District of South Dakota

Alison J. Ramsdell has taken the oath of office to become the 44th United States Attorney for the District of South Dakota.  Ms. Ramsdell was sworn in by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on April 21, 2022, and her appointment took effect on April 22, 2022.

As U.S. Attorney, Ms. Ramsdell leads an office responsible for prosecuting federal crimes and defending the interests of the United States in the District of South Dakota. Ms. Ramsdell was appointed by the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota, and she will serve in this capacity until the vacancy is filled by a Presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed nominee. 

Ms. Ramsdell has served the U.S. Attorney’s Office since September 2014, when she joined the District’s Civil Division as an Assistant U.S. Attorney.  In 2016, Ms. Ramsdell was selected to lead the District’s Civil Rights Section.  Ms. Ramsdell received her B.A. from Valparaiso University and her J.D. from the University of Iowa School of Law.  Following law school, she clerked for the Honorable Karen E. Schreier, District Court Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota, and served as the U.S. District Court’s pro se law clerk. 

“It is a profound honor to serve the District of South Dakota in this capacity, and I am deeply grateful to be doing the work alongside such exceptional colleagues,” said Ramsdell.

Ms. Ramsdell lives in Flandreau with her husband and two sons.

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Las Vegas, Nevada, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine was sentenced on March 18, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Jesse Stewart, age 47, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Stewart was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine by a federal grand jury in January 2020.  He pleaded guilty on December 10, 2021.

In September 2019, law enforcement became aware of a group of people distributing methamphetamine in the Rapid City, South Dakota area, led by Edward Martin.  Through the investigation, law enforcement confirmed a methamphetamine source for the conspiracy in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Between the summer of 2019 and December 2019, at least five to 15 kilograms of methamphetamine was sent to Rapid City.  Stewart sold the methamphetamine in Rapid City and arranged for Martin to come and expand those efforts.  Co-conspirators in Rapid City and Las Vegas tracked mailed packages of methamphetamine and also received money wire transfers paying for the shipped methamphetamine.  On December 19, 2019, law enforcement searched Martin’s hotel room and located Stewart, eight ounces of methamphetamine, a firearm, $5,066 cash, and other items indicative of drug distribution.  

Edward Martin, Sara Skinner, Carmen Dillon, Keeler Stands, Melanie Vance, Tyler Olson, Christopher James, and Kirbesha Bailey have all previously been sentenced for their roles in this same conspiracy.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Postal Inspector, and 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. Attorneys Kathryn N. Rich and Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Lantry, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child, and Sexual Abuse of a Minor, was sentenced on April 18, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Mato Dyda, age 21, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100, and restitution in the amount of $893.80.

Dyda was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 14, 2021.  He pled guilty on January 13, 2022.

The conviction stems from incidences on June 26, 2020, and November 8, 2020, in Ziebach County, South Dakota, when Dyda engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual acts with two underage victims.  Dyda also made videos of this sexually explicit conduct.   

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Ziebach County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Yankton, South Dakota, man convicted at a jury trial of Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on April 18, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Matthew Carter, age 31, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, $13,000 in restitution, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Carter was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 4, 2021. 

The conviction stemmed from an incident in January 2021, when Carter was in jail and called his dad and directed him to retrieve some property that Carter hid above the ceiling tile in his bathroom.  An officer listening to the jail call went to Carter’s residence and found a computer hard drive above the ceiling tile.  Forensic examination of the hard drive revealed 60 video files containing child pornography.

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

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Fort Pierre, South Dakota, woman and an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Regina Maynard, age 30, and Larry Chavez, age 25, were indicted on April 12, 2022.  Maynard appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 14, 2022, and Chavez appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 15, 2022.  Both pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The indictment alleges that on February 7, 2022, in Stanley County, South Dakota, Maynard and Chavez knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. 

The charge is merely an accusation and Maynard and Chavez are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Stanley County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

Chavez was released on conditions and Maynard was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced today that three men from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in bank fraud and money laundering conspiracies. 

Antyon Hamilton Hogan Jr., age 24, Marvin Antuon Williams, age 31, and Giovanni Hamilton, age 23, were indicted on April 5, 2022.  Each initially appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 7, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. 

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 30 years in custody for Bank Fraud Conspiracy, 20 years in custody for Money Laundering Conspiracy, and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution and forfeiture may also be ordered.

