District of South Dakota

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Third Degree Burglary and Larceny.

Preston White Feather, age 22, was indicted on June 12, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 26, 2018, 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 April 9, 2018, in Mission, White Feather unlawfully entered Todd County High School and stole property valued at over $1,000.

The charges are merely accusations and White Feather 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.   

White Feather 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 convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Person incapable of Consent was sentenced on October 29, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Bates Hood, Jr., age 41, was sentenced to 36 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.

Hood was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 12, 2017.  He pled guilty on August 2, 2018.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on January 31, 2016, when Hood knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, sexual contact with an individual who he knew at the time was incapable of appraising the nature of conduct and physically incapable of declining participation. 

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

Hood 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 Larceny (Aiding and Abetting) and Failure to Appear was sentenced on October 29, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Brady One Feather, age 30, was sentenced to time served through November 13, 2018, 4 years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $4,367.98, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.00.

One Feather was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 16, 2017, for the Larceny and on June 12, 2018, for the Failure to Appear charges.  He pled guilty to both charges on August 6, 2018.

The Larceny conviction stemmed from an incident on February 5, 2017, when Bradley and Brady One Feather took a vehicle that they knew was stolen.  The vehicle was vandalized while in One Feather’s possession.  Bradley One Feather, a co-defendant in the case, was sentenced on February 5, 2018, to time served, 3 years of supervised release, and $4,077.99 in restitution.

The Failure to Appear conviction stemmed from an incident on May 17, 2018, when One Feather was summoned to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno for a scheduled hearing for his Larceny charge and failed to appear for court as directed.

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

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

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – United States Attorney Ron Parsons joined the U.S. Department of Justice in announcing that the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office has been awarded a new $1,029,958 federal grant to combat the illegal trafficking of methamphetamine in South Dakota.

The funds were awarded through the Community Oriented Policing Services Office (COPS) Anti-Methamphetamine Program by the Department of Justice as part of a $7.2 million grant to law enforcement agencies in nine states (Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Montana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin) to support the investigation of illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine.

The grant of $1,029,958 to the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office, headed by Attorney General Marty Jackley, is equal to the largest amount awarded to any state agency under this program.

“Methamphetamine and its dealers and users are connected, in one way or another, to a large percentage of the crimes committed in South Dakota, particularly drug trafficking, gun crimes, violent assaults, robberies, burglaries, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, and child abuse and neglect,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies are committed to working together to stamp out this poison.  And working together, we are making steady progress.  For example, just last month, law enforcement in Minnehaha County seized more meth than was seized during the entire year of 2017.  The timely award of this new federal grant will help our talented teams of South Dakota law enforcement officers accomplish even more.”

“The national meth epidemic is impacting and hurting our families and communities here in South Dakota,” said Attorney General Jackley.  “This award presents a tremendous opportunity to cooperatively fight this meth epidemic head-on in our state.”

The grant application provides that the award will be used to fund additional investigators, agents, and forensic analysts for the Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and Oglala Sioux Tribal Police to serve on the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, Rapid City Drug Task Force, and Northern Plains Safe Trails Task Force.

“This is great news for South Dakota and bad news for those dealing drugs in our communities,” said Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead, whose deputies serve alongside other federal, state, and local law enforcement officers on the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force.

SIOUX FALLS – United States Attorney Ron Parsons and the Justice Department today announced the one-year anniversary of its initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing. Since its launch in October 2017 and nationwide expansion in April 2018, the Department has seen a major upswing in both reporting and enforcement. Over the past year, the Department has:

• Opened 34 new sexual harassment matters. This is more than any previous year and nearly five times the number of matters opened in the prior year.
• Filed six pattern-or-practice lawsuits challenging alleged sexual harassment in housing. This is more than the Department has filed in any previous year.
  • Western District of Michigan - United States v. Tjoelker,
  • District of Kansas - United States v. Cao Properties and Rentals,
  • Southern District of Ohio - United States v. Klosterman,
  • Northern District of New York - United States v. Waterbury,
  • Northern District of Alabama - United States v. Hames,
  • Western District of Oklahoma - United States v. Pelfrey. 

“For landlords or property managers to try to use the power they have over tenants to extort sexual favors, or even commit assaults, is beyond reprehensible,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “No person should have to tolerate unwanted sexual advances in order to keep a roof over his or her head. Our District hosted a roundtable discussion in April regarding sexual harassment in housing, and we are dedicated to uncovering such violations wherever they exist and vigorously enforcing the law.”

“This important initiative is giving a voice to victims of sexual harassment in housing. It also sends the strong message that the Department is listening to victims and taking action against landlords and managers who attempt to prey on vulnerable individuals all over the country,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore for the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department remains committed to our goal to make more people aware that no one should have to choose between a home and the right to be free from sexual harassment.”

“A home can never be a place of peace and comfort for individuals who are subjected to sexual harassment,” said Anna María Farías, HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “We still have work to do, but the initiative has taken tremendous steps this past year toward addressing this unlawful behavior and the Justice Department and HUD remain committed to doing even more to inform the public about their housing rights.” 

