District of South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS, SD – United States Attorney Ron Parsons joined the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and announced that nine individuals in the District of South Dakota are being honored by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in recognition of their outstanding dedication, service, and contributions on behalf of crime victims.  This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme: “Seek Justice.  Ensure Victims' Rights.  Inspire Hope.”

The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime will join communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and celebrating victims’ rights, protections, and services.  Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, official award ceremonies are postponed indefinitely.

“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr.  “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need.”

“The Department of Justice is committed to supporting the survivors of crime and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “We also commend the many victim advocates and public safety professionals who tirelessly work to support the survivors of crime, secure their dignity, and protect their rights with dedication and compassion.  This year’s honorees are shining examples of that extraordinary commitment.”

Those being honored by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota as part of National Crime Victim’s Week are:

• Emily’s Hope, a non-profit organization founded by Angela Kennecke as a means of channeling the heartbreak of her daughter’s death due to fentanyl poisoning into action to help prevent others from suffering a similar tragedy, is recognized for its outstanding efforts to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic, ease the stigma of addiction, and assist the victims of drug trafficking by helping to offset the cost of treatment.  In its first year alone, Emily’s Hope was able to raise $250,000 to fund scholarships for patients seeking treatment at the Avera Addiction Care Center in Sioux Falls.
   
• Amanda Liebl, a forensic interviewer with Child’s Voice in Sioux Falls, is commended for her outstanding professional conduct in forensically interviewing a 13 year-old girl that was physically and sexually abused by a family member.
   
• Dr. Brooke Jones, a pediatrician with Child’s Voice in Sioux Falls, is recognized for her medical treatment and care for a 13 year-old girl that was physically and sexually abused by a family member and providing expert testimony at a jury trial resulting in a conviction and justice for the victim.
   
• Dr. Deb McParland, a psychiatrist at Our Home in Parkston, is recognized for her outstanding efforts in providing a safe and nurturing environment to a 13 year-old girl that was physically and sexually abused by a family member. Known as "Dr. Deb" by the residents, she assisted in providing the nurturing and stable environment necessary for the victim to regain her health.  Dr. McParland went the extra mile by accompanying the victim to court to support her during her trial testimony against her abuser.
   
• Alex Chasing-Sainz, a Yankton Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Officer, is commended for his remarkable investigation that led to the swift apprehension of the attacker of two elderly women in the Yankton Sioux Tribe community.
   
• Patricia Irons, a resident of Marty, is recognized for her brave and outstanding cooperation with law enforcement to assist in the investigation of a violent crime against a neighbor.
   
• Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge, Kansas City Region, Office of Inspector General - Office of Investigations, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Special Agent in Charge Muller’s tireless efforts in investigating Dr. Stanley Patrick Weber, starting in 2015, resulted in Weber’s conviction for eight child sex related convictions, and ultimate life sentences for his prolific abuse of children on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana spanning over 30 years.  Special Agent in Charge Muller conducted over 200 interviews, assisted in the preparations for a complicated trial, and arranged for his agency to provide unprecedented support for the case and victims of Weber’s crimes.
   
• Fred Bennett, former Special Agent for the Bureau of Indian Affairs traveled extensively to obtain evidence vital to Stanley Weber’s convictions.  It was his work with several victims that obtained their cooperation, despite the difficulty in that process.  Special Agent Bennett was the first law enforcement official to persuade one of Weber’s victims to go on the record about the crimes committed against him, which led to the cases being prosecuted.
   
• Justin Christman, Special Agent, Office of Inspector General – Office of Inspection, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  Special Agent Christman assisted in the investigation and trial preparation for the Stanley Weber case.
   

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota and the Department of Justice commend these outstanding advocates for the victims of crime and thank them for their extraordinary service to our communities.

President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda.  He also established the President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims.  President Trump and his administration have implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.

Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey.  The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory.  Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.

