District of South Dakota

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Springfield, South Dakota, woman convicted of Theft of Government Funds was sentenced on December 16, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Shelly Linn Jones-Hegge, age 44, was sentenced to 5 years of probation, restitution in the amount of $27,484.43 to the Social Security Administration, $21,210.18 to South Dakota Medicaid, and $6,060.00 to South Dakota SNAP, for a total of $54,754.61, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Jones-Hegge was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 4, 2018.  She pled guilty on September 26, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from incidents between December 3, 2013, and July 1, 2017, when Jones-Hegge willfully and knowingly embezzled, stole and purloined money from departments or agencies of the United States, namely, Title XVI program benefits payments made to her stepdaughter, which are administered by the U.S. Social Security Administration.

In approximately December 2013, Jones-Hegge applied for Title XVI supplemental security income program benefits payments (SSI) for her stepdaughter.  In the application, she stated that she lived with three minor children: her own two children and her stepdaughter.  Jones-Hegge did not disclose that her husband—the biological father of her stepdaughter—was living in the same residence with them.  Jones-Hegge was well-aware that her husband lived with them and was earning money from his employment, and that his earnings would factor into whether her stepdaughter was eligible to receive SSI benefits. 

In March 2014, her stepdaughter was awarded SSI, and Jones-Hegge was appointed to be her representative payee.  She began receiving benefits payments on behalf of her stepdaughter.  In multiple reviews with the Social Security Administration and the South Dakota Department of Social Services, she repeatedly concealed that her husband was living in the same residence as her and her stepdaughter in order to continue receiving benefits to which she would not have otherwise been entitled.  The value of the benefits received by the Defendant exceeded $1,000. 

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Spearfish, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Jacob Papka, age 25, was sentenced on December 17, 2019, to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stemmed from Papka obtaining heroin and distributing it to others between February 2017 and February 2019 near Spearfish.

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

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

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

Cletus Gerald Williams, III, a/k/a C.J. Williams, age 23, was indicted on December 10, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 13, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

Williams was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in April 2017. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  It is alleged that between September 23, 2019, and October 27, 2019, Williams, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under Federal Law, failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.

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

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

Williams 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 Theft of Government Funds, False Statement, and Concealment of Information from SSI Program.

Robert Anthony Brannon, age 29, was indicted on December 3, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on December 17, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and up to $300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between October 2015 and February 2019, Brannon, willfully and knowingly embezzled, stole, and purloined money from Title XVI program benefits payments made to himself and his wife.  Title XVI is administered by the Social Security Administration.

The Indictment also alleges that on or about November 1, 2018, Brannon knowingly made false statements and representations in a Social Security Administration non-medical review - that is he reported he was not working and earning wages.

Finally, between October 2015 and February 2019, Brannon falsely reported that he was not working and continued to intentionally conceal and fail to disclose his wages, in order to continue to receive and spend SSI benefits payments made by the Social Security Administration to him and his wife.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on December 17, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Robert Cook, age 37, was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Cook joined a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy with other individuals no later than January 2017.  During the course of the conspiracy, Cook received methamphetamine directly from different individuals and distributed the methamphetamine in Rapid City.  Over the course of the conspiracy, at least 500 grams of methamphetamine was distributed in the Rapid City area.   

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Porcupine, South Dakota, woman convicted of Larceny was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Lorraine Yellow Boy, age 45, was sentenced on December 16, 2019, to 6 months in federal prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $30,661 in restitution.

The conviction stems from Yellow Boy, while employed as an Evidence Technician with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, taking $30,661 from evidence bags and using it for her personal benefit between October 2018 and March 2019.

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

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

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.

Nathen Doherty, a/k/a Nathan Doherty, age 22, was indicted on December 10, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 13, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on May 11, 2018, Doherty, knowing he was an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance as defined in 21 U.S.C. § 802, knowingly possessed a Remington Arms Company Incorporated, model 870 Express Super Magnum, 12 gauge, pump-action shotgun, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce and foreign commerce.

