District of South Dakota

March 26, 2019

Today, President Donald J. Trump announced the formation of a Presidential Task Force on Protecting Native American Children in the Indian Health Service System (Task Force).  He charged the Task Force with investigating the institutional and systemic breakdown that failed to prevent a predatory pediatrician from sexually assaulting children while acting in his capacity as a doctor in the Indian Health Service.  The pediatrician left the agency in 2016 and is now in Federal prison.

This Task Force’s focus is separate and distinguishable from other investigations into the Indian health system.  Specifically, the work of the Task Force will not interfere with: (1) the criminal investigation of one particular pediatrician; (2) a review underway at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including a review by the Department’s Inspector General, which HHS Secretary Azar ordered earlier this year; or (3) a review conducted by an outside, independent contractor retained by the Indian health system.

The Task Force will examine any systemic problems that may have failed to prevent this doctor’s actions and led to any failures of the Indian Health Service to protect Native American children.  The Task Force will develop recommended policies, protocols, and best practices to protect Native American children and prevent such abuse from ever happening again.

The Task Force will be comprised of subject-matter experts from several United States Government agencies, and co-chaired by Joseph Grogan, Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, and the Honorable Trent Shores, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma and citizen of the Choctaw Nation.  The Task Force will also draw on the expertise of other Federal employees and resources and seek perspective and input from tribal leaders and Native American voices.

Members of the Presidential Task Force on Protecting Native American Children in the Indian Health Service System:

Joseph Grogan, Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, Co-Chair

United States Attorney Trent Shores, Co-Chair

Bo Leach, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services

Stephanie Knapp, MSW, LCSW, Child/Adolescent Forensic Interviewer, Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Office for Victims Assistance, Child Victim Services Unit

Shannon Bears Cozzoni, Tribal Liaison and Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma

Caitlin A. Hall, MD, FAAP, Clinical Director/Pediatrician, Dzilth-na-o-dith-hle Health Center, Indian Health Service

Farnoosh Faezi-Marian, Program Examiner, Office of Management and Budget
 

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that the District of South Dakota collected $2,163,413.25 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 from civil and criminal actions.  Of this amount, $1,457,048.53 was collected in criminal actions, and $706,364.72 was collected in civil actions. 

As a whole, the Justice Department collected nearly $15 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2018.  The $14,839,821,650 in collections in FY 2018 represents nearly seven times the appropriated $2.13 billion ($2,136,750,000) budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices.

Also, working with partner agencies and divisions, the District collected $84,598 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2018. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

“The recovery of these funds is a critical component of our mission,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “Thanks to the excellent work of our Civil Division and Financial Litigation Unit under the leadership of our Civil Chief Diana Ryan, these recovered dollars will play a vital role in helping crime victims and preventing losses to the American taxpayer.”

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims.  The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss.  While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws.  In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Education.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota man, Weldon Two Bulls, age 48, was found guilty of False Statement following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota.  The jury did not reach a unanimous verdict on the charge of Accessory After the Fact.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of 5 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 conviction stemmed from the defendant making a false statement to a federal agent regarding his recollection of a brutal assault on a woman in November of 2018.  The jury convicted Two Bulls of knowingly and falsely telling a federal agent that he was too intoxicated to remember what happened to the victim.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cassandra DeCoste and Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

A sentencing date has not been set.  Two Bulls is out of custody pending sentencing.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Timber Lake, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on March 26, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Chad Holzer, age 40, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Holzer was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 14, 2018.  He pled guilty on January 3, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on September 23, 2018, when Holzer was attempting to enter an individual’s home with a hatchet.  The owner of the home heard pounding at the front door and opened it.  At that time, Holzer entered the residence and a physical altercation ensued.  During the fight, Holzer held up the hatchet and swung it at one of the individuals, causing a laceration and swelling to their hand. 

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a South Sioux City, Nebraska, man convicted of conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine was sentenced on March 19, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Jose Valentin Carrillo, age 35, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Carrillo was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance  by a federal grand jury on January 9, 2018.  He pled guilty to the offense on December 10, 2018.

Carrillo was responsible for setting up the sale of one kilogram of methamphetamine between one of his co-conspirators and a confidential informant working with law enforcement.  He received $500 from the co-conspirator for brokering the sale.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Drug Enforcement Administration, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the police departments of Sioux City, Iowa, Madison, South Dakota, and Brookings, South Dakota, and the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.

