District of South Dakota

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on June 3, 2016, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Raymond Richard Janis, age 33, was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Janis was charged on February 18, 2015, and pleaded guilty on February 29, 2016.  The conviction stems from Janis being found in possession of methamphetamine during a traffic stop near Kyle.

The investigation was conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Task Force and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson prosecuted the case.      

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on June 6, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Christofer Sand, age 18, was sentenced to 33 months in custody, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Sand was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 10, 2015.  He pled guilty on January 20, 2016.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on August 10, 2015, when Sand, who was at his residence with other people, drinking, socializing, and playing video games, got angry at the victim and stabbed him three times in the chest, and one time on his side under his left arm.  The victim had difficulty breathing, but was able to walk to a friend’s house where he collapsed.

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

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession of a Stolen Firearm was sentenced on June 2, 2016, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Patrick Harding, age 59, was sentenced to 20 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Harding was charged on November 19, 2014, and was found guilty of both offenses after a three-day federal jury trial in January 2016. The conviction stems from Harding, a previously convicted felon, knowingly possessing a stolen Glock, model 23C, .40 caliber pistol in Rapid City.

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on June 6, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Odell Thomas Goodshield, Jr., age 57, was sentenced to 13 months in custody, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Goodshield was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury on February 17, 2016.  He pled guilty on March 29, 2016.

On June 14, 1999, Goodshield was sentenced to 188 months in federal custody for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor.  As a result of his conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  Between January 6, 2016, and January 28, 2016, Goodshield, 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, failed to properly register as a sex offender in Pennington County and elsewhere.  

This case was investigated by United States Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie G. Sanderson prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Milwaukee, Wisconsin, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child.

Dashown Raymond Keys, age 24, was indicted on April 13, 2016.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on May 31, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $1,250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and $500 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between November 1, 2013, and September 6, 2015, Keys knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual acts with a female who had not attained the age of 12 years.

The charges are merely accusations and Keys 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.   

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a White River, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Stephan George Jones, a/k/a Stephen George Jones, age 45, was indicted on May 17, 2016.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 31, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

It is alleged that between September 1, 2013, and May 17, 2016, Jones conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan is prosecuting the case.   

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

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

David George Flute, III, age 26, was indicted on May 17, 2016.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 26, 2016, 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, at least 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that Flute, 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, knowingly failed to register and update his registration.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Benjamin Young, a/k/a Benjamin Two Eagle, age 34, was indicted on May 17, 2016.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 26, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction of the three drug charges is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $1,000,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each charge.  The maximum penalty upon conviction of the firearm charge is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each charge. Restitution may also be ordered. 

It is alleged that between January 1, 2015, and May 17, 2016, Young conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine, and that on September 19, 2015, and September 23, 2015, Young possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.  It is also alleged that on September 23, 2015, while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, Young possessed a firearm in violation of federal law.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters, Aggravated Identity Theft, Health Care Fraud, and Obtaining or Attempting to Obtain Controlled Substances by Fraud.

Tiffany Mills, age 43, was indicted on May 24, 2016.  Mills appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on May 27, 2016, and pleaded 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 charges relate to Mills using the identifications of other people to obtain prescriptions of controlled substances in South Dakota between June and October of 2014.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen is prosecuting the case.

Mills was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has been set for August 2, 2016.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Aiding and Abetting was sentenced on June 1, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

James Dean Iron Ring, age 25, was sentenced to 19 months in custody, 2 years of supervised release, $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and $661.25 in restitution.

On May 12, 2015, Iron Ring was indicted by Superseding Indictment for Discharge of a Firearm During Crime of Violence, and five counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Aiding and Abetting.  He pled guilty on March 14, 2016, to one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Aiding and Abetting.

On the evening of February 27, 2015, Iron Ring drove to Sunrise Apartments in Mission, with Richard Fool Bull and a juvenile.  Iron Ring and the juvenile remained in the vehicle while Fool Bull approached the apartment.  Fool Bull stood outside of the apartment and discharged a firearm eight times into the apartment.  Iron Ring then drove Fool Bull and the juvenile away from the apartments.

Five individuals were inside of the apartment at the time of the shooting.  One of the bullets grazed one victim’s arm. 

Previously, Fool Bull pled guilty to two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Aiding and Abetting, one count of Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition, and two counts of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.  On March 28, 2016, Fool Bull was sentenced to 117 months in custody, 5 years of supervised release, $500 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and $661.25 in restitution.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and Rosebud Sioux Tribal Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie G. Sanderson prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Opposing, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.

