District of South Dakota

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Carjacking Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence was sentenced on June 20, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Saul Crowe, age 25, was sentenced to 20 years and one month in federal prison.  As to the Carjacking conviction, Crowe was sentenced to 10 years and one month in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  As to the Firearm conviction, Crowe was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, to be served consecutively to the Carjacking sentence, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

A federal grand jury indicted Crowe in January 2018 on eight felony offenses beginning in August 2016, while Crowe was on federal supervised release for a prior federal felony conviction for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. 

The convictions for which Crowe was sentenced relate to Crowe’s carjacking of an occupied van on October 13, 2017.  Crowe held the victim at gunpoint and drove him to an isolated area north of Rapid City, where Crowe and his associates pistol-whipped and beat him.  Crowe fired multiple rounds near the victim and made him beg for his life.  Bullet casings from the location of the carjacking and beating were forensically matched to a weapon Crowe later abandoned in a vehicle after fleeing police.  The Rapid City Police Department called Crowe “Rapid City’s most-wanted fugitive.”

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team; Rapid City Police Department; Pennington County Sheriff’s Office; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and the RCPD/PCSO Special Response Team.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn N. Rich and Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.  

Louis Bettelyoun, age 32, was charged on June 18, 2019.  Bettelyoun appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on June 24, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to Bettelyoun, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully being in possession of a semi-automatic pistol in March 2019 at Rapid City.  The charge is merely an accusation and Bettelyoun is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Independence, Missouri, man convicted of Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on June 17, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Donald Scott Baker, age 47, 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.

Baker 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 Baker communicating with someone he believed to be associated with a 15-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent, for the purpose of meeting the girl to engage in sexual acts.  Baker also requested pornographic images of the minor be sent to himself.

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.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wounded Knee, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Carl Crooked Eyes, age 26, was sentenced on June 14, 2019, to 5 years in federal prison, followed by10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stems from Crooked Eyes engaging in sexual contact with a six-year-old girl between February 2011 and June 2011, at Wounded Knee.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a White River, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child was sentenced on June 18, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Roger Moran, age 66, was sentenced to 186 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.

Moran was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 14, 2018.  He pled guilty on March 21, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from incidents that occurred between February 25, 2014, and August 23, 2018, when Moran knowingly engaged in sexual contact with a minor female with the intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, and arouse or gratify his own sexual desire.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.

Moran 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 Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, and Tax Evasion was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Olivia Kuehner, age 49, was sentenced on June 19, 2019, to 41 months in federal prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  In addition, she was ordered to pay $160,380.16 in restitution to the Rapid City Club for Boys, $20,481.71 in restitution to Collins Siding, and $54,298.00 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

The conviction stems from Kuehner, while employed as the accounting manager for the Rapid City Club for Boys, Inc. (“Club for Boys”), devising a scheme to defraud the organization between September 2012 and June 2017.  Kuehner embezzled money belonging to the Club for Boys by making fraudulent payments to herself, family members, and a nominee entity she controlled, and then omitted the fraudulent payments from the Club for Boys’ accounting records, or misclassified the payments to make it appear vendors or other employees had been paid.  After receiving the fraudulently obtained funds, Kuehner transferred a portion of the funds to other bank accounts she controlled in order to conceal the nature, source, and ownership of the embezzled proceeds. 

Kuehner also prepared and filed a False Form W-2 with the IRS that understated her income and overstated her federal income tax withholding.  Kuehner then prepared and filed a False Form 1040A which matched the False Form W-2.

In addition to her embezzlement at the Club For Boys, Kuehner also stole more than $20,000 from Collins Siding, where she was employed after she left the Club for Boys.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.  

Jaime Walking Bull, age 38, was charged on May 21, 2019.  Walking Bull appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on June 6, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to Walking Bull, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully being in possession of a semi-automatic pistol in April 2019 at Rapid City.  The charge is merely an accusation and Walking Bull is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

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

Walking Bull was detained pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Martin, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Theft of Firearms, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.  

