District of South Dakota

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a White River, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Arson.

Gabriel Roubideaux, age 34, was indicted on June 8, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 5, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on March 16, 2021, in Mellette County, South Dakota, Roubideaux willfully and maliciously set fire to and burned a residence and an outbuilding.

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

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that Christopher Truax, age 34, of Rapid City, South Dakota, was found guilty of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet as a result of a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on November 3, 2021.

The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of five years up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

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

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes 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.

Zachery Moore, age 28, was indicted on October 21, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 5, 2021, 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 Moore, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessing a Kimber Manufacturing Incorporated, model Micro 9, 9x19mm Luger caliber, semi-automatic pistol in Rapid City in July 2021.  The charge is merely an accusation and Moore 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.   

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that Bennett Belt, age 48, of Bridger, South Dakota, was found guilty of three counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor, and one count of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child, as a result of a four-day federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on November 5, 2021.

The convictions carry a maximum mandatory minimum of 30 years, up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, a $500 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and restitution may be ordered. 

Belt was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 11, 2020. 

Between July 2003 and September 2017, in Bridger, Belt engaged in multiple sexual acts with minors with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, and degrade the victims, and to arouse and gratify Belt’s own sexual desire.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Pennington County Sherriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jay Miller and Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation report was ordered and a sentencing date is to be set.  Belt was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after the jury announced its verdict.

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

Aidan Gianni Carl Bratt, age 21, was indicted on August 3, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on November 5, 2021, 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, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between October 11, 2020, and January 12, 2021, Bratt, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of a conviction under State Law, and having traveled in interstate commerce, failed to register and update his registration.  

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

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

Bratt was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for January 11, 2022.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Fort Pierre, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Bank Embezzlement.

Bailey Ricketts, age 26, was indicted on November 9, 2021.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 12, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 30 years in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, five years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and restitution may be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about between August 27, 2019, and January 26, 2021, Ricketts knowingly and intentionally embezzled more than $1,000 from Dakota Prairie Bank in Fort Pierre.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Denver, Colorado, man convicted of First Degree Premeditated Murder, First Degree Felony Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Assault, Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on November 5, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Francisco Villanueva, age 43, previously convicted of murder in Colorado in the mid-1990s, was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences in federal prison and ordered to pay a $500 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Villanueva was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 22, 2017, and was convicted of the charges by a federal jury following a two-week long trial in September 2021. 

The conviction stems from the October 16, 2016, shooting death of Vincent Von Brewer III in front of the SuAnne Big Crow Center in Pine Ridge, South Dakota.  Villanueva, along with Adan Corona, shot Brewer 15 times with an assault rifle and a 9mm handgun as Brewer attempted to flee from the defendants.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations, and the Denver and Aurora, Colorado, Police Departments.  The investigation was also supported by numerous other state and federal law enforcement agencies. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Collins and Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.          

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Black Hawk, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Criminal Contempt.

Alan Frederick Dillon, age 56, was indicted on July 16, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno November 12, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up six months in federal prison and/or a $1,000 fine, and $25 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about May 16, 2019, Dillon willfully and unlawfully failed to appear for a court hearing at which he was summoned to in Pierre, South Dakota.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Felon in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on November 4, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Brian Kadinger, age 48, was sentenced to 63 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.

Kadinger was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021.  He pled guilty on August 20, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on May 9, 2020, in Sioux Falls, when Kadinger knowingly possessed a handgun in his vehicle.   A Sioux Falls police officer observed Kadinger sleeping in his vehicle at a storage facility.  Kadinger had ingested methamphetamine and the officer found the 9mm Glock after Kadinger was arrested.  Kadinger 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 Kadinger possessed it. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Sioux Falls Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes 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.

Mason Means, age 23, was indicted on October 21, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 1, 2021, 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 Means, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessing a Cobra, model CA-280, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol in Pine Ridge in March 2021.  The charge is merely an accusation and Means 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.   

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.

