District of South Dakota

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted on two separate charges of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and a third charge of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on May 20, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier.

As to the conviction for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Nikki Joshua James Coomes, age 30, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.  Regarding the first conviction for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Coomes was sentenced to serve 37 months in federal prison, and on the second conviction of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Coomes was sentenced to serve 10 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.  All three sentences are to be served concurrently. Coomes was also ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Coomes pleaded guilty to the Possession of Firearms charges on December 22, 2021.  Coomes, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, was found to be in possession of a 20-gauge pump-action shotgun on December 5, 2020, at Pine Ridge.  On September 15, 2021, Coomes was found in possession of a 9 mm caliber pistol, two .22 caliber rifles, two 12-gauge shotguns, a .380 caliber pistol, and a .38 caliber derringer on September 15, 2021, at Pine Ridge.

The firearms investigations were conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama prosecuted the cases.

Coomes also pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance on April 26, 2022.  From approximately June 2018 through 2021, Coomes obtained methamphetamine from multiple sources and then distributed it primarily from his residence on the Pine Ridge Reservation.  The Defendant would supply quantities of methamphetamine to other persons, who would in turn further distribute the methamphetamine.

The drug distribution case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Task Force, which includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation, and the Martin, South Dakota, Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina S. Nelson prosecuted the case.

Following the pronouncement of his sentences, Coomes was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Alison Ramsdell announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter was sentenced on May 27, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Tanyan Wakita Iron, a/k/a Sonny Iron, age 20, was sentenced to 84 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.

Iron was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 9, 2020.  He pled guilty on January 27, 2022.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on August 9, 2020, in St. Francis.  Iron was at the victim’s home visiting, when he produced a handgun and attempted to get the victim to join him in a round of “Russian roulette” which the victim declined.  A short time later, Iron shot the victim in the head, causing her death. 

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 Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Manderson, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Discharging, Brandishing, or Possessing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person, and Assault on a Federal Officer.

Elijah West, age 24, was indicted on May 19, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on May 25, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 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 charges stem from West, a previously convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms, discharging a firearm multiple times in December 2021 in Manderson.  West also assaulted two individuals and an Oglala Sioux Tribe police officer during the same time period.  The charges are merely an accusation and West is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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 is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a North Miami Beach, Florida, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Wire Fraud.

Tyler Vandenhoek, age 34, was indicted on February 8, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 26, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that beginning on or about January 14, 2020, and continuing through on or about February 18, 2020, in South Dakota and elsewhere, Vandenhoek devised a scheme and artifice to defraud by forging multiple stolen checks, and that he caused interstate wire communications to be transmitted for the purpose of executing the scheme. 

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.   

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

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

Glenford Old Lodge, a/k/a Glenford Old Lodge, Jr., age 32, was indicted on March 8, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 19, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to ten years 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 Old Lodge, a person required to register as a sex offender by reason of conviction under federal law, knowingly failed to register and update his registration.  The allegations include various dates beginning on or about April 22, 2021, and ending on or about September 5, 2021, while living in the District of South Dakota.

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

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

Old Lodge 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 Todd County, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child.

Kevin Sharkey, age 45, was indicted on May 10, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 23, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in prison 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.

The Indictment alleges that between on or about March 1, 2017, and August 31, 2017, in Todd County, Sharkey knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act with a child under the age of 12.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.     

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

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

Justin Eagle Pipe, age 38, was indicted on April 12, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 23, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on January 1, 2022, in Todd County, South Dakota, Eagle Pipe, who had previously been convicted of crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, and being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, knowingly possessed a firearm, which had been previously shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

Eagle Pipe was released on bond 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 with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on May 20, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Jquann Jackson, age 28, was sentenced to four years in federal prison on each charge, sentences to run concurrently, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Jackson was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 22, 2021, and pleaded guilty on January 28, 2022. The charges stem from Jackson distributing cocaine in Rapid City between January and July 2021.  During the execution of a search warrant at Jackson’s residence in July 2021, law enforcement discovered Jackson, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, to be in possession of a Mossberg International Incorporated, model 715T, .22 Long Rifle caliber, semi-automatic rifle, and a Sarsilmaz Arms, (SAR), model SAR9, 9x19mm Luger caliber, semi-automatic pistol.