For additional information about the 2020 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, visit: http://www.ovc.gov/

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Drug User in Possession of Firearms was sentenced on April 20, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Eli Erickson, a/k/a Black, age 33, was sentenced to a total of 188 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a $500 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Four firearms were also ordered forfeited due to the convictions.     

Erickson was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 14, 2018, and a Superseding Indictment was filed on September 10, 2019.  A jury convicted him on five of the aforementioned felony charges after a three-day trial on November 7, 2019.

The convictions stemmed from a conspiracy that lasted between 2015 and 2018, wherein Erickson knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.  The trial testimony showed the conspiracy involved importing pounds of methamphetamine from Nebraska and distributing it on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.  During this time, Erickson possessed two firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking operation, namely, by using the weapons to protect his home in Mission, from which he sold methamphetamine.  Erickson also possessed these firearms and two other firearms while being a methamphetamine user.       

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 Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services; the Stanley County Sherriff’s Office; the Lexington, Nebraska, Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Cherry Creek, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Person Incapable of Consent was sentenced on April 20, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Angelo Ashley, age 21, was sentenced to 144 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.

Ashley was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 11, 2018.  He pled guilty on January 28, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on or about March 26, 2016, at Cherry Creek. Ashley knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a minor female, who was physically incapable of declining participation in and communicating an unwillingness to engage in the sexual act.  

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

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

The United States Attorney's Office for the District of South Dakota and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, are warning taxpayers to be on the lookout for scam artists trying to use the COVID-19 economic impact payments as cover for schemes to steal personal information and money. 

Ron Parsons, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, and Karl A. Stiften, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, made the announcement today in an effort to prevent taxpayers from falling victim to criminals using the recently approved economic impact payments as an opportunity to commit a crime.

Automatic COVID-19 economic impact payments started being deposited into taxpayers’ accounts on April 11. For most Americans, this will be a direct deposit into your bank account. For the unbanked, retirees or other groups who have traditionally received tax refunds via paper check, they will receive their economic impact payment in this manner as well. Scammers may try to get you to sign over your check to them or use this as an opportunity to get you to “verify” your filing information in order to receive your money, and then use your personal information at a later date to file false tax returns in an identity theft scheme. Because of this, everyone receiving a COVID-19 related economic impact payment from the government is at risk.

Karl A. Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI St. Louis Field Office warned “The existence of a deadly national pandemic will not stop criminals seeking to capitalize on the fears and difficulties faced by the public as they try to line their own pockets by stealing your money or your personal information.”

“All of us need to vigilant in these times to protect ourselves and our loved ones from being defrauded,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “You should report any suspicious activity to federal law enforcement immediately.  If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19 or stimulus relief, you can contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at disaster@leo.gov.”

Special Agent in Charge Stiften offers the following information and tips to spot a scam and understand how the COVID-19 related economic impact payments will be issued.

• The IRS will deposit your check into the direct deposit account you previously provided on your tax return (or, in the alternative, send you a paper check).
• The IRS will not call and ask you to verify your payment details. Do not give out your bank account or any other account information - even if someone claims it's necessary to get your check. It's a scam. 
• If you receive a call, don't engage with scammers or thieves, even if you want to tell them that you know it's a scam, or you think that you can beat them. Just hang up.
• If you receive texts or emails claiming that you can get your money faster by sending personal information or clicking on links, delete them. Don't click on any links in those emails or texts.
• Reports are also swirling about bogus checks.  If you receive a check that requires that you verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s a fraud.

In these uncertain and trying times, we need to stand together united with purpose.  Don’t become a victim by allowing criminals to exploit your emotions. Stay strong, tell your family, friends and neighbors about these scams. 

"IRS Criminal Investigation alongside the U.S. Department of Justice are prioritizing these types of investigations to help protect taxpayers and the tax system, especially those looking to prey on vulnerable taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Stiften.  “Remember, go directly and solely to IRS.gov for official information.”

For more information, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/coronavirus.  You can always report scams to the IRS on the website at https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing    

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.

Michael Wiseley, age 37, was sentenced on April 13, 2020, to 5 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 Wiseley, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully possessing a Ruger, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Wiseley came into contact with Rapid City police officers in June 2018.