Elias LaPointe, age 28, was indicted on October 21, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 1, 2021, 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 LaPointe, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, knowingly being in possession of multiple rounds of .45 AUTO caliber ammunition in Rapid City in July 2021.  The charge is merely an accusation and LaPointe 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.   

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of Assaulting a Federal Officer.

Brianna Brave Heart, age 37, was indicted on October 21, 2021.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 3, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction 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 on each charge.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Brave Heart assaulting two federal officers who were employed with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety on December 25, 2020.

The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Safety.  U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.

Brave Heart was released from custody pending trial.  A trial date has been set for January 11, 2022. 

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a New Mexico man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on November 4, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Cody Newitt, age 34, was sentenced to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Newitt was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2020, and pleaded guilty on July 9, 2021.   The conviction stems from Newitt, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessing a CZUB, model CZ 75 Compact, 9mm Luger caliber semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Newitt came into contact with law enforcement in January 2020 at 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 South Dakota Highway Patrol.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Manderson, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting a Federal Officer.

Unpowin White Plume, age 34, was indicted on October 21, 2021.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 3, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction 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.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to White Plume assaulting a federal officer who was employed with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety on March 8, 2020.  The charge is merely an accusation and Means is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Safety.  U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.

White Plume was released from custody pending trial.  A trial date has been set for January 11, 2022. 

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Corsica, South Dakota, man convicted of Wire Fraud and Money Laundering was sentenced on November 4, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Robert Blom, age 59, was sentenced to 91 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, $24,282,865.94 in restitution, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Blom was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020.  He pled guilty on August 2, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on or about January 2014 and continuing through February 2019, when Blom, with the intent to defraud, devised and intended to devise a scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain money and property from ­­others.  Blom’s scheme and artifice to defraud was to unjustly enrich himself by obtaining funds fraudulently.

Blom operated a custom cattle-feeding business in the Corsica area.  As a part of his business, Blom solicited investors for groups of cattle.  He purchased groups of cattle from various livestock companies and those groups of cattle were raised on feedlots owned or used by Blom.  He raised the groups of cattle to maturity, and then sold them to processing plants.  After the groups of cattle were sold, Blom paid the profits to the investors in the groups.

However, Blom sold the same groups of cattle to multiple different investors.  Blom sent identical cattle purchase invoices to multiple investor groups, when each invoice should have been used for just one group of investors.  At the time, Blom knew that he did not have and could not purchase as many head of cattle as he represented to investors.  Sometimes Blom altered the cattle purchase invoices in an effort to conceal that he sold the same group of cattle to multiple different investors.  Because he sold the same groups of cattle to multiple different investor groups, the money generated from the sale of the cattle groups to a processing plant did not generate enough money to pay back all of the investors who invested in those cattle groups.

Blom falsely and fraudulently represented to investors that he would use their money to purchase groups of cattle and to care for those cattle.  Instead, he routinely used money from new investors to pay back old investors, often by check. 

On multiple occasions during the relevant time period, Blom mailed invoices and other investment-related documents to investors.  Several investors mailed their investment checks to him.

As part of Blom’s scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain money from others, Blom caused various wire communications to be sent.  This includes an investment check for $256,996.72 made on or about December 17, 2018.  This transaction involved an interstate wire transmission from Farmers State Bank in South Dakota, to First Dakota National Bank in South Dakota, through US Bank in Minnesota.

Blom also knowingly conducted multiple financial transactions that affected interstate commerce and that involved the proceeds of his fraud scheme, as described above.  Blom made payments to investors 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 his fraud scheme.  Blom knew that the money involved in these financial transactions represented the proceeds of his fraud scheme. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime was sentenced on October 28, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Damion Goings, age 30, was sentenced to five 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.

Goings was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 17, 2020, and pleaded guilty on July 9, 2021.   Between June 2010 and August 2020, Goings carried a firearm while distributing methamphetamine to others.  Goings also received and possessed firearms as payment for methamphetamine.

