District of South Dakota

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.

Megan Crazy Bull, age 22, was indicted on February 14, 2018.  She 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 44 years in custody and/or a $1,000,000 fine, 13 years of supervised release, and up to $400 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on November 10, 2017, January 4, 2018, and also on January 18, 2018, Crazy Bull forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with five correctional officers and one law enforcement officer, while all the officers were engaged in the performance of their official duties, and said conducts involved physical contact with the officers.

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

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

Crazy Bull was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for May 1, 2018.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Gordon, Georgia, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on March 9, 2018, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Marshall Brown, age 27, formerly of Ellsworth Air Force Base, was sentenced to 8 years of imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Brown 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 Brown communicating with someone he believed to be a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts and sending pornographic images of himself to the minor.  After the execution of a search warrant on Brown’s phone, law enforcement discovered pornographic images of a separate15 year-old minor.

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.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, woman charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on March 19, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Ashley Ross, age 30, was sentenced to 168 months in custody, followed by 5 years of supervised release, a fine of $1,000, and a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Ross was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 14, 2017, for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  Ross plead guilty on December 29, 2017.

The conviction is a result of Ross receiving distributable quantities of methamphetamine and distributing it in South Dakota beginning in January of 2015. It was reasonably foreseeable to Ross that over 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine would be distributed during the course of the conspiracy.  This methamphetamine was distributed by Ross on the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Indian reservations.  

The investigation was conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs Crow Creek Agency, and the Sioux Falls Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan prosecuted the case. 

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.

Christopher Rabbit, age 42, was indicted on March 13, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 20, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that between December 1, 2016, and July 31, 2017, Rabbit embezzled, stole, willfully misapplied and permitted to be misapplied, and converted to his own use more than $1,000 of monies, funds, credits, goods, assets, and other property belonging to the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Solid Waste Management Program, an Indian Tribal organization.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Failure to Appear was sentenced on March 22, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Colten Walker Dolphus, age 31, was sentenced to 15 months in custody for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and 3 months in custody for Failure to appear, to be run consecutively, followed by 3 years of supervised release, forfeiture of two firearms and ammunition, and a special assessment of $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Dolphus was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 14, 2017, for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and a Superseding Indictment was filed on December 5, 2017, for Failure to Appear.  Dolphus pled guilty to both charges on December 29, 2017.

The firearms charges against Dolphus stem from a traffic stop conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Police on December 9, 2016, on a vehicle in which he was a passenger.  At the time of the stop, law enforcement seized a rifle from the front seat of the vehicle, and a 12 gauge sawed off shotgun located in the back seat next to where Dolphus was sitting.  He admitted to smoking marijuana on the date of the traffic stop and regularly prior to that time.  A blood sample taken from Dolphus tested positive for methamphetamine and marijuana.  He admitted that he owned both firearms and agreed to forfeit both of them and the ammunition seized by law enforcement.  Besides his drug use, Dolphus also had a prior misdemeanor domestic violence conviction that prohibited him from possessing a firearm. 

The failure to appear charges stem from Dolphus’ failure to attend his initial change of plea hearing scheduled for November 14, 2017.   

This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Narcotic Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan prosecuted the case.

Dolphus 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 Distribution of a Controlled Substance was sentenced on March 19, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Eunice Jamiel Smart, age 28, was sentenced to 6 months in custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Victims Fund.

Smart was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 12, 2017, for Distribution of a Controlled Substance.  Smart pled guilty on December 19, 2017.

On three occasions, September 10, 22, and 23, 2016, in Eagle Butte, Smart knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Narcotics Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan prosecuted the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Arson was sentenced on March 20, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Stuart Turning Heart, age 44, was sentenced to 42 months in custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, $790 in restitution to the victim, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Turning Heart was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 14, 2017.  He pled guilty on December 29, 2017.

The conviction stems from an incident on August 14, 2017, when Turning Heart and his girlfriend had been drinking at a friend’s residence in Eagle Butte, and were asked to leave by the owner as they were being disrespectful and disorderly.  The owner then went to the Dollar Store in Eagle Butte, and when he arrived back to his residence a short time later, it was on fire.  Law enforcement was called immediately. 

During the investigation, law enforcement learned that Turning Heart’s girlfriend saw Turning Heart come running from the victim’s home and say “I finally lit it, I lit the house on fire.”  She looked up and saw smoke coming from the house.  Law enforcement also interviewed two witnesses who stated that Turning Heart admitted to each of them separately that he had lit the home on fire and was laughing and joking about it.

ATF was called and completed an investigation.  They concluded that the fire started at the back of the home where a mattress was lit on fire.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Chamberlain, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.

