District of South Dakota

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.

Joseph Blue Bird, age 33, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 20, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Blue Bird was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in February 2014.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  It is alleged that between March 7, 2020, and May 6, 2020, Blue Bird, 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 Blue Bird is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

Blue 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 Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession With Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.

Kevin Bordeaux, age 21, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 20, 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 of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on March 3, 2020, Bordeaux did knowingly and intentionally possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. On March 4, 2020, a search warrant was executed on Bordeaux’s residence wherein several rounds of ammunition were seized.

The charges are merely accusations and Bordeaux 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 Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

Bordeaux 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 Kidnapping and Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation.

Steven McDaniel, a/k/a Steven McDaniels, age 33, was indicted on December 17, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 20, 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, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between June 6, 2019, and June 7, 2019, McDaniel kidnapped and held a woman in Mission, and unlawfully assaulted her by strangling and suffocating her.

The charges are merely accusations and McDaniel 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.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Vale, South Dakota, woman was charged in federal district court with thirty counts of Wire Fraud, ten counts of Money Laundering, and one count of Bank Fraud. 

Rena M. Hymans, age 48, was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 20, 2020.  Hymans appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 24, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  The maximum penalty on each count of wire fraud is 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  The maximum penalty on each count of money laundering is 20 years in federal prison and/or a $500,000 fine, or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  The maximum penalty for bank fraud is 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 between June 2017 and January 2020, Hymans, in her capacity as a South Dakota licensed attorney, devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain money by transferring it from a client trust account – where she was holding it for the benefit of a client – to her own business and personal accounts and then using the money for her personal benefit.

The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case. The charges are merely accusations and Hymans is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons has announced the following plea, identified below, brought by the Guardians Project, a collaborative federal law enforcement initiative in the District of South Dakota designed to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s tribal communities.

Guilty Plea for Bribery Related to Programs Receiving Federal Funds

Daniel Thomas White, age 44 of Peever, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on August 24, 2020, and pleaded guilty to bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.    

At the time of the bribery scheme, White served as the Director of the Dakota Nations Development Corporation (DNDC), an entity of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe.  White’s duties included, among other things, overseeing housing and construction projects of the DNDC.

DNDC, by and through the tribe, received federal assistance in excess of $10,000 during the one-year period between October 1, 2017, and September 30, 2018.  DNDC established an entity called the SWO Elderly Village Limited Partnership.  The purpose of the entity was to obtain tax credit financing to build an elderly village complex on tribal land.  On April 22, 2016, SWO’s tribal council passed a resolution authorizing DNDC to pursue low-income housing tax credits for the elderly village complex.  The tribe also committed nearly $3,000,000 to the project.

On October 27, 2017, DNDC contracted with Tatanka Contracting to do the earthwork associated with the elderly village project.  The contract was for a guaranteed price of $1,070,740, although a change order increased the total of the contract to $1,129,679.  According to documents filed with the Court, on or about November 6, 2017, White corruptly solicited, demanded, and agreed to accept a thing of value from a person or persons working for and on behalf of Tatanka Contracting, intending to be influenced and rewarded in connection with a transaction and series of transactions of the Dakota Nations Development Corporation involving $5,000 or more.

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

A sentencing date of May 24, 2021, has been set. 

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Allen, South Dakota, woman was charged in federal district court with First Degree Murder.  

Jonnie Fineran, age 18, was charged on August 4, 2020.  Fineran appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 12, 2020, and pled not guilty to the charge.

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

The charge relates to Fineran killing a man by stabbing him on July 24, 2020, at Manderson.  The charge is merely an accusation and Fineran is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Rapid City, South Dakota, men convicted of Carjacking Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person were sentenced on August 13, 2020, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Moses Crowe, age 27, was convicted by a jury of all three charges and was sentenced to a total of 22 ½ years in federal prison as to the Carjacking conviction.  Crowe was also sentenced to two 5-year terms of supervised release, to run concurrently, and was ordered to pay a total of $300 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Ranson Long Pumpkin, age 33, was convicted by the same jury of Aiding and Abetting, Carjacking Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence.  Long Pumpkin was sentenced to a total of 20 years in federal prison.  Long Pumpkin was also sentenced to two 5-year terms of supervised release, to run concurrently, and was ordered to pay a total of $200 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Saul Crowe earlier pleaded guilty on January 25, 2019, to Carjacking and Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and was sentenced on June 21, 2019, to serve just over 20 years in federal prison.

