District of South Dakota

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on December 21, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Kevin Bordeaux, age 22, was sentenced to time served through September 3, 2021, in federal prison, three years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Bordeaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020.  He pled guilty on December 21, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on March 3, 2020, wherein Bordeaux was involved in a traffic stop in Todd County. A K9 was deployed and alerted to the vehicle and officers searched it. The officers located 6.54 grams of methamphetamine in the vehicle. On March 4, 2020, a search warrant was executed on Bordeaux’s residence wherein several rounds of ammunition were seized.

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 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 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. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on December 21, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Arlyn Keckler, age 39, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Keckler was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 13, 2019.  He pled guilty on October 9, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy beginning in at least May 2015, wherein Keckler was involved with others to distribute methamphetamine in and around the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. Keckler distributed 200 grams of methamphetamine during the course of the conspiracy.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Brandon, South Dakota, woman convicted of Wire Fraud was sentenced on December 21, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Sheila Verbrugge, age 50, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $577,577.63, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Verbrugge was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 17, 2020.  She pled guilty on September 28, 2020.

Verbrugge was the billing and payroll clerk for Blachowske Truck Line, Inc., located in Brandon.  Verbrugge’s duties included managing the company’s T-Chek account.  T-Chek is a system used to pay for various job-related expenses incurred by truck drivers, such as fuel and truck maintenance.  Each week, T-Chek e-mailed an invoice to the company for that week’s charges.  The invoices were paid electronically using an automated clearing house (ACH) payment.

Between approximately January 2010 and continuing through April 8, 2020, Verbrugge falsely and fraudulently issued T-Cheks payable to herself, deposited them into her personal account, and then used the money for her own purposes.  Verbrugge disguised her theft by altering the weekly T-Chek report; she deleted her name and location and replaced it with names of Blachowske truck drivers and locations she knew to be associated with those truck drivers.  Because of the false information entered by her, Blachowske paid the T-Chek invoices.

“This investigation demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to assisting law enforcement partners with investigations of costly financial crimes,” said Michael Paul, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis field office which covers South Dakota. “As evidenced by this case, the FBI, South Dakota’s U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Brandon Police Department worked together to hold Ms. Verbrugge accountable for her actions, and recover the illegal gains. Along with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to allocate expert resources to investigate and prosecute all those who take advantage of a position of trust to defraud American businesses.”

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

Verbrugge has been allowed to self-surrender to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service by January 5, 2021.

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

Phillip Gene Beck, Jr., age 24, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 16, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on or about October 21, 2017, Beck, then being an unlawful user of methamphetamine, and knowing he was an unlawful user of methamphetamine, knowingly did possess a pistol and ammunition in St. Francis, South Dakota.

The charge is merely an accusation and Beck 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Benjamen T. Flute, a/k/a Benjamin T. Flute, age 41, was indicted on December 8, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 16, 2020 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.

Flute was convicted of 2nd-Degree Rape in December 2007.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  It is alleged that between August 11, 2020, and November 25, 2020, Flute failed to properly register as a sex offender as required by law.

The charge is merely an accusation and Flute 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.   

Flute 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 Pierre, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Daniel James Boe, age 35, was indicted on December 8, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 16, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum five years, up to 40 years in prison and/or a $5,000,000 fine, at least 4 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each Count.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

The Indictment alleges that Boe was involved in a conspiracy beginning in 2017, wherein Boe did knowingly and intentionally, combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with persons known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in central South Dakota.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Pierre Police Department, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Yankton, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) was sentenced on December 15, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol.

Morgan Rae Grant, a/k/a Morgan Ray Grant, a/k/a Sway, age 41, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Grant was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020. She pled guilty on September 22, 2020.

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

On October 21, 2019, a vehicle Grant was driving in was stopped for illegal tint.  A K-9 dog was brought in and alerted to the presence of drugs.  Law enforcement then searched the vehicle and located more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and several items of paraphernalia.    

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that four Sisseton, South Dakota, people have been indicted by a federal grand jury for aggravated assault and robbery.