Richard Joseph One Feather, age 46, was indicted on April 13, 2016.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 26, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

It is alleged that on March 29, 2016, One Feather assaulted a federal officer involving physical contact after an attempted traffic stop. 

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

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

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Huron, South Dakota, man has been charged by Complaint for Simple Assault.

James Christopher Wahl, a/k/a Kris Casanova, age 27, was charged on April 29, 2016.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 27, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Complaint.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 6 months in custody and/or a $5,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and $10 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Complaint alleges that on or about April 4, 2016, Wahl, a non-Indian, unlawfully assaulted a female acquaintance who is a tribal member, and said assault, which occurred on the reservation, constituted Simple Assault.

The charge is merely an accusation and Wahl 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 Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Piedmont, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Withhold, Properly Account For, and Pay Over Tax, and Concealment of Bankruptcy Assets was sentenced on May 27, 2016, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.  The Defendant was charged on January 26, 2016, and pleaded guilty on February 12, 2016.

Bernard Haag, age 58, was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, $230,854.85 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service, and $70,000 to various bankruptcy creditors.

During the years 2005 through 2009, Haag was the president and sole shareholder of Big Dog Industries, Inc. (“Big Dog”), a corporation located in Piedmont.  During the years 2010 through 2012, Haag was the sole member of Concept Development, LLC (“Concept Development”), a limited liability company located in Piedmont.  From 2005 through 2012, Haag used Big Dog and Concept Development to operate a day care business in Piedmont, under the business name Piedmont Preschool and Child Care Center (“PPCCC”).        

During the same time period, Haag withheld taxes from his employees’ wages, including federal income tax, social security, and Medicare taxes for employees of Big Dog and Concept Development, and willfully failed to pay over those taxes to the United States for all of 2005 through 2011, and three quarters of 2012.  Haag also willfully failed to pay the employer’s portion of taxes on wages paid to employees of Big Dog and Concept Development for all of 2005 to 2012.  Rather than paying over the taxes, Haag used a portion of the withholdings for his own personal use. 

In 2006, Haag filed for a bankruptcy. During the pendency of his bankruptcy proceeding (2006-2012), Haag knowingly concealed property belonging to his bankruptcy estate from the bankruptcy trustee, including taxes he withheld from employee’s paychecks but failed to pay over to the government during the years 2005 through 2011. Haag also concealed substantial amounts of gross income related to the operation of PPCCC from the bankruptcy trustee.

The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Hermosa, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on May 27, 2016, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Anthony Two Bulls, age 44, was sentenced to 24 months’ custody, 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Two Bulls pleaded guilty to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon on February 12, 2016.

The conviction stems from Two Bulls assaulting his mother with a trophy and his foot while wearing boots on December 1, 2015, at Red Shirt.  This assault resulted in her receiving staples to close a laceration.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

Two Bulls was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding.

Chad Lara, age 32, was indicted on May 17, 2016.  He appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 25, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

It is alleged that on April 7, 2016, Chad Lara assaulted another individual by striking, beating and wounding him at the United States Federal Courthouse in Pierre, South Dakota.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Lavern E. Looking Cloud, age 33, was indicted on June 16, 2015.  Looking Cloud appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on May 20, 2016, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The charge relates to Looking Cloud failing to register and update his registration as a convicted sex offender between April 25, 2014, and June 16, 2015.

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

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

Looking Cloud was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for July 19, 2016.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon as a result of a federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota, on May 24, 2016.

Forrest Devan Yellow Earrings, age 24, was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 14, 2015.

The charge stemmed from an incident which occurred in January 2014, when Yellow Earrings allegedly assaulted a male acquaintance.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of Assaulting, Opposing, Resisting and Impeding a Federal Officer; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon; Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury; two counts of Using and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; two counts of Child Abuse; and Kidnapping.

Linn Cross Dog, III, age 22, was indicted on May 17, 2016.  He appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Mark Moreno on May 25, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

It is alleged that on May 11, 2016, during a routine traffic stop of a vehicle, Cross Dog, who was a passenger, took control of the vehicle at gun point and drove away with the remaining passengers in the vehicle, including two children.  After a short vehicle pursuit, Cross Dog exited the vehicle, shot and wounded a Rosebud Sioux Tribe Police Officer, and fled on foot. 