The Department took several steps this past year to drive an increase in reporting and enforcement.

First, the Department held 20 roundtables about sexual harassment in housing at U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. At these events, the Department creates opportunities for collaboration with local community partners, including engaging local law enforcement officers, legal aid offices, fair housing organizations, universities, civil rights organizations, and other groups.

U.S. Attorney Roundtables Hosted this Year:

Central District of California

District of Colorado

Middle District of Florida

Northern District of Georgia

Northern District of Iowa

District of Maryland

District of Massachusetts

Eastern District of Michigan

District of Minnesota

District of New Jersey (2)

Eastern & Southern Districts of New York (joint)

Northern District of Ohio

Eastern District of Pennsylvania

District of South Dakota

Northern District of Texas

District of Vermont

Western District of Virginia (2)

 

Second, the Department created an outreach toolkit designed to leverage the nationwide network of U.S. Attorney’s Offices and boost local outreach about sexual harassment in housing.

Third, the Department released a Public Service Announcement (PSA), in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), featuring three women who were identified as victims of sexual harassment in DOJ lawsuits. The Department developed a 60-second video featuring three women who were injured parties in sexual harassment lawsuits brought by the Department under the Fair Housing Act. In the PSA, the women, in their own words, share the stories of how they were harassed and the impact the experience has on their lives. The PSA is posted on the Department’s YouTube channel.

Fourth, the Department launched a webpage on sexual harassment in housing. It is available in both English and Spanish. The webpage has resources available to download. This includes a partnership toolkit, flyers in 11 languages (English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Haitian Creole, Hindi, Korean, Tagalog, Urdu, and Vietnamese), palm cards in English and Spanish, and information sheets for advocates in English and Spanish.

Finally, the Department and HUD launched a new Task Force to Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing. It is focused on five key areas: continued data sharing and analysis, joint development of training, evaluation of public housing complaint mechanisms, coordination of public outreach and press strategy, and review of federal policies. The Task Force has facilitated collaboration between DOJ and HUD in drawing attention to the national PSA, including distributing it to public housing authorities, on HUD’s YouTube channel, and through social media.

More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at justice.gov/crt. If you believe you may be a victim of sexual harassment in housing, you should:

• call the Justice Department at 1-844-380-6178,
• send an e-mail to fairhousing@usdoj.gov, or
• contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777.

If you have information or questions about any other housing discrimination, you can contact the Department at 1-800-896-7743.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine was sentenced on October 22, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Aluong Hakim Aluong, a/k/a “Double A,” a/k/a “Double,” age 34, was sentenced to 260 months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Because Aluong had been previously convicted of a drug felony, his mandatory minimum sentence of 120 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release was doubled. 

Aluong was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Felon in Possession of a Firearm by a federal grand jury on November 7, 2017.  He pled guilty to the drug conspiracy on July 27, 2018.  Although the firearm charge was dismissed, it was considered in determining his sentence.

Aluong distributed over 500 grams of methamphetamine to others for further distribution in the Sioux Falls area.

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department, the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Paul Frost, age 46, was indicted on October 16, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 23, 2018, 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, at least 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on June 15, 2018, Frost knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in South Dakota.  The Indictment further alleges that on both April 3, 2017, and June 15, 2018, Frost, being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, did knowingly possess firearms.

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

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions 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 Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

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

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

Vincent Battese, age 32, was indicted on October 16, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 23, 2018, 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 October 5, 2018, Battese, who had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess and receive a firearm.

The charge is merely an accusation and Battese 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.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions 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 Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency and by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort 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.

Rain Blaine, age 18, was indicted on August 14, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 23, 2018, 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 June 24, 2018, Blaine unlawfully assaulted an individual with a knife and said assault resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim.

The charges are merely accusations and Blaine 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.   

Blaine was released on bond with conditions pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

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

Marilyn Ducheneaux, age 21, was indicted on October 16, 2018.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 23, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that beginning at a time unknown, but no later than on January 1, 2016, and continuing to October 16, 2018, in South Dakota, Ducheneaux 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 Ducheneaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Bridgewater, South Dakota, man convicted of Insurance Fraud was sentenced on October 22, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Steven Dean Krier, age 57, was sentenced to 2 months in federal prison, followed by 30 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $54,625.50 in restitution to Dakota Bail Bonds, as well as a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Krier was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 9, 2017.  He pled guilty on July 27, 2018.

The conviction stemmed from incidents between July 7, 2014, and May 31, 2015, when Krier was an employee of Dakota Bail Bonds of Sioux Falls.  Krier sold bail bonds on behalf of Dakota Bail Bonds, but did not turn over the premiums collected on over 50 bail bonds that he sold.  The bonds were guaranteed by Financial Casualty and Surety, Inc. based in Houston, Texas.  As a result, Krier willfully misappropriated over $50,000 of the funds and premiums of Dakota Bail Bonds and Financial Casualty and Surety.

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

Krier has been allowed to self-report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service by October 29, 2018.