Sidney Marshall, age 25, was charged on April 16, 2019.  Marshall appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on June 6, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  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 charges relate to Marshall, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, breaking into a business in Martin and stealing multiple firearms in August 2018.  The charges are merely an accusation and Marshall is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux City, Iowa, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact by Force was sentenced on June 24, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Michael Weddell, Jr., age 29, was sentenced to 120 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.

Weddell was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 6, 2018.  He pled guilty on April 5, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from incidents between June 1, 2015, and July 10, 2015, in Wagner, South Dakota, when Weddell knowingly engaged, and attempted to engage in, sexual contact with a child who had not attained the age of 12. Weddell used force to arouse and gratify his own sexual desire.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Arson was sentenced on June 17, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Shane Taken Alive, age 28, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release.  The Defendant was ordered to pay $572,506.50 in restitution to the victim of the arson, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Taken Alive was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 18, 2017.  He pled guilty on March 19, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on April 12, 2017, when Taken Alive got into an argument with an individual and walked to the school in Takini, South Dakota, where he broke a window to get inside and set fire to one of the school buildings. 

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sturgis, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on June 18, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Joseph Bradshaw, age 37, was sentenced to 17.5  years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  He also forfeited 13 firearms collected during a search of his residence in October of 2017.

Bradshaw was indicted for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm by a federal grand jury on October 24, 2017.  He pled guilty on January 25, 2019.

Bradshaw received pounds of methamphetamine from a California supplier.  The methamphetamine Bradshaw received was distributed in North Dakota and the Black Hills.  Additional co-conspirators are pending sentencing and trials in Rapid City.

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 South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.

Bradshaw 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 Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on June 18, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Harold Brewer, Jr., age 29, was sentenced to 140 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Brewer was indicted for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm by a federal grand jury on November 16, 2016.  He pled guilty on December 21, 2018.

Brewer worked with co-conspirators in selling and distributing methamphetamine in Rapid City and on the Pine Ridge Reservation.  Additional co-conspirators are pending trials in Rapid City.

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 Badlands Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Troy R. Morley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of South Dakota was one of only 172 members of the Department of Justice nationwide recognized by Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director James Crowell, IV at the 35th Director’s Awards Ceremony in Washington D.C. on June 20, 2019.

The District of South Dakota was one of 31 districts represented at the ceremony, which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.  U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons attended the ceremony with Morley.

In his prepared remarks, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen addressed the recipients and guests, saying, “Today’s honorees have earned the esteem of their colleagues.  But most importantly, you have earned the gratitude of your fellow citizens — whose communities you have made safer, whose lives you have improved, and whose trust you have rewarded."

Morley was awarded the Director’s Award for Superior Performance in Indian Country.  As an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and Tribal Liaison for the District of South Dakota, Morley's outreach to tribal communities has been pivotal in strengthening the District’s ties with tribal law enforcement officers, tribal courts, tribal social service agencies, and tribal decision makers.  His body of work, including both zealous prosecutions and his Tribal Liaison outreach, exemplifies the very best of the Department of Justice's efforts in Indian Country. His status as an enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian tribe enhances his ability to build bridges and promote cooperation among all levels of Federal, State, and Tribal law enforcement.

Morley joined the U.S. Attorney’s office in Pierre, South Dakota, in May of 2012, and for over five years, he prosecuted violent crimes occurring on the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota. In June 2017, he transitioned to similar work on the Crow Creek and Lower Brule reservations. He has been an exemplary prosecutor, winning convictions and long prison sentences for murderers, child molesters, online predators, and domestic abusers.

Morley became the District's Tribal Liaison in March 2015, and in that role has had a deep and holistic impact on tribal communities throughout South Dakota.  He has helped form working groups with state governments (both North Dakota and South Dakota) to implement reentry plans for individuals returning to the community after incarceration. He has worked closely with tribal officials on pilot programs to exercise special domestic violence jurisdiction. Morley also serves as a mentor in a special program he developed for the Pierre Indian Learning Center, regularly coaching students about how to succeed in life and avoid bullying behavior. Morley has been a key voice in discussions surrounding the selection of Special Assistant United States Attorneys assigned to four of the state’s nine reservations: Standing Rock, Sisseton- Wahpeton, Flandreau, and Rosebud. His partnerships have also helped identify cases leading to successful federal prosecutions. For instance, Morley’s work with a Tribal SAUSA has identified repeat domestic abusers, leading to an appreciable uptick in the prosecution of habitual domestic violence offenders harming women and children in our district.

