District of South Dakota

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced a Wagner, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor, on May 9, 2018.

Dorian Lester, age 22, was sentenced to 24 months in custody, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Lester was also required to register as a sex offender upon release from incarceration.

Lester was indicted for sexual abuse of a minor by a federal grand jury on August 9, 2016.  He pled guilty on February 15, 2018.

On or about November 23, 2014, Dorian Lester engaged in a sexual act with a 12-year old girl.  Both had been drinking alcohol at a home in the South Housing area of Wagner.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Clapper prosecuted the case.  Lester 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 has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Passing Counterfeit Obligations of the United States and Possession of Counterfeit Obligations of the United States.

Gabriel Angelo May, age 38, was indicted on April 17, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 7, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 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 March 15, 2018, May on two separate occasions knowingly passed forged and counterfeit obligations.  The Indictment further alleges that on March 16, 2018, May knowingly had in his possession falsely made, forged, and counterfeit obligations.

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

The investigation is being conducted 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 is prosecuting the case.   

May was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for July 10, 2018.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fruitdale, South Dakota, woman convicted of Bank Robbery was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Kaycee Teppo, age 23, was sentenced on April 30, 2018, to 41 months in custody, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and restitution in an amount to be determined.

Teppo was charged on May 23, 2017.  The conviction stems from Teppo robbing a bank in Spearfish, South Dakota, on May 18, 2017.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Spearfish Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor was sentenced on May 3, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Charles Edwards, age 37, was sentenced to 36 months in custody, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Edwards was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 21, 2017.  He pled guilty on January 16, 2018.

Between December 13, 2013, and December 12, 2016, Edwards engaged in a sexual act with a minor who had attained the age of 12 years old, but had not attained the age of 16 years old and was at least 4 years younger than Edwards. 

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

Edwards 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 charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on April 30, 2018, by U.S. District Court Judge Roberto A. Lange.

David Brody Gunville, age 31, was sentenced to 48 months in custody, 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.

Gunville was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 19, 2017, for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Distribution of a Controlled Substance. Gunville pleaded guilty on January 24, 2018.

Between July, 2015, and January 19, 2017, Gunville conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine.  Gunville admitted that he received distributable quantities of methamphetamine from others who knew he intended to further distribute the methamphetamine in South Dakota.  He agreed it was forseeable that between 200 to 350 grams of methamphetamine would be distributed during the course of the conspiracy.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Narcotics Division, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan prosecuted the case. 

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Tucson, Arizona, man charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) was sentenced on April 30, 2018, by U.S. District Court Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Antonio Valentino Foster, age 26, was sentenced to 60 months in custody, followed by 4 years of supervised release, forfeiture of $5,382 in U.S. currency, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims fund in the amount of $100.

Foster was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 16, 2017, for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and Distribution of a Controlled Substance.  Foster pleaded guilty on February 20, 2018.

Between March 1, 2017, and August 16, 2017, Foster conspired with other individuals to distribute methamphetamine.  Foster admitted that he received distributable quantities of methamphetamine from individuals who knew that he intended to engage in further distribution.  Foster distributed some of that methamphetamine in South Dakota, and also provided methamphetamine to others knowing that they intended to engage in further distribution within South Dakota.  It was reasonably foreseeable to Foster that at least 50 grams of methamphetamine would be distributed during the course of the conspiracy. 

On April 25, 2017, near Rosebud, South Dakota, Foster distributed methamphetamine to a confidential informant.  On April 27, 2017, near Rosebud, Foster was apprehended by law enforcement with 89.15 grams of methamphetamine and $5,285 in U.S. currency in his possession.  Foster admitted that the cash was proceeds from the sale of the methamphetamine and agreed to forfeit his interest in the currency. 

The investigation was conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan prosecuted the case. 

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Sexual Abuse of a Person Incapable of Consent as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota, on May 3, 2018.

Gregory Laroche, Sr., age 53, was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 14, 2018.

The charge relates to an incident which occurred on November 14, 2017, when Laroche allegedly sexually abused a female acquaintance.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency and the U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man charged with Assaulting, Resisting, Opposing, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on April 30, 2018, by U.S. District Court Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Pete Knight, age 55, was sentenced to 6 months in custody, an additional 6 months of home confinement, 18 months of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Knight was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 14, 2017, for Assaulting, Resisting, Opposing, and Impeding a Federal Officer.  Knight was found guilty of that charge by a jury on February 7, 2018.

The conviction stems from an incident that took place on May 8, 2017, in Ziebach County, South Dakota.  On that day, Ziebach County Sheriff, Gary Cudmore made a traffic stop on a vehicle.  During the course of the traffic stop, Knight and another individual stopped at the location of the traffic stop, as the vehicle stopped by Sheriff Cudmore belonged to Knight.  Knight requested to talk to the driver and the sheriff allowed it.  As soon as the door to the patrol vehicle was opened, Knight began to physically assault the driver, who was handcuffed behind his back and defenseless.  Sheriff Cudmore was able to pull Knight back.  Knight continued to attempt to get through Sheriff Cudmore to get at the driver.  In the process, Knight shoved Sheriff Cudmore.  Knight eventually left the scene.

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

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

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

Crystal Earth, age 26, was indicted on April 17, 2018.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 30, 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, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on February 26, 2018, Earth assaulted an individual with a knife with intent to do bodily harm and that assault resulted in serious bodily injury.

The charges are merely accusations and Earth 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.   

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

Deadwood, SD – United States Attorney Ron Parsons attended the Spring Conference of the South Dakota Police Chiefs’ Association and South Dakota Sheriffs’ Association held in Deadwood, South Dakota, on April 17-19, 2018.  Dennis Holmes, Criminal Chief for the District, also represented the U.S. Attorney’s Office at the conference.