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, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Meade County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Stolen Firearm was sentenced on October 28, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Keith Looking Back, age 39, was sentenced to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Looking Back was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 11, 2020, and pleaded guilty on May 26, 2021.  In April 2020, Looking Back knowingly possessed a stolen SIG Sauer, model SIG MCX, 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle.  The rifle had been stolen by other individuals from Pawn With Us in Rapid City in April 2020.

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.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Hot Springs, South Dakota, man  convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on October 25, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.

Nathan Bellew, age 40, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and $60 in restitution.

Bellew was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2020.  He pleaded guilty on May 28, 2021. During his involvement in the conspiracy, the defendant brought methamphetamine into the state through arrangements made by him with suppliers in other states.  Upon arrival in South Dakota, the defendant further dispersed the drugs to others for use and distribution in the Rapid City area.

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 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.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on October 25, 2021 by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Nikolas John Larson, age 41, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.  Larson was ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100 and $51,000 in restitution.  Larson will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Larson was arrested and federally indicted following a failed pre-employment polygraph examination.  After being informed of the failed polygraph, Larson admitted to visiting the Dark Web to look for and intentionally view images of child pornography from 2009 to 2019.  A forensic examination of Larson’s devices revealed over 10,000 images of child pornography and 900 child pornography videos.  

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was acquitted of two counts of Sexual Abuse as a result of a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, on October 28, 2021.

Brandon Lindemann, a/k/a Brandon Lindeman, age 36, was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 17, 2020.

The charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of a juvenile female at a time when she was incapable of declining participation near Porcupine in February 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.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of Carjacking and Use and Brandishing of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence was sentenced on October 29, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.

Curtis Horse, age 30, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, including three years in federal prison for the Carjacking conviction and a consecutive sentence of seven years in federal prison for the Firearm conviction.  Horse was also sentenced to five years of supervised release to follow imprisonment and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution was ordered in an amount to be set at a later date.

Horse was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 8, 2020.  He pleaded guilty on July 9, 2021.  The conviction stems from Horse burglarizing and damaging property at a construction business building in Rapid City during the early morning hours of November 13, 2020.  After breaking into the construction business, Horse stole a vehicle, tools, and a firearm belonging to another business that kept property at the same location.  Horse fled with the vehicle until he abandoned it near a school elsewhere in Rapid City.  Horse then took the firearm and walked into another business, where an individual was working on an indoor construction project.  Horse pointed the gun at the individual, demanding his pickup keys and cell phone.  Horse left in the person’s pickup.  When law enforcement located Horse, he led them on a high-speed chase in Rapid City before making a turn into and hiding behind a business after cresting a hill, eluding officers.  Later that day, law enforcement near Porcupine, South Dakota, on the Pine Ridge Reservation, spotted Horse in the pickup.  Horse led officers on a chase at speeds up to 115 miles per hour from Porcupine to Evergreen housing, also on the reservation.  Horse then led the chase through residential property in Evergreen before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing from police.  Horse was not arrested until the next day, when he was found hiding in the attic of a residence in Evergreen.

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, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mosher, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on November 1, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Tyrone Steven Andrews, age 29, was sentenced to 21 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.

Andrews was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 2, 2021.  He pled guilty on August 2, 2021.

The conviction stems from Andrews failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between November 1, 2020, and June 2, 2021.  Andrews had previously been convicted of a sex offense in federal court, which required him to register until the year 2041.

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

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

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

Justin Jerome Howard, age 38, was indicted on October 13, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 25, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that between August 17, 2021, and August 29, 2021, near Kennel, South Dakota, Howard, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under federal law, failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Mobridge Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman convicted of two counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, one count of Health Care Fraud, and one count of Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud was sentenced on October 22, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Frenchone One Horn, a/k/a Frenchone Kills In Water, age 41, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison to be served consecutively on each count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.  One Horn was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison on the charge of Health Care Fraud, to be served consecutively to the assault charges.  As to the charge of Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud, One Horn was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison.  In total, One Horn was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $400 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

One Horn was indicted for the charges by a federal grand jury on October 22, 2020.  She pleaded guilty on May 28, 2021.

