District of South Dakota

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

Vine Janis, age 40, was indicted on March 9, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 24, 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, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that December 20, 2020, in Eagle Butte, Janis assaulted an individual with a knife and said assault resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim.

The charges are merely accusations and Janis 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 Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.   

Janis 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 Winner, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.

Clayton Spotted Calf, age 26, was indicted on March 9, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 18, 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, five years up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between December 15, 2020, and February 22, 2021, in Tripp County, South Dakota, Spotted Calf knowingly received and possessed child pornography.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.   

Spotted Calf 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 St. Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm was sentenced on March 19, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Kendall Elk Looks Back, age 30, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, forfeiture of the firearm, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Elk Looks Back was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2020.  He pled guilty on July 27, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on January 13, 2019, in Todd County, South Dakota, Elk Looks Back possessed a weapon less than sixteen inches in length, which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.            

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

Elk 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 Rapid City, South Dakota, woman who pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on March 12, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.  

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

From approximately July 2019 to May 2020, methamphetamine was brought to South Dakota by others. Hunter then dispersed the methamphetamine to others for use or additional distribution.

This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Agency, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, 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, and the South Dakota National Guard.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case. 

Hunter was immediately returned 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 Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor was sentenced on March 12, 2021, by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court Judge.

Jonathan Andrew Whitney, age 34, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Whitney will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

The conviction stemmed from an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2019 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators.  Whitney, a previously convicted sex offender, was arrested and federally indicted following multiple chats he exchanged with a person Whitney believed to be a 15-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent.  Whitney sent sexually explicit messages to the 15-year-old undercover persona and negotiated the time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts.  When Whitney went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.

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

Whitney 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, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.

Gordon Cosme, age 38, was sentenced on March 12, 2021, to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stems from Cosme, who is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a previous felony conviction, possessing a Springfield Armory, .45 auto caliber semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Cosme came into contact with law enforcement officers in February 2019 in Rapid City.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on March 22, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Jacob Lee Walton, age 33, 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.

Walton was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 7, 2020. He pled guilty on July 27, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about December 2019, when Walton, along with others, reached an agreement or came to an understanding to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of a substance containing methamphetamine, which is a Schedule II controlled substance.

This case was investigated by Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on March 22, 2021, Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Michael Kearney, age 29, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, a fine of $500, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Kearney was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2020.  He pled guilty on December 21, 2020.

The convictions stemmed from a drug conspiracy that occurred from January 2017 through March 2018. Kearney was involved in a conspiracy with others on the Rosebud Indian Reservation to distribute cocaine and marijuana. Further, on July 23, 2017, Kearney, knowing he was an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly possessed a firearm.

Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity.  Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers.  It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating, or Wounding was sentenced on March 16, 2021, by U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes.

Deon Fast Horse, age 27, was sentenced to 180 days in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.

Fast Horse was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 9, 2020.  He pled guilty on November 2, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on May 27, 2020, in McLaughlin, South Dakota. On that date, Fast Horse assaulted his dating partner.

This case was investigated by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Bureau of Indian Affairs.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota man was acquitted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota, on March 17, 2021.

Joshua Heideman, age 27, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 16, 2020.

The charge relates to an incident where the Defendant is alleged to have assaulted a 69-year old man with a bar on May 20, 2020, in Dupree.  After the jury trial, Heideman was remanded into custody based upon his admission to violating the terms and conditions of his supervised release from a 2017 First Degree Burglary conviction

The investigation was conducted by Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Canon City, Colorado, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Jeremiah Edward Haning, age 38, was indicted on January 12, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 17, 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, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about May 18, 2020, Haning, who had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, and being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, knowingly possessed a Taurus .38 Special caliber revolver, which had been previously shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.  

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

Haning was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for May 25, 2021.

Acting United States Dennis R. Holmes announced that Carlocito Slim, 35, was found guilty of Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet following a two-day federal court trial held in Rapid City, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on March 10, 2021.

Each 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 Slim was arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2017 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators.  Following multiple text messages with a person Slim believed to be a pimp for a 15 year-old prostitute, but who was in fact an undercover agent, he proceeded to negotiate the time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts.  When Slim went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor’s pimp, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.