According to the Indictment, in 2020 and continuing until April 2022, Hogan, Williams, and Hamilton conspired and agreed with others to knowingly conduct and attempt to conduct bank fraud and financial transactions affecting interstate and foreign commerce.  Specifically, the three co-conspirators knowingly conspired to execute and attempt to execute a scheme and artifice to defraud financial institutions throughout the Sioux Falls area and elsewhere, including, but not limited to, First Premier Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Levo Credit Union, First National Bank, First Bank and Trust, U.S. Bank, American Bank and Trust, American State Bank, Navy Federal Credit Union, Pima Federal Credit Union, JP Morgan Chase, and Security National Bank of South Dakota.  These defendants, as alleged, schemed to obtain money, funds, and other property owned by, and under the custody and control of, the aforementioned financial institutions, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. 

After obtaining funds through fraud, the three co-conspirators and others engaged in depositing, transferring, wiring, and withdrawing currency and funds at financial institutions, which involved the proceeds of specified unlawful activity – that is, the bank fraud identified above.  These defendants knew that the transactions were designed in whole or in part to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of the proceeds of the fraud scheme.  While conducting and attempting to conduct such financial transactions, it is alleged that Hogan, Williams, and Hamilton knew that the property involved in the financial transactions represented the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity. 

The charges are merely accusations, and Hogan, Williams, and Hamilton are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Sioux Falls Police Department, U.S. Postal Service, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.

Hogan and Williams were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending further proceedings and trial.  Hamilton was released on bond.  A trial date of June 14, 2022, has been set.

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Summerset, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.

Caleb Cook, age 23, was indicted on March 17, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on April 13, 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.

Cook was federally indicted following a Cybertip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children.  The charges relate to Cook receiving and possessing child pornography between September 2016 and December 2021, at Summerset.  The charges are merely an accusation and Cook 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.

Cook was detained pending trial.  A trial date has been set for June 21, 2022. 

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on April 18, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Benny Bacon, age 56, was sentenced to 26 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.

Bacon was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 8, 2021.  He pled guilty on January 27, 2022.

The conviction stems from an incident on November 19, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota, during a traffic stop when law enforcement located a pistol, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia in Bacon’s vehicle.  Bacon is a felon and an unlawful user of a controlled substance making him a prohibited person.

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, Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for three counts of First Degree Murder, three counts of Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and one count of Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.

Elijah West, age 24, was indicted on January 20, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on April 15, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The charges stem from West killing three people by shooting them near Wounded Knee, South Dakota, in January 2022.  The charges are merely an accusation and West is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division.   Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.   

West was detained pending trial.  A trial date has been set for June 21, 2022. 

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that two Pine Ridge, South Dakota, men were acquitted of Second Degree Murder following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on April 15, 2022.

Antoine Joey Makes Good, a/k/a Joey Makes Good, age 35, and Vinnie Makes Good, age 33, were indicted by a federal grand jury on December 8, 2020.

The charge related to the murder of a male individual at Kyle, South Dakota, on November 1, 2020.  The investigation was conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.

Barbara McGhee, age 24, was indicted on April 13, 2021.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 15, 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 $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on March 29, 2021, in Lower Brule, South Dakota, McGhee physically assaulted correctional officers as they were attempting to relocate her to another area of the jail.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that John Rick Winer, age 68, of New Mexico, convicted for his role in fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice conspiracies, was sentenced on Monday April 18, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Winer was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, nearly $11 million in restitution, and forfeiture of a residence in Norway, a luxury vehicle, approximately $4 million in silver coins, and a laptop.  He was also ordered to pay $1,200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Defendants John Rick Winer, Nathan Peachey, and others were originally indicted by a federal grand jury on November 5, 2019.  A Second Superseding Indictment was filed on October 6, 2020.  Peachey and Winer proceeded to trial in November 2021, and the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts against both defendants.  Peachey was sentenced on February 14, 2022, to 300 months in federal prison and ordered to pay approximately $11 million in restitution.  Winer was originally scheduled for sentencing that same day but failed to appear. 

According to evidence presented at trial and court documents, Peachey resided in and operated from the State of Pennsylvania and from a suburb of Oslo, Norway.  Peachey aided in soliciting millions of dollars from investors in the United States, and he received funds from others who were involved in the fraud scheme.  Funds obtained by and through Peachey were, in part, laundered through and into domestic and international bank accounts.  After his receipt of funds, Peachey would transfer or wire funds to his co-conspirators, and he also would use funds on personal expenditures.