U.S. Attorney Parsons briefed the gathering of top local law enforcement officers on Department of Justice efforts to combat violent crime and drug trafficking, including the reinvigoration of Project Safe Neighborhoods and increased focus on prosecuting drug dealers responsible for overdose deaths.  He also attended panel discussions on the opioid epidemic’s impact on South Dakota and Operation Safe Streets, a neighborhood policing initiative by the Sioux Falls Police Department and South Dakota Highway Patrol.

During the conference, several South Dakota law enforcement officers were honored for their bravery in the line of duty and other extraordinary efforts on behalf of the people they serve.

“The men and women who wear the badge risk their own lives to protect our families and communities from the horrors of violence and illegal drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “They are heroes walking among us.  All of us owe an immense debt of gratitude to these dedicated officers.”

The 2018 honorees and their accomplishments are detailed below.

Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is given jointly by the South Dakota Police Chiefs’ and South Dakota Sheriffs’ Associations to law enforcement officers who willingly distinguish themselves through an act of courage, involving a risk of imminent serious injury or death, for the purpose of saving or protecting a human life or while taking an armed and immediately dangerous suspect into custody.  Two Medal of Honor Awards were given at this year’s conference:

Trooper Devrin Clark.  The first recipient of this year’s Medal of Honor was Trooper Devrin Clark of the South Dakota Highway Patrol.  On November 26, 2017, Trooper Clark was working along Interstate 229 in Sioux Falls. He observed a Silver Mitsubishi Endeavor that was traveling 81 miles per hour in a 65 mile per hour zone.

Trooper Clark caught up with the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop.  The Mitsubishi slowed and began to move to the right side of the roadway.  Just as it appeared to be pulling over, the vehicle suddenly accelerated.  It drove up on the right shoulder, passing two cars and nearly striking one of them.

Trooper Clark notified dispatch of the pursuit. The driver of the Mitsubishi was traveling more than 100 miles per hour, passing vehicles on the shoulder and sometimes driving on the grass along the side of the road and in the median.

About three minutes into the pursuit, the vehicle lost control near the top of an exit ramp.  It struck a sign pole, then hit a concrete bridge barrier on the overpass.  The vehicle caught fire almost immediately with the driver trapped inside.  Risking his own life, Trooper Clark pulled the young female suspect out of the burning vehicle.  She was unable to move due to a severe leg fracture.  After pulling her to safety, Trooper Clark went back to check for other occupants.  Fortunately, no one else was in the vehicle. 

Trooper Clark put his own life in danger to save the life of a fleeing suspect.  There is no higher calling for a law enforcement officer than to protect life and limb.  The juvenile’s mother thanked Trooper Clark for saving her daughter’s life.

Deputy Micah Hofman.  The second recipient of this year’s Medal of Honor was Deputy Sheriff Micah Hofman, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, for the life-saving actions he took in the early morning of May 3, 2017, in rural Lake County. 

At approximately 2:00 a.m., Deputy Hofman responded to the scene of an active shooting where a McCook County Deputy had been shot following a vehicle pursuit and was pinned down by gunfire.  The deputy had received a gunshot wound to his left arm.

Deputy Hofman drove his patrol vehicle directly into the active gunfire, picked up the injured deputy who was seeking cover behind his patrol vehicle, and evacuated him to safety.  Deputy Hofman then drove the deputy to the Madison Hospital.  The suspect was later taken into custody after a several-hour standoff in a field.

Deputy Hofman risked his own life driving into an active gun fight with a heavily-armed suspect.  Had he not taken this action, the injured deputy might well have been killed.

Officer of the Year Award

The Officer of the Year Award is given jointly by the South Dakota Police Chiefs’ and South Dakota Sheriffs’ Associations for exceptional achievement in any police endeavor, including extraordinary valor, crime prevention, investigative work, community policing, traffic safety, drug control and prevention, juvenile programs and training programs.

The recipient of this year’s Officer of the Year Award was Detective Joe Leveque, Sturgis Police Department, for his efforts on behalf of children in the Sturgis community.  In 2017, Detective Leveque was asked to help find a way financially to keep the local youth boxing club’s doors from closing.  Eager to help, Detective Leveque sought out a national program called Police Athletic League (PAL).  He started the program in Sturgis, the first and only such program in the state.  His goal was to help build up the boxing program, as well as give the Police Department a way to positively interact with local youth in hopes of deterring juvenile crime.  He has been successful in securing local and national grants and donations to purchase everything the boxing club needs to function.  He is also working to develop several other youth programs in the community.

Chief John Wainman Sr. Service Award

The Chief John Wainman Sr. Service Award is given for contributions by a member of the South Dakota Police Chiefs’ Association who exceeds the high standard and contributions normally made by members.  This year’s award was presented to Lieutenant Todd Brandt, Yankton Police Department.

On Tuesday, June 13, 2017, Lieutenant Brandt was advised that Lyle Jeffs, a fugitive on the FBI’s Most Wanted List, was reported to be in the Yankton area.  According to reports, Jeffs had entered a local pawn shop and attempted to pawn some items.  The following day, Lieutenant Brandt noticed the license plates identified in the report on a parked pick-up truck belonging to Jeffs.  He called for back-up, but by then Jeffs was already exiting the outdoor bathroom at the local marina.  Not wanting Jeffs to elude capture, Lieutenant Brandt put out a “Help an Officer” call, then exited his personal vehicle and apprehended the suspect on his own.  Multiple units arrived at the scene and safely took Jeffs into custody without incident.