Brendon Javon Jacob Rodlund, age 32, and Andrew Renville, age 31, were indicted on November 3, 2020.  Each appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on December 14, 2020, and pled not guilty to the superseding indictment.

Tiffany Bernard, age 28, and Randall Delbert Pumpkinseed, age 31, were charged on October 6, 2020.  Each appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on October 15, 2020, and pled not guilty.

The Indictment alleges that between November 16, and November 17, 2015, Rodlund, Bernard, Pumpkinseed, and Renville, while aiding and abetting each other, assaulted, with intent to commit murder; unlawfully cut, cut off and disabled a limb with the intent to maim; did by force, violence and intimidation take and attempt to take things of value from the victim; assaulted with a dangerous weapon, with the intent to do bodily harm; and unlawfully assaulted the victim, and said assault resulted in serious bodily injury.

The maximum penalty upon conviction for each offense is 10 years up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and up to $500 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges are merely accusation and Rodlund, Bernard, Pumpkinseed, and Renville are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.   

Rodlund is currently serving a federal prison sentence and remains in custody.  Renville is currently serving a state prison sentence and remains in custody.  Bernard was detained pending trial.  Pumpkinseed was released pending trial.  A trial date has been set for February 16, 2020.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on December 15, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Vasiliy Vasilyevic Manuylo, age 26, was sentenced to 34 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Manuylo was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020.  He pled guilty on September 17, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on or about January 26, 2020, when the Sioux Falls Police Department came into contact with Manuylo who knowingly possessed of a Smith & Wesson, model 640 Centennial, .38 Special caliber, double-action revolver, bearing serial number BRP3384 and 5 rounds of Hornady brand ammunition.  Manuylo knew he had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and being an unlawful use of and addicted to a controlled substance, and consequently could not possess firearms.

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 Sioux Falls Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.

Manuylo 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 False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm, Assault on a Federal Officer, and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.

Uriah Lafferty, age 35, was sentenced on December 11, 2020, to seven years in federal prison on each charge, to run concurrently, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, $3,563.05 in restitution to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, $21,765.87 in restitution to the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, and $564.45 in restitution to a local property owner for damages incurred while law enforcement was attempting to arrest Lafferty.

The charges relate to Lafferty knowingly making a false written statement when attempting to purchase a firearm in October 2019 at Rapid City.  When law enforcement attempted to arrest Lafferty on the federal warrant related to that false statement, he fled and engaged law enforcement in a high-speed pursuit lasting nearly an hour.  The pursuit began on the Pine Ridge Reservation, and Lafferty was ultimately arrested near Hermosa, South Dakota.  During the pursuit, Lafferty assaulted three Oglala Sioux Tribe police officers, a deputy U.S. Marshal, and a South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper by crashing his vehicle into law enforcement vehicles, swatting at the officers attempting to arrest him, and refusing to comply with orders to stop resisting.   Following his arrest, Lafferty was found to be in possession of more than 17 grams of methamphetamine, which he intended to distribute to others. 

“These crimes are gut-wrenching and there is no question that this sentencing is just," said Robert Perry, Assistant Special Agent In Charge of the FBI's Minneapolis field office stationed in Rapid City. "The FBI is responsible for investigating the most serious crimes in Indian Country and we, along with our federal state, local and tribal partners, will continue to work together to pursue people like Mr. Lafferty. The FBI and our partners are committed to protecting all of our communities, helping victims, and ensuring that justice is served.”

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshal Service, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Martin, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Jonathan Bad Wound, age 54, was sentenced on December 7, 2020, to time served, 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Bad Wound was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2017.  The charge related to Bad Wound and the victim engaging in a verbal argument that escalated into a physical altercation in May 2016.  After throwing Bad Wound to the ground, the victim got into his truck to leave Bad Wound’s driveway.  Bad Wound went to the back of his house, grabbed a rifle, loaded it, and fired three rounds at the victim’s truck.  Bullet fragments landed in the victim’s back causing bodily injury.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Office of Justice Services, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Lake Traverse, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for aggravated sexual abuse of a child and sexual abuse of a minor.