“Troy Morley serves as a strong, dedicated, and essential Native American role model for federal prosecutors in Indian Country, the communities we serve, and the victims we seek to protect,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “I am very pleased, though certainly not surprised, that his stellar performance has been recognized with this coveted award.”

EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.

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

Bernard Young, age 58, was indicted on June 11, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 14, 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, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Young was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in April 2002. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender for his natural lifetime.  It is alleged that between March 25, 2019, and April 24, 2019, Young, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under Federal Law, failed to properly register as a sex offender.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on June 14, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Mason Olson, age 22, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Olson was indicted for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine on August 22, 2017.  While on pretrial release, Olson absconded from supervision for approximately four months.  He was apprehended and eventually pled guilty on February 1, 2019.

Olson received methamphetamine, which he distributed in the northern Black Hills and Rapid City areas.  Olson’s conspiracy was responsible for distributing at least 1.5 kilograms, but not more than 5 kilograms, of methamphetamine between November 2015 and August 2017.

This case was investigated by South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the local Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Sazama and Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.

Olson 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 convicted of Perjury was sentenced on June 17, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Margaret Lynn Ghost, age 29, was sentenced to 12 months and a day in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Ghost was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 7, 2018.  She pled guilty on March 8, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on June 1, 2018, when Ghost signed an affidavit in which she willfully and knowingly made a false statement. 

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

Ghost 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 two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, one count of Travel With Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, and four counts related to Transporting, Distributing, Receiving, and Possessing Child Pornography was sentenced on June 17, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Amin Ricker, age 32, was sentenced to 420 months in federal prison for each count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, and 360 months in federal prison for the count of Travel With Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct,  with such sentences to be served concurrent.

Ricker was also sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for counts of transportation of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography, with such sentences to be served concurrent to each other.

One hundred eighty months of the child pornography sentences will be served consecutive to the sentences for the remaining counts, with the remaining 60 months to be served concurrent.  The effect is a total combined sentence of 600 months (50 years) in federal prison.  Ricker will thereafter be placed on supervised release for the rest of his life.  Ricker was further ordered to pay $84,600 in restitution and to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $700.

Ricker was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 12, 2017.  He was convicted of all charges on March 22, 2019, following a five-day jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota.

In late 2014 and early 2015, Ricker traveled from South Dakota to Texas on multiple occasions for the purpose of sexually abusing twin-seven-year-old girls, who resided in Texas with their mother.  Ricker had become acquainted with the girls and their mother through a mutual acquaintance in late 2013 or early 2014. In January 2015, and again in March 2015, Ricker created photos and videos of the sexual abuse, which he later saved and catalogued on other media storage devices.

In December 2015, one of the girls was approached by a school counselor who had concerns that she was being abused by Ricker.  Based on the girl’s disclosure, the counselor notified law enforcement.  The girls’ mother was interviewed, and made statements indicating she was aware of the abuse.  In subsequent interviews, however, neither girl disclosed any abuse.

In February 2017, law enforcement in Pierre, South Dakota, received a series of CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that contained information suggesting a local individual was involved in the sexual abuse of minors and the manufacture, possession, receipt, and distribution of child pornography.  Further investigation revealed Ricker was utilizing Instagram, a social networking application, to engage in sexually explicit conversations and share child pornography with other users, including minors.  By that time, Ricker was living in Pierre, having moved from Huron sometime in 2015.

On February 14, 2017, law enforcement agents of the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, acting on the Cybertips, executed a search warrant at the Defendant’s residence in Pierre.  The agents seized multiple electronic devices and digital media storage devices from Ricker that contained thousands of images and videos of child pornography.  As a result of the verdict, Ricker will forfeit ownership of the electronic devices and digital media storage devices that were seized.