Lana Steele, age 53, was indicted on March 13, 2018.  She 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 5 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between November 2013 and November 2015, Steele embezzled, stole, willfully misapplied and permitted to be misapplied, and converted to her own use more than $1,000 of monies, funds, credits, goods, assets, and other property belonging to the Crow Creek District Business Committee, an Indian Tribal organization.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wounded Knee, South Dakota, man convicted of Felony Child Abuse and Neglect was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Antuwon Hawk Wing, age 19, was sentenced on March 7, 2018, to time served, 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Hawk Wing was charged on March 21, 2017.  The charge relates to Hawk Wing assaulting a two-year old at Kyle in March 2017, causing extensive bruising, a fractured clavicle, and a lung injury.  

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Winner, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on March 9, 2018, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Duane Hosek, age 62, was sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Hosek 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 willing to pay to have sex with underage girls or boys obtained through the Internet.  The conviction stemmed from Hosek communicating with someone he believed to be a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts, and requesting that the minor send pornographic images to Hosek.

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.

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

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 March 8, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Israel Left Hand Bull, age 34, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Left Hand Bull was indicted on October 17, 2017.  He pled guilty on December 29, 2017.

Left Hand Bull was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in January 2012.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  In April 2017, Left Hand Bull was released from custody and began a term of supervised release.  He initially registered and resided at a residence in St. Francis.  In September 2017, it was discovered that he had been living at a different residence in West St. Francis for approximately a month and had not updated his registration.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of distribution and receipt of child pornography on March 15, 2018.

Eric VanEmmerik, age 46, was sentenced to 97 months custody, followed by 5 years of supervised release, ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and forfeit his computer.

VanEmmerik was indicted for distribution and receipt of child pornography by a federal grand jury on December 6, 2016.  He pled guilty on December 11, 2017.

On September 11, 2016, a detective with the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office discovered that VanEmmerik distributed child pornography on the internet.  When members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force searched his home, they found his computer with thousands of photos of child pornography.   VanEmmerick immediately confessed that he had been viewing and downloading child pornography for years.

This case was investigated by the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office and Homeland Security Investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Clapper.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Felony Child Abuse and Neglect was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Darcel Featherman, age 34, was sentenced on March 8, 2018, to 3 years of probation, ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and $4,293 in restitution to the Social Security Administration.

Featherman was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury on May 23, 2017.  The charge related to Featherman giving temporary custody of her children to her mother and sister, knowing that they were unable to care for the children. 

On November 11, 2016, law enforcement found the two young children starving, and they were transported to Rapid City Regional and hospitalized for starvation.  The attending physician stated the children were extremely emaciated.  The physician advised law enforcement that this was the worst case of child abuse he had ever seen in his experience as a physician, and if the children had not been found, they would have passed from chronic starvation.

This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Poppen and Sarah Collins prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Money Laundering and Bank Fraud was sentenced on March 9, 2018, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Steven Knigge, age 71, was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $31,793.60 in restitution.

Knigge was charged on March 22, 2016.  The charges related to Knigge, an auditor and former fraud investigator for the South Dakota Department of Revenue, participating in a scheme in which e-mails were sent to various banks across the United States containing false and fraudulent information.  The writer claimed to be an account holder, and instructed bank employees to wire large amounts of money to a separate bank account in South Dakota belonging to Knigge.  In each case, the account holder’s e-mail address had either been hacked or mimicked using an e-mail address that closely resembled the bank customer’s actual e-mail address.  A total of five banks were targeted, two of which transferred the money to Knigge’s account.  When the money arrived, Knigge took a large portion of the money and sent it overseas using MoneyGram and Western Union. 

This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

Nathanial Geiger, age 33, was sentenced on March 8, 2018, to 7 years of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Geiger was charged on March 21, 2017.  The charge related to Geiger, a previously convicted felon, illegally being in possession of a Remington, model Sportsman 58, 12-gauge shotgun in Rapid City on February 22, 2017.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

Daryl Plumman, age 25, was sentenced on March 7, 2018, to 4 months in custody and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Plumman was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury on August 22, 2017.  The charge related to escaping from the custody of the Bureau of Prisons at the Community Education Centers, previously known as Community Alternatives of the Black Hills, where he was in custody on August 17, 2017.

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

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

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

Joseph Marr, age 24, was charged on February 21, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on March 7, 2018, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 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 Marr illegally possessing two pistols between April and June 2017 at Rapid City.  The charges are merely an accusation and Marr 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.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, woman convicted of Felony Child Abuse and Neglect was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Darshan Featherman, age 31, was sentenced on March 7, 2018, to 10 years in custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund

Featherman was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury on December 6, 2016.  The charge related to Featherman and others intentionally starving two young children, one of whom had been placed in Featherman’s custody. 

