PHOENIX – On January 27, 2020, Bruce Robertson, 40, of Fort Defiance, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 4 years’ imprisonment.  Robertson had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of Domestic Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury.

     On multiple occasions in 2015 and 2016, Robertson engaged in acts of domestic violence against his then-girlfriend, repeatedly punching her in the face, shoving her, and threatening to smother her.  In one assault, when Robertson attempted to hit his infant child with a large metal belt, his girlfriend shielded the baby with her own body.  As a result, Robertson beat her with the belt.  The matter was eventually referred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and agents promptly began an investigation, which led to Robertson’s prosecution.  Robertson is a member of the Navajo Nation, as was the victim, and the crimes occurred near Chinle, Ariz., on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation.

     The investigation was conducted by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney William G. Voit, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

In San Antonio this afternoon, former Castroville Animal Control Officer Ambrose Rymers admitted his role in a fraudulent insurance claim scheme involving 54-year-old former Castroville Police Chief Chris Filline and a third individual, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth S. Chestney, Rymers pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy.  By pleading guilty, Rymers admitted to assisting Filline and a third individual in a fraudulent scheme to collect insurance proceeds.  Rymers, who faces up to five years in federal prison, is scheduled for sentencing at 1:30pm on April 29, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez.

A one-count federal grand jury indictment--unsealed on Monday following Filline’s arrest—alleges that between June 2016 and December 2016, Filline schemed to defraud Farmers Insurance Group regarding his 2007 Lincoln Navigator.  According to court records, Filline conspired with Rymers and a third individual, to destroy the vehicle in order to collect insurance proceeds.  Rymers admitted to following the third individual, who was allegedly driving Filline’s SUV, to a location in Bexar County on July 15, 2016.  According to the indictment, the third individual doused the SUV with an accelerant and lit it on fire.  The indictment further alleges that on July 18, 2016, Filline went to the Lytle Police Department and reported that his SUV had been stolen.  Three days later, Filline electronically submitted an insurance claim to Farmers Insurance Group.  That filing resulted in the processing and payment of a fraudulent claim for $14,388.25 to Filline.

The indictment charges Filline and the third individual with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  Upon conviction, Filline and the third individual face up to 20 years in federal prison.  Filline is on bond pending trial scheduled for 9:30am on March 30, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez in San Antonio.  The third individual is not in custody at this time.

The FBI, together with the Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office, investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Surovic is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Seattle – A Snohomish, Washington, man who was sentenced just last week to 78 months in prison for dealing fentanyl-laced pills and cocaine is back behind bars tonight after being arrested on his way to a drug deal in Whatcom County, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran.  MICHAEL JOHN SCOTT, who tells his drug contacts to call him the ‘Italian Stallion,’ was released on bond following his January 24, 2020, sentencing hearing.  While waiting to get his prison assignment, SCOTT continued to set up drug deals for fentanyl-laced pills.  SCOTT is now charged with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

“Not even a federal prison sentence could deter this defendant from the lure of cash generated by his drug dealing,” said U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran.  “He has repeatedly lived a lavish lifestyle funded by drug money despite a state drug trafficking conviction in 2013, and a federal conviction in 2019.  With this third arrest for trafficking dangerous fentanyl-laced pills, his lifestyle will be limited to a federal prison cell for quite some time.”

According to records filed in the case, SCOTT pleaded guilty in June 2019 for his role in U.S. v Hernandez et al, a 32-defendant drug trafficking case that was unsealed in December 2018.  SCOTT was a high-volume redistributor of fentanyl-laced imitation oxycodone pills and cocaine.  SCOTT delivered hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash to his cartel suppliers for the drugs–sometimes as much as $150,000 at a time.  When SCOTT’s home was searched in December 2018, law enforcement recovered illegal drugs, more than $40,000 in cash, and other tools of the drug trade.

Even as SCOTT was awaiting sentencing, he began communicating with a confidential source, offering fentanyl pills for sale.  While under law enforcement supervision, the source agreed to meet and purchase the pills.  Law enforcement executed a traffic stop on SCOTT’s car as he traveled up I-5 to complete the drug deal.  Investigators found 9 baggies of what appear to be fake oxycodone pills, with approximately 100 pills in each bag, heroin, and cash.  When they served a search warrant on SCOTT’s home, they found more drugs, more cash, and a loaded firearm in his bedside table.  According to law enforcement, the firearm was reported as stolen in King County in early November 2019.