The electronic devices and digital media storage devices seized from Ricker included digital media containing a folder entitled “Texas Twins 2015”, as well as folder corresponding to the girls’ names, which contained multiple images and videos of Ricker sexually abusing the girls.  The file properties for these images and videos indicate they were created between November 1, 2014, and March 31, 2015.  Bank records and airline records further showed Ricker traveled to Texas in January 2015, and again in March 2015, during the period the abuse images and videos were created. 

“Bringing this Defendant to justice is the result of tremendous cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement officers,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “The federal penalties for child pornography and child sexual abuse offenses are severe for a reason, and, through his conduct, this Defendant has earned every day of the sentence he received today.”

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 United States 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Huron Police Department, the Pierre Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Ranger Division, and the Bogata (TX) Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kirk Albertson and Cameron Cook prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced on June 17, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Iran Small Bear, a/k/a Ivan Small Bear, age 38, was sentenced to 48 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 $200.

Small Bear was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 12, 2018.  He pled guilty on March 18, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from conduct that occurred between July 2016 and April 2018, wherein Small Bear engaged in sexual contact with a minor female.

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.

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

Jason Kimmel, Sr., age 37, was indicted on June 11, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 13, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

Kimmel was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in 2005.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender for his natural lifetime.  It is alleged that between March 25, 2019, and April 24, 2019, Kimmel, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under Federal Law, failed to properly register as a sex offender.

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

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

Kimmel 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 Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of Second Degree Murder following a jury trial in June 2017 was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Marlin Iron Crow, age 46, was sentenced on June 13, 2019, to 20 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stemmed from Iron Crow killing a man in November 2016 at Porcupine, by punching and kicking him in the head during an argument.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wagner, South Dakota, man convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse was sentenced on June 6, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Xavier Zephier, age 26, was found guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on March 5, 2019.  Zephier was sentenced to 180 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 $5,100.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on October 29, 2017, when Zephier forcibly raped a woman while she was sleeping. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer D. Mammenga and Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Spring Creek, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation.

Jason Corey Poorman, Sr., age 43, was indicted on May 14, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 6, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on December 20, 2018, Poorman unlawfully assaulted an individual with shod feet with the intent to do bodily harm, and that the assault resulted in bodily injury.  The Indictment further alleges that on February 9, 2019, Poorman unlawfully assaulted an intimate partner by strangling and suffocating her, and that he further assaulted her with shod feet and a log with the intent to do bodily harm.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance was sentenced on June 11, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Reymundo Sauceda, age 43, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.  He was ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

According to court documents, beginning on or about October 1, 2013, and continuing until on or about July 26, 2016, Sauceda did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate, and agree together, with others, to knowingly and intentionally distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine. 

One of Sauceda’s co-conspirators, Martin Rios, was sentenced on April 22, 2019, for the same offense by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.  Rios was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.  Rios was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Service and Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson prosecuted the case.   

Sauceda 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 Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on June 7, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Matthew King Adkins, age 48, was sentenced to 5 months in custody, which he had already served, 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Adkins was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 8, 2018.  He pled guilty and was detained on January 4, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident between April 6, 2017, and April 21, 2017, when it was discovered that Adkins, who was residing in Rapid City at the time, knowingly possessed images of child pornography on his computer.  Some of the images included prepubescent minors.  The digital files were transported in interstate commerce over the internet by computer, and therefore, affected interstate or foreign commerce. Law enforcement also found on his computer stories written by Adkins referencing sexual activity between adults and children. 

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on June 7, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Jeremy Douglas Vance, age 37, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Vance also forfeited a 12-gauge shotgun, a Glock, and ammunition, which he acquired in connection with his drug-dealing activities.

From June 2015 through February 2017, Vance sold and distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in the Rapid City area. 

This case was investigated by South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.  

Jaime Walking Bull, age 38, was charged on May 21, 2019.  Walking Bull appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on June 6, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to Walking Bull, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully being in possession of a semi-automatic pistol in April 2019 at Rapid City.  The charge is merely an accusation and Walking Bull is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

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

Walking Bull was detained pending trial.  A trial date has not been set. 

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Martin, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Theft of Firearms, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.  

Sidney Marshall, age 25, was charged on April 16, 2019. Marshall appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on June 6, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 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 charges relate to Marshall, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, breaking into a business in Martin and stealing multiple firearms in August 2018.  The charges are merely accusations and Marshall is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

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

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

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

Derek Tyon, age 25, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.    