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

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

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

Tanner Kills Enemy, age 22, was indicted on March 9, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 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.

Kills Enemy was convicted of Sexual Abuse in October 2020.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  It is alleged that between November 4, 2020, and March 12, 2021, Kills Enemy, 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 Kills Enemy is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

Kills Enemy 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 St. Francis, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer and Using and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.

Willard Henry, Jr., age 40, was indicted on March 11, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 12, 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, seven years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on February 3, 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota, Henry assaulted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with multiple law enforcement officers who were employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and that such conduct involved the use of a firearm.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.            

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.   

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

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

Kevin Adam Left Hand Bull, age 31, was indicted on February 8, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 12, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 12 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 19, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota, Left Hand Bull did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and that such conduct involved physical contact.

The charge is merely an accusation and Left Hand Bull is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

Left Hand Bull was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

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

William Henry Horse Looking, age 39, was indicted on March 9, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 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.

Horse Looking was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in April 2009.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  It is alleged that between September 10, 2020, and March 12, 2021, Horse Looking, 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 Horse Looking is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

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

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

Moses Left Hand Bull, age 29, was indicted on October 14, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 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.

Left Hand Bull was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in August 2009.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  It is alleged that between June 8, 2020, and October 14, 2020, Left Hand Bull, 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 Left Hand Bull is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

Left Hand Bull 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 Denver, Colorado, man who pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on March 2, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.  

James Renwick, age 59, was sentenced to 15 ½  years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

From approximately September 2019 to December 2019, Renwick brought methamphetamine to South Dakota from Colorado.  Renwick then dispersed the methamphetamine to others for use or additional distribution.

This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Agency, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, 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, and the South Dakota National Guard.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case. 

Renwick was immediately returned 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 Child Pornography was sentenced on March 8, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.

Vance Allan Warthen, age 31, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Warthen will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

The conviction stems from Warthen sexually exploiting an underage female in August 2019 at Rapid City by producing images of child pornography. He remained in possession of the images thereafter.

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that two Pierre, South Dakota, men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Prohibited Person in Possession of Firearm.

Guillermo Arceo-Estrada, age 23, and Eduardo Velasquez-Padilla, a/k/a Eduardo Velazquez-Padilla, age 30, were indicted on January 12, 2021.  Both men appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 9, 2021, and both 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 $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on November 5, 2020, in Pierre, Arceo-Estrada and Velasquez-Padilla, then being aliens illegally and unlawfully in the United States, did knowingly possess several firearms.

The charges are merely accusations and Arceo-Estrada and Velasquez-Padilla are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

Arceo-Estrada and Velasquez-Padilla were released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

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

Anthony James Berst, age 33, was indicted on March 2, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 4, 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 on or about between September 7, 2020, and on or about January 6, 2021, Berst 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 a computer.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Division of Criminal Investigation and Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

Berst was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for May 11, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that Michael Wayne Zephier, age 40, of Yankton, South Dakota, was found guilty of Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. 

The charge carries a minimum penalty of 90 days and maximum penalty of 3 years in custody and/or a minimum of a $5,000 fine, up to one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  

Zephier was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020.   The grand jury charged that on or about February 2, 2020, in the District of South Dakota, Zephier, did knowingly and intentionally, possess with the intent to distribute 5 or more grams of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).  The trial jury found Zephier not guilty of that charge, but found him guilty of the lesser included crime of possession of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Yankton Sioux Tribal Law Enforcement.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for April 19, 2021.  The defendant was returned to the custody of the State of South Dakota, where he is currently incarcerated for violation of his parole.   

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on March 4, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.

James Dakota Miller, age 21, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Miller will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Miller was arrested and federally indicted following multiple Cybertips from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children.  The Cybertips included images of child pornography of young children found among Miller’s possession.

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

Miller 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, man convicted of two counts of Interference with Commerce by Robbery (Hobbs Act) was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.

