District of South Dakota

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on October 1, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Patrick Hirl Adkins, age 49, was sentenced to 5 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.

The conviction stemmed from Adkins communicating with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts, and requesting that the minor send pornographic images to Adkins.

The investigation was conducted by the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Collins prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Elk Point, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Mail Theft and thirteen counts of Mail Fraud.

Jennifer Groethe, age 46, was indicted on September 4, 2019. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 27, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and up to $1,300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on between October 23, 2018, and December 3, 2018, Groethe stole, took, and abstracted letters, postal cards, packages, and mail from and out of authorized depositories for United States mail matter and removed such letters, postal cards, packages, and mail and secretly embezzled and destroyed them afterwards.  

The Indictment also alleges that between February 21, 2018, and January 8, 2019, Groethe willfully and unlawfully devised, and intended to devise, a scheme and artifice to defraud for obtaining money and property by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises.   

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

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

Groethe was released on bond pending trial, which has been set for December 3, 2019.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that according to the FBI’s 2018 Crime in the United States Report released this week, the estimated number of violent crimes in the District of South Dakota decreased in 2018 for the first time in five years, dropping 4.9 percent from the 2017 number.  Even more significantly, the violent crime rate fell 5.8 percent when compared with the 2017 rate.  The 2018 statistics show the estimated rate of violent crime in South Dakota was 404.7 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants.

This was first decline in the violent crime rate in South Dakota in five years.  (See Table 1 below).  The most dramatic drop was seen in the category of murders and non-negligent homicides, which declined by 56 percent from 2017 to 2018.  (See Table 2 below).

“These numbers are a testament to the tireless efforts and dedication of our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers working to protect us every day,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “We must always remember that these men and women cannot do their jobs effectively without the help and support of the general public.  Fortunately, we have that here in South Dakota.  We are grateful for the tremendous community support shown for law enforcement officers across the state.”

As announced by Attorney General William P. Barr earlier this week, the estimated number of violent crimes in the United States as a whole decreased 3.3 percent from the 2017 number.  The national violent crime rate fell 3.9 percent when compared with the 2017 rate.  This was the second consecutive year that violent crime has decreased nationwide.

Two years ago, the Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the department’s violent crime reduction strategy.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Throughout the past two years, the department’s United States Attorneys have partnered with all levels of law enforcement, local organizations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Table 1

Table 2

 

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pukwana, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft of Mail by Postal Service Employee.

Kayla Ottmo, age 35, was indicted on July 9, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 3, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on or about between September 2018 and November 2, 2018, Ottmo, being an employee of the U.S. Postal Service, embezzled gift cards and other items of value that had been placed in the custody and control of the U.S. Postal Service, and that were indented to be conveyed by mail and delivered by a carrier. 

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.   

Ottmo was released on bond/remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

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

Bryan Herman, age 54, was indicted on September 10, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 2, 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 15, 2016, Herman, an unlawful user of, and addicted to, a controlled substance, did knowingly possess, receive, conceal, store, barter, sell, and dispose of a stolen firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.

The charges are merely accusations and Herman 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Elmore is prosecuting the case.   

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

RAPID CITY, SD – United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Stanley Patrick Weber, age 70, of Spearfish, South Dakota, was found guilty by a federal jury of 5 counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse and 3 counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor following a week-long  jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Aggravated Sexual Abuse carries a penalty of a mandatory minimum of 30 years up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, a minimum of 5 years up to lifetime supervised release, and a $500 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Sexual abuse of a minor carries a penalty of 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, a minimum of 5 years up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Restitution may also be ordered.

Evidence at trial established that Weber, while employed as a pediatrician with the Indian Health Services at Pine Ridge, sexually abused minors between 1999 and 2011.

“This defendant is the worst kind of sexual predator: a person placed in a position of trust – a pediatrician – who abused that position to rape and sexually assault the children entrusted to his care,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “I want to commend the courage and bravery of the men who came forward to testify about what happened to them as boys.  I know that the jury’s unanimous verdict has brought them some measure of justice.  I hope that it will bring them some measure of peace.  Let us never forget that with the justice granted by these convictions comes an obligation shared by us all.  We must resolve to do everything we can to ensure that nothing like this can ever happen again to any of our children in any of our communities.”