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

Jackson 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 Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Richard Peneaux, age 28, was indicted on May 10, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 19, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to ten years 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 Peneaux, a person required to register as a sex offender by reason of conviction under federal law, knowingly failed to register and update his registration between February 11, 2022, and April 7, 2022, while living in the District of South Dakota.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.  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 not been set.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Isaac Roubideaux, age 30, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, was found guilty of Discharge and Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, three charges of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, and two charges of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on May 20, 2022.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine on each charge, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund on each charge.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Roubideaux was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2021.  The assault and firearms charges relate to Roubideaux shooting another man in the back on November 18, 2021, resulting in the victim suffering permanent paralysis below his waistline.  

The case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Poppen and Heather Sazama 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.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Pascagoula, Mississippi, man convicted of Distribution of Child Pornography was sentenced on May 16, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Javier Valenzuela, age 46, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.  Valenzuela was ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100 and $3,000 in restitution.  Valenzuela will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Valenzuela was arrested and federally indicted following two Cybertips from Facebook where images were being distributed.  The Cybertips included images of very young children and were found within the contents of Valenzuela’s Facebook account.  In an interview, Valenzuela admitted to distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography.     

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Browns Valley, Minnesota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced on May 16, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Ernest Duane Barse, Jr., age 43, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Barse was indicted for aggravated sexual abuse of a child and abusive sexual contact by a federal grand jury on August 17, 2020.  He pled guilty on September 10, 2021.

Between on or about April 2016 and continuing through April 2019, Barse knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual contact with Child Victim #1, a child known to Barse.  Barse engaged in the sexual abuse by using force against the victim.  The sexual abuse of Child Victim #1 occurred when she was under 12 years of age. 

Between July 2007 and continuing through July 2008, Barse knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual contact with Child Victim #2, a child known to Barse.  The sexual abuse of Child Victim #2 occurred when she was under 12 years of age, and Barse used threats or placed Child Victim #2 in fear at the time of the sexual contact. 

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

Barse was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his sentence.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Jerry Jerome Wise, age 36, of Moorhead, Minnesota, was found guilty on both counts of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on May 18, 2022.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine carries a maximum penalty of up to life in custody and/or a $10,000,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  The charge of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl carries a maximum penalty of up to 40 years in custody and/or a $5,000,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.    

Wise was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 6, 2021, with his co-conspirator Damara Needham.  Needham pled guilty to the same offenses on December 6, 2021, and was sentenced on March 7, 2022, to 121 months in custody and five years of supervised release, along with a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about July 27, 2020, Wise and his co-conspirator obtained methamphetamine and fentanyl in Arizona and transported it through the District of South Dakota.  On July 27, 2020, a South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper stopped the vehicle they were driving and found approximately 655.3 grams of methamphetamine and over 700 fentanyl pills in the vehicle.  They intended to distribute the methamphetamine and fentanyl to others. 

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

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for August 8, 2022.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on May 23, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Valerie Red Fish, age 44, was sentenced to eight 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.

Red Fish was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 8, 2021.  She pled guilty on December 6, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on May 27, 2020, in McLaughlin, in which Red Fish assaulted a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer by spitting on the officer while she was performing her official duties.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

Red Fish was immediately turned over 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 Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Russell Dean Wright, age 54, was indicted on May 3, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 17, 2022, and pled 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 between on or about November 1, 2021, and April 4, 2022, Wright, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of a conviction under federal law, knowingly failed to register and update his registration.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.   

Wright was remanded to state custody pending trial, which has been set for July 26, 2022.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child was sentenced on May 16, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Holden Cole Thompson, age 31, was sentenced to 180 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.

Thompson was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 8, 2021.  He pled guilty on October 18, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from conduct that occurred between 2015 and 2016 at Little Eagle, in which Thompson engaged in sexual contact with a child who had not attained the age of 12 years.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Aggravated Sexual Abuse.

Yukon Oris Henry, age 45, was indicted on May 10, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 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, up to life on supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that in Little Eagle between 2020 and 2022, Henry unlawfully committed three domestic assaults against an intimate partner while having previously been convicted of crimes of domestic violence on at least two prior occasions.  The Indictment further alleges that in October of 2020 in Little Eagle, Henry caused another person to engage in a sex act by the use of force. 

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

Henry was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has been set for July 19, 2022.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Deadwood, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Receipt of Child Pornography, Obscene Visual Representations of the Sexual Abuse of Children, and Possession of Child Pornography.

