District of South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.  The sentencing took place on September 28, 2026. 

Austin Joseph Means, 35, was sentenced to three years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Means was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2025.  He pleaded guilty on June 29, 2026.

On March 13, 2025, detectives with the Sioux Falls Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence in northwest Sioux Falls.  During the execution of the search warrant, detectives detained a number of individuals, including Means.  A subsequent search of the residence revealed, among other items, a semi-automatic pistol and an extended magazine loaded with 15 live rounds of ammunition.  Forensic testing of the firearm proved that Means had earlier possessed the firearm. Since Means had been previously convicted of a felony—Possession of a Controlled Substance—he is not legally permitted to possess firearms. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).  Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Sioux Falls Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell prosecuted the case.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute.  The sentencing took place on September 28, 2026. 

Jason Pfuhl, 41, was sentenced to seven years and eight months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Pfuhl was indicted for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute by a federal grand jury in November 2025.  He pleaded guilty on June 15, 2026.

Sioux Falls Police officers came into contact with Pfuhl after they stopped the vehicle in which he was a passenger.  They eventually searched the vehicle and found approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine in the area where Pfuhl was seated in the car. 

This case was investigated by the DEA.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY – U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Mexican man convicted of Illegal Reentry after Deportation.  The sentencing took place on September 22, 2026.

Rodrigo Ginez-Valiente, 33, was sentenced to time served.  He will be deported to Mexico.

In February 2026, Ginez-Valiente was indicted by a federal grand jury for Illegal Reentry after Deportation.  He pleaded guilty on June 29, 2026.

Ginez-Valiente is an alien who was deported from the United States to Mexico in 2018.  On May 11, 2026, Ginez-Valiente was found by law enforcement in Rapid City.  It is a federal felony for an alien to be in the United States after having been deported from the United States without obtaining the consent of the Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security or the Attorney General of the United States for lawful admission into the United States. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 

This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the United States Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case. 

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Contact without Permission.  The sentencing took place on September 22, 2026. 

Vincent Anthony Makes Him First, age 47, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Makes Him First was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2025.  He pleaded guilty on June 22, 2026.

On October 8, 2024, Makes Him First invited a woman to drink alcohol with him behind a grocery store in McLaughlin, South Dakota, within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. After consuming alcohol to excess, they decamped to a nearby garage, where the woman lost consciousness and Makes Him First groped her buttocks without her consent.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal Court as opposed to State Court.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.

Makes Him First was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his federal sentence. 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Glendale, Arizona, man convicted Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Fentanyl.  The sentencing took place on September 28, 2026. 

John Roth, 58, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Roth was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in October 2025.  He was convicted after a three-day trial on July 8, 2026.

Evidence at trial showed Roth was the Arizona-based source for a Sioux Falls drug trafficking organization, providing fentanyl and methamphetamine from Mexico through Arizona to Sioux Falls and the surrounding area.  Roth provided the drugs while other members of the conspiracy transported and sold them.  The evidence revealed more than 150 pounds of methamphetamine was delivered to Sioux Falls for sale within approximately eight months in 2024 and early 2025.

“John Stanford Roth was a key part of the Matthew Shade drug trafficking organization, which funneled Cartel-sourced fentanyl and methamphetamine in bulk quantities across the border from Mexico, into Arizona, and then up to Sioux Falls and the surrounding area,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “Of thirteen defendants in this conspiracy, he is one of the last to be sentenced.  The methodical takedown of the Shade organization is the result of incredible work by our federal prosecutors and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force.”

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Investigation Service and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Hodges and Connie Larson prosecuted the case. 

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

SIOUX FALLS – First Assistant United States Attorney Gregg Peterman announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  The sentencing took place on September 21, 2026. 

Ryan Tulio, 41, was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Tulio was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in July 2025.  He pleaded guilty on June 29, 2026.

Tulio was part of a drug trafficking organization that was obtaining methamphetamine from Arizona and then distributing it in the Sioux Falls area.  Tulio was personally involved with distributing approximately 2 ½ pounds of methamphetamine during his involvement in the conspiracy. 

This case was investigated by United States Postal Inspection Service and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  The sentencing took place on September 21, 2026. 

Brendon Williams, 32, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  

Williams was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in January of 2025.  He pleaded guilty on June 10, 2026.

Beginning at least in January 2024, Williams routinely traveled to the Denver, Colorado, area to purchase large quantities of fentanyl destined for the northern Black Hills.  After graduating from Drug Court in May 2023 following convictions for multiple drug offenses in state court, Williams reengaged in drug trafficking and became one of the larger fentanyl suppliers in the northern Black Hills.  Through informants, surveillance, search warrants, and subpoenas, investigators determined Williams was trafficking thousands of counterfeit M/30 fentanyl pills on a bi-weekly basis into South Dakota.  In total, the investigation established Williams was responsible for transporting and distributing at least 3.5 kilograms, or 35,000 counterfeit M/30 fentanyl pills, in South Dakota.  Over 322 grams of fentanyl were seized during the investigation.