This case was investigated by the United States Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services.  Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah B. Collins and Eric Kelderman prosecuted and tried the case.  A sentencing date is set for February 10, 2020.  Weber was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced the resolution of several cases, all of which are separately noted below, that were brought pursuant to the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Guardians Project.  The 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.

“These cases demonstrate the success that the Guardians Project has had since its inception in South Dakota’s U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons.  “The Project has secured dozens of convictions involving millions of dollars that were unlawfully diverted by the few who were in positions of trust and power.  As a result of the hard work of this Office and its federal partners, tax-payer funds are being safeguarded and that money is being returned to the communities that need it the most.”

Two Former Crow Creek Tribal Court Clerks

Sentenced for Embezzlement

Kathleen Goodlow, age 68, of Ft. Thompson, South Dakota, and Christine Reed, age 41, of Pukwana, South Dakota, were sentenced for their respective guilty pleas to Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.  U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange presided over the sentencing hearings.

Goodlow was sentenced to federal custody for 1 month and to 2 years of supervised release.  She was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5,255, joint and several with Reed.  Reed was sentenced to 2 years of probation and ordered to pay the same amount of restitution as Goodlow.  Each was ordered to pay a special assessment of $100.

According to court documents, from August 2017 through October 2018, Goodlow and Reed embezzled and converted to their own use more than $5,000 of monies, funds, credits, goods, assets, and other property belonging to the Crow Creek Tribal Court, an Indian Tribal Organization. 

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

Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Bribery Concerning

Programs Receiving Federal Funds

John Thomas German, Jr., age 35, of Peever, South Dakota, pleaded guilty to one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.  He entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on September 23, 2019. 

According to court documents, John Thomas German, Jr., formed a business on December 15, 2016, called Tatanka Contracting.  On October 27, 2017, Dakota Nations Development Corporation contracted with Tatanka Contracting to do the earthwork associated with the elderly village project.  The contract was for a guaranteed price of $1,070,740, although a change order increased the total of the contract to $1,129,679.  On November 6, 2017, German corruptly gave, offered, and agreed to give a thing of value to an agent of a tribal organization, Dakota Nations Development Corporation, intending to influence and reward that agent in connection with a transaction and series of transactions of the Dakota Nations Development Corporation involving $5,000 or more. 

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.  The sentencing hearing will be held at the federal courthouse in Aberdeen on December 16, 2019.

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

Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement from

Sisseton-Wahpeton Tribal Organizations

Dustin Martin Kirk, age 46, of Sisseton, South Dakota, pleaded guilty to one count of felony embezzlement and theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.  Kirk entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on September 23, 2019.

According to court documents, in or about August 2016 and December 2018, in the District of South Dakota, Dustin Martin Kirk and his business embezzled, stole, and converted more than $1,000 of monies, funds, credits, goods, assets, and other property belonging to Dakota Nation Development Corporation and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Housing Authority, both of which are entities of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe and Indian Tribal Organizations.

The maximum penalty upon conviction on each count is up to 5 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victim’s Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.  The sentencing hearing will be held at the federal courthouse in Aberdeen on May 11, 2020.

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

Former Tribal Supervisor Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement

from Sisseton-Wahpeton Tribal Organization

Jerome Renville, age 42, of Peever, South Dakota, pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor embezzlement and theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.  Renville entered his guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on September 16, 2019.

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, Defendant willfully misapplied money and funds belonging to the Tribe; Defendant used and converted those monies and funds for his own personal use.

The maximum penalty upon conviction on each count is up to 5 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victim’s Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.  The sentencing hearing will be held in the federal courthouse in Aberdeen on December 13, 2019.

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

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.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced today that Hultgren Construction, L.L.C., of Sioux Falls, SD, appeared in federal court and pleaded guilty to Willful Violation of the Occupational, Safety, and Health Act Causing Death to an Employee.  U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier presided over the plea hearing. 

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.

The maximum penalties are five (5) years of probation, a $500,000 fine, or both, $50 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, restitution, and forfeiture.  This case was investigated by the Department of Labor – Office of the Solicitor, and the United States Attorney's Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri.

The sentencing hearing will be held on Monday, December 16, 2019.