Based on this incident, Cross Dog was charged by criminal complaint with one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and a federal arrest warrant was issued.

It is further alleged that on May 13, 2016, as agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Marshals Service were executing the arrest warrant at a house in Parmelee, South Dakota, Cross Dog was in possession of a firearm and forcibly resisted arrest.

The charges are merely accusations and Cross Dog 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.  Numerous additional agencies were involved in the search for Cross Dog between May 11 and 13, 2016, including the United States Marshals Service; the Bureau of Indian Affairs; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Game, Fish and Parks Department; the South Dakota Highway Patrol; the South Dakota National Guard; the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; the Mellette County Sheriff’s Office; the Stanley County Sheriff’s Office; and the Pierre Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk W. Albertson is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, man charged with Conversion of Mortgaged Property pled guilty to and was sentenced on May 16, 2016, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.

Timothy Sherwood, age 36, was sentenced to five years of unsupervised probation, $25 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and $65,095.34 in restitution to the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred between December 12, 2011, and September 30, 2012, wherein Sherwood was provided a loan in the amount of $76,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, administered by the FSA, to purchase sheep and cover expenses related to their care.  Sherwood then sold the sheep without FSA approval, and deposited the proceeds of the sales into his personal banking account, rather than the FSA banking account as was required by the loan agreement.  Following the sales, Sherwood did not buy any more sheep and did not remit the proceeds to the FSA to repay his loan balance as required.  Sherwood instead spent large amounts of money on personal, non-ranch expenses.

The investigation was conducted by the FSA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that two men were indicted by a federal grand jury on April 19, 2016, for multiple offenses on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

Timothy Buckman, age 31, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, and Daelan High Wolf, age 29, of Wakpamni, South Dakota, were indicted for Tampering with a Victim by Threat, Robbery, and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.  High Wolf was also charged with Using Firearm During Crime of Violence. 

Buckman and High Wolf appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on May 20, 2016, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction for Buckman is 20 years of imprisonment; the maximum penalty for High Wolf is life imprisonment.  Each charge also carries 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 Buckman and High Wolf assaulting a man while robbing his home, and then threatening him against testifying.

The charges are merely an accusation and Buckman and High Wolf are 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 Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.

Buckman and High Wolf were detained pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Johnny Lunderman, age 53, was indicted on May 17, 2016.  He appeared before U.S Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 19, 2016, 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 5 years up to life of supervised release, and a $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

On August 31, 2009, Lunderman was sentenced to 40 months in federal custody for Sexual Abuse of a Minor. As a result of his conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.  It is alleged that between April 6, 2016, and April 20, 2016, Lunderman, 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, failed to properly register as a sex offender in Pennington County and elsewhere.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man charged with Criminal Contempt pled guilty to and was sentenced on May 12, 2016, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.

Vance TaSunke Witko, age 34, was sentenced to time served, equal to 21 days in custody, and $10 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stems from an incident that took place on February 17, 2016, when TaSunke Witko failed to appear at the Federal Courthouse to testify at a hearing. 

The investigation was conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Lower Brule Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk W. Albertson.

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

Stuart Dion, age 32, was indicted on May 17, 2016.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 19, 2016, 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 or about April 16, 2016, at Fort Thompson, Dion 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.

The charge is merely an accusation and Dion 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 Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announces that the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed the district court in appeal no.15-1175, United States of America, appellee, v. Lance Majestic House, appellant. 

House argued that the district court erred in denying his motion to suppress photographic identification evidence and that the identification tainted subsequent witness identifications of House as the suspect.  

In July 2013, various witnesses saw a man pointing a handgun at another man in central Sioux Falls.  The descriptions of the man with the handgun by different witnesses at each location were nearly identical.  When confronted by police, House ran from the scene.  Law enforcement showed a photo lineup that included House to the eyewitnesses, each of whom chose the photograph of House as matching the man they saw.

In January 2014, House was indicted by a grand jury for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  At his jury trial, before the Honorable United States District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier, several witnesses made in-court identifications of House as the man they observed holding a firearm in July 2013.  The jury returned a guilty verdict, and House was sentenced to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.          

In today’s published opinion, the federal court of appeals affirmed the district court in all respects.

The case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Mammenga prosecuted the case at trial and handled the appeal for the government.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Cletis Creek, age 54, was indicted on May 17, 2016.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 19, 2016, 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 between February 1, 2016, and May 17, 2016, Creek, 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, failed to register and update his registration.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child.

