District of South Dakota

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.

 

 

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a transient man convicted of failure to register as a sex offender was sentenced on October 4, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Daniel James Cooper, age 55, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Cooper was indicted for failure to register as a sex offender by a federal grand jury on April 6, 2021.  He pled guilty on June 21, 2021.

Cooper was convicted in Minnesota in 1994 for criminal sexual conduct in the second degree.  As a result, Cooper is required to register as a sex offender for life.  Beginning in October 2020, Cooper moved from the location of his registration with the South Dakota Sex Offender Registry and knowingly failed to update his sex offender registration.  He was arrested by law enforcement on February 16, 2021, at a residence, and had traveled between Codington County, South Dakota, and the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation between October 20, 2020, and February 16, 2021, evading law enforcement during that timeframe. 

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson prosecuted the case.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sisseton, South Dakota, man convicted of Robbery and Aiding and Abetting was sentenced on October 4, 2021 by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Brendon Javon Jacob Rodlund, age 29, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Rodlund was indicted for assault with intent to commit murder, maiming, robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and aiding and abetting by a federal grand jury on November 10, 2020.  He pled guilty on May 11, 2021.

During the night between November 16 and 17, 2015, Rodlund, along with three co-conspirators, while aiding and abetting each other, assaulted a victim in an effort to rob the victim of property and things of value.  The robbery and assault took place at Dry Wood Lake near Sisseton, South Dakota.

Rodlund is also serving a separate federal sentence of approximately 13 years for sexual assault.  His robbery sentence will be served consecutively to his prior sentence for sexual assault. 

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on October 4, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Phillip Gene Beck, age 25, was sentenced to ten months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, a special assessment to the Federal Crime  Victims Fund in the amount of $100, and forfeiture of a handgun and ammunition

Beck was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 11, 2020.  He pled guilty on July 12, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on October 21, 2017, in St. Francis, South Dakota.  Beck, an unlawful user of methamphetamine, knowingly possessed a handgun and ammunition.

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 Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on October 4, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Anthony Edward Farmer, age 37, 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.

Farmer was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020.  He pled guilty on July 29, 2021.

Farmer was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact With a Child in June 2010.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  In June 2020, Farmer was released from prison and began a period of supervised release, but failed to update his sex offender registration.  An arrest warrant was subsequently issued and on May 28, 2021, Farmer was arrested in Rosebud.

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

Farmer 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 5, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Louis Andrew Rabbitt, Jr., age 40, was sentenced to 27 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.

Rabbitt was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, 2019.  He pled guilty on July 29, 2021. 

Rabbitt was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in August 2001.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. On July 19, 2019, Rabbitt began a period of supervised release and initially registered at a residence in Rapid City.  Rabbitt subsequently moved from his registered address, and failed to update his sex offender registration.  An arrest warrant was subsequently issued and on April 1, 2021, Rabbitt was arrested in Mission, South Dakota.

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Peever, South Dakota, man convicted for his role in a bribery scheme was sentenced on October 4, 2021 by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Public official Daniel Thomas White, age 46, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $23,000 in restitution and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

According to court documents, the Dakota Nations Development Corporation (“DNDC”) was an agency of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe, a tribal government that received federal assistance in excess of $10,000 during the one-year period between October 1, 2017, and September 30, 2018.  At that time, White served as the Director of the DNDC.  White’s duties included, among other things, overseeing housing and construction projects of the DNDC.

DNDC established an entity called the SWO Elderly Village Limited Partnership.  The purpose of the entity was to obtain tax credit financing to build an elderly village complex on tribal land.  On April 22, 2016, SWO’s tribal council passed a resolution, committing nearly $3,000,000 to the project.

On October 27, 2017, DNDC contracted with Tatanka Contracting to do the earthwork associated with the elderly village project.  The contract was for a guaranteed price of $1,070,740, although a change order increased the total of the contract to $1,129,679.

To secure the dirt work contract, owners of Tatanka bribed White and White accepted the agreed amount of $30,000 as the bribe or kickback.  Specifically, in November 2017, White did corruptly solicit, demand, agree, and agree to accept a thing of value from a person or persons working for and on behalf of Tatanka Contracting, intending to be influenced and rewarded in connection with a transaction and series of transactions of the DNDC.