On November 11, 2016, the two young children were transported to Rapid City Regional and hospitalized.  The attending physician stated the children were extremely emaciated.  The physician advised law enforcement that this was the worst case of child abuse he had ever seen in his experience as a physician, and if the children had not been found, they would have died from chronic starvation.

This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Poppen and Sarah Collins prosecuted the case.

Featherman 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 charged with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on March 8, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Samantha Dolezal, age 25, was sentenced to 54 months in custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $1,000 on the Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine felony, and 18 months custody on the Assaulting a Federal Officer felony, to run concurrent with the 54 month sentence.  Dolezal was also ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims fund in the amount of $200.

The methamphetamine conviction is a result of Dolezal receiving distributable quantitates of methamphetamine and distributing it in South Dakota beginning in January of 2015.  It was reasonably foreseeable to Dolzeal that between 200-350 grams of methamphetamine was distributed during the course of the conspiracy. This methamphetamine was distributed by Dolzeal on the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Indian reservations.  

Dolezal’s resisting and assaulting a federal officer conviction comes from an incident on August 21, 2016, when a BIA officer attempted to pull over a stolen vehicle that was being driven by Dolezal.  She did not stop and a high speed chase ensued with speeds in excess of 100 mph.  Dolezal stopped the vehicle where a foot pursuit began.  Dolezal ran into a stranger's home and refused to answer the door, but the officer was able to open the door slightly by putting his arm through the door to deploy his OC spray.  While the officer’s arm was in the door opening, Dolezal slammed the door on the officer’s arm causing pain.  After another foot pursuit began, the officer caught up with Dolezal and was able to arrest her.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys SaraBeth Donovan and Meghan Dilges prosecuted the cases. 

Dolezal 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 convicted of Sexual Abuse was sentenced on March 7, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

James St. Cloud, age 37, was sentenced to 156 months in custody, followed by 8 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.  St Cloud was further sentenced to an additional 24 months in custody, consecutive to the 156-month sentence, for violating the terms of his supervised release. This results in a 15-year sentence for St. Cloud.

St. Cloud was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 14, 2016.  He pled guilty on December 6, 2017.

The conviction stems from an incident on September 16, 2016, when the 16-year-old victim and her friend were walking along a road in Lower Brule. They were approached by a Jeep being driven by St. Cloud, who is related to the victim.  St. Cloud, along with his girlfriend, offered the girls a ride and they accepted.

Once inside the Jeep, the girls were offered alcohol to drink.  They began to drink and drive around Lower Brule.  While in Lower Brule, they stopped at a house and picked up St. Cloud’s 19-month-old son.  They drove to another house so that St. Cloud’s girlfriend could use the bathroom, and while she was inside, St. Cloud left with the victim, her friend, and his 19-month-old son in the Jeep.

St. Cloud drove down near the river.  The victim’s friend was passed out in the back seat.  The victim passed out in the driver’s seat and when she awoke, St. Cloud was having sex with her.  She tried to kick and honk the horn, but she was too drunk to move.  St. Cloud admitted to having sexual intercourse with the victim while she was incapable of consenting to the sexual intercourse.

St. Cloud was convicted in 1999 of Aggravated Sexual abuse in violation of 18 USC 2241(a). At the time he committed the instant offense, St. Cloud was on supervised release. 

This case was investigated by the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Assault of a Spouse by Strangulation, and Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender.

Cody Crazy Bull, age 27, was indicted on February 14, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 7, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $750,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and up to $300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between October 14, 2017, and October 17, 2017, Crazy Bull knowingly caused and attempted to cause his dating partner to engage in a sexual act, by the use of force.  He is also alleged to have unlawfully assaulted the same victim by strangling and suffocating her. 

Crazy Bull is alleged to have unlawfully committed the above domestic assaults upon his partner when he had a final conviction, on at least two separate occasions, for offenses that would have been, if subject to federal jurisdiction, an assault against a spouse and intimate partner.

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

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

Crazy Bull was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A jury trial has been scheduled for May 1, 2018.

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

Jeremy Lee Old Horse, age 32, was sentenced on March 6, 2018, to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Old Horse was charged on January 24, 2017.  The conviction stems from Old Horse stabbing a woman in the arm during an argument at Wounded Knee in July 2016.   The assault caused a laceration, which required several stiches,

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson 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, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner.

Benjamin Morrison, age 37, was indicted on March 13, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 15, 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 February 25, 2018, Morrison did unlawfully assault an individual with a dangerous weapon, that is, shod feet with the intent to do bodily harm, and said assault did result in serious bodily injury to an intimate partner.

The charges are merely an accusation and Morrison 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.   