Lawrence Oakie, age 34, was indicted on April 13, 2016.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 16, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 30 years up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, no less than five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

It is alleged that sometime between August 28, 2015, and August 31, 2015, Oakie knowingly engaged and attempted to engage in a sexual act with a child under the age of 12 at a home in Todd County, South Dakota.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation.

Ronnie Antelope, Sr., a/k/a Ronald Noisy Hawk, Sr., was indicted on May 17, 2016.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 19, 2016, 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 April 18, 2016, Antelope unlawfully assaulted his spouse, intimate partner and dating partner, and strangled her, resulting in serious bodily injury.

The charges are merely accusations and Antelope 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.   

Antelope was released to a third party pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that three Worthington, Minnesota, residents charged with conspiracies to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana and to launder money were sentenced on May 9, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Somwang Wong Khanya, age 32, Inpaeng Phady, age 30, and Keophothone Rounoubon, age 23, were indicted on December 2, 2014.  Khanya was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering and Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and Phady and Rounoubon were charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Khanya pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering on February 9, 2016, and was sentenced to 70 months in custody, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Phady pled guilty to the marijuana distribution conspiracy on February 9, 2016, and was sentenced to 30 months in custody, to be followed by 2 years of supervised release.  She was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Rounoubon pled guilty to the marijuana distribution conspiracy on February 5, 2016, and was sentenced to 23 months in custody, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The defendants had a source of marijuana in California, and traveled there from Worthington on many occasions to purchase and bring back marijuana for distribution in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, area and elsewhere.  They also used other individuals to make the trips and to distribute marijuana.  Law enforcement believes at least 500 pounds of marijuana was sold.

Khanya used various methods to launder the proceeds of the marijuana sales, including purchasing many expensive items, such as 63 designer handbags, purses, and wallets from Louis Vuitton, Coach, Chanel, Gucci, and Burberry having an approximate retail value of $62,000; purchasing gold jewelry with an approximate retail value of $54,000; running cash through casinos; structuring cash deposits into bank accounts to avoid the filing of currency transaction reports; and purchasing a 2009 Lexus IS250 and financing, titling, registering, and insuring it in other persons’ names.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Haak prosecuted the case.

The defendants were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Athol, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for False Claim and False Statement.

Jason Sparling, age 42, was indicted on April 19, 2016, and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on May 13, 2016.  He pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years of imprisonment, 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 Sparling submitting a false claim to the Livestock Forage Disaster Program for the loss of grazing land.

The charges are merely an accusation and Sparling is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case.

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a South Antelope, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury.

Aprielle Poitra, age 20, was indicted on April 13, 2016.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 9, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon is up to ten years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  The maximum penalty upon conviction of Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury is up to five years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

It is alleged that on March 18, 2016, Poitra unlawfully assaulted an individual with a knife and that said assault resulted in substantial bodily injury.

The charge is merely an accusation and Poitra 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.   

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that Denny Johnson, age 31, of Kenel, South Dakota, was found guilty of two Counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender, and Simple Assault, as a result of a federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota.  The jury returned the guilty verdict on May 12, 2016, after deliberating for approximately 3 hours.

Johnson was found not guilty of three additional counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse and one count of Kidnapping.

The convictions carry a maximum penalty of up to life in custody and/or fines of up to $1,005,000, up to life of supervised release, and $410 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  

Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 17, 2014. 

The convictions stemmed from incidents between December 29, 2013, and January 10, 2014, when Johnson, who had been in a tumultuous and violent relationship since early 2000 with the victim, began to physically and emotionally abuse her.  Johnson brought the victim home from her shift at work around 12:30 in the morning.  Upon arriving home, Johnson began yelling at her because he had been watching her at work and saw her interacting with a co-worker. 

As Johnson was displaying hostility, the victim began to gather her belongings so she could leave.  She put her clothes in a suit case and headed out of the house.  As she opened the door to leave, Johnson suddenly slammed the door shut, told her she was not leaving, grabbed her by her jacket collar, jerked her to the floor, and assaulted her.  As she was lying on the floor, Johnson began to repeatedly kick her on the small of her back, as he knew she had been previously injured in that area.   

The victim was able to get up and attempted to escape.  Johnson again grabbed her by the jacket, but this time he cut it off of her with a large army knife he had grabbed, and chased her into his bedroom with the knife still in his hand.  He also began throwing household items at her, striking her on the forehead. 