Evidence at trial established that Moses Crowe, Long Pumpkin, and Saul Crowe carjacked an occupied van by force on October 13, 2017.  Together, the men held the victim at gunpoint and repeatedly strangled him to unconsciousness.  The men drove the victim to an isolated area north of Rapid City, where they pistol-whipped and severely beat him.  Using two different semi-automatic pistols, Moses Crowe and Saul Crowe each fired multiple rounds near the victim, while Long Pumpkin continued to physically assault him.   

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team; the Rapid City Police Department; the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office; the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and the RCPD/PCSO Special Response Team.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Sazama and Gina Nelson prosecuted and tried the case.  ATF Special Agent Riley Cook was the lead case agent.

Crowe and Long Pumpkin were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sturgis, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on August 4, 2020, by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court Judge.

Conner Harmon, age 22, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 8 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.  Harmon was arrested and federally indicted following multiple chats and text messages with a person Harmon believed to be a 14 year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent.  Harmon proceeded to negotiate the time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts.  When Harmon went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.

The investigation was conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, 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.

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

Damian Buchholz, age 34, was sentenced on August 14, 2020, to 2 years in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stemmed from Buchholz, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, possessing a Springfield Armory 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a Smith & Wesson .38 special caliber revolver, both with obliterated serial numbers, which were found after Buchholz came into contact with Rapid City police officers in September 2019.

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

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

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

Buchholz was immediately remanded to the custody of the US Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on August 14, 2020, by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court Judge.

Kenneth Williamson, age 52, 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 2019 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators.  Williamson was arrested and federally indicted following multiple chats and text messages with a person he believed to be a 15 year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent.  Williamson requested sexually explicit images from the 15-year-old undercover persona and proceeded to negotiate the time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts.  When Williamson went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.

The investigation was conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, 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.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence was sentenced on August 17, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Dante Johnson was sentenced to 15 years 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.

An Information was filed against Johnson on January 14, 2019.  He pled guilty on June 1, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on January 12, 2019, when Johnson fired a gun and people at a neighboring house heard it.  Upon hearing the gunshot, the victim exited the residence to see what was going on.  As the victim stepped forward, Johnson pointed a handgun at him and shot the victim in the chest.  The victim collapsed and died due to the gunshot wound.

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.    

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Allen, South Dakota, woman was charged in federal district court with First Degree Murder.  

Jonnie Fineran, age 18, was charged on August 4, 2020.  Fineran appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 12, 2020, and pled not guilty to the charge.

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

The charge relates to Fineran killing a man by stabbing him on July 24, 2020, at Manderson.  The charge is merely an accusation and Fineran is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

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

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 18, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Patrick Cummings, age 34, was sentenced to 86 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Cummings was also ordered to forfeit ownership of a handgun seized during the investigation.

Cummings was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, 2019.  He pled guilty on August 18, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from a traffic stop that occurred on July 4, 2019, in which Cummings possessed with the intent to distribute 127 grams of methamphetamine.  Also found during the stop was a Smith & Wesson .380 AUTO caliber, semi-automatic pistol.

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 South Dakota Highway Patrol, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on August 17, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Richard Peneaux, age 26, was sentenced to 27 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.

Peneaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 11, 2020.  He pled guilty on June 16, 2020.

Peneaux was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in March 2014.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  On December 19, 2019, Peneaux absconded from the Community Alternatives of the Black Hills Corrections Center in Rapid City, South Dakota.  As a result, federal warrants were issued to have Peneaux arrested.  On January 7, 2020, Rapid City Police Officers arrested Peneaux, after he led them on a foot pursuit and provided a false name and social security number.  Between the time Peneaux absconded through the time of his arrest, Peneaux failed to properly register as a sex offender.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.