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

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Philip, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on December 17, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Steven Frost, age 38, was sentenced 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 charge related to Frost, a previously convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessing a Mossberg, model 500A, 12 gauge pump shotgun, a Smith & Wesson, model Bodyguard, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a Taurus, model PT738, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol, which were all found in Frost’s vehicle during a traffic stop near Black Hawk on January 5, 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.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Newton, North Carolina, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on December 12, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Gregory Skrehot, age 59, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

From February 2017 through February 25, 2018, Skrehot conspired and agreed with others to receive methamphetamine directly from suppliers in Colorado.  Skrehot would transport the methamphetamine to Rapid City, where he would then distribute it to numerous individuals.  Over the course of the conspiracy, at least 500 grams of methamphetamine was distributed in the Rapid City area.   

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Nancy Tingle, age 53, of Mt. Vernon, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier on December 16, 2019, and pled guilty to an Information that charged her with Health Care Fraud. 

According to court documents, between on or about 2012 and continuing until the fall of 2018, Nancy Tingle knowingly and willfully executed and attempted to execute a scheme and artifice to defraud a health care benefit program to obtain, by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises, property owned by and under the custody and control of a health care benefit program in connection with the delivery of and payment for health care benefits, items, and services.  Specifically, Tingle worked as the business office manager at Firesteel Healthcare Community in Mitchell, South Dakota.  At times relevant to this case, Tingle defrauded Firesteel Healthcare Community of funds and monies, and in doing so, Tingle manipulated Medicaid funds intended for Firesteel Healthcare Community.  Tingle knew that she was not authorized to receive the funds and monies of Firesteel Healthcare Community and that she used the fraudulently obtained funds on personal items and personal expenditures.  The loss amount attributable to Tingle’s fraudulent conduct exceeded $450,000.  She also failed to pay taxes on the taxable income that she obtained through fraud, resulting in over $100,000 of back 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Jehangiri.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date of March 9, 2020, has been set.  The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Saint Cloud, Minnesota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Production of Child Pornography, Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor, Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with a Minor, and Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.

Nathan Paul Grondahl, age 24, was indicted on December 10, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on December 17, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and up to $400 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on November 19, 2019, Grondahl knowingly persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions, knowing such depictions would be transported in interstate or foreign commerce, or mailed, and would be produced using materials that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, including by a computer.  Grondahl also used a cellular telephone to transfer and attempt to transfer obscene materials to a minor, who had not attained the age of 16.

The Indictment also alleges that on November 22, 2019, Grondahl knowingly traveled to engage in sexual conduct with the same minor.  Grondahl again used his cellular telephone to attempt to knowingly persuade that minor to engage in sexual activity.

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

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

Grondahl 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 convicted of Larceny and Aiding and Abetting was sentenced on December 16, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Demitre’ Ecoffey, age 25, was sentenced to 2 years of probation, $2,084 in restitution, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Ecoffey was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 13, 2019.  He pled guilty on December 16, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on May 26, 2017, when Ecoffey and Alan Thompson, Jr., took and vandalized personal property from the driveway and outdoor lot of an individual’s residence in Lyman County, resulting in a total loss of $2,084. 

Alan Thompson, Jr., was set to be sentenced on October 7, 2019, but failed to appear.  A warrant for his arrest has been issued. 

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

Defendant was released following his sentencing hearing.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that Hultgren Construction, L.L.C., of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, appeared in federal court for sentencing following its conviction for Willful Violation of the Occupational, Safety, and Health Act Causing Death to an Employee.  U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier presided over the sentencing hearing. 