Winer resided and operated from the State of New Mexico, among other places.  Winer recruited individuals from South Dakota and elsewhere to invest in various projects, and he solicited funds that were obtained through the fraud scheme.  After his receipt of funds, Winer would transfer or wire funds to his co-conspirators and others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, and he also would use funds on personal expenditures.

As to the scheme to defraud the victims across the country, Peachey and Winer, along with their co-conspirators, informed investors that the monies provided to one or more of the co-conspirators would be used for charitable or humanitarian projects, oftentimes using religion to entice and induce victims into investing money in the scheme.  They also made promises that there would be a return on investments.  Peachey and Winer informed investors that the monies provided to one or more of the co-conspirators would not be expended on personal expenses.  Investor money was not used for charitable or for humanitarian projects, and investors never received a return on investments relating to the monies provided to Peachey, Winer, or their co-conspirators.  The purpose of the conspiracy was to enrich the co-conspirators, all of whom amassed nearly $13 million, and then spent the fraud proceeds on a luxury residence located in a suburb of Oslo, Norway, renovation costs on the house, a Mercedes Benz, nearly $4 million in silver, travel, and personal expenses.  This fraud scheme impacted victims from around the United States, including South Dakota, Minnesota, Arizona, New Mexico, Florida, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.

While espousing sovereign-citizen and religiously-based ideologies and employing such tactics, Peachey, Winer, and their co-conspirators utilized, independently or jointly, entities to perpetrate the fraud scheme, including, but not limited to:  AG Enterprises, L.L.C.; House of Winer; Jacobs Provision Trust; The Joseph Project; Jericho Outreach; Jericho Outreach – Norway; Christian Charity Foundation; and G47 Initiative.  These entities were fake and used to receive fraud proceeds and launder money. 

Once Peachey and Winer learned about the investigation in South Dakota and elsewhere, they also conspired to obstruct justice.  Peachey and Winer conspired to corruptly obstruct, influence, and impede the investigation of the below-listed agencies and various court proceedings.

This case was investigated by the following entities: Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation; Federal Bureau of Investigation; ØKOKRIM, the Norwegian National Authority for Prosecution and Investigation of Economic and Environmental Crime, Oslo, Norway; Oslo, Norway Police Department; Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs; and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy R. Jehangiri and Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

Winer was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence of imprisonment.

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Huron, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on April 11, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Yeh Thwin, age 23, was sentenced to 60 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.

Thwin was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 6, 2021.  He pled guilty on January 19, 2022.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on November 12, 2020, when the Huron Police Department came to Thwin’s residence to conduct a follow-up on a stolen firearm.  They found the stolen firearm, a Glock GmbH, model 22C Gen 3, .40 Smith and Wesson caliber, semi-automatic pistol in Thwin’s bedroom.  Thwin had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.  On that same date, Thwin knew that he had previously been convicted of a felony and also knew that he was prohibited from possessing any firearms. 

The firearm had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce before he possessed it. 

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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Huron Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Domestic Violence by an Habitual Offender, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

Melvin Semon, age 55, was indicted on April 12, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 14, 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 Indictment alleges that on April 30, 2019, and January 3, 2022, in Eagle Butte, Semon committed domestic assault.  Semon committed the first assault with a dangerous weapon; the second assault resulted in serious bodily injury to his intimate partner.  At the time of the assault, Semon had at least two prior convictions of offenses that would have been, if subject to federal jurisdiction, assaults against a spouse or intimate partner.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Brookings, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.

Zachary Scott Murray, age 35, was indicted on April 5, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 15, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on or about March 6, 2022, Murray attempted to use a cell phone to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old female, to engage in sexual activity.

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

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.    

Murray was released on bond pending trial which has been set for August 9, 2022.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that William Stevenson, age 56, of Phoenix, Arizona, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on April 14, 2022.

The Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance charge carries a maximum penalty of life in custody and/or a $10 million fine, life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  The Obstruction of Justice by Retaliating Against a Witness, Victim or Informant charge carries a maximum penalty of twenty years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crimes Victims Fund.

Stevenson was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 4, 2022. 

Beginning on an unknown date, and continuing until on or about January 2021, Stevenson, along with at least one other person reached an agreement or came to an understanding to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of a substance containing methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere.

During Stevenson’s involvement, he and other co-conspirators brought multiple pounds of methamphetamine into South Dakota for redistribution.

