District of South Dakota

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Robert Dowty, Sr., age 57, was found guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor following a federal trial in Rapid City, South Dakota.

The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, up to life, and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Evidence at trial established that between June and September of 2018, Dowty forcibly sexually assaulted a child under the age of 16 years.  Additional victims testified at trial that they also were sexually assaulted in the past by Dowty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted and tried the case.

A sentencing date is set for December 16, 2019.  Dowty was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault on a Federal Officer.

Joseph John Winters, age 44, 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 Winters striking an officer in the face with a closed fist on March 3, 2019, at Pine Ridge.

The charge is merely an accusation and Winters 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 Cassandra DeCoste is prosecuting the case.

Winters was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for October 8, 2019.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two brothers from Pine Ridge, South Dakota, were charged in federal district court with Kidnapping.  

Jesse Sierra, age 33, and Dustin Sierra, age 35, were charged on July 30, 2019.  Dustin Sierra appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on July 31, 2019, and Jesse Sierra appeared on August 2, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to the Sierra brothers kidnapping a female from Rapid City, South Dakota, on July 13, 2019, transporting her against her will and holding her on the Pine Ridge Reservation for several days, and ultimately taking her across state lines to Nebraska.  On July 21, 2019, the victim was dropped off at the hospital in Chadron, Nebraska, with severe injuries, including broken bones and bruising to her face and body.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, the Rapid City Police Department, the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Dawes County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Sazama and Cassandra DeCoste are prosecuting the case.

Both Dustin Sierra and Jesse Sierra were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for October 8, 2019.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Gordon, Nebraska, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Lawrence Martin, Jr., age 20, was sentenced on August 2, 2019, to time served, 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Martin was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2018.  The charge related to Martin engaging in a sexual relationship with a 13-year old female in 2017 and 2018.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Kyle, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating, or Wounding was sentenced by Daneta Wollmann, U.S. Magistrate Judge.

Mattie Yankton, age 38, was sentenced on August 2, 2019, to 3 years of probation, 25 hours of community service work, and ordered to pay a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Yankton was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2018.  The charge related to Yankton assaulting a man while he slept on April 12, 2018, at Kyle.  The assault resulted in him having to seek medical treatment for his injury.

This case was investigated 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 prosecuted the case.

PIERRE, S.D. – At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed Wednesday, August 7, 2019, as “Purple Heart Recognition Day,” calling on all South Dakotans to honor those men and women who are recipients of the Purple Heart Medal.

Our nation’s oldest military medal, the Purple Heart is awarded to those men and women who have been wounded or killed as the result of enemy action while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  The Purple Heart was created on August 7, 1782, by the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, General George Washington, whose likeness is now featured on the medal.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota is pleased to honor Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore, a federal prosecutor in our Pierre office, who was awarded the Purple Heart while serving overseas in the United States Marine Corps.

AUSA Elmore was born and raised in Gillette and Campbell County, Wyoming, where his family still resides.  He grew up working the family cattle ranch.  From 2007 to 2011, he was in the United States Marine Corps, serving as a Scout Sniper, conducting operations as part of combat reconnaissance and surveillance teams.  He had three deployments in support of the Global War on Terror, including to Southeast Asia, Africa, and Afghanistan.  In 2010, Elmore was awarded the Purple Heart as a result of injuries sustained in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

In 2011, Elmore was honorably discharged having attained the rank of Sergeant.  After his honorable discharge, he attended St. Edward’s University, Austin, Texas, and graduated from Baylor Law School in Waco, Texas, in 2015.  While in Texas, Elmore worked extensively with non-profit agencies to promote awareness and raise money for wounded veteran and memorial groups.

From 2016 to 2018, he served as a Deputy County Attorney in Custer County, Montana.  In 2018, Elmore joined the Pierre branch of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota.  He is a member of the South Dakota Bar Association and the United States District Court Bar.  He is assigned to work cases arising on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation, and his present work includes prosecuting violent crime, firearm, and methamphetamine offenses arising in Central South Dakota.