Tyon was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 20, 2018, for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  He pled guilty to that charge on February 15, 2019.

During the course of the conspiracy, Tyon sold methamphetamine primarily on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Tyon coordinated with several other individuals over several years to obtain and distribute multiple pounds of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Nelson prosecuted the case.

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

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

Theodore Taylor, age 34, was indicted on May 14, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 6, 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, up to life, of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between January 1, 2013, and August 31, 2016, Taylor knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in a sexual act with a minor who had not yet attained the age of 12 years old.  The Indictment further alleges that between November 16, 2014, and November 15, 2015, Taylor assaulted the same minor with a dangerous weapon, that is, a taser.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Denver, Colorado, man convicted of Attempted Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on June 10, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Noah Schottenstein, age 30, was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment and a $5,000 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Schottenstein was one of nine men who were arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2016 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting persons willing to pay to have sex with underage girls or boys obtained through the Internet.  The conviction stemmed from Schottenstein communicating with someone he believed to be a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts.  Additionally, Schottenstein requested the minor send him child pornography images of herself.

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.

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

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

Bryan Howard, a/k/a Chase Profit, age 30, was indicted on March 12, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 10, 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 life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between May 1, 2015, and October 31, 2015, Howard knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in South Dakota.

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

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

Howard was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A jury trial has been set for August 13, 2019.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Jeremy Aungie, age 33, of Wagner, South Dakota, was found guilty of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on June 5, 2019.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and/or a $500,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  

Aungie was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 6, 2018. 

From on or about June 22, 2012, until on or about May 16, 2018, Aungie sexually abused a juvenile female from the time she was 8 years old until she was 13 years old.  They lived together in a house in Wagner.  The sexual abuse was often accompanied by physical abuse such as hitting, slapping, pulling of hair, and choking.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey C. Clapper and Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for August 19, 2019.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Rapid City, South Dakota, men were charged in federal district court with Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Use and Brandishing of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence, and Conspiracy.

Corbin Conroy, age 40, and Wesley Dillon, age 18, were indicted on April 16, 2019.  Conroy and Dillon appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Conroy and Dillon robbing a Rapid City casino in March 2019, and brandishing a pistol at a casino employee. 

The charges are merely an accusation and Conroy and Dillon are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

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

Conroy and Dillon were detained pending trial.  A trial date has not been set. 

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sisseton, South Dakota, man convicted of abusive sexual contact was sentenced on June 3, 2019, by U.S. District Jude Charles B. Kornmann.

Joel Michael Max, age 30, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.  He was ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

According to court documents, between March 23, 2018, and June 2, 2018, Max did knowingly engage in, and attempt to engage in, sexual contact with a child.  Max acted with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, and degrade the child, and to arouse and gratify his sexual desires. 

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

Max 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 has been sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.

Michael Carey, age 57, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

“This is an appropriate prison sentence for a defendant who has been a major source of meth sold in western South Dakota,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “The public can be assured that federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies are working together to do everything possible to dismantle the drug trafficking organizations bringing this poison into our communities.  And anyone still trafficking illegal drugs in this state should understand that they are next on the list.”

Carey was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 20, 2018, for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  He pled guilty to the conspiracy charge on February 15, 2019.

On multiple occasions, Carey traveled to California to obtain methamphetamine from a California supplier. Upon Carey’s return, Carey would coordinate with others to distribute the methamphetamine in the Black Hills area.  After months of investigation, a traffic stop was conducted while Carey was returning to South Dakota, and approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine were found in his possession.  Federal drug charges against an additional co-conspirator with Carey are pending.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the local Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Nelson prosecuted the case.

Carey 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 Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Eugene Leon Featherman, age 30, was indicted on November 14, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 31, 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, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Featherman was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in January 2012. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender for a period of 25 years. It is alleged that between August 25, 2018, and November 14, 2018, Featherman, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under Federal Law, failed to properly register as a sex offender.

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

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

Featherman 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 was charged in federal district court with 18 counts of Wire Fraud and one count of Theft of Government Property.