Dean Russell Schallenkamp, age 60, was indicted on April 22, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on May 20, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of five up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, mandatory minimum of five  years up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Schallenkamp was federally indicted following a Cybertip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children generated by Microsoft.  The charges relate to Schallenkamp receiving and possessing child pornography between March 2011 and September 2021, at Deadwood.  The charges are merely an accusation and Schallenkamp is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is a joint effort between the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, 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 is prosecuting the case.

Schallenkamp was released on conditions pending trial.  A trial date has not been set. 

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, Felony Sex Offense Against a Minor While Required to Register as a Sex Offender, and Tampering with a Witness, was sentenced on May 23, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Kimo John Little Bird, Sr., age 40, was sentenced to life in federal prison on the Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child conviction.  An additional consecutive sentence of 10 years in prison was imposed for the Felony Sex Offense Against a Minor While Required to Register as a Sex Offender.  Five years in prison was imposed for the witness tampering count, to be served concurrently to the other counts.  The Court also imposed a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $300.  

Little Bird was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2020.  He was found guilty by a jury on November 18, 2021.

Little Bird was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in September 2006.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.  In 2016, Little Bird sexually abused an 11-year-old girl with whom he was residing.  Prior to trial, Little Bird contacted multiple potential witnesses in an effort to manipulate and corruptly persuade the girl to recant her statement. 

“The criminal actions by this defendant were egregious.  The federal penalties for child sexual abuse offenses are severe for a reason, and the district court’s sentence ensures that this defendant will never again have the opportunity to victimize children or otherwise harass vulnerable citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Ramsdell. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services – Standing Rock Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jay Miller and Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Winner, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on May 16, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Arvin Brave Bird, age 53, was sentenced to 16 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.

Brave Bird was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 11, 2022.  He pled guilty on February 24, 2022.

Brave Bird was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in April 2017.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  On November 4, 2021, Brave Bird updated his registration to reflect that he was residing in Rapid City, South Dakota.  In November 2021, Brave Bird was directed by his supervising probation officer to relocate to Yankton, South Dakota, for purposes of attending a treatment program.  Brave Bird thereafter moved out of his Rapid City residence, but he did not report to treatment in Yankton and did not update his registration.  An arrest warrant was subsequently issued and on December 16, 2021, Brave Bird was arrested at a residence in Winner.

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a White River, South Dakota, man convicted of Arson was sentenced on May 16, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Gabriel Roubideaux, age 34, was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, $22,675 in restitution, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Roubideaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 8, 2021.  He pled guilty on February 1, 2022.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in March 2021, in Mellette County, South Dakota. In the early morning hours of March 16, 2021, Roubideaux intentionally set fire to a shed that was next to an occupied residence in the Upper Swift Bear community.  The shed subsequently collapsed against the residence, setting it on fire.  Both the shed and the residence were destroyed in the fire.

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

Roubideaux 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 Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on May 16, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Eugene Hollow Horn Bear, age 62, was sentenced to 24 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.

Hollow Horn Bear was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 14, 2021.  He pled guilty on February 28, 2022.

Hollow Horn Bear was convicted of Assault with Intent to Commit Rape in April 1982 and Sexual Abuse of a Minor in August 1989.  As a result of these convictions, he is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment.  Between November 2, 2020, and April 23, 2021, Hollow Horn Bear 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.

Hollow Horn Bear was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Sisseton, South Dakota, man convicted of assault of an intimate and dating partner by strangling, suffocating, or attempting to strangle or suffocate was sentenced on May 16, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Christopher J. Keeble, age 33, was sentenced to 85 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Keeble pled guilty on November 21, 2021.

On or about May 21, 2021, Keeble’s intimate and dating partner was at her home when Keeble arrived unannounced.  Keeble asked her to come outside alone, to which she complied.  When she came outside and was alone with Keeble, he immediately threatened her with harm if she screamed or yelled.  Keeble then assaulted her by chocking her to a point of closely losing consciousness and by punching her in the face.  As a result of the assault, the victim sustained bodily injuries.  Keeble’s conduct was unprovoked and also violated a tribal court order of protections involving the same victim.

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

Keeble was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his sentence.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on May 16, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Edward Zane Roubideaux, Jr., age 31, was sentenced to 24 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.

Roubideaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 14, 2021.  He pled guilty on February 10, 2022.

