District of South Dakota

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on October 13, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol.

Pierre Patrick LeClaire, a/k/a “Uncle,” age 47, 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.

LeClaire was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020. He pled guilty on July 16, 2020.

During his involvement, LeClaire and co-conspirators transported and distributed methamphetamine in South Dakota and elsewhere. They were aware that the methamphetamine supplied would be distributed to drug customers in South Dakota.  Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Iowa State Patrol, and the State of Iowa Department of Public Safety.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Wire Fraud.

Dallas Harkness, age 63, was indicted on October 7, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 8, 2020, 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, 3 years of supervised release, and up to $1,600 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on beginning on or about January 2010 and continuing through September 25, 2018, Harkness, who was a sales manager for Curry Seed Company located in Elk Point, South Dakota, devised and intended to devise a scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain money and property from others by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises, using electronic wire communications.

Harkness would receive checks from Curry Seed customers as payment or pre-payment for seed, but instead of sending the checks to Curry Seed for deposit, Harkness would falsely and fraudulently deposit some of those checks from customers into checking account he controlled.  Harkness then used the funds for his own purposes.

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

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

Harkness 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 convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Wildlife Trafficking was sentenced on October 6, 2020, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Troy Fairbanks, age 57, was sentenced to 5 years’ probation, and was ordered to pay $15,816 in restitution to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Fairbanks was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2017.  The charge related to Fairbanks conspiring with his sons and other individuals to traffic in wildlife—specifically, bald and golden eagles, various species of hawks, and fifteen other bird species—and parts of those birds. Fairbanks, the owner/operator of a Native American dance business called Buffalo Dreamers, bought, sold, traded, and bartered eagles and hawks and their parts on numerous occasions between July 17, 2014, and February 11, 2016.  Fairbanks sold and traded hundreds of eagle feathers, as well as eagle wings, eagle heads, eagle claws, raptor claws, hawk feathers, and parts from other CITES I protected birds.  The National Fish and Wildlife Forensic lab conducted DNA testing of the carcasses, parts, and feathers recovered through these purchases and after a search warrant conducted at Fairbanks’s home. The DNA testing revealed at least 112 eagles passed through his home during the investigation.

Fairbanks is one of the last defendants of the Project Dakota Flyer investigation to be sentenced.  To date, 29 defendants have been sentenced, resulting in $56,000 in fines and $196,546 in restitution. 

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 a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse and two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact.

Anthony Joseph Terentino, Jr., age 44, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The charges relate to Terentino engaging in nonconsensual sexual acts with a female at Ellsworth Air Force Base between December 2018 and May 2019.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.

Terentino was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has been set for December 15, 2020.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Wire Fraud was sentenced by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Calvin Waln, Jr., a/k/a “Hawkeye” Waln, age 42, was sentenced on October 5, 2020, to time served, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered within 30 days.

Waln was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2019.  The charge related to Waln inheriting funds from a life insurance policy of his mothers.  The funds were deposited into a bank account and a checkbook was provided to Waln for his use.  Waln depleted the funds and then passed nine additional checks totaling $2,525.00, knowing there were insufficient funds in the account.  Waln also used checks linked to a Wells Fargo account, which he knew was closed at least seven years, to write thirteen additional checks knowing there was no account with funds to cover them.

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

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

Gordon Primeaux, age 62, was indicted on October 7, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 14, 2020, 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, 3 years of supervised release, and up to $300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about August 22, 2020, Primeaux unlawfully assaulted a male victim, by repeatedly stabbing him in the chest with a knife.   

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yankton Sioux Law Enforcement.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.   

Primeaux 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 Todd County, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota, beginning on October 6, 2020, and concluding on October 8, 2020.

Conrad Good Voice, Jr., age 24, was indicted on February 11, 2020. 

The charge stemmed from an alleged incident that occurred in June 2018, near Mission, South Dakota.

The investigation was conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man and woman have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Second Degree Burglary and Larceny.

Jesse Phillip Clairmont, Jr., age 42, and Tera Jo Larvie, age 27, were indicted on March 9, 2020.  Clairmont appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 13, 2020, and Larvie appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 7, 2020.  On those respective dates, both pled not guilty to the Indictment.  Clairmont changed his plea to guilty on August 12, 2020.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 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 January 23, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota, Clairmont and Larvie unlawfully entered a home and stole personal property valued at over $1,000.