Hultgren Construction, L.L.C., was sentenced to 1 year of probation.  During that time, the company was ordered to dissolve and comply with all of the bankruptcy proceedings, including paying restitution to the victims of the building collapse.  The company was not fined because all of the assets were used to pay restitution to the victims.  As required by federal law, the company was also ordered to pay a $50 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

According to court documents, on December 2, 2016, Hultgren Construction, L.L.C., an employer under the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, willfully violated the standards and regulations relating to instruction and training on proper demolition methods promulgated and prescribed under the Act, and said violation caused the death of Ethan McMahon.

At times relevant to this case, Hultgren Construction, L.L.C., was a company providing residential and commercial construction services throughout South Dakota, and the company employed approximately eleven (11) employees in South Dakota.  On or about and at times prior to December 2, 2016, Hultgren Construction, L.L.C., the controlling and exposing employer, did not sufficiently instruct employees in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions related to temporary shoring supporting a multi-story building.  Employees were tasked to remove two adjoining exterior load bearing walls between the ground level and first floor.  Employees were not sufficiently instructed in the means and methods for building and installing a temporary shoring system to transfer the building loads from the foundation to the shoring system.  In the morning hours of December 2, 2016, an employee was fatally injured as a result of removing the last segment of the load bearing wall, thereby causing the structure to collapse.

Hultgren Construction’s acts and omissions exhibited a plain indifference to a known and obvious hazard.  Hultgren Construction knowingly permitted employees to engage in demolition activities without sufficient training to ensure that a licensed engineering professional first prepared an engineering analysis to assess the structural stability of the building, including the planned temporary shoring systems.

This case was investigated by the Department of Labor – Office of the Solicitor, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a former supervisor of a tribal government department was sentenced on December 12, 2019, by U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes.

Jerome Renville, age 42 of Peever, South Dakota, pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor embezzlement and theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.  Renville was sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to pay $6,000 in restitution.  He was also ordered to pay $25 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

According to court documents, between on or about January 2015 and March 2019, in the District of South Dakota, Renville embezzled, willfully misapplied, willfully permitted to be misapplied monies, funds, credits, goods, assets, and other property belonging to the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe, an Indian Tribal Organization.  Renville was the Supervisor of the Tribe’s Facilities Maintenance for over 5 years.  While serving in that position, he willfully misapplied money and funds belonging to the Tribe; Renville used and converted those monies and funds for his own personal use.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Jehangiri prosecuted the case.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Guardians Project is 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 federal 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 an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Brandishing a Firearm during and in Relation to a Crime of Violence was sentenced on December 16, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

William Hawk, Sr., age 31, was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, forfeiture of 2 rifles, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 14, 2019.  He pled guilty on September 25, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on May 11, 2019, when Hawk entered a motel in Eagle Butte, with a rifle in his hands and another swung on his back.  Hawk spoke to the night clerk and demanded a key to a certain individual’s room.  At that time, the individual Hawk was referring to walked into the lobby and Hawk instructed him to walk outside to speak with him.  When the individual refused to do so unless he put the gun down, Hawk told the individual that if he did not go outside with Hawk, the individual would be executed in the lobby.  At that point, the rifle discharged, and the round struck the door to the registration office.   After the shot was fired, the individual ran out of the motel into the parking lot.  Hawk pursued him into the parking lot, and fired a shot in the individual’s direction.  The bullet struck a parked vehicle. The individual ran to a nearby residence and called 911.   

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Dupree, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Child Abuse.

Cache Hebb, age 23, was indicted on December 10, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 16, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about March 8, 2019, Hebb assaulted a minor child, who was under the age of seven, with a dangerous weapon, a hairbrush, and did abuse, expose, torture, torment, and cruelly punish the minor child.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Bullhead, South Dakota, man was sentenced on December 16, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann, as a result of a jury convicting him of involuntary manslaughter. 