Morrison was released on bond, subject to conditions, pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Roger Watts, age 34, of Mission, South Dakota, convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on March 7, 2018, by United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Roger Watts was sentenced to 126 months in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Watts was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 15, 2017. He was convicted following a two-day jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota.

The charge stems from an incident that occurred on January 20, 2017, in the North Antelope Community near Mission. On that date, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officers were investigating an allegation that Watts had stolen property and questioned him at a home in North Antelope. After being questioned, Watts was informed he was being arrested. Watts became combative and charged at one of the officers, physically engaging him. A struggle ensued and the officer sustained a knee injury during the struggle.

“Tribal law enforcement officers, like all law enforcement officers, have a tough and often dangerous job,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “An attack on one of them is an attack on all of us and can never be tolerated. Unfortunately, this is not the first time this Defendant has been convicted of assaulting a Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officer. The sentence in this case reflects the severe penalties that a defendant faces when he chooses to assault an officer, particularly when he has a history of such criminal behavior.”

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor was sentenced on March 2, 2018, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Cody Two Lance, age 35, was sentenced to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Two Lance 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 willing to pay to have sex with underage girls or boys obtained through the Internet.  The conviction stemmed from Two Lance communicating with someone he believed to be a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts and sending pornographic images of himself to the minor.

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.

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

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

Tammy Twiss, a/k/a Tammy Eisenbraun, age 39, was sentenced on March 1, 2018, to 2 months in custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release to include 4 months of home confinement, $12,061.33 in restitution, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund

Twiss was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury on November 16, 2016.  The charge related to Twiss using her ex-husband’s name, along with his parents’ banking information, to conduct fraudulent wire transfers.  Twiss electronically withdrew in excess of $20,000 from her ex-in-laws’ bank account in 2016.

This case was investigated by the U.S Postal Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

Twiss must self-surrender to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on March 15, 2018.

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

Michael Lovejoy, Jr., age 35, was indicted on February 14, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 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, a mandatory minimum of at least 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between May 28, 2017, and September 17, 2017, Lovejoy, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of a conviction under state law, knowingly failed to register and update his registration.

The charge is merely an accusation and Lovejoy 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.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse of a Person Incapable of Consent.

Gregory Laroche, Sr., age 52, was indicted on February 14, 2018. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 23, 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, mandatory minimum of 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on November 14, 2017, Laroche knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act with a female victim, who at the time was incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct and was physically incapable of declining participation in and communicating her unwillingness to engage in the sexual act, and Laroche knew she was incapacitated.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender.

Milo Reuben Red Tomahawk, age 38, was indicted on February 6, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on February 27, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

According to the Indictment, Red Tomahawk unlawfully committed a domestic assault upon the victim, when at the time of the domestic assault, he had a final conviction on at least two separate prior occasions for offenses that would have been, if subject to federal jurisdiction, an assault against a spouse and intimate partner.  This assault took place in May of 2017.

The charges are merely accusations and Red Tomahawk 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.   

Red Tomahawk was ordered detained pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced the indictments and sentencing in cases, all of which are separately noted below, that were brought pursuant to the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Guardians Project. The Guardians Project is a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities. 

The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include: Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Postal Inspector Service; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.

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

Six Individuals Facing Federal Charge for Retaliating Against  Witness of a Previous Fraud Case

Tally Colombe, age 43, Fort Worth, Texas; Elnita Rank, age 81, Fort Thompson, South Dakota; Kristal Hawk, age 57, Fort Thompson; Ronda Hawk, age 60, Fort Thompson; Tiffany Monteau age 43, Chamberlain; and Stefan Monteau, age 26, Fort Thompson, were indicted on February 6, 2018, for Conspiracy to Retaliate Against a Witness.  All of these defendants, except Tally Colombe, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno in February 2018, and all pled not guilty to the Indictment. 

Tally Colombe is currently serving a federal sentence of imprisonment in Texas, and she will make her appearance at a later date.  Colombe was convicted for federal offenses giving rise to and preceding this new Indictment alleging retaliation.  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 from on or about September 8, 2017, and continuing through on or about September 12, 2017, at Fort Thompson and elsewhere, Tally Colombe, Elnita Rank, Kristal Hawk, Ronda Hawk, Tiffany Monteau, and Stefen Monteau conspired and agreed among themselves and each other to commit a certain offense, as follows: to knowingly take action harmful against a certain individual, which interfered with the lawful employment and livelihood of this individual, such conduct being taken with the intent to retaliate against this individual for providing to a law enforcement officer truthful information relating to the commission and possible commission of a federal offense, namely program fraud and wire fraud.  The alleged retaliatory conduct took place on the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe’s reservation.