“I’m very proud of our federal prosecutors and the UNET investigative team for cornering this fentanyl dealer and putting him behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “Anyone else dealing this poison in South Dakota can expect a similar fate.”

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).  Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET).  UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the South Dakota National Guard.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward C. Tarbay prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor.  The sentencing took place on September 14, 2026. 

Griffin Cross, 31, was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Cross will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Cross was indicted for Sexual Abuse of a Minor by a federal grand jury in February 2026.  He pleaded guilty on June 9, 2026.

In November of 2025, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety received a report of Cross sexually assaulting a thirteen-year-old girl in the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.  Cross exchanged nude pictures with the victim over a social media site, sending her a picture of his private anatomy.  Cross then met up with the victim at his residence and sexually abused her.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. 

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

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

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor.  The sentencing took place on September 22, 2026. 

Arthur Lane Taken Alive III, age 23, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Taken Alive was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2025.  He pleaded guilty on March 25, 2026.

Around 11:00 p.m. on December 27, 2024, a 15-year-old girl was walking home across the footbridge in Bullhead, South Dakota when Taken Alive accosted her.  When the girl declined his invitation to come with him, Taken Alive dragged her to a nearby root cellar and raped her.  Bullhead is a community in the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal Court as opposed to State Court.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.

Taken Alive was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his federal sentence. 

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Brookings, South Dakota (formerly of Veblen, SD), man convicted after a jury trial of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child.  The sentencing took place on September 21, 2026.

Joseph Darrell Peterson, Jr., age 47, was sentenced to Life in federal prison and must pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Peterson was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2024.  He was found guilty of both counts following a jury trial the week of June 15, 2026.

Over the course of twelve years, starting in 2006 when the child was just 6 years old, Peterson began to groom and sexually assault her.  Peterson lived in the home with the child and was a parental figure to her.  Over the next 12 years, throughout multiple states and locations including the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation, Peterson repeatedly and illegally raped and sexually abused the child.  The child was able to escape the home and abuse when she was 19.  Then in 2023, she summoned the courage to report the abuse to law enforcement.  An investigation ensued resulting in the federal prosecution and leading to the guilty verdicts and sentence.  

This case was investigated by the Sisseton-Wahpeton Tribal Law Enforcement, South Dakota DCI, and the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert-Webb and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Person AUSA for the Great Plains Region Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case. 

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.

This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners.  The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components. Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. This prosecution upholds the Department’s mission to the unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of victims and their families despite the passage of time.

This case was also brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. 

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

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Wakpala, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault of an Intimate and Dating Partner by Strangulation and Suffocation and Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate and Dating Partner.  The sentencing took place on September 22, 2026. 

Mathias Kane Fast Horse, age 19, was sentenced to five years and 11 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Fast Horse was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2025.  He pleaded guilty on June 22, 2026.

On November 18, 2024, Fast Horse purposefully inhaled some household chemicals and then strangled his girlfriend until she lost consciousness.  He continued by pushing, slapping, and punching her, spraining her knee.  On April 14, 2025, Fast Horse punched his girlfriend’s head several times, rupturing her right ear drum.  When the woman fled and took shelter in a neighbor’s home, Fast Horse gave chase, but could not break into the house.  These events occurred in Wakpala within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal Court as opposed to State Court.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.

Fast Horse was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his federal sentence. 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on September 21, 2026.

Jackson Wayne Sully, 37, was sentenced to three years and eight months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Sully was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2026. He pleaded guilty on June 22, 2026. 

According to court documents, on November 6, 2025, Violent Crime Unit Detectives with the Sioux Falls Police Department assisted members of the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division with a lockout eviction at Sully’s residence. While clearing the apartment, law enforcement observed items containing methamphetamine, residue, and paraphernalia. Sully’s recent drug use prohibited him from possessing a firearm.

During the execution of a search warrant, law enforcement located a loaded black Springfield XD 9mm handgun. This handgun was found in Sully’s bedroom, and his DNA was present on the firearm. As a result of prior felony convictions, Sully was likewise prohibited from possessing any firearms. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sioux Falls Police Department, and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentencing took place on September 22, 2026. 

Bucorey Bell, age 29, was sentenced to six years in federal prison, followed by ten years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Bell was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2023.  He pleaded guilty on June 17, 2026.

In August 2023 Bell began a romantic relationship with the victim who was under the age of 16, ultimately culminating in Bell and the victim engaging in sexual acts on multiple occasions.  The abuse occurred within the Crow Creek Sioux Indian Reservation.

This matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners.  The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components.  Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  This prosecution upholds the Department’s mission to the unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of victims and their families despite the passage of time. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs-Office of Justice Services and the FBI. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Great Plains Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact.  The sentencing took place on September 14, 2026. 

Donovan He Crow, 53, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He Crow will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

He Crow was indicted for Abusive Sexual Contact by a federal grand jury in November 2025.  He pleaded guilty on March 6, 2026.

He Crow entered a child’s bedroom during the nighttime and forcibly engaged in sexual contact with her by groping her bare breast.  The child was between the ages of 12 and 13 when the offense occurred.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. 