“We are pleased to honor our friend and colleague, Michael Elmore, for his heroism and sacrifice on behalf of our country,” said United States Attorney Ron Parsons.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a California man has been indicted for his role in a large-scale opioid distribution conspiracy involving the shipment of approximately 100,000 synthetic analogue fentanyl pills to South Dakota, and as many as 2.6 million fentanyl pills nationwide.

Damon Vincent Jobin, age 34, of Huntington Beach, California, was indicted on October 23, 2018, by a federal grand jury in South Dakota for conspiracy to distribute over 100 grams of a fentanyl analogue and money laundering.  Jobin, along with other co-conspirators, utilized the Dark Web to distribute approximately 100,000 pills that contained fentanyl or a fentanyl analogue in 2017 to individuals either suspected or convicted of distributing the pills in Chamberlain, Mitchell, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Twenty thousand of these pills were seized from the U.S. Mail by law enforcement in South Dakota.  The pills tested positive for cyclopropyl fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue or derivative.  The investigation revealed that, in all, Jobin mailed approximately 200 packages containing over 2.6 million fentanyl or fentanyl analogue pills to addresses in 32 different states.  Based on records kept by Jobin, the total weight of the pills exceeded 259 kilograms.  Experts estimate that one kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to produce approximately one million fatal doses.  Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.

“The public should know that our dedicated law enforcement partners are doing everything possible to work up the chains of illegal drug distribution and bring the criminals who are profiting from human suffering by shipping these poisons into South Dakota, or anywhere else, to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.

In the indictment, Jobin is also accused of laundering over $130,000 in U.S. Currency converted from Bitcoin proceeds he received for pressing and shipping the illegal drugs.

Following his indictment, Jobin was arrested in Los Angeles, California, on November 29, 2018.  He appeared before the Honorable Karen L. Stevenson, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Central District of California, who released him on a $25,000 appearance bond and ordered him to appear in the District of South Dakota for his arraignment in February 2019.

In early 2019, Jobin fled the United States in an apparent attempt to avoid prosecution.  A federal warrant was issued for his arrest.  He was apprehended in Thailand, taken into the custody of the Royal Thai Police on June 7, 2019, and transported back to the United States from Thailand by U.S. Marshals from the District of South Dakota.

“It doesn’t matter where in the world you try to hide,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “The United States Marshals will find you and bring you back.”

Upon landing in Seattle in the custody of the Marshals, Jobin was formally arrested on his outstanding warrant and appeared on July 15, 2019, before the Honorable Brian A. Tsuchida, Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Washington, who ordered him detained.  Jobin was then ordered to be transferred to the District of South Dakota to face his pending charges.

On August 7, 2019, Jobin made his initial appearance in Sioux Falls in the District of South Dakota, before the Honorable Veronica L. Duffy, U.S. Magistrate Judge.  He pleaded not guilty, was detained, and was placed in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. 

The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a potential maximum penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine.

This case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Western Cyber Crimes Unit, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Department of State, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Costa Mesa Police Department, and the Chamberlain Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga is prosecuting the case.

The charges and allegations are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a man from San Jose, Mexico, who entered the United States and was subsequently apprehended in South Dakota and convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on July 31, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Heriberto Navarro Ortiz, age 33, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison, 1 year of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

“First of all, I want to commend the South Dakota Highway Patrol for its excellent work in apprehending this drug trafficker,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “Most of the meth trafficked in South Dakota and across the United States is produced by violent Mexican drug cartels and smuggled across our southern border.  Federal, State, Local, and Tribal law enforcement authorities are working together to do everything possible to stamp out this poison and hold the traffickers accountable.”

Ortiz was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 4, 2018.  He pleaded guilty on May 3, 2019.

In early November of 2018, Ortiz was hired to travel to the United States and deliver a load of methamphetamine from California to Minnesota.  Using funds provided by his contact, Ortiz flew from Guadalajara, Mexico, to Tijuana, Mexico, and then crossed the border into the United States on foot.  Ortiz’s contact then instructed him to travel to Apple Valley, California, where he picked up a silver Chevrolet Malibu loaded with approximately 21 pounds of packaged methamphetamine, and began heading east.