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

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Allen, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

Duane Long Pumpkin, age 23, was indicted on March 17, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on April 15, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The charge relates to Long Pumpkin knowingly engaging in and attempting to engage in sexual acts with a minor female at Allen in 2021.

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

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

Long Pumpkin was released from custody pending trial.  A trial date has been set for June 21, 2022.

After serving over 43 years as a prosecutor in South Dakota, United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced today that he intends to retire.  Holmes, a Custer, South Dakota native, began his career as a prosecutor in 1978 as a clinical law intern in the Pennington County States Attorney’s Office while still in Law School at the University of South Dakota.  The following spring Holmes was offered a position by then newly elected South Dakota Attorney General Mark Meierhenry to serve as an Assistant Attorney General in the litigation division.  He spent nine years in the Attorney General’s office handling a broad variety of criminal cases ranging from homicides to drug conspiracies.  He also represented the State of South Dakota in civil litigation, including jurisdictional challenges on Indian country issues.  While in the Attorney General’s Office Holmes held the positions of head of the litigation division, Deputy Attorney General, and Chief Deputy Attorney General.  Holmes said, “I was very fortunate to begin my legal career under the tutelage of Mark Meierhenry.  Mark was a great lawyer and a mentor to so many South Dakota attorneys.”

In 1988 Holmes joined the United States Attorney’s Office in Pierre where he handled primarily Indian country criminal cases and drug prosecutions.  In 1995 Holmes moved to the Sioux Falls U.S. Attorney’s office to become the lead Drug Task Force prosecutor for the District of South Dakota.  During his 34 years as a federal prosecutor Holmes prosecuted a wide array of federal criminal cases, including large scale drug conspiracies, violent crimes, tax fraud, federal program fraud, and environmental crimes.  He received several awards for his work in the U.S. Attorney’s office, including the Director’s Award for Superior Performance by an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Outstanding Performance Award from the Environment Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice, the Bronze Medal Award from the Environmental Protection Agency, West Central Region Organized Crime Drug Taskforce Award for Outstanding Achievement, National Department of Justice Organized Crime Drug Taskforce Award for Outstanding Achievement, and Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Prosecutor of the year Award.  Holmes has served three times as Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota.  Holmes also held the position of First Assistant U.S. Attorney for four different U.S. Attorneys.  He has been the Criminal Chief for the office for over 19 years. 

Holmes said, “It has been an honor to work with so many dedicated law enforcement officials from state, local, tribal, and federal law enforcement agencies who toil every day to keep our communities safe.  In my career I also have had the privilege of serving alongside many talented and devoted attorneys.  I have always admired their professionalism and their dedication to public service.”

Holmes began serving as Acting U.S. Attorney under the Vacancies Reform Act on February 26, 2021, following the resignation of U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons.  On December 23, 2021, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Holmes U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota for 120 days under the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 546.  The U.S. District Court will appoint an interim U.S. Attorney on April 22, 2022.  Holmes has agreed to remain with the office for a period of time to assist with the transition.

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Tea, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.

Sky Thomas Roubideaux, age 22, was indicted on April 5, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 11, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on or about March 7, 2022, Roubideaux attempted to use a cell phone to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an undercover agent posing as a 15-year-old male, to engage in sexual activity.

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

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

Roubideaux was released on bond pending trial which has been set for August 9, 2022.

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on April 11, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

John Burgess Bad Hand, age 37, was sentenced to time served from his arrest November 30, 2021, through April 20, 2022, equal to approximately five  months in custody, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Bad Hand was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 9, 2021.  He pled guilty on January 26, 2022.

Bad Hand was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in August 2007 and again in December 2008.   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.  On July 30, 2021, Bad Hand updated his sex offender registration to reflect that he was residing at an address in Rosebud.  On October 21, it was discovered that Bad Hand was not  residing at his registered address.  Through investigation, it was determined that between September 15, 2021, and October 21, 2021, Bad Hand 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.

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on April 11, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Eugene Leon Featherman, age 33, was sentenced to 13 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.

Featherman was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 14, 2021.  He pled guilty on January 20, 2022.

Featherman was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in October 2011.   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 February 26, 2021, Featherman updated his sex offender registration to reflect that he was residing at an address in Sioux Falls.  On May 30, 2021, Featherman subsequently failed to reside at his registered address.  Between June 3, 2021, and June 14, 2021, Featherman 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.

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.

Kent Mews, age 55, was indicted on April 5, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 11, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on or about March 6, 2022, Mews attempted to use a cell phone to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an undercover agent posing as a 15-year-old male, to engage in sexual activity.