Okokipe Jones, age 46, was indicted on September 1, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on December 10, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

According to the indictment, in July 2010, Jones engaged in or attempted to engage in a sexual act with a child under 12 years of age.  Then again in or about 2016, Jones engaged or attempted to engage in a sexual act with the same victim.  The sexual abuse took place at a residence in Roberts County, South Dakota.

Jones faces three charges.  The maximum penalties upon conviction for Counts 1 and 2 is up to life imprisonment; Count 3 carries a maximum of up to 15 years.  Each count also carries a maximum $250,000 fine, or both fine and imprisonment; a mandatory minimum term of five (5) years, up to life, of supervised release; $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund; $5,000 assessment to the domestic trafficking fund; and restitution may be ordered. 

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

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.   

Jones was detained pending trial.  A trial date of February 16, 2021 has been set.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Enemy Swim, South Dakota, man was sentenced in federal court on December 14, 2020, for transferring obscene material to a minor.  The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Francis Scott Cadotte, age 40, was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.  Cadotte was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

According to court documents, between May 2018 and March 2019, Cadotte knowingly used a social media platform on a computer connected to the internet and a mobile phone to transfer and attempt to transfer obscene matter to another individual who was 14 years old.  At the time of the transfer, Cadotte knew the nature of the content of the material, specifically discussing sexual acts that he wanted to perform on the minor, knowing that the minor was 14 years old. 

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.   

Cadotte was remanded to custody to serve his sentence.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Aberdeen, South Dakota, man convicted of Felon in Possession of a Firearm as a result of a federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota, on October 13, 2020, was sentenced on December 15, 2020 by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann. 

Darrell Two Hearts, age 41, was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

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

The conviction stemmed from an incident on or about April 25, 2020, when Two Hearts was arrested in Aberdeen.  Officers had been searching for Two Hearts to arrest him on outstanding warrants.  When they found him, Two Hearts had a loaded handgun in his backpack, along with syringes, a pot pipe, and a marijuana grinder.  He also had a small amount of methamphetamine in his pants pocket.  He had previously been convicted of felony crimes that prohibited him from possessing any firearms.  At trial, a jury unanimously found that he illegally possessed a 9mm handgun.

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 Aberdeen Police Department, the Brown County Sheriff's Office, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that five defendants convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, have been sentenced to federal prison terms by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Luis Padilla-Ambriz, a/k/a Jose Ramirez, age 24, from Glendale, AZ, was sentenced on December 14, 2020, to 210 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.

Kevin Lee Jenson, age 32, from Carver, MN, was sentenced on June 17, 2019, to 235 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Heidi Ann Austin, age 39, from Rice, MN, was sentenced on June 6, 2019, to 188 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.

Anthony Lovell Laws, Jr., age 39, from Buckeye, AZ, was sentenced on September 23, 2019, to 46 months of federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Erin M. Hinkle, age 35, from Huntington Beach, California was sentenced on May 11, 2020, 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.

Jenson, Austin, Padilla-Ambriz, Laws, and Hinkle were indicted by a federal grand jury on February 5, 2019.  Jenson pled guilty on April 3, 2019, Austin pled guilty on March 25, 2019, Padilla-Ambriz pled guilty on September 23, 2020, Laws pled guilty on July 1, 2019, and Hinkle pled guilty on January 6, 2020.

Beginning on an unknown date, until on or about February 5, 2019, in the District of South Dakota, all defendants, knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together, with 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 U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Lakes to River Drug Task Force, and the Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.

All defendants were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following their sentencing.  

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation was sentenced on December 14, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Michael T. Farmer, age 29, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, three 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 November 13, 2019.  He pled guilty on September 21, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred October 8, 2019, in St. Francis.  On that date, Farmer assaulted his girlfriend by grabbing her and put her in a headlock her until she began to lose consciousness.

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

Farmer 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 December 1, 2020, by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.  

Keeler Stands, age 24, was sentenced to 12.5 years in federal prison, five years’ supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  From approximately July 2019 to late December 2019, methamphetamine was brought to South Dakota from Nevada by others. Stands 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, the 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. 

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting In Serious Bodily Injury, and Discharge of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence.

