District of South Dakota

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

Clifford Running Hawk, age 44, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on September 11, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 8 years in a 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.

Running Hawk is alleged to have operated a motor vehicle in a negligent manner, including driving while under the influence of alcohol and speeding, which caused a crash with an oncoming vehicle.  One of the passengers in that vehicle died from the injuries she sustained in the crash.

The charge is merely an accusation and Running Hawk 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 Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.

Running Hawk was released on bond pending trail.  A trial date has been set for November 17, 2020.

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

Leland Brown, age 44, was indicted on September 9, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 18, 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 20, 2020, Brown assaulted an individual with shod feet with the intent to do bodily harm and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Bureau of Indian Affairs Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirsten E. Jasper is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm While Under Indictment.

Judah Conrad Wainscoat, age 29, was indicted on September 1, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 17, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 5 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about April 27, 2020, Wainscoat, while subject to an indictment filed in state court in South Dakota that charged a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, received a 9mm Luger caliber, semi-automatic pistol, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sioux Falls Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

Wainscoat was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for November 24, 2020.

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

Adam Moran, a/k/a Cante Moran, age 26, was indicted on September 9, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 16, 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 May 19, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota, Moran did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with multiple law enforcement officers who were employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

The charges are merely accusations and Moran 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.   

Moran was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has been set for November 17, 2020.

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.

Sandy Mangelson, age 49, was indicted on September 1, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 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, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Mangelson was convicted of Sexual Contact With a Child Under Sixteen in November 2005 and Gross Sexual Imposition (with a child) in 2007. As a result of the convictions, Mangelson is required to register as a sex offender.  The Indictment alleges between December 5, 2019, and December 10, 2019, between December 20, 2019, and February 27, 2020, and between June 22, 2020, and June 25, 2020, Mangelson, 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 Mangelson 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.   

Mangelson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  Trial is currently set for November 17, 2020.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft of Government Funds, False Statement, and Concealment of Information from SSI Program.

Amber Lynn Roggenkamp, age 40, was indicted on September 1, 2020.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 15, 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 up to $300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

On the Theft of Government charge, the Indictment alleges that between on or about February 6, 2017, and September 30, 2019, Roggenkamp willfully and knowingly embezzled, stole, and purloined money from Title XVI Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  Roggenkamp lied to the Social Security Administration in order to obtain SSI benefits for her son. 

On the False Statement charge, the Indictment alleges that on or about July 12, 2019, Roggenkamp knowingly and willfully made false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement and representations during a SSI non-medical review.  Roggenkamp did not accurately report her household resources, including the balance of her savings account.

Finally, on the Concealment of Information from SSI Program charge, the Indictment alleges that on or about September 28, 2017, Roggenkamp, having knowledge of the occurrence of an event affecting the initial and continued right to receive payment of Title XVI SSI benefits payments on behalf of another individual, concealed and failed to disclose such event with the intent to fraudulently secure such benefits in a greater amount and quantity than was due, and when no such benefit was authorized.  Specifically, Roggenkamp failed to disclose the reactivation of her savings account with a large deposit in order to continue to receive and spend SSI benefits payments made by the Social Security Administration for the benefit of the minor child for whom she served as representative payee.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and False Statements During Purchase of a Firearm was sentenced on September 14, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

John Larvie, age 30, was sentenced to 38 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for each charge, running concurrently to each other, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Larvie was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 11, 2019, for the Assault charge and again on October 16, 2019, for the Firearm charge.  He pled guilty on May 5, 2020, to both charges.

The conviction stemmed from incidents that occurred on November 20, 2018, and July 22, 2019.  On November 20, 2018, after an argument escalated between Larvie and his dating partner, Larvie stomped on his dating partner’s chest, while wearing boots, with the intent to do bodily harm to her.  On July 22, 2019, shortly after being prosecuted and convicted in Tribal court for sexually assaulting his dating partner, Larvie attempted to purchase an AR15-style rifle.  While filling out the ATF Form 4473, Larvie, knowing he had been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, falsely represented that he had not been convicted of a domestic violence crime, in an effort to obtain the weapon.   

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

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

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

Larvie remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft in Connection with Health Care, Theft From a Tribal Organization, and Obtaining Controlled Substances by Deception.