The charges are merely accusations and Larvie 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 J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.   

Larvie was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has not been set for Larvie.  Clairmont was released pending sentencing set for November 2, 2020.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Murdo, South Dakota, woman convicted of Possession of Methamphetamine was sentenced on October 6, 2020, by U.S. Magistrate Mark A. Moreno.

Moriah Moran, age 33, was sentenced to 2 years’ probation and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.

Moran was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 10, 2020.  She pled guilty on October 6, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from a traffic stop that occurred on May 7, 2019, on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota.  An eventual search of the vehicle revealed a small amount of methamphetamine and several items of drug paraphernalia.   

This case was investigated 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 prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation, two counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Spouse, Intimate Partner, or Dating Partner was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.

Dallas Yellow Shield Condon, age 25, was sentenced for the charges on October 1, 2020.  On each charge he received 57 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  It was further ordered that the time in federal prison and supervised release run concurrently. 

Yellow Shield Condon was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2018.  On July 20, 2015, Yellow Shield Condon assaulted his sister in the face with his fist.  She sustained maxillary sinus and orbital basement fractures.  Following this assault in Pine Ridge, Yellow Shield Condon traveled to Wounded Knee and assaulted his dating partner by strangling her with his hands to the point of her losing consciousness.  When she started to regain consciousness, Yellow Shield Condon physically assaulted her in the face, chest, and abdomen. 

On October 28, 2015, just three months after the initial assaults, Yellow Shield Condon assaulted his dating partner multiple times with a closed fist injuring her face and nose.  In October 2016, Yellow Shield Condon assaulted his dating partner in Pine Ridge by striking her in the face repeatedly.  The victim’s nose was fractured, requiring surgical intervention.

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

Yellow Shield Condon was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

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

Dawson Donner, age 22, was indicted on September 9, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 5, 2020, 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, 5 years and up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that in February 2020, in Buffalo County on the Crow Creek Reservation, Donner knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, sexual acts with two minor victims who had not attained the age of 16.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagan, Minnesota, man and a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man, both convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, have been sentenced to federal prison terms by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Jason Allen Herr, age 42, from Sioux Falls, was sentenced to 262 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.

William John Hall, Jr., age 39, from Eagan, was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Hall and Herr were indicted by a federal grand jury on August 6, 2019.  Herr pleaded guilty on October 31, 2019, and Hall pleaded guilty on July 13, 2020.  Herr was sentenced on January 13, 2020, and Hall was sentenced on October 5, 2020.

The convictions stemmed from incidents beginning on an unknown date and continuing until about July 31, 2019, when both Hall and Herr knowingly and intentionally conspired with each other and others and obtained 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and resold it to others in the District of South Dakota.  Methamphetamine is a Scheduled II controlled substance.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Sioux Falls Drug Task Force, and the Nobles County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.

Herr was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following his sentencing. Hall is to self-surrender on or before October 19, 2020.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Production of Child Pornography was sentenced on October 5, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

David Jon Kindle, age 40, was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison, five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Kindle was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 8, 2019.  He pleaded guilty on July 13, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on or about between November 22, 2018, and November 28, 2018, when Kindle texted a 15-year-old girl.  Kindle knew the girl's mother and texted the juvenile over 2,000 times.  He eventually coerced the girl into sending him nude photos of herself. 

Kindle’s lengthy prior criminal history prompted U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons to comment that: “Thanks to the combined efforts and teamwork of the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, another child predator has been taken off the streets.”

“Adults who use their access to children for their own sexual gratification are both a danger and a disgrace," said Michael Paul, special agent in charge of the FBI's Minneapolis Field Office. "The FBI and our law enforcement partners will never stop working to put predators who harm children behind bars. These are incredibly disturbing cases to investigate, but each time we're able to step in and protect a child victim from further sexual abuse, it's a good day," Paul added.

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mays Landing, New Jersey, man charged with Wire Fraud pled guilty and was sentenced on October 2, 2020, by District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Mark A. Johnson, d/b/a Atlantic Power & Equipment, L.L.C., age 60, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, restitution to Dakota Nations Gaming Enterprise in the amount of $149,600, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 5, 2019. 