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

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

The investigation 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.

Wiseley was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Office.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Jessi Barrera, age 33, was indicted on March 9, 2020.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 14, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 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 Barrera knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and aided and abetted others in the distribution of meth on the Rosebud Indian Reservation.

The charge is merely an accusation and Barrera 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.   

Barrera 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 convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on April 15, 2020, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.

Silas Condon, age 24, was sentenced to 2 years probation with 4 months home detention, restitution of $349, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.

Condon was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 15, 2020.  He pled guilty on April 15, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on December 6, 2019, when law enforcement was dispatched to remove Condon from a residence due to his intoxication.  As law enforcement escorted Condon out of the residence, Condon was verbally abusive and spit on, kicked, and struck the officers multiple times. 

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

Condon released following his sentencing hearing.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Discharging a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.

Carl Shockey, age 19, was sentenced on April 3, 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 Shockey and another person entering an occupied residence on April 23, 2019.   Shockey wore a blue bandana to conceal his identity and was armed with a shotgun.  After unlawfully entering the home in Pine Ridge, Shockey roused the sleeping occupants by loudly demanding they surrender their money and possessions.  Shockey discharged one round inside the home before he and his accomplice fled the residence in a vehicle that had been stolen from Rapid City.  The pair later abandoned the vehicle and were apprehended by Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety officers.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on April 6, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Melissa Jean Scull, age 39, was sentenced to 77 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.

Scull was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 16, 2019. She pled guilty on December 5, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy that occurred between February 1, 2019, and July 16, 2019, in which Scull, knowingly and intentionally, conspired and agreed with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in and around the Pierre and Ft. Pierre Communities.  As part of the conspiracy, Scull and her co-defendants traveled to Denver, Colorado, to pick up methamphetamine.  On June 23, 2019, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of co-defendant Frank Miller’s vehicle, of which Scull was a passenger, wherein 236 grams of methamphetamine, a scale, pipes, and other items of distribution were found.

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

Scull 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 April 6, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Dwight Black Spotted Horse, age 35, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Black Spotted Horse was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 10, 2019. He pled guilty on January 28, 2020.

Black Spotted Horse was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in October 2006. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender for his natural lifetime. Between June 16, 2019, and September 10, 2019, Black Spotted Horse failed to properly register and update his registration.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Parmelee, South Dakota, man convicted of Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender was sentenced on April 6, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Adrian Hawkman, age 35, was sentenced to 18 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.

Hawkman was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 11, 2019. He pled guilty on January 15, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on February 23, 2019, wherein Hawkman assaulted his domestic partner at their home in Parmelee. At the time of this incident, Hawkman had two prior convictions in Rosebud Sioux Tribal Court for Domestic Abuse.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Firearms by a Drug User was sentenced on April 6, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Jason Farlee, age 31, was sentenced to 83 days time served, 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Four of his firearms were also forfeited due to their involvement in the offense.

Farlee was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 13, 2019. He pled guilty on January 15, 2020.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on October 8, 2018, in Eagle Butte, wherein Farlee was driving a vehicle which was stopped by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Farlee advised an officer that he had firearms in the vehicle and later consented to a search. Officers found three rifles, a handgun, and multiple items of drug paraphernalia within reach of the driver’s seat. Farlee’s blood was drawn pursuant to a warrant and found to contain methamphetamine.

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 Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Hahira, Georgia, man was charged in federal district court with Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, and Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor.  

Franklin Love McDaniel, age 33, was charged on January 15, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on March 25, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  The penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 15 years up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to McDaniel sexually exploiting underage females between April 2017 and June 2019 in Rapid City via the internet. The charges are merely an accusation and McDaniel is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Box Elder, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.  

Adam Swift, age 30, was charged on March 25, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on March 25, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.  The penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The charge relates to Swift communicating with the parent of 5-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent, with the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with the minor female.  The charges are merely an accusation and Swift is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman who pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on March 30, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.  