Peneaux 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 an Unregistered Firearm.  

Shaun Shorter, age 31, was charged on July 23, 2020.  Shorter appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 12, 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 of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to Shorter possessing a prohibitively-shortened 12 gauge shotgun in April 2019 at Rapid City that was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required.  The charge is merely an accusation and Shorter 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.

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.

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

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

Thomasine Noela Charging Bear, age 35, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 17, 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 June 19, 2020, Charging Bear 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 Charging Bear is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

Charging 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 Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man was sentenced in Pierre federal court on August 17, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Devon Wayne Saul, age 27, was sentenced to 102 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.  Saul was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

According to court documents, on August 18, 2019, Saul knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a victim while the victim was incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct and was physically incapable of declining participation in and communicating her unwillingness to engage in the sexual act, and Saul knew the victim was incapacitated.  In early morning hours of August 18, the victim was drinking with friends.  The victim drank too much and became incapacitated.  Saul and one other person carried the victim to his vehicle and placed her inside the vehicle.  After placing the victim in his vehicle, Saul left the others and was alone with the victim when he perpetrated the sexual assault inside his vehicle. 

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe’s Law Enforcement.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.   

Saul was remanded to custody to serve his sentence.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted a joint sex trafficking operation during the 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.  The operation began on August 7, 2020, and continued through August 13, 2020.  

As a result, the following eight men were arrested:

Robert Lee Goodwill, Jr., 20, Rapid City, SD - Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of a Minor

Cody Wayne Hopkins, 29, Montgomery, PA - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet

Michael Ray Hudson, 32, Rapid City, SD - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet

Travis John McDonald, 28, Rapid City, SD - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet

William Nicholas Riley, 60, Sturgis, SD - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet

Kevin William Clements, 22, Claysville, PA - Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of a Minor

Darren Wilber Harrison, 25, Rapid City, SD - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet

Christopher Covey Dale Truax, 33, Rapid City, SD - Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet

The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction for Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of a Minor is 15 years if victim is under 14 years of age, and 10 years if between 14-17 years of age, up to life in federal prison; a $250,000 fine; any term of years, not less than 5, up to lifetime supervised release; $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund; and a $5,000 assessment if not indigent.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet is 10 years up to life in federal prison; any term of years, not less than 5, up to lifetime supervised release; $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund; and a $5,000 assessment if not indigent.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges are merely accusations and all eight defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The Agencies involved in the operation were DCI, HSI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.

The cases are being federally prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to extend its appreciation to all law enforcement partners involved in the investigations for their efforts and continued cooperation.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on August 17, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Jocelyn Chasing Hawk, a/k/a Jocelyn Bear Eagle, age 39, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Chasing Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 23, 2019. A three-count Superseding Indictment was filed on June 1, 2019.  She pled guilty on June 4, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy beginning in 2017 and continuing through 2019, wherein Chasing Hawk, knowingly and intentionally, conspired with others to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation, and in Rapid City, South Dakota.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Domestic Assault by a Habitual Offender and Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation.

Dustin Marrowbone, a/k/a Dustin Condon, age 30, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 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 May 12, May 26, and June 14, 2020, in Dewey County, South Dakota, Marrowbone unlawfully assaulted his intimate partner by strangulation and suffocation after having been previously convicted on at least two previous occasions of assaulting a spouse or intimate partner.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.   

Marrowbone 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 is pleased to announce that Constance Larson, Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Sioux Falls Office, has been selected as the 2020 recipient of the USD Women in Law Attorney of the Year Award.  She was honored at an event in Sioux Falls on August 14, 2020.

The USD Women in Law Attorney of the Year award seeks to annually recognize one South Dakota attorney who exemplifies excellent character, a drive for mentoring women within the profession, and a dedication to positively affecting South Dakota residents through their professional duties and involvement within the state.