Johnson retrieved her suitcase, opened it, and started taking her clothing out and cutting it with the knife.  The victim tried escape out a window, but she was so nervous she could not unlock the window.  Johnson returned and began walking towards her and menaced her with the knife, which was still in his hand.  The victim was in a fetal position, and Johnson verbally abused her as she pleaded with him.  He used the knife to cut her clothes off.  After removing her undergarments with the knife, he threw her to the ground.  Thereafter, he threw the knife at her, sticking it in the floor beside her, and he told her to kill herself because he could not do it.  The victim refused, stating she had her children to live for so she would not kill herself. 

Johnson retrieved the knife, and kicked her as she tried to crawl from him.  When she cried out, he told her to be quiet or he would kill her.  Johnson urinated on the victim.  After urinating on her, Johnson told her that she stunk and ordered her to get into the shower.  He turned on the cold water only and forced her to stay under the water as he poured shampoo, liquid hand soap, dish soap, a bottle of Mr. Clean, and some Clorox on her head and face.  He tried to dilute her with cleaning chemicals.  The victim was pleading with him to stop, but Johnson grabbed a mop bucket with dirty water in it and dumped that on her as well.  Following this, he ordered her out of the shower and told her to go to a bedroom.  Johnson made sure that she did not have any clothes.  Johnson came into the room and raped the victim in several ways.  During the sexual abuse, he hit her in the face, held a knife to her throat, and continued to menace her.

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

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for August 15th.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that Michael Lee Long, Jr., age 33, of St. Francis, South Dakota, was found guilty of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Simple Assault, Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm, and Using a Firearm During and Relation to a Crime of Violence following a three-day jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on May 12, 2016.

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

Long was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2015. 

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on May 17, 2015, when Long accosted three people in parked car at a convenience store in Rosebud. As Long stood next to the open front passenger door pointing a handgun at the victim in the passenger seat, the driver of the vehicle put the car in reverse in an effort to get away.  Long was knocked down by the open door and fired at the vehicle before it departed the parking lot.  The driver of the vehicle was the daughter of the front-seat passenger. The daughter’s boyfriend was also in the vehicle, seated in the back seat.  They were not injured.  A shell casing was subsequently located in the parking lot of the store and a bullet fragment was removed from the front of the vehicle.  The handgun, a Glock .40 caliber pistol, was also recovered and matched to the shell casing and bullet fragment.

Long was previously convicted of Domestic Abuse in Rosebud Sioux Tribal Court in 2011, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm.  As a result of the verdict, Long will forfeit ownership of the firearm to the United States.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kirk Albertson and Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for August 1, 2016. 

Long was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft of Government Property and Misappropriation by Fiduciary.

Cassandra Koscak, age 39, was indicted on April 19, 2016.  Koscak appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on May 6, 2016, and pleaded 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 charges relate to Koscak, in a fiduciary capacity, stealing over $1,000 in U.S. currency of the Department of Veterans Affairs between March 2012 and December 2012.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that two New York men convicted of Using or Trafficking in an Unauthorized Access Device and Aiding and Abetting were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Wilton Santana, age 20, and Charlie Aquino, age 22, were each sentenced to 24 months in custody, followed by 2 years of supervised release, $7,726.94 in restitution, joint and several with their co-defendants, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Santana and Aquino were indicted by a federal grand jury on July 15, 2014, and both pled guilty to Count 1 of a 9 count Superseding Indictment.

The convictions arose from activities that occurred between June 23, 2014, and July 5, 2014, when Santana, Aquino, and Francis Frias knowingly used “account takeovers” — posing as established AT&T customers who wanted to upgrade by adding new lines or phones to their existing cell plans.  Frias and his co-defendants were provided confidential subscriber information while they were outside an AT&T store. Before Santana, Aquino, or Frias went into an AT&T store, someone else had already called into AT&T and added one of the three of them as an authorized user to the original AT&T customer’s account.  Once the cell phones were purchased, Frias mailed them to addresses provided by another individual.  The three men were to be paid for each phone they purchased and shipped.

On July 5, 2014, a traffic stop was conducted on Interstate 90 in Jones County.  Santana, Aquino, and Frias, all from New York, were in the vehicle.  The vehicle was a rental and was due back in Colorado on June 24, 2014.  A probable cause search was conducted and a white plastic bag with 14 brand new, in-the-box Apple 5s iPhones were found in the trunk, along with receipts from an AT&T Store in Pierre, South Dakota.  The names on the receipts did not match any of the three individuals in the vehicle.