Bryaunah Stewart, age 28, was sentenced to a total of 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

From approximately November 2017 to June 2018, Stewart distributed methamphetamine in the area of Rapid City.  The methamphetamine she distributed was brought to South Dakota from Colorado by another woman, Cathy Wells, who was sentenced in July 2019 to 20 years in prison.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.

Mason Means, age 21, was sentenced on March 30, 2020, to 2 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 Means, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully possessing a Glock, model 17, 9mm semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Means led law enforcement on a high-speed vehicle pursuit, following an attempted traffic stop in Rapid City in June 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.

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

SIOUX FALLS, SD – United States Attorney Ron Parsons of the District of South Dakota today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address disaster@leo.gov.

In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes. The NCDF Hotline can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes.

“The Department of Justice continues to fulfill its critical mission during this critical time, and we remain open for business.  Our primary goal is to do everything we can to maintain safety and security throughout our district,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “Fraud related to COVID-19 is particularly disturbing as it exploits a national crisis for personal gain.  Be assured that those who seek to defraud or exploit others will be held accountable.”

Some examples of COVID-19 schemes include:

• Individuals and businesses selling fake cures or fake testing kits for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
• Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
• Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
• Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.      

Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities.   The District of South Dakota’s Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman.

The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes.  The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.

The Department is also committed to preventing hoarding and price gouging for critical supplies during this crisis.  To combat this misconduct, the President issued an Executive Order pursuant to section 102 of the Defense Production Act, which prohibits hoarding of designated items, and Attorney General Barr has now created the COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force.  In a memo to U.S. Attorneys, Attorney General Barr said, “we will aggressively pursue bad actors who amass critical supplies either far beyond what they could use or for the purpose of profiteering. Scarce medical supplies need to be going to hospitals for immediate use in care, not to warehouses for later overcharging.”  The Secretary of HHS has issued a Notice designating categories of health and medical supplies that must not be hoarded or sold for exorbitant prices. 

If you have information on hoarding or price gouging of critical supplies, you can report it without leaving your home to the National Center for Disaster Fraud by calling the National Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or by e-mailing disaster@leo.gov.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that all six of the former Crow Creek Sioux Tribe councilmembers charged in the Superseding Indictment have now pleaded guilty to embezzling tribal funds, including two former Chairs of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe.  All of the defendants were charged in federal court for their respective conduct involving Embezzlement & Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization, and Aiding and Abetting.

The final defendant pleaded guilty on March 25, 2020, when Brandon Sazue appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange and pled guilty to the embezzlement and theft charge contained in the Superseding Indictment.

“Crow Creek citizens need to know that their government works and that theft and embezzlement will not be tolerated.  This case should go a long way toward restoring that confidence,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  

According to the Superseding Indictment, in about March 2014 through February 2019, Roland Robert Hawk, Sr., Francine Maria Middletent, Roxanne Lynette Sazue, Jacquelyn Ernestine Pease, and Brandon Sazue embezzled, stole, willfully misapplied, willfully permitted to misapplied, and converted to their own use over $1,000 of monies, funds, credit, goods, assets, and other property belonging to the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe.  During times relevant to each defendant’s case, Brandon Sazue served as Chair of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Hawk served as the elected Treasurer of the tribe, Roxanne Sazue was also chair, and Middletent and Grey Owl were elected councilpersons.  When not serving in their respective leadership positions, all defendants, except for Brandon Sazue, worked for Hawk in the tribe’s finance office.  In their respective leadership roles and employment positions, the defendants had the access and opportunity to the funds that were embezzled from the tribe.  

The maximum penalties for each defendant upon conviction are as follows:  5 years imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine; 3 years of supervised release; $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund; and restitution may be ordered.  All of the defendants were released on bond pending sentencing.

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

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.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on March 25, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Cletus Gerald Williams, III, a/k/a C.J. Williams, age 23, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day 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.

Williams was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 10, 2019.  He pled guilty on January 15, 2020.

Williams was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in April 2017.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment.  Between September 23, 2019, and October 27, 2019, Williams failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.