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

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

Mews was released on bond pending trial which has been set for July 19, 2022.

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.

Jordan Matthew Hermanson, age 31, was indicted on April 5, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 11, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that between on or about March 8, 2022, and March 9, 2022, Hermanson attempted to use a cell phone to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old female, to engage in sexual activity.

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

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

Hermanson was released on bond pending trial which has been set for August 30, 2022.

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.

Elliott Anderson, age 25, was indicted on April 5, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 11, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that between on or about March 7, 2022, and March 8, 2022, Anderson attempted to use a cell phone to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an undercover agent posing as a 15-year-old female, to engage in sexual activity.

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

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

Anderson was released on bond pending trial which has been set for July 12, 2022.

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of three counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor was sentenced on April 1, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Garrett Waters, age 40, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for each count with the time to be served concurrently.  The custody time is to be followed by five years of supervised release for each count.  Waters was also ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Waters was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2021.  He was found guilty of the charges following a jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, on September 3, 2021.

The conviction stems from Waters sexually abusing a female child, who was under the age of 12, between 2018 and 2020 at Pine Ridge.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on April 11, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Patrick Medearis, age 38, was sentenced to 96 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.

Medearis was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 16, 2020.  He was convicted on January 20, 2022, following a three-day jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota.

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on April 22, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota.  On that date, law enforcement was searching for Medearis based on an alleged domestic violence incident that occurred the previous day wherein he was suspected of possessing a firearm.  Medearis was located at a residence south of Mission.  When law enforcement arrived, Medearis attempted to flee in a vehicle.  He was subsequently apprehended, and a .22 caliber long rifle and a 12-gauge shotgun were located in the passenger seat of the vehicle.

Medearis has three prior felony convictions.  He was convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance in U.S. District Court in 2006.  He was convicted of Child Abuse and Neglect in U.S. District Court in 2010.  He was convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer in U.S. District Court in 2017.  As a result of these convictions, it is illegal for Medearis to possess firearms or ammunition. Medearis will forfeit ownership of the firearms to the United States.

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 Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Third Degree Burglary.

Justice James White Horse, age 20, was indicted on April 12, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 13, 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 $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on February 8, 2022, in Mission, White Horse unlawfully entered two businesses and stole property from both businesses.

The charges are merely accusations and White Horse 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.   

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Brandon, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.

Gatlin Wayne Herrera, age 29, was indicted on April 5, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 11, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that between on or about March 7, 2022, and March 16, 2022, Herrera attempted to use a cell phone to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old female, to engage in sexual activity.

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

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

Herrera was released on bond pending trial which has been set for May 24, 2022.

United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Black Hawk, South Dakota, man convicted of Criminal Contempt was sentenced on April 12, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Alan Frederick Dillon, age 56, was sentenced to six months in federal prison and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $10.

Dillon was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 16, 2019.  He pled guilty on April 12, 2022.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on May 16, 2019, in Pierre, South Dakota, in which Dillon willfully and unlawfully failed to appear for a court hearing to which he was summoned.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Claysville, Pennsylvania, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet was sentenced on April 1, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.

Kevin William Clements, age 24, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Clements will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Clements was arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators.  Clements initiated sexual chats with what he believed to be a 13-year-old prostitute, but who was in fact an undercover agent.  Clements then negotiated a time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts.  When Clements went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor’s pimp, he was met by law enforcement.  Clements attempted to flee by driving his motorcycle away and fought with agents until he was tased and placed under arrest.

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.

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a South Dakota man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of Involuntary Manslaughter and one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

Moses Runs Against, age 38, was indicted on February 17, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on April 8, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction for each Involuntary Manslaughter charge is 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.  As to the charge of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, the maximum penalty is 10 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 charges relate to Runs Against killing two females by operating a motor vehicle while under the intoxicating influence of alcohol on January 22, 2022, near Manderson, South Dakota.  Two other females were also seriously injured in the accident.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen is prosecuting the case.

Runs Against was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for June 14, 2022.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Wakonda, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute and Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on April 4, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Larry Dean Rederick, age 47, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Rederick was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute and Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on July 20, 2020.  His case went before a jury on January 4, 2022, wherein Rederick was convicted of both crimes.

On or about January 9, 2020, in the District of South Dakota, Rederick knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance.

