced to 33 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.

Red Elk was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2022.  He pled guilty on May 19, 2022.

Shortly before 3:00 a.m. on September 11, 2021, Timothy Red Elk went to the home of the victim in Cherry Creek and knocked on her door.  When the victim opened the door, Red Elk asked for her son.  The victim explained that her son was sleeping and began to close the door.  Red Elk started punching the victim in the face inside the home with a closed fist.  Red Elk stopped only when the victim’s daughter pushed him out the door and his sister pulled Red Elk away.  The assault was unprovoked.  The victim sustained several fractures to her facial bones from the assault. 

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

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

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

Daniel Red Horse, Jr., age 52, was indicted in August of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 23, 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, a mandatory minimum period of supervised release of at least five years, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between May 2, 2022, and June 3, 2022, Red Horse Jr., 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, did knowingly fail to register and update his registration.

The charge is merely an accusation and Red Horse Jr. is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man  convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on August 19, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Justin Coyle, age 36, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  

Coyle was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in September of 2020.  He pleaded guilty on May 20, 2022. Coyle was part of a conspiracy responsible for distributing between 1.5 and 5 kilograms of methamphetamine in western South Dakota. Several times he wired money for methamphetamine to Mexico for the conspiracy to receive additional methamphetamine. He also helped facilitate the transport of the drugs to South Dakota, which he assisted in selling.

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Parmelee, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse.

Kyle Black Bull, age 32, was indicted in June of 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 22, 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, with a mandatory minimum of five years, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about April 17, 2022, at Parmelee, Black Bull knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act with an adult female, who at the time was incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct, and was physically incapable of declining participation in and communicating an unwillingness to engage in the sexual act.

The charges are merely accusations and Black Bull 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.   

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Jerome Moses Goodhouse, Jr., age 30, of McLaughlin, South Dakota, was found guilty of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and one count of Witness Tampering as a result of a federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on August 24, 2022.

The charges carry a mandatory minimum of 30 years up to life in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.   

Goodhouse was indicted by a federal grand jury in January of 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 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.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for November 14, 2022.  The defendant was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aiding and Abetting Larceny.

Stacey Flute, age 32, was indicted in May of 2022.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 22, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. 

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

LaRoche was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 11, 2022. 

The Indictment alleges that between March 1, 2018, and May 1, 2018, at Lower Brule, Flute did unlawfully take and carry away with intent to steal and purloin the personal property of another, and did aid and abet in the same.  The Indictment further alleges that the property in question had a value in excess of $1,000. 

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

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

Flute was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Larceny was sentenced on August 22, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Randall Bear Eagle, age 38, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Bear Eagle was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2022.  He pleaded guilty on May 19, 2022.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on November 16, 2022, in Eagle Butte.  Bear Eagle was on foot, when he located a 2017 Ford Explorer that was parked in the driveway of a residence.  Bear Eagle got in and began to back the vehicle out of the driveway, when the owner of the vehicle heard someone entering her car.  When she saw Bear Eagle backing out of the driveway, she and another individual ran outside to prevent Bear Eagle from driving off, but were unsuccessful.  The vehicle was reported stolen.  Law enforcement later located Bear Eagle and the vehicle at a location 33 miles north of Eagle Butte.  The vehicle was pulled over and Bear Eagle was arrested.  The vehicle was valued at over $17,000.    

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Aberdeen, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on August 22, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Jose David Recio, age 27, was sentenced to 30 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.

Recio was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2022.  He pleaded guilty on May 23, 2022.

The conviction stems from Recio failing to register as a sex offender as required by state law between December 1, 2021, and February 15, 2022.  Recio had previously been convicted of a sex offense in State court which requires him to register for the rest of his life.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Wanblee, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on August 18, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Paige Aaron Chipps, age 32, was sentenced to eight years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Chipps was indicted by a federal grand jury in May of 2021 and pleaded guilty in April 2022.  The conviction stems from Chipps assaulting a woman in her home in Wanblee in February 2021 by kicking her while wearing boots.  The woman then went outside and fell in the snow and was unable to get up due to her injuries, eventually dying of hypothermia.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Criminal Investigators.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Abusive Sexual Contact, Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, and Larceny.

Brady Makes Room For Them, age 37, was indicted in June of 2022.  Makes Room For Them appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 19, 2022.  He pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on January 27, 2022, in Todd County, South Dakota, Makes Room For Them engaged in sexual contact with a female victim.  Later that same day, Makes Room For Them stole a vehicle and was in possession of the vehicle when he was arrested for the sexual contact.  All these events occurred while Makes Room For Them had failed to update his registration pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

The charges are merely accusations and Makes Room For Them 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.   

Makes Room For Them was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on August 18, 2022, by Judge Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court.