SIOUX FALLS – In conjunction with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that the Rosebud Sioux Tribe will be awarded funding for a new Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney to help prosecute domestic violence, and other violent crimes, on the reservation.

The announcement came at a meeting where Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein met with Acting Director of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Katherine Sullivan, and other senior Justice officials, to discuss the Violence Against Women Act’s (VAWA) essential focus on criminal justice responses to domestic violence.  Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein also announced new OVW funding for the department’s Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney program. 

“There is no place in society for domestic violence and the Department of Justice is committed to holding perpetrators accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “We are pleased to be partnering with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in adding a new Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney who will be able to prosecute these important cases both in federal and tribal court.  This is a true force multiplier that will continue to build bridges and promote cooperation between governments and have a lasting impact in our collective mission to stamp out domestic violence wherever it exists.”

OVW’s Tribal Special Assistant United States Attorneys (Tribal SAUSAs) Program is another Department initiative supporting innovative prosecutorial collaborations. These prosecutors bring cases in both tribal and federal courts, and help ensure that tribal and federal authorities have a seamless response in prosecuting cases under their jurisdiction. In OVW’s pilot project, Tribal SAUSAs reported a wide range of successes, including prosecution of cases that otherwise may not have been brought.

OVW announced new Tribal SAUSA Program awards of $437,500 each to the following four tribes:

•        Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (Arizona);

•        Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (Oregon);

•        Rosebud Sioux Tribe (South Dakota); and

•        Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (Washington).

Commemorated in the United States since 1987, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month educates the public, commemorates and honors victims and survivors, and connects service providers across the country. President Trump has continued the tradition of issuing a presidential proclamation to recognize October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Strengthening criminal justice is the core component of VAWA, and Acting Director Sullivan pointed to the Improving the Criminal Justice Response to Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program (ICJR) as the “backbone of VAWA.” ICJR helps communities investigate and prosecute these crimes and keep violent criminals off the street. Since 1997, OVW has made 1,655 ICJR grant awards totaling over $847 million. In fiscal year 2018, OVW made 54 ICJR awards totaling $32.6 million.

This funding has supported justice responses including dedicated police and prosecution units, specialized courts, and offender monitoring in 538 communities. For example, Fairfax County in Virginia uses ICJR funding to support a specialized prosecutor for domestic violence and stalking cases and to monitor the enforcement of civil protective orders.

ICJR also funds unique collaborative approaches, such as Family Justice Centers – “one stop shops” housing police, prosecution, and victim services in one place – and multidisciplinary teams that decrease domestic violence homicides. Since 2012 OVW has awarded over $24 million in ICJR funding to reduce domestic violence homicide, including pilot sites, nationwide training, and research. This includes six awards totaling $3,299,977 for fiscal year 2018.

Many victims also face substance abuse issues, and may struggle to access the justice system and get the protection they need. OVW is today announcing an award of $450,000 to the Alliance for HOPE International to train Family Justice Centers to address this complex challenge. The Alliance for HOPE International will partner with the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health.

VAWA was first authorized in 1994 and focused on strengthening the criminal justice response to domestic violence. VAWA was reauthorized in 2000, 2005, and 2013, and each reauthorization included expansions such as addressing elder abuse, combatting stalking, and serving victims of sex trafficking in Indian Country. More information about VAWA is available at www.justice.gov/ovw/legislation.

SIOUX FALLS - U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons joined the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior in announcing a dramatic expansion of the federal government’s key program that provides tribes with access to national crime information databases, the Justice Department’s Tribal Access Program for National Crime Information (TAP).  The expansion includes the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Dakota.

In praising the action, U.S. Attorney Parsons said: “I applaud the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe for prioritizing public safety and supporting the tremendous work being done by their law enforcement officers through participation in the Tribal Access Program. Everyone benefits from greater cooperation and sharing of information between governments and all levels of law enforcement. This is a win for all involved.”

Rosebud Sioux Tribe President Rodney M. Bordeaux stated: "The Tribal Access to National Crime Information Database will strengthen Tribal sovereignty by providing the Rosebud Sioux Tribe with more tools to protect the general public, allow background checks for all Tribal programs whose employees have regular contact with children, allow social services agencies to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect, dissemination of protection orders and restraining order for enforcement by all law enforcement agencies, and permits the Tribe to enter Tribal sex offender convictions into the national data base. The Rosebud Sioux Tribe looks forward to working with Department of Justice to increase Tribal access to national criminal and civil data information, collection and entry."

By the end of 2019, the Justice Department will expand the number of TAP participating tribes by more than 50 percent—from 47 tribes to 72.  Further, by 2020, the Interior Department’s Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services (BIA-OJS) will expand TAP to all 28 tribes where it delivers direct law enforcement services.  The BIA Division of Human Services will also add three tribal social service locations in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Montana in 2019.

TAP provides federally recognized tribes the ability to access and exchange data with national crime information databases for both civil and criminal purpose.  This allows tribes to more effectively serve and protect their communities by ensuring the exchange of critical data.  TAP is currently deployed to 47 tribes nationwide with over 220 tribal criminal justice and civil agencies participating.  The program provides integrated workstations and/or software as well as enhanced training and assistance to enable tribes to access and contribute to national crime information databases.