Carrillo 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 March 25, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Nicole Marie Watson, age 35, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.  She was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Watson was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on March 13, 2018. She pled guilty on December 10, 2018.

Watson received approximately eight pounds of methamphetamine from co-conspirators that she distributed in Sioux Falls.

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, South Dakota Highway Patrol, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Hawarden, Iowa, man convicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm was sentenced on March 25, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Austin Joseph Gengler, age 28, was sentenced to 67 months in custody, concurrent to a state sentence he is currently serving, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Gengler was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury on October 10, 2018.  He pled guilty on December 10, 2018.

Law enforcement arrested Gengler on May 8, 2018, for absconding parole.  His vehicle was searched and a .410 gauge shotgun was located.  Gengler is prohibited from possessing firearms because he is a convicted felon.

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 Sioux Falls Area Fugitive Task Force, the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.

Gengler was returned to the Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield, South Dakota, to finish his state sentence.  He will then be taken to a federal institution to serve his sentence in this matter.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises.

Andrea Circle Bear, a/k/a Andrea High Bear, age 29, was indicted on March 12, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 21, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in prison, and/or a $1,000,000 fine, at least 3 years up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

The Indictment alleges that on April 24, 2018, and April 30, 2018, Circle Bear possessed methamphetamine with intent to distribute it and maintained a place for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine.

The charges are merely accusations and Circle 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.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Chicago, Illinois, man convicted of possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute it was sentenced on March 25, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Charles Marshall Smith, a/k/a “Blue,” age 36, was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Smith was indicted for Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on November 7, 2017.  He pled guilty on November 27, 2018.

On September 5, 2017, Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force detectives executed a search warrant for Smith’s residence in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  They located 327.9 grams of crack cocaine and 73.4 grams of heroin in the home, which Smith intended to distribute to others in South Dakota.

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, Sioux Falls Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two individuals from Indiana have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana and Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana.

Brendan Lee, age 23, from Chesterton, Indiana, and Sarah Worthman, age 23, from Bloomfield, Indiana, were indicted on March 5, 2019.  Both appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 7, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on February 21, 2019, Lee and Worthman were traveling through the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation in a U-Haul truck and were stopped by law enforcement.  During the traffic stop, law enforcement found approximately 151 pounds of marijuana in their vehicle.  Lee and Worthman were apprehended at the scene.

The charges are merely accusations and Lee and Worthman are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

Lee was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial and Worthman was released on bond conditions.  A trial date has been set for April 30, 2019.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Ocoma, New Mexico, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Pay Child Support.

Joseph A. Mesteth, age 50, was indicted on December 4, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 20, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 4 years in federal prison and/or a $500,000 fine, 2 years of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on from October 1, 2005, and continuing to the present, and from October 1, 2006, and continuing to the present, Mesteth, while residing in a different state with respect to his three children who reside in South Dakota, willfully and unlawfully failed to pay a past due support obligation as ordered in an amount greater than $10,000.00.

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

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

Mesteth 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 Mobridge, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Waylon Laframboise, age 41, was indicted on February 13, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 19, 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, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between February 1, 2014, and January 1, 2015, Laframboise knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

The charge is merely an accusation and Laframboise 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.   

Laframboise 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 Kidnapping, Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangling, and Assault by an Habitual Offender.

Brandon Ducheneaux, age 44, was indicted on March 12, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on March 20, 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 between March 3, 2016, and March 4, 2016, Ducheneaux kidnapped his intimate partner and assaulted her by strangulation.  During the time of the assault, Ducheneaux had at least two prior convictions of assault against a spouse or intimate partner.

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

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

Ducheneaux 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 Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for First Degree Burglary, Larceny, and Aiding and Abetting.

Demitre’ Ecoffey, age 24, was indicted on February 13, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 21, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 25 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on May 25, 2017, Ecoffey entered an occupied structure at night with another individual with the intent to commit larceny, and stole personal property that had a value in excess of $1,000. 

The charges are merely accusations and Ecoffey 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.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Amin Ricker, age 32, of Pierre, South Dakota, was found guilty 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 following a five-day jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on March 22, 2019.