Michael Brian Whirlwind Soldier, age 47, was indicted on September 9, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 15, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in 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 between December 17, 2019, and July 28, 2020, Whirlwind Soldier, a paramedic and the director of the Crow Creek Ambulance Service, did knowingly and willfully embezzle, steal, and convert without authority to his own use hundreds of vials of fentanyl, morphine, and hydromorphone belonging to the Crow Creek Ambulance Service.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Parker, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on September 15, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Rollin Lee Dollens, age 52, was sentenced to 3 years of probation with 8 months of house arrest, a $1,000 fine, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100, and forfeiture of a handgun.

Dollens was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 11, 2020.  He pled guilty on September 15, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on September 16, 2019, wherein Dollens, an unlawful user of methamphetamine, knowingly possessed a handgun while driving in Corson County, South Dakota.

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

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

This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Corson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

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

Nicholas Miles Ten Fingers, age 27, was indicted on September 9, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 14, 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 July 25, 2019, Ten Fingers assaulted an individual with a sharp edged instrument with the intent to do bodily harm and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.

The charges are merely accusations and Ten Fingers 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.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number.

Neil Blue Coat, age 35, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 14, 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 a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on July 14, 2017, and September 26, 2019, Blue Coat, then being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and knowing he was an unlawful user of a controlled substance, did knowingly possess three firearms in Eagle Butte.  Further, the manufacturer’s serial number had been removed, altered, or obliterated from one of the firearms.  

The charges are merely accusations and Blue Coat 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 Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

Blue Coat 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 an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Samuel Rufus Swift Bird, age 30, was indicted on September 9, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 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 $1,000,000 fine, at least 3 years, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on August 30, 2019, and May 8, 2020, Swift Bird knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation.  Further, Swift Bird having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and then knowing he had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess three firearms.

The charges are merely accusations and Swift Bird 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 Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

Swift Bird 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 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation.

Daniel James Farmer, age 24, was indicted on October 16, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 11, 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 July 5, 2017, and again on December 10, 2017, in Todd County, South Dakota, Farmer unlawfully committed a domestic assault against his intimate partner by strangling and suffocating her.

The charges are merely accusations and Farmer 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.   

Farmer 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 two Rosebud, South Dakota, women have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Child Abuse, and one of the women additionally charged for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon.

Samantha Taylor Jones, age 27, and Valarie Jean Crazy Bull, age 63, were both indicted on September 9, 2020.  They both appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 11, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction for Child Abuse 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 maximum penalty upon conviction for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon 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 August 11, 2019, Jones and Crazy Bull abused, exposed, tortured, tormented, and cruelly punished a child.  The Indictment further alleges that Crazy Bull assaulted an individual with an umbrella with intent to due bodily harm.

The charges are merely accusations and Jones and Crazy Bull are 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.   

Jones and Crazy Bull were released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.

Lawrence Pourier, a/k/a Larry Pourier, age 52, was sentenced on September 4, 2020, to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stems from Pourier repeatedly striking another man in the head with a pipe-like object, causing his death, in January 2020 near Porcupine.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

Pourier was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to being serving his sentence.

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

Carl Francis Martin, a/k/a Roy Martin, age 20, 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 Martin sexually abusing a female by force and at a time when she was incapable of declining participation in a sexual act, in January 2020 near Pine Ridge.  Martin also sexually abused a minor, who was between the ages of 12 and 16, in September 2019 near Pine Ridge.

The charges are merely accusations and Martin 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 Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.

Martin was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for November 10, 2020.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Huntington Beach, California, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Fentanyl Analogue and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering was sentenced on September 14, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Damon Vincent Jobin, age 35, was sentenced to 292 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, for Conspiracy to Distribute a Fentanyl Analogue, and 240 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, all to run concurrently.  Jobin was also ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Jobin was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 28, 2018.  He was arrested in Los Angeles on November 29, 2018.  Jobin was ordered to appear before the magistrate court in the District of South Dakota on February 11, 2019, but in an apparent attempt to evade prosecution, fled to Thailand.  A federal warrant was issued for his arrest.  He eventually was apprehended in Thailand, taken into the custody of the Royal Thai Police on June 7, 2019, and transported back to the United States from Thailand by U.S. Marshals from the District of South Dakota.

Jobin pled guilty to the charges in the Indictment on June 24, 2020.