White pleaded guilty to his role in the bribery scheme on August 24, 2020.  He was ordered to self-report to the U.S. Marshal’s Service or Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his term of imprisonment at a date to be determined. 

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.      

The case was brought pursuant to The Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities.  The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities.  Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include:  Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Postal Inspector Service; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.

For additional information about The Guardians Project, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (605) 330-4400.  To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, woman convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter was sentenced on October 4, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Emerald Plenty Chief, age 26, 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.

Plenty Chief was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021.  She pled guilty on July 15, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in Hughes County, South Dakota, on April 26, 2020.  On that date, Plenty Chief was at a gathering at the West Bend State Recreation Area east of Pierre, along with her four-year-old son, the victim.  Plenty Chief was consuming alcoholic beverages and was intoxicated.  At some point, Plenty Chief decided to leave and departed the area with the victim in the back seat of her vehicle.  A short time later, Plenty Chief was traveling northbound on West Bend Road when she approached a curve at a speed of approximately 77 mph, in an area where the posted speed limit is 55 mph.  Plenty Chief failed to negotiate the curve and overcorrected, at which point the vehicle left the roadway and rolled.  Plenty Chief was not wearing seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.  The victim was not secured in a child seat and was likewise ejected from the vehicle.  The victim died as a result of the injuries suffered in the wreck.  An adult passenger was also injured in the wreck.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Hughes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Peever, South Dakota, man convicted of Interstate Domestic Violence was sentenced on September 20, 2021 by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Brandon Lee Renville, age 30, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Renville was indicted for interstate domestic violence, kidnapping, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021.  He pled guilty on June 21, 2021.

According to the Indictment, on or about November 6, 2020, Renville caused his spouse to travel in interstate commerce by force and coercion.  In the course of and as a result of that conduct, he intentionally committed or attempted to commit a crime of violence, that is, an assault or attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. 

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

Renville was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.  Renville was also ordered to forfeit a firearm seized as a part of this case.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Parmelee, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting a Federal Officer was sentenced on October 4, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Matthew M. Horned Eagle, Jr., age 31, was sentenced to time served through October 21, 2021, to equal 12 months in federal custody, three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Horned Eagle was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021.  He pled guilty on July 15, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on April 13, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota.  Horned Eagle forcibly assaulted a law enforcement officer, who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, by knocking a body camera off the law enforcement officer’s vest during a physical struggle and later spitting on another officer.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

Horned Eagle was immediately released.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Wahpeton, North Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on October 4, 2021 by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Vincent Chasing Hawk, age 40, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Chasing Hawk was indicted for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon by a federal grand jury on November 10, 2020.  He pled guilty on July 16, 2021.

The conviction stems from an incident on September 5, 2020, in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, when Chasing Hawk and the victim had been drinking.  Chasing Hawk, unprovoked, stood up and started punching the victim.   All totaled, Chasing Hawk punched the victim approximately 30 times.  During the assault, the victim fell onto the floor.  After the victim was on the floor, Chasing Hawk then stomped on the victim.  During the assault, Chasing Hawk knocked a clothes iron off a table.  After knocking the iron off the table, Chasing Hawk picked up the iron, and hit the victim at least four times with the iron. 

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

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

 

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

Buddy Robert Poor Bear, a/k/a Bud Poor Bear, age 55, was indicted on July 13, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 6, 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 April 15, 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota, Poor Bear knowingly engaged in a sexual act with the victim and that the victim was incapable of declining participation in the sexual act.

The charge is merely an accusation and Poor 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.   

Poor 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 Marvin, South Dakota, man convicted of Production of Child Pornography was sentenced on October 4, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Adam Robert Lane age 35, was sentenced to 360 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.

Lane was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 2, 2021.  He pled guilty on July 12, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from incidents on or about between July 18, 2020, and October 23, 2020, when Lane intentionally used his cellular phone to take pictures and videos of a minor female who was 7 years old at the time. 

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Highmore, South Dakota, woman convicted of Sale or Transfer of Firearms to a Prohibited Person was sentenced on October 5, 2021, by Chief Judge Robert A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Elissa Schultz, age 41, was sentenced to 18 months of probation and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Schultz was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Sale or Transfer of Firearms to a Prohibited Person, and False Statements During Purchase of a Firearm by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020.  She pled guilty on June 21, 2021.