# # #

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and Failure to Appear was sentenced on September 26, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

William J. Waukechon, age 20, was sentenced to a total of 135 months in federal prison.  He was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison for of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, 120 months in federal prison for Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and 3 months in federal prison for Failure to Appear, with such sentences to be served consecutively, followed by 3 years of supervised release.  Waukechon was also ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $300.

The convictions for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence stemmed from an incident that occurred on June 3, 2018, in Mission, South Dakota.  On that date, Waukechon and another individual were working on a vehicle at the Sunrise Apartment Complex.  Following a verbal altercation with the victim, Waukechon got into a vehicle and proceeded to leave the scene.  The victim threw a can of beer at Waukechon’s vehicle.  The driver then stopped the vehicle.  Waukechon produce a pistol, opened the vehicle door and fired two rounds in the direction of the victim, striking the victim in the thigh.  Waukechon was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 12, 2018.  He plead guilty on March 18, 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.

The conviction for Failure to Appear stemmed from conduct that occurred in January 2019.  On January 22, 2019, Waukechon failed to appear in United States District Court for a change of plea hearing based on the above-described assault.  Waukechon was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 13, 2019.  He plead guilty on March 18, 2019.

These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted these cases.

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

# # #

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Ft. Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on September 25, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Michael George Fallis, age 41, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison, 4 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Fallis was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 9, 2019.  He pled guilty on May 30, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an drug conspiracy that began at a time unknown, but no later than December 1, 2015, and continuing to November 14, 2018, where Fallis knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, on the Crow Creek and Lower Brule reservations in South Dakota. Fallis was a dealer for Frank “Tank” Adams, who was convicted of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance at a federal jury trial in August.  Fallis allowed Adams to deal methamphetamine out his home.  A federal search warrant conducted at Fallis home recovered meth, baggies, scales and other drug paraphernalia items.

This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Pierre Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges.

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

# # #

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Daniel Brown, age 29, of Bullhead, South Dakota, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter as a result of a federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota.  United States District Judge Charles B. Kornmann presided over the trial proceedings.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of 8 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  

According to the evidence presented at trial, on or about September 8, 2018, in Bullhead, South Dakota, 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 is prosecuting the case.  

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for December 16, 2019.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

# # #

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Watertown, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on September 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Danny Ray Callahan, Jr., age 40, was convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. He is the last of six defendants to be sentenced.

The conviction stems from a methamphetamine conspiracy in and around the Watertown and Sisseton, South Dakota areas from November 23, 2017 through February 28, 2018. The conspiracy involved over 500 grams of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Callahan, and three other co-defendants, Alexis Dumarce, Amos Hall and Dayvon Byrd, were selling methamphetamine brought to South Dakota from California by co-defendants Josh Paul and Victor Caperon. Caperon and Paul were found with six pounds of methamphetamine on February 28, 2018 during a traffic stop in Corson County, South Dakota. This methamphetamine was intended for sale in the Watertown and Sisseton areas. 

This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Corson County Sheriff’s Office, Mobridge Police Department and the Watertown Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

# # #

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wood, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on September 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

David Blue Bird, age 25, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Blue Bird was indicted by superseding indictment on March 12, 2019.  He pled guilty on July 10, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on or about the 8th day of September 2018, through the 26th day of January 2019, Blue Bird did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more methamphetamine and, being an unlawful user of methamphetamine, did knowingly receive and possess three firearms.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Greeley, Colorado, man and a Box Elder, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance were sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Jeffery William Travis, age 55, was sentenced on September 9, 2019, to 20 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Marvin Glen McIlravy, age 65, was also sentenced on September 9, 2019, to 12 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.

Travis and McIlravy were indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2018.  The conviction stems from Travis, McIlravy, and several other people distributing multiple pounds of methamphetamine in western South Dakota between 2016 and 2018. Travis obtained the methamphetamine from Colorado and transported it to South Dakota, where multiple co-conspirators further distributed the methamphetamine.  McIlravy obtained the methamphetamine in South Dakota and distributed it primarily in the Rapid City area.  Other co-conspirators have been sentenced while additional co-conspirators’ cases are still pending.

This case was investigated by federal, state, and local agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, which is a local drug task force comprised of various agencies, including the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Gina S. Nelson, Assistant U.S. Attorney.