Charles Schrader, age 54, was indicted on December 8, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on December 9, 2020, and pleadded 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 November 10, 2020, Schrader shot an individual with a firearm with the intent to do bodily harm and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.  The charges are merely accusations and Schrader is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

Schrader was detained pending trial.  A trial has been set for February 16, 2020.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, woman convicted of Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises was sentenced on December 14, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Michelle Rose Helper, age 36, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, three years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Helper was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 14, 2020.  She pled guilty on August 17, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy beginning in 2011 and continuing through 2019, wherein Helper unlawfully and knowingly used her residence located in McLaughlin, South Dakota, for the purpose of distributing and using marijuana with Brady Claymore. Helper and Claymore distributed between 40 and 60 kilograms of marijuana at the residence. Claymore was sentenced on October 19, 2020, to 50 months in federal prison.       

This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Mobridge Police Department, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

Helper will self-report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on December 29, 2020.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Bullhead, South Dakota, man convicted of three counts of Child Abuse was sentenced on December 14, 2020, by Judge Charles B. Kornmann, U.S. District Court.

Tyson Keepseagle, age 33, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison on each count, to run concurrently, three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $300.

Keepseagle was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 14, 2019.  He was convicted on July 10, 2020, following a three-day jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

The convictions stem from incidents between June 1, 2018, and August 12, 2018, when three child victims were living with Keepseagle and he abused them, leaving them with bruises and swelling.  This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kirsten Jasper and Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Casper, Wyoming, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet following a federal jury trial was sentenced on November 20, 2020, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.  

Japher Rajab, age 43, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by  5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Rajab also will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Rajab was one of eleven men who were arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2019 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally targeting internet predators.  The conviction stemmed from Rajab communicating with someone he believed to be a 15 year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent.  Following multiple chats and text messages Rajab proceeded to negotiate a time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts.

The undercover operation and arrests were a joint effort between the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Collins prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man and woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance were sentenced on November 16, 2020, and December 7, 2020, respectively, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Darren Anthony Hendrix, age 29, was sentenced to 196 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Rachel Anne Cooke, age 38, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Hendrix and Cooke were indicted by a federal grand jury on March 10, 2020.  Hendrix pled guilty on August 26, 2020.  Cooke pled guilty on September 15, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning at an unknown date and continuing until about January 9, 2020, when Hendrix, Cooke, and other co-conspirators intentionally conspired and obtained 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and distributed it to others in the District of South Dakota.  Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance.

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, the Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.

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

Cooke has been allowed to self-report to the designated BOP facility by January 28, 2021.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Felon in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on December 7, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Curtis Ronald Rabenberg, age 39, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Rabenberg was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 20, 2020.  He pled guilty on September 14, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on or about November 19, 2019, when Rabenberg sold a stolen handgun to a pawn shop in Sioux Falls.  Rabenburg had previously been convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing any firearms.  He stole the firearm from a girlfriend and sold it for cash to pay a debt he owed for drugs.

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.

Rabenberg 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, woman who pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on December 7, 2020, by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.  

Melanie Vance, age 37, was sentenced to seven 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 late December 2019, methamphetamine was brought to South Dakota from Nevada by others.  Vance then dispersed the methamphetamine to others for use or 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.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case. 

Vance 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 convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and two counts of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute was sentenced on December 14, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Daniel Gray Eagle, age 39, was sentenced to 188 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 $300.

Gray Eagle was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 10, 2019.  He was found guilty after a three-day federal jury trial on September 24, 2020.

The conspiracy conviction stemmed from a plot between January 1, 2017, and February 7, 2020, wherein Gray Eagle knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine in South Dakota.  Gray Eagle routinely traveled to Rapid City to acquire large amounts of methamphetamine, which he distributed in Eagle Butte, South Dakota.

The first count of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute arose from a high-speed car chase with law enforcement in the southwest corner of the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation on January 22, 2018.  During the chase, Gray Eagle instructed a passenger to throw a pill bottle containing 22 grams of methamphetamine out of the car.  The methamphetamine was recovered, and Gray Eagle was taken into custody after crashing the car in a field.  The second count arose from a foot pursuit and arrest of Gray Eagle on March 1, 2018, in Eagle Butte.  After Gray Eagle was arrested on a tribal warrant, a search of his person revealed three baggies containing a small amount of methamphetamine in his pants pocket as well as a cell phone containing drug-related messages.