The conviction stemmed from an incident between on or about March 2014 and July 2014.

In approximately February 2014, the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate (SWO) Tribal Council authorized the Dakota Magic Casino to purchase lawn maintenance equipment.  The Dakota Nation Gaming Enterprise (DNGE) oversees gaming operations occurring on the SWO Reservation, including operations at the Dakota Magic Casino.

On or about March 25, 2014, Johnson submitted a proposal to the DNGE to provide refurbished lawn maintenance equipment.  Johnson falsely and fraudulently represented that the equipment would be delivered to the Dakota Magic Casino four to six weeks after the date of order.  The DNGE agreed to purchase the refurbished lawn maintenance equipment from Johnson.

On or about March 28, 2014, Dakota Magic Casino prepared and mailed a check for $149,600 payable to Atlantic Power & Equipment, LLC as full payment for the refurbished lawn maintenance equipment.  Johnson received and deposited the check and used the funds for his own purposes.  This transaction involved an interstate wire transmission on or about March 31, 2014, from Dacotah Bank in South Dakota to Wells Fargo Bank in New Jersey, through the Endpoint Exchange in Oklahoma.  The equipment was never delivered to the Dakota Magic Casino, nor did Johnson refund the money to the Dakota Magic Casino. 

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman. 

Johnson was 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 Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on October 5, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Shilo Philip Hill, age 25, 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.

Hill was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 16, 2019.  He pled guilty on July 20, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from a traffic stop involving Hill on April 18, 2019, west of Dupree, South Dakota.  Hill was a passenger in the stopped car and at that time, he knowingly possessed a stolen and loaded .357 Mangum caliber revolver.  In addition to the revolver, Hill possessed a scale, baggies, and a small amount of methamphetamine.  Hill was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a felony conviction and the fact that he was a user of methamphetamine.     

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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Vermillion, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on September 29, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol.

Pat Aske Win Jones, age 32, was sentenced to 120 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.

Jones was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020. She pled guilty on June 24, 2020.

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

On May 29, 2019, a vehicle Jones was driving in, for the purposes of transporting methamphetamine, was stopped and searched by law enforcement.  Inside the vehicle, law enforcement located over 4,000 grams of methamphetamine.    

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Spearfish, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.  

Bernard Andrew Wagner, Jr., age 57, was charged on September 23, 2020.  Wagner appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on September 25, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 15 up to 30 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, lifetime supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to Wagner attempting to sexually exploit an undercover law enforcement agent posing as a minor.   The charge is merely an accusation and Wagner is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

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

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 on September 29, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol.

Jacob Gavin Robert McCloskey, age 22, was sentenced to 15 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.

McCloskey was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020.  He pled guilty on June 25, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on or about October 22, 2019, when McCloskey knowingly possessed a SCCY Industries, model CPX-2, 9x19mm Luger caliber, semi-automatic pistol bearing serial number 657216.

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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.

McCloskey 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 was charged in federal district court with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Jesse Warbonnett, age 23, was charged on September 17, 2020.  Warbonnett appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on September 25, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years’ supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to Warbonnett, previously convicted of a felony and prohibited from possessing firearms, possessing a CZ, 7.62x25 caliber, semi-automatic pistol in September 2020 in Rapid City.  The charge is merely an accusation and Warbonnett 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Jerel Gay, age 26, was charged on September 17, 2020.  Gay appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on September 25, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years’ supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to Gay, previously convicted of a felony and prohibited from possessing firearms, possessing a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic pistol in August 2020 in Rapid City.  The charge is merely an accusation and Gay 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Isaiah Cross White, age 36, was charged on September 17, 2020.  Cross White appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on September 25, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years’ supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to Cross White, previously convicted of a felony and prohibited from possessing firearms, possessing a Smith & Wesson double-action revolver in June 2020 in Rapid City.  The charge is merely an accusation and Cross White 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.

Cross White was detained pending trial.  A trial date has not been set. 

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Marvin Brings Plenty, age 30, was charged on September 17, 2020.  Brings Plenty appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on September 23, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years’ supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to Brings Plenty, previously convicted of a felony and prohibited from possessing firearms, possessing a Hi-Point 9mm semi-automatic pistol in May 2020 in Rapid City.  The charge is merely an accusation and Brings Plenty 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.