On November 22, 2018, a Trooper with the South Dakota Highway Patrol stopped Ortiz’s car for speeding on Interstate 90 near mile marker 216.  After obtaining consent to search the vehicle, the Trooper discovered a package containing methamphetamine wrapped in plastic tape beneath the carpet covering a rear wheel well.  A thorough search of the car revealed that it contained nineteen hidden packages weighing approximately 21 pounds.  Six packages were located in the rear wheel well, four were inside of the driver and passenger seat backs, and nine were in the windshield cowling.  The South Dakota Public Health Laboratory determined that the packages contain 8.4 kilograms of pure methamphetamine.  Prior to November 2018, Ortiz had entered the United States at least seven or eight times.

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

Ortiz 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 Assault With a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on July 30, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Sylvan White Hat, Jr., a/k/a Bud White Hat, age 38, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

White Hat was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 13, 2018.  He pled guilty on July 25, 2018.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on October 16, 2017.  On that date, White Hat was intoxicated and went to the victim’s home in St. Francis, demanding to talk to the victim’s niece.  When told the niece was not present, White Hat became aggravated and repeatedly punched the victim and kicked him in the face with shod feet.  White Hat was previously employed as a police officer with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services from 2009 to 2015.    

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.

White Hat 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 conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine was sentenced on July 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Dixie Leigh Murphy, age 42, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.  She was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Murphy was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on November 6, 2018.  She pled guilty on April 30, 2019.

Murphy received several pounds of methamphetamine from co-conspirators that she distributed in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Saint Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting a Federal Officer was sentenced on July 30, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Myron Night Shield, age 34, was sentenced to 22 months and 15 days in custody, 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Night Shield was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 17, 2017.  He pled guilty on May 3, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on September 9, 2017, when law enforcement was called to Night Shield’s residence due to Night Shield heavily drinking and not taking his medication.  Night Shield was ultimately placed under arrest and began shouting death threats at the officer.  When the officer and Night Shield got to the patrol car, Night Shield turned toward the officer, and spit in his face. 

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

Night Shield was released upon sentencing.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.

John Larvie, age 29, was indicted on June 11, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 30, 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 November 20, 2018, Larvie knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act with a victim by use of force and assaulted the victim with shod feet, with the intent to do bodily harm.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on July 30, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Kameron Lamont Jackson, age 26, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

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

Jackson was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in October 2013.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment.  Between October 3, 2018, and November 14, 2018, Jackson failed to register and update his registration.  

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

Jackson 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, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Dawn Rose Dowty, age 29, was sentenced on July 29, 2019, to 10 years in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Dowty was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2018.  The charge related to Dowty and at least one other person distributing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere between 2012 and 2018.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Task Force, and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Nelson prosecuted the case.  Additional co-conspirators are pending trial.

Dowty 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 was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Robert Little, age 35, was sentenced on July 29, 2019, to 5 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Little was found guilty of the charge following a federal jury trial in Rapid City on April 17, 2019.  Evidence at trial established that Little failed to arrive at the Community Education Center facility in Rapid City on February 6, 2019, which was the time and place designated by the United States Bureau of Prisons upon his release from their facility.

This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.

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

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

Melissa Jean Scull, age 38, was indicted on July 16, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 29, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that between February 1, 2019 and July 16, 2019, Scull did knowingly and intentionally, combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with persons known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more methamphetamine. Further, on June 23, 2019, a traffic stop was conducted wherein 236 grams of methamphetamine were located in the vehicle.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

Scull 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 Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 30, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Darrell Hamann, age 25, was sentenced to 8 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, a fine in the amount of $1,000, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Hamann was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 12, 2019.  He pled guilty on May 14, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy that occurred between September 1, 2018 and September 5, 2018, wherein Hamann knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.  The fentanyl distribution resulted in the individual using the fentanyl needing emergency medical care, including two doses of Narcan.

This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Pierre Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Norris, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Failure to Appear,  and Distribution of a Controlled Substance, was sentenced on July 29, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Brandon Jones, age 25, was sentenced to a total of 36 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, $300 in restitution, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $300.