“Access to information is vital to effective law enforcement,” said Trent Shores, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma and the Chairman of the Attorney General’s Advisory Subcommittee on Native American Issues.  “The Tribal Access Program will enhance and improve the ability of tribal law enforcement officers to serve their communities. The Native American Issues Subcommittee is proud to support the continued expansion of this tool throughout Indian Country.”

The Native American Issues Subcommittee (NAIS) is comprised of United States Attorneys with Indian Country in their federal districts. They advise the Attorney General regarding the development and implementation of policies pertaining to justice in Indian Country.

U.S. Attorney Parsons chairs the law enforcement resources working group of the NAIS, which identified ‘increased law enforcement resources’ as one of four priority areas to improve justice services in Indian Country. Support for and increased dissemination of the TAP was unanimously supported by the US Attorneys at a recent NAIS meeting in Indian country in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Beginning in 2019, the Department of the Interior will for the first time participate in TAP by placing kiosks at three of their direct service social services locations—Northern Pueblos at Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico, Anadarko, Oklahoma, and Lame Deer, Montana.  This will give BIA and the tribes the ability to conduct federally-required fingerprint based background checks in child abuse cases and vetting of foster parents.

Also beginning in 2019, BIA-OJS will begin deploying kiosks to all 28 of their direct service law enforcement tribes.  BIA OJS expects to complete this large-scale deployment by 2020.

TAP enhances tribal efforts to register sex offenders pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA); have orders of protection enforced nationwide; protect children; keep firearms away from persons who are disqualified from receiving them; improve the safety of public housing, and allow tribes to enter their arrests and convictions into national databases.

TAP supports tribes in analyzing their needs for national crime information and includes appropriate solutions, including a-state-of-the-art biometric/biographic kiosk workstation with capabilities to process finger and palm prints, take mugshots and submit records to national databases.  This includes the ability to access several national databases through the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) network, including the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Next Generation Identification (NGI), National Data Exchange (N-DEx), National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), Law Enforcement Enterprise Portal (LEEP) as well as other national systems such as the International Justice and Public Safety Network (Nlets)

For more information on TAP, visit: www.justice.gov/tribal/tribal-access-program-tap

For more information about the Justice Department’s work on tribal justice and public safety issues, visit: www.justice.gov/tribal

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wanblee, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota, beginning on October 16, 2018, and concluding on October 18, 2018.

Isadore John Conquering Bear, age 45, was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 16, 2017.

The charge stemmed from an alleged incident that occurred in June, 2017, near Rosebud, South Dakota.

The investigation was conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on October 16, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Gregory Paul Quigley, a/k/a Greg Paul Quigley, age 54, was sentenced to 13 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.

Quigley was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 17, 2018.  He pled guilty on August 7, 2018.

Quigley was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in July of 2016.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  Quigley initially registered his residence in West St. Francis, South Dakota.  Quigley’s probation officer could not locate Quigley at his registered address and subsequently found him at a different residence in St. Francis. The probation officer informed him he was in violation of his probation and he was instructed to report to City/County Alcohol and Drug Program (CCADP) in Rapid City, South Dakota, on November 27, 2017.  Quigley failed to report to CCADP. He was not at his registered address, and his whereabouts were unknown until he was arrested on March 15, 2018. 

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Steven William Emery, age 47, was indicted on September 11, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 15, 2018, 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 lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each Count.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between June 2016, and May 9, 2018 Emery  knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in South Dakota. The Indictment further alleges, that on May 9, 2018, Emery being an unlawful user of, and addicted to, a controlled substance, did knowingly receive and possess a firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.

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

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions 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 Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, husband and wife, and a Eureka, California, man, who is a brother to the South Dakota woman, convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.  

Vinessa Farmer, a/k/a Vinessa Kills in Water, age 42, was sentenced on September 5, 2018, to 5 months in federal prison, and 5 months home detention, 2 years of supervised release, a fine of $1,000, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Robert Kills in Water, age 41, was sentenced on September 24, 2018, to 2 years of probation, a fine of $500, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Melvin Farmer, Jr., age 44, was sentenced on October 15, 2018, to 6 months in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, a fine of $1,000, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

All three defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury on February 14, 2018.  Vinessa pled guilty on June 12, 2018, Robert pled guilty on July 10, 2018, and Melvin pled guilty on October 15, 2018.

Beginning August 1, 2012, to August 22, 2017, Vinessa, Robert, and Melvin knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute marijuana in the District of South Dakota. Melvin would mail one-pound packages of marijuana monthly to Vinessa and Robert in South Dakota. Vinessa and Robert would then sell the marijuana and send money back to Melvin.

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

Vinessa Farmer and Melvin Farmer, Jr. were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, and Robert Kills in Water was released to begin serving probation.

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 sexual abuse.