“Our friend and colleague Connie Larson embodies the best principles and highest ideals of the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “We are grateful to the University of South Dakota Women in Law for recognizing her incredible legal talent, her passion for justice, and her heartfelt commitment to serving and mentoring others.”

Constance graduated from the University School of Law in 1995. Following graduation, she clerked for the South Dakota Supreme Court.  While clerking, Constance had a diverse experience in the law and had the opportunity to be mentored by members of the South Dakota judiciary.

Following clerking, Constance began her career as a prosecutor in the Pennington County States Attorney’s Office, where she served for two years. Following her time in Pennington County, Constance transitioned to the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office, where she served for ten years.

In 2008, Constance continued her service to the people of South Dakota in taking on the role of Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota.  In this capacity, Constance maintains a rigorous and diverse practice focusing on federal felony offenses.

Constance maintains her commitment to the profession and the community by remaining active as a mentor within the South Dakota State Bar and serving on various state bar committees, including chairing the Criminal Pattern Jury Instruction Committee.  She also serves her South Dakota community in various capacities.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Involuntary Manslaughter and Perjury.

Kaylee Spotted Elk, age 28, was indicted on March 2, 2020, for Involuntary Manslaughter and on June 16, 2020, for Perjury.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 14, 2020, and pled not guilty to the respective Indictments.

The maximum penalty Spotted Elk faces upon conviction is up to 8 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 for Involuntary Manslaughter alleges that on January 12, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota, Spotted Elk killed a man by operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner.

The Indictment for Perjury alleges that on November 6, 2019, Spotted Elk, knowingly lied about a material fact at a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota, while she was under oath and swore to tell the truth.

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

The investigations are being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kirk W. Albertson and Cameron J. Cook are prosecuting the cases.   

Spotted 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 a Hermosa, South Dakota, man convicted of three counts of Wire Fraud was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.

David Astin, age 38, was sentenced on August 12, 2020, to 3 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  In addition, he was ordered to pay $433,877.06 in restitution.

Astin’s Wire Fraud conviction stemmed from actions he took in 2012, when he entered into an agreement whereby he managed a local investor’s foreign exchange currency accounts in exchange for compensation.  Astin told the investor he had consistently received returns of eight percent per month in his own account, and promised one to three percent returns monthly in the investor’s accounts.  The investor told Astin he was not willing to suffer significant losses in his foreign exchange accounts and Astin believed he would not be compensated if the investor suffered significant losses. 

Beginning in August 2012 and continuing through August 2013, however, Astin created and provided fraudulent statements and spreadsheets to the investor showing the investor was making significant earnings in his foreign exchange accounts, when in fact Astin was losing hundreds of thousands of dollars of the investor’s money.  As a result of the fraudulent statements and spreadsheets, the investor continued to invest more money and compensate Astin for his work.  In total, Astin lost $433,877.06 of the investor’s money, while being compensated more than $75,000.00.

The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

Astin was immediately remanded to the custody of the US Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation.

Seth Stadel, age 27, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 13, 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 June 10, 2020, in Lantry, Stadel assaulted an individual which resulted in serious bodily injury, and further assaulted the victim by strangling and suffocating them.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.   

Stadel 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 Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

Gordon Blue Arm, age 65, was indicted on August 11, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 13, 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 February 27, 2020, in Eagle Butte, Blue Arm assaulted an individual with a wooden stick with the intent to do bodily harm, and said assault resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.   

Blue Arm 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 Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Influencing a Federal Officer by Threat was sentenced on August 10, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Anthony One Star, Jr., a/k/a Tony One Star, a/k/a Sonny One Star, age 32, was sentenced to 26 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.

One Star was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 22, 2020.  He pled guilty on May 19, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on December 15, 2019, in the Two Strike Community near Rosebud.  On that date, a Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Officer responded to a report of an intoxicated male walking in the roadway.  When the officer arrived in the area, he observed One Star dressed in all black and walking in the middle of the roadway.  One Star was arrested for public intoxication and disorderly conduct.  While he was being transported to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Adult Correctional Facility, One Star remarked that he was a cop killer and that he was going to find and kill the officer when the officer was off duty.