Travis and McIlravy were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on September 20, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Cody Spotted Tail, age 34, was sentenced to 87 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 $200.

Spotted Tail was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 11, 2018.  He pled guilty on July 2, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from a drug conspiracy that occurred beginning no later than October 15, 2018, and continuing to November 2, 2018, in which Spotted Tail knowingly and intentionally conspired with his co-defendants to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in the District of South Dakota.  Further, Spotted Tail was an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, which prohibited him from possessing firearms, and he was in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest.  At the time of his arrest, law enforcement recovered 256 grams of methamphetamine, scales, baggies, and other drug trafficking items.

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 Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on September 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Dylan Blue Thunder, a/k/a Dylan Black Lance, age 20, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Blue Thunder was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 9, 2019.  He pled guilty on July 1, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on March 29, 2019, wherein Blue Thunder assaulted another man with a knife.  The victim suffered serious injuries, including a large laceration across his neck, as a result of the assault.

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

Blue Thunder 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 Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation and Escape from Custody was sentenced on September 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Roger James Spider, II, a/k/a Roger Spider, Jr., age 29, was sentenced to a total of 40 months in federal prison.  He was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation, and 3 months in federal prison for Escape from Custody, with such sentences to be served consecutively, followed by 3 years of supervised release.  Spider was also ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

The conviction for Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation stemmed from an incident that occurred on April 24, 2018, in Mission, South Dakota.  On that date, Spider assaulted his girlfriend by grabbing her by the throat and strangling her until she began to lose consciousness.  Spider was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 17, 2018.  He pled guilty on July 1, 2019.

The conviction for Escape from Custody stemmed from conduct that occurred in January 2019, while Spider was in custody pending trial.  On January 18, 2019, Spider was granted a furlough to undergo a medical evaluation in Rapid City on January 22, 2019.  Spider subsequently failed to return from the furlough and was arrested in Rapid City on January 26, 2019.  Spider was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 12, 2019.  He plead guilty on July 1, 2019.

These cases were investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the cases.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Omaha, Nebraska, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on September 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Kenneth Ray Dandridge, age 36, 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.

Dandridge was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 6, 2014.  He pled guilty on June 28, 2019.

The conviction stems from Dandridge failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between April 20, 2011, and May 6, 2014.  Dandridge 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.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wichita, Kansas, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on September 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Steven Ward McMullen, Jr., age 45, was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

McMullen was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2018.  He pled guilty on June 4, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy beginning on or about January 25, 2018, and continuing to on or about August 13, 2018, where McMullen, knowingly and intentionally, combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with persons to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation.

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

McMullen 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 in two separate cases of Larceny and Possession of a Stolen Firearm, was sentenced on September 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

In the stolen firearm case, Judson His Law, a/k/a Judson Rhee Dannen Two Dogs, age 25, was sentenced to 64 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $729.70.  In the larceny case, His Law was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release to both run concurrently with the stolen firearm sentence. He was also ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

His Law was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 12, 2019, and again on May 14, 2019.  He pled guilty in both cases on July 1, 2019.

The convictions stemmed from two incidents.  The first occurred on November 3, 2018, when His Law stole another person’s pickup truck that was parked at a gas station in Eagle Butte.  The second incident involved His Law stealing four firearms from a home near Eagle Butte on February 13, 2019.  In the process of stealing the firearms, His Law damaged property at the home.

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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Brandon, South Dakota, woman convicted of Wire Fraud was sentenced on September 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol.

Crystal Nelson, age 42, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $199,533.52 to McCrossan Boys Ranch, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Nelson was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 6, 2019.  She pled guilty on June 26, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on or about December 2013, and continuing through September 2018, when Nelson, who was the bookkeeper for McCrossan Boys Ranch, falsely and fraudulently inflated her own payroll checks and then used the funds for her own purposes.  She disguised her theft by debiting money from the payroll account and crediting the operating account, and by creating false documentation for McCrossan Boys Ranch’s payroll binder.  Nelson also used the McCrossan Boys Ranch’s credit card without authority for her own personal expenses and stole money from client fund accounts.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

Nelson has been allowed to self-surrender to the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Chadron, Nebraska, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for four counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

William Bear Robe, age 36, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction for each charge is a mandatory minimum of 30 years up to life in prison, a mandatory minimum term of 5 years up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Bear Robe engaging in sexual acts with a female child, who had not reached the age of 12 years, between April and October of 2012, at Oglala, South Dakota.