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Pierre, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on September 14, 2026. 

Duane Long Pumpkin, age 27, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Long Pumpkin was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2025. He pleaded guilty on June 11, 2026. 

Long Pumpkin was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in U.S. District Court in 2023. Consequently, he is required to register as a sex offender and update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment or student status.  In October 2024, Long Pumpkin updated his sex offender registration to reflect that he was residing in Allen, South Dakota.  He relocated to Pierre in December 2024, but he did not update his sex offender registration.  Long Pumpkin was arrested in Pierre on February 14, 2025.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Pierre Police Department. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief United States District Court Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.  The sentencing took place on September 14, 2026.

Ryan Nigro, age 34, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.  Upon release from federal prison, Nigro must register as a sex offender for 25 years. 

Nigro was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2024.  He was found guilty at a jury trial on June 4, 2026.

The conviction stemmed from an undercover chat operation in which several law enforcement agencies worked together to identify individuals using the Internet to attempt to have sex with children.  In this case, Nigro used the application Reddit to start a conversation with a person he believed was a 12-year-old girl.  Nigro introduced the topic of sex into the conversation and asked the child to meet with him at a local hotel for sex.  Nigro arrived at the hotel where he was arrested by law enforcement.  The 12-year-old female persona was operated by a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations. 

This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Watertown Police Department, Tea Police Department, Rapid City Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and South Dakota Highway Patrol.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth E. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced an Oglala, South Dakota, man convicted of Second Degree Murder. The sentencing took place on September 14, 2026. 

Teldon Kills Small, 19, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Kills Small was indicted for Second Degree Murder, Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon by a federal grand jury in December 2025. He pleaded guilty on June 9, 2026.

On the evening of November 29, 2025, Kills Small and others were consuming alcohol to excess.  The male victim told Kills Small and others with Kills Small that they needed to leave. Kills Small discharged nine rounds from his firearm, striking the male victim seven times in the chest and torso, as well as a juvenile female victim who was nearby.  This all occurred on the male victim’s mother’s exterior porch. The victim died on scene and the female sustained bodily injury to her arm.  The defendant fled the residence and was later apprehended in Rapid City.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. 

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Norris, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. The sentencing took place on September 14, 2026. 

Chauncy Crow Dog, age 32, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Crow Dog was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2025. He pleaded guilty on June 9, 2026.

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in an area of Mellete County, South Dakota, that is part of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.  On the evening of October 16, 2024, Crow Dog was at a residence in the Corn Creek Community when he observed two men fighting outside. Crow Dog exited the residence, picked up a shovel, and struck one of the men in the face with it, causing a broken jaw.

This matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be

prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.

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

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Murdo, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on September 14, 2026. 

Dane Menard, age 20, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Menard was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2025. He pleaded guilty on June 15, 2026.

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in an area of Mellette County, South Dakota, that is part of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.  On March 15, 2025, Menard struck the victim, an adult male, with his vehicle in the driveway of a residence near White River, South Dakota.  The victim was hospitalized with injuries that included a broken arm and broken ankle.

This matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.

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

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Martin, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentencing took place on September 14, 2026. 

Austin Starr, 33, was sentenced to four years and six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Starr will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Starr was indicted for two counts Sexual Abuse of a Minor by a federal grand jury in September 2025. He pleaded guilty on June 9, 2026.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. 

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that United States District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced an Arizona man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  The sentencing took place on August 31, 2026. 

Gaylen Holy Rock, 40, was sentenced to 10 years and one month in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Holy Rock was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in April 2025.  He pleaded guilty on March 2, 2026.

Beginning in 2023, Holy Rock worked with others to distribute methamphetamine within the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.  He received methamphetamine from co-conspirators in the Rapid City, South Dakota, area and was responsible for distributing over 500 grams of methamphetamine during his involvement in the conspiracy.

“Working together, law enforcement agencies across South Dakota are doing everything we can to eliminate the scourge of methamphetamine and other illicit drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “This defendant chose to victimize the communities of the Pine Ridge Reservation. He will now spend the next decade in federal prison, which should provide plenty of time to contemplate the wisdom of that decision.”

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 

The investigation was conducted by the Badlands Safe Trails Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward C. Tarbay prosecuted the case.

Holy Rock was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that United States District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Norfolk, Nebraska, man convicted of Assault on a Federal Officer.  The sentencing took place on August 31, 2026. 

Cody Dittman, 36, was sentenced to five years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Dittman was indicted for Assault on a Federal Officer by a federal grand jury in May 2025.  He pleaded guilty on May 20, 2026.

On May 2, 2025, Dittman refused to pull over after officers with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety attempted a traffic stop.  Dittman led law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit throughout the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, ultimately leaving Pine Ridge and entering Fall River County.  During the pursuit, Dittman swerved his vehicle directly towards law enforcement officers deploying spike strips as they attempted to end the pursuit.

The investigation was conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the South Dakota DCI, the Fall River County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshal Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward C. Tarbay prosecuted the case.

Dittman was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence.