Joel Michael Max, age 29, was indicted on September 5, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William Gerdes on October 15, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

According to the Indictment, between September 2016 and June 2018, in Roberts County, South Dakota, Max engaged in and attempted to engage in 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 Max 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.   

Max was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.  A trial date has been set for December 18, 2018.

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

Darwin Tallman, age 30, was charged on September 18, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on October 9, 2018, and pled 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 a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to Tallman knowingly being in possession of a Marlin, model 60, .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle that had a barrel of less than 16 inches which was not registered to him.  The charge is merely an accusation and Tallman is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting 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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions 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.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine, was sentenced on October 15, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Wiyaka Rochelle Guerue, a/k/a Feather Rochelle Guerue, age 32, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, forfeiture of $227 in U.S. currency, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Guerue was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 17, 2017.  She pled guilty on July 24, 2018.

Between January 1, 2016, and October 17, 2017, Guerue knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota.

Guerue received distributable quantities of methamphetamine and distributed the methamphetamine in South Dakota.  The individuals who provided methamphetamine knew that she intended to engage in further distribution.  Additionally, Guerue admitted she allowed several other individuals to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine from her Sunrise Apartment in Rosebud, South Dakota.  

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of assault of a federal officer was sentenced on October 15, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann. 

Austin Rain Folson, age 19, was sentenced to 8 months of federal custody, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.  He was ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  

According to court documents, on March 14, 2018, Folson committed an assault when he forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with a federal officer while the officer was engaged in the performance of his official duties. 

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault on a Federal Officer was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Ramone McBride, age 20, was sentenced on October 3, 2018, to 18 months in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

McBride was found guilty of the charge following a federal jury trial in Rapid City on June 26, 2018.  

On September 4, 2017, an Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Officer responded to McBride’s address in order to remove him from the residence.  After being informed McBride was no longer at the residence, McBride jumped the officer from behind.  McBride put the officer in a chokehold and assaulted him in the face multiple times with a closed fist.  McBride then grabbed the officer’s taser and deployed two taser cartridges – striking the officer in the temple, ear, neck, and bicep area.

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

         

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eden, South Dakota, man has been charged with two counts by a federal grand jury for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Felony Child Abuse and Neglect of a Child.

Jeremiah Lynn Renville, Jr., age 39, was indicted on October 10, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on October 17, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

According to the Indictment, on February 13 and 14, 2018, Renville engaged in assaultive and abusive conduct toward a child under the age of seven years.  For the assault charge, the maximum penalty upon conviction is up to ten (10) years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, and 3 years of supervised release.  For the child abuse charge, the maximum penalty upon conviction is up to fifteen (15) years of imprisonment, a $30,000 fine, or both, and 3 years of supervised release.  Each charge also carries a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

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

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

Renville 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 Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on October 15, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Nevin Joaquin, age 30, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, the forfeiture of two firearms, ammunition, and United States currency, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Joaquin was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 12, 2017.  He pled guilty on July 25, 2018.

Joaquin admitted to conspiring with others to distribute at least 1,500 grams of methamphetamine in South Dakota.  From September of 2013, to the date of his indictment, Joaquin received distributable quantities of methamphetamine from others who knew that he intended to engage in further distribution.  Joaquin further distributed that methamphetamine in South Dakota. 

Joaquin came into contact with law enforcement in Eagle Butte, and again in Pierre, on February and April of 2016.  Both times he possessed a semi-automatic pistol, ammunition, and United States currency totaling $770.  Joaquin admitted that he carried a pistol for protection while distributing methamphetamine, and admitted that the United States currency found in his possession was proceeds from his distribution of methamphetamine.

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.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions 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 United States Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force were involved in the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan prosecuted the case.

Joaquin 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 Third Degree Burglary and Arson.

Shane Taken Alive, age 27, was indicted on July 18, 2017.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 18, 2018, 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 October 12, 2017, Taken Alive unlawfully entered modular classrooms at the Takini School, both of which were unoccupied, and set fire to them.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.   

Taken Alive 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 Dupree, South Dakota, woman convicted of Child Abuse was sentenced on October 15, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Dale Hendricks, age 37, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day 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.

Hendricks was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 17, 2018.  She pled guilty on July 24, 2018.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on November 3, 2017, when Hendricks had a night of drinking and shared a bed with her infant child, exposing him to a dangerous situation.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Vacaville, California, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

James Scott Ferguson, age 56, was sentenced on October 15, 2018, to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stemmed from Ferguson obtaining high purity methamphetamine in California and then distributing at least 20 grams of it to individuals in Rapid City, using the U.S. Postal Service in 2016 and 2017.  Law enforcement intercepted a package Ferguson sent to South Dakota for distribution in April 2017.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of distributing child pornography, one count of receiving child pornography, and one count of failing to register as a sex offender was sentenced on October 15, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.  The conviction was the result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls in July of 2018.