Citizen’s Award of Merit

The Citizen’s Award of Merit is given jointly by the South Dakota Police Chiefs’ and South Dakota Sheriffs’ Associations.  The award is presented to a citizen, company or group who performed an exceptional act or demonstrated a continued pattern of actions that furthered the missions and goals of the SDPCA and SDSA, or who have made a significant contribution to the law enforcement profession in the State of South Dakota.

The recipient of this year’s Citizen’s Award of Merit was Chris Schafer, Hamlin County Director of Equalization.  On August 17, 2017, Schafer and a colleague were traveling home to Castlewood and came upon an accident.  A semi-truck pulling double trailers had hit a train and was on fire.  Schafer immediately jumped out to help.  The driver was pinned inside the cab.  Two train engineers were trying to put the fire out, to no avail.  Schafer realized they would not be able to get the fire out, so he worked to open the door and get the driver out of the semi-truck.  Schafer was able to pull the driver out just seconds before it was engulfed in flames.  The 16-year old driver had multiple injuries, but Schafer’s quick thinking and experience saved the young man’s life.

On behalf of us all, the U.S. Attorney’s Office congratulates and thanks these South Dakota law enforcement officers and citizens for their bravery and dedication, and commends the South Dakota Police Chiefs’ Association and Sheriffs’ Association for honoring these heroes.

 

 

Stephan, SD – On May 1, 2018, United States Attorney Ron Parsons was a guest at the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Inauguration for the Tribe’s newly elected Chairman, Lester Thompson, Jr., and Tribal Council.

The ceremony, held at the Crow Creek Tribal School, began with a processional honor song and presentation of the Color Guard by the Hunkpati Oyate Veterans.  Chairman Thompson and Council Members Roland Hawk Sr., Evan Hawk, Kyle Kirkie, Barry Thompson, Carla Pickner and Fabian Howe Sr. took the oath of office administered by Crow Creek Tribal Judge Matthew Olson.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were Boyd Gorneau, Chairman of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Robert Flying Hawk, Chairman of the Yankton Sioux Tribe, Steve Emery, South Dakota Secretary of Tribal Relations, and Tim Maher, Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Pierre office.

Chairman Thompson and the members of the Tribal Council were elected on April 19, 2018, to serve two-year terms.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Distribution of a Controlled Substance to an Individual under 21 Years of Age and Transportation for Illegal Sexual Activity was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Darryl Graham, a/k/a Darryl Gram, age 49, was sentenced on April 17, 2018, to 5 years’ custody, followed by 6 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund as to the charge of Distribution of a Controlled Substance to an Individual under 21 Years of Age.  Graham was also sentenced to 5 years’ custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund as to the charge of Illegal Sexual Activity.  The time in custody and period of supervised release are to run concurrent.

Graham was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 16, 2016.  The charges related to Graham distributing methamphetamine to an individual under the age of 21 between August 2015 and May 2016.  Graham also transported individuals from Rapid City to Chicago, Illinois, between April and May 2016, with the intent of hiring them to engage in prostitution.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Blunt, South Dakota, man convicted of Felon in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on April 30, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Robert Dwayne Spaid, age 61, was sentenced to time served equal to 2 days in custody, 2 years of supervised release, a fine of $2,500, forfeiture of a Rossi .22 caliber rifle and 37 rounds of 12-gauge shotgun ammunition, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Spaid was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 13, 2016.  He pled guilty on February 8, 2018.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on October 27, 2016, in Pierre.  On that day, Spaid was driving a vehicle in Pierre and was stopped for a traffic violation by deputies from the Hughes County Sheriff’s Office.  Spaid’s vehicle was subsequently searched and a .22 caliber rifle was seized from the vehicle.  On November 23, 2016, law enforcement executed a search of Spaid’s residence and seized multiple rounds of 12-gauge shotgun ammunition. 

Spaid was convicted of Unauthorized Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 4 Felony) in 2004, making it illegal for him to possess firearms.  Spaid will forfeit ownership of the rifle and ammunition to the United States.

This case was investigated by the Hughes County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.

Spaid was released to begin serving supervised release.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Jaunte Lamar Berry, age 31, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on April 23, 2018, by U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Berry’s time in prison will be followed by four years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victim’s Fund.  Berry was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 6, 2017. He pled guilty on October 16, 2017.

The investigation of Berry revealed his leadership of a drug ring that was responsible for utilizing the U.S. Postal Service to mail several pounds of methamphetamine and marijuana from Sacramento, California, to Sioux Falls.  A search warrant was executed at Berry’s residence in Sioux Falls, where law enforcement located approximately 68 grams of methamphetamine, over one and a half pounds of marijuana, and a firearm.  The District Court found that Berry took advantage of multiple women he was romantically involved with to act as assistants to his drug dealing scheme, and that the drug ring was Berry’s primary source of income while he was involved.    

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.

SIOUX FALLS, SD – United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota hosted a roundtable discussion regarding Sexual Harassment in Housing.  Today’s event, held in conjunction with National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, was the first of its kind in South Dakota.

The event brought together local law enforcement, legal services providers, public housing authorities, and other non-profit organizations who work with South Dakota’s vulnerable populations, specifically in the areas of housing, homelessness, and domestic violence.  Participants discussed how they see such problems manifesting within the Sioux Falls area, and brainstormed ways in which local entities might collaborate to combat them.

Although always illegal and unacceptable, sexual harassment tends to be particularly underreported in the housing context.

“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 office is dedicated to uncovering such violations wherever they exist and vigorously enforcing the law.”