The conviction stems from an incident on January 24, 2020, in Pierre, when Schultz transferred a firearm to her significant other, Stacey Hansen, knowing he had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.  Hansen has pled guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm and will be sentenced on October 25, 2021.

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 N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

Schultz was immediately released to begin her probation following the sentencing hearing.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Robbery was sentenced on October 5, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Jacob Hawk Wing, age 27, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $1,030, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Hawk Wing was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 11, 2020.  He pled guilty on July 15, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on July 26, 2020, in Fort Thompson.  Hawk Wing robbed a convenience store at gun point, and stole U.S. currency and two bottles of alcohol.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

Hawk Wing 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, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on October 5, 2021, by Chief Judge Robert A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Charles Moran, age 44, was sentenced to 25 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Moran was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury on May 2, 2021.  He pled guilty on July 15, 2021.

Moran was convicted of a sex offense in 1997.  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 November 18, 2020, and February 21, 2021, Moran failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that Francisco Villanueva and Adan Corona of Denver, Colorado, were convicted of multiple crimes following a two-week federal jury trial held in Rapid City, South Dakota.  The guilty verdicts were returned on September 29, 2021.

Villanueva, age 43, previously convicted of murder in Colorado in the mid-1990s, and Corona, age 35, were charged with 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. 

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 and 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. Both defendants face lifetime terms of imprisonment.  A sentencing date has not been set.

         

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on October 4, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Daniel James Boe, age 36, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, $1,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Boe was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on December 8. 2020.  He pled guilty on July 15, 2021.

Beginning in January of 2017, Boe was involved in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in and around the Pierre area and central South Dakota.  Boe was involved with the distribution of 200-350 grams of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.

Boe 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, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft of Government Funds and Concealment of Information from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program.  The SSI program is administered by the U.S. Social Security Administration

Tina Marie Jensen, age 47, was indicted on September 9, 2021.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 22, 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, three years of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about between September 9, 2016, and July 31, 2019, Jensen willfully and knowingly embezzled, stole, and purloined money from federal departments or agencies: Title XVI program benefits payments made to her child (for whom she was representative payee), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits payments, and Medicaid coverage.

The Indictment also alleges that on or about October 2017, Jensen had knowledge of the occurrence of an event affecting her initial and continued right to receive payment of Title XVI SSI benefits.  Specifically, Jensen knowingly failed to disclose a change in her household resources, in order to continue receiving and spending her child’s SSI benefits.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Social Security Administration Cooperative Disability Investigation Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.   

Jensen was released on bond pending trial, which has been set for November 30, 2021.

 

 

Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Stephan, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Brandishing of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence was sentenced on September 21, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Robert Johnson, a/k/a Pitbull, age 43, was sentenced to 108 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.

Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020.  He pled guilty on June 21, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on June 20, 2020, in Lower Brule, South Dakota.  Johnson approached an individual while brandishing a shotgun.  In the course of a brief struggle, the shotgun fired and struck the victim in the shoulder region.  Johnson fled the scene, and the shotgun was recovered the next day.

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

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. 

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced Rapid City, South Dakota man, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Escape from Custody and Criminal Contempt.

David Low Dog, age 36, was indicted on July 13, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 22, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on May 21, 2021, Low Dog, who was on a temporary furlough, failed to comply with an order issued by the U.S. District Court and escaped from the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service from the Hughes County Jail in Pierre, South Dakota.

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

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

Low Dog 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 an Oglala, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet and two counts of Commercial Sex Trafficking.

Gordon Weston, age 55, was indicted on September 14, 2021.  Weston appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on September 17, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The charges relate to Weston using a cellular phone connected to the internet to persuade a female under 18 years of age to engage in prostitution and other sexual activities in South Dakota between August 2020 and February 2021.  The charges are merely accusations and Weston is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

Based on the evidence obtained in this investigation, authorities believe there may be additional victims of the alleged conduct.  Anyone with information about this matter is encouraged to call the FBI Minneapolis Field Office at (763) 569-8000.

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

Weston was released from custody pending trial.  A trial date has been set for November 23, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Simple Assault of a Minor was sentenced on September 21, 2021, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.