The charge is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

Former Crow Creek Tribal Court Administrator Charged with Embezzlement

LeeAnn Piskule, age 53, was indicted on February 14, 2018, for Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 5 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleged that from May through August 2017, Piskule embezzled and converted to her own use more than $1,000 of monies, funds, credits, goods, assets, and other property belonging to the Crow Creek Tribal Court, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, an Indian Tribal Organization.  During the time of the embezzlement, Piskule was serving as the Crow Creek Tribal Court Administrator.

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

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

Mission Man and Woman Charged with Wire Fraud

Mark Edward O’Leary, age 35, and Sharli Colombe, age 35, were indicted on February 14, 2018, for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud.  They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 15, 2018, and both 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 between February 4, 2011, through June 6, 2017, O’Leary and Colombe passed at least 544 checks drawn on a bank account not belonging to either of them.  The checks were used for personal items for O’Leary and Colombe and the purchases or deposits were not authorized by the owner of the bank account.  Much of the alleged conspiracy and fraud took place on the Rosebud Sioux Tribe’s reservation.

The charges are merely accusations and O’Leary and Colombe are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

Former Director of Rosebud Tribal Ranch Sentenced for Embezzlement

Stormy Halligan, age 43, Winner, was sentenced on February 13, 2018, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.  Halligan was sentenced to 18 months of federal probation.  He was ordered to pay approximately $10,000 in restitution.

According to court documents filed in Halligan’s case, between April 1, 2015, and March 31, 2016, he willfully and knowingly embezzled, misapplied, and converted to his own use monies, funds, credits, goods, assets, and other property belonging to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Tribal Ranch, an Indian Tribal Organization.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.

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

Darrell Touche, age 43, was indicted on February 14, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 22, 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, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between October 20, 2016, and October 21, 2016, Touche knowingly caused and attempted to cause a female victim to engage in a sexual act by the use of force. 

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

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

Touche 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 Bullhead, South Dakota man, Alexander Oka, 27, was convicted by a federal jury for Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender and for Tampering with a Victim. The jury returned the verdict on February 23, 2018.

According to court documents and evidence produced at trial, on July 5, 2017, Oka unlawfully committed a domestic assault upon the victim, when at the time of the domestic assault, Oka had a final conviction on at least two separate prior occasions, for offenses that would have been, if subject to federal jurisdiction, an assault against a spouse and intimate partner. 

During this assault, Oka smacked the victim’s head, and then kicked the victim in the back while she was not looking, and while she was feeding the baby she shares with Oka.  The kick caused the victim significant pain.  After being arrested for the assault, Oka sent a letter from jail to the victim instructing her not to cooperate and not to show-up for court proceedings.  Oka had been previously convicted in multiple cases of domestic abuse.  These prior convictions took place in tribal and federal court.

The maximum penalty for Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender is up to five years of imprisonment, and the maximum penalty for Tampering with a Victim is up to twenty years of imprisonment. Each conviction also carries a maximum $250,000 fine and/or imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

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

Oka was ordered detained pending sentencing.  A sentencing date has been tentatively set for May 14, 2018, in Pierre.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft from Indian Tribal Organization.

Calynn Gunville, age 27, was indicted on February 14, 2018.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 23, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that between February 20, 2017, and August 18, 2017, Gunville willfully and knowingly stole, embezzled, and converted to her own use, money and funds belonging to the Lakota Thrifty Mart, an Indian tribal organization.  

The charge is merely an accusation and Gunville 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.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Distribution of a Controlled Substance to Persons Under Age Twenty-One, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Shaun Chayne Condon, age 32, was indicted on February 14, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 22, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 25 years in custody and/or a $750,000 fine, up to 9 years of supervised release, and up to $300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on May 25, 2017, Condon knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute and distributed marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance, to minors.  The Indictment also alleges that Condon, having been an unlawful user of, and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly received and possessed a Smith & Wesson 9mm hand gun.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

Condon was released on bond pending trial, which has been set to April 17, 2018.

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

Sylanus Flute, age 23, was indicted on February 6, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on February 13, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

According to the Indictment, between February and April of 2017, Flute engaged in sexual acts with a juvenile female.  To perpetrate the sexual assault, Flute used force.

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

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

Flute was ordered detained pending trial.  A trial date has been set for April 17, 2018.

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

Vance Layne Woodford, age 45, was sentenced on February 22, 2018, to 2 years of probation, ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Woodford was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury on February 22, 2017.  The conviction stems from Woodford illegally being in possession of a firearm suppressor and a .223 caliber rifle in Rapid City on February 10, 2017.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

Tyler Krebs, age 29, was sentenced on February 22, 2018, to time served, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Krebs was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury on June 21, 2016.  The conviction stems from Krebs being found in possession of a 9mm pistol after a traffic stop in Rapid City on May 19, 2016, while being under the influence of a controlled substance.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pipestone, Minnesota, man convicted of Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier on February 26, 2018.