Brings Plenty was detained 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 two counts of Sexual Abuse.

Brandon Lindemann, a/k/a Brandon Lindeman, age 35, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The charges relate to Lindemann sexually abusing a juvenile female at a time when she was incapable of consent, near Porcupine, in February 2020.

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

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

Lindemann was released on bond pending trail.  A trial date has been set for December 8, 2020.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Embezzlement from an Indian Tribal Organization was sentenced by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

John Jay Hussman III, age 33, was sentenced on September 24, 2020, to time served, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $3,086.52 in restitution to Pizza Hut.

Hussman was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2019.  The charge related to Hussman coming into possession of a check written on the account of Oglala Lakota College to OST Financial Services in the amount of $2,004.25.  Hussman endorsed the check in his own name and deposited it in his personal checking account in Gordon, Nebraska, on December 17, 2018.  Hussman then engaged in a spending spree, depleting his checking account by making purchases at various local and online retailers, making ATM withdrawals, and making a payment to a credit card. 

Hussman paid this money back to the Oglala Lakota College before sentencing.  As part of the plea agreement, Hussman was also ordered to pay $3,086.52 in restitution to Pizza Hut and a second Larceny charge was dismissed.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mobridge, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Stanley Gene Schily, Sr., age 65, was indicted on September 9, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on September 29, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 40 years in prison and/or a $5,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

The Indictment alleges that beginning at a time unknown, but no later than January 1, 2020, and continuing through March 5, 2020, Schily knowingly and intentionally conspired with other people to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in and around Mobridge, South Dakota.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Mobridge Police Department, the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, the Corson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Northern Plains Safe Trials Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

Schily was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date was set for December 7, 2020.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Maiming and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

Teyaune Clairmont, a/k/a Teyaune Clairmont Escobedo, age 29, was indicted on September 9, 2020.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 30, 2020, 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, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on June 27, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota, Clairmont assaulted a woman by biting her nose with the intent to maim and disfigure, and that the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.

The charges are merely accusations and Clairmont 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.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Hudson, South Dakota, man convicted of Wire Fraud was sentenced on September 29, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol.

Christopher Day, age 31, was sentenced to 5 years of probation, restitution in the amount of $319,041.86 to Pedersen Machine, Inc., and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Day was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 4, 2020.  He pled guilty on June 17, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from incidents starting in 2015 until 2019, when Day, who was employed by Pedersen Machine, Inc., engaged in a scheme to steal tractor parts belonging to his employer, and selling them online. 

Day would order the parts for himself but would not pay for them.  Instead, he would make it appear that the parts were ordered on behalf of Pedersen Machine’s customers.  When the parts arrived, he would take the parts home and canceled the orders on Pedersen Machine’s computer system so the legitimate customer did not receive an invoice.  He would then sell the parts online from his home and convert the profits to his own use.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Division of Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Box Elder, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.  

John Cody Klingman, age 29, was charged on September 17, 2020.  Klingman appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on September 23, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 5 up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Klingman receiving and possessing child pornography between October 2014 and October 2019.  The charges are merely an accusation and Klingman is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is a joint effort between 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 is prosecuting the case.

Klingman was released on conditions.  A trial date has been set for December 1, 2020. 

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Box Elder, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Attempted Enticement of a Minor, Distribution of Child Pornography, Receipt of Child Pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography.  

Cody Allen Green, age 37, was charged on September 17, 2020.  Green appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on September 21, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 15 up to 30 years in federal prison and/or a $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 Green sexually exploiting an underage female in March 2019 via Facebook messenger by producing images of child pornography. He remained in possession of the images thereafter.  A search of Green’s devices found that he knowingly received, distributed, and possessed images depicting minors involved in sexually explicit conduct. The charges are merely an accusation and Green is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, Department of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s office   Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.

Green was detained pending trial.  A trial date has been set for November 24, 2020.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that David D. Larvie, Jr., age 38, of Mission, South Dakota, was found guilty of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota. 