The Department of Justice, through U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Civil Rights Division, is charged with enforcing the Fair Housing Act.  In October 2017, the Civil Rights Division announced a new initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing, and launched pilot programs in D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. On April 12, 2018, the Division rolled out a national initiative.  The initiative seeks to increase efforts to protect women from harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, security guards, and other employees and representatives of rental property owners.  As part of the initiative, the Department of Justice is working to identify barriers to reporting sexual harassment and collaborate with local law enforcement, legal services providers, public housing authorities, and other non-profit organizations to leverage their expertise in this area.

To aid in this effort, the Department of Justice is hosting a series of roundtable discussions around the country.  Along with U.S. Attorney Parsons, the Sioux Falls discussion was facilitated by Lauren Miller Marks from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., James C. Whiteside from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Denver, CO, and Diana Ryan, Chief of the Civil Division, and AUSA Alison Ramsdell, Civil Rights Coordinator, both from the District of South Dakota.

April 2018 is also National Fair Housing Month and marks the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability.  Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination barred by the Fair Housing Act.  Sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, and others who exercise power over access to housing affects the most vulnerable populations within our communities—single parents, individuals with financial difficulties, and people who have suffered sexual violence in their past.  Often, these individuals do not know where to turn for help.

Local law enforcement and community organizations can assist in this effort by identifying misconduct and recommending that individuals report sexual harassment to the Department of Justice.  “Our goal is greater than just prosecution,” emphasized U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “We want to put an end to this kind of abuse.”

We encourage anyone who has experienced sexual harassment in housing, or knows someone who has, to contact the Civil Rights Division by calling (844) 380-6178, or by emailing fairhousing@usdoj.gov.  Individuals in South Dakota who believe they may have been victims of discrimination may also file a complaint with the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Civil Rights Section.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy sentenced a Howard, South Dakota, man convicted of taking, killing, and possessing migratory birds on April 23, 2018.

Armand Joseph Dornbusch, age 63, was sentenced to pay $13,662.57 restitution and $10 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Dornbusch was indicted for taking, killing, and possessing migratory birds by a federal grand jury on January 9, 2018.  He pled guilty on March 21, 2018.

On August 12, 2017, the Miner County Sheriff’s Office received a report about metal traps on wooden fence posts.  Officers found 21 steel-jawed leg-hold traps containing 4 birds still alive and 8 dead birds, including four hawks and one great-horned owl.  Three of the live birds were raptors and underwent surgery at the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls to amputate severely damaged digits on their feet.  The treatment was successful and they were eventually released back into the wild.  As part of his sentence, Dornbusch lost his hunting privileges for 3 years and forfeited all of the traps.

This case was investigated by the Miner County Sheriff’s Department, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Clapper prosecuted the case.

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.

Nathaniel Potter, age 23, was indicted on November 14, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 23, 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, 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 September 8, 2017, Potter did unlawfully assault an individual with a dangerous weapon, that is, a knife, and said assault resulted in serious bodily injury.

The charges are merely accusations and Potter 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 Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.   

Potter 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 St. Francis, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Gregory Paul Quigley, a/k/a Greg Paul Quigley, age 53, was indicted on April 17, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 19, 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, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Quigley was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in July 2016.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. It is alleged that between November 16, 2017, and March 15, 2018, Quigley, 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 Quigley 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.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parson announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on April 19, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

David Marrowbone, age 55, was sentenced to 17 months in custody, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Marrowbone was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 17, 2018.  He pled guilty on February 20, 2018.

Between October 23, 2017, and November 25, 2017, Marrowbone, 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.  

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Elkhart, Indiana, man was sentenced on April 17, 2018, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Brendan Leiter, age 26, was sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

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

The undercover operation and arrests were a joint effort between the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Collins prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Ira Alan Arias, age 42, of Fort Worth, Texas, and Sisseton, South Dakota, was found guilty of three counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, as a result of a federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on April 18, 2018.

The charge carries a penalty of a mandatory minimum of 30 years up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum term of five years up to life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Arias was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 4, 2018. 

On or about May 3, 2015, Arias forcefully engaged in three sexual acts with the victim, who was 14 years old at the time of the sexual abuse.  The sexual abuse occurred in a hotel room in Codington County. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri.

A presentence investigation was ordered and Arias will be sentenced on July 9, 2018.  Arias was detained pending and during trial, and he remains in federal custody.

Three defendants who marketed and sold light-emitting medical devices as a cure-all to consumers, primarily targeting the elderly, were sentenced on April 20, 2018 by a federal judge in Rapid City, South Dakota, the Department of Justice announced. 

Robert “Larry” Lytle, 83, of Rapid City, who was the leader and organizer of the scheme, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release. Ronald D. Weir Jr., 39, of Sioux Falls was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Irina Kossovskaia, 63, a Canadian resident, was sentenced to 15 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release.  U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange will issue a final restitution order within 90 days.

Lytle pleaded guilty on January 26, 2018, in the District of South Dakota to one count of conspiracy to introduce misbranded medical devices into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead, and one count of criminal contempt. As part of his plea agreement, Lytle admitted that beginning in 2005 he entered into an agreement with others to sell medical devices with false and misleading labeling in order to defraud consumers, and that he continued to do so in violation of a federal court order. He also acknowledged that he obtained at least $16,669,015 over the course of the scheme. Lytle made an initial restitution payment of $637,000 and has turned over several thousand dollars’ worth of gold and silver coins to be applied to restitution.  Irina Kossovskaia and Ronald D. Weir Jr. previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the fraud. The government agreed to dismiss criminal contempt charges against a fourth individual, Fredretta Eason.  