Roger Blaisdell, age 60, was sentenced to 210 months in custody, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Blaisdell was indicted for intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and attempted production of child pornography by a federal grand jury on November 1, 2016.  He pled guilty on October 12, 2017.

“Our office is fortunate to be able to work with the dedicated law enforcement teams at Homeland Security Investigations and ICE in putting criminals like this behind bars where they belong,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Our children and our communities are safer today because of their efforts.”

On October 14, 2016, Blaisdell responded to an advertisement on the Craigslist internet website. Unknown to Blaisdell, an undercover law enforcement officer had placed the advertisement. Through a series of emails and text messages, Blaisdell arranged to have sexual contact with a 10-year-old female and a 13-year-old female at a hotel in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. On October 19, 2016, Blaisdell traveled from his residence in Pipestone to the hotel in Sioux Falls, where he had rented a room.

“This sentencing sends a very strong message to child predators that HSI is committed to working with federal prosecutors to protect children from sexual predators,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Eugene Paulauskas of HSI St. Paul. “The men and women of HSI are dedicated to relentlessly seeking justice for the victims of these horrendous crimes.”

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Clapper prosecuted the case.

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

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

Timothy Conwell, age 37, was sentenced on February 23, 2018, to 71 months in custody, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Conwell was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury on January 24, 2017.  The conviction stems from Conwell conspiring with another person to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine near Deadwood.

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on February 21, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Louis Andrew Rabbitt, Jr., age 37, was sentenced to 21 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.

Rabbitt was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 12, 2017.  He pled guilty on September 26, 2017.

Rabbitt was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in August 2001.  As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  Between the dates of July 24, 2017, and July 31, 2017, Rabbitt did not register.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel C. Nelson prosecuted the case. Rabbitt was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.  

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Spring Creek, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on February 21, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Lane Felix Knife, age 20, was sentenced to 6 months in custody, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Knife was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 17, 2017.  He pled guilty on December 11, 2017.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on August 31, 2017.  On that date, Knife resisted arrest and spit on the arm and shoulder of one of the corrections officers who was assisting in removing Knife from a patrol vehicle.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel C. Nelson prosecuted the case. Knife was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on February 21, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Annie Rose Gasman, age 33, was sentenced to 27 months in custody, followed by 4 years of supervised release, a fine of $1,000, and a mandatory special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Gassman was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 14, 2017.  She pled guilty on December 1, 2017.

Between August 1, 2015, and June 14, 2017, Gassman knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota.

Gassman received distributable quantities of methamphetamine and distributed some of the methamphetamine in South Dakota. The individuals who provided methamphetamine knew that she intended to engage in further distribution.  Gassman admitted that it was reasonably foreseeable to her that more than 500 grams of methamphetamine would be distributed during the course of the conspiracy.

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

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

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

Casey World Turner, age 30, was indicted on February 14, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 22, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 28 years in custody and/or a $500,000 fine, 6 years of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on January 19, 2018, World Turner forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with an officer from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, while said officer was engaged in the performance of his official duties.  World Turner used shod feet on the officer, which resulted in physical contact.  

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

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

World Turner 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 convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on February 21, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Timothy Bear Eagle, age 33, was sentenced to 60 months in custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Bear Eagle was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 17, 2017.  He pled guilty on December 1, 2017.

The conviction stems from an incident on September 7, 2017, when Bear Eagle was arrested by a police officer with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, for being intoxicated at an elderly person’s home.  Bear Eagle was transported and booked into the CRST Adult Detention Facility, within the Walter Miner Law Enforcement Detention Center in Eagle Butte.

Initially, Bear Eagle was compliant.  He sat down and was taking off his shoes, when he heard over the law enforcement scanner that his girlfriend had also been arrested and was being brought in.  Bear Eagle got angry, stood up, and threw his shoes to the floor.  A correctional officer went to grab onto Bear Eagle and Bear Eagle went towards him in a threatening manner, swung his right arm, and struck the correctional officer with a closed fist on the left side of his face, next to his left ear.  The blow broke the correctional officer’s jaw.  Bear Eagle was immediately taken to the floor by other officers and handcuffed.

The correctional officer was taken to the Indian Health Services Emergency Room.  He was then transported to Rapid City where his jaw was wired shut.

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

Bear Eagle 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 Assaulting, Resisting, Opposing, and Impeding a Federal Officer.

Jasyn Curley, age 22, was indicted on February 14, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 21, 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 November 17, 2017, Curley forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with an officer with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, while the officer was in the performance of his official duties and said conduct involved physical contact with the officer.  