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

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

Bear Robe was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for November 19, 2019.

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

Jacob Harvey, age 21, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 8 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to Harvey kicking an officer in the hand, ribs, and knee on August 2, 2019, near Pine Ridge.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Office of Justice Services, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.

Harvey was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for November 19, 2019. 

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

Teresa Jandreau, age 40, was sentenced to 64 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.

Jandreau was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 11, 2018.  She pled guilty on May 28, 2019.

Beginning at a time unknown, but no later than December 1, 2015, through September 11, 2018, Jandreau knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota, in and around the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Sioux Indian Reservations. The conspiracy involved over 500 grams of methamphetamine that was supplied by Frank “Tank” Adams from St. Paul, Minnesota.  Adams was recently found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine following a jury trial.  

This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Crow Creek and Lower Brule Agencies and the Pierre Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges 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 Fort Pierre, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Tiffany Kay Frazier, n/k/a Tiffany Kay Castiglione, age 26, was indicted on September 10, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 17, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 years in prison and/or a $5,000,000 fine, at least 4 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each Count.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

The Indictment alleges that beginning at a time unknown, but no later than on or about the 1st day of January 2017, and continuing to on or about September 10, 2019, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Castiglione knowingly and intentionally, combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with persons known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

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

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

Castiglione 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, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Cheyenne Brown, age 32, was indicted on October 16, 2018.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 10, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison, including a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal 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 at a time unknown but no later than on January 1, 2016, and continuing to October 16, 2018, in South Dakota, Brown knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. 

The charge is merely an accusation and Brown 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 Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

Brown 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 Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

Chae Lynn LeClaire, age 27, was indicted on September 10, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 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 23, 2019, LeClaire assaulted an individual with a chair with the intent to do bodily harm and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse.

Ryan Dupris, age 24, was indicted on September 10, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 16, 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, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on January 2, 2019, in Eagle Butte, Dupris knowingly caused, and attempted to cause, a female victim to engage in a sexual act by the use of force against and by threatening her.

The charge is merely an accusation and Dupris 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 Cameron Cook is prosecuting the case.   

Dupris 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 Chamberlain, South Dakota, man convicted of Escape from Custody was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Charles His Law, age 36, was sentenced on September 11, 2019, to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

His Law was furloughed to travel by bus from the United States Penitentiary-McCreary in Pine Knot, Kentucky, to arrive in Rapid City and report to the Bureau of Prisons at the Community Education Center (CEC) on March 27, 2019.  His Law failed to report and was placed on escape status.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.

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

• 67 violent felony fugitives arrested in weeklong operation

• More than 650 guns taken off the streets in Rapid City since January 2018

• Gun-related prosecutions have increased 50 percent District-wide

• Shootings in Rapid City have declined dramatically since January 2018

RAPID CITY, SD – United States Attorney Ron Parsons and United States Marshal Dan Mosteller today announced a multi-agency law enforcement operation that resulted in dozens of arrests in the Rapid City area as part of the District of South Dakota’s renewed Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

For the past week, the U.S. Marshals have been working in collaboration with law enforcement officers from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration, Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Indian Affairs, National Park Service, and South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation to track down and apprehend some of the Rapid City area’s most violent and persistent offenders with outstanding state and federal felony warrants for violent crimes, drug trafficking, and sex offenses.

The objective of "Operation Fall Clean Up," as designated by the U.S. Marshals Service, was to clear as many outstanding warrants for violent offenses from federal and state rolls as possible in order to make a positive impact on public safety for the entire Black Hills region.

The operation began in the early morning of Monday, September 16, 2019, and continued until the afternoon of Friday, September 20, 2019. By the end of the operation, deputy marshals and other law enforcement officers on the fugitive task force teams arrested 67 targeted fugitives with state or federal felony warrants for violent crimes, drugs, and sex offenses. And an additional 10 felony warrants were cleared for collateral subjects who were not initially targeted by the operation.

In all 77 federal and state felony warrants were cleared. The arrestees are among the most violent and active offenders in the Rapid City area. Investigations are currently underway to determine how many of those arrested in this operation will be charged in state or federal court with additional crimes.