One Horn was addicted to prescription controlled substances and was no longer able to obtain controlled substances as a result of her behavior.  One Horn assaulted others, including her minor children, in order to obtain prescriptions from medical providers for the injuries she intentionally inflicted.  As a result of One Horn’s actions, three victims lost four fingers to amputation.  One Horn fabricated stories as to how the individuals received their injuries, and also provided false statements to health care providers in order to obtain controlled substances and health care benefits.  Once the individuals received controlled substances, One Horn took the controlled substances, despite the individuals having significant bodily injuries.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Dent, Minnesota, man convicted of Possession of Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on October 25, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Stacy Hansen, age 52, was sentenced to two months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, to include eight months of home confienment, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Hansen was indicted for Felon in Possession of a Firearm by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020.  He pled guilty on August 4, 2021.

The conviction stems from an incident on January 24, 2020, when Hansen and Elissa Shultz, who lived in the same residence, entered an outdoor store in Pierre, and filled out ATF forms using Shultz’s information.  By using Schultz’s information, Hansen was able to purchase three firearms from the store.  Hansen cannot legally purchase or possess firearms due to a prior felony conviction.  A search warrant was executed on Hansen’s residence and business in August 2020, where multiple firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were seized. Schultz was previously sentenced on October 5, 2021, to 18 months probation for her involvement.       

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 Hyde County Sheriff’s Office, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.

Hansen is to self-report at a later time.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Manderson, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced on October 22, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Skyler Two Dogs, age 25, was sentenced to time served, five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Two Dogs was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2019.  The charge related to Two Dogs engaging in sexual contact with a juvenile female at Pine Ridge in 2017.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Little Eagle, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death.  

Samantha Uses Arrow, age 28, was indicted on October 13, 2021.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 1, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about January 3, 2021, in Little Eagle, Uses Arrow knowingly and intentionally distributed a controlled substance to another person, and the distribution of the controlled substance resulted in that person’s death.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Division of Drug Enforcement, the Mobridge Police Department, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.      

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

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

William Jacob Stone, age 72, was indicted on September 14, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on October 22, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The charges relate to Stone receiving and possessing computer images of child pornography between March 2020 and June 2021 in South Dakota.  The charges are merely accusations and Stone is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is a joint effort between Homeland Security Investigations, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.

Stone was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for December 28, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Box Elder, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on October 25, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.

Brennan John Hauk, age 42, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.  Hauk was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and a $5,000 special assessment to the Victims of Trafficking Fund.  Hauk will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Hauk was arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2019 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting online predators.  Following multiple online communications with a person Hauk believed to be a 15-year-old boy, but who was in fact an undercover agent, he proceeded to request nude photographs and negotiate a time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts.  When Hauk went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest. 

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

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

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

Justis Running Bear, age 23, was indicted on October 13, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 22, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on May 9, 2018, and March 28, 2021, in Mission, South Dakota, Running Bear knowingly engaged in a sexual act with the victim and that the victim was incapable of declining participation in the sexual act.

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

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

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

Acting 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 October 18, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court Judge.

Michael Lovejoy, age 38, was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Lovejoy was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury on June 8, 2021.  He pled guilty on August 16, 2021.

Lovejoy was convicted of a sex offense in 2003.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment.  Between September 28, 2020, and April 29, 2021, Lovejoy failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.  Lovejoy registered an address in Elk Point, South Dakota, on July 28, 2020.  He left that address and ultimately traveled to Eagle Butte, South Dakota, without updating his address.  Lovejoy did not properly register for a period of seven months.

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Saint Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on October 18, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Tanner Kills Enemy, age 23, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Kills Enemy was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2021.  He pled guilty on July 26, 2021.

Between November 4, 2020, and March 9, 2021, Kills Enemy, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, failed to properly register while living on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Theft of Government Property and Supplemental Security Income Benefits Fraud was sentenced on October 19, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Linda R. Reade.

Holli Lundahl, a/k/a Holli Telford, age 65, was convicted by a jury of both charges and was sentenced to a total of 18 months in federal prison.  Lundahl was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a total of $200 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $70,110 in restitution.  Lundahl must serve her sentence consecutive to a federal sentence of three years in custody she received for fraudulent behavior in Wyoming.