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

Williams 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 March 25, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Troy Sampson, age 42, was sentenced to 20 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.

Sampson was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2019.  He pled guilty on January 13, 2020.

Between April 5, 2019, and June 2, 2019, Sampson, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of a conviction under federal law for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor, knowingly failed to register and update his registration.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.

Sampson 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 March 25, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Daniel Red Horse, Jr., age 49, was sentenced to 33 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.

Red Horse was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2019.  He pled guilty on January 13, 2020.

Between June 25, 2019, and August 31, 2019, Red Horse, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of a conviction under federal law for Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Sexual Contact, knowingly failed to register and update his registration.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.

Red Horse 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 Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on March 24, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Cameron Fanning, age 21, was sentenced to time served through May 25, 2020, equal to approximately 12 months, in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Fanning was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2019.  He pled guilty on December 18, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on July 25, 2019, in Todd County, South Dakota.  On that date, a Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services (RSTLES) officer encountered Fanning at a convenience store in Rosebud, South Dakota, and arrested him on an outstanding warrant.  Fanning, who was seated in the driver seat of a vehicle, refused to comply and drove away.  In the process of doing so, he struck the RSTLES officer’s vehicle and another parked vehicle.  Fanning subsequently led RSTLES officers on a high-speed pursuit through Todd County, which ended with Fanning’s apprehension near Mission.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Cherry Creek, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on March 25, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Andre Marshall, age 35, was sentenced to time served, 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Marshall was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2019.  He pled guilty on January 13, 2020.

Between May 30, 2019, and June 13, 2019, Marshall, being a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act and a sex offender by reason of conviction, knowingly failed to register and update his registration.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case. Marshall was released following sentencing.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Cherry Creek, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Arson.

Joshua Adams Hale, age 29, was indicted on March 9, 2020.  He waived his personal appearance on March 26, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 25 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 4 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

The Indictment alleges that on January 9, 2020, at Cherry Creek, in Ziebach County, South Dakota, Hale willfully and maliciously set fire to and burned a building, namely, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel.  The chapel was completely destroyed by the fire. 

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

Hale 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 St. Francis, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Marijuana, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Antonio Marshall, age 21, was indicted on March 9, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 13, 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, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on beginning on or about the 1st day of January 2017, through the 1st day of March 2018, Marshall knowingly and intentionally, combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with persons known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana. Further, on January 16, 2018, Marshall, knowing he was an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly possessed three firearms.

The charges are merely accusations and Marshall 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.   

Marshall 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 Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Aaron Anthony Wodzinski, age 23, was indicted on March 9, 2020.  He appeared before the Honorable Veronica L. Duffy on March 12, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $1 million fine, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about May 2019, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Wodzinski did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate, and agree together, with others known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.

On or about April 23, 2018, Wodzinski did knowingly and intentionally distribute heroin, and the distribution of said heroin resulted in the death of Victim #1.  Then, on or about May 6, 2019, in the District of South Dakota, Wodzinski did knowingly and intentionally distribute heroin, and the distribution of said heroin resulted in the serious bodily injury of Victim #2.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga is prosecuting the case.   

Wodzinski 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.

Levi Shanteau, age 24, was indicted on March 3, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 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, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on January 30, 2020, Shanteau, who had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed a Taurus semi-automatic pistol, that had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.  

The charge is merely an accusation and Shanteau 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 & Explosives and the Sioux Falls Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

Shanteau 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.

Joseph Mogoliolo, age 49, was indicted on March 3, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 12, 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, a maximum term of 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on October 24, 2019, Mogoliolo, who had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed a Ruger, model SR9C, semi-automatic pistol.  Said firearm had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

The charge is merely an accusation and Mogoliolo 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 & Explosives and the Sioux Falls Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

Mogoliolo 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 a Mt. Vernon, South Dakota, woman was sentenced on March 16, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Nancy Tingle, age 54, of, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison as a result of her conviction for Health Care Fraud.  Following her release from custody, Tingle will serve 3 years of supervised release.  She was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $462,811.55 and a special assessment of $100.