"The resounding success of this operation is a testament to the courage, professionalism, and dedication of law enforcement officers at every level here in our state," said U.S. Attorney Parsons. "I want to thank all of the officers and agencies involved for removing these violent offenders from our communities and placing them in custody where they belong."

"This operation is an excellent example of what people can accomplish when they work together. In this endeavor, law enforcement has banded together to arrest the worst of the worst in our communities. They are locked up where they can no longer continue to commit violent crimes against our families, and especially our children," said U.S. Marshal Mosteller.

This warrant operation was conducted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, 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 Project Safe Neighborhoods 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.

At the beginning of 2018, U.S. Attorney Parsons designated Rapid City and the surrounding communities as the initial target area for the Department of Justice’s reinvigoration of Project Safe Neighborhoods in the District of South Dakota. Since that time, federal prosecutions of gun-related crimes in the District of South Dakota have increased by approximately fifty percent, with most of that increase coming from the District’s Western Division. The collective efforts of our law enforcement partners under Project Safe Neighborhoods have taken more than 650 guns off the streets in Rapid City alone since the beginning of 2018.

This focus on gun-related crimes has produced results. From 2017 to 2018, shootings in the Rapid City area declined significantly. According to the Rapid City Police Department, in 2017, there were a total of 50 non-fatal shootings in the Rapid City area. In 2018, that number decreased to less than 20, with the vast majority of those coming in the first quarter of 2018, when the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative was reinvigorated in Rapid City with the help of Rapid City Police Chief Karl Jegeris, Pennington County Sheriff Kevin Thom, and Pennington County State’s Attorney Mark Vargo. In the last three quarters of 2018, there were only five such shootings. This favorable trend has continued into 2019.

Law enforcement representatives at today’s Project Safe Neighborhoods press conference, held at the Public Safety Building in Rapid City, included:

Ron Parsons: U.S. Attorney, District of South Dakota

Dan Mosteller: U.S. Marshal, District of South Dakota

Jason Ravnsborg: Attorney General, State of South Dakota

Don Hedrick: Assistant Police Chief - Rapid City Police Department

Jeromey Smith: Pennington County Sheriff’s Office

Mark Vargo: Pennington County State’s Attorney

Jonathan Ortiz: ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge

Brett Garland: South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation

Brian Swets: Sergeant – South Dakota Highway Patrol

Leonard Her Many Horses: Lt. Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety

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

Virgil Running Bear, age 46, was sentenced to 24 months of federal custody, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

According to court documents, Running Bear was convicted of Sexual Abuse in the District of North Dakota.  Judgment was entered on October 31, 2005.  This conviction requires him to register as a sex offender for life.  Since on or about December 25, 2017, Running Bear’s whereabouts were unknown until his arrest in Winner, South Dakota.  His last known address was at a hotel in Rapid City, South Dakota, but that residence was vacated with no sign of Running Bear since December 25, 2017.

At the time of his arrest, he had absconded from the supervision of the United States Probation Office, as he has been serving a term of supervised release.  Running Bear was found in the Winner, South Dakota, area using a fake name and residing at a house that had not been listed in an update to his sex offender registry.  Running Bear knew of the requirement to update his sex offender registration, but he knowingly failed to do so.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.   

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

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

Luis Antonio Medina, age 26, was sentenced on September 13, 2019, to 77 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.

Medina was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2017.  The conviction stems Medina and at least one other person distributing at least 50 grams, but less than 200 grams, of methamphetamine in Rapid City and elsewhere between 2016 and 2018.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Task Force, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Second Degree Murder and Arson was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Emery Arapahoe III, age 19, was sentenced on September 17, 2019, to 21 years and 10 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 on the Second Degree Murder charge.  Arapahoe was also sentenced to 10 additional years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and another $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for the Arson charge, for a total of 31 years and 10 months.

Arapahoe was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2019.  During the early morning hours of October 16, 2017, Arapahoe stole a truck from a residence at Pine Ridge and drove to a trailer in Allen, South Dakota.  Inside the trailer he observed the victim, Ray Waters, Jr., sleeping on a couch in the living room.  Arapahoe picked up an axe and struck the victim multiple times in the head and neck, killing him.  Arapahoe then went into one of the bedrooms in the trailer and started a fire with materials from that room.  When Arapahoe fled from the house fire, he crashed the truck containing items from the homicide. 