RAPID CITY – U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Mexican man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.  The sentencing took place on August 31, 2026. 

Eriberto Gonzalez-Ginez, 23, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Gonzalez-Ginez will also be deported back to Mexico upon completion of his sentence.

Gonzalez-Ginez was indicted for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer by a federal grand jury in March 2026.  He pleaded guilty on May 28, 2026.

On February 2, 2026, federal law enforcement officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, conducted a targeted enforcement operation regarding illegal immigration at a Rapid City residence.  Gonzalez-Ginez is an illegal alien unlawfully present in the United States. Gonzalez-Ginez was in the driver’s seat of a pickup truck with a trailer hitched to its rear at the residence. When federal agents activated their emergency lights and sirens on their vehicles, Gonzalez-Ginez quickly put the truck in reverse, ramming into a federal agent’s duty vehicle. Gonzalez-Ginez kept his truck in reverse, pushing the federal agent’s vehicle back approximately ten feet. Gonzalez-Ginez then fled on foot, escaping authorities.  Federal agents tracked his position again at the end of the month, where he unsuccessfully attempted to flee.

“This was outrageous and recklessly dangerous conduct by this lawless individual,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 

This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removable Operations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case. 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ronald A. Parsons, Jr. announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a man from Las Vegas, Nevada, convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  The sentencing took place on August 31, 2026. 

Jeffrey Skannal, 67, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Skannal was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in February 2025.  He pleaded guilty on June 11, 2026.

For several months in 2024, Skannal served as a member of a California-based drug trafficking organization that brought large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl from California to South Dakota and used short-term rental properties as bases of operation to distribute the drugs in and around Sioux Falls. Skannal participated in the conspiracy by driving rental cars loaded with drugs from California to Sioux Falls; assisting in packaging the drugs for sale; and accompanying other members of the organization on sales to sub-distributors. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).  Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.

Skannal must self-surrender no later than noon on Tuesday, December 1, 2026. 

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Chancellor, South Dakota, man convicted of Production Child Pornography.  The sentencing took place on August 31, 2026.

Marquis Lavelle Jordan, age 39, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison, five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.  Once released from federal prison, Jordan must register as a sex offender for 25 years.

Jordan was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2025 and pleaded guilty on June 1, 2026.

The conviction stemmed from incidents between June 16, 2024, and June 24, 2024, when Jordan supplied a runaway juvenile female with drugs and alcohol and forced her to perform oral sex on him while he recorded the act with his cell phone.

“This was a fitting sentence for this predator,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “I am so proud of the dedicated efforts of our federal prosecutors and the agents at Homeland Security Investigations for bringing him to justice.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.  The sentencing took place on August 31, 2026. 

Angelo Mario Butler, Jr., 42, was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Butler was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2026 and pleaded guilty on June 22, 2026.

Butler’s conviction stems from a traffic stop on September 23, 2025, when he was found in possession of eight, individually-packaged baggies of methamphetamine and a handgun.  He admitted he intended to distribute the methamphetamine to others.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).  Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Sioux Falls Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.  The sentencing took place on August 31, 2026. 

Mohamed Mohamud Hassan, 22, was sentenced to one year and two months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Hassan was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2026 and pleaded guilty on June 1, 2026.

Hassan was charged with possessing a firearm on October 2, 2025.  On that day, he was driving a vehicle stopped by law enforcement and had a handgun on the driver’s seat of the vehicle.  He was prohibited from possessing the firearm based on a prior felony conviction.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).  Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Madison, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet.  The sentencing took place on August 31, 2026.

Lawrence Johnson, age 51, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.  Johnson must register as a sex offender upon release from federal prison.

Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2024 and pleaded guilty on June 1, 2026.

The conviction stemmed from an undercover chat operation conducted by the Des Moines County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office between September 15, 2024, and October 10, 2024, during which law enforcement posed online as underage child personas to catch individuals who seek sexual acts or sexually explicit materials from minors. 

In Johnson’s case, he was using his cell phone to access Facebook and befriended “Abby,” an undercover law enforcement officer who told Johnson she was 13 years old. Throughout the conversation, Johnson attempted to convince “Abby” to send him nude images of herself and travel to South Dakota for the purpose of having sex with him.  Johnson was arrested, and when interviewed by law enforcement, admitted his behavior and belief that “Abby” was a real 13-year-old girl from whom he was seeking sexually explicit images and sex. 

This case was investigated by the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, the South Dakota DCI, and Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a federal grand jury has indicted three Sioux Falls, South Dakota, men for Conspiracy to Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering; Possession, Brandishing, and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence; and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.  The indictment was filed in August 2026.