Daniel Brown, age 29, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.  He was ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

According to court documents, on or about September 8, 2018, in Bullhead, Daniel Brown unlawfully killed Dionne Brown Otter by operating a motor vehicle recklessly while under the influence of alcohol and a controlled substance. Brown had a blood alcohol content of .22 percent and methamphetamine in his system.  While driving up an unmaintained steep hill that had a walking path, Brown lost control of his crew cab truck, causing it to roll down the hill.  As a result of the roll, two people were ejected, including Dionne Brown Otter.  The second individual also sustained serious injuries.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Jehangiri prosecuted the case.       

Brown was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Bullhead, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Vehicular Battery.

Frank Chapman, age 30, was indicted on December 16, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 13, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on July 25, 2019, in Dewey County, Chapman drove a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and caused serious bodily injury to another individual.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and one count of Aggravated Incest was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Henry Chase Alone, a/k/a Henry Black Elk, age 36, was sentenced on December 16, 2019, to 2 consecutive terms of 30 years in federal prison sentences, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund as to the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor charges.  Chase Alone was sentenced to an additional 15 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, and another $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for the Aggravated Incest charge, for a total of 75 years in federal prison.  Chase Alone was also ordered to pay $6,000 in restitution to the victims of sexual exploitation.

Chase Alone was found guilty of the charges following a federal jury trial in Rapid City on January 10, 2019.  Evidence at trial established that Chase Alone received custody of a young girl in November 2016 and almost immediately upon her arrival at his home, began sexually abusing her.  Chase Alone used threats and fear of violence to physically and sexually abuse her for years.  Through the ongoing investigation, child pornography was found on Chase Alone’s computer.  Videos and still photos established Chase Alone recorded himself and the victim engaging in sexual intercourse. 

This case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

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

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

Richard Charles Young, a/k/a RC Young, age 45, was indicted on August 13, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 12, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 10 years, up to life in prison and/or a $10,000,000 fine, at least 5 years, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each Count.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

The Indictment alleges that no later than on or about the 1st day of January  2015, and continuing to on or about August 13, 2019, Young knowingly and intentionally, combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with persons known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Indian Reservation.

The charge is merely an accusation and Young 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.   

Young 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, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft of Government Funds and Concealment of Information from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program.  The SSI program is administered by the U.S. Social Security Administration.

Nikona Jeffries, age 36, was indicted on December 3, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on December 12, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or between June 2017 and February 2019, Jeffries willfully and knowingly embezzled, stole, and purloined money from Tittle XVI program benefits payments made to her.

The Indictment also alleges that during that same period of time, Jeffries had knowledge of the occurrence of an event affecting her initial and continued right to receive payment of Title XVI SSI benefits.  Specifically, Jeffries knowingly failed to report her income and employment, in order to continue receiving and spending SSI benefits.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Japher Rajab, 42, of Rapid City, South Dakota, was convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet following a three-day federal jury trial held in U.S. District Court in Rapid City.  The guilty verdict was returned on December 11, 2019.

Rajab was one of eleven men who were arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2019 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators.  Following multiple chats and text messages with a person Rajab believed to be a 15 year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent, he proceeded to negotiate the time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts.  When Rajab went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.

The undercover operation and arrests were a joint effort between the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, 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 Collins prosecuted and tried the case.

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

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

Edward Zane Roubideaux, Jr., age 29, was indicted on December 10, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 12, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

Roubideaux was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in November 2011.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  It is alleged that between August 15, 2019, and September 19, 2019, Roubideaux, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under Federal Law, failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.

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

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

Roubideaux 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 Troy Fairbanks, age 56, of Rapid City, South Dakota, appeared before Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on December 6, 2019, and pleaded guilty to an Indictment that charged him with Conspiracy to Commit Wildlife Trafficking.       

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and restitution.   