Michael Daker, age 59, was sentenced on March 5, 2021, to 13 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and restitution in an amount to be determined at a later date.

The conviction stems from Daker forcibly robbing a Yesway Convenience Store in Spearfish, and a BP Casino in Rapid City in March 2020.  

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

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

Daker 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, man was charged in federal district court with Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.

Matthew Buchko, age 38, was charged on February 18, 2021.  Buchko appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on March 3, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  The penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to 20 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, a minimum of 5 years up to lifetime supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Buchko knowingly receiving and possessing images of child pornography between September 2019 and February 2020 at Rapid City.  The charges are merely an accusation and Buchko is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Collins is prosecuting the case.

Buchko was detained pending trial.  A trial date has been set for May 11, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Second Degree Murder and Discharging, Brandishing, or Possessing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.

Phillip Pond, age 39, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on March 3, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction for each charge is up to life in prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Pond shooting and killing a man on November 22, 2020, at Pine Ridge.

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

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

Pond was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for April 27, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Box Elder, South Dakota, woman convicted of Interference with Commerce by Robbery was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.

Karmen Englert, age 37, was sentenced on March 3, 2021, to 8 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $1,579.49 in restitution to Rushmore Casino and $800.00 in restitution to Market Square Casino.

The conviction stems from Englert driving two men to and from Rushmore Casino and Market Square Casino, where the males robbed the casinos at gunpoint in March 2020.  The three also drove to Jokers Casino with the intent of committing a robbery but were unsuccessful.  All three casinos are located in Rapid City, South Dakota.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Belle Fourche, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on February 26, 2021, by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court Judge.

Tyler Wayne Deel, age 33, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Between August 2018 and November 2018, Deel resided in St. Onge, South Dakota, and had a computer with internet access.  Using his computer to connect and access websites and applications for “Tumblr,” Deel received and distributed digital files containing images of child pornography.  Many of the images of child pornography depicted young children.

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Dennis Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) was sentenced on March 1, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Samantha Kay Hill, a/k/a Samantha Kay Rieger, age 33, was sentenced to 120 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.

Hill was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on July 20, 2020.  She pled guilty on December 7, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on an unknown date and continuing until approximately July 20, 2020.  

On October 12, 2019, a vehicle Hill was driving, for the purposes of transporting methamphetamine, was stopped and searched by law enforcement.  Inside the vehicle, law enforcement located over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.   

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man who pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, was sentenced on February 12, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.  

Trent Michelson, age 27, was sentenced to a total of 41 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

From approximately March 2019 to September 2019, Michelson brought heroin to South Dakota from Colorado, or by others through arrangements made with him. Michelson then dispersed the heroin to others for use or distribution.

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, and the South Dakota National Guard.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case. 

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man who pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on February 16, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.

Frank Elliott, age 59, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

From approximately June 2016 through June 2018, Elliott was part of a conspiracy responsible for distributing over 500 grams of methamphetamine in the Rapid City area. 

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case. Several other co-conspirators have already been sentenced.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Patrick Fire Thunder, age 46, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, was found guilty of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury following a federal court trial in Rapid City, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on February 24, 2021.

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

Evidence at trial established that on the evening of April 18, 2020, the victim and Fire Thunder were consuming alcohol at Fire Thunder’s residence.  Fire Thunder claimed the victim punched him one time in the face and thereafter, Fire Thunder used a knife to stab the victim three times.  The stab wounds were to the victim’s chest, neck, and face.  The victim was air lifted to Rapid City for emergency surgery to repair his carotid artery that had been lacerated by the stab wound to his neck.  As a result, the victim has suffered a permanent brain injury.

The investigation was conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Criminal Investigations Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted and tried the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for June 7, 2021.  Fire Thunder was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Omaha, Nebraska, man convicted of a violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act was sentenced on February 24, 2021, by Daneta L. Wollmann, U.S. Magistrate Judge.

Jason Brodersen, age 49, was sentenced to one year of probation and was ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a fine of $1,250, and a $35 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Brodersen was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2017.  The conviction stems from Brodersen, without being permitted to do so, knowingly possessing and transporting bald and golden eagles and parts of the eagles.  