Lytle and his co-conspirators including Kossovskaia and Weir (who operated QLaser distributorships) marketed and distributed QLaser devices to (mostly elderly) consumers across the United States by falsely claiming that the devices could safely and effectively treat a panoply of medical conditions at home, including cancer, emphysema, diabetes, autism, HIV, and heart disease.  Lytle created false and misleading product labeling that was designed to create the false impression that these claims had been scientifically proven. In truth, no published clinical or scientific studies supported the use of QLaser devices to treat those and other serious conditions, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) never approved the devices for such uses. To lend credibility and authority to his claims, the potential QLaser purchasers were told “Dr. Lytle” was a “retired” dentist and medical laser expert while omitting the fact that his license to practice dentistry had been permanently revoked for engaging in fraud and material deception.

Lytle and his co-conspirators forged ahead with the fraud even after a federal court ordered them to stop selling and refund all QLaser purchasers in a series of injunctions issued in 2015. In violation of the injunctions, Lytle made false statements to the court and FDA investigators, sent collection letters to QLaser purchasers rather than pay them court-ordered restitution, smuggled hundreds devices out of South Dakota to upstate New York to prevent their seizure, and received a steady stream of income from continued QLaser sales made by Kossovskaia, Weir, and others. 

“These defendants exploited elderly victims suffering from chronic, serious medical conditions,” said Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Protecting Americans from this abhorrent behavior will remain one of the Justice Department’s highest priorities.”

“These defendants were motivated by greed, and they targeted vulnerable people by giving them false hope while fleecing them,” said U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons of the District of South Dakota.  “The sentences today should serve as a deterrent to anyone contemplating similar schemes.” 

"Unconscionable schemes involving ineffective and worthless medical devices take advantage of the despair and desperation of people who are impaired by chronic debilitating pain and disease.  We place the highest priority in ensuring that these types of schemes are investigated and prosecuted aggressively", said U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Craig Goldberg of the Denver Division, which covers multiple states including South Dakota.  "The sentencing of these three perpetrators sends a clear message to those that profit from the misfortunes of others that we will not allow the US Mail to be used to harm our citizens."

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case.  The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Ross S. Goldstein of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Koliner and retired former Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted McBride of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota.  

Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.  For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd.

WASHINGTON - Three defendants who marketed and sold light-emitting medical devices as a cure-all to consumers, primarily targeting the elderly, were sentenced on April 20, 2018 by a federal judge in Rapid City, South Dakota, the Department of Justice announced. 

Robert “Larry” Lytle, 83, of Rapid City, who was the leader and organizer of the scheme, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release. Ronald D. Weir Jr., 39, of Sioux Falls was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Irina Kossovskaia, 63, a Canadian resident, was sentenced to 15 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release.  U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange will issue a final restitution order within 90 days.

Lytle pleaded guilty on January 26, 2018, in the District of South Dakota to one count of conspiracy to introduce misbranded medical devices into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead, and one count of criminal contempt. As part of his plea agreement, Lytle admitted that beginning in 2005 he entered into an agreement with others to sell medical devices with false and misleading labeling in order to defraud consumers, and that he continued to do so in violation of a federal court order. He also acknowledged that he obtained at least $16,669,015 over the course of the scheme. Lytle made an initial restitution payment of $637,000 and has turned over several thousand dollars’ worth of gold and silver coins to be applied to restitution.  Irina Kossovskaia and Ronald D. Weir Jr. previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the fraud. The government agreed to dismiss criminal contempt charges against a fourth individual, Fredretta Eason.  

Lytle and his co-conspirators including Kossovskaia and Weir (who operated QLaser distributorships) marketed and distributed QLaser devices to (mostly elderly) consumers across the United States by falsely claiming that the devices could safely and effectively treat a panoply of medical conditions at home, including cancer, emphysema, diabetes, autism, HIV, and heart disease.  Lytle created false and misleading product labeling that was designed to create the false impression that these claims had been scientifically proven. In truth, no published clinical or scientific studies supported the use of QLaser devices to treat those and other serious conditions, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) never approved the devices for such uses. To lend credibility and authority to his claims, the potential QLaser purchasers were told “Dr. Lytle” was a “retired” dentist and medical laser expert while omitting the fact that his license to practice dentistry had been permanently revoked for engaging in fraud and material deception.

Lytle and his co-conspirators forged ahead with the fraud even after a federal court ordered them to stop selling and refund all QLaser purchasers in a series of injunctions issued in 2015. In violation of the injunctions, Lytle made false statements to the court and FDA investigators, sent collection letters to QLaser purchasers rather than pay them court-ordered restitution, smuggled hundreds devices out of South Dakota to upstate New York to prevent their seizure, and received a steady stream of income from continued QLaser sales made by Kossovskaia, Weir, and others. 

“These defendants exploited elderly victims suffering from chronic, serious medical conditions,” said Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Protecting Americans from this abhorrent behavior will remain one of the Justice Department’s highest priorities.”

“These defendants were motivated by greed, and they targeted vulnerable people by giving them false hope while fleecing them,” said U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons of the District of South Dakota.  “The sentences today should serve as a deterrent to anyone contemplating similar schemes.” 

"Unconscionable schemes involving ineffective and worthless medical devices take advantage of the despair and desperation of people who are impaired by chronic debilitating pain and disease.  We place the highest priority in ensuring that these types of schemes are investigated and prosecuted aggressively", said U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Craig Goldberg of the Denver Division, which covers multiple states including South Dakota.  "The sentencing of these three perpetrators sends a clear message to those that profit from the misfortunes of others that we will not allow the US Mail to be used to harm our citizens."

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case.  The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Ross S. Goldstein of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Koliner and retired former Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted McBride of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota.  

Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.  For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on April 19, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Jordan Traversie, age 27, was sentenced to 15 months in custody, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Traversie was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 17, 2018.  He pled guilty on February 8, 2018.