Fairbanks conspired with his sons and other individuals to traffic in wildlife—specifically, bald and golden eagles, various species of hawks, and fifteen other bird species—and parts of those birds.  Fairbanks, the owner/operator of a Native American dance business called Buffalo Dreamers, bought, sold, traded, and bartered eagles and hawks and their parts on numerous occasions between July 17, 2014, and February 11, 2016.  Fairbanks sold and traded hundreds of eagle feathers, as well as eagle wings, eagle heads, eagle claws, raptor claws, hawk feathers, and parts from other CITES I protected birds.  Testing of carcasses and parts recovered after a search warrant conducted at Fairbanks’s home revealed at least 112 eagles and/or parts thereof passed through his home during the transactions he conducted there.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Kelderman and Meghan Dilges.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for May 4, 2020.  The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Luke Joseph Burning Breast, age 36, of Mission, South Dakota, was found guilty of Felon in Possession of a Firearm as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on December 10, 2019.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

Burning Breast was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2019.  In 2008, Burning Breast was convicted in Federal court of Drug User in Possession of a Firearm, a felony.  On April 9, 2019, in Rosebud, South Dakota,  Burning Breast was at a residence when an altercation ensued between Burning Breast and his domestic partner.  Law enforcement was contacted and responded to the residence. During questioning, the officers noted a rifle magazine on the table and Burning Breast requested his rifle be retrieved from outside. The arresting officers knew that Burning Breast had a prior felony conviction and asked him about the firearm and conviction. Burning Breast erroneously claimed he was no longer a felon, though the investigation revealed his conviction remained valid.   

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

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

A sentencing date has not been set.  Burning Breast was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender.

Charles Grey Owl, a/k/a Raymond Keith Grey Owl, age 49, was indicted on December 10, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 11, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on July 30, 2019, Grey Owl unlawfully committed domestic assault upon his intimate partner, when at the time he had at least two separate prior final convictions for domestic assault.  The Indictment further alleges that Grey Owl committed the assault with a dangerous weapon, that is shod feet, with the intent to do bodily harm.

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

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

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

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

Kristen Nordvold, a/k/a Kristen Pretty Weasel, a/k/a Kristen Red Dog,  age 38, was indicted on December 10, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 11, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in prison and/or a $10,000,000 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 January 1, 2016, and continuing to on or about December 10, 2019, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Nordvold, knowingly and intentionally, combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

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

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 Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

Nordvold 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 Yankton, South Dakota, man convicted of conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl was sentenced on December 9, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Fletcher Stark, age 23, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Stark was indicted with others for conspiracy to distribute a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, by a federal grand jury on February 5, 2019.  He pled guilty on August 21, 2019.

Stark was obtaining fentanyl from co-conspirators in Minneapolis for redistribution in South Dakota.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the police departments of Vermillion, Yankton, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on December 10, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Steven William Emery, age 48, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, forfeiture of a firearm, ammunition, and firearm accessories, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Emery was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 11, 2018.  He pled guilty on August 13, 2019.

Beginning in June 2016 and continuing to May 2018, Emery knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota, in and around the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. Emery admitted that over 50 grams of methamphetamine was distributed during the course of the conspiracy.   During a vehicle and residence search, several drug paraphernalia items were found, in addition to a loaded firearm, ammunition and firearm accessories.

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

Emery 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 Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on December 6, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.

Nicholas Perry, age 31, was sentenced to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

From May 2017 through August 2017, co-conspirator Dana Faulkner transported and arranged transportation of 15-45 kilograms of methamphetamine to South Dakota from Colorado.  Perry was one of the multiple sub-distributors who dealt Faulkner’s methamphetamine in the Rapid City area.  Faulkner was previously sentenced to 25 years in federal prison.

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

This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, 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.  Multiple co-conspirators have already been sentenced.

Perry 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 December 9, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Eugene Leon Featherman, age 31, was sentenced to 18 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.

Featherman was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 14, 2018.  He pled guilty on October 9, 2019.

Featherman was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in January 2012. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender for a period of 25 years. Between August 25, 2018, and November 14, 2018, Featherman failed to properly update his registration.