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Kelderman and Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that 37 people have been federally indicted as part of OCDETF Operation Say Uncle.  OCDETF stands for Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, which is a “keystone of the Attorney General’s strategy to reduce the availability of illicit narcotics throughout the United States using a prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach to combat transnational organized crime.” OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, and transnational criminal organizations.  

Federal prosecutors in Rapid City, South Dakota, working cooperatively with law enforcement agencies across the State, federally charged 37 defendants with drug-related offenses, despite the challenges imposed on the criminal justice system and law enforcement officers everywhere by COVID-19.  The South Dakota Attorney General’s Office charged nine persons with state offenses as part of the same Operation.  The charges allege the defendants conspired with each other to bring multiple pounds of methamphetamine into Western South Dakota beginning in 2019 and continuing into 2020.

Agencies involved in this effort include the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Deadwood Police Department, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Spearfish Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Outside of South Dakota, agencies assisted from the Reno County (KS) Drug Enforcement Unit, Billings (MT) Drug Task Force, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, Saint Joe (MO) Drug Task Force, Utah Highway Patrol, Utah State Bureau of Investigation, Greensboro (NC) Drug Task Force, and the Yuba City (CA) NET5 Drug Task Force. 

"These indictments are the result of tremendous cooperation and teamwork between all levels of law enforcement in South Dakota," said U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons.  "I'm incredibly proud of these dedicated state, local, tribal, and federal officers and agents, and all hands are on deck as we continue to work together to defeat the scourge of illegal drugs that is devastating communities across the State."

“Our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s office has been incredibly successful in this matter,” said David Natvig, Director of the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.  “Their cooperation and assistance have helped all the law enforcement agencies involved to see the fruits of the hard work they put into building this case.”

Those federally charged include: Erick Anaya (30, Archdale, NC); Kelly Barker (67, Rapid City, SD ); Ricardo Barragan (30, Aurora, CO); Christopher Bell (27, Rapid City, SD); Nathan Bellew (39, Hot Springs, SD); Kelley Blevins (42, Box Elder, SD); Robert Brenden (33, Rapid City, SD); Jennifer Cagle (32, Box Elder, SD); Robert Cagle (31, Box Elder, SD);  Uzziel Carillo-Rojas (33, Mazatlan, Mexico); Charles Clark (42, Box Elder, SD); Jennifer Clark (41, Box Elder, SD); Mason Colbath (29, Rapid City, SD); Michael Cole (30, Rapid City, SD); Melvin Corbine (43, Rapid City, SD); Justin Coyle (34, Rapid City, SD); Lenin Flores-Herrera (27, Mazatlan, Mexico); Matthew Foster (43, Huron, SD); Luis Gonzalez Meza (42, Tijuana, Mexico); Patrick Greenfield (30, Rapid City, SD); Erin Hunter (35, Rapid City, SD); Rayne Jackson (27, Denver, CO); Stephen Jordan (30, Rapid City, SD); Scott Kallstrom (40, Rapid City, SD); Christina Kruse (23, Sioux Falls, SD); Anthony Larson (40, Rapid City, SD); Delaine Martinez (43, Billings, MT); Michael McLeod (41, Rapid City, SD); Teri Moore (36, Hot Springs, SD); Javier Reyna (56, Oceanside, CA); Tiana Rountree (24, Rapid City, SD); Aynjel Schumacher (26, Rapid City, SD); Martin Shaw (45, Rapid City, SD); Michael Sherard (34, Brooklyn Park, MN); John Thornberry (23, Spearfish, SD); Darwin Toof (30, Box Elder, SD ); and Eric Yockey (35, Black Hawk, SD).  All but three of the defendants have been arrested.  All arrested defendants are pending trial, with the exceptions of Barker, Bell, Hunter, and Schumacher, each of whom has pleaded guilty.  Bell was sentenced on November 16, 2020, to more than 12 years in federal prison.  Barker, Hunter, and Schumacher are pending sentencing.  

These charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.   