Jobin, along with other co-conspirators, utilized the Dark Web to distribute approximately 100,000 pills that they had manufactured containing fentanyl or a fentanyl analogue in 2017 to South Dakota drug dealers either suspected or convicted of distributing the pills in Chamberlain, Mitchell, and Sioux Falls.  Twenty thousand of these pills were seized from the U.S. Mail by law enforcement in South Dakota.  The pills tested positive for cyclopropyl fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue or derivative. 

The investigation revealed that, in all, Jobin manufactured and mailed approximately 200 packages containing over 2.6 million fentanyl or fentanyl analogue pills to addresses in 32 different states.  Jobin himself would press over 16,000 pills per hour at the height of the organization’s manufacturing.  Based on records kept by Jobin, the total weight of the pills he and other co-conspirators made and distributed exceeded 259 kilograms.  Experts estimate that one kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to produce approximately one million fatal doses.  Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.

“This defendant was selling millions of poisonous, home-pressed fentanyl pills to people all over the country,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “He was caught because of some great police work done right here in South Dakota.  This case demonstrates the dramatic, national impact that federal, state, and local law enforcement, working together, can have in getting these poisons off the streets.  The detective work done by these law enforcement officers saved a lot of lives.”

Jobin and his coconspirators also used online cryptocurrency exchanges to launder the funds derived from the sale of the cyclopropyl fentanyl on the Dark Web.  Jobin was estimated to be making between $25,000 and $35,000 per week for his involvement in the conspiracy.  Judge Schreier noted that this was the largest fentanyl conspiracy case she has seen in her courtroom to date.

“Today’s sentencing is another step towards combating the opioid epidemic fueled by the distribution of illicitly manufactured fentanyl,” said Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.  “The financial expertise of IRS-CI plays a vital role in capturing offenders by following the money that facilitates the drug trade.  We are proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners to protect America’s taxpayers by taking traffickers of dangerous drugs off the streets.”  

“This investigation reflects the successful teamwork between the United States Postal Inspection Service and our law enforcement partners with bringing to justice those who use the dark net and the U.S. mail to distribute illegal narcotics. Postal Inspectors have been at the forefront of dark net investigations for years, bringing to justice those who use the U.S. mail to distribute illegal narcotics behind the dark net’s false veil of anonymity. We continue to challenge the anonymous nature of the dark net, proving you are never truly anonymous,” stated Ruth Mendonça, Inspector in Charge of the Denver Division, of the United States Postal Inspection Service, covering the State of South Dakota.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Western Cyber Crimes Unit, U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Department of State, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Costa Mesa Police Department, and the Chamberlain Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.

Jobin 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 2 counts of Wire Fraud and 1 count of Theft of Government Property was sentenced by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Robert Rodney Bland, age 52, was sentenced on September 4, 2020, to 12 months in federal prison, and was ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $75,000 in restitution to the General Services Administration (GSA).  

Between January 2010 and May 2018, Bland, while sole owner and operator of Motive Magic Mobile Windshield Repair, fraudulently billed GSA for hundreds of rock chip repairs he did not perform on dozens of vehicles leased to various federal agencies.  On 1 vehicle, Bland claimed to have repaired 71 rock chips, but in reality only completed 2 repairs.  On another vehicle, Bland claimed to have repaired 44 rock chips, but in actuality repaired none.  The majority of the time, the agency which leased the GSA vehicle was unaware that the claimed repair had been billed to GSA because Bland would not notify the agency representative or provide invoices to the agency before or after billing for a claimed repair.  In total, Bland fraudulently billed and was paid $75,000 by GSA for work he had not performed.  Bland used the fraudulent proceeds to purchase and/or pay for a pontoon boat, boat trailer, Harley Davidson motorcycle, 5th wheel camper, and a van, all for his personal use.  Each of these vehicles were seized and forfeited to the United States.  

"GSA relies on vendors across the United States to maintain its large fleet of government vehicles.  The judgment in this case proves that GSA OIG, along with our investigative partners, will pursue vendors who defraud the Government and take advantage of the trust that is placed in them,” said Special Agent in Charge Jamie Willemin, General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General.

The investigation was conducted by the General Services Administration - Office of Inspector General, the Department of Health and Human Services -Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Defense - Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

Bland was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence. 

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.