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  

Larvie was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 13, 2019.  The charge stems from an incident that occurred on October 25, 2019, in Mission.  On that evening, law enforcement responded to a report that a shot had been fired from a vehicle driven by Larvie in the South Antelope Community, near Mission.  Law enforcement subsequently located the suspect vehicle in Mission, and arrested Larvie.  Larvie had a plastic bag containing .22 caliber ammunition in his pants pocket and a search of the vehicle revealed a .22 caliber revolver. 

Larvie has three prior felony convictions.  He was convicted of Third Degree Burglary and Failure to Appear in U.S. District Court in 2003.  He was convicted of Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence in U.S. District Court in 2008.  As a result of these convictions, it is illegal for Larvie to possess firearms or ammunition.  Larvie will forfeit ownership of the firearm and ammunition to the United States. 

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.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for December 14, 2020.  Larvie was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.

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

Anthony Black Wolf, age 33, was indicted on September 9, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 28, 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, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on January 12, 2020, in Mellette County, South Dakota, Black Wolf assaulted an individual with an axe with the intent to do bodily harm, and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.

The charges are merely accusations and Black Wolf 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.   

Black Wolf 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 Todd County, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on September 28, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Edward Zane Roubideaux, Jr., age 30, was sentenced to 21 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.

Roubideaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 10, 2019.  He pled guilty on July 20, 2020.

Roubideaux was convicted of Abuse of a Minor in May 2008.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. Between August 15, 2019, and September 19, 2019, Roubideaux failed to register and update his registration.

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

Roubideaux 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 Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on September 28, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Justin Whiting, age 20, was sentenced to 6 months in federal prison, followed by 6 months of home confinement, 30 months of supervised release, forfeiture of firearm, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Whiting was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 14, 2020.  He pled guilty on July 23, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on December 5, 2019, in St. Francis, South Dakota.  On that date, Rosebud Sioux Falls Law Enforcement Services responded to a call for service from St. Francis Indian School regarding Whiting.  The investigation revealed that Whiting had brought a handgun to school and that he was addicted to, and an unlawful user of, marijuana.

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.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter was sentenced on September 28, 2020, by  Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Steven Burning Breast, age 24, was sentenced to 37 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.

Burning Breast was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 13, 2019.  He pled guilty on July 9, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on April 22, 2019, in Todd County, South Dakota.  On that date, Burning Breast had been consuming alcohol, and was driving a car eastbound on US Highway 18.  The victims, an adult male and an adult female, were passengers in the vehicle.  As Burning Breast approached a curve at a high rate of speed, he lost control of the vehicle and left the roadway.  The vehicle rolled multiple times, causing the victims to be ejected from the vehicle.  The victims died as a result of injuries suffered in the wreck.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bennett County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a White Horse, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on September 21, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Kip Blue Coat, age 29, 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.

Blue Coat was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 11, 2020.  He pled guilty on June 29, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on October 26, 2019, in Eagle Butte, when Blue Coat assaulted an individual who was sleeping by repeatedly punching him in the face.  The assault caused serious injury to the victim and surgery was required.

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

Blue Coat 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 has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, and Commission of a Crime of Violence While Failing to Register as a Sex Offender.

Patrick Luke Black Spotted Horse, age 31, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 23, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on June 14, 2020, in Mellette County, South Dakota, Black Spotted Horse assaulted an individual with a sharp-edged instrument with the intent to do bodily harm and that the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.  Black Spotted Horse is alleged to have committed the assault while having failed to Register as a Sex Offender.  Black Spotted Horse was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in March 2010.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  The Indictment further alleges that between May 1, 2020, and June 14, 2020, and again between June 19, 2020, and August 11, 2020, Black Spotted Horse, 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 charges are merely accusations and Black Spotted Horse is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

Black Spotted Horse 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 Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Scirgio Iron Shell, age 28, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 23, 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, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Iron Shell was convicted of Attempted Possession of Child Pornography in June 2017. As a result of the conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  The Indictment alleges between September 10, 2019, and August 11, 2020, Iron Shell, 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 Iron Shell is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

Iron Shell 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 Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Third Degree Burglary and Theft of Government Property.

Preston White Feather, age 24, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 23, 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, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on multiple dates between April 8, 2020, and April 21, 2020, White Feather unlawfully entered multiple businesses and Government buildings in Mission, South Dakota, with the intent to commit the crime of larceny therein.  The Indictment further alleges that on one of the occasions, the Defendant stole a pickup truck, the property of the United States.