The charges carry a mandatory minimum of thirty years up to life in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years up to life of supervised release, and $700 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

“Thanks to the joint efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, this vicious child sex predator is going to be locked up for a very long time,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.

Ricker was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 12, 2017. 

In February 2017, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Pierre Police Department began investigating Ricker based on reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that indicated Ricker was actively sharing and receiving child pornography via social media.  On February 14, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Ricker’s residence in Pierre, seizing multiple electronic devices, including mobile phones, laptop computers, and thumb drives. 

Analysis of Ricker’s electronic devices revealed thousands of images and videos of child pornography.  Airline, bank, and electronic records corroborated live testimony that Ricker traveled in 2014 and 2015 from Huron, South Dakota, to Texas and engaged in sexual acts with 7-year-old children living there, and he preserved videos and images of the acts, storing them in folders named after each of the children. Ricker later used electronic platforms to share child pornography, including images involving the victims.  Law enforcement analyzed social media accounts including Instagram, Kik, Yahoo, and Facebook, as well as Dropbox, which led them to Ricker’s Pierre residence.  In mid-2015, Ricker, who was employed as a locomotive conductor, transferred from Huron to Pierre.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Huron Police Department, Pierre Police Department, 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.   

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

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

Jacey Estes, age 24, was indicted on March 12, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 22, 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 3, 2018, Estes assaulted an individual with shod feet, and said assault resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim.

The charges are merely accusation and Estes 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.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Larceny and Possession of Ammunition by a Felon.

Judson His Law, age 24, was indicted on March 12, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 20, 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 3, 2018, His Law stole another person’s pickup truck.  The Indictment further alleges that His Law, having previously been convicted of a felony, possessed fifty rounds of ammunition, which he took from the pickup.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aiding and Abetting Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

Julia Pease, age 24, of Fort Thompson, South Dakota, and Chad Pease, age 44, of Chamberlin, South Dakota, were indicted on March 12, 2019.  Both appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 21, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on July 6, 2015, and September 1, 2015, the Defendants engaged in and attempted to engage in a sexual act with a minor.

The charge is merely an accusation and both are 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.   

Both were released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

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

Devin Dolphus, a/k/a Devin Pretty Weasel, age 19, was indicted on March 12, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 19, 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 January 16, 2019, Dolphus being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and prohibited from possessing a firearm was found in possession of a shotgun having a barrel length of less than 18 inches. This firearm was not registered in the National Firearms Registration database.

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

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

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

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

Shawn Iron Hawk, age 25, was indicted on February 20, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 18, 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 December 30, 2018, Iron Hawk entered a home occupied by an individual and sexually assaulted the victim.

The charges are merely accusations and Iron 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.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sisseton, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for aggravated sexual abuse of a child and for abusive sexual contact.

Storm Gaylord Blue, age 25, was indicted on December 4, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 5, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

According to the Indictment, in October 2017, in Roberts County, South Dakota, Blue engaged in forcible sexual acts with a child. The maximum penalties upon conviction for each count are as follows:  life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both; a mandatory minimum term of five (5) years, up to life, of supervised release; $100 special assessment for victim/witness fund; $5,000 assessment to the domestic trafficking fund; and restitution may be ordered.

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

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

Blue was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.  A trial date of May 14, 2019, has been set.

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

Arlyn Keckler, age 38, was indicted on February 13, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 12, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that beginning at a time unknown but no later than on May 1, 2015, and continuing to February 13, 2019, in South Dakota, Keckler knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Norther Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

Keckler 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 Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding was sentenced on March 15, 2019, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.

Franklin Jones, age 37, was sentenced to 9 months in federal prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.

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

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on September 1, 2018, wherein Jones assaulted his domestic partner, by hitting her in the leg with a chair.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson 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 business owner and his business have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization. 

Dustin Martin Kirk, age 46 of Sisseton, South Dakota, was indicted on March 5, 2019, on two counts of embezzlement and theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.  Two counts in the indictment relate to his dissolved business, Siouxland Lumber & Materials, LLC.  Kirk appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on March 11, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Distribution and Receipt of Child Pornography.