This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force; the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services; the Rapid City Police Department; the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; the City of Faith Police Department; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Division of Drug Enforcement; and the South Dakota National Guard.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for seven counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, seven counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, four counts of Maiming, one count of Health Care Fraud, and one count of Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud.

Frenchone One Horn, a/k/a Frenchone Kills In Water, age 40, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on December 2, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each of the Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Maiming charges.  The maximum penalty upon conviction for the Health Care Fraud charge is 5 years in prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  The maximum penalty upon conviction for the Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud charge is 4 years in prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to One Horn assaulting five individuals with rocks in 2018 and 2019 at Pine Ridge for the purpose of committing health care fraud.  These assaults resulted in serious bodily injury and required three of the victims to suffer finger amputations.  One Horn also committed health care fraud by giving fraudulent information concerning the intentional assaults in order to obtain services and controlled substances, namely Hydrocodone.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the US Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen is prosecuting the case.

One Horn was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for February 9, 2021.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on December 14, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Tiffany Kay Frazier, n/k/a Tiffany Kay Castiglione, age 27, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Castiglione was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 10, 2019.  She pled guilty on September 28, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy beginning in at least January 2017, continuing to September 10, 2019, wherein Frazier was involved with several others to distribute between 50 and 200 grams of methamphetamine in and around the Gettysburg and Pierre and Ft. Pierre communities in South Dakota.

This case was investigated by the Pierre Police Department, the Mobridge Police Department, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

Frazier will self-report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on January 5, 2021.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Pierre, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Exploitation of a Child; Distribution of Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors; and Possession of Child Pornography.

James Cadwell, age 39, was indicted on November 10, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 9, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 15 years up to 30 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years up to life of supervised release years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on October 26, 2020, Cadwell knowingly produced, distributed, and possessed child pornography.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pierre Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.   

Cadwell 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 Marcin Stanislaw Garbacz of Rapid City, South Dakota, who was convicted in March of 2020 on 65 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, transfer of stolen money, and filing false tax returns, has now been charged in federal district court with Engaging in Illicit Sexual Conduct in a Foreign Place and Possession of Child Pornography.  

Garbacz, age 41, was charged on February 19, 2020, in a sealed indictment.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 24, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the new charges. 

The maximum federal prison time upon conviction for Engaging in Illicit Sexual Conduct in a Foreign Place is 30 years, and the maximum federal prison time upon conviction of Possession of Child Pornography is 10 years. Both charges also include a penalty of a potential $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.  

The charges relate to Garbacz, while traveling in Poland, video recording an unclothed minor.  Additionally, Garbacz possessed child pornography on an electronic device.

The charges are merely an accusation and Garbacz is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

Garbacz was sentenced on November 23, 2020, to 7 years and 9 months in custody on the previous charges.

Garbacz was detained pending trial. 

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man who pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on November 16, 2020, by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.  

Christopher Bell, age 26, was sentenced to a total of 12.5 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 April 2020, Bell obtained and distributed methamphetamine in the Rapid City area.

This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the South Dakota National Guard.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case. 

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a St. Cloud, Minnesota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on November 23, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Sybil Maria Rogers, age 46, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Rogers was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 4, 2018. She pled guilty on August 17, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning at an unknown date and continuing until about July 30, 2016, when Rogers knowingly and intentionally conspired and agreed with others to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  During her involvement in the conspiracy, Rogers obtained the methamphetamine from a co-conspirator and sold it to others in South Dakota.  Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance.

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.

Rogers 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 convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced on November 30, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Abraham Joseph Crane, a/k/a Abraham Joseph Pretty Voice, a/k/a Sam Crane, age 65, was sentenced to time served through January 5, 2021, equal to approximately 18 months in custody, 10 years of supervised release, $1,462.71 in restitution, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Crane was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 14, 2019.  He pled guilty on September 14, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred between August 1, 2018, and November 16, 2018, in Todd County, South Dakota, wherein Crane did knowingly engage in sexual contact with a person who was incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct.