Xavier Quiver, a/k/a Xavier Medicine Blanket, age 26, was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.

Quiver was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020.  He pled guilty on June 24, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on February 9, 2020, in Mission.  On that date, Quiver was in a parked vehicle with family members when he became angry and reached into the back seat and struck a four-year-old child in the head and face.

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Third Degree Burglary, Intentional Damage to Property, Criminal Trespass, and Stalking.

Christopher Aaron Miller, age 42, was indicted on September 14, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 22, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that between January 1, 2018, and September 14, 2021, in McLaughlin, Miller harassed and stalked two victims.  In September 2019, Miller burglarized the victims’ garage and intentionally caused damage to the victims’ vehicle on several occasions.   

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

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

Miller 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 McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender, Assault by Strangulation, and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.

Lyle Walter Iron Horn, age 41, was indicted on September 14, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 23, 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, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that in McLaughlin, on February 20, 2021, Iron Horn assaulted an individual with shod feet and on August 13, 2020, assaulted the same individual by strangulation.  Both assaults were committed against Iron Horn’s domestic partner and occurred after Iron Horn had been convicted of at least two prior acts of domestic violence. 

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

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

Iron Horn 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 Holmes announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on September 27, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Gavin Drapeau, age 29, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Drapeau was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2021.  He pled guilty on July 20, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on January 11, 2021, in Fort Thompson, South Dakota.  Drapeau unlawfully assaulted an individual with shod feet, which resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

Drapeau 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, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on September 20, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Kenton Romero, age 26, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Romero was indicted for Assaulting a Federal Officer by a federal grand jury on April 13, 2021.  He pled guilty on June 29, 2021.

The conviction stems from an incident on August 3, 2020, when law enforcement attempted to make a traffic stop on Romero in Eagle Butte.  When they approached the vehicle, Romero drove off and a pursuit ensued.  Romero drove at a high rate of speed through a residential area.   The vehicle Romero was driving made physical contact with one of the patrol vehicles involved in the pursuit.  Romero also drove in an oncoming traffic lane towards another officer that was responding to the pursuit.  Romero then left the community of Eagle Butte and headed westbound out of town on Highway 212.  Finally, Romero maneuvered his vehicle to force an officer involved off the road and into the ditch.  Romero did not stop voluntarily and was apprehended when his vehicle either ran out of gas or broke down.

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter was sentenced on September 20, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Robert Stands And Looks Back, a/k/a Robert Stands, Jr., age 45, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison, followed by two  years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Stands And Looks Back was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020.  He pled guilty on June 29, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in Todd County, South Dakota, on August 25, 2020.  On that date, Stands And Looks Back had been consuming alcohol, and was driving a vehicle on BIA Highway 1 south of Rosebud.  Stands And Looks Back was driving southbound when he crossed over into the northbound lane of traffic and struck and killed a man who was lying in the roadway. 

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

Stands And Looks Back was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Red Scaffold, South Dakota, man convicted of Second Degree Burglary was sentenced on September 20, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

William Collins, age 43, was sentenced to 36 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.

Collins was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, 2019.  He pled guilty on May 27, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on March 23, 2019, in Red Scaffold.  On that date, Collins unlawfully entered a residence with the intent to assault a woman therein. 

This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Pukwana, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, Opposing, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on September 20, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Casey Harrison, age 30, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Harrison was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 10, 2020.  She pled guilty on September 20, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on July 24, 2020, in Fort Thompson, South Dakota, in which officers responded to a report of an intoxicated and aggressive individual.  Upon arrival, officers attempted to arrest Harrison, who assaulted a law enforcement officer by kicking him, squeezing his genitalia, and spitting on him.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Crow Creek Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Mandan, North Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on September 20, 2021, by District Judge Charles B. Kornmann, U.S. District Court.

Joel Kraft, Jr., age 34, was sentenced to two years of probation, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100, and forfeiture of a firearm and ammunition.

Kraft was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 8, 2020.  He pled guilty on June 21, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from a traffic stop that occurred on May 25, 2020, on U.S. Highway 12 in Walworth County, South Dakota.  Kraft, then knowingly being an unlawful user of marijuana, knowingly possessed a loaded revolver, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce and foreign commerce. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. 