Nathan Carlos Hernandez, age 20, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on August 26, 2026, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.  Sebastian Michael Waters, age 19, appeared before Magistrate Judge Duffy on August 20, 2026, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. Tino Sage Roubideaux, age 29, appeared before Magistrate Judge Duffy on August 10, 2026, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction for Conspiracy to Murder in Aid of Racketeering and for Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering and Aiding and Abetting is 10 years’ imprisonment.  The maximum penalty upon conviction for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering and Aiding and Abetting is 20 years’ imprisonment.  The maximum penalty upon conviction for Discharging a Firearm during and in relation to a Crime of Violence and Aiding and Abetting is a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ up to Life imprisonment, to be served consecutively to the crime of violence of attempted murder or assault with a dangerous weapon.  The maximum penalty upon conviction for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person is 15 years imprisonment.  The charges also carry a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a term of supervised release of up to five years following a term of imprisonment, a special assessment, forfeiture, and restitution.

According to the charging document, Hernandez, Waters, and Roubideaux were members of the Gangster Disciples (GD), a gang with members and associates located throughout Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and elsewhere.  The gang is alleged to have committed, attempted to commit, and conspired to commit acts of violence, including acts involving assault, as well as other crimes, including drug dealing and firearms trafficking.  Participation in criminal activity by a GD member (sometimes referred to as “work”), especially violence directed at persons perceived as a threat to the gang, increased the respect accorded to the member and could result in the member’s elevation and increased status within the gang.  One of the alleged purposes of the gang was to keep victims, other gang members, rivals, and community members in fear of the gang.

As alleged in the indictment, Hernandez, Waters, and Roubideaux conspired to murder a person, and on January 4, 2026, these defendants located the victim at a business in Sioux Falls and attempted  to murder him by shooting him more than one time.  Two firearms were used in the attack.  As gang members, these defendants sought to maintain or increase their respective position within the Gangster Disciples. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Sioux Falls Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case. 

All defendants were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date of October 26, 2026, has been set.

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.  The sentencing took place on August 24, 2026. 

Tanner Standing Bear, 21, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture was also ordered.

Standing Bear was indicted for two counts of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in March 2026.  He pleaded guilty on May 28, 2026.

On March 3, 2026, Standing Bear was released from the Pennington County Jail. Within a few hours, Standing Bear was in possession of a .22 caliber pistol and fired several rounds near Knollwood Elementary school, causing teachers to quickly gather children that were outside for recess back into the school.  Standing Bear had fled by the time law enforcement arrived.  Law enforcement located Standing Bear the following day in possession of a second firearm and ammunition.  Standing Bear is prohibited from possession firearms and ammunition based on multiple prior felony convictions.

“This was a terrifying situation for all involved,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “I want to commend the staff of Knollwood Elementary for acting so quickly to keep everyone safe.”

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe.  Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges.  As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe.  PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies.  These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

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

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of one count of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, three counts of Wire Fraud, and three counts of Money Laundering.  The sentencing took place on August 24, 2026. 

Patrick Ross, age 56, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $4,744,415.36 in restitution.

From May 2006 to November 2024, Ross’s co-defendant worked for the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s (OST) Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO), which enforces the tribal requirement that all employers engaged in business on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation give preference to qualified Native Americans in employment, contracting, and other business or economic development activities.  One of the co-defendant’s duties was to collect TERO fee checks from contractors and transfer them to OST’s revenue department for deposit into the tribe’s general fund.  OST’s general fund is used for emergency management services, solid waste disposal, water and sewer services, burial assistance, medical assistance, utility assistance, education assistance, and emergency assistance for tribal members in need of food and shelter due to emergencies. Between November 2017 and May 2024, Ross, a former employee of TERO, and his co-defendant, working together, developed a scheme to defraud OST by diverting TERO fee checks totaling more than $4.7 million belonging to the tribe and depositing the checks into Ross’ bank account, which Ross had opened for the purpose of carrying out the scheme to defraud the Oglala Sioux Tribe. The two then split the embezzled funds between themselves and used the funds for their own personal benefit, including purchasing homes and vehicles. Ross is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.  Ross’ co-defendant, Buffy Redfish, was previously sentenced to 78 months custody. 

“As Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald has assured, there is no fraud too big, and no fraud too small, for the Department of Justice to prosecute,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “But this case is one of the big ones.  Almost five million dollars, stolen from the Oglala Sioux Tribe and its members by Patrick Ross and Buffy Redfish. Be assured: if you steal from the government, including tribal governments, we have the tools to find you and you will find yourself, in short order, sitting in a federal prison cell.”

“Patrick Ross’s sentencing brings accountability for his role, together with co-defendant Buffy Redfish, in a years‑long scheme that diverted more than $4.7 million from an Oglala Sioux Tribe program. Ross violated the trust placed in him and harmed the community these funds were meant to serve,” said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. “The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting tribal resources, uncovering complex financial fraud, and ensuring that individuals entrusted with public funds meet the highest standards of integrity.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.  Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY – U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Mexican man convicted of Illegal Reentry after Deportation.  The sentencing took place on August 25, 2026. 

Rolando Hernandez-Estrada, 39, was sentenced to time served and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He will be deported to Mexico.

Hernandez-Estrada was indicted for Illegal Reentry after Deportation by a federal grand jury in March 2026.  He pleaded guilty on July 20, 2026.