Jones was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 14, 2017 for the Assault charge, August 13, 2018, for the Failure to Appear Charge, and on January 23, 2019, for the Distribution charge.  He pled guilty to all three charges on March 5, 2019.

The Assault conviction stemmed from an incident on May 6, 2017, when Jones was driving under the influence of methamphetamine at speeds of 100 miles per hour or more, and rear-ended another vehicle causing serious bodily injury to three individuals in the vehicle.

The Failure to Appear conviction stemmed from an incident July 16, 2018, when Jones was summoned to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno for a scheduled hearing for his Assault charge and failed to appear for the court as directed. 

The Distribution conviction stemmed from an incident on September 10, 2018, when Jones sold 2.1 grams of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on July 30, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Shelbyjo Two Eagle, a/k/a Shelbyjo Larvie, age 24, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, 4 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Two Eagle was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 11, 2018.  She pled guilty on May 3, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident beginning on December 1, 2017, and continuing through December 11, 2018, wherein Two Eagle conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. 

This case was investigated by the Rosebud 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.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Houston, Minnesota, man convicted of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Jacob Jurisch, age 32, was sentenced on July 26, 2019, to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  He was also ordered to forfeit a firearm.

Jurisch was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2019.  The charge related to Jurisch being a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by law enforcement in Rapid City on November 17, 2019, while in possession of a shotgun that he knew was stolen.

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, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Gettysburg, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of an Unregistered Firearm and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm Silencer was sentenced on July 30, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Adam Westphal, age 35, was sentenced to 120 months on the conspiracy conviction and 97 months on each firearm conviction.  All custody time is to run concurrent, except for 6 months of the firearm convictions, which runs consecutive to the conspiracy conviction for a total custody sentence of 126 months in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $300.

Westphal was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2018.  He pled guilty on May 9, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy that occurred between October 1, 2017, and July 1, 2018, wherein Westphal knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with persons known and unknown to distribute and possess with intent to distribute between 500 grams and 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.  Westphal, who is an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly received and possessed 12 firearms, including an illegal short shotgun, and ammunition. Additionally, Westphal knowingly received and possessed several homemade silencers and destructive devices, each of which were not registered to him as required by law.

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, the Potter County Sheriff’s Office, the Mobridge Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a former Secretary of the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s Credit and Finance Office was sentenced to 5 years of federal probation for Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.  Helen Hernandez, age 41, was also ordered to pay $42,100 in restitution.  She pleaded guilty to felony embezzlement on April 5, 2019, at the federal courthouse in Rapid City, South Dakota.

According to court documents, from February 2014 through June 2015, Hernandez embezzled and converted to her own use more than $1,000 of monies, funds, credits, goods, assets, and other property belonging to the Credit and Finances Office of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, an Indian Tribal Organization.  During the time of the embezzlement, Hernandez was serving as the Secretary of that office. 

The investigation was conducted by the Department of Interior, Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.

The case was brought pursuant to The Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities.  The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities.  Led by the United States 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 United States 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 Britton, South Dakota, woman convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on July 30, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Sheri Lynn Rademacher, a/k/a Sherri Lynn Whiting, age 44, was sentenced to 1 month in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Rademacher was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 11, 2018.  She pled guilty on May 9, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on June 6, 2018, wherein Rademacher knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.  Further, Rademacher being an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, did knowingly possess a firearm.

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 and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Summerset, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on July 26, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Kevin Michael Dawson, age 49, 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.

The conviction stemmed from Dawson downloading images of child pornography from the internet and printing them in March 2018 at Summerset.  

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

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

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

Alvin Running Horse, Jr., age 40, was indicted on June 11, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 26, 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 April 23, 2019, at Rosebud, Running Horse, having previously been convicted of a felony, knowingly possessed a firearm.

The charge is merely an accusation and Running Horse 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 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.

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

Running Horse was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for September 24, 2019.