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

Crane 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 Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on November 30, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Aaron Brian James Neck, age 44, was sentenced to 10 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.

Neck was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, 2019.  He pled guilty on September 14, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on August 29, 2019, near Norris, South Dakota, when Neck did forcibly assault and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and such conduct did involve physical contact.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. 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 an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises was sentenced on November 30, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Juanita Red Bird, age 26, was sentenced to a time served sentence of ten days in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Red Bird was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 10, 2020.  She pled guilty to a Superseding Information on September 14, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from Red Bird’s conduct between 2018 and 2019, wherein she used a residence near Eagle Butte to sell marijuana.

This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trials Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Marcin Stanislaw Garbacz, age 42, an ordained priest assigned to the Catholic Diocese in Rapid City, South Dakota, was sentenced on November 23, 2020 by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge, on fifty counts of Wire Fraud, nine counts of Money Laundering, one count of Transportation of Stolen Money, and five counts of Making and Subscribing a False Tax Return. Garbacz was convicted in March 2020 following a week-long jury trial at the federal courthouse in Rapid City.

Garbacz was sentenced to 7 years and 9 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.  Garbacz was ordered to pay a $6,500 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and $258,696.19 in restitution to be split equally between three churches - St. Therese the Little Flower, Blessed Sacrament, and Cathedral of our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH), and $46,008 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

The evidence at trial established Garbacz, while employed as a priest and Chaplin with the Catholic Diocese in Rapid City, devised a scheme to steal cash collected from parishioners at various church services by secretly entering the areas in three parish churches where weekly donations were stored.  Garbacz entered the church buildings late in the evening, removing and replacing special, tamper-proof bank bags, and making multiple same-day deposits totaling tens of thousands of dollars of stolen cash donations.  Between 2012 and 2018, Garbacz stole $258,696.19 from St. Therese, Blessed Sacrament, and Cathedral OLPH Catholic Parishes in Rapid City.  Garbacz also filed false tax returns for tax years 2013 through 2017.

Garbacz used the more than $250,000.00 in stolen donations to purchase for himself over a dozen gold-plated chalices, numerous bronze statues, a $10,000 diamond ring, a grand piano, Mont Blanc fountain pens, and other items.

Once he was made aware of the federal investigation, Garbacz drained his bank account of $50,500 and bought a one-way plane ticket to Poland.  Fortunately, he was arrested by federal agents at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in May 2019 just before his flight was to depart. 

“Parishioners put their faith and trust in this man, and in return, he put their money in his pocket, all in the name of selfishness and greed.  Marcin Garbacz not only betrayed the parishioners, he betrayed his fellow priests, so he could carry out his vendetta against the Catholic Church,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “This office will always stand up and help protect victims of financial fraud, and I appreciate the hard work of the IRS, which worked tirelessly to investigate this case and Garbacz’s criminal behavior.”

“While serving as a priest from 2012 through 2018, Mr. Garbacz violated the trust of the members of St. Therese the Little Flower, Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Blessed Sacrament for his own personal gain. Now, as a convicted felon, it is time for Mr. Garbacz to face his community and pay back the money he stole from the three parishes plus pay 5 years of unpaid federal taxes to the IRS,” said Adam Steiner, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation division in the St. Louis Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office remain committed to protect the integrity of the tax system and innocent victims that suffer monetary loss.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted and tried the case, and the investigation was led by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Garbacz was immediately remanded to the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his custody sentence.  

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on November 24, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Philip Battese, a/k/a Philip Anthony Battese, Jr., age 39, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Battese was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 9, 2019.  He pled guilty on July 31, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy beginning in at least January 2016, continuing to April 9, 2019, wherein Battese was involved with several others to distribute at least 200 grams of methamphetamine in and around the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Indian Reservations in South Dakota. The individuals who provided Battese with the methamphetamine knew that he intended to engage in further distribution of the methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Crow Creek Agency and Lower Brule Agency, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse was sentenced on November 23, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Roland Hawk, Sr., age 52, was sentenced to 222 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 9, 2019.  He pled guilty on June 16, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident in November 2018, in Fort Thompson, when Hawk knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in a sexual act with an individual by the use of force.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on November 23, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Chae Lynn LeClaire, age 29, 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.