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

Featherman 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 December 10, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Cody Grass, age 35, was sentenced to 8 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stemmed from Grass, who is a person required to register for a period of 25 years under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, knowingly failing to register and update his registration from July 2018 until the time of his apprehension in June 2019.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today a Pierre, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft from a Program Receiving Federal Funds. 

Dawn R. Seaboy Block, age 52, was indicted on November 13, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 6, 2019, 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 between October 2018 and May 2019, while she was employed as an agent of the United Sioux Tribes of South Dakota Development Corporation (USTDC), Block did embezzle, steal, obtain by fraud, and intentionally misapply property of USTDC, an organization receiving Federal funds.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.

The case was brought as part of 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 McLaughlin, South Dakota, woman convicted of assault of a federal officer was sentenced on December 4, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann. 

Claudette Mae Has Horns, age 32, was sentenced to time served, which was 10 months in federal custody and over 3 months in tribal custody, totaling over 13 months.  She was also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  

According to court documents, on October 10, 2018, Has Horns forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with a federal officer, with such assault involving physical contact and with the intent to commit another felony.  At the time of the assault, the victim was employed as a federal law enforcement officer with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of Interior, assigned to perform law enforcement functions and while he was engaged in the performance of his official duties.

In the afternoon of October 10, Has Horns and a third-party approached a residence in McLaughlin, South Dakota, seeking a ride from the homeowner.  Has Horns and the third-party appeared intoxicated, and they subsequently engaged in a physical altercation on the front lawn.  Law enforcement was then summoned, and the assault occurred.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services and the Corson County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.   

At the time of her sentencing, Has Horns had served the entirety of her sentence and was released to begin supervised release.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse of a Person Incapable of Consent.

Verl Janis, a/k/a “Bumpy”, age 38, was indicted on November 13, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on December 5, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on September 1, 2019 Janis knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in a sexual act with an individual who was physically incapable of declining participation or communicating an unwillingness to engage in the sexual act.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirsten Jasper is prosecuting the case.   

Janis 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 Little Eagle, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangulation and Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender was sentenced on December 4, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Arthur Taken Alive, Jr., age 52, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Taken Alive was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 14, 2019.  He pled guilty on August 27, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on October 10, 2018, when Taken Alive got into an argument with the victim and assaulted her by placing his hand over her mouth, making it difficult for the victim to breath. 

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

Taken Alive 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 False Statement was sentenced on December 11, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Paul Stands For, age 24, was sentenced to 12 days in federal prison, 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Stands For was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 16, 2019.  He pled guilty on September 17, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on April 18, 2019, where Stands For willfully and knowingly made a materially false statement to a Task Force Officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, by stating that a stolen handgun was his, when he in fact knew this statement was false.  Stands For lied in order to obstruct an investigation into whether a convicted felon unlawfully possessed the stolen handgun.   

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sisseton, South Dakota, man convicted of abusive sexual contact was sentenced on December 4, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann. 

David Wayne Carper, age 53, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  

According to court documents, between on or about January 2017 and January 2018, Carper knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual contact with the victim, that is, sexual contact by using force.  Carper had the intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, and degrade the victim and engaged in such sexual contact to arouse and gratify his sexual desires.  At the time of the sexual contact, Carper had at least one prior sex offense conviction. 

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

Carper was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

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

Tiffany Island, age 37, was sentenced on November 25, 2019, to 21 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stemmed from Island, a previously convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly possessing a Fabrique Nationale Herstal, model FN Five-seveN USG, 5.7x28mm FN caliber semi-automatic pistol, which was found at Island’s Rapid City residence after police were called there for a disturbance on August 7, 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.

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.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Piedmont, South Dakota, man convicted of Threatening Communications and Repeated Telephone Calls was sentenced on November 26, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Larry Wenthold, age 40, was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stemmed from Wenthold, who was living in Minnesota at the time, sending repeated texts and telephone calls to a female, and her mother and sister, in South Dakota.  In the communications, the defendant repeatedly threatened their lives and put them in fear of death or serious bodily injury.