Rydell Iron Rope, age 47, was indicted on September 1, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 9, 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 Rope was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in September 1996.  As a result of the conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. The Indictment alleges between June 1, 2019, and August 1, 2019, and between December 1, 2019, and February 1, 2020, as well as, March 16, 2020, and May 8, 2020, Iron Rope, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.   

Iron Rope 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 Sparks, Nevada, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Dawn Eagle Feather Floyd, age 42, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 9, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum 5 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 beginning at a time unknown but no later than on or about January 1, 2019, and continuing to on or about January 1, 2020, Floyd, 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 on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.

The charge is merely an accusation and Floyd 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.   

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

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

Joshua Lynn Lugert, age 37, was indicted on September 1, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 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, life of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about between December 1, 2018, and July 30, 2020, Lugert knowingly received and distributed, and attempted to receive and distribute child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.

The Indictment also alleges that on or about March 12, 2019, and March 6, 2020, Lugert knowingly transported child pornography using the internet.  Lugert uploaded graphic image and video files depicting one or more minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct into a Google e-mail account.

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

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security, the Division of Criminal Investigation, Office of the Attorney General, the Sioux Falls Police Department, and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

Lugerg 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 Mitchell, South Dakota, man convicted of Felon in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on August 31, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

David Edward Petersdorf, age 51, was sentenced to 3 years of probation and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Petersdorf was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 6, 2019.  He pled guilty on June 8, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on May 7, 2019, when Petersdorf allowed law enforcement officers to search his residence.  Petersdorf advised the officers that they would find a Springfield Armory, Model XD-9 Sub-Compact, 9mm handgun, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.  Petersdorf had a prior conviction of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and he knew he could not possess any 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 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.

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

Travis Longfox, age 28, was charged on February 19, 2020.  Longfox appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on September 2, 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 Longfox, previously convicted of a felony and prohibited from possessing firearms, possessing a Kel-Tec .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol in July 2019 at Rapid City.  The charge is merely an accusation and Longfox 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.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Sioux Falls, South Dakota, individuals convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance were sentenced on August 25, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol.

Tyler Justin Hausten, a/k/a “Red”, age 40, was sentenced to 126 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.

Tara Lynn Clark, age 35, was sentenced to 110 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.

Hausten and Clark were indicted by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020.  Hausten pled guilty on May 21, 2020, and Clark pled guilty on June 3, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about March 2020, when both Hausten and Clark reached an agreement or came to an understanding to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota.  Methamphetamine is a Scheduled II controlled substance.  They voluntarily joined in the agreement and knew the purpose of the understanding.

Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Hausten’s and Clark’s vehicle on November 3, 2019.  A search of the vehicle took place and law enforcement located in excess of 500 grams of methamphetamine.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Sioux Falls, South Dakota, individuals convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance were sentenced on June 8, 2020, and August 31, 2020 respectively, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Randi Nicole Sterud, a/k/a Randi Gunn, age 20, and Cade Marcus Wignes, age 21, were both 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.

Sterud and Wignes were indicted by a federal grand jury on November 5, 2019.  Sterud pled guilty on March 19, 2020, and Wignes pled guilty on June 8, 2020.

The convictions stemmed from conduct in 2019, when Sterud and Wignes conspired to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl in the District of South Dakota.  Fentanyl is a Scheduled II controlled substance.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.

Sterud and Wignes were 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 convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on August 31, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Apiemi Kebaso, Jr., age 31, 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.

Kebaso was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 8, 2018.  He pled guilty on June 15, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from on or about March 19, 2018, when Kebaso knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) in the District of South Dakota.  On that date, he had in his possession 150.1 grams of methamphetamine, which was 97 percent pure, resulting in him possessing 145.5 grams of pure methamphetamine. Kebaso intended to distribute some or all of this methamphetamine to others.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.

Kebaso 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 Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Charles Little Bear, Jr., age 54, was indicted on July 20, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 2, 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, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between on or about July 19, 2019, and April 9, 2020, Little Bear, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, failed to register and update his registration.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.   

Little Bear 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 Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on August 28, 2020, by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court Judge.