According to court documents, between on or about 2012 and continuing until the Fall of 2018, Tingle worked as the business office manager at Firesteel Healthcare Community in Mitchell, South Dakota.  Tingle defrauded Firesteel Healthcare Community out of Medicaid funds intended for Firesteel Healthcare Community.  She knew that she was not authorized to receive the funds and fraudulently used them for personal items and expenditures.  The loss attributable to Tingle’s fraudulent conduct exceeded $467,000.  She also failed to pay taxes on the taxable income that she obtained through fraud, resulting in over $100,000 in unpaid taxes. 

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Jehangiri.

Tingle was released on bond and ordered to self-surrender to the U.S. Marshals Service to begin her sentence in 60 days.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Roberts County, South Dakota, man has been charged with Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Felony Child Abuse and Neglect of a Child.

Michael Robinson, a/k/a Michael O’Brien, Jr., age 21, was indicted on January 7, 2020.  He appeared before the U.S. Magistrate Judge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following his arrest, and he pled not guilty to the Indictment.

According to the Indictment, on October 3, 2019, Robinson engaged in assaultive and abusive conduct toward a child under the age of seven years.  For each charge, the maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of 10 years, a monetary fine, or both, and 3 years of supervised release.  Each charge also carries a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

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

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

Robinson was released on conditions pending trial and ordered to appear in federal court in Aberdeen, South Dakota, on March 31, 2020.  

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Agency Village, South Dakota, man has pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

Felix Duane Johnson, Jr., age 27, was indicted on January 7, 2020.  He appeared before Judge William D. Gerdes in March 2020, and pled guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 8 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

According to court documents, on December 17, 2019, in Roberts County, Johnson unlawfully killed a human being without malice.  Johnson was the only adult in the residence at the time the minor victim, who was approximately 11 months old, drowned in the bathtub.  He was the person who was responsible for taking care of the children in the home because his girlfriend, who is the victim’s mother, was working at the time the child drowned.  Johnson admitted that the death of the child was his responsibility and that the death was a result of his gross neglect and lack of due caution and circumspection.  Johnson admitted that, while the child was in the bathtub unattended, he kept getting feelings like he should go and check on the child, but he ignored the promptings and became distracted with his mobile phone.  The child ultimately drowned in the bathtub.

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

Johnson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Agency Village/Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been charged with two counts of transferring obscene material to a minor.

Aydan Sam Kirk, Jr., age 22, was indicted on March 3, 2020.  He appeared before Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 11, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

According to the charging documents, on September 26 and October 2, 2019, Kirk knowingly used a facility and means of interstate commerce, that is, a computer connected to the internet and a mobile phone, to transfer and attempt to transfer obscene matter to an another individual who had not attained the age of 16 years, knowing that such other individual had not attained the age of 16 years.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody 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.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.   

Kirk was ordered to home detention pending trial.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Corsica, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for nine counts of Wire Fraud, six counts of Mail Fraud, and seventeen counts of Money Laundering.

Robert Blom, age 58, was indicted on March 3, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 16, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison, and/or a $250,000 fine for wire fraud and $500,000 fine for money laundering, 3 years of supervised release, and up to $3,200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that beginning on or about January 2014 and continuing through February 2019, Blom devised a scheme to defraud investors.

Blom operated a custom cattle-feeding business in the Corsica area.  As part of his business, Blom solicited investors for groups of cattle.  He purchased groups of cattle from various livestock companies and the cattle were raised on feedlots owned or used by him.  Blom raised the cattle to maturity and then sold them to processing plants.  After the groups of cattle were sold, Blom paid the profits to the investors in the groups. 

It is alleged, however, that Blom sold the same groups of cattle to multiple different investors.  Each invoice should have been used for just one group of investors, but Blom knew that he did not have and could not purchase as many head of cattle as he represented to investors.  Sometimes Blom altered the cattle purchase invoices in an effort to conceal that he sold the same group of cattle to multiple different investors.