Hernandez-Estrada is an illegal alien who has been deported from the United States to Mexico on four separate occasions.  It is a federal felony to be inside the United States after having been deported.  Since being in the United States unlawfully, Hernandez-Estrada has been convicted of domestic abuse, illegal reentry after deportation, and possession of a controlled substance.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Sturgis, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.  The sentencing took place on August 17, 2026. 

Carl Wahl, 55, was sentenced to six years and three months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each charge.  Wahl was also ordered to pay $30,285 in restitution and forfeiture was ordered. 

Wahl was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in February 2025.  He pleaded guilty on April 1, 2026.

Between May and August of 2023, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received CyberTips for investigation.  A search warrant for Wahl’s residence and electronic devices was obtained.  Several of Wahl’s electronic devices, including his HP laptop and his two cellphones, were examined and all three devices contained visual depictions of child sexual abuse material that Wahl knowingly and intentionally viewed, possessed, and received using the internet.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.  Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox and Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson prosecuted the case. 

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on August 24, 2026. 

Lorenzo Rene Portillo, 37, was sentenced to 13 years and 5 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Portillo was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2025.  He pleaded guilty on May 5, 2026.

Portillo was a member of a conspiracy distributing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine in Sioux Falls between September 2024 and February 2025. He also obtained methamphetamine from co-conspirators to distribute to others who would then sell it.  He was arrested on February 10, 2025, when law enforcement officers conducted a search of a residence where he was temporarily staying and discovered a handgun.  Portillo is prohibited from possessing firearms based upon his multiple felony convictions.

“Collaborating with all levels of law enforcement, our dedicated federal prosecutors and their teams are working overtime to do everything possible to protect our communities from the deadly combination of career criminals, drugs, and guns,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “The conviction of this repeat felon and the long prison sentence he will serve represent another step forward toward accomplishing that mission.  It doesn’t matter who you are or where you came from; if you are selling illegal drugs in South Dakota, we are coming for you and this is your fate.”

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).  Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Sioux Falls Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.  The sentencing took place on August 24, 2026.

Garrett Yellow Hair, 44, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Yellow Hair was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2026.  He pleaded guilty on April 20, 2026.

Yellow Hair was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child in August 2007, in federal court in South Dakota.  The victim was a 4-year-old girl.  Yellow Hair was sentenced to just over 10 years in federal prison.  Based upon the conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life under the provisions of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).  In November 2023, Yellow Hair was convicted of the federal charge of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.  On September 8, 2025, he was released from the Pennington County Jail after completing his sentence on a supervised release violation.  Yellow Hair updated his address, but then did not actually reside at that address between September and October 2025. Yellow Hair knew he was in violation of the provisions of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.  The sentencing took place on August 17, 2026. 

Wakiyan Dreamer, 28, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture was also ordered.

Dreamer was indicted for Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in June 2025 and indicted by superseding indictment for Possession of Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person in July 2025.  He pleaded guilty on January 23, 2026.

On May 13, 2025, in Rapid City, the Rapid City Police Department responded to a shots-fired report at a gas station.  Law enforcement recovered a Norma brand 9mm Luger shell casing nearby in the middle of the street.  Law enforcement reviewed video surveillance footage from outside the gas station.  It showed Dreamer shooting a pistol in the middle of a street toward a group of people, where the 9mm shell casing was found by law enforcement shortly after the shooting.  

Dreamer had been convicted of a crime punishable beyond a year in prison and therefore he is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.  Dreamer procured this pistol by arranging for his significant other, Madeline Bloemendaal, to buy the firearm for him from a Federal Firearms Licensee (“FFL”).  She gave a false statement to the FFL representing she was buying the firearm for herself, when in reality she was buying it for Dreamer.  Bloemendaal has since been convicted and sentenced. 

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe.  Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges.  As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe.  PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies.  These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

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

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Luverne, Minnesota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  The sentencing took place on August 24, 2026.

Shaun Mitchell, 38, was sentenced to 13 years and four months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Mitchell was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in January 2024. 

Investigators discovered that Mitchell worked with a co-conspirator to obtain large quantities of fentanyl pills from Denver and then sell them around the Sioux Falls area.  The two men shared a phone and customers.  Investigators utilized an informant to make two controlled purchases of fentanyl pills from Mitchell’s co-conspirator and also to conduct a controlled purchase of 48 fentanyl pills from Mitchell.  Eventually, investigators learned Mitchell had a storage unit in Sioux Falls, obtained a warrant for the unit, and ultimately discovered approximately 11,777 fentanyl pills inside the storage unit.  In total, investigators believe Mitchell and his co-conspirator were responsible for trafficking approximately 40,000 fentanyl pills.

“This was a whole lot of fentanyl taken off the streets by these agents and officers, which means that lives were saved,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “I’m grateful for our federal prosecutors and their teams, who have been working so hard to put drug dealers like this out of business and behind bars.  Stayed tuned—there’s a lot more to come.”

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

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).  Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.  The sentencing took place on August 24, 2026. 

Anthony James Howard, 34, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Howard was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2026.  He pleaded guilty on June 29, 2026.