Maksim Stefanyuk, age 27, was sentenced to 262 months (21.8 years) in federal prison on Counts 1 through 3, 120 months in federal prison on Count 4, to be served concurrently, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $5,400 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

“The conviction of this repeat offender for these horrible crimes, and the substantial federal prison sentence that he will serve, are a credit to the hard work and dedication of the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “The ICAC Task Force is a model of federal, state, and local law enforcement cooperation.  We owe them a debt of gratitude for their tireless public service in their collective mission of protecting our children from harm.”

Stefanyuk was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 9, 2017. 

Previously, Stefanyuk had pled guilty to possessing child pornography in 2014.  After serving his sentence in federal prison, Stefanyuk was released in April of 2016.  He registered as a sex offender and reported that he worked near Brandon, South Dakota, but lived in Hills, Minnesota.  After officers with the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force downloaded child pornography from Stefanyuk from a location in Sioux Falls, they obtained a search warrant.  Not only did they discover child pornography on his computer, but also that he had been living in Sioux Falls without registering as a sex offender.  Stefanyuk went to trial and a jury convicted him of all counts.

This case was investigated by the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, all of which are part of the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.

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

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

Brandon Jones, age 24, was indicted on August 13, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica Duffy on October 10, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on or about July 16, 2018, Jones knowingly failed to appear for a scheduled hearing in federal court which he was ordered and required to appear at.

The charge is merely an accusation and Jones 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.   

Jones 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 Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

Christian Marshall, age 27, was indicted on August 13, 2018.  Marshall appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Moreno on October 10, 2018, 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 August 6, 2018, Marshall, James Charger, and Andrew Good Eagle did unlawfully assault an individual, and said assault did result in serious bodily injury to the victim.

The charges are merely accusations and Marshall is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  Charger and Good Eagle previously appeared on August 22, 2018, in front of Magistrate Judge William Gerdes and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

Marshall was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date of October 16, 2018, has been set.

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

Linda Pastian, age 55, was sentenced on October 3, 2018, to 17½ years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Pastian was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 17, 2017.  The charge related to Pastian 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.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Daphne Janis, age 37, of Rapid City, South Dakota, was found guilty of False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters, Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud, and Using a Communications Facility to Commit another Felony, following a federal jury trial in Rapid City.

The charges each carry 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.

Evidence at trial established that between March 2016 and April 2017, Janis obtained Tramadol and health care services by failing to inform medical providers of previous active controlled substance prescriptions through fraud and deception. Janis acquired in excess of 3,500 Tramadol pills, over half of which were acquired by fraud.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General Office of Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted and tried the case.

A sentencing date is set for December 21, 2018.  Janis was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing. 

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register was sentenced on October 2, 2018, by U.S. District Court Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Daniel Red Horse, Jr., age 48, was sentenced to 24 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.

Red Horse was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 15, 2018.  He pled guilty on July 23, 2018.

Red Horse, who is a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of a conviction under federal law, did knowingly fail to register and update his registration from November 1, 2017, to November 8, 2017.  This was Red Horse’s sixth conviction for failing to register as a sex offender.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann sentenced a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of abusive sexual contact on October 1, 2018.

Silas Ortley, age 36, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

In July 2017, Ortley engaged in sexual acts with juveniles.  At the times of Ortley’s conduct, the victims were twelve and thirteen years of age. 

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

Ortley remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshal’s Service to serve his sentence.

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

Raymond Bull Bear, age 35, was sentenced on October 2, 2018, to 18 months in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Bull Bear was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury on December 15, 2015.  The charge related to Bull Bear conspiring with others to distribute more than 80 kilograms of marijuana in the District of South Dakota between 2012 and 2015.

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs - Office of Justice Services, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Hermosa, South Dakota, man convicted of Access Device Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Tobin Nettifee, age 40, was sentenced on October 2, 2018, to 3 years and 9 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $19,159.57 in restitution.

Nettifee was charged on March 20, 2018.  The charges related to Nettifee using another person’s identity to obtain three credit cards and using those credit cards for various purchases, totaling more than $19,000.  Additionally, Nettifee stole a gift card from a mailbox and used that card to make a purchase.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

Nettifee 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 Malicious Mischief was sentenced on October 2, 2018, by U.S. District Court Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Lawrence Parker III, age 27, was sentenced to 3 years of probation, restitution in the amount of $2,536.24, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Lawrence Parker III, was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 12, 2016.  He pled guilty on July 23, 2018.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on June 4, 2016, when Parker used an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) belonging to the State Bank of Eagle Butte to attempt to withdraw money from his account.  When he was unable to do so, due to reaching his daily withdrawal limit, Parker destroyed the screen on the ATM.

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

Parker was released following sentencing.

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.

Garrett Alan Heck, age 23, was indicted on September 11, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 28, 2018, 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.

Heck was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in July 2012.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  It is alleged that between April 27, 2018, and July 2018, Heck, 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 Heck 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.   

Heck 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 a Controlled Substance was sentenced on September 18, 2018, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Patrick Okroi, age 61, was sentenced to 20 years custody in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Beginning January 2016, Okroi travelled to California from Rapid City at least once or twice every month to pick up methamphetamine. Okroi then distributed between 5 and 15 kilograms of methamphetamine in western South Dakota to other persons, including Gregory O’Kelley and Amanda Tindall.  O’Kelley and Tindall both previously received 121 months in federal prison.  Juan Porcayo, also alleged to be involved in this conspiracy, is pending trial in March 2019. 