Also as part of the scheme and artifice, Blom falsely and fraudulently represented to investors that he would use their money to purchase groups of cattle and to care for those cattle.  Instead, he routinely used money from new investors to pay back old investors.

On multiple occasions, Blom mailed invoices and other investment-related documents to investors and several investors mailed their investment payments to him.  Also on multiple occasions, Blom received payments from investors, often by check and Blom also paid old investors, often by check.

The estimated loss amount at this time is approximately $20 million.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  Assistance has also been provided by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Attorney General’s Office, Douglas County States Attorney, Douglas County Sheriff, South Dakota Brand Board, North Dakota Brand Board, and the Montana Brand Board.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Milwaukee, Wisconsin, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of Making a False Statement in the Attempted Acquisition of a Firearm.

William Eugene Baehring, age 67, was indicted on February 4, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 12, 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 December 30, 2019, and January 4, 2020, Baehring twice attempted to purchase firearms from licensed dealers of firearms.  Baehring knowingly made false and fictitious written statements in an attempt to deceive the licensed dealers. 

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

Baehring was released on bond pending trial which has not been set yet.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Eagle Butte, South Dakota, women have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises Near a Playground.

Lena Marie Flying By, age 52, and Juanita Red Bird, age 26, were indicted on March 9, 2020.  They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 11 and 13, 2020, and each pled not guilty to their respective Indictments.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in prison and/or a $500,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

The Indictments allege that Flying By, between March 28, 2015, and March 9, 2020, and Red Bird, between October 1, 2018, and October 1, 2019, unlawfully and knowingly used and maintained a residence for the purposes of distributing and using marijuana, within 1,000 feet of a playground in Eagle Butte, South Dakota.

The charges are merely accusations and Flying By and Red Bird are  presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

Flying By and Red Bird were released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

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

Kyle Bordeaux, age 27, was indicted on February 11, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 13, 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 March 16, 2019, in Hughes County, Bordeaux knowingly being an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly possessed a firearm.

The charge is merely an accusation and Bordeaux 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 Trials Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Pierre Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

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

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

Scott Alex Doll, age 48, was indicted on February 11, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on March 12, 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, 2019, in Mobridge, South Dakota, Doll knowingly being an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly possessed a firearm.

The charge is merely an accusation and Doll 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 Corson County Sheriff’s Office, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

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

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

Robert James Riley, age 40, was indicted on March 9, 2020, for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. Harvi Lynn Sharp Butte, a/k/a Harvi Lynn Little Shield, age 43, was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.  They both appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 12, 2020, and pled not guilty to their respective Indictments.

The maximum penalty Riley faces upon conviction is life in federal prison and/or a $10,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  The maximum penalty Sharp Butte faces upon conviction is forty years in federal prison and/or a $5,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that beginning on or about February 1, 2019, and continuing to March 5, 2019, Riley and Sharp Butte, knowingly and intentionally, combined, conspired, confederated and agreed with each other and others, to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.  Further, on March 5, 2019, Riley, knowingly being an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly possessed a firearm.

The charges are merely accusations and Riley and Sharp Butte are 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 Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

Riley and Sharp Butte were both 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, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Distribution of Oxycodone.

Sheila Salas, age 55, was indicted on December 10, 2019.  She appeared through counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 13, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

The Indictment alleges that on September 7, 2018, Salas knowingly and intentionally distributed a prescription drug containing oxycodone in Aberdeen, South Dakota.  The male victim, to whom Salas unlawfully distributed the oxycodone, suffered a fatal overdose the same day.    

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Aberdeen Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

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

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

Ricky Bryan Giedd, age 50, was indicted on March 3, 2020.  He appeared before Veronica L. Duffy on March 5, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

Beginning at an unknown date and continuing to on or about February, 2020, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Ricky Bryan Giedd, did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate, and agree together, with others known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash is prosecuting the case.   

Giedd 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 Cherry Creek, South Dakota, men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Second Degree Murder, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Tampering with Evidence.