This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter was sentenced on September 20, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Eugene Skunk, age 43, was sentenced to 12 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.

Skunk was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 9, 2020.  He pled guilty on June 28, 2021.

On July 26, 2020, in Lower Brule, Skunk struck a man while operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.  Skunk returned to the scene of the incident and self-reported himself as the driver of the vehicle which struck the victim. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

Skunk 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, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on September 21, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Floyd Alex High Hawk, Jr., a/k/a Cactus, age 33, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

High Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020.  He pled guilty on June 21, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on August 17, 2020, in Eagle Butte.  High Hawk was detained at a tribal jail when he assaulted two detention officers who were attempting to move him to a different cell.  High Hawk punched one detention officer in the face and wrestled with another, causing an injury to his knee.  Both detention officers were employed by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe pursuant to a contract between the tribe and the federal government.       

This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

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

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

Christopher Charles Walker, age 50, was sentenced to 240 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.

Walker was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021.  He pled guilty on June 24, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about May 25, 2020, when Walker knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, agreed with others to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance of methamphetamine, which is a Schedule II controlled substance.

At the time Walker voluntarily joined in the agreement, he knew the purpose of said agreement.  Walker distributed over 500 grams of methamphetamine to co-conspirators who, in turn, redistributed it to their drug customers in South Dakota. 

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigations, the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.

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

 

 

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on September 13, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Daniel Michael Thaler, age 37, was sentenced to 158 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.

Thaler was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021.  He pled guilty on June 21, 2021.

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

At the time Thaler voluntarily joined in the agreement, he knew the purpose of said agreement.  Thaler obtained over 500 grams of methamphetamine from a co-conspirator and redistributed it to drug customers in South Dakota. 

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

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

 

 

Acting 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 and Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography.

Jeremy James Konda, age 49, was indicted on September 9, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 14, 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 $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Count one of the Indictment alleges that on or about between May 27, 2020, and July 26, 2020, Konda knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions, knowing such depictions would be transported in interstate or foreign commerce or mailed, and such visual depictions would be produced by any means, including by computer.

Count two of the Indictment alleges that on or about between February 2, 2021, and May 1, 2021, Konda knowingly received and attempted to receive, any child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate of foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.

The charges are merely accusations and Konda 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.   

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

 

 

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

Tyson Thill, age 43, was indicted on September 9, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 14, 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 $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Count one of the Indictment alleges that between on or about February 12, 2021, and July 28, 2021, Thill knowingly received, and attempted to receive, child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any mean, including by computer.

Count two of the Indictment alleges that between on or about February 8, 2019, and July 28, 2021, Thill knowingly attempted to employ, use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct, knowing such visual depictions would be transported in interstate or foreign commerce or mailed, shipped, and transported by computer.

The charges are merely accusations and Thill 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.   

Thill was released on bond pending trial, which has been set for November 23, 2021.

 

 

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

Caley Studsdahl, age 24, was indicted on September 9, 2021.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 15, 2921, 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 April 21, 2020, Studsdahl forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with the Acting Chief of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe while he was engaged in the performance of his official duties and said conduct involved physical contact.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.   

Studsdahl was released on bond pending trial which has been set for November 23, 2021.

 

 

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a White River, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on September 3, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Greydon Shangreaux, age 25, was sentenced to time served, equal to approximately three and 1/2 months in custody, followed by five years of supervised release.  Shangreaux was also ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100 and will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Shangreaux 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 Shangreaux believed to be a 15-year-old girl, 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 Shangreaux 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.

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

Justin Derick Kohrt, age 38, was indicted on September 9, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 16, 2021, 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, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between on or about March 2, 2021, and June 3, 2021, Kohrt knowingly received, and attempted to receive, child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.

The charge is merely an accusation and Kohrt 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.   

Kohrt 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 Wagner, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child Under 12 Years Old was sentenced on September 13, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Frank Sanchez, age 66, was sentenced to 87 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.

Sanchez was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 3, 2019.  He was found guilty following a three-day jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred between on or about June 1, 2006 and September 1, 2006, in the Marty area, when Sanchez engaged in sexual contact with a female minor who had not attained the age of 12 years. 