LeClaire was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 10, 2019.  She pled guilty on August 10, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on July 23, 2019, when LeClaire assaulted an individual with a chair with the intent to do bodily harm.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Possession of Child Pornography, was sentenced on November 23, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Dustin Red Legs, age 41, was sentenced to 264 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Red Legs was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 14, 2019.  He was found guilty by a jury at trial on July 31, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on September 24, 2018, when Red Legs knowingly used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct in Eagle Butte, South Dakota.  Red Legs further knowingly possessed and attempted to possess material that contained an image of child pornography, which had been mailed and shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Boulder, Colorado, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

James Rutledge, age 49, was indicted on November 10, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 23, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum 10 years, up to life in federal prison and/or a $10,000,000 fine, at least five years, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and $300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that beginning at a time unknown, but no later than on or about the March 1, 2020, and continuing to on or about November 10, 2020, Rutledge did knowingly and intentionally, combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with persons known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in central South Dakota.  Further, on or about August 28, 2020, Rutledge did knowingly and intentionally possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and then being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, did knowingly possess a handgun, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce and foreign commerce.

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

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 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 Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

Rutledge 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 Denver, Colorado, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Timothy Zuk, age 47, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 23, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that beginning at a time unknown but no later than on or about January 1, 2019, and continuing to on or about January 1, 2020, Zuk, did knowingly and intentionally, combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with persons known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

Zuk 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 Cherry Creek, South Dakota, man convicted of Arson was sentenced on November 24, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Joshua Adams Hale, age 30, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $46,621.20, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Hale 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 9, 2020, wherein Hale willfully and maliciously set fire to and burned the chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Cherry Creek.  The chapel was completely destroyed by the fire.

This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Lancaster, California, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on November 23, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Bryan Howard a/k/a “Chase Profit,” age 32, was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Howard was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 12, 2019.  He pled guilty on February 10, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from incidents between May 1, 2015, and October 31, 2015, when Howard knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 1.5 kilograms or more of methamphetamine in South Dakota.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller 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 Yankton, South Dakota, man convicted of Felon in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on November 16, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Jesse Ray Rains, age 40, was sentenced to 12 months and a day in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Rains was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 8, 2019.  He pled guilty on August 26, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on October 17, 2018, when law enforcement executed a lawful search of Rains’ home and discovered several firearms, including a DPMS, Model A-15, 5.56 NATO caliber rifle; a Sturm, Ruger & Company Inc., Model American Rimfire, 17 HMR caliber rifle; a Sturm, Ruger & Company Inc., Model 10/22., .22 caliber rifle; and a Smith & Wesson, Model SD40VE., .40 caliber pistol.

At that time, Rains was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had been previously convicted of one or more crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year. 

The seized firearms were manufactured at facilities outside of South Dakota and, thus, were transported across state lines at some point during or before Rains possessed them.

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 Union County Sheriff’s Office.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara P. Nash prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a transient man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on November 16, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

John McDonald, age 43, was sentenced to 28 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

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

The conviction stemmed from an incident on November 25, 2019, when McDonald knowingly had possession of a Taurus model 709 slim, 9 x 19 Luger caliber, semi-automatic pistol and 4 rounds of Hornady brand ammunition. 

On November 25, 2019, the Sioux Falls Police Department was dispatched to a "shots fired" call in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Subsequently, law enforcement conducted a search of the involved home, and inside, a firearm and ammunition were located.   McDonald knew that he was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had been previously convicted of one or more crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year.

The seized firearm was manufactured at facilities outside of South Dakota and, thus, was transported across state lines at some point during or before McDonald’s possession of it.

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 Sioux Falls Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara P. Nash prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sisseton, South Dakota, man was sentenced in federal court on November 12, 2020, for transferring obscene material to a minor.  The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol.