“You’d better think twice before you stalk, harass, or threaten someone with violence,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man was sentenced for Third Degree Burglary and Aiding and Abetting.

Lyle Daniel Mousseau, age 42, was sentenced on December 4, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann to 20 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $6,324.93 in restitution to the victim, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

According to court documents, on or about July 11, 2018, Lyle Daniel Mousseau and Alexander Guy Jones unlawfully entered and remained in an unoccupied structure in McLaughlin, with intent to commit the crime of larceny.  Jones was convicted earlier this year and received a sentence of 11 months of custody. 

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Programs.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted both cases.   

Mousseau was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.  

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Puyallup, Washington, man convicted of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death was sentenced on December 2, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Ian Royal Bjornstad, age 42, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Bjornstad was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 13, 2018.  He pled guilty on September 6, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on or about September 27, 2016, when Bjornstad knowingly and intentionally distributed heroin to another person in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  That person used the heroin Bjornstad sold him and shortly thereafter overdosed and died from it.  But for the use of the heroin, that person would not have died. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mitchell, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Exploitation of a Child was sentenced on December 2, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Walter “Wally” Joseph Jandreau, age 36, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison, 10 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Jandreau was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 6, 2018.  He pled guilty on July 25, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from incidents between July 16, 2018, and July 23, 2018, when Jandreau knowingly coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct with him, for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct.  While the sexually explicit conduct was occurring, Jandreau used his cell phone to take pictures and produced them using materials that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, including a computer.

“This defendant engaged in truly despicable conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “He deserves every minute of every day of the long federal prison sentence issued to him by the Court.”

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

Jandreau 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 Accessory After the Fact was sentenced on November 27, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Jesse J. Waukechon, age 22, was sentenced to 8 months in federal prison, 1 year of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Waukechon was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 12, 2018.  He pled guilty on August 26, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on June 3, 2018, in Mission, South Dakota.  On that date, Waukechon and a male relative were at the Sunrise Apartment Complex in Mission, South Dakota, where they were working on a vehicle.  An argument ensued between Waukechon and the victim.  Waukechon and his relative subsequently got into his vehicle and began to leave the scene.  The victim threw a can of beer at Waukechon’s vehicle.  Waukechon stopped the vehicle and his relative produced a pistol, opened the passenger door and fired two rounds in the direction of the victim, striking him in the thigh.  Waukechon drove from the scene, and assisted in concealing the pistol.  Both men later admitted to the location of the pistol, and it was ultimately recovered.  The co-defendant was previously sentenced for his role in the shooting.  Both men will forfeit their interest in the pistol.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wagner, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on November 26, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Harold Dean Johnson, Jr., age 40, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 7, 2019.  He pled guilty on August 26, 2019.

The conviction stems from Johnson failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between February 19, 2019 and March 18, 2019.  Johnson had previously been convicted of a sex offense in federal court which requires him to register for the rest of his life.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Theft of Government Funds was sentenced on November 26, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Sina Crowe, age 32, was sentenced to 3 years of probation, $14,222.10 in restitution to the Social Security Administration, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Crowe was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 9, 2019.  She pled guilty on August 22, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident between, on, or about July 1, 2017, and April 1, 2019, when Crowe willfully and knowingly embezzled, stole, purloined, and converted to her own use, money from departments or agencies of the United States, namely, Title XVI program benefits payments made to her deceased grandmother, Sharon Black Bear.  The Title XVI program is administered by the United States Social Security Administration (SSA),

In approximately January 1999, Crowe’s grandmother began to receive Title XVI supplemental security income (SSI) benefits.  She was her own payee.  In February 2017, Crowe’s grandmother moved in with Crowe and her three minor children.  At that time, Crowe’s grandmother was receiving her benefits payment via paper U.S. Treasury checks.