On January 13, 2017, Okroi’s home was searched and two (2) pistols and two (2) rifles were located and seized from his home.

This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that three Lower Brule, South Dakota, individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Shanna St. Cloud, age 20, Alisha Flute, a/k/a Alisha Pretty Sounding Flute, age 20, and Teresa Jandreau, age 39, were indicted on September 11, 2018.  Flute appeared on September 14, 2018, St. Cloud appeared on September 21, 2018, and Jandreau appeared on October 2, 2018, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.  All three pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in prison and/or a $10,000,000 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 between December 1, 2015, and September 11, 2018, St. Cloud, Flute, and Jandreau knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in South Dakota. 

The charges are merely accusations and St. Cloud, Flute, and Jandreau are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

St. Cloud was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  Jandreau and Flute were released on bond pending trial.  A trial date is set for November 27, 2018.

SIOUX FALLS – In the first week of National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, the Department of Justice announced that it is awarding almost $320 million in new grants to combat the opioid crisis in America.  The unprecedented funding will directly help those most impacted by the deadliest drug crisis in American history, including crime victims, children, families, and first responders.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that of the $320 million awarded, the South Dakota Department of Health, through the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy, is scheduled to receive $749,972 to help strengthen its Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs, and the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe was awarded $497,379 for an Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant.

"President Trump has made ending the opioid crisis a priority for this administration, and under his leadership, the Department of Justice has taken historic action," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. "Today we are announcing our next steps: investing $320 million into all three parts of the President’s comprehensive plan to end the epidemic: prevention, treatment, and enforcement. We are attacking this crisis from every angle—and we will not let up until we bring it to an end."

“This is much needed, mission-critical funding to combat the opioid crisis in South Dakota,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “It will be put to good use.”

In 2017, more than 72,000 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses, an increase from the 64,000 overdose deaths in 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of these deaths can be attributed to opioids, including illicit fentanyl and its analogues. October marks two important anti-drug events: Red Ribbon Week and National Prescription Drug Takeback Day. Red Ribbon Week takes place every year between October 23-31 and encourages students, parents, schools, and communities to promote drug-free lifestyles. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 27 aims to provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent overdose deaths and drug addictions before they start. DOJ expanded on DEA's Drug Takeback Days and collected more than 2.7 million pounds of expired or unused prescription drugs since April 2017. 

The Attorney General has been resolute in the fight against the drug crisis in America. The Department assigned more than 300 federal prosecutors to U.S. Attorneys’ offices and hired more than 400 DEA task force officers, announced the formation of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge, a new program to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas, and created a new data analytics program called the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit to assist 12 prosecutors sent to drug “hot spot districts.” In addition, the Department charged more than 3,000 defendants with trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, or prescription drugs in FY 2017, announced the first-ever indictments of Chinese nationals for fentanyl trafficking, and scheduled variants of fentanyl to prevent illicit drug labs from circumventing the law. In addition, DOJ executed the largest ever health care fraud enforcement action charging more than 600 defendants and proposed rules consistent with President Trump's "Safe Prescribing Plan," requiring a reduction of ten percent in 2019 in manufacturing quotas. The Department dismantled AlphaBay, the largest criminal marketplace on the Internet and has already generated prosecutions in the fight against online drug trafficking through the Joint Criminal Opioid Darknet Enforcement Team (J-CODE). 

The approximately $320 million awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) will be distributed in order to maximize effectiveness over the country. A breakdown of the grants can be found here.

• Innovative Prosecution Solutions for Combating Violent Crime and Opioid Abuse ($2.8 Million)
  • Help prosecutors develop strategies to address violent crime caused by illegal opioid distribution and abuse
• Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program ($162 Million)
  • Help jurisdictions plan and implement programs aimed at reducing opioid abuse and mitigating its impact on crime victims, including training and technical assistance
• Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program ($5.9 Million)
  • Address the treatment needs of people using opioids under the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program
• Helping Children and Youth Impacted by Opioids ($46.6 Million)
  • Help children and youth impacted by the opioid crisis, including training and technical assistance
• Drug Courts ($81.2 Million)
  • Assist adult, juvenile, and family drug courts and veterans treatment courts, including training and technical assistance
• Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program ($17 Million)
  • Address the dramatic increase in deaths and the backlogs of seized drugs as a result of the opioid crisis
• Opioid-Related Research for Criminal Justice Purposes ($4.1 Million)
  • Development of new tools to enforce the law, ensure public safety, prevent and control crime, and ensure fair and impartial administration of justice

OJP provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist victims. OJP has six bureaus and offices: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; the Office for Victims of Crime; and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking. More information about OJP and its components can be found at: www.ojp.gov.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Fort Thompson, South Dakota, men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Felon in Possession of Firearm.