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

William Hopkins, age 25, was sentenced on July 26, 2019, to 3 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 Hopkins, a previously convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms, knowingly being in possession of a Glock, model 43, 9mm semi-automatic pistol during a traffic stop on July 23, 2018, at Rapid City.   

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, the Safe Trails Task Force, and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

Hopkins 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 convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on July 29, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Paul Frost, age 47, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Frost was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, 2018.  He pled guilty on April 3, 2019.

The convictions stemmed from an incident that occurred on June 15, 2018, where Frost knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Further, on both April 3, 2017, and June 15, 2018, Frost, being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, did knowingly illegally possess 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 Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Pierre Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

Frost will report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on August 6, 2019.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on July 29, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

David Foster, age 36, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, $130,500 in restitution, a $5,000 assessment to the Domestic Trafficking Victims’ Fund, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Foster was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 17, 2018.  He pled guilty on May 1, 2019.

In early 2017, an agent with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) initiated an undercover operation targeting chat rooms and child sexual exploitation on the “Kik” Messenger application. During the operation, the Kik group “No Limits” was discovered.  An HSI agent recorded the activity of the group to include capturing images and videos of child exploitation/pornography that were shared among the group.  Each member of the group received all of the content (images/videos) shared by other users in the group each time a user logged into the Kik application.  One of the members of the group was identified as Foster, who was using the screen name “smartdguy”.

On May 4, 2017, a search warrant was executed in Pierre.  A forensic analysis determined Foster’s iPhone6 contained over 4,700 images (including duplicates) of child pornography.  A review of the videos on Foster’s iPhone6 revealed over 100 videos (including duplicates) of child pornography. 

As part of his sentence, Foster was also ordered to pay $130,500 to 18 different victims whose images were found on his phone. 

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Parmelee, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation and of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on July 29, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Michael Yellow Eyes, age 37, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation.  He was sentenced to 15 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.  The sentences will be served concurrently.  Yellow Eyes was also ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Yellow Eyes was indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation on October 16, 2018.  He was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender on December 11, 2018.  He pled guilty to both offenses on May 3, 2019.

The conviction for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender stemmed from conduct that occurred in August 2018.  Yellow Eyes was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in April 2017.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocating or changing employment.  On August 1, 2018, Yellow Eyes moves from his registered address in Rosebud, South Dakota, but did not update his sex offender registration until August 29, 2018.

The conviction for Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation stemmed from an incident that occurred in Parmelee on September 20, 2018, wherein Yellow Eyes assaulted his spouse and intimate partner by strangling and suffocating her until she could not breathe.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a New Mexico woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Holly Swallow, age 40, was indicted on June 11, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 29, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that beginning a time unknown, but no later than January 1, 2016, and continuing to June 11, 2019, Swallow 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.

The charge is merely an accusation and Swallow 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.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, was sentenced on July 29, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Walter Willard Wright, age 37, was sentenced to 160 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release for the conspiracy conviction. He was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release for the firearm conviction. The sentences will be served concurrently.  Also, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200 was ordered.

Wright was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2018.  He pled guilty on May 2, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy that occurred between October 1, 2016, and January 31, 2017, in which Wright and Co-Defendant Micole Menard, knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute between 1.5 kilograms and 5 kilograms of methamphetamine.  Further, on January 18, 2017, during the execution of a search warrant at the Wright’s home, 267 grams of methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia was seized from the home along with four firearms.  Wright, being a felon and unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, did knowingly illegally possess those 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 Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

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

Louie ThunderHawk, age 32, was indicted on July 16, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 26, 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 supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

The Indictment alleges that between February 1, 2019, and July 16, 2019, ThunderHawk did knowingly and intentionally, combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with persons known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more methamphetamine.

The charge is merely an accusation and ThunderHawk 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.   

ThunderHawk was released 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 Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

Lorenzo Brave Hawk, Sr., age 34, was indicted on June 11, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 26, 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 November 9, 2018, Brave Hawk assaulted a woman with a baseball bat, and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.