Logan Gienger, age 26, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stemmed from an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2018 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators.  Gienger was arrested and federally indicted following multiple text messages with a person Gienger believed to be a 14-year-old prostitute, but who was in fact an undercover agent.  Gienger requested sexually explicit images from the 14-year-old undercover persona and proceeded to negotiate the time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts.  When Gienger went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor’s pimp, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest

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

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

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

Verlin Old Horse, age 19, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The charges relate to Old Horse engaging in sexual acts with a female, who had not attained the age of 12 years, between October 12, 2019, and December 9, 2019, at Kyle. 

The charges are merely accusations and Old Horse 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.

Old 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 an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on September 2, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Cheyenne Brown, age 33, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, a $500 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Brown was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, 2018.  She pled guilty on June 16, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy beginning in January 2015, wherein Brown conspired others to distribute between 500 and 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in and around the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

This case was investigated by 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.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Make a False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm was sentenced on August 10, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Justice May Yang, age 25, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.  She was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Yang was indicted for Conspiracy to Make a False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm by a federal grand jury on June 6, 2019.  She pled guilty on May 27, 2020.

On May 15, 2017, Yang went to purchase a gun in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with an acquaintance, specifically a Ruger model SR 40, 40 caliber semi-automatic handgun bearing serial number 342-99157.  Yang knew she was prohibited from purchasing a firearm because she was a fugitive from justice.  Yang, along with her acquaintance, completed the ATF Form 4473 in the presence of two clerks.  Yang’s acquaintance signed the Form 4473 verifying the information to be true.  Question 11.a. asks:   “Are you the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm(s) listed on this form?”  To that question, Yang falsely marked “Yes” on behalf of her acquaintance, and her acquaintance falsely verified the answer to be true by signing the form as “Transferee/Buyer.”  Yang paid for the firearm and kept it. 

On May 25, 2017, Yang and her acquaintance again went to buy another firearm – a Ruger model 9E (black in color), 9 millimeter semi-automatic handgun, serial number 337-78160, with laser sight.  Yang and her acquaintance knew Yang was still prohibited from purchasing firearms.  To purchase the handgun, Yang’s acquaintance filled out ATF Form 4473 and falsely verified he was the actual buyer.  Yang took possession of the firearm.

On August 12, 2017, Yang was shopping online.  She found a previously owned gun on a website, with a location in Sioux Falls – a Ruger model SR 40C, 40 caliber, semi-automatic handgun, serial number 343-94362.  Yang contacted her acquaintance and told him about the gun she wanted.  Yang wired the money to her acquaintance so he could buy the firearm for her.  Yang’s acquaintance picked up the wired money and went to the store, where he bought the handgun chosen by Yang.  To purchase the handgun, Yang’s acquaintance filled out ATF Form 4473 and falsely verified he was the actual buyer.  Yang’s acquaintance then drove to Madison, Wisconsin, where he gave the firearm to Yang.

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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sioux Falls Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Haak prosecuted the case.

Yang 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 with a Dangerous Weapon and Robbery was sentenced on August 31, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

AbuBarker Shabbaz-Evans, a/k/a Abu Barker Evans, age 25, was sentenced to 96 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 $200.

Shabbaz-Evans was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 14, 2020.  He pled guilty on June 16, 2020.

The convictions stem from two separate incidents.  The first incident occurred on September 15, 2019, when Shabbaz-Evans pulled an individual out of a vehicle and repeatedly struck the victim about the head and face with a metal object shaped like a pistol and drove off in his vehicle.  The victim suffered a slight fracture in his nose as a result of the assault.

The second incident occurred on January 1, 2020, when Shabbaz-Evans attempted to rob two individuals of pre-paid gasoline at the Crow Creek C-Store.  In attempting to take the gasoline, Shabbaz-Evans showed a metal gun shaped object in his waistband and threatened the individuals if they did not give Shabbaz-Evans the gas.  Onlookers intervened and prevented the robbery.

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

Shabbaz-Evans 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 August 31, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Lena Marie Flying By, age 53, was sentenced to 3 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.

Flying By was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 10, 2020.  She pled guilty to a Superseding Information on June 16, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from Flying By’s conduct between 2015 and 2020, wherein she used her residence near Eagle Butte, South Dakota, for herself and others to use and distribute 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.

Flying By was ordered to self-report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service no later than September 8, 2020.