The charges are merely accusations and White Feather 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.   

White Feather 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 Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Ron Carlos Carter, age 43, was indicted on September 9, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on September 22, 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, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on April 9, 2020, Carter, then being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and knowing he was an unlawful user of a controlled substance, knowingly possessed a firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce and foreign commerce, on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.

The charge is merely an accusation and Carter 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, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency, and the Mobridge Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter was sentenced on September 21, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Antoine Medicine Crow, Jr., age 38, was sentenced to 30 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.

Medicine Crow was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2019.  He pled guilty on June 29, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on April 26, 2019, in Buffalo County, on the Crow Creek Reservation, when Medicine Crow operated a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.  Medicine Crow attempted to pass another vehicle, at a high rate of speed, and lost control of the car.  The vehicle careened into the ditch and rolled over multiple times.  Medicine Crow and another individual were both ejected from the car, with the ejected passenger ultimately dying from her injuries. 

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

Medicine Crow 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 Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child and Failure to Appear was sentenced on September 21, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Theodore Taylor, Jr. a/k/a “Tedder”, age 35, was sentenced to 11 years and 6 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.

Taylor was indicted by a federal grand jury for the Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child on May 14, 2019, and on October 16, 2019, for the Failure to Appear.  He pled guilty to both charges on July 7, 2020.

The Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child conviction stemmed from multiple incidents between 2013 and 2016, on the Cheyenne River Reservation, when Taylor knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual contact with a child who had not attainted the age of 12 years. 

The Failure to Appear conviction stemmed from August 17, 2019, when Taylor was ordered to report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service for violating the terms and conditions of his release on bond, and knowingly failed to do so. 

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Daniel Gray Eagle, age 39, of Eagle Butte, South Dakota, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute as a result of a three-day federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota. 

The convictions carry a maximum sentence of at least 10 years up to life in federal prison, and/or a $10,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.    

Gray Eagle was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 10, 2019, and a superseding indictment was filed on July 16, 2020. 

The jury found that between January 1, 2017, and February 7, 2020, Gray Eagle knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine in South Dakota.  Gray Eagle routinely traveled to Rapid City, South Dakota, to acquire methamphetamine, which he primarily distributed in Eagle Butte.

The jury also found Gray Eagle guilty of two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute.  The first count 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, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, City of Faith Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Division of Drug Enforcement, and the South Dakota National Guard.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

A sentencing date was set for December 14, 2020.  Gray Eagle was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Threats Against the President.

Lucian Celestine, age 29, was indicted on August 20, 2020, and September 17, 2020.  Celestine appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on September 11, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the firearms charge.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Celestine, a person prohibited from possessing firearms, acquiring and possessing a Browning bolt-action rifle, scope, and ammunition in late June of 2020 at Rapid City.  Celestine later threatened to shoot the President of the United States by climbing Mount Rushmore and shooting the President from the top of the memorial during the Independence Day celebration.  The charges are merely accusations and Celestine 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’ssignature 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 Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the United States Secret Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.

Celestine was detained pending trial.  A trial date has been set for November 17, 2020. 

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Tyndall, South Dakota, man convicted of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender and was sentenced on September 21, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Jose Eduardo Rodriguez, age 44, was sentenced to 52 months in federal prison for each charge, followed by 3 years of supervised release for the firearm charge and 5 years of supervised release for the failure to register as a sex offender charge, to run concurrently, forfeiture of the firearm and all ammunition found in his possession, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Rodriguez was indicted on both charges by a federal grand jury on February 11, 2020.  He pled guilty to both charges on June 30, 2020.

The convictions stem from an incident that occurred on December 26, 2019, during a traffic stop, Rodriguez was found with an unregistered firearm and multiple rounds of ammunition.  Rodriguez, knowingly possessed a firearm made from a rifle, with a barrel of less than sixteen inches in length, which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.  Further, Rodriguez was convicted of Fourth Degree Rape in July 1998.  As a result of his conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  Between August 18, 2019, and December 26, 2019, the date of the traffic stop, Rodriguez had failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.    

The firearm charge 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 firearm charge 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.            