Cameron Hart, age 28, was sentenced to three 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.

Hart was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2022 and pleaded guilty in May 2022.  The conviction stems from Hart, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessing a Taurus, Model PT 1911, .45 caliber, semi-automatic pistol and 2 rounds of .40 caliber Federal ammunition, which was found after Hart came into contact with law enforcement in February 2022.

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on August 18, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Westerly Seid, age 28, 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.

Seid was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2021 and pleaded guilty in May 2022.  The conviction stems from Seid, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessing a Taurus, model PT38S, .38 Super caliber, semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Seid came into contact with law enforcement in May 2021.

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Mobridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on August 22, 2022, by Judge Charles B. Kornmann, U.S. District Court.

Taylor Charles Oster, age 51, was indicted in October of 2021.  He pleaded guilty on April 26, 2022.

Oster was sentenced to three years of probation, a $5,000 fine, a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and forfeiture of a firearm and ammunition.  

On June 29, 2021, Oster possessed a handgun in Mobridge while being under the influence of methamphetamine.  The handgun was recovered next to a loaded magazine in a public place by 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 Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Mobridge Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.   

Oster was released after sentencing. 

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments was sentenced on August 15, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Rosa Elena Magana Madrigal, age 64, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release.  She was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Madrigal was indicted for Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments by a federal grand jury in July of 2021.  She pled guilty on May 25, 2022.

Beginning on an unknown date and continuing to on or about May 11, 2021, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Rosa Madrigal knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together, with others known and unknown, to knowingly conduct and attempt to conduct financial transactions affecting interstate and foreign commerce, to wit: conducting wire/money transfers, which involved the proceeds of a specified unlawful activity.  The unlawful activity is conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, with the intent to promote the carrying on of the unlawful activity, and that while conducting and attempting to conduct such financial transactions, knew that the property involved in the financial transactions represented the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity.

Madrigal voluntarily and intentionally joined in the agreement or understanding to conduct and attempt to conduct financial transactions affecting interstate and foreign commerce in 2019.  During the time she was conducting financial transactions with her co-conspirators, she learned the money she was depositing was proceeds of a controlled substance conspiracy, and that these transactions were designed in whole, or in part, to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds of the controlled substance conspiracy.

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that four Todd County, South Dakota, men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer, Using and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, Aiding and Abetting, and Accessory After the Fact.

Kevin Bordeaux, age 23, Carston Eagle Deer, age 21, Gervis Fool Bull, age 28, and Julian Moran, a/k/a Jullian Moran, age 28, were indicted in August of 2022.  Kevin Bordeaux appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 15, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.  Carston Eagle Deer, Gervis Fool Bull, and Julian Moran appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Moreno on August 18, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison 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 July 6, 2022, in Todd County, Bordeaux unlawfully assaulted the victim with a handgun, that said assault resulted in serious bodily injury, and that Eagle Deer did receive, relieve, comfort, and assist Bordeaux in order to hinder and prevent Bordeaux’s apprehension, trial, and punishment.

The Indictment further alleges that on July 8, 2022, in the District of South Dakota, Bordeaux, Eagle Deer, Fool Bull, and Moran forcibly assaulted, opposed, impeded, intimidated and interfered with two law enforcement officers who were employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and an assisting officer who was employed by the Tripp County Sheriff’s Office, and that such conduct involved the use of a firearm, and that they aided and abetted in the commission of the offenses.

The charges are merely accusations and Bordeaux, Eagle Deer, Fool Bull, and Moran are 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, the Tripp County Sheriff’s Office, the Winner Police Department, and the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.   

Bordeaux, Eagle Deer, Fool Bull, and Moran were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for October 25, 2022.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted a joint sex-trafficking operation during the 2022 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.  The operation began on August 5, 2022, and continued through August 11, 2022.  

As a result, the following six men were arrested and charged:

Brandon Reide Prue, 27, Rapid City, South Dakota - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet

Donald William Laun, 61, Rapid City, South Dakota - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet

Kordelle Ray Running Hawk, 24, Rapid City, South Dakota- Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet

Siddiq Ahmed Damkiwala, 32, Rapid City, South Dakota - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet

William Henry Riese, 31, Rapid City, South Dakota - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet

Christopher Daniel Luna, 32, Sturgis, South Dakota - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet

The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet is 10 years up to life in federal prison; and any term of years, not less than five, up to lifetime supervised release.

The charges are merely accusations, and all six defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The agencies involved in the operation were DCI, ICAC, HSI, Ellsworth AFB Office of Special Investigations, Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The cases are being federally prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to extend its appreciation to all law enforcement partners involved in the investigations for their efforts and continued cooperation.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Involuntary Manslaughter.