The charge is merely an accusation and Curley 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.   

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

Attorney General Jeff Sessions and law enforcement partners announced today the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history.   The cases involve more than two hundred and fifty defendants from around the globe who victimized more than a million Americans, most of whom were elderly.  The cases include criminal, civil, and forfeiture actions across more than 50 federal districts.  Of the defendants, 200 were charged criminally.  In each case, offenders engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors.  In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused losses of more than half a billion dollars.  The Department coordinated its announcement with the FTC and state Attorneys General, who independently filed numerous cases targeting elder frauds within the sweep period.

Attorney General Sessions was joined in the announcement by FBI Acting Deputy Director David Bowdich; Chief Postal Inspector Guy Cottrell; FTC Acting Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen; and Kansas Attorney General and President of the National Association of Attorneys General Derek Schmidt.

“The Justice Department and its partners are taking unprecedented, coordinated action to protect elderly Americans from financial threats, both foreign and domestic,” said Attorney General Sessions.  “Today’s actions send a clear message:  we will hold perpetrators of elder fraud schemes accountable wherever they are.  When criminals steal the hard-earned life savings of older Americans, we will respond with all the tools at the Department’s disposal – criminal prosecutions to punish offenders, civil injunctions to shut the schemes down, and asset forfeiture to take back ill-gotten gains.  Today is only the beginning.  I have directed Department prosecutors to coordinate with both domestic law enforcement partners and foreign counterparts to stop these criminals from exploiting our seniors.”

The actions charged a variety of fraud schemes, ranging from mass mailing, telemarketing and investment frauds to individual incidences of identity theft and theft by guardians.  A number of cases involved transnational criminal organizations that defrauded hundreds of thousands of elderly victims, while others involved a single relative or fiduciary who took advantage of an individual victim.  The schemes charged in these cases caused losses to more than a million victims.

"Winners. That’s what so many of the people who received these solicitations in the mail thought they were. But they’re not. They are victims (link is external) of scams that Postal Inspectors have seen and investigated for decades. In fact, some of the same operators we encountered 20 years ago are back. But so are we. Yesterday, Postal Inspectors around the country executed search warrants on 12 locations that some of these same operators used to run their scams. We’re letting the American public know – and especially our vulnerable older Americans – that Postal Inspectors are working hard to protect them and ensure their confidence in the U.S. Mail,” said Chief Postal Inspector Cottrell.

“Over the last year, the FBI has initiated more than 200 financial crimes cases involving elderly victims who were devastated financially, emotionally, mentally and physically. Picking up the pieces of these fraud schemes can be equally as traumatizing for the caregivers of these elderly victims,” said Acting Deputy Director Bowdich.  “The FBI reminds seniors and their caregivers to be vigilant. If any person believes they are the victim of, or have knowledge of fraud involving an elderly person, regardless of the loss amount, they should report it to the FBI.”

Actions against mass-mailing fraud industry
As part of the initiative, the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and others, brought numerous cases this past week in a coordinated strike against more than 43 mass-mailing fraud operators, including criminal charges against six individuals.  In addition, law enforcement agents executed 14 premises search warrants from Las Vegas to south Florida, served numerous asset seizure warrants, and coordinated with the Vancouver Police in Canada, who executed over 20 warrants, including search warrants on business premises.

“The defendants targeted elderly and vulnerable consumers both in the United States and abroad, using U.S. addresses and the U.S. mails to try to legitimize their fraudulent schemes,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Richard P. Donoghue.  “They sold false promises of life-changing prizes that never came true.  We will pursue the perpetrators of these mail schemes wherever they are located, and hold them accountable.”

These recently filed cases particularly targeted transnational criminal actors who collectively defrauded at least a million victims out of hundreds of millions of dollars.  Indeed, just one of the schemes prosecuted criminally by the Consumer Protection Branch operated from 14 foreign countries to cost American victims more than $30 million.  Click here for map showing a transnational, single fraud scheme.

Mass-mailing fraud inflicts hundreds of millions of dollars in losses to elderly U.S. victims each year.  Department prosecutors and U.S. Postal Inspectors have taken a comprehensive approach to combatting this fraud, disrupting and prosecuting individuals who manage the schemes, artists who draft the fraudulent solicitations, list brokers who supply victim lists, and individuals who collect victim payments. Click here for fact-sheet with cases on mass-mailing fraud.

Actions against other elder fraud schemes
Prosecutors across the country from the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, the Consumer Protection Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices have heeded the call to focus resources on elder fraud cases.  Over 50 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and Department Components filed elder fraud cases in the last year.  A list of Elder Fraud cases is provided on this interactive map. 