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

Dayton Thin Elk, a/k/a Dayton Haukaas, age 24, was indicted on July 16, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 28, 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 April 27, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota, Thin Elk did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with multiple law enforcement officers who were employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

The charges are merely accusations and Thin Elk 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.   

Thin Elk 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 an Aberdeen, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Juan Shaw Smith, age 28, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 28, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and 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 March 26, 2020, Smith having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and knowing he had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and knowing he was an unlawful user of a controlled substance did knowingly possess a firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce and foreign commerce.

The charges are merely accusations and Smith 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 Brown County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Elmore is prosecuting the case.   

Smith 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 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on August 25, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol.

Levi Shanteau, age 25, was sentenced to 21 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.

Shanteau was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020.  He pled guilty on June 10, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on January 30, 2020, in Sioux Falls, where police responded to an escalating violent situation.  Levi Shanteau left the house as the police arrived and a loaded handgun was found tucked in his pants.  Shanteau was on probation at the time for a 2018 felony drug conviction, which he knew prohibited him from possessing a gun.

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 & Explosives and the Sioux Falls Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, woman convicted of Influencing a Federal Officer by Threat was sentenced on August 24, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Jamie E. Oliver, a/k/a Jamie E. Decory, age 35, was sentenced to 4 years of probation and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

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

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on October 6, 2019, in Mission, South Dakota.  On that date, a Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Officer responded to a call for service.  Oliver was arrested for assaulting another individual.  While she was being transported to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Adult Correctional Facility, Oliver remarked that she was going to remember the officer and take the officer’s life.  During transport, Oliver continued to threaten to murder the law enforcement officer, who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.

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

Oliver was immediately released.

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 Possession of a Stolen Firearm.  

Nicholas Carlow, age 21, was charged on August 20, 2020.  Carlow appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 26, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to Carlow, previously convicted of a felony and prohibited from possessing firearms, possessing a Cugir Arms Factory semi-automatic pistol and a stolen Ruger semi-automatic pistol in March and July 2020 at Rapid City.  The charges are merely an accusation and Carlow 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.

Carlow 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 and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.  

Allen Libby, age 29, was charged on August 20, 2020.  Libby appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 26, 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 Libby, previously convicted of a felony and prohibited from possessing firearms, possessing a 9mm semi-automatic pistol in April 2020 at Rapid City.  The charge is merely an accusation and Libby 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.

Libby 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 Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.  

Jasper Chase Alone, age 34, was charged on August 20, 2020.  Chase Alone appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 26, 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, 5 years up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to Chase Alone knowingly failing to update his sexual offender registration between November 2019 and March 2020.  The charge is merely an accusation and Chase Alone is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

Chase Alone was released pending trial.  A trial date has not been set. 

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of First Degree Murder and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on August 21, 2020, by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.

Zachariah Michael Poor Bear, age 26, was sentenced to life in federal prison and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund as to the First Degree Murder charge.  Poor Bear was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, to be served concurrently to the murder charge, and was ordered to pay another $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for the Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury charge.

The conviction stemmed from Poor Bear killing a 19 month-old baby by inflicting blunt force trauma to her head and abdomen in May 2015 at Pine Ridge.  Poor Bear was found guilty at trial.    

“The murder of a child is incomprehensible,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “We mourn the loss of this precious little girl and pray that the justice represented by this life sentence will bring some measure of rest to her family.”

“This crime was gut-wrenching and there is no question the sentencing is just,” said FBI Minneapolis Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Bob Perry. “The FBI is responsible for investigating the most serious crimes in Indian Country and along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to aggressively pursue these cases. The FBI is committed to protecting all of the tribal communities we serve, helping victims, and ensuring that justice is met for violent offenders.”

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah B. Collins and Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.

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

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

Renae Jo Pacheco, a/k/a Renae Jo Hopkins, age 51, and Thomas Pacheco, Sr., age 29, were indicted on August 11, 2020.  They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 24, 2020, and pled not guilty to their Indictments.

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 5 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 Indictments allege that beginning at a time unknown but no later than on or about January 1, 2015, and continuing to on or about January 1, 2020, Hopkins and Pacheco, 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 charges are merely accusations and Hopkins and Pacheco are 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.   

Hopkins was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  Pacheco was released pending trial.  Trial dates have not been set.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on August 24, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Melissa Rose Decoteau, a/k/a Melissa Rose Bobtail Bear, age 35, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Decoteau was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 16, 2019.  She pled guilty on August 24, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy in 2018, wherein Decoteau conspired with others to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota.  