Crowe’s grandmother died on June 11, 2017 and SSA was not notified of her death. From July 1, 2017, through May 1, 2018, her benefits checks continued to be issued and mailed to Crowe’s address in Sioux Falls.  Crowe received and negotiated these checks by either endorsing the checks in her own name or forging her deceased grandmother’s name.  Crowe used the funds for her own purposes.

On May 10, 2018, SSA mailed a notice to Crowe’s grandmother confirming that the benefits payments would be deposited on a Direct Express card instead of being issued via paper check.   The Direct Express card was issued in the grandmother’s name and was mailed to Crowe’s address in Sioux Falls.  From June 1, 2018, through April 1, 2019, the payments were deposited on the Direct Express card.  Crowe received the card and used the funds for her own purposes.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Marty, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on November 25, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

A’Shae Primeaux, age 21, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, restitution to the State of South Dakota Medicaid Program in the amount of $937.62, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Primeaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 8, 2019.  He pled guilty on September 5, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on December 15, 2018, when Primeaux, who was very intoxicated at the time, entered a home without permission.  While inside, he unlawfully assaulted two ladies who were visiting.  He hit them with a shovel, striking both of them.  One victim received seven stitches to her forehead, and the other victim required sutures to her scalp.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Moses Crowe, age 26, was found guilty of Carjacking Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Discharge of Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person; and Ranson Long Pumpkin, age 33, was found guilty of Carjacking Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Discharge of Firearm During a Crime of Violence, following a federal trial in Rapid City, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on November 21, 2019.

The Carjacking charge carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, and 5 years of supervised release.  The Discharge of a Firearm charge carries a mandatory 10 years up to life in prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, and 5 years of supervised release.  The charge of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.  Each charge also carries a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Evidence at trial established that Crowe, Long Pumpkin, and a third person, Saul Crowe, were part of a carjacking of an occupied van on October 13, 2017.  They held the victim at gunpoint and drove him to an isolated area north of Rapid City, where they pistol-whipped and beat him.  Crowe then fired multiple rounds near the victim, while Long Pumpkin continued to assault him.  Bullet casings from the location of the carjacking and beating were forensically matched to a weapon Crowe later abandoned in a vehicle after fleeing police. Prior to trial, Saul Crowe pled guilty to Carjacking Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence and was sentenced to 20 years in federal custody.  

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

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

Presentence investigations were ordered and sentencing dates will be set.  Crowe and Long Pumpkin were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Paul Erickson, age 58, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, appeared before District Judge Karen E. Schreier on November 26, 2019, and pled guilty to an Indictment that charged him with one Count of Wire Fraud and one Count of Money Laundering.       

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in federal prison, and/or up to $500,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Erickson solely operated a business venture to develop land in the Bakken oil fields in North Dakota. Through his business, he became acquainted with several individuals with whom he developed strong professional and personal relationships.  He approached many of those individuals about investing in his business.  However, he falsely represented to investors that he would use the money to purchase real estate and the construction of single-family homes in North Dakota, which he did not do.

On March 1, 2017, he accepted a $100,000 wire transfer that was deposited into his Wells Fargo bank account, which was supposed to be an investment in his business.  He told the investor that the money would be used for the development of real estate in North Dakota and that the amount would be repaid no later than August 28, 2017.  However, he did not invest the money received into the Bakken oil fields venture and he did not repay the investor. 

Furthermore, from the $100,000 Erickson received on March 1, 2017, he conducted a financial transaction and transferred $1,000 to someone. 

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for March 2, 2020.  The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Third Degree Burglary was sentenced on November 25, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Tevin Lapointe, age 25, was sentenced to 6 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.  Restitution may also apply.

Lapointe was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2019.  He pled guilty on September 10, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in the early morning hours of July 17, 2019, wherein Lapointe broke into and burglarized the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Employment and Contracting Rights Office (TECRO) in Rosebud, and stole multiple items of property belonging to TECRO, including a pickup truck.

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

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