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

One Star 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 Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on August 10, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Bryan Herman, age 55, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $575, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Herman was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 10, 2019.  He pled guilty on February 26, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in South Dakota on July 15, 2016.  Herman took possession of a .45 caliber, semi-automatic pistol that day, and sold it at a pawn shop in Nebraska.  Herman was an unlawful user of and addicted to prescription painkillers at that time, controlled substances under federal law.  Herman used the proceeds from the sale of the firearm to continue fueling his drug habit after losing employment due to a failed drug test.

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Elmore prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Martin, South Dakota, woman who pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 31, 2020, by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.  

Julissa Poor Bear, age 31, was sentenced to a total of 16 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

From approximately January 2015 to August 2016, Poor Bear distributed over 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in Rapid City and the east side of the Pine Ridge Reservation. Poor Bear worked with others to bring methamphetamine to South Dakota from California.  During the course of her dealing, Poor Bear threatened people, possessed firearms, and attempted to intimidate a witness by posting about that witness on Facebook. 

Several co-conspirators have already been sentenced. One additional co-conspirator, Wicahpe Milk, is pending trial. 

This case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, Martin Police Department, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case. 

Poor Bear, who has been in custody since April 2019, was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Anthem, Arizona, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Pay Child Support.

Jacob A. Tate, age 44, was indicted on June 6, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on August 7, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 2 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and up to $500 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that from October 1, 2012, through August 7, 2020; from March 1, 2015, through August 7, 2020; from February 1, 2014, through August 7, 2020; from June 1, 2015, through August 7, 2020; and from July 1, 2014, through August 7, 2020, Tate willfully and unlawfully failed to pay past due child support obligations to his 5 children.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Office of the Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga is prosecuting the case.   

Tate was released on bond pending trial, which has been set for October 13, 2020.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two St. Francis, South Dakota, men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Charles Little Elk, III, a/k/a Charlie Little Elk, age 37, and Todd Eastman, Jr., age 32, were indicted on July 16, 2020.  They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 6, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 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 Indictment alleges that a conspiracy began on or about January 1, 2015, and continued to on or about January 17, 2017, where Little Elk and Eastman knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on the Rosebud Indian Reservation.

The charges are merely accusations and Little Elk and Eastman 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.   

Little Elk and Eastman were 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 convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on August 10, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Adam Michael Tanner, age 47, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Tanner was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 10, 2019.  He pled guilty on May 19, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy that occurred between March 1, 2018, and September 10, 2019, in which Tanner and others, intentionally distributed over 1400 grams of methamphetamine in and around the Pierre and Ft. Pierre communities.  During the conspiracy, Tanner and others routinely carried firearms to protect their product.

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 South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Pierre Police Department, the Stanley County Sheriff’s Office, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of two counts of False Statements was sentenced on August 3, 2020, by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.

Jolenta Apodaca, f/k/a Jolenta American Horse, age 44, was sentenced to 6 months’ custody, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution of $26,920 to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and $4,713 to the South Dakota Department of Social Services (SD DSS).  Apodaca was also ordered to pay $200 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Apodaca was indicted on January 22, 2020, for Theft of Government Funds, two counts of False Statements, and Misuse by a Representative Payee.

The Rapid City SSA Field Office was notified by a third party that she went to the SD DSS to apply for state benefits for Apodaca’s child, who had been living with the third party for several years.  SD DSS notified the third party that the child was a Title XVI Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiary.  The third party advised SSA she was unaware the child was a SSI beneficiary and reported that she received no funds from Apodaca or SSI for the care of the child.  The third party also reported that Apodaca’s child had not lived with Apodaca for several years.

The Sioux Falls Cooperative Disability Investigation Unit (CDIU) corroborated that Apodaca, as the child’s SSA approved Representative Payee (RP), had misused dedicated SSI funds (back payments) as well as monthly SSI payments, and had spent the funds on herself rather than her child.  Additionally, CDIU corroborated that Apodaca misused $4,713 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits payable to the child.