Sharon Dvorak, age 49, was indicted on March 5, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 11, 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, lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between July 16, 2018, and July 10, 2018, Dvorak knowingly received and distributed, and attempted to receive and distribute, any child pornography, that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.  

The charge is merely an accusation and Dvorak is 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 is prosecuting the case.   

Dvorak was released on bond pending trial, which has not been set.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Lower Brule, South Dakota, men convicted of First Degree Burglary and Aiding and Abetting have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Jaron Grassrope, age 19, was sentenced on October 15, 2018, to 14 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. James Felicia, age 21, was sentenced on March 4, 2019, to 24 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.  Grassrope and Felicia were also ordered to pay $450 in restitution.

Grassrope and Felicia were indicted by a federal grand jury on October 17, 2017.  Grassrope plead guilty on July 25, 2018, and Felicia plead guilty on August 20, 2018.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on July 2, 2017, when Grassrope and Felicia entered an occupied structure and stole a PS4 and attempted to take a television.  When the owner of the home confronted Grassrope and Felicia, he and another individual that was in the home, were stabbed. Grassrope and Felicia fled from the residence and were apprehended later in the day. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

Grassrope and Felicia were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Zam Lian Mung, age 29, was found guilty of Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of Children following a federal trial in Rapid City, South Dakota.

The charge carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years up to lifetime supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Evidence at trial established that on August 7, 2018, Mung responded to a prostitution advertisement on CityxGuide.com posted by Division of Criminal Investigation undercover agents, which purported to offer young girls for sex. Following several messages with a person Mung believed to be associated with a 15-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent, he proceeded to negotiate the time and place they would meet, along with the $150 he would pay to engage in sex acts with the minor.

The undercover operation and arrest was 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 and tried the case.

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

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

Alan Thompson, Sr., age 55, was indicted on February 13, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 6, 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 December 29, 2018, Thompson forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with a federal officer while they were engaged in the performance of their official duties, and said conduct did involve physical contact.

The charge is merely an accusation and Thompson 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.  

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Eagle Butte, South Dakota, men convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Aiding and Abetting, have been sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Andrew Good Eagle, age 19, was sentenced on February 22, 2019, to 27 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Christian Marshall, age 27, was sentenced on March 4, 2019, to 63 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Good Eagle and Marshall were indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2019. Marshall plead guilty on November 30, 2018, and Good Eagle plead guilty on December 7, 2018.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on August 6, 2018, when Marshall and Good Eagle assaulted the victim – who was inside a tent - by punching him, kicking with him shod feet, and striking him with a piece of metal rebar multiple times. The victim sustained three lacerations on his head, which were nine inches in length. The lacerations required a total 57 staples/sutures to close. The victim also sustained a fractured kneecap and a broken finger.

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

Marshall and Good Eagle were both immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Ridgeview, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced on March 5, 2019, by U.S. District Court Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Ryun Bowker, age 27, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Bowker was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 24, 2017. He pled guilty on September 24, 2018.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 17, 2016, when Bowker, who was employed as a corrections officer with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe at the time, transported an inmate to the Indian Health Services for a concussion she sustained during a fight. During the transportation on the way back to the jail, Bowker told the individual to get to the back seat of the vehicle, and at which time Bowker attacked the individual and sexually abused the victim without her consent.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Crystal Earth, age 26, of White River, South Dakota, convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on March 4, 2019, by United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Earth was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Earth was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 17, 2018. She was convicted on December 14, 2018, following a four-day jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota.

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on February 26, 2018, in the Horse Creek Community near White River. On that date, Earth was at her home in Horse Creek drinking alcoholic beverages and socializing with a group of people that included the victim. At one point, Earth and the victim, an adult male, got into an argument. Earth took a knife from the kitchen and repeatedly stabbed the victim in the chest and face, causing multiple puncture wounds to the victim’s chest and a deep laceration to his chin.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kirk Albertson and Cameron Cook prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on March 4, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Lawrence Gary, Jr., age 20, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

Gary was indicted on February 14, 2018. He pled guilty on August 7, 2018.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred around midnight on the evening of January 20, 2018. On that evening, the Defendant was at a social gathering at a residence in the Two Strike Community near Rosebud. The victim, an adult man, was also present. At some point, Gary and the victim got into an argument and Gary began assaulting the victim, striking him with his hands and fists. The victim fell to the floor and Gary kicked and stomped the victim multiple times with shod feet. He further struck the victim multiple times with a saucepan. The Defendant also stabbed the victim in the middle of his back, between his shoulder blades, with a knife. After he assaulted the victim, Gary left him lying on the floor and departed the house.