This case was investigated by the Office of Attorney General, Division of Criminal Investigation; the Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service; and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.

Santana and Aquino were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.  Frias began serving his sentence in June of 2015.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Little Eagle, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on May 9, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Vivian One Feather, age 23, was sentenced to 21 months in custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

One Feather was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 12, 2015.  She pled guilty on February 9, 2016.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on January 1, 2014, when One Feather and the victim, who had been involved in an intimate relationship for approximately six years at the time, got into an argument. One Feather told the victim to leave the house and as the victim was packing his clothes, One Feather requested that the victim stay.  The victim continued to pack his belongings, at which point One Feather began to punch him in the face.  The victim attempted to leave the residence, causing One Feather to grab a 4-5 inch kitchen knife and stab the victim, once to the arm and once to the ear.  The victim bandaged his arm and left. 

When interviewed, One Feather stated that she was not physically assaulted during the argument, and was not in fear for her safety or acting in self-defense when she stabbed the victim.

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

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Allen, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register.

Charles Tallman, a/k/a Charles Lee Longman, age 31, was indicted on October 20, 2015. Tallman appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on May 6, 2016, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The charge relates to Tallman failing to register and update his registration as a convicted sex offender between February 24, 2014, and October 20, 2015.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announces that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on May 6, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Milton Lewis Poole III, age 28, was sentenced to 210 months in custody, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

An indictment was issued against Poole for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine by a federal grand jury on August 4, 2015.  He pled guilty to the charge on February 11, 2016.

In 2015, Poole was involved in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Sioux Falls.  Poole distributed over 20 pounds of methamphetamine in Sioux Falls, and received several pounds of methamphetamine in the mail. 

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

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on May 9, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Dace Bobtail Bear, a/k/a Dace Little Dog, age 19, was sentenced to 28 months in custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Bobtail Bear was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 8, 2015.  He pled guilty on February 17, 2016.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on October 11, 2015, when during the early morning hours, Bobtail Bear was arguing with some people at  a home in Little Eagle.  He knocked a woman to the ground, causing her to call for help.  The victim came out from a bedroom in the home to assist the woman.  Bobtail Bear began to assault the victim, knocking him to the ground, jumping on top of him, and repeatedly striking him.  Others in the home unsuccessfully attempted to get Bobtail Bear to stop.  During the assault, Bobtail Bear grabbed a steak knife and stabbed the victim multiple times. 

Bobtail Bear admitted to the officers the next day that he did, in fact, stab the victim and that he was not acting in self-defense.  As a result of the assault, the victim was treated at Mobridge Regional Hospital.  He suffered a collapsed lung and was required to have a chest tube inserted.

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

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that four people have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft of Government Funds.

Darrell Duane Vik, age 71, of Beresford, South Dakota; Norwood Baybridge, age 64, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Michele Kelliher, age 48, of Watertown, South Dakota; and Tanyel Rippentrop, age 40, of Brandon, South Dakota, were each indicted on March 9, 2016, on the charge of Theft of Government Funds.  In addition, Rippentrop was also charged with Access Device Fraud. 

They all appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on May 6, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictments.

The maximum penalty upon conviction for the theft charge 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 maximum penalty upon conviction for Ripptentrop’s access device fraud charge 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.

Each defendant is accused of converting to his or her own use the Social Security benefits meant for a family member’s care.  Rippentrop is also accused of using a prepaid debit card belonging to the family member to draw on those funds.

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

The investigations are being conducted by the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General.  Criminal Chief Dennis R. Holmes is prosecuting Rippentrop and Kelliher; Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson is prosecuting Vik; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting Baybridge.

The defendants were released pending trial. Trial dates have not been set.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Felon in Possession of Firearms.

Conrad Fleury, age 34, was indicted on April 13, 2016.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 6, 2016, 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 13, 2016, Fleury, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed and received firearms.

The charge is merely an accusation and Fleury 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 Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Lucas Paul Evans, a/k/a Abdul Evans, a/k/a Lucas Harrison, a/k/a Abdul Salom Harrison, a/k/a Abubarker Harrison, a/k/a Abubarker Shabazz Evans, age 28, was indicted on April 19, 2016.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 9, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is at least 5 years up to 40 years in custody and/or a $5,000,000 fine, at least 4 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between December 1, 2013, and April 19, 2016, Evans knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated and agreed with other persons to knowingly and intentionally distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamine in South Dakota.  