“This was an unimaginably violent crime, like something out of a horror movie,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “I am relieved for us all that this offender has been removed from society and committed to federal prison.”

This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Office of Justice Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Poppen and Ben Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Omaha, Nebraska, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Bank Robbery.

Ferris Valentine, age 53, was indicted on August 6, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 9, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 25 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about November 15, 2016, Valentine aided and abetted by another person, took and attempted to take money belonging to the First National Bank located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and assaulted and put in jeopardy the life of another person by the use of a firearm. 

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey C. Clapper and Jeremy R. Jehangiri are prosecuting the case.   

Valentine was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for November 12, 2019.

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

Shanna Michelle Pleets, age 40, was indicted on July 16, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on September 16, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 40 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 at a time unknown, but no later than March 1, 2018, and continuing to June 17, 2018, Pleets knowingly and intentionally, combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with persons to knowingly and intentionally distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

Pleets 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 Staples, Minnesota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Felon and Drug User was sentenced on September 9, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Mark Schmidt, age 54, was sentenced to 5 months in federal prison, followed by 5 months of home confinement, 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Schmidt was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 23, 2019.  He pled guilty on June 19, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on December 5, 2018, where Schmidt, a convicted felon and user of marijuana, was stopped while driving on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation and knowingly possessed a .357 Magnum caliber revolver and twenty-three rounds of ammunition.

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

Schmidt was ordered to report to his designated prison on October 1, 2019.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Box Elder, South Dakota, woman convicted of Accessory to Second Degree Murder was sentenced on September 17, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Sonya Dubray, age 50, was sentenced to 9 and 1/2 years in federal prison, followed by18 months of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stems from Dubray’s involvement in covering up the death of a two-and-a-half-year-old child at Porcupine, South Dakota,  in July 2016.  Katrina Shangreaux, a/k/a Katrina Whirlwindhorse, was previously sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for killing the child.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah B. Collins and Megan J. Poppen  prosecuted the case. 

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of escape was sentenced on September 5, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Diana Bald Eagle, age 45, was sentenced to 24 months of federal custody, followed by 1 year of supervised release.  She was ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

According to court documents, on April 10, 2019, Bald Eagle was released from federal custody on a furlough to attend a relative’s funeral.  Bald Eagle was scheduled to return at 7:00 PM, April 11, 2019.  Due to severe weather, she was granted an extension and ordered to return to the Yankton County Jail no later than Sunday, April 14, 2019.  Bald Eagle did not return to the Yankton County Jail on April 14, 2019, and her whereabouts were unknown until her arrest in Sioux Falls.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on September 9, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Everett Joseph Menard, a/k/a Everette J. Menard, age 23, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Menard was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, 2018.  He pled guilty on June 18, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on September 27, 2018.  On that date, Menard and the victim were both in custody at the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Adult Correctional Facility near Rosebud, South Dakota.  At one point, Menard and the victim were both in the day room.  The victim went to shower in one of the stalls that adjoins the day room.  Menard knew the victim was in the shower stall, and subsequently carried a chair from the common area of the day room over to the shower stalls.  He looked around to see if anyone was watching him, and then rushed into the victim's shower stall. He grabbed the victim, lifted him, and threw him to the floor.  The victim suffered a broken wrist as a result of the assault.    

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Escape from Custody.

Daniel Red Horse, age 49, was indicted on August 13, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 3, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that between June 19, 2019, and August 13, 2019, Red Horse knowingly escaped from the custody of the United States Bureau of Prisons, where he was lawfully confined for the offense of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on September 10, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Kape Teal Burgee, age 25, 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.

Burgee was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 11, 2018.  He was found guilty on July 7, 2019, by way of a court trial.

Burgee, a person who is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and sex offender by reason of a conviction under state law, absconded from the Community Transition Program in Rapid City in September of 2016 through October of 2018, and 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.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Lake Andes, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact by Force was sentenced on September 11, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Terry Clement Blaine, age 63, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Blaine was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 6, 2018.  He pled guilty on June 26, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from incidents that occurred between 2010 and 2013, when Blaine knowingly engaged in sexual contact with a child under 12 years old.  The molestation occurred while the child visited a relative's home.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that two former Crow Creek Sioux Tribe councilmembers made appearances in federal court for their respective charges of Embezzlement & Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization, and Aiding and Abetting.