This case was investigated by the Yankton Sioux Tribal Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Wire Fraud was sentenced on September 13, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Dallas Harkness, age 64, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $738,557.34 to Hoegemeyer Hybrids (formerly Curry Seed Company), and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Harkness was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 6, 2020.  He pled guilty on June 21, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from a wire fraud scheme that began on or about January 2010 and continued through September 25, 2018.  Harkness was a sales manager for Curry Seed Company located in Elk Point, South Dakota.  On multiple occasions during the course of the scheme, Harkness received checks from Curry Seed customers as payment or pre-payment for seed.  Instead of sending the checks to Curry Seed for deposit, Harkness falsely and fraudulently deposited some of those customer checks into checking accounts he controlled.  Harkness then used the funds for his purposes. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

Harkness has been allowed to self-surrender by October 12, 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 Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography.

Dylan St. Claire, age 30, was indicted on September 9, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 14, 2021, 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, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between on or about March 10, 2021, and July 21, 2021, St. Claire knowingly received, and attempted to receive, child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.

The charge is merely an accusation and St. Claire 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.   

St. Claire was released on bond pending trial which has been set for November 23, 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.

Ricky Jason Bedlington, Jr., age 42, was indicted on September 9, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 15, 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 between on or about May 28, 2021, and May 31, 2021, Bedlington, a sex offender by reason of a conviction under state law, unlawfully and knowingly failed to provide information required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act relating to intended travel to a foreign country.

The charge is merely an accusation and Bedlington 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.   

Bedlington was released on bond pending trial, which has been set for November 23, 2021.

 

 

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on September 3, 2021 by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.

Caleb Oien, age 26, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years supervised release.  Oien was also ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100, and will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Oien was arrested and federally indicted following a Cybertip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children.  The Cybertip included images of child pornography of young children downloaded by Oien to his Dropbox account.  A forensic examination of Oien’s devices and Dropbox account revealed well over 600 images of child pornography of children under the age of 12.  

This case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.

Oien 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 two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on September 7, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Casey Brasgalla, age 39, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for each count.  The sentences are to be served concurrently.  Brasgalla was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The convictions relate to Brasgalla and another male, both who are prohibited from possessing firearms, possessing firearms which were found after they came into contact with Rapid City Police Department officers in November 2020.  Brasgalla was also found to be in possession of a firearm and destructive device in December 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.

Brasgalla 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 by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on September 7, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Darius Emery, age 33, was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Emery was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 12, 2021.  He pleaded guilty on May 7, 2021.  The conviction stems from Emery, previously convicted of a felony and prohibited from possessing firearms, possessing a semi-automatic pistol and a double-action revolver, which were found after Emery came into contact with Rapid City Police Department officers in August 2019 and June 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. 

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

Emery 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 five counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, one count of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, six counts of Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, two counts of Receipt of Child Pornography, and one count of Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on September 8, 2021, by Judge Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court.

Kyle Garret Soto, age 34, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1500 and a $5,000 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Soto was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 8, 2018, and was convicted by a jury following a week-long jury trial in Rapid City in April 2021.  Between February 2014 and April 2018, Soto engaged in prolific sexual activity with numerous minors over the internet, including demanding, receiving, and sending pornographic images and videos.  Soto threatened to distribute the minors’ images and videos online if they failed to comply with his ultimatums to provide him with additional pornographic items. Subsequent to his arrest in April 2018, forensic examination of Soto’s devices revealed hundreds of images of child pornography.  Soto’s victims ranged in age from approximately seven years old to 15 years old. 

The investigation was conducted by the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, and the New Mexico Office of Attorney General. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Collins and Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.

         

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Use and Brandishing of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence was sentenced on August 24, 2021, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Thomas Richards, age 23, was sentenced to seven 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 and $320 in restitution to the Corner Pantry convenience store.

Richards was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 10, 2021, and pleaded guilty on May 14, 2021.   In February 2021, Richards used a pistol to rob a Corner Pantry convenience store in Rapid City by brandishing the firearm at the store clerk.

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.

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

 

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Marty, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on September 14, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Gordon Primeaux, age 63, was sentenced to 24 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.

Primeaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 6, 2020.  He pled guilty on June 10, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on or about August 22, 2020, when Primeaux stabbed the victim with a knife three times, with intent to do bodily harm to the victim. 

This case was investigated by the Yankton Sioux Tribe and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

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