The charges are merely an accusation and Evans is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Crow Creek Agency, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan is prosecuting the case.   

Evans was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  Trial has been set for July 6, 2016.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on May 9, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Rikki Hill, age 21, was sentenced to 36 months in custody, 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Hill was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 8, 2015.  She pled guilty on February 9, 2016.

The conviction arose from an August 12, 2015, incident when Hill and her sister got into a verbal argument that escalated into a physical fight.  After the girls’ parents broke up the fight, Hill grabbed a knife from the kitchen.  Her parents pushed Hill out of the house and locked the door behind her, but Hill crawled through a basement window and re-entered the house.  Once she was  inside, Hill grabbed another knife and lunged at her sister, stabbing her in the arm.  Hill attempted to stab her sister in the heart, but her sister blocked it and was cut in the arm instead.

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

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault by Strangulation, and Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner.

Darrell Clown, age 48, was indicted on April 13, 2016.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 10, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 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 December 10, 2015, Clown unlawfully assaulted his spouse with a broomstick and strangled her, resulting in substantial bodily injury. 

The charges are merely accusations and Clown 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.   

Clown was released on bond pending trial, which has been set for June 21, 2016.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Wounded Knee, South Dakota, woman convicted of Theft from Tribal Organization was sentenced on April 29, 2016, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.      

Casey Titus, age 27, was sentenced to 3 years of probation, a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and $15,000 in restitution.

Titus was indicted for Theft from Tribal Organization and Larceny by a federal grand jury on May 19, 2015.  She pleaded guilty to Theft from Tribal Organization on November 6, 2015. 

From 2010 through May of 2014, Titus worked for the Wounded Knee Community Council as both Vice Chair and Treasurer.  Titus embezzled over $15,000 in funds.

This case was investigated by Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Mill Creek, Washington, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of Unauthorized Access Devices and Possession of Stolen Identification Document.

Mythyas Godiava, age 42, was indicted on April 19, 2016.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman on April 26, 2016, 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 charges relate to an incident that occurred on April 4, 2016, where Godiava possessed fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, and a stolen passport.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen is prosecuting the case.   

Godiava was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for June 28, 2016.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Social Security Fraud.

Melissa Dale, a/k/a Melissa Larvie, a/k/a Melissa M. White Bull, age 35, was indicted on November 17, 2015.  Dale appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on May 2, 2016, and pleaded 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 charge relates to Dale receiving treatment at the Rapid City Indian Health Service on September 29, 2015, after registering under a false name and false social security number.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.

Dale was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has been set for July 5, 2016.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on April 29, 2016, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.      

Jason Barton, age 38, was sentenced to 240 months in custody, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Barton was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine by a federal grand jury on February 18, 2015.  He pleaded guilty on January 27, 2016.

From January 2014 through February 2016, Barton conspired with others to distribute, and distributed more than 500 grams of methamphetamine within South Dakota.

This case was investigated by Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force, White Earth Minnesota Police Department, Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ted L. McBride and Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Jonathon Nelson, age 24, was indicted on April 19, 2016.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on April 26, 2016, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is a minimum of 5 years up to 40 years in custody and/or a $5,000,000 fine, 4 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.   

From January 2014 through April 2016, Nelson conspired and agreed with others to possess and distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine within the District of South Dakota.  Additionally, on August 15, 2014, Nelson was in the possession of a firearm after having been previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

The charges are merely an accusation and Nelson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Department, and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen is prosecuting the case.   

Nelson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has been set for July 5, 2016.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor was sentenced on April 18, 2016, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Isaac Roubideaux, age 23, was sentenced to 24 months in custody, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Roubideaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 19, 2015, for three counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor.  On September 18, 2015, he pled guilty to sexually abusing a minor.

Roubideaux sexually abused a minor on October 27, 2013, at Pine Ridge.

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

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

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

Rudolph Twiss, a/k/a Rudy Twiss, age 19, was indicted on April 19, 2016.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman on April 22, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction for each Count 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 charges relate to an incident that occurred in Pine Ridge on September 13, 2015, where Twiss assaulted the victim with a knife, which resulted in serious bodily injury.

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

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

Twiss was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has been set for June 28, 2016.