Tina Grey Owl, age 63, was charged for the offense by Information and made her appearance in federal court in Pierre on September 5, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange and pled guilty to the embezzlement offense set forth in the Information.  

On September 9, Rozanne Lynette Sazue, age 62, also appeared before Judge Lange and pled guilty to the charge contained in the Superseding Indictment.

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, a $250,000 fine, or both; 3 years, of supervised release; $ 100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund; and restitution may be ordered. 

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.   

Roxanne Sauze and Tina Grey Owl were released on bond pending sentencing.  A trial date for the other defendants has been set for October 8, 2019.  The charges against the others are merely accusations and those defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Third Degree Burglary was sentenced on September 9, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Michael Charlton, age 18, was sentenced to 6 months in federal prison, 6 months of home confinement, 3 years of supervised release, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100, and restitution in the amount of $6,785.83.

Michael Charlton was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 9, 2019.  He pled guilty on June 18, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on January 29, 2019, where Charlton broke into a business in Eagle Butte, and stole over $2,500 in coins.  While in the business, he also damaged several pieces of equipment, causing further loss to the victim.          

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Valparaiso, Indiana, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana was sentenced on September 9, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Brendan Lee, age 25, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100, and a $1,000 fine.

Lee was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 5, 2019.  He pled guilty on June 17, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on February 21, 2019, where Lee, and co-defendant Sarah Worthman, were stopped by law enforcement for speeding on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation while driving a U-Haul truck.  The traffic stop uncovered approximately 150 pounds of marijuana hidden in couches in the cargo hold.  Lee had purchased the marijuana in California and was planning to distribute it in and around Chicago, Illinois.  

Worthman previously pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana and is awaiting sentencing on November 4, 2019.

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.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding, was sentenced on September 9, 2019, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.

Jacey Estes, age 25, was sentenced to time served, equal to approximately 3 months, in custody, 1 year of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.

Estes was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 12, 2019.  He pled guilty on July 22, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on November 3, 2018, when Estes was drinking and socializing at a residence with a group of individuals, including the victim.  The group then later went for a drive and at one point, Estes and the victim got into an argument.  They stopped the vehicle, Estes and the victim got out of the vehicle, and Estes struck and beat the victim’s head and face causing facial fractures.

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

Estes was released following the sentencing hearing.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eden, Minnesota, man convicted of Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on August 30, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Jimmy Custodio, age 41, was sentenced to 7 1/2 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.

Custodio was one of nine men who were arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2017 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting persons willing to pay to have sex with underage girls or boys obtained through the Internet.  The conviction stemmed from Custodio communicating with someone he believed to be a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts, and requesting that the minor send pornographic images to Custodio.

The undercover operation and arrests were a joint effort between 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 the case.

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

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

Amos Talks, age 24, was indicted on August 13, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on September 3, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on June 21, 2018, Talks did forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a federal law enforcement officer, and that such conduct involved the use of a dangerous weapon.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Ronnie White Mountain, age 51, of Mandan, North Dakota, was found guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and Aggravated Incest as a result of a three-day federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota. 

The charges carry a mandatory minimum of 30 years, up to life, in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

White Mountain was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 11, 2019. 

Between January 2010 and December 2012, White Mountain traveled periodically from his home in Morris, Minnesota, to McLaughlin, South Dakota, along with his daughter, to stay with family on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.  After a night of drinking on one of the trips, White Mountain came back to the home and sexually assaulted his daughter. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stevens County Minnesota Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kirsten E. Jasper and Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has not been set.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Lawrence Oakie, age 38, of Eagle Butte, South Dakota, was found guilty of three counts of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child, as a result of a three-day federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota. 

The charges each carry a maximum penalty of up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Oakie was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 13, 2018. 

On September 2, 2017, Oakie was at a house party in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, with several individuals, along with two minor children who lived in the home.  During the night, one of the minor children got up to use restroom and when she came back to the room, Oakie was in the bedroom sitting next to the other minor child and was touching the child in an inappropriate and sexual manner.      

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

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for November 25, 2019.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.