The South Dakota Attorney General’s Office has charged Travis Maho, Alex Nimmor, Duane Apple, Keith Laframboise, Orlyn Anderson, Tabitha Range, Chris Luke, Zack Franzen, and Christopher Tomac in connection with this investigation.  Those charges, as well, are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty

Finally, Kansas authorities prosecuted co-conspirator Jennie Wallace, who was sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison. 

The case is being prosecuted federally by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich.  The state charged defendants are being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Trevor Thielen.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Felon in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on February 22, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Anthony James Howard, age 28, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Howard was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 20, 2020.  He pled guilty on November 23, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on April 20, 2020, when Howard, possessed a Glock handgun.  Sioux Falls police responded to a report of shots fired, and found spent shell casings in the street.  A few hours later, police found Howard passed out in his vehicle with methamphetamine and a gun.  The shell casings found at the scene matched the caliber of gun found in Howard’s possession.  Howard had previously been convicted of a felony, which prohibited him from possessing any firearms or ammunition.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice's signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department's past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

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.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on February 22, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Calvin Spotted Tail, age 40, was sentenced to 22 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.

Spotted Tail was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020.  He pled guilty on December 14, 2020.

Spotted Tail was convicted of Sexual Abuse in December 2005. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  In January 2020, Spotted Tail was released from a term of imprisonment and began a period of supervised release.  At that time, he updated his sex offender registration to reflect that he was residing in Rapid City.  In June 2020, Spotted Tail moved from his registered address and absconded from supervised release.  Thereafter he failed to update his sex offender registration.  An arrest warrant was subsequently issued and on September 25, 2020, Spotted Tail was arrested at a residence in St. Francis, 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.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Parmelee, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on February 22, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Jean Xarles Neck, a/k/a John Neck, age 21, was sentenced to 21 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. Restitution may also be ordered.

Neck was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020.  He pled guilty on November 30, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on June 6, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota.  On that date Neck assaulted an individual, by discharging a firearm multiple times at a home where the individual was an occupant.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.            

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Bradenton, Florida, man convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Money Laundering was sentenced on February 22, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Kent Duane Anderson, age 50, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $15,311,927.00, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Anderson was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 4, 2020.  He pled guilty on November 5, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from incidents between 2012 and 2018, when Anderson owned and operated a business enterprise that exploited the organic grain market.  Anderson purchased thousands of tons of small grain and seed products from non-organic suppliers and then re-sold those products as “organic” to wholesale distributors, brokers, and other buyers at marked-up prices.  Those buyers, who believed the grain sold them to be organic, were defrauded.

Anderson carried out his fraud through a group of inter-related business entities formed in South Dakota, which he directed and controlled.  These business entities included the Bar Two Bar Ranch and Green Leaf Resources Inc., and four other businesses with the Green Leaf name.

Much of Anderson’s business sales of the misrepresented products occurred through emails, phone calls, and electronically transmitted invoices.  The sales transactions often originated in Florida, where Anderson’s business entities operated, with buyers located in other states, including, Minnesota and Illinois, and thus, caused electronic wire communications between those states.  Other interstate electronic wire transmissions occurred when his business entities received payment via electronic transfer of funds.  Some of those transactions involved the electronic transfer of money from purchasers with bank accounts in South Dakota.

“This investigation and prosecution should send a strong zero-tolerance message to those individuals engaged in the practice of defrauding the National Organic Program,” said Anthony Mohatt, Special Agent-in-Charge, USDA-Office of Inspector General. “It should also serve as a warning to all that participate in the organic supply chain, that fraud will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted by the USDA-OIG, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and all its federal, state, and local partners that have a stake in ensuring that fraud is eliminated from taxpayer funded programs.”

“Over the course of 5 years, Mr. Anderson engaged in a multi-million dollar fraud scheme where he falsely labeled products as organic products unbeknownst to consumers and USDA inspectors,” stated Acting Special Agent in Charge David Talcott. “Individuals who commit fraud with this degree of dishonesty and deceit, deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. IRS Criminal Investigation along with the United States Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners remain vigilant in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting those individuals who seek to willfully defraud the American consumers.”