The charges are merely an accusation and Brave Hawk is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

Brave Hawk 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, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Lucenda Layetta Bobtail Bear, age 38, was indicted on July 16, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on July 29, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 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, Bobtail Bear 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.

The charge is merely an accusation and Bobtail Bear 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.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux City, Iowa, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Veronica Arciniega, age 42, was indicted on July 16, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 26, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that between February 1, 2019, and July 16, 2019, Arciniega did knowingly and intentionally, combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with persons known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more methamphetamine.

The charge is merely an accusation and Arciniega 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.   

Arciniega 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 three men and one woman from Rapid City, South Dakota, have been indicted by a federal grand jury on federal gun charges.  All Defendants were indicted on July 23, 2019.

Julie Cagle, a/k/a Julie Davis, a/k/a Julie Dzuirman, age 48, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on July 26, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment charging her with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. 

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

The charge relates to Cagle, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully being in possession of two firearms in June 2019 at Rapid City. 

Mason Means, age 21, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on July 26, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. 

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

The charge relates to Means, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully possessing a semi-automatic pistol in June 2019 at Rapid City. 

Wanbli Morris, age 34, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on July 26, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.

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

The charges relate to Morris, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully possessing a stolen semi-automatic pistol in April 2019 at Rapid City. 

Juan Rosales, age 45, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on July 26, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. 

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

The charge relates to Rosales, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully possessing a semi-automatic pistol in June 2019 at Rapid City. 

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

These cases are 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 investigations are being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the cases.

All four Defendants have been detained pending trial.  Trial dates have not been set.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Yankton, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 26, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Lorri Ann Rodgers, a/k/a Lorri Lee Colton, age 57, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Rodgers was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 6, 2018.  She pled guilty on May 8, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning at an unknown date until on or about March 21, 2018, when Rodgers knowingly and intentionally conspire and agreed with others to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in South Dakota.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor was sentenced on July 22, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

David Herman, age 21, was sentenced to 8 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.

Herman was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2018.  The conviction stemmed from Herman forcing the minor victim to perform a sexual act on him between 2016 and 2017 at Pine Ridge.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

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

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

Kiya Rojas, age 23, was indicted on July 16, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 23, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on July 9, 2018, Rojas unlawfully killed an individual while operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sturgis, South Dakota, man has been sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court, for the November 2017 armed robbery of the Phillips 66 Speedy Mart in Spearfish.

Matthew Wainman, age 26, pleaded guilty to Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Conspiracy to Violate 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) on March 29, 2019.  He was sentenced on July 22, 2019, to 57 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Two other co-defendants in this case were previously sentenced.  David Jackson Jr., age 26, of Sturgis, pleaded guilty to Use and Brandishing of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence.  He was sentenced on November 30, 2018, to 7 years in federal prison.  Adam Peters, age 22, of Belle Fourche, pleaded guilty to Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Use and Brandishing of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence.  He was sentenced on December 17, 2018, to 10 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 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 and the Spearfish Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

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

Jacqueline Roberta Little Sack, age 41, was indicted on July 16, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 19, 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 supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each Count.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

The Indictment alleges that between February 1, 2019, and July 16, 2019, Little Sack did knowingly and intentionally, combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with persons known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more methamphetamine.

The charge is merely an accusation and Little Sack 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.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on July 22, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Moses Left Hand Bull, age 27, 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.

Left Hand Bull was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 9, 2019.  He pled guilty on May 28, 2019.

Left Hand Bull was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in August 2009.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment.  Between February 9, 2019, and March 5, 2019, Left Hand Bull failed to register and update his registration.  

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

Left Hand Bull was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Theft of Government Property, Misuse of Funds by Representative Payee, and False Statement was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Connie Pates, age 38, was sentenced on July 22, 2019, to 5 years of probation, and was ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, $18,644.73 in restitution to the Social Security Administration, and $3,764 in restitution to the South Dakota Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The conviction stems from Pates falsely claiming that a minor child was living with her in order to receive the child’s Title XVI Supplemental Security Income, as well as SNAP and Medicare benefits for herself and the child between May 2015 and July 2018 at Rapid City.

The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.       