Jacob Hawk Wing, age 24, and Craig Ross, age 29, were indicted on September 11, 2018.  Both men appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 28, 2018, 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 29, 2018, Hawk Wing and Ross did knowingly possess, receive, conceal, store, barter, sell, and dispose of a stolen firearm.  At the time Hawk Wing and Ross possessed the firearm, Ross had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term of one year. 

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.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions 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 Wing and Ross are 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.   

Hawk Wing and Ross were both remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on September 24, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Calvin Gillette, age 27, was sentenced to 4 months in federal prison, 4 months of home confinement, 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Gillette was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 12, 2017.  He pled guilty on July 11, 2018.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on January 31, 2017, when Gillette fled from Rosebud Sioux Tribal Law Enforcement, and hid in the basement of a residence under some boxes and clothing.  When law enforcement located Gillette, he began to resist arrest and wrestled with the law enforcement officers attempting to detain him.  Law enforcement ultimately had to use pepper spray on Gillette to gain his compliance.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Person Incapable of Consent was sentenced on September 17, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Jerome Goodhouse, age 27, was sentenced to 36 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.

Goodhouse was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 17, 2017.  He pled guilty on June 24, 2018.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on April 5, 2016, when Goodhouse gave a ride home to an individual and took a detour to a remote location, where he parked the vehicle and began to fondle and kiss the victim.  Goodhouse knew that the victim had been drinking and was incapable of consenting to the sexual contact.

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

Goodhouse is ordered to self-report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service no later than 2:00 p.m. on October 9, 2018.

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

Micah Brown, age 26, was indicted on September 11, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 20, 2018, 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, Brown, who has been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess and receive a firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.

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.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions 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 charge is merely an accusation and Brown 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 Morley is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a former treasurer of the Crow Creek District Business Committee appeared in federal court on September 27, 2018, in Pierre, South Dakota, and entered a guilty plea.  Lana Steele, former treasurer of the Crow Creek District Business Committee, was charged with Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization. 

Lana Steele, age 52, of Chamberlain, South Dakota, appeared yesterday in federal court on the superseding information charging her with one count of embezzlement.  The maximum term of imprisonment upon conviction is up to 1 year in federal prison, a $100,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a special assessment of $25 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

According to Steele’s plea agreement, between November 2013 and November 2015, she willfully and knowingly embezzled, misapplied, and converted to her own use monies, funds, credits, goods, assets, and other property belonging to the Crow Creek District Business Committee, an Indian Tribal Organization.  Steele pleaded guilty to a federal misdemeanor and has agreed to pay restitution.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges 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 United States Attorney’s Office at (605) 330-4400.  To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding, was sentenced on September 27, 2018, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.

Nathaniel Potter, age 23, was sentenced to 12 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.

Potter was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 14, 2017.  He pled guilty on June 27, 2018. 

The conviction stemmed from an incident on September 8, 2017, when Potter and a few other individuals were drinking and Potter became involved in a verbal argument with one of the individuals.  The disagreement turned physical and Potter pulled out a knife and stabbed the individual 3 times to his left side.

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

Potter 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 Passing Counterfeit Obligations of the United States was sentenced on September 24, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Gabriel Angelo May, age 38, was sentenced to time served equal to approximately six months in federal prison, 2 years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $40, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

May was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 17, 2018.  He pled guilty on July 10, 2018.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on March 15, 2018, wherein May knowingly passed two counterfeit $20 bills at the Blue Goose Sports Pub in Onida, South Dakota.  An employee subsequently recognized the bills as counterfeit and called law enforcement.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Sully County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hughes County Sheriff’s Office.  Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Eagle Butte, South Dakota, men convicted of Larceny and Aiding and Abetting, and one man convicted of Misprision of a Felony have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Kolby Longbrake, age 25, was sentenced on September 18, 2018, to 4 months in federal prison, 2 years of supervised release, and $6,268.35 in restitution.  Kelen Gesinger, age 29, was sentenced on February 20, 2018, to time served, 2 years supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $5,000.85.  Matthew Houston, age 22, was sentenced on April 2, 2018, to 5 months in federal prison, 1 year supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $5,000.85.  All three men were also required to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100 each.

All three men were indicted by a federal grand jury on June 14, 2017.  Longbrake pled guilty on June 27, 2018, Houston plead guilty on January 27, 2018, and Gesinger plead guilty on November 27, 2017.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 11, 2016, when an individual dropped their trailer off at Dakota Weld and Machine in Black Hawk, South Dakota.  Over that weekend the trailer, which valued at $8,000, was stolen by an individual.  A few weeks later on April 23, 2016, the individual who stole the trailer asked for the help of Longbrake to get rid of it.  Longbrake, knowing that the trailer had been stolen, agreed to help.  Gesinger and Houston, who also knew the trailer was stolen, then took the trailer and brought it to Longbrake’s residence.

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

 All three were 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.

Ehoni Johns, age 21, was indicted on August 13, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 24, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on or between November 6, 2017, and January 6, 2018, Johns, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, did fail to register and update his registration.

The charge is merely an accusation and Johns 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.   

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