Roubideaux was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in November 2011.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  On May 7, 2021, Roubideaux updated his sex offender registration to reflect that he was residing at an address in Sioux Falls. Roubideaux moved out of his registered address on June 30, 2021, and thereafter did not update his registration.  On August 6, 2021, Roubideaux was arrested in Sioux Falls. Between July 3, 2021, and August 6, 2021, Roubideaux failed to properly resister as a sex offender and update his registration.     

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

Roubideaux was immediately turned over 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 Stolen Firearm was sentenced on May 16, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Hank Dubray, age 36, was sentenced to 14 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.

Dubray was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 18, 2018, and pleaded guilty on July 12, 2021. The conviction stems from Dubray knowingly possessing a stolen Ruger, model SR40, .40 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number.  The Ruger pistol was among the 24 firearms that were stolen by two other individuals from The Rooster sporting goods store in Rapid City in August 2018.  During the investigation, 22 of the 24 stolen guns were recovered by law enforcement.

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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

Dubray 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 Involuntary Manslaughter was sentenced on May 16, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Joshua Walking Eagle, age 32, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, $7,215.50 in restitution, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Walking Eagle was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 9, 2020.  He pled guilty on February 25, 2022.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on May 29, 2020, in Rosebud, South Dakota.  On that date, a group of individuals that included Walking Eagle and the victim were consuming alcoholic beverages and socializing at a residence in Rosebud.  A man driving by in a vehicle stopped in front of the residence and brandished a firearm at Walking Eagle.  Walking Eagle and the victim approached the vehicle and confronted the driver.  According to Walking Eagle, Walking Eagle struggled with the driver for control of the firearm and it discharged, striking the victim in the head and killing him. 

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.

 Walking Eagle was immediately turned over 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 May 16, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Gregory Kent Davis, age 62, was sentenced to 17 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.

Davis was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 7, 2021.  He pled guilty on February 24, 2022.

The conviction stems from Davis failing to register as a sex offender as required by state law between June 22, 2021, and July 21, 2021.  Davis left South Dakota on a bus for Pennsylvania without notifying officials in either location.  He was apprehended a month later.  Davis had previously been convicted of a sex offense in state court which requires him to register for 15 years from the time of his release.

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Jeffrey Darnell Moore, age 53, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (heroin) and two counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance (fentanyl) Resulting in Death, as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on May 13, 2022.

Each charge of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison and/or a $1 million fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, per charge.

The charge of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or a $1 million fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Moore was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 20, 2020. 

On or about November 2, 2018, in the District of South Dakota, Jeffery Darnell Moore, did knowingly and intentionally distribute fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and the distribution of said fentanyl resulted in the death of Victim #1.

On or about June 15, 2019, in the District of South Dakota, Jeffery Darnell Moore, did knowingly and intentionally distribute fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and the distribution of said fentanyl resulted in the death of Victim #2.

Beginning on a date unknown and continuing until on or about July 20, 2020, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Jeffery Darnell Moore, did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate, and agree together, with others known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.

Moore was also charged with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, but was found not guilty of that charge.

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

A presentence investigation was ordered, and sentencing will take place August 1, 2022.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

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

Marlow Poor Thunder, age 27, was indicted on May 10, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 12, 2022, and pled 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 $250,000 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The indictment alleges that on March 29, 2022, following a furlough to attend a medical appointment, Poor Thunder failed to report to the Winner City Jail as ordered by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.

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

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

Poor Thunder 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 Mitchell, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on May 12, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

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

Means was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 21, 2021, and pleaded guilty on December 3, 2021. The charge stems from Means, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, illegally possessing a Cobra, model CA-380, .380 caliber, semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Means came into contact with law enforcement in March 2021 in 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. 

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

Means 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, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on May 10, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.

Aynjel Schumacher, age 27, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Schumacher was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on June 11, 2020.  She pleaded guilty on December 9, 2020.  

Schumacher was responsible for distributing between 15 and 45 kilograms of methamphetamine in western South Dakota.  She brought methamphetamine from Nebraska and recruited others to transport the methamphetamine for her between September 2019 and April 2020.  Schumacher also arranged for people to transport bulk cash as payment for the methamphetamine and to send money to the supplier via currency services such as Western Union.  Schumacher possessed firearms on numerous occasions during the conspiracy and used a firearm to threaten a co-conspirator.  At the time she was leading this conspiracy, Schumacher was on parole with the State of South Dakota.  Others charged in the conspiracy have trial and sentencing dates pending.