The stab wound severed the victim’s spinal cord and left him paralyzed from the chest down. Around noon on January 21, 2018, the victim was discovered lying on the floor of the residence. He was transported by ambulance to the Rosebud Indian Health Services Hospital, and subsequently transferred to Rapid City Regional Hospital. He was thereafter placed in a nursing home.

On October 24, 2018, while Gary was pending sentencing, the victim passed away. An autopsy determined that the stab wound inflicted by Gary was the proximate cause of the victim’s death.

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

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

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

Grant Whitney, age 19, was indicted on February 13, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 21, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on July 1, 2018, Whitney and another individual assaulted an individual with shod feet, which resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim.

The charges are merely accusations and Whitney 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.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Belcourt, North Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.

Gloria Peltier, age 20, was indicted on January 23, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 28, 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 December 18, 2018, Peltier was being held at the Lower Brule Detention Center and did forcibly assault, resist, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a corrections officer while they were engaged in the performance of their duties.

The charge is merely an accusation and Peltier 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.   

Peltier 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 Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for First Degree Burglary, Larceny, and Aiding and Abetting.

Alan Thompson, Jr., age 23, was indicted on February 13, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 20, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 25 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on May 25, 2017, Thompson entered an occupied structure at night with another individual with the intent to commit larceny and stole personal property that had a value in excess of $1,000.

The charges are merely accusations and Thompson 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.

Thompson was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for April 30, 2019.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Soldier Creek, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Involuntary Manslaughter and two counts of Child Abuse.

Robert Staples, Jr., age 35, was indicted on February 13, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 26, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on September 14, 2018, Staples unlawfully killed another human being, while operating a motor vehicle, in a grossly negligent manner.  The Indictment further alleges Staples abused, exposed, tortured, tormented, and cruelly punished children who had not attained the age of seven years old.

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

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

Staples 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 Mission, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.

Lee Ann Stenstrom a/k/a LeeAnn Stenstrom, age 35, was indicted on February 13, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 26, 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 December 26, 2018, Stenstrom did forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, by using a dangerous weapon.

The charge is merely an accusation and Stenstrom 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.   

Stenstrom 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 Belle Fourche, South Dakota, woman convicted of Theft of Government Property, Supplemental Security Income Benefits Fraud, and False Statement was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Cindy Lou Geib, age 49, was sentenced on February 20, 2019, to 10 months in federal prison, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund on each of the three felony charges.  The time in federal prison is to run concurrently on each conviction.  Geib was also ordered to pay $112,468.10 in restitution.

The conviction stems from Geib knowingly and willfully making false statements to the United States Social Security Administration and the South Dakota Department of Social Services, to obtain Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Medicaid, and Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) benefits, to steal $112,468.10 in money and benefits for herself and her children between 2011 and 2017.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Cooperative Disabilities Investigation Unit, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General and the South Dakota Department of Social Services Office of Recoveries and Fraud Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.   

Geib was ordered to self-surrender to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on March 20, 2019, to begin serving her sentence.

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

Rudolph Engel, age 63, was sentenced on February 25, 2019, to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Engel was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury on September 17, 2017.  The conviction stems from Engel conspiring with others in receiving at least 500 grams of methamphetamine from California and Colorado, and then distributing it in the District of South Dakota between 2016 and 2017. 

This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.

Engel 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 the crime of Possession of Ammunition by a Felon.

Aaron Santistevan, age 43, was indicted on February 13, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 22, 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 28, 2018, Santistevan, having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, possessed 40 rounds of copper-jacketed hollow point .50 Action Express caliber handgun ammunition.

The charge is merely an accusation and Santistevan 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.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Strangulation was sentenced on February 21, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Carl Iron Hawk, age 39, was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Iron Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 18, 2018.  He pled guilty on December 2, 2018.