The conviction stems from Traversie failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between October 23, 2017, and November 1, 2017.  Traversie had previously been convicted of a sex offense in federal court which requires him to register until 2039.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.  Traversie was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.  

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rockford, Illinois, woman has been indicted with Distribution of Heroin Resulting in Death in the District of South Dakota as part of a concerted national effort by the U.S. Department of Justice, working closely with state and local law enforcement, to combat opioids by prosecuting drug dealers to hold them accountable for the deaths and serious injuries of overdose victims.  Under federal law, anyone who illegally provides a controlled substance to another person who then overdoses from using that substance is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of at least twenty years in federal prison.

Earlier this month, Stephanie Broecker, age 26, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Sioux Falls for selling the heroin that led to the death of a 30-year-old man in Miner County, South Dakota.  The man, identified as K.P. in court documents, was found dead from an apparent heroin overdose at a residence in rural Miner County on November 19, 2017.  Broecker was located and arrested in Illinois.  She appeared before a federal magistrate judge in the Northern District of Illinois on April 10, 2018, and is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals awaiting transfer to South Dakota to face the federal charges.  If convicted, Broecker faces a minimum of twenty years and a maximum of life in prison.

“It is a senseless tragedy that we have lost another life because of illegal drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “The opioid epidemic has inflicted an unprecedented toll of addiction, suffering and death on communities throughout our nation, and South Dakota has not been untouched.  By holding drug dealers directly accountable for the devastation they cause, we help bring some measure of justice to their victims' loved ones and send a powerful message that these crimes will not be tolerated.”

The United States currently faces the deadliest drug crisis in history.  In 2016, approximately 64,000 Americans – the equivalent of almost one-third of the population of Sioux Falls – lost their lives to drug overdoses, the fastest increase and highest drug death toll in American history.  For Americans under the age of 50, drug overdose is now the leading cause of death.  This plague is being driven primarily by opioids – prescription painkillers, heroin, and synthetic drugs like fentanyl, which is 50 times more potent than heroin.  Ingesting even a small amount of fentanyl can result in death.

In 2016, 67 South Dakotans died of drug overdoses, more than half of which were classified as opioid poisoning.  In 2017, 10 people died from opiate-related overdoses in Minnehaha County alone and it is on track to exceed that number this year.  There have been at least three heroin or fentanyl overdose deaths in Sioux Falls in the past month.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions has directed all United States Attorneys to use every available tool to combat this deadly epidemic.  The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to this mission and actively working with state, local, and tribal law enforcement to prevent and combat all drug-related deaths in South Dakota.  As part of that effort, our District has designated an Assistant United States Attorney to serve as the Opioid Coordinator to implement our strategy in combatting opioids, with a strong focus on prosecuting cases involving prescription opioids, heroin and fentanyl.

Over the past several months, federal prosecutors have been meeting and working with law enforcement agencies across the state to help investigate incidents of overdose, trace the source of the drugs up the chain of distribution, and bring either federal or state charges against those responsible for selling or providing the drugs.

Broecker is the most recent individual to be indicted on federal charges in South Dakota since this initiative began.  The United States Attorney’s Office is working closely with the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Miner County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnehaha County Coroner’s Office, and the United States Postal Inspection Service in prosecuting this case.  Many more such investigations are in progress across the state.

“Every overdose should be considered a crime scene,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “Dealers or anyone else who illegally diverts or provides drugs to another should know that any time there is an overdose, we are going to come looking for you.  You will be arrested, you will be charged, and you will be held accountable.”

On Wednesday of this week, U.S. Attorney Parsons will be appearing at the joint conference of the South Dakota Police Chiefs’ Association and South Dakota Sheriffs’ Association in Deadwood to discuss coordinated strategies to combat this drug epidemic.  “Our state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners do a tremendous job in investigating these crimes,” he said.  “My orders are to do everything we can to support them at the federal level and provide additional tools for ensuring that these criminals who are poisoning our communities are stopped.”

The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations and defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

Dayvon Sanchez, age 19, was indicted on February 14, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 12, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty for each count upon conviction is up to 8 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 November 19, 2017, Sanchez, physically resisted and forcibly kicked multiple Rosebud Sioux Tribe law enforcement officers.

The charges are merely accusations and Sanchez 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.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.

Toni Ladeaux, age 21, was indicted on March 13, 2018. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 12, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty for each count upon conviction is up to 8 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 February 8, 2018, Ladeaux, forcibly kicked multiple Rosebud Sioux Tribe law enforcement officers.

The charges are merely accusations and Ladeaux 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.   

Ladeaux 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 has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Second Degree Murder.

Narvin James Bordeaux, Jr., a/k/a Narvin Bordeaux, age 55, was indicted on March 13, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 10, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on or about October 3, 2017, Bordeaux killed a man by stabbing him with a knife. The charge is merely an accusation and Bordeaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case. Bordeaux 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 Hermosa, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Theft of Mail, Access Device Fraud, and Aggravated Identity Theft.

Tobin Nettifee, age 39, was charged on March 20, 2018. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on April 9, 2018, and pleaded not guilty to the charges. 

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

The charges relate to Nettifee stealing mail from a mailbox and using another person’s identity to obtain credit cards. The charges are merely an accusation and Nettifee is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspector.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced a Volga, South Dakota man convicted of Disturbing Protected Wetlands of the United States.  The sentencing took place on April 9, 2018.

Kevin Jay Mast, age 61, was sentenced to 1 year of probation, ordered to pay a $100 fine, and $10 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Mast was also ordered to comply with the restoration of the protected wetlands on his property.