Jessica Ann Black Cloud, age 23, was indicted in August of 2022.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 18, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on April 19, 2022, in Corson County, South Dakota, Black Cloud unlawfully killed another person while operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner. 

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, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the FBI, the Corson County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

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

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

Treton Anderson, age 24, was indicted in August of 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on August 18, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that between on or about December 18, 2021, and June 29, 2022, Anderson knowingly received and distributed, and attempted to receive and distribute child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Tacoma, Washington, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on August 15, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Mei Ying Li, age 42, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release.  She was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

 Li was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in March of 2021.  She pled guilty on May 23, 2022.

In June of 2020, Li reached an agreement to distribute 100 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing marijuana, a schedule I controlled substance, in the District of South Dakota.

While she was actively involved in the conspiracy, she accompanied a co-conspirator on multiple trips to deliver marijuana.  Li would obtain marijuana from one co-conspirator and then deliver it to another co-conspirator for him to drive and deliver it to additional co-conspirators in other states.  Li’s co-conspirator drove the marijuana in his vehicle, while she accompanied him in a different vehicle to serve as protection from law enforcement.  During one such trip on December 12, 2020, her co-conspirator drove a vehicle that contained approximately 151.95 kilograms of marijuana through the state of South Dakota, when he was pulled over and the vehicle was searched.  Her involvement in the conspiracy ended on December 12, 2020, when she was arrested following this incident.

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

Li was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Todd County, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact With a Child was sentenced on August 15, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Conrad Good Voice, Jr., age 27, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by seven years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Good Voice was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2021. He pleaded guilty on May 20, 2022.

The conviction stemmed from conduct that occurred between March 1, 2019, and March 1, 2021, in Todd County. On more than one occasion during that period, Good Voice engaged in sexual contact with the child victim, who was then between the ages of seven and nine years old.

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

Good Voice was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on August 15, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Cletus Gerald Williams, III, a/k/a C.J. Williams, age 25, was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.  He was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.  The sentences will be served concurrently.  Williams was also ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Williams was indicted by a federal grand jury in January of 2022.  He pleaded guilty on May 12, 2022.  

The conviction for Assaulting, Resisting and Impeding a Federal Officer stemmed from an incident that occurred in Todd County, South Dakota, on January 4, 2022.  On that date, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officers responded to a report that Williams was causing a disturbance at a residence near Rosebud, South Dakota.  Upon arrival, the officers made contact with Williams, who refused commands to comply.  Williams took a fighting stance and then picked up pieces of firewood, which he used to keep the officers away.  Williams then attempted to flee, but subsequently complied with commands and was arrested.

Williams was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in April 2017.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment.  In October 2021, Williams was released from custody and began a period of supervised release. Williams initially registered and resided at an address in Sioux Falls, but he subsequently moved from his registered address and did not update his registration.  His whereabouts were unknown until his arrest on January 4, 2022.

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding.

Wesley Hammond, age 29, was indicted in July of 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 17, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to one year in federal prison and/or a $110,000 fine, one year of supervised release, and $25 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on May 26, 2022, in Todd County, South Dakota, Hammond assaulted the victim by striking, beating, and wounding.

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on August 17, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.

Amber Atchley, age 32, was sentenced to eight 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.

Atchley was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2021 and pleaded guilty in February 2022.  The conviction stems from Atchley conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine in South Dakota and elsewhere between March and June 2021.

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Escape from Custody.

Kyle Tobacco, age 28, was indicted in April of 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 15, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is five 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 charge stems from Tobacco leaving the Community Education Center in Rapid City and not returning as required.  The charge is merely an accusation and Tobacco is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.

Tobacco was detained pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Wilsonville, Oregon, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on August 15, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Leonardo Vazquez, Jr., age 22, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Leonardo Vazquez, Jr. was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in March of 2021.  He pleaded guilty on May 23, 2022.

Beginning on an unknown date and continuing until February 2021, Vazquez reached an agreement to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in the District of South Dakota.

During his involvement in the conspiracy, Vazquez drove a vehicle that contained a large quantity of methamphetamine.  He was assisting his co-conspirators who were selling methamphetamine to drug customers in Sioux Falls by driving them to their deals.  On November 7, 2019, he was driving near Worthington, Minnesota, alone in a vehicle registered to him.  There was approximately eleven pounds of methamphetamine and two guns in the car.  He was stopped by the police, who then searched his car and found the guns and methamphetamine.  His involvement in the conspiracy ended with the seizure of his vehicle on November 7, 2019.

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Oglala, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on August 15, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Aric Singing Goose, a/k/a Eric Sharpfish, age 34, was sentenced to seven 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.

Singing Goose was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2022.  He pled guilty on May 26, 2022. 

Singing Goose was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in July 2009.  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.  Between June 4, 2021, and August 17, 202, Singing Goose failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.

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