Robert Rodney Bland, age 51, was indicted on May 21, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on June 6, 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, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Bland fraudulently billing for windshield rock chip repairs that were never done on General Services Administration vehicles.  The charges are merely an accusation and Bland is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the General Services Administration-Office of Inspector General, the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General, and the Department of Defense-Office of the Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pukwana, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

Sidney DuBray, age 24, was indicted on May 14, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 31, 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 December 20, 2018, DuBray assaulted an individual with a knife causing serious bodily injury to the victim.

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

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

DuBray 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 Peever, South Dakota, man convicted of abusive sexual contact was sentenced on June 3, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

David Seaboy, Sr., age 57, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.  He was ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

According to court documents, in November 2007, Seaboy did knowingly engage in, and attempt to engage in, sexual contact with a person who had not attained the age of 12.  Seaboy acted with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, and degrade the child, and to arouse and gratify his sexual desires. 

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

Seaboy was remanded 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 Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangulation and Suffocation, Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, and Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.

Logan James Fast Horse, age 21, was indicted on May 14, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 29, 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 April 1, 2019, Fast Horse assaulted his intimate partner and dating partner, by strangling and suffocating her, and on that same date, Fast Horse kicked her with shod feet with the intent to do bodily harm.  The Indictment further alleges that on April 5, 2019, Fast Horse did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and that such conduct involved the use of a dangerous weapon.

The charges are merely accusations and Fast Horse 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.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for third degree burglary and aiding and abetting.

Lyle Daniel Mousseau, age 42, was indicted on February 13, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William Gerdes on June 4, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

According to the Indictment, on or about July 11, 2018, Lyle Daniel Mousseau and Alexander Guy Jones unlawfully entered and remained in an unoccupied structure, that is, NAPA Auto and Truck of McLaughlin, with intent to commit the crime of larceny. 

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

Alexander Guy Jones, age 26, was sentenced on June 4, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann to 11 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for the same burglary.  Jones was indicted on October 16, 2018.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting both cases.   

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

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

Zephaniah Thompson, a/k/a Zephariah Thompson, age 29, was sentenced on June 6, 2019, to 57 months in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stems from Thompson aiding and abetting another individual in breaking into The Rooster sporting goods store in Rapid City, and stealing 24 firearms in August 2018.  The firearms were taken to the defendant’s residence, and a Dremel tool was utilized to remove serial numbers from several of the firearms.  Some of the firearms were later traded for methamphetamine.  During the investigation, 22 of the 24 stolen guns were recovered by law enforcement.

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 South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

Thompson 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 has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Discharging, Brandishing, Carrying, or Possessing a Firearm during and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.

William Hawk, Sr., age 30, was indicted on May 14, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 31, 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 May 11, 2019, Hawk assaulted an individual by discharging a rifle at the victim with the intent to do bodily harm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

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

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

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 Hot Springs, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on June 3, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.

Laurens Marcus Maas, age 51, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  He was also ordered to forfeit 21 firearms.

Maas was indicted for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm by a federal grand jury on November 7, 2017.  He pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine on June 1, 2018.

Maas received methamphetamine from a California supplier of methamphetamine.  The methamphetamine Maas received was later distributed in North Dakota and the Black Hills.  A search warrant was executed at his residence on October 25, 2017.  Law enforcement seized over 6 pounds of methamphetamine, 21 firearms, and ammunition. Additional co-conspirators are pending sentencing and trials in Rapid City.

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 South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Maryville, Tennessee, man convicted of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm was sentenced by Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court Judge.

Daniel J. Richardson, Jr., age 62, was sentenced on May 31, 2019, to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stems from Richardson knowingly possessing two firearm silencers, which had not been registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, in South Dakota in September 2018.  Richardson was also originally charged with sending threatening interstate communications regarding Jesuits at Red Cloud Indian School.  Although this charge was dismissed as part of the plea agreement, the United States offered evidence of the threatening communications at sentencing, a factor the Judge took into consideration in sentencing Richardson.

“I want to commend the outstanding cooperative efforts of the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety – particularly OST Police Chief Bob Ecoffey – in apprehending this individual,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “This case is an example of how open lines of communication and quick, decisive action by law enforcement can prevent potential tragedy.”