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 the South Dakota Highway Patrol.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.

Schumacher was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Harold, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on May 10, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Richard Barela, age 31, was sentenced to 84 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.

Barela was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 11, 2020.  He pled guilty on December 8, 2021.

In January 2020, Barela was an inmate at the Yankton Community Work Center (YCWC), a minimum security South Dakota Department of Corrections (DOC) facility in Yankton, South Dakota.  At the time, Barela was serving a sentence for possession of a controlled substance based on a conviction in Hughes County, South Dakota.  On January 3, 2020, Barela escaped from YCWC and stole a vehicle belonging to DOC.  A warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest. 

On January 14, 2020, law enforcement received information that Barela was at a residence in Pierre, South Dakota.  Law enforcement personnel from the U.S. Marshals Service, Hughes County Sheriff’s Office, and Pierre Police Department proceeded to the residence to execute the arrest warrant.  After receiving consent to search the residence, multiple law enforcement officers entered the residence to search for Barela.  Barela was located in a basement bedroom, but he refused to surrender and barricaded himself in the bedroom. 

Deputy U.S. Marshals engaged Barela in conversation in an attempt to convince him to surrender.  Barela responded by telling the officers he would not go back to prison and that the officers would have to kill him to get him out of the basement.  Barela also told the officers he had a knife, which he brandished, and he told them he would kill any law enforcement that attempted to take him into custody. 

After approximately four hours, law enforcement deployed tear gas into the bedroom in an effort to end the standoff.  Barela subsequently exited the bedroom and was immediately taken into custody.

This case was investigated by the Pierre Area Joint Fugitive Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Hughes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pierre Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.

Barela was immediately turned over 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 Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Chad Whitney, age 37, was indicted on April 21, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on May 9, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The charge stems from Whitney, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessing a 30-30 Winchester single-shot break action rifle, a Smith & Wesson .22 long rifle caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a Sturm, Ruger & Company .22 long rifle caliber semi-automatic pistol in Rapid City in February 2022, which were found after Whitney came into contact with law enforcement. 

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

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 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.   

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Norris, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced on May 9, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Harold White Hat, age 38, 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.

White Hat was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 10, 2021.  He pled guilty on January 31, 2022.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in the early morning hours of November 3, 2020, at a residence in Norris.  The minor victim had gone to sleep in her bed the previous evening and subsequently awoke to find White Hat was groping her.

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.

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on May 9, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Sherman Peneaux, age 51, was sentenced to 12 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.

Peneaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 1, 2020.  He pled guilty on January 31, 2022.

Peneaux was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child in December 2004.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment.  On June 5, 2019, Peneaux updated his registration to reflect he was residing in Pierre, South Dakota.  On or about August 30, 2019, Peneaux moved out of his residence and moved to Mission, but he did not update his registration until September 13, 2019.

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Gregg Peterman, Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) for the District of South Dakota, has been named to the Not Invisible Act Commission.  Of the 37 members named to the Commission, SAUSA Peterman is the sole individual to come from and represent the nation’s U.S. Attorneys’ offices.  Also, among the members named was Don Hedrick, Chief of Police for the Rapid City Police Department.

Last week, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco recognized National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day with a virtual event that highlighted the Not Invisible Act Commission.  The Commission was established as part of the Not Invisible Act, which Secretary Haaland sponsored during her time in Congress, and includes a cross jurisdictional advisory committee composed of law enforcement, Tribal leaders, federal partners, service providers, family members of missing and murdered individuals, and most importantly, survivors.  

The Not Invisible Act Commission will make recommendations to the Departments of the Interior and Justice to improve intergovernmental coordination and establish best practices for state, Tribal, and federal law enforcement, to bolster resources for survivors and victim’s families, and to combat the epidemic of missing persons, murder, and trafficking of Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people. 

“We are honored that a member of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Dakota has been selected to represent the USAO community on this Commission. Gregg’s extensive work in Indian Country has made him a trusted leader, both in the District and nationwide, and his knowledge and expertise will be instrumental to the Commission’s success,” said U.S. Attorney Ramsdell.