Pursuant to the CDIU investigation, SSA determined that from September 1, 2016, through August 31, 2019, Apodaca misused $26,920 in Title XVI SSI benefits to which she was not entitled.

This case was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General – Social Security Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with five counts of Interference with Commerce by Robbery, also known as the Hobbs Act.  

Michael Daker, age 58, was charged on July 23, 2020.  Daker appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 3, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  The maximum penalty upon conviction of each count is 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to Daker forcibly robbing convenience stores in Rapid City and Spearfish, and a motel and casino in Rapid City.  The charges are merely an accusation and Daker 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.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wakpala, South Dakota, woman convicted of two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on July 27, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.     

Averil Linette Cadotte, age 37, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, $200 in restitution, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Cadotte was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 9, 2019.  She pled guilty on May 5, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on June 4, 2016, in Wakpala, when Cadotte ran over two individuals with a car, with the intent to do bodily harm. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirsten Jasper prosecuted the case.

Cadotte is to self-report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on August 18, 2020.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Firearm by Prohibited Person was sentenced on July 27, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Derrick Keith Clay, age 35, was sentenced to one year and one day in federal custody, followed by three years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Clay was indicted for Possession of Firearm by Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury on September 4, 2019.  He pled guilty on May 14, 2020.

On or about June 10, 2019, in the District of South Dakota, Clay, knowing he had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed a firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Yates, North Dakota, man convicted of Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender was sentenced on July 27, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Vincent Carry Moccasin, Jr., age 53, was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Carry Moccasin was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, 2019.  He pled guilty on April 16, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on August 3, 2019, in McLaughlin, when Carry Moccasin assaulted his fiancé.  At the time of the assault, Carry Moccasin had a final conviction on at least two separate prior occasions of assaulting a spouse or intimate partner.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirsten Jasper prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Chamberlain, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Tampering With a Witness and Conspiracy to Tamper With a Witness.

Dale Lynn James, age 33, was indicted on July 16, 2020.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 31, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on or about March 3, 2019, James did knowingly and intentionally, combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with persons known and unknown, and did intimidate, threaten, and corruptly persuade twenty-eight potential witnesses with intent to influence, delay, and prevent the testimony of said witnesses in an official criminal proceeding.

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

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

James 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 Minneapolis, Minnesota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on August 3, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Nicolas Edward Wilson, age 35, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.  Wilson was also ordered to register as a sex offender and undergo sex offender treatment.  

Wilson was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 9, 2019.  He pled guilty on May 11, 2020.

Wilson received and distributed child pornography between September, 2012, and April, 2015.  Wilson used his laptop computer to search for images of child pornography on the internet.  He also used his cell phone to take pornographic photos of a juvenile female in South Dakota.  After the juvenile became an adult, she disclosed the information to law enforcement.  Investigators were able to forensically examine the cell phone and laptop computer to find evidence of the child pornography.

U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons commended the joint efforts of the law enforcement agencies working together.  He also stated that "the sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense as well as the courage of a victim to come forward and disclose the traumatic events that occurred to her while she was a teenager."

This case was investigated by the McCook County Sheriff's Office, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Dustin Red Legs age 41, of Eagle Butte, South Dakota, was found guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, Sexual Exploitation of Child, and Possession of Child Pornography as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota. 

The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years, with a maximum penalty of up to life in federal prison and/or a $750,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and a $5,000 assessment to the Domestic Trafficking Fund.  

Red Legs was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 14, 2019.

On September 24, 2018, Red Legs was staying at a home in Eagle Butte. He went into a room where two children were sleeping, sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl, and also took sexually explicit photographs of the victim.

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

 A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for October 26, 2020.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sisseton, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.