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Dupree, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conversion of Mortgaged or Pledged Property.

Daris William LaPlante, age 51, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 25, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that between October 19, 2016, and December 27, 2019, LaPlante, with intent to defraud, did knowingly sell cattle mortgaged and pledged by LaPlante to the Farm Service Agency, an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, without the permission and consent of the Farm Service Agency, having a value over $1,000.  LaPlante sold these cattle at several auction houses throughout South Dakota and kept the proceeds for himself.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Bethlehem Shah, age 22, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine as a result of a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on August 21, 2020.

The charges carry a minimum of at least 10 years and not more than life imprisonment and/or a $10,000,000 fine, at least 5 years up to life supervised release, a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and restitution.

Shah was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 14, 2018. 

On August 1, 2018, a co-conspirator was stopped by a South Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper, near Spearfish, South Dakota.  During a search of the vehicle, the Trooper located approximately 40 kilograms, or 88 pounds, of cocaine.  Defendant Shah was set to meet the co-conspirator in Fargo, North Dakota, where Shah would pick up the cocaine and transport it across the border into Canada.  Through a series of consensually recorded phone calls to Shah by the co-conspirator and law enforcement, Shah then traveled to Spearfish believing she was going to pick up the cocaine.  Instead, Shah was arrested.

“I want to congratulate the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the DEA, and the entire UNET team for this significant interdiction, investigation, and conviction,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “As drug trafficking networks continue to become more brazen and sophisticated, all of our law enforcement agencies are joining together to meet the challenge.”

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the local Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gina Nelson and Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date is pending.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Bridger, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, Sexual Abuse of a Minor, and Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child.

Bennett Belt, age 47, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 25, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of 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 on multiple instances between July 2003 and September 2017, in Ziebach County, South Dakota, Belt knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in abusive sexual acts with minor victims.

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

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

Belt 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 Brandon, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Wire Fraud.

Sheila Verbrugge, age 50, was indicted on August 17, 2020.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on August 25, 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 in approximately January 2010, and continuing through April 8, 2020, Verbrugge 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, to unjustly enrich herself by obtaining fraudulent funds.

From approximately 2006 through on or about April 8, 2020, Verbrugge was the billing and payroll clerk for Blachowske Truck Line, Inc. (“Blachowske”), located in Brandon.  In this capacity, her duties included managing Blachowske’s T-Chek account.  T-Chek is a system used by Blachowske to pay for various job-related expenses incurred by Blachowske’s truck drivers, such as fuel and truck maintenance.  Each week, T-Chek emailed an invoice to Blachowske for that week’s charges.  Blachowske then paid the invoice electronically using an automated clearing house (“ACH”) payment.

On multiple occasions during the relevant time period, Verbrugge falsely and fraudulently issued T-Cheks payable to herself, deposited them into her personal bank account, and then used the funds for her own purposes.  She disguised her theft by altering the weekly T-Chek report and deleting 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, Blachowske paid the T-Chek invoices.

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

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

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

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

Vincent Michael Perez, age 35, was indicted on August 17, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on August 21, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between August 7, 2019, and August 17, 2019, Perez knowingly received and distributed, and attempted to receive and distribute child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including a computer.

The Indictment also alleges that between August 7, 2019, and August 30, 2019, Perez knowingly transported child pornography using the internet, and uploaded graphic image and video files depicting one or more minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct into his Dropbox account with his e-mail address.

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

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

Perez 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 Watertown, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography and Transportation of Child Pornography.

Derek Michael Mason, age 19, was indicted on August 17, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on August 21, 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 up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between May 1, 2017, and May 5, 2020, Mason knowingly received and distributed, and attempted to receive and distribute child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including a computer.

The Indictment also alleges that between October 14, 2019, and May 5, 2020, Mason knowingly transported child pornography using the internet, and uploaded graphic image and video files depicting one or more minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct into his Dropbox account with his e-mail address.

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

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

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

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

Charles Cordier, III, age 21, was indicted on January 14, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 19, 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 November 5, 2019, in Rosebud, South Dakota, Cordier did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and that such conduct involved the use of a dangerous weapon.

The charge is merely an accusation and Cordier 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.   

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