Aydan Sam Kirk, age 23, was sentenced to 26 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.  Kirk was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

According to court documents, on or about September 26, 2019, Kirk knowingly used a computer connected to the internet and a mobile phone to transfer and attempt to transfer obscene matter to another individual who was 15 years old.  Kirk utilized Facebook and transferred obscene videos and messages to a minor.  At the time of the transfer, Kirk knew the general nature of the contents of the material, specifically discussing sexual acts that he wanted to preform on the minor, and he knew that the minor was 15 years old. 

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.   

Kirk was remanded to custody to serve his sentence.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Sioux Falls and Yankton, South Dakota, men were sentenced in federal court on November 13, 2020, for Interference with Commerce by Threats and Violence and Brandishing a Firearm During a Federal Crime of Violence.  The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol.

Steven Joseph King, age 30 from Sioux Falls, was sentenced to 9 years of imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.  King was also ordered to pay $1,621 in restitution and $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Spencer William Brown, Jr., age 51 from Yankton, was sentenced to 6 years of imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.  Brown was also ordered to pay $1,621 in restitution and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

According to court documents, on or about January 6, 2020, King and Brown robbed a victim from a Hartford business, by unlawfully taking and obtaining U.S. currency against the victim’s will by means of actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury immediate and future, by brandishing a firearm, demanding money, and forcibly taking the money.    

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.

The investigation was conducted by the Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson prosecuted the case.   

King and Brown were remanded to custody to serve their sentences.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Theft of Government Funds was sentenced on November 16, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Robert Brannon, age 30, was sentenced to 5 years of probation, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Brannon was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 3, 2019.  He pled guilty on August 27, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from incidents between on or about October 2015 and February 2019, when Brannon willfully and knowingly embezzled, stole, and purloined money from departments or agencies of the United States, namely, Title XVI program benefits payments made to himself and his wife, which are administered by the United States Social Security Administration (SSA). 

In approximately 2009, Brannon was awarded Title XVI supplemental security income (SSI) program benefits payments benefits.  He was repeatedly advised of his reporting responsibilities.

In approximately August 2014, Brannon married his wife, who also receives Title XVI SSI program benefits payments.  Brannon became his wife’s representative payee and was repeatedly advised of his reporting responsibilities.

On December 15, 2015, Brannon participated in a non-medical review with a Sioux Falls SSA employee regarding both his and his wife’s SSI benefits.  During this review, Brannon said that he received no additional income, other than his and his wife’s SSI benefits payments.  Once the review was complete, Brannon attested under the penalty of perjury that the information he provided was true and correct to the best of his knowledge.  Brannon did not tell the SSA that, in fact, he was employed and earning income.

On November 1, 2018, Brannon and his wife initiated a telephonic non-medical review with a Yankton SSA employee regarding both of their SSI benefits.  They did not report any wages.  Once the review was complete, they both attested under the penalty of perjury that the information they provided was true and correct to the best of their knowledge.  Brannon did not tell the SSA that, in fact, he was employed and earning income.

From approximately October 2015 through February 2019, Brannon was employed by Panera Bread, Billion, Wells Fargo, and Midco.  Because Brannon lied to the SSA about his income and failed to disclose his employment, it caused the SSA to mistakenly pay SSI benefits, which exceeded $1,000, to Brannon and his wife.  Brannon and his wife used the funds for their own purposes. 

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Cooperative Disability Investigation Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on November 13, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Betsy Running Shield, age 37, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Running Shield was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020.  She pled guilty on July 1, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about March 2020, when Running Shield, along with at least one other person, reached an agreement, or came to an understanding, to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of a substance containing methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota.

During her involvement, Running Shield received methamphetamine from a co-conspirator for redistribution in South Dakota and elsewhere.

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.

Running Shield was allowed to self-surrender on or before January 5, 2021.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons 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.

Moses Montileaux Jr., age 39, was sentenced on November 20, 2020, to 37 months 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.

The conviction stems from Montileaux, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, possessing a Bryco Arms 9mm semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Montileaux came into contact with Rapid City police officers in March 2019.

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

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