Evidence at trial established Lundahl knowingly stole and converted to her own use Social Security Administration Title XVI Social Security Supplemental Income payments between 2011 and 2019.  The evidence showed Lundahl received and kept the payments, even though she was not entitled to them, because she owned property and had resources far in excess of the limits permissible for Title XVI beneficiaries.  In order to continue to receive the benefits, Lundahl falsely reported, concealed, and failed to disclose to the Social Security Administration extensive property, resources, and assets she held or possessed.

This case was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General – Social Security Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted and tried the case.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on October 18, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Benjamen T. Flute, a/k/a Benjamin T. Flute, age 42, 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.

Flute was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 8, 2020.  He pled guilty on July 15, 2021.

Flute was convicted of 2nd-Degree Rape in Caddo County, Oklahoma, in December 2007.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  In August 2020, Flute was released from prison and began a period of supervised release in Rapid City, but failed to update his sex offender registration.  An arrest warrant was subsequently issued, and on November 25, 2020, Flute turned himself into law enforcement.

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that Eric Ladeaux, age 35, of Rapid City, South Dakota, was found guilty of two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and one count of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on October 14, 2021.

Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.   

The conviction relates to Ladeaux, a person who is prohibited from possessing firearms, possessing firearms that were found after he came into contact with Pennington County Sheriff’s Office deputies in December 2019 and Rapid City Police Department officers in September 2020.  Ladeaux was also found to be in possession of an unregistered firearm in the September 2020 stop.

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, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter and Failure to Appear was sentenced on October 18, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Emanuel Marcus Crow Dog-Luxon, age 23, was sentenced to a total of 37 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 $200.

Crow Dog-Luxon was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 21, 2020.  He pled guilty on July 15, 2021.

The conviction for Involuntary Manslaughter stemmed from an incident that occurred on August 24, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota.  On that date, Crow Dog-Luxon had been consuming alcohol, and was driving a vehicle westbound on US Highway 18 west of Mission.  Crow Dog-Luxon was traveling at a high rate of speed when he veered across the eastbound lane of traffic into the ditch.  Crow Dog-Luxon traveled several hundred feet before re-entering the roadway, at which point the vehicle rolled. Crow Dog-Luxon’s passenger, an adult female, was ejected from the vehicle and died as a result of injuries suffered in the wreck.

Following his Indictment, Crow Dog-Luxon was released on bond.  A plea agreement was subsequently filed and the case was scheduled for a change of plea hearing.  Crow Dog-Luxon did not appear for the change of plea hearing and he was charged with Failure to Appear.  

These cases were investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted these cases.

Crow Dog-Luxon was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Inwood, Iowa, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on October 15, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Kyle William King, age 35, was sentenced to 21 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.

King was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 6, 2021.  He pled guilty on July 19, 2021.

The conviction stems from King failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between October 1, 2020, and February 8, 2021.  King had previously been convicted of a sex offense in state court, which requires him to register for the rest of his life.

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

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

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

Toni Carole Cochran, age 26, was indicted on October 13, 2021.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 19, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 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 January 21, 2021, in Eagle Butte, Cochran assaulted and resisted an officer by using her vehicle as a dangerous weapon and, following arrest, spat on another officer while both officers were engaged in the performance of their official duties.

The charge is merely an accusation and Cochran 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.   

Cochran was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date of December 14, 2021, has been set.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Beresford, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography was sentenced on October 18, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence P. Piersol.

Anthony James Berst, age 34, was sentenced to 66 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Berst was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 2, 2021.  He pled guilty on August 2, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from incidents between September 7, 2020, and January 6, 2021, when Berst used his Snapchat account to upload files containing child pornography.  Berst also downloaded files that contained child pornography from the internet on to his cell phone and laptop. 

Berst knowingly received digital files that depicted child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Yankton, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on four counts of Production of Child Pornography.