Beginning at an unknown date and continuing to on or about July 20, 2020, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Rederick knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together, with others known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Yankton Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that Kane Youngman, age 26, of Oglala, South Dakota, was found guilty of Possession of Body Armor by a Violent Felon following a federal jury trial in Rapid City.  The verdict was returned on April 7, 2022.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Youngman was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 17, 2022.  The conviction stems from Youngman, having been previously convicted of a crime of violence, being in possession of a ballistic vest on January 22, 2022, at Oglala.

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

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on April 1, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Will LaClaire, age 37, was sentenced to four years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

LaClaire was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 20, 2018, and pleaded guilty on November 12, 2021.  The conviction stems from LaClaire, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, illegally possessing a Glock, model 36, .45 caliber pistol, which was found after LaClaire came into contact with law enforcement in January 2018 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.

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Miller, South Dakota, woman convicted of Money Laundering was sentenced on April 4, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Marietta Ravnaas, age 52, was sentenced to two years of probation, restitution in the amount of $8,200 to Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Unemployment Assistance, and restitution in the amount of $12,100 to Washington State, Employment Security Department, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Ravnaas was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 3, 2021.  She pled guilty on January 6, 2022.

The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on or about May 20, 2020, and continuing through November 18, 2020, when Ravnaas knowingly participated in a wire fraud scheme to fraudulently obtain CARES Act unemployment benefits. 

On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted.  It authorized approximately $2 trillion in aid to American workers, families, and businesses to mitigate the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The CARES Act funded and authorized each state to administer new unemployment benefits.  CARES Act unemployment benefits are funded by the U.S. government through the Department of Labor and administered at the state level by state agencies known as state workforce agencies.  

As part of the scheme and artifice, other participants in the scheme unlawfully obtained, possessed, and shared with one another the personal identifying information (PII) of various individuals.  The PII was used to falsely and fraudulently apply for unemployment benefits from various states.

On multiple occasions during the relevant time period, Ravnaas knowingly allowed the fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits payments to be deposited into her bank account.  Ravnaas also transferred the fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits payments at the direction of other participants in the scheme.  Ravnaas frequently transferred the funds to other participants using WorldRemit, an international money transfer service.  Ravnaas kept some of the funds as well to use for her own purposes.

Ravnaas received items in the mail that pertained to fraudulent unemployment benefits, including a fraudulent check from the State of New York and a fraudulently obtained debit card from the State of Michigan.

Ravnaas also knowingly conducted multiple financial transactions that affected interstate and foreign commerce and that involved the proceeds of the wire fraud scheme, as described above.  Ravnaas conducted financial transactions using WorldRemit, knowing that the financial transactions were designed in whole or in part to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of the proceeds of the wire fraud scheme.  Ravnaas knew that the money involved in these financial transactions represented the proceeds of the wire fraud scheme.  This includes a WorldRemit transaction on or about May 28, 2020, in the amount of $400.99 from Ravnaas to an individual in Accra, Ghana.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Labor-Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud.  The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced on April 1, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Duane Cross, age 52, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Cross was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2020.  He pleaded guilty on November 5, 2021.

The conviction stems from Cross using force to engage in sexual contact with a juvenile female between 2015 and 2016 at Porcupine.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft of Money from Federal Program and Embezzlement and Theft from Indian Tribal Organization.

Darcel Pourier, age 37, was indicted on March 17, 2022.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on March 18, 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 a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Pourier, an agent of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, embezzling at least $5,000 in 2021 from the OST Health Administration Department. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen is prosecuting the case.

Pourier was released from custody pending trial.  A trial date has been set for May 24, 2022. 

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on March 28, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Harold Dooley, age 32, was sentenced to four years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Dooley was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 17, 2019, and pleaded guilty on October 15, 2021. The conviction stems from Dooley, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, illegally possessing a Phoenix Arms, model HP22A, .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Dooley came into contact with law enforcement in November 2019 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.

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was convicted of Illegal Possession of a Firearm following a two-day federal jury trial held in Rapid City.  The guilty verdict was returned on March 30, 2022.

Montgomery Lebeau, age 42, was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.  The conviction stems from Lebeau, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessing a Hi-Point, model JCP, .40 Smith & Wesson caliber, semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Lebeau came into contact with law enforcement in October 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. A sentencing date has not been set.

United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Wakpala, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on March 29, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Fabian Carlo Rodriguez, age 30, was sentenced to 18 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.

Rodriguez was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 9, 2021.  He pled guilty on January 4, 2022.