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Receipt of Child Pornography, Possession of Child Pornography, and Transportation of Obscene Matter.  

Michael Richard Hanson, age 52, was charged on July 16, 2019.  Hanson appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on July 19, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, lifetime supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Hanson receiving and possessing computer images of child pornography, as well as obscene matter, at Rapid City between September 2010 and June 2019.  The charges are merely an accusation and Hanson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that four South Dakota men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for several Child Pornography charges.

Derek Robert Schroeder, age 28, of Sioux Falls, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on July 17, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment charging him with Transportation of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.

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

The Indictment alleges that between August 30, 2017, and January 22, 2018, Schroeder knowingly transported child pornography via a computer.  The Indictment also alleges that between February 4, 2018, and July 31, 2018, Schroeder knowingly accessed, with intent to view, and possessed on his phone materials which contained an image of child pornography, which had been shipped and transported in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce.

Eric Wallace Hedrick, age 45, of Sioux Falls, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on July 17, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment charging him with Receipt of Child Pornography.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between December 28, 2018, and May 28, 2019, Hedrick knowingly received and attempted to receive child pornography that has been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.

Joshua Robert Hein, age 47, of Yankton, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on July 17, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment charging him with Transportation of Child Pornography.

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

The Indictment alleges that between November 1, 2018, and February 21, 2019, Hein knowingly transported child pornography via a computer, and by use of the internet uploaded graphic images and video files depicting one or more minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. 

Richard Charles Tellinghuisen, age 29, of Huron, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on July 18, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment charging him with Distribution and Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.

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

The Indictment alleges that between September 11, 2017, and September 12, 2018, Tellinghuisen knowingly received and distributed, and attempted to receive and distribute child pornography via a computer.  The Indictment also alleges that between January 16, 2017, and February 21, 2018, Tellinghuisen knowingly possessed and attempted to possess material containing an image of child pornography, which had been shipped and transported in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce.

All Defendants were indicted on July 9, 2019.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Homeland Security.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper are prosecuting the cases.   

Schroeder, Hedrick, and Tellinghuisen were released on bond pending trial.  Hein was returned to State Custody pending trial.

Jury trials have been set for September 24, 2019.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a White River, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.

Andrea Ruth Barrera, age 32, was indicted on July 16, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 19, 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 at some time before September 1, 2018, and continuing until July 16, 2019, Barrera, knowingly and intentionally, combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Further, a traffic stop was conducted on March 5, 2019, wherein over $12,000 in U.S. currency, forty-one rounds of .380 AUTO caliber ammunition, and a .380 AUTO caliber, semi-automatic pistol were located in a vehicle with Barrera.  The Indictment alleges that Barrera knowingly possessed the pistol while being a convicted felon.     

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

Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity.  Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers.  It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of 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.

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 Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

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

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

Frank Loring Miller, Jr., age 61, was indicted on July 16, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 18, 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 supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each Count.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

The Indictment alleges that between February 1, 2019, and July 16, 2019, Miller did knowingly and intentionally, combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with persons known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Further, on June 23, 2019, a traffic stop was conducted wherein 236 grams of methamphetamine was located in the vehicle.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

Miller 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 Wanblee, South Dakota, man convicted of Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Benjamin Sitting Up, Jr., age 33, was sentenced on July 16, 2019, to 3 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.

Sitting Up was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2018.  The charge related to Sitting Up electronically sending the minor victim multiple obscene images of adults engaging in sexual acts through Facebook Messenger.  Sitting Up also repeatedly propositioned the minor to engage in sexual acts through messages.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

Sitting Up 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 has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Adrian Fast Dog, age 40, was indicted on July 16, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 17, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that between February 1, 2019, and April 9, 2019, Fast Dog failed to register as a sex offender and update his sex offender registration as required.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

Fast Dog 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 Martin, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Eugene Dubray, age 28, was sentenced on July 16, 2019, 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.

Dubray was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2018.  The charge related to Dubray forcibly engaging in sexual contact with a seven-year old victim in the laundry room area of a house at Sunrise Housing. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

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