Jerome White Horse, Jr., age 60, was indicted on March 9, 2020, for Second Degree Murder, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.  Samuel White Horse, age 31, was indicted on March 9, 2020, for Second Degree Murder, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Tampering with Evidence.  They both appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 11, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on February 12, 2020, at Cherry Creek, South Dakota, Jerome and Samuel assaulted and, with malice aforethought, murdered a male victim by beating him with a garden hoe.  Samuel later concealed the garden hoe with the intent to impair its availability for use in and obstruct the criminal investigation.  Jerome is Samuel’s father. 

The charges are merely accusations and Jerome and Samuel are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

Jerome and Samuel were both remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for May 5, 2020.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a South Dakota man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

John Thin Elk, age 42, was indicted on March 3, 2020.  He appeared before Veronica L. Duffy on March 6, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

If convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Thin Elk faces a mandatory 10 years, with a maximum penalty life, in custody and/or a $10 million fine, a mandatory period 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  The maximum penalty upon conviction for the Felon in Possession of a Firearm is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga 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 a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by Prohibited Person.

Vasiliy Vasilyevic Manuylo, age 25, was indicted on March 3, 2020.  He appeared before Veronica L. Duffy on March 5, 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, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

On or about January 26, 2020, in the District of South Dakota, Manuylo, knowing he had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and then being an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, did knowingly possess a firearm and ammunition, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash is prosecuting the case.   

Manuylo was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for May 12, 2020.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Journey Austin, age 24, was indicted on March 9, 2020.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 12, 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 November 12, 2019, Austin knowing she was an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance as defined in 21 U.S.C. 802, and knowing she had been convicted of a felony, knowingly possessed a firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce and foreign commerce.

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

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

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Elmore is prosecuting the case.   

Austin 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 has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Daniel Roan Eagle, age 29, was indicted on January 14, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 12, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 40 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 5 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 on October 27, 2019, Roan Eagle did knowingly and intentionally possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in Todd County, on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.

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

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

Roan Eagle 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 has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender, Child Abuse, and Possession of a Controlled Substance With Intent to Distribute.

Alvin Bear Heels, Jr., age 45, was indicted on March 9, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 12, 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, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on April 7, 2019 and February 20, 2020, in Mellette County, South Dakota, Bear Heels unlawfully committed a domestic assault against a spouse or intimate partner and that, at the time of the domestic assault, Bear Heels had at least two prior convictions for offenses that would have been, if subject to federal jurisdiction, an assault against a spouse or intimate partner.  The Indictment further alleges that at the same time and place, Bear Heels did abuse, expose, torture, torment, and cruelly punish two different children who had not attained the age of eighteen. The Indictment further alleges that in the district of South Dakota and elsewhere, Bear Heels knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The charges are merely accusations and Bear Heels 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.   

Bear Heels 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 Okreek, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangulation and Suffocation and Child Abuse.

Sheldon Denoyer, age 30, was indicted on March 9, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 11, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on August 12, 2019, Denoyer unlawfully committed a domestic assault against his intimate partner, by strangling and suffocating her, and further did abuse, expose, torture, torment, and cruelly punish a minor child.

The charges are merely accusations and Denoyer 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.   

Denoyer 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 Murdo, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Moriah Moran, age 32, was indicted on March 9, 2020. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 11, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 40 years in prison and/or a $5,000,000 fine, 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 on May 7, 2019, Moran knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine in Todd County, on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.

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

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

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

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

Jeffrey Paul Jandreau, age 41, was indicted on March 9, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 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, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between December 15, 2019, and February 22, 2020, Jandreau, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, knowingly failed to register and update his registration as required by law.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the United States Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.   

Jandreau 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 Gettysburg, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Jamie Holzwarth, a/k/a Dream, age 38, was indicted on March 9, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 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 February 26, 2020, in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, Holzwarth, knowing that he had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess a firearm.

The charge is merely an accusation and Holzwarth 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 Cheyenne River 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.   

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