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

Anderson has been allowed to self-report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service by March 15, 2021.

U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons and former Attorney General William Barr

SIOUX FALLS, SD – United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that he will step down as chief federal law enforcement officer for the District of South Dakota effective February 26, 2021.  His resignation was expected and is part of the regular transition of appointed officials from office when a new Administration comes in.

Regarding his departure, Parsons said:

“Serving in this position and working alongside state, local, tribal, and federal law enforcement officials has been the highest privilege of my life.  Throughout my term, I’ve had the opportunity to observe the bravery, sacrifice, and dedication of officers at every level of government throughout our state working to protect the public, keep the peace, solve crimes, safeguard victims, and hold criminals accountable for the misery they cause.  Law enforcement is a vital, noble, and truly rewarding profession, and I encourage young people of all backgrounds to consider it as a career.

It has been an extraordinary honor to serve in the Department of Justice under Attorney General Barr and Attorney General Sessions and I thank them for their leadership and their confidence in me to lead this office.  I would also like to thank Senator Thune and Senator Rounds for recommending me for this position and placing their trust in my abilities to serve the people of South Dakota as their chief federal law enforcement officer.

I’m also very grateful for the friendships and relationships I have developed with members and leaders of the nine federally recognized Indian tribes in South Dakota.  I particularly will miss visiting tribal communities and appearing before Tribal Councils to work collaboratively on solutions for improving public safety for everyone.

Above all, I am deeply appreciative of the men and women of the U.S. Attorney’s Office working in each of our three branches in Rapid City, Pierre, and Sioux Falls.  Their friendship, professionalism, and good will have made my job as enjoyable as it was rewarding.  Every day, their continued hard work and dedication to the pursuit of justice makes South Dakota, and our nation, a better place to live.  Any credit for accomplishments during my tenure as United States Attorney belongs solely to them and our law enforcement partners.  I will miss them, and they have my enduring thanks.”

Parsons was formally nominated by President Trump in September 2017 and began serving as United States Attorney on January 5, 2018 following his unanimous confirmation by the Senate.  Following his departure, he intends to return to private practice in Sioux Falls.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney and Criminal Chief Dennis R. Holmes will serve as Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota after Parsons officially leaves his post on February 26.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Involuntary Manslaughter.

Patrick Dion, age 54, was indicted on February 8, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 18, 2021, 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 January 14, 2021, in Fort Thompson, Dion unlawfully killed another human being by operating a vehicle in a grossly negligent manner.

The charge is merely an accusation and Dion 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, Crow Creek Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, Opposing, and Impeding a Federal Officer.

Warren Dion, age 22, was indicted on November 10, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 18, 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, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on October 18, 2020, in Fort Thompson, Dion forcefully resisted a federal officer, who was engaged in the performance of his official duties, in a manner that involved physical contact.  The indictment further alleges that the officer suffered bodily injury as a result of the incident. 

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

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

Dion was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial has been set for March 9, 2021.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Ferris Valentine, age 54, of Omaha, Nebraska was found guilty of two counts of Bank Robbery as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on February 18, 2021.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of 25 years on each count in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  

Valentine was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020. 

“I can imagine few things more terrifying than being a bank teller just trying to earn an honest living at work who suddenly finds herself staring down the barrel of a loaded gun,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “You have to be a special kind of horrible to commit a violent crime like this once, let alone to give a repeat performance the following year.  The FBI, the Sioux Falls Police, and the DCI deserve our admiration and respect for their incredible detective work in solving these despicable crimes.”

On or about November 15, 2016, Valentine, aided by a partner, robbed the First National Bank branch bank located on West 26th Street in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  The day before the robbery, Valentine rented a car in Omaha, Nebraska, and drove to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with his accomplice.  When they robbed the bank, each wore a mask covering their faces.  Valentine was armed with a handgun and demanded the bank employees give him the money in the teller drawers and the vault.  Both robbers left the bank before the police arrived.

On November 24, 2017, Valentine robbed the same bank again, but without a partner.  He wore the same mask and once again, used a firearm to order the bank employees to comply.  He grabbed money from the vault and escaped.