These cases were investigated by the Murdo Police Department, the Lyman County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Box Elder, South Dakota, men has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Unauthorized Access to a Protected Computer to Defraud.

Jacob Sheldon LaFlash, age 25, and Bryan Bernhold, age 25, were indicted on January 22, 2020.  LaFlash appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollman on January 24, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.  Bernhold appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollman on September 18, 2020, and also 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, 3 years of supervised release, and up to $900 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Count 1 of the Indictment alleges that beginning on or about October 5, 2017, through on or about May 1, 2018, both LaFlash and Bernhold knowingly and intentionally conspired with each other, to commit wire fraud.

Counts 2 through 8 allege individual counts of wire fraud, and Count 9 alleges unauthorized access to a computer for the purpose of fraud.

The charges are merely accusations and LaFlash and Bernhold are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

LaFlash and Bernhold were released on bond pending trial.  LaFlash’s trial date has been set for May 31, 2021.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Dayton, Ohio, man was charged in federal district court with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Shawn Kerns, age 41, was indicted on September 9, 2020.  Kerns appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on September 16, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years 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.

Kerns was convicted of Gross Sexual Imposition in July 2012.  As a result of the conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender for life.  The Indictment alleges between November 11, 2019, and continuing through the date of Indictment, Kerns failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.  The charge is merely an accusation and Kerns is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Rapid City Police Department, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.

Kerns 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 convicted of Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner was sentenced on September 21, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Charles Grey Owl, a/k/a Raymond Keith Grey Owl, age 49, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Grey Owl was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 10, 2019.  He pled guilty on June 25, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on July 30, 2019, where Grey Owl unlawfully committed a domestic assault upon his intimate partner, who he has assaulted multiple times in the past.  Because of the assault, the victim suffered substantial bodily injury and extreme pain to her lower leg.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner was sentenced on September 21, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Thomas Drapeau, Sr., age 32, was sentenced to all time served, 6 months and 10 days, 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Drapeau was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2020.  He pled guilty on June 29, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on November 14, 2019, when Drapeau assaulted his intimate partner repeatedly about the head and face, causing severe bruising, lacerations, and two of the victim’s teeth to be displaced.   

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Clark, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography.

Anthony Dialo Holmes, age 36, was indicted on August 17, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on September 18, 2020, 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 between September 1, 2019, and May 22, 2020, Holmes knowingly received and distributed and attempted to receive and distribute, any child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.  

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Division of Criminal Investigation, Office of the Attorney General, Watertown Police Department, and the Clark Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons and Oglala Sioux Tribe Attorney General Scott James are pleased to announce that the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), part of the U.S. Department of Justice, has awarded a three-year grant to the Oglala Sioux Tribe to combat domestic violence and other serious crimes.  The Tribal Special Assistant United States Attorney (Tribal SAUSA) Initiative, financed through a partnership between OVW and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, funds and trains cross-deputized tribal prosecutors in federal law and procedure and investigative strategies so they can pursue domestic or sexual violence cases in tribal court, federal court, or both.

Under this initiative, the Oglala Sioux Tribe will receive funding to hire an additional tribal prosecutor, who will also be appointed as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of South Dakota, to prosecute domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking cases in both tribal and federal court.  This new position will enable the U.S. Attorney’s Office and OST Attorney General’s Office to increase their collaborative efforts to hold violent offenders accountable and bring justice to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse living within the Pine Ridge Reservation. 

“Working closely with the Oglala Sioux Tribe to protect victims and prosecute violent offenders for crimes committed on tribal land is a top priority for my office,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “This new position will help the Oglala Sioux Tribe take an even more robust approach to safeguarding domestic and sexual abuse victims and their families.  We look forward to partnering with Attorney General James and his team in this critically important initiative.”

"These additional resources to combat domestic violence crimes on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation were desperately needed,” said Attorney General James.  “We thank the U.S. Attorney's Office for helping the tribe to acquire this grant.  The Tribal Attorney General's Office looks forward to working with this new Special Assistant U.S. Attorney to hold offenders accountable and to bring justice to victims of domestic violence crimes." 

The Oglala Sioux Tribe is one of only five Indian tribes in the country to receive a Tribal SAUSA award this year.