Between February 6, 2021, and July 28, 2021, Rodriguez, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under federal law, knowingly failed to register as a sex offender while living in Wakpala and numerous cities in Minnesota and North Dakota. 

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

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Spearfish, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet was sentenced on March 28, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.

Bernard Andrew Wagner, Jr., age 59, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Wagner will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Wagner was federally indicted and arrested after attempting to sexually entice an undercover law enforcement agent posing as a minor after Wagner started sending inappropriate messages to a 15-year-old female he knew personally.

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

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on March 28, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Cephas Joseph Wood, age 38, 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.

Wood was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 7, 2021.  He pled guilty on December 9, 2021.

The conviction stems from Wood failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between September 17, 2021, and November 13, 2021. Wood had previously been convicted of a sex offense in federal court which requires him to register for the rest of his life.

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

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Production of Child Pornography.

Jayden Kusiek Wolf, age 22, was indicted on March 17, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on March 25, 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 on or about May 25, 2021, and July 7, 2021, Kusiek Wolf knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced two minor females in Sioux Falls to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions, and knowing that such visual depictions would be transported in interstate and foreign commerce or mailed, and such visual depictions would be produced by any means, including by computer.

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

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

Kusiek Wolf was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has not been set.

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Marshall, Minnesota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on March 29, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Brody Lee Chase Hancock, age 29, 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.

Hancock was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 7, 2021.  He pled guilty on January 4, 2022.

The conviction stems from Hancock failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between December 1, 2020, and July 7, 2021.  Hancock had previously been convicted of a sex offense in the state of Minnesota, which requires him to register for 15 years upon his release from prison.

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

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Oglala, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Aric Singing Goose, a/k/a Eric Sharpfish, age 34, was indicted on March 8, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on March 25, 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 Singing Goose, 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 May 27, 2021, and ending on or about December 1, 2021, while living in the District of South Dakota.

The charges are merely accusations and Singing Goose 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.   

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Manderson, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for one count of Sexual Abuse and two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

John Joseph White Plume, Sr., age 50, was indicted on October 21, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on February 23, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is lifetime imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and a $300 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to White Plume knowingly engaging in and attempting to engage in sexual acts with a minor female at Manderson in March 2021.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen is prosecuting the case.

White Plume was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for May 3, 2022.

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on March 22, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Mason Drew Reddy, age 26, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Reddy was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021.  He pled guilty on November 15, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on the evening of December 4, 2020, in Rosebud, South Dakota.  On that date, Reddy went to the victim’s residence and asked the victim to join him in a fight or confrontation down the street.  When the victim refused, Reddy assaulted the victim with a sharp instrument, inflicting a deep laceration on the victim’s neck.

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

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota man convicted of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on March 21, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Kerry Browning, age 36, was sentenced to about six and half months of custody  through April 14, 2022, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Browning was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 8, 2021.  He pled guilty on December 30, 2021.

The conviction stems from an incident on April 11, 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota, when law enforcement received a call that Browning was driving recklessly.  When law enforcement made contact with Browning, they observed a rifle in plain view in his vehicle.  Browning is felon and an unlawful user of a controlled substance making him a prohibited person.  

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 Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.

Browning was detained following his sentencing hearing.

United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.

Jade LaRoche, age 41, was indicted on January 11, 2022.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on March 23, 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 on October 31, 2021, in Lower Brule, South Dakota, LaRoche struck and injured a federal law enforcement officer.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Winner, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on March 22, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Clayton Spotted Calf, age 27, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.  Spotted Calf was ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100 and to pay $54,000 in restitution.

Spotted Calf was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2021.  He pled guilty on November 22, 2021.

Between December 2020 and February 2021, Spotted Calf searched for and downloaded child pornography via the internet.  He saved multiple images and videos of child pornography to his Google account and to two cellular phones.  Law enforcement began investigating Spotted Calf in January 2021, based on a CyberTip received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which indicated Spotted Calf was storing child pornography in his Google account.  In February 2021, Spotted Calf was contacted by law enforcement agents with the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.  Spotted Calf admitted to intentionally searching for child pornography and storing it in his Google account and on his cellular phones, which were seized.  A forensic examination of Spotted Calf’s Google account and his devices revealed thousands of images and videos of child pornography.  Spotted Calf will forfeit ownership of the cellular phones to the United States.  He will also be required as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender and Registration and Notification Act.

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.

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