Peterman has been the SAUSA for the Rapid City office since January of 2012.  He has been a prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice for 27 years.  SAUSA Peterman has spent the majority of his career prosecuting violent crimes in Indian country on the Pine Ridge Reservation, including murder, sexual abuse, aggravated assault, child abuse, and robbery.  In 2017, he was the recipient of the U.S. Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service in Indian Country, and received the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys’ Director’s Award for Superior Performance in Indian Country in 2013.  In addition, SAUSA Peterman was a member of the U.S. Attorney General’s Advisory Task Force on Domestic Violence in Indian Country in 2011-2012, and previously served as a member of the DOJ Office for Victims of Crime Working Group addressing Alcohol Facilitated Sexual Assault in Indian Country.

SAUSA Peterman has also authored A Primer on the Prosecution of Child Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, published in USDOJ USA Book, and is currently co-authoring General Evidence in a Domestic Violence Prosecution in Indian Country, which will be published in the USDOJ Handbook.

The Departments announced the Not Invisible Act Commission members last week, along with the following mission:

• Identify, report and respond to instances of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples (MMIP) cases and human trafficking,
• Develop legislative and administrative changes necessary to use federal programs, properties, and resources to combat the crisis,
• Track and report data on MMIP and human trafficking cases,
• Consider issues related to the hiring and retention of law enforcement offices,
• Coordinate Tribal-state-federal resources to combat MMIP and human trafficking offices on Indian lands, and
• Increase information sharing with Tribal governments on violent crimes investigations and other prosecutions on Indian lands.

The Commission has the authority to hold hearings, gather testimony, and receive additional evidence and feedback from its members to develop recommendations to the Secretary and Attorney General. 

United States Attorney Alison Ramsdell announced that an Armour, South Dakota, man convicted of threatening communications was sentenced on May 9, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Larry Lee Grueschow, age 65, was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Grueschow was indicted for threatening communications by a federal grand jury on August 3, 2021.  He pled guilty on February 2, 2022.

On or about the 11th day of June 2020, Grueschow did transmit in interstate commerce, from the State of South Dakota to Washington, D.C., a telephone communication to a member of Congress.  The telephone communication contained a threat to injure the member of Congress and others.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Todd County, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Abusive Sexual Contact of a Minor.

Fremont Menard, a/k/a Fremont Menard, Jr., age 19, was indicted on February 8, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 5, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years up to 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 August 23, 2021, and September 4, 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota, Menard knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, sexual contact with a minor under the age of 16, by the use of force.  The Indictment further alleges that on or about September 4, 2021, Menard knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act with a different minor under the age of 16, by the use of force.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.     

Menard was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for June 28, 2022.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, SD man  convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on May 2, 2022 by United States District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.

Patrick Greenfield, age 32, was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison, followed by 4 years' supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Greenfield was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on September 17, 2020.  He pleaded guilty on December 6, 2021. Greenfield was responsible for distributing between 1.5 and 5 kilograms of methamphetamine in western South Dakota. Others charged in the conspiracy have been sentenced already and others have trial dates pending.

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, the Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota National Guard and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.

Greenfield was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Ring Thunder, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Aggravated Incest.

Marshall Knife, age 38, was indicted on April 12, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 29, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years 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 January 1, 2019, and November 30, 2021, near Ring Thunder, Knife knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act with a minor female.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler is prosecuting the case.   

Knife 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 Black Hawk, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on May 2, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Cole Younger, age 33, was sentenced to 37 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.

Younger was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 19, 2021, and pleaded guilty on December 3, 2021. The conviction stems from Younger, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, illegally possessing a loaded SCCY Industries, model CPX-2, 9x19mm Luger caliber, semi-automatic pistol, which were found after Younger came into contact with law enforcement in June 2021 in Rapid City.

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

Younger 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 April 28, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Seth Noll, age 29, was sentenced to 42 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.

Noll was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 22, 2021, and pleaded guilty on November 12, 2021.  The charge stems from Noll, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, illegally possessing a  Phoenix Arms, model HP22S, .22 Long Rifle caliber, semi-automatic pistol, a Davis Industries, model DM-22, .22 Long Rifle caliber, over-under derringer, and a Savage Arms Incorporated, .22 Long Rifle caliber, semi-automatic rifle, which were found after Noll came into contact with law enforcement in June 2021 in Rapid City.

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

Noll 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 Possession of a Stolen Firearm.