The conviction stemmed from an incident beginning on February 24, 2018, when an individual came to Iron Hawk’s home and a verbal and physical argument ensued.  During the physical argument, Iron Hawk strangled the victim around the neck by using his hands, to the point where the victim almost went unconscious.  The victim was not allowed to leave the residence until February 26, 2018.  Over the course of the weekend Iron Hawk also assaulted the victim with various weapons, to include a knife, the base of a lamp, and a piece of a bed frame.   When the victim was able to leave the residence, law enforcement was called and the victim was transported to the hospital for the injuries she sustained.

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

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

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

Terrell Maurice Brunston, age 36, was indicted on December 4, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on February 21, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on November 15, 2016, Brunston, aided and abetted by another person, took and attempted to take money belonging to the First National Bank, located in Sioux Falls, SD, a bank whose deposits were then insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and assaulted and put in jeopardy the life of another person by the use of a firearm.  

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

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

Brunston was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for April 30, 2019.  

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Phoenix, Arizona, woman convicted of Possession of Fifteen or more Unauthorized Access Devices was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Lauren Montgomery, age 31, was sentenced on February 21, 2019, to 41 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $105,605 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

The conviction stems from Montgomery possessing more than 15 unauthorized or counterfeit access devices, specifically names, dates of birth, and social security numbers issued to other persons.  Montgomery used this information to file false income tax returns in other individuals’ names to obtain fraudulent tax refunds from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Okreek, South Dakota, woman and a Mission, South Dakota, man have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.  In addition, a Winner, South Dakota, man and a St. Francis, South Dakota, woman were indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Rainbow Stoneman, age 37, Cody Spotted Tail, age 33, Justin Covery, a/k/a Justin Night Shield, age 19, and Marti Rosalie Whirlwind Soldier, age 22,  were indicted on December 11, 2018.  They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 21, 2019.  All four individuals pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in prison and/or an $8,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each Count.  Restitution may also be ordered.  

The Indictment alleges that beginning no later than October 15, 2018, and continuing to November 2, 2018, Stoneman, Spotted Tail, Covery, and Night Shield knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in the District of South Dakota.  The Indictment further alleges that Stoneman and Spotted Tail are unlawful users of and addicted to a controlled substance, which prohibits them from possessing firearms, but that they were in possession of a firearm at the time of their arrest.

The charges are merely accusations and Stoneman, Spotted Tail, Covery, and Night Shield are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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

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

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

Stoneman, Spotted Tail, Covery, and Night Shield were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

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

Phillip Running, age 31, was indicted on February 13, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 21, 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.

The Indictment alleges that between December 14, 2018, and December 20, 2018, Running, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under law, failed to register and update his registration.

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

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

Running 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 Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Third Degree Burglary.

Marlowe LaRoche, age 20, was indicted on February 13, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 22, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on December 18, 2018, LaRoche entered the Lower Brule Indian Health Service Clinic after normal business hours with the intent to commit larceny.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a former Secretary of the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s Credit and Finance Office has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.  Helen Hernandez, age 41, was indicted on February 5, 2019, and she made her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman on February 21, 2019, in Rapid City, South Dakota. 

The Indictment alleged that 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 charge is merely an accusation and Hernandez is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  Hernandez pleaded not guilty during her initial appearance.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 5 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

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

The case was brought pursuant to The Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities.  The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities.  Led by the 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 U.S. Attorney’s Office at (605) 330-4400.  To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Westminster, Colorado, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on February 22, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Matthew Steele, age 34, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, a fine of $1,000, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Steele was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 12, 2018.  He pled guilty on December 10, 2018.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on February 10, 2017, following a traffic stop, Steele knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in the District of South Dakota, in and around the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.  Steele admitted that between 40 and 50 grams of methamphetamine was in his possession.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

Steele 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 Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.

Travis Bird In Ground, age 20, was indicted on February 13, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 20, 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 August 25, 2018, Bird In Ground 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 physical contact.

The charge is merely an accusation and Bird In Ground 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.   

Bird In Ground 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 has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Appear.

William J. Waukechon, age 19, was indicted on February 13, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 21, 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.

On June 12, 2018, Waukechon was indicted for multiple offenses, including Using and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to Crime of Violence.  He made his initial appearance on that Indictment on August 13, 2018, and was subsequently released pending trial. The Indictment alleges that on January 22, 2019, Waukechon failed to appear for a scheduled hearing.

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

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

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