According to court records, in early December 2025, Howard was wielding a semi-automatic pistol after consuming methamphetamine.  He was prohibited from possessing the firearm due to previous felony convictions.  Howard fired the firearm and shot himself in the foot.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).  Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography.  The sentencing took place on August 24, 2026. 

Hayden Sengua, 26, was sentenced to 10 years and one month in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $15,685 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  The Court also ordered the forfeiture of the defendant’s external hard drive and two cellular phones. 

Sengua was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in June 2025.  He pleaded guilty on January 21, 2026.

Beginning in 2018 and continuing into January 2025, Sengua knowingly downloaded image and video files containing sexually explicit visual depictions of young children.  Sengua saved the files on his cell phone, in his Google account, and on an external hard drive.  Altogether, Sengua was in possession of approximately 15,000 total media files depicting child sexual abuse.  Some of the imagery Sengua collected depicts the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers, as well as the bondage and torture of minors.  Sengua also used a virtual machine to attempt to hide his collection of child pornography. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.  Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case. 

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.  The sentencing took place on August 24, 2026. 

Joseph Running, age 31, was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Running was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2025.  He pleaded guilty on May 6, 2026.

Running was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in United States District Court, District of South Dakota in June 2020.  As a result of his conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and update his registration within three business days of relocation, a change in employment, or a change in student status.  In March 2025, Running updated his sex offender registration to reflect that he was residing at a residence in Rosebud, SD.  He left that residence in September 2025 and did not update his registration. An arrest warrant was issued, and on November 18, 2025, Running was arrested in Rosebud, SD.

This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Unit prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. 

This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Zachrison prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY – U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Mexican man convicted of Illegal Reentry after Deportation.  The sentencing took place on August 17, 2026. 

Angel Takashi Cano-Meza, 36, was sentenced to time served.  He will be deported to Mexico.

Cano-Meza was indicted for Illegal Reentry after Deportation by a federal grand jury in July 2026.  He pleaded guilty on August 17, 2026.

Cano-Meza is an illegal alien who was deported from the United States to Mexico in 2022.  Cano-Meza was again deported from the United States in 2024.  On June 20, 2026, Cano-Meza was in custody for an arrest in Pennington County for possession of a fictitious driver’s license, impersonation to deceive law enforcement, and open container in a motor vehicle.  Local authorities notified Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who discovered Cano-Meza’s true identity and history of deportations.  It is a federal felony for an alien to be in the United States after having been deported from the United States without obtaining the consent of the Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Attorney General of the United States to apply for lawful admission into the United States. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case. 

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted Clayton High Wolf, Jr., age 41, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on August 20, 2026.

The charge for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life imprisonment, a $10 million dollar fine, at least five years up to life supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  

High Wolf, Jr. was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2025.  The investigation determined that beginning in October 2024, High Wolf, Jr. worked with numerous individuals to sell methamphetamine on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to end-users.  During the investigation, law enforcement agents arrested High Wolf, Jr. following a high-speed pursuit through residential streets in Pine Ridge, South Dakota.  When he was caught, officers discovered High Wolf, Jr. in possession of 90 grams of methamphetamine destined for further distribution.

“The conviction of this methamphetamine dealer distributing that poison on the Pine Ridge Reservation will improve public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Our federal prosecutors and their teams do incredible work and are dedicated to the mission of trying to ensure that every community in South Dakota is as safe as it can possibly be.”

This case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Task Force.  The Task Force is comprised of agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward C. Tarbay prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation will be ordered, and a sentencing date will be set.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Waubay, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.  The sentencing took place on August 17, 2026.

Dawson Roger Locke, age 19, was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Locke was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2025.  He pleaded guilty on June 1, 2026.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on June 28, 2025 when Locke shot another young adult with a handgun.  Locke and others were drinking in Enemy Swim, SD when Locke got into an argument with one of the other individuals present.  As the argument escalated, Locke drew a handgun from his waistband and fired three shots in the direction of the victim.  One of the shots hit the victim in the leg.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Tribal Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.

This matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court. 

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.  The sentencing took place on August 17, 2026. 

Kyle Lee Tobacco, 32, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Tobacco was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2025.  He pleaded guilty on May 15, 2026.

Tobacco was arrested on March 4, 2025, when law enforcement officers conducting a search warrant found him in possession of a pistol in his hotel room.  He was prohibited from possessing the firearm because he had previous felony convictions for escape and possession of a firearm by a felon.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).  Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Sioux Falls Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.

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

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced an Agency Village, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding.  The sentencing took place on August 17, 2026.

Donald Philip Red Owl, age 45, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison, 1 year of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.

Red Owl was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2025.  He pleaded guilty on June 1, 2026.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on October 28, 2024, when Red Owl struck his 15-year-old daughter in the face when she refused to give her cell phone to him.  

This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert-Webb.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court. 

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Distribution of Child Pornography, Receipt of Child Pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography.  The sentencing took place on August 14, 2026. 

Jesse Luiz Jaso, 22, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for each count, followed by five years of supervised release.  Each sentence was ordered to run concurrently.  Further, Jaso was ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, a $1,000 fine and will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Jaso was indicted for Distribution of Child Pornography, Receipt of Child Pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography by a federal grand jury in February 2024.  He was found guilty of all counts on May 21, 2026, following a 2-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City.