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two men from Nicaragua charged with Illegal Reentry After Deportation pled guilty and were sentenced on May 28, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Elvin Evelio Davila-Marin, age 30, was sentenced to time served (193 days), and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Wilson Uriel Davila-Marin, age 27, was sentenced to time served (193 days), and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The convictions stem from an incident that took place on or about October 10, 2018, when both brothers came into contact with law enforcement in the District of South Dakota.  They had both been previously deported from the United States on June 22, 2018, at Alexandria, Louisiana.  They both entered the United States illegally and had not obtained the consent of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or the Attorney General of the United States to apply for lawful admission into the United States.

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

Elvin Davila-Marin and Wilson Davila-Marin were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Lester Waters, Jr., age 38, was found guilty of 2 counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, 2 counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and 2 counts of Discharging, Brandishing, or Possessing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence following a federal trial in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Each assault charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  The two firearms charges each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

Evidence at trial established Waters fired a pistol four times while at a party at a Pine Ridge residence on January 25, 2018.  Three of the bullets struck one of the victims, ultimately paralyzing him.  Another bullet struck a second victim in the face, causing extensive injuries. 

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 Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Sazama and Eric Kelderman prosecuted and tried the case.

A sentencing date was set for September 17, 2019.  Waters was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas announced the indictment of a darknet drug dealer who has been indicted for leveraging Bitcoin’s apparent anonymity to sell fentanyl online. The charges against him are the result of the first nationwide undercover operation targeting darknet vendors that the Justice Department announced in June 2018.  

Sean Shaughnessy, 51, of the Dallas Fort Worth, Texas area, was charged by federal grand jury with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance analogue and eight counts of money laundering.

According to the indictment, which was unsealed on May 24 following the defendant’s initial appearance, Mr. Shaughnessy allegedly sold fentanyl and fentanyl analogues over the dark web, an unindexed portion of the internet accessible only via specialized software that allows users to conduct transactions with relative anonymity. His buyers purchased the fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, which was shipped to their addresses, using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, the indictment alleges. One user, who allegedly purchased a fentanyl analogue from Mr. Shaughnessy, overdosed on the substance and died. Mr. Shaughnessy allegedly transferred his Bitcoin proceeds to other cryptocurrency wallets in exchange for regular fiat currency, which was shipped to his home in Dallas. Unbeknownst to Mr. Shaughnessy, he sent more than $120,000 bitcoin to wallet addresses controlled by federal agents. Yesterday, he was ordered to remain in federal custody. The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The investigation into Sean Shaughnessy was part of Operation Dark Gold, a year-long, coordinated national operation that used the first nationwide undercover action to target vendors of illicit goods on the darknet. Special agents of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Field Office posed as a money launderer on dark net market sites, exchanging U.S. currency for virtual currency. Through this operation, HSI New York was able to identify numerous vendors of illicit goods, leading to the opening of more than 90 active cases around the country, including the investigation into Mr. Shaughnessy in the Northern District of Texas.

The Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, coordinated with law enforcement and federal prosecutors from more than 50 U.S. Attorney’s Offices to investigate 65 targets identified by the undercover operation, which led to the arrest and impending prosecution of more than 30 darknet vendors.

One year after 70 search warrants were executed in May 2018, numerous opioid and narcotics distributors have been charged and convicted around the country. Those include:

• Brian Gutierrez-Villasenor, 27, of San Francisco, California, was sentenced recently to serve 120 months in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and transporting funds to promote unlawful activity. Gutierrez-Villasenor was charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. According to his guilty plea, between 2014 and May of 2018, Gutierrez-Villasenor distributed cocaine and methamphetamine for a darknet vendor site called “JetSetLife.” In addition to the prison term, Gutierrez-Villasenor was ordered to pay a $40,000 fine and to serve an additional five-year term of supervised release to begin after his prison term. Gutierrez-Villasenor has been in custody since his arrest on May 17, 2018, and is serving his prison sentence.
• John Edward Monette, 50, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was sentenced to serve five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Monette was convicted of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance on Nov. 15, 2018. On April 25, 2018, a federal search warrant was executed on Monette’s residence as part of Operation Dark Gold. Law enforcement officers seized approximately 838 grams of MDMA, numerous ecstasy pills, approximately 69 grams of cocaine, drug packaging, scales, shipping materials, computers, cell phones and a rifle. Also seized were 3.3882104 bitcoin (approximate value $32,464.38) from a Mycelium wallet on Monette’s cell phone. Monette had been buying MDMA and other controlled substances from sellers in Europe and elsewhere via the dark web. He used Bitcoin to pay his suppliers, and received the drugs via mail. He also used the mail to deliver drugs to his customers.
• Ryan Farace, 34, of Reisterstown, Maryland, and Robert Swain, 34, of Freeland, Maryland, were charged by the U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. Farace was sentenced to serve 57 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug distribution and money laundering conspiracies. The charges arose from a scheme to manufacture and distribute Alprazolam, or “Xanax,” through sales on the dark net in exchange for Bitcoin. Farace and his co-conspirator, Robert Swain, laundered the drug proceeds through financial transactions designed to conceal the source and ownership of the illegal funds. Farace was ordered to forfeit a money judgment equal to $5,665,000 and 4,000 bitcoin (currently worth approximately $3.2 million). Farace was also ordered to forfeit assets seized by law enforcement during the execution of search warrants in 2018, at locations associated with the conspiracies, including approximately $1.5 million in cash, 1.100 bitcoin and approximately $2.5 million in computer equipment. Robert Swain previously pleaded guilty to the money laundering conspiracy and faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison at his sentencing on June 18.
• Tyler Lee Ward, 35, of Moody, Alabama, and Henry Long Nguyen, 33, of Birmingham, Alabama, pleaded guilty in the Northern District of Alabama to three counts including conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute Alprazolam; maintaining a drug-involved premises; and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Ward was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison and Nguyen was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison. Both Ward and Nguyen were ordered to forfeit numerous assets, including more than $200,000 in cryptocurrency. Joseph William Davis 26, of Madison, Alabama, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute Alprazolam and was sentenced to serve 126 months in prison.
• Sam Bent, 32, of St. Johnsbury, Vermont (and formerly of East Burke, Vermont), and his cousin, Djeneba Bent, 26, also of St. Johnsbury (and formerly East Burke) were both charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont. They both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Sam Bent also pleaded guilty to three counts of money laundering and agreed to a forfeiture money judgment. As part of his plea agreement, Sam Bent admitted that he set up accounts on dark web marketplaces, established online identities, accepted Bitcoin in exchange for sales over the dark web, and mailed controlled substances from several different post offices in Northeastern Vermont and Northwestern New Hampshire in an effort to avoid detection. Their sentencings are currently scheduled for July 2019.
• Kyle Lindemann, 31, of Birmingham, Michigan, was charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, and pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute MDMA. As part of his plea, Lindemann admitted that he had managed a vendor account on the darknet marketplace known as “Dream Market,” on which he sold Alprazolam (Xanax), Adderall, Ecstasy (MDMA), and GHB. Lindemann also agreed to the forfeiture of 4.430550289998 Monero and 39.17488 MilliBitcoin that were seized during Operation Dark Gold, in May 2018.

The investigations are pending.

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

Rex Harrison, age 52, was indicted on May 14, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on May 29, 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 4, 2019, Harrison abused, exposed, tortured, tormented, and cruelly punished minor children who had not attained the age of 18, and further assaulted another individual with a tire iron and a vehicle with the intent to do bodily harm.

The charges are merely accusations and Harrison 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.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, man convicted of Felon in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on May 28, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Michael Schmidt, age 44, was sentenced to time served, 2 years of supervised release, a $200 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Schmidt was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 12, 2018.  He pled guilty on March 5, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on January 31, 2018, when a Forest Protection Officer observed Schmidt’s vehicle off a designated road.  When the officer approached Schmidt, he informed the officer that there were firearms in the vehicle and acknowledged that he was a felon and had not had his rights restored.  The firearms were seized and both were functional and had traveled in interstate and/or foreign commerce. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Lyman County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Forest Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

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.