Some examples of the elder financial exploitation prosecuted by the Department include:

• “Lottery phone scams,” in which callers convince seniors that a large fee or taxes must be paid before one can receive lottery winnings;
• “Grandparent scams,” which convince seniors that their grandchildren have been arrested and need bail money;
• “Romance scams,” which lull victims to believe that their online paramour needs funds for a U.S. visit or some other purpose;
• “IRS imposter schemes,” which defraud victims by posing as IRS agents and claiming that victims owe back taxes;
• “Guardianship schemes,” which siphon seniors’ financial resources into the bank accounts of deceitful relatives or guardians.

Many of these cases illustrate how an elderly American can lose his or her life savings to a duplicitous relative, guardian, or stranger who gains the victim’s trust.  The devastating effects these cases have on victims and their families, both financially and psychologically, make prosecuting elder fraud a key Department priority.

Public education
The Department has partnered with Senior Corps, a national service program administered by the federal agency the Corporation for National and Community Service, to educate seniors and prevent further victimization. The Senior Corps program engages more than 245,000 older adults in intensive service each year, who in turn, serve more than 840,000 additional seniors, including 332,000 veterans.

Using its vast network operating in more than 30,000 locations, Senior Corps volunteers will communicate about elder fraud to potential victims across the country and will use their skills, knowledge and experience to educate their peers and caregivers about the most prolific types of schemes and how to avoid them. Click here for information on Senior Corps’ efforts to reduce elder fraud.

Coordination with state officials
Kansas Attorney General Schmidt highlighted the cases filed by state Attorneys General targeting elder frauds within in the sweep period, and he emphasized efforts at the state level to combat elder abuse and protect seniors from fraud and exploitation.  He encouraged all of the state Attorneys General to devote enforcement and public education resources to preventing financial exploitation of senior citizens.

Coordination with foreign law enforcement
Exceptional assistance from foreign law enforcement partners amplified the effectiveness of the Department’s initiative.  The sweep announced today benefited greatly from the work of the International Mass-Marketing Fraud Working Group (IMMFWG), a network of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Europol, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.  The IMMFWG is co-chaired by the U.S. Department of Justice and FTC, and law enforcement in the United Kingdom, and serves as a model for international cooperation against specific threats that endanger the financial well-being of each member country’s residents.  Attorney General Sessions expressed gratitude for the outstanding efforts of the working group, including law enforcement action taken as part of the sweep by the Vancouver Police Department in Canada to halt mass mailing schemes that defrauded hundreds of thousands of elderly victims worldwide.

Elder fraud complaints
Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP.  The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov. 

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Alvin Felicianosoto, age 34, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  The trial began February 12 and ended February 14, 2018. 

The conspiracy charge, involving over 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in custody, and/or a $10 million fine, mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  The possession with intent charge, involving more than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine, carries the same penalty. 

Felicianosoto was indicted for possession with intent to distribute by a federal grand jury on November 1, 2016, and a superseding indictment adding the conspiracy charge was filed November 7, 2017. 

On July 20, 2016, Felicianosoto was arrested when he attempted to meet a buyer, and he had 114.3 grams of methamphetamine in his possession.  Law enforcement searched his residence the next day and recovered 109.5 grams of methamphetamine.

Several witnesses testified about Felicianosoto providing methamphetamine to them for distribution in the Sioux Falls area.  The total amount he sold is estimated at over 50 pounds.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises.

Wiyaka Rochelle Guerue, a/k/a Feather Rochelle Guerue, age 32, was indicted on October 17, 2017.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 20, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 60 years in custody and/or a $2,500,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and up to $300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that commencing on January 1, 2016, Guerue knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.  Guerue is also alleged to unlawfully and knowingly have opened, leased, rented, used, and maintained her residence for the purpose of distributing and using a controlled substance.

The charges are merely accusations and Guerue 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 Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

Guerue was released on bond pending trial, which has been set for March 20, 2018.

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

Christian Kersten, age 30, was indicted on February 14, 2018. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 16, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years in custody and/or a $500,000 fine, 6 years of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on January 22, 2018, Kersten, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, being a fugitive from justice, and being an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly received and possessed a firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce and foreign commerce. Additionally, the manufacturer’s serial number had been obliterated from the firearm.

The charges are merely an accusation and Kersten 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 & Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

Kersten 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 Spearfish, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet was sentenced on February 9, 2018, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Nicholaus Tripp, age 29, was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Tripp was charged on January 10, 2017. The charge relates to Tripp posting an ad on Craiglist and then communicating with someone he believed to be the mother of two girls, ages 13 and 15, who was actually an undercover law enforcement agent, to arrange a meeting to engage in sexual acts with the girls.

This case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.

Tripp was immediately remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service.