Mast was indicted for Disturbing Protected Wetlands of the United States by a federal grand jury on September 6, 2017.  He was found guilty by a jury of his peers on January 18, 2018.

In 1973, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service purchased an easement for waterfowl management rights.  The easement prohibited the drainage of any wetland areas on the property.  In 2010, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife notified Mast that his plan to install drain tile conflicted with the protected wetlands and was not authorized.  Despite the warning, Mast installed the drain tile in the fall of 2013. The sentence imposed by the Court requires Mast to restore all six protected wetland areas on his property by August 1, 2018.

“The wetland areas of South Dakota provide crucial habitat for the reproduction of waterfowl, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office strictly enforces protection of these areas. Requiring the defendant to restore the affected wetlands sends an important message, that this type of blatant disregard for the law will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Clapper prosecuted the case. 

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

Brandon Jones, age 24, was indicted on November 14, 2017.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 6, 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, 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 May 6, 2017, Jones did unlawfully assault two individuals which resulted in serious bodily injury, and assaulted a third individual which resulted in substantial bodily injury.

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

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

Jones remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. 

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced a Dilworth, Minnesota man convicted of Carjacking on April 2, 2018.

Michael Jaime, age 28, was sentenced to 110 months custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  A restitution hearing will be held at a later date.

Jaime was indicted for Carjacking by a federal grand jury on December 6, 2016.  He pled guilty on December 27, 2017.

On July 23, 2016, Michael Chase Jaime pointed a handgun at the driver of a Mercedes car in the parking lot of Denny’s Restaurant at the Flying J Truck Stop in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  While inserting a magazine into the handgun, Jaime told the 18 year-old driver and the four teenage passengers that he was taking the car.  Jaime and an adult female got into the vehicle and sped away from the scene.  Later the same day, officers in Moorhead, Minnesota saw Jaime in the stolen vehicle and attempted to stop him.  Jaime, however, failed to stop and the officers discontinued their pursuit after speeds reached 140 miles per hour.  The car was found abandoned the next day in Dilworth, Minnesota.

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department, the Moorhead, Minnesota, Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Clapper prosecuted the case.

Jaime 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, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.

Candace Byington, age 36, was indicted on August 16, 2017.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 3, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 8 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 April 27, 2017, Byington forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with a correctional officer of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, while said officer was engaged in the performance of his official duties, and said conduct involved physical contact with the correctional officer.

The charge is merely an accusation and Byington 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.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that three Mission, South Dakota, men were sentenced on March 19th, and March 21, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Jeremiah R. Waln, age 36, pled guilty on December 28, 2017, to Larceny, First Degree Burglary, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.  Jeremiah Waln was sentenced to 84 months of custody, followed by 4 years supervised release, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $400, and $36,645.83 in restitution.

Jesse J. Waln, age 32, pled guilty to First Degree Burglary and Larceny.  He was also found guilty of two counts of Possession of Stolen Firearms as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota in January 2018.  Jesse Waln was sentenced to 70 months of custody, followed by 4 years supervised release, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $400, and $14,254.32 in restitution. 

Dominic Joseph Stoneman, age 39, pled guilty on December 29, 2017, to Misprision of a Felony.  Stoneman was sentenced to 4 months of custody, followed by 1 year supervised release, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100, and $19,771.01 in restitution.

All defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury on January 19, 2017.  

The convictions stem from incidents during the weekend of May 22, 2016, and November 11-13, 2016, when the defendants broke into two separate residences located in Mission, ransacked the homes and took many household items, clothes, tools, power tools, an ATV, ammunition, golf clubs, a Michael Jordan poster and 14 firearms. Also during the November 2016 weekend, the defendants cut a fence surrounding Cherry Todd Electric in two areas and took approximately $135 worth of copper wire from the Cherry Todd Electric yard.  

The defendants then sold most of the stolen goods and disposed of some of the firearms by trafficking several of the firearms to other individuals. One of the stolen firearms was traded for methamphetamine on the Rosebud Indian Reservation and another was traded for methamphetamine in Rapid City.

Co-defendant Ronald Moran was sentenced to 2 years of probation, with 2 months of home confinement, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100, and $934.41 in restitution.

Co-defendant Danielle White Eyes was sentenced to 13 months of custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200, and $21,690.76 in restitution.

Co-defendant Dakota Marshall was sentenced to 70 months of custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200, and $21,855.46 in restitution.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

All defendants, except for Ronald Moran, were turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on April 2, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Anthony Zotti, age 21, was sentenced to 13 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Zotti was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 14, 2017.  He pled guilty on October 17, 2017.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on May 24, 2017.  On that date a Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officer responded to a request for assistance, in St. Francis, where Zotti was engaged in a fight with another man.  The officer separated the men and placed Zotti in his patrol vehicle.  Zotti began banging his head against the window while sitting in the patrol vehicle.  The officer then transported Zotti to the Rosebud Indian Health Services Hospital for treatment for a wound on his head.  While he was being treated, Zotti became combative and attempted to kick the officer.  Zotti then grabbed the officer’s hand and bit him.  Zotti furthermore verbally threatened the officer and his family.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Allen, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Accessory after the Fact and False Statement or Representation.

Nathaniel "Thomas" Waters, age 45, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years in custody and/or a $125,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Waters being an accessory to second degree murder of his nephew, Ray Waters, Jr., on October 16, 2017, at Allen. Waters provided false statements to law enforcement about his location at the time of a fire and the homicide.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen is prosecuting the case.

Waters was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for June 26, 2018.

If you have information concerning this crime, please contact FBI Special Agent Robert Bennett at 605-343-9632.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a trio with ties to Oklahoma and North Carolina have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Manufacture Counterfeit United States Currency and Passing of Counterfeit United States Currency.