Jason Sejnoha, age 43, was indicted on October 5, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 13, 2021, 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 up to $400 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between May 6, 2021, and August 12, 2021, Sejnoha knowingly used three minor females and one minor male to produce visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct, knowing that such visual depictions would be produced with materials that had been made out of state.

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

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

Sejnoha was released on bond pending trial, which has been set for December 21, 2021.

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

Eugene Leon Featherman, age 33, was indicted on October 5, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 13, 2021, 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, mandatory minimum five years of supervised release, up to life, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between July 19, 2021, and September 7, 2021, in the District of South Dakota, Featherman 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 Featherman 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.   

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man and a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Lanny Leif Vensand, Jr., age 58, was sentenced on September 27, 2021, to 235 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.

Robin Jo Vensand, a/k/a Robin Jo Graff, age 57, was sentenced on October 13, 2021, to 262 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.

The Vensands were indicted by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021.  Lanny pled guilty on June 18, 2021, and Robin pled guilty on June 21, 2021. 

The convictions stemmed from incidents beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about January 12, 2021, when the Vensands knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together and with others, to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, which is a Schedule II controlled substance.

They voluntarily and intentionally joined in an agreement or understanding to distribute methamphetamine.  At the time they joined in the agreement or understanding, they both knew the purpose of that agreement or understanding.

They purchased over 500 grams of methamphetamine from co-conspirators, which they sold to other co-conspirators.  They were aware that the methamphetamine supplied would be distributed to drug customers in South Dakota and elsewhere.

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

Lanny Vensand and Robin Vensand were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

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

Nathan David Hankins, age 28, was indicted on December 17, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on October 1, 2021, 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, up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Hankins receiving and possessing child pornography between August 2019 and December 2019, at Rapid City.  The charges are merely an accusation and Hankins is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is a joint effort between Homeland Security Investigations, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.

Hankins was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. 

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Assault with Intent to Commit Murder, and Discharge of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence following a three-day federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, commencing on October 5, 2021.

Charles Schrader, age 55, was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 8, 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.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Taylor Huemoeller, a/k/a Taylor Klein, age 31, was indicted on September 14, 2021.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 13, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that between July 13, 2021, and July 14, 2021, in Pierre, Huemoeller conspired with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in central South Dakota. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges is prosecuting the case.

Huemoeller was released on conditions and a jury trial is currently set for November 30, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Parker, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on October 14, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

David Lee King, age 53, was sentenced to 200 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.

King was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 2, 2021.  He pled guilty on May 10, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on an unknown date until on or about February 2, 2021, when King knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, which is a Schedule II controlled substance.

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Toledo, Ohio, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Maurice Anthony Streater, age 31, was indicted on September 9, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 12, 2021, 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, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between January 1, 2021, and September 9, 2021, Streater, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act and a sex offender by reason of a conviction under state law, and having traveled in interstate commerce, knowingly failed to register and update his registration.

The charge is merely an accusation and Streater 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.   

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

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

Russell Duane Hubbeling, age 57, was indicted on October 5, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 8, 2021, 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 Hubbeling, who had previously been convicted of a sex crime and required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, failed to do so between August 5, 2021, and September 2, 2021.

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

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

Hubbeling was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for December 14, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on October 13, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Theophile Jesse Taken Alive, 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.

Taken Alive was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 6, 2021.  He pled guilty on July 12, 2021.

The conviction stems from Taken Alive failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between March 19, 2020, and November 3, 2020.  Taken Alive 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.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Box Elder, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime was sentenced on October 4, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Charles Clark, age 42, was sentenced to 15 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for count one; and five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for count two.  Sentences are to run concurrently.

Clark was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2020.  He pleaded guilty to both counts on June 25, 2021. During his involvement in the conspiracy, multiple pounds of methamphetamine were brought to South Dakota from Mexico through arrangements made by the Defendant.  Upon arrival in South Dakota, it was further dispersed to others for use and distribution.  The Defendant also possessed a firearm while in the presence of others as a display of intimidation, in furtherance of the drug distribution conspiracy.

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 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.

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