Jordyn Juanita Kirk, age 25, was indicted on July 20, 2020.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on July 30, 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 between August 17, 2018, and October 5, 2018, Kirk willfully and unlawfully embezzled, stole, knowingly converted to her own use, willfully misapplied, and willfully permitted to be misapplied, over $1,000 of the moneys, funds, credits, goods, assets, and other property belonging to the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Court of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe, an Indian tribal organization, and entrusted to the custody and care of an officer, employee, and agent of an Indian tribal organization

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

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

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

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

Kirk 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 with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of Stolen Firearms.

Timothy Tod Hartman, age 35, was indicted on July 20, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on July 29, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $8,000,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and up to $300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on February 25, 2020, Hartman knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, which is a Schedule II controlled substance. 

On that same date, Hartman, who had been convicted of a crime punishable for a term exceeding one year, and being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, knowingly possessed firearms and ammunition.  One of the firearms is believed to be stolen.  Both firearms had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.  

The charges are merely accusations and Hartman 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 the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

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

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

Hartman 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 Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Curtis Ronald Rabenberg, age 39, was indicted on July 20, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on July 29, 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 $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that both on November 19, 2019, and November 21, 2019, Rabenberg, who had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed firearms.  Said firearms had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.  

The charges are merely accusations and Rabenberg 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 the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

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

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

Rabenberg 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 Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.

Anthony James Howard, age 27, was indicted on July 20, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on July 29, 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 $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about April 20, 2020, Howard, who had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed a firearm and ammunition.  Said firearm has been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.  

The charge is merely an accusation and Howard 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 the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

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

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

Howard was remanded to the custody of the State.  A trial date has not been set.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Larceny was sentenced on July 29, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Yesica Rose Lara, age 34, was sentenced to time served through July 29, 2020, 3 years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $2,119.42, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Lara was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 9, 2020.  She pled guilty on July 29, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from incidents that occurred between July 29, 2018, and September 11, 2018, when Lara did unlawfully forge checks from closed bank accounts, and passed and attempted to cash them at multiple locations in Eagle Butte.   

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

Lara was immediately released.

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

Kevin Lee Farmer, age 57, was indicted on July 20, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on July 30, 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, life of supervised release, and up to $1,200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between April 1, 2016, and December 31, 2016, and between March 10, 2009, and March 10, 2012, Farmer knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in sexual acts with two children who had not attained the age of 12.

The Indictment also alleges that between June 29, 2015, and June 28, 2016, as well as between March 10, 2009, and March 9, 2012, and between July 1, 2017, and July 31, 2017, Farmer knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual contacts with four juvenile victims, by using force against them, as well as threatening and placing them in fear of their lives.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri 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 an Aberdeen, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Darrell Two Hearts, age 40, was indicted on July 20, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 29, 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 25, 2020, Two Hearts, who had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and being an unlawful use of a controlled substance, knowingly possessed a firearm.  Said firearm had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

The charge is merely an accusation and Two Hearts 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 the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

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

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

Two Hearts 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 Yates, North Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on July 27, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Shanna Michelle Pleets, age 41, was sentenced to 60 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.

Pleets was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 16, 2019.  She pled guilty on April 16, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy in 2018, wherein Pleets 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.

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

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

John Willard Arcoren, III, age 39, was indicted on July 16, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 27, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 8 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 14, 2020, Arcoren did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and that such conduct involved physical contact.

The charge is merely an accusation and Arcoren 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.   

Arcoren 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 was acquitted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting In Serious Bodily Injury as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota, beginning on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, and concluding on Wednesday, July 22, 2020.

Lorenzo Brave Hawk, Sr., age 35, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 11, 2019.

The charges alleged that on November 9, 2018, Brave Hawk assaulted an individual with a metal baseball bat with the intent to do bodily harm and the alleged assault resulted in serious bodily injury.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on July 27, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Benjamin Big Eagle, a/k/a Benji Big Eagle, age 33, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, a $500 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Big Eagle was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 14, 2018.  He pled guilty on April 24, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy that started in 2012 and continued through 2017.  Big Eagle sold small amounts of methamphetamine on the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Indian Reservations in South Dakota. 

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

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