Michael Glenn Ogden, age 37, Mary Ellen Autry, age 40, and Marcus Paul Franklin, age 41, were indicted on March 20, 2018.  They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on March 20, 2018, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 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 charges relate to the trio using printers, paper, and chemicals to convert legitimate $10 U.S. currency bills into counterfeit $100 U.S. currency bills.  Using this equipment, they manufactured and passed thousands of dollars of counterfeit U.S. $100 bills in South Dakota and other states.

The charges are merely accusations and Ogden, Autry, and Franklin are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Rapid City Police Department and the United States Secret Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.   

Ogden, Autry, and Franklin were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for May 29, 2018.

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

Caleb Oien, age 22, was charged on March 20, 2018.  Oien appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on March 26, 2018, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  The penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to 20 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, a minimum of 5 years up to lifetime supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Oien knowingly receiving and possessing images of child pornography between July 2017 and January 2018 at Rapid City.  The charges are merely an accusation and Oien is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

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

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

William Rivers, age 61, was indicted on February 14, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 29, 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, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Rivers was convicted of Sexual Abuse in June 1992. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  It is alleged that between December 11, 2017, and December 30, 2017, Rivers, 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 Rivers 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.   

Rivers was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for June 12, 2018.

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

Mason Neck, age 28, was indicted on February 14, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 29, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, any term years, not less than 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between June 30, 2016, and August 9, 2016, Neck knowingly attempted to engage in a sexual act with a minor victim.

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

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

Neck was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for June 26, 2018.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Chamberlain, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child.

James Blue, Jr., a/k/a “BJ”, age 37, was indicted on March 13, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 29, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on multiple occasions between 2011 and 2015, Blue knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, sexual acts with two separate victims who has not attained the age of 12.

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

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

Blue 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 Darwin Wade Red Cloud, a/k/a Darwin Raisch, 25, of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on March 22, 2018, and pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder. 

The Magistrate Judge recommended Red Cloud’s plea be accepted by the District Court.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is life imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.        

Between August 2014 and October 2014, at Wounded Knee, Red Cloud knowingly failed to provide sufficient sustenance to an infant, which resulted in the baby’s death.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Collins.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be set.  Red Cloud was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals pending acceptance of his plea and sentencing

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.

Troy Sampson, age 40, was indicted on March 20, 2018. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 23, 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 December 1, 2017, and January 20, 2018, Sampson, 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 Sampson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

Sampson 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 St. Francis, South Dakota, couple has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Vinessa Farmer, a/k/a Vinessa Kills In Water, age 42, and Robert Kills In Water, age 40, were indicted on February 14, 2018.  They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 19, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $500,000 fine, 4 years of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between August 1, 2012, and August 22, 2017, Farmer and Kills In Water, along with a third accomplice, knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others to distribute marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance. 

The Indictment also alleges that on August 22, 2017, Farmer and Kills In Water knowingly and intentionally possessed marijuana with intent to distribute it in Todd County.

The charges are merely accusations and Farmer and Kills In Water are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

Farmer and Kills In Water were released on bond pending trial, which has not been set.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.

Sylvan White Hat, Jr., a/k/a Bud White Hat, age 37, was indicted on March 13, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 23, 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, 2 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on October 16, 2017, White Hat assaulted an individual with shod feet with the intent to do bodily harm, and that the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.  The Indictment further alleges that White Hat assaulted two Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officers on the same date.

The charges are merely accusations and White Hat 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 Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.   

White Hat was released on bond 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 with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on March 19, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Robert Lee Burnette, a/k/a Robert Small Bear, Jr., a/k/a Robert Small Bear, a/k/a B.J. Small Bear, age 24, was sentenced to 7 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Burnette was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 16, 2017.  He pled guilty on December 29, 2017.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on July 14, 2017, in the North Antelope Community, near Mission, South Dakota.  On that evening, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services received a call that Burnette was drunk and causing a disturbance at a residence in North Antelope.  An officer arrived to find Burnette standing in the street brandishing a knife, and yelling at another man, who was holding a bar.  The officer drew his duty weapon, aimed it at Burnette, ordered him to drop the knife, and ordered the other man to back up.  The other man complied and put down the bar.  Burnette ignored the officer’s repeated commands and began to approach the other man, brandishing the knife and yelling.  As Burnette walked past the officer and neared the other man, the officer fired at Burnette, wounding him in the buttocks.  Burnette then went to the ground and complied with a command to drop the knife.  Burnette was subsequently hospitalized for his injuries. 

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

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

Cassius Farmer, age 24, was indicted on February 14, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 21, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on December 9, 2017, Farmer assaulted an individual with a club with the intent to do bodily harm and that the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.

The charges are merely accusations and Farmer 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.   

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

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.

Jasyn Curley, age 23, was indicted on March 20, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 22, 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 January 4, 2018, and January 17, 2018, Curley, 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 Curley is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

Curley was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Kison Robertson, age 45, was found guilty of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Discharge of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence following a federal trial in Rapid City, South Dakota.  The jury returned the verdict on March 21, 2018.

The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ custody, up to a maximum penalty of up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Evidence at trial established Robertson shot a man in his stomach following a fight at Porcupine on March 30, 2017.  This assault resulted in the victim suffering serious bodily injury.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted and tried the case.

A sentencing date was set for June 22, 2018.  Robertson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing. 

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Manderson, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Discharging, Brandishing, or Possessing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.

Elijah West, age 20, was charged on February 20, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on March 16, 2018, and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to West shooting two women near Porcupine in February 2018.  The charges are merely an accusation and West is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case. 

West was detained pending trial.