Login Cook, age 19, was indicted on April 21, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on April 29, 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 Cook knowingly possessing a stolen Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol in December 2021 in Rapid City.  The charge is merely an accusation and Cook is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

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

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

Amber Touche, age 29, was indicted on April 12, 2022.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 28, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on June 10, 2021, in Big Bend, South Dakota, Touche unlawfully killed a human being by asphyxiation.  The Indictment further alleges that Touche abused, exposed, tortured, tormented, and cruelly punished a child under the age of seven.

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

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

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

WASHINGTON ― The Office for Victims of Crime, a component of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, presented the Volunteer for Victims Award to Linda Stambaugh, a Court-Appointed Special Advocate from Newell, South Dakota. The award honors individuals for their extraordinary and selfless efforts resulting in positive and lasting changes in the lives of crime victims.

“Ms. Stambaugh devoted countless hours to securing the safety and well-being of four young children, making the equivalent of a round-trip cross-country drive while their case was open to bring them to school, counseling, court proceedings and supervised visits with their parents,” said Amy L. Solomon, Principal Deputy Attorney General of OJP. “She demonstrated great compassion and incredible perseverance in her heroic work on behalf of these neglected siblings. It is a privilege to honor her volunteer service that went above and beyond.”

Ms. Stambaugh, a Court-Appointed Special Advocate for the Fourth Circuit Court of South Dakota, had only been working for nine days as a volunteer advocate when she received her first child abuse and neglect case. Four siblings between two and six years old had been found wandering the streets unsupervised on several occasions. They were placed in foster care while their parents tried to regain custody.

Ms. Stambaugh made 470 contacts on behalf of the children during the one-and-a-half years the case was open. She facilitated many visits, even transporting the children to sibling visits in two separate foster homes in two different communities so they could spend time together. She also drove the children to supervised visits with their parents, counseling sessions and school, logging more than 7,000 miles. She continued to work with the children and their parents to try to secure a successful reunification at the time of trial. When Stambaugh saw that the children were not thriving in the care of their parents, she effectively communicated this to the court, which ultimately found them a caring family, who adopted them together.

“Ms. Stambaugh was the one constant in these children’s lives during a period of tremendous change, loss, uncertainty and confusion,” said Kristina Rose, Director of OVC. “Her steadfast dedication and support helped stop the cycle of child abuse and neglect for these four children and put them in an environment where they can begin to safely heal and grow.”

Every April, OVC leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. President Ronald W. Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, calling for greater sensitivity to the rights and needs of victims. This year’s observance is taking place April 24-30, and features the theme, “Rights, Access, Equity, for All Victims.”

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

Jordan Tyler Traversie, age 31, was indicted on April 5, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 25, 2022, and pled 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 Traversie, 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 October 14, 2021, and February 16, 2022.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.   

Traversie 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 Stolen Firearm was sentenced on April 22, 2022, by Judge Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court.

Huya Smoke, age 20, was sentenced to 37 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.

Smoke was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 19, 2021, and pleaded guilty on December 3, 2021.  The conviction stems from Smoke knowingly being in possession of a stolen 9mm semi-automatic pistol in Rapid City in April 2021.  At the time, Smoke was also under indictment in Meade County, South Dakota.

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

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

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Canon City, Colorado, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on April 25, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Jeremiah Edward Haning, age 39, was sentenced to 30 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.

Haning was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021.  He pled guilty on January 31, 2022.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on May 18, 2020, when Haning got pulled over by police and a Taurus .38 Special caliber revolver, as well as 56 rounds of ammunition, were found in the vehicle he was driving.  Haning had previously been convicted of a felony in Colorado and knew he could not possess firearms.  Further, at the time he possessed the gun, he was addicted to methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

Haning 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 has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Production of Child Pornography.

Amir Kalomo Mulamba, age 26, was indicted on November 9, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 19, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 30 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 May 30, 2021, and June 25, 2021, Mulamba knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor female to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct, knowing that visual depictions would be transported in interstate or foreign commerce or mailed, and such visual depictions would be produced using materials that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, including by computer.

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

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Salt Lake City, Utah, Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

Mulamba was released on bond pending trial which has not been set.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of Third Degree Burglary was sentenced on April 21, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Christopher Aaron Miller, age 42, was sentenced to three years of probation, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100, and restitution in the amount of $3,000.

Miller was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 14, 2021.  He pled guilty on December 6, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on September 30, 2019, in McLaughlin, wherein Miller entered a garage at night and broke several windows on a vehicle.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Corson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

Miller released from the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following the sentencing.