In February 2023, a Rapid City Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Detective received a Cybertip from Snapchat that Jesse Jaso was distributing child pornography.  Through the investigation and subsequent search and seizure of Jaso’s phone, law enforcement learned he had been communicating with individuals online, purchasing child pornography, and soliciting others to exchange child pornography. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Rapid City Police Department, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case. 

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a man from Parker, South Dakota, convicted of Escape.  The sentencing took place on August 17, 2026. 

Michael Sherard, 39, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Sherard was indicted for Escape by a federal grand jury in May 2026.  He pleaded guilty on June 22, 2026.

Sherard was serving a sentence for a felony conviction for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  In January of 2026 he was transferred to a halfway house in Sioux Falls to serve the remainder of his sentence.  In April, he left the facility to go to work and did not return.  He was later arrested in Sioux Falls and charged with a new offense of possession of a controlled substance. 

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Dallas, Texas, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Money Laundering.  The sentencing took place on August 14, 2026.

Gerardo Escobar Balderas, 38, was sentenced to concurrent federal prison sentences of 10 years and one month on the conspiracy and money laundering charges, followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Escobar Balderas was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Money Laundering by a federal grand jury in April 2025.  He pleaded guilty on June 1, 2026.

Escobar Balderas was involved in a cocaine conspiracy that spanned from Texas to Rapid City.  He was based in Texas and sent cocaine through the mail to an individual in Rapid City.  The cocaine was then distributed by multiple people in Rapid City and money was sent to Escobar through electronic cash transfers.  Investigators believe Escobar distributed approximately 12 kilograms of cocaine to individuals in Rapid City while he was involved in the conspiracy. 

Escobar Balderas was the last of eight defendants sentenced in the conspiracy. Omar Ornelas received 15 years; Larissa Ross received 20 months; Tyler Eagle Elk received 30 months; Jeffrey Cooley received 30 months; Kiana Pilcher received 35 months; A’Aliyah Leclaire received 12 months and one day; and Sesalie Red Owl received 24 months.

This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.  UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

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

PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons, announced today that U.S. District Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Cherry Creek, South Dakota man convicted of Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.  The sentencing took place on August 17, 2026. 

Tiger Condon, age 31, was sentenced to four years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Forfeiture of his firearm and ammunition was also ordered. 

Condon was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2025.  He pleaded guilty on April 16, 2026.

The convictions stem from incidents that occurred in November 2024 in Dewey County, South Dakota, in the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation. On November 1, 2024, Condon, who had been in a long-term relationship with the victim, arrived at her residence in Eagle Butte.  Condon kicked in the door of the residence and began to assault the victim by hitting her in the face multiple times, causing one of her eyes to swell shut.  Condon was arrested tribally but after bonding out of jail, he arrived back at the residence with a pistol.  Condon had been previously convicted of a felony drug charge in the State of South Dakota and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm. 

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

This matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a

federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be

prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.

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

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons has announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota filed a civil complaint against two defendants for an alleged scheme to defraud Medicare. The complaint filed in federal court is part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.

“We’ve been directed by the Attorney General to do everything possible to eliminate fraud against the government and seek to recover funds stolen from taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.  “That is what we are doing—and I am incredibly proud of our Assistant United States Attorneys and our entire team of legal specialists who are working so hard to accomplish that mission.”

As alleged in the complaint, Michael Bingham, age 72, of Laurel Springs, North Carolina, and NeuroSolutions 100, LLC, of Dallas, Texas, violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims, false records, and false statements to obtain funds from Medicare. The government seeks a total recovery of $4,591,003 from the defendants. Within the complaint, the government alleges that NeuroSolutions 100, LLC, which is owned by Michael Bingham, improperly billed Medicare for the surgical implantation of electro-neurostimulators, when in fact the devices were temporary non-surgical electro-acupuncture devices applied behind the patients ear using an adhesive and/or with needles inserted into the patient’s ear similar to acupuncture. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) investigated this matter. The case is being litigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Weyer.

This year’s National Health Care Fraud Takedown represents the greatest whole-of-government effort to combat health care fraud in our Nation’s history,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Under the decisive leadership of President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, and our law enforcement partners, this administration has ushered in a new era of enforcement that will safeguard taxpayer dollars.”

The complaint announced by U.S. Attorney Parsons is part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. The Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: charges in 56 federal districts and involving 45 U.S. states and territories, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a $1.2 billion telemedicine scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; seize over $182 million in cash, houses, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and provide full spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.

This coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including: 

• Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
• 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
• Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
• 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.

The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Section’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Arizona, Central District of California, Eastern District of California, Northern District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nevada, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of Nex Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Western District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, Eastern District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices in Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Inidiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Descriptions of each case involved in the National Health Care Fraud Takedown are available on the Department’s website: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/national-health-care-fraud-takedown-results-455-defendants-charged-connection-over-65.

A civil complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven liable in a court of law.