After the second robbery, a DNA match connected Valentine’s partner to the first bank robbery, which subsequently led to the charges against Valentine.

The total monies taken from the bank robberies amounted to around $278,000.  First National Bank’s deposits were insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy R. Jehangiri and Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for May 10, 2021.  Valentine was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two men from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Gigilo Terrance Terrett, a/k/a GT, a/k/a Ronnie Phillips, age 42, was sentenced on February 10, 2021, 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.

Abdi Abdullahi Ismail, a/k/a Ish,  a/k/a Juice, age 24, was sentenced on January 22, 2021, to 157 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.

Ismail and Terrett were indicted by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020.  Terrett pled guilty on September 3, 2020 and Ismail pled guilty on September 4, 2020. 

The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on an unknown date until on or about March 2, 2020, in the District of South Dakota, when Ismail and Terrett knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together with each other, and others known and unknown, to intentionally distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.  Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance. 

This case was investigated by the Division of Criminal Investigation, the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.

Ismail and Terrett were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following their respective sentencings.  

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

Julio Rodriguez, III, a/k/a Julio Rodriquez, III, age 19, was indicted on February 8, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 12, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on July 10, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota, Rodriguez knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act with a minor under the age of 16.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

Lloyd Jacob One Star, a/k/a Lloyd One Star, III, age 31, was indicted on February 8, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 17, 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 $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on December 14, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota, One Star assaulted an individual with shod feet with the intent to do bodily harm and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.

The charges are merely accusations and One Star 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.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Peever, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Interstate Domestic Violence, Kidnapping, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Brandon Lee Renville, age 29, was indicted on January 12, 2021.  He last appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on February 12, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

According to the Indictment, on or about November 6, 2020, Renville caused his spouse to travel in interstate commerce and to enter and leave Indian country by force, coercion, duress, and fraud, and 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. 

On or about December 21, 2020, Renville, being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and knowing he was an unlawful user of a controlled substance, knowingly possessed a firearm.

The maximum penalties upon conviction are ten years (interstate domestic violence and the firearm charge) up to life imprisonment (kidnapping); a maximum $250,000 fine, or both fine and imprisonment; a maximum term of three (3) to five (5) years of supervised release; and $100 to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

The investigation is being conducted by the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe’s Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.   

Renville was detained pending trial.  A trial date has been set for April 13, 2021. 

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mandan, North Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Joel Dean Kraft, Jr., age 34, was indicted on December 8, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on February 12, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on May 25, 2020, Kraft, then being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and knowing he was an unlawful user of a controlled substance, knowingly did possess a handgun in Walworth County, South Dakota. 

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the City of Mobridge Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Manderson, South Dakota, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter was sentenced by Judge Karen K. Schreier, U.S. District Court.

Charles Merrival, age 28, was sentenced on February 11, 2021, to 46 months custody in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Merrival was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2020.  The charge related to Merrival driving while intoxicated and killing a pedestrian, who was walking on the shoulder of the highway east of Pine Ridge on May 5, 2020.  Merrival’s blood alcohol content was .215% approximately 5 hours after the accident.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for First Degree Murder-Felony Murder, First Degree Burglary, Assault With Intent to Commit Murder, Robbery, Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

Isaiah Clarence Young, age 22, was indicted on February 8, 2021.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 10, 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, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on January 24, 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota, Young unlawfully entered a residence to steal valuables, and assaulted two victims by striking them with a hammer and stabbing them with a knife.  The Indictment further alleges that the assaults resulted in the death of one of the victims and serious bodily injury to the second victim.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Parmelee, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on February 8, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Jeni May Pearl Arcoren, age 33, was sentenced to 120 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.

Arcoren was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 11, 2020.  She pled guilty on November 24, 2020.   

From 2015 through 2020, Arcoren conspired with others to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine in South Dakota.  She went on several trips to Colorado with co-conspirators and purchased methamphetamine, which was trafficked to South Dakota and distributed on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.   

The investigation was conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.   

Arcoren immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.