As presently charged in the criminal complaint, distribution of controlled substances is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, and being a felon in possession of a firearm is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Karyn Johnson and Marci Ellsworth.

     PHOENIX – On January 31, 2020, a Phoenix-area resident, who is alleged to have been the leader of a group of Al-Qaeda terrorists in Al-Fallujah, Iraq, appeared today before a federal magistrate judge in Phoenix, Arizona in connection with proceedings to extradite him to the Republic of Iraq.  He is wanted to stand trial in Iraq for two charges of premeditated murder committed in 2006 in Al-Fallujah.

     The arrest was announced by Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey for the District of Arizona.

     An Iraqi judge issued a warrant for the arrest of Ali Yousif Ahmed Al-Nouri, 42, on murder charges.  The Government of Iraq subsequently requested Ahmed’s extradition from the United States.  In accordance with its treaty obligations to Iraq, the United States filed a complaint in Phoenix seeking a warrant for Ahmed’s arrest based on the extradition request. U.S. Magistrate Judge John Z. Boyle issued the warrant on January 29, 2020, and Ahmed was arrested the following day.

     According to the information provided by the Government of Iraq in support of its extradition request, Ahmed served as the leader of a group of Al-Qaeda terrorists in Al-Fallujah, Iraq, which planned operations targeting Iraqi police.  Ahmed and other members of the Al-Qaeda group allegedly shot and killed a first lieutenant in the Fallujah Police Directorate and a police officer in the Fallujah Police Directorate, on or about June 1, 2006, and October 3, 2006, respectively.

     The details contained in the complaint are allegations and have not yet been proven in court.  If Ahmed’s extradition is certified by the court, the decision of whether to surrender him to Iraq will be made by the U.S. Secretary of State.

     Ahmed’s arrest was executed by the FBI Phoenix Field Office, HSI Phoenix Field Office and the U.S. Marshals Service. The extradition case will be handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona and the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs.

     If you have questions, please call the Office of Public Affairs at 202-514-2007.

ALBANY, NEW YORK –John Curley, age 48, of Chester, Vermont, was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for attempting to meet a 12-year-old girl for sex.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and James N. Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Curley admitted that he used an internet-based social networking service to solicit sex from someone he thought was a 12-year-old girl, but who was actually a police investigator acting in an undercover capacity.  Curley was arrested in a parking lot in Fort Ann, New York, where Curley believed he was going to meet the 12-year-old girl for sex. 

United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a 20-year term of supervised release, which will start after Curley is released from prison.  As a result of his conviction, Curley will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of the New York State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.

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

Christopher Bittner, age 25, was charged on January 22, 2020.  Bittner appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on January 27, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charges. 

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

The charges relate to Bittner making an unregistered shortened 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, as well as possessing other firearms and marijuana in November 2019 at Rapid City.  The charges are merely an accusation and Bittner is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduceviolent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Involuntary Manslaughter and Influencing a Federal Officer by Threat.

Steven Burning Breast, age 24, was indicted on November 13, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 31, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on April 22, 2019, in Todd County, South Dakota, Burning Breast killed two individuals by operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner.  The Indictment further alleges that on October 16, 2019, Burning Breast threatened to murder a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.   

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bennett County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, couple have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, and Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises Near a Playground.

Brady James Claymore, age 32, was indicted on January 14, 2020, for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, at least 3 years up to a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Michelle Rose Helper, age 35, was indicted on January 14, 2020, for Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises Near a Playground. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Claymore and Helper appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on January 30, 2020, and pled not guilty to the indictments.

Claymore’s Indictment alleges that beginning on the 1st day of January, 2010, and continuing to September 24, 2019, in South Dakota, Claymore, knowingly and intentionally, combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana.  It further alleges that he possessed several firearms, including an unregistered short-barreled shotgun, while knowingly being an unlawful user of and addicted to marijuana in McLaughlin, South Dakota. 

Helper’s Indictment alleges that between 2011 and 2019, she intentionally and knowingly used and maintained a place in McLaughlin, South Dakota, for the purposes of distributing and using marijuana within 1,000 feet of a playground.

The charges are merely accusations and Claymore and Helper are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

The investigation is being conducted by the Mobridge Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

Claymore and Helper were released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man convicted of Retaliation against a Federal Officer by Threat was sentenced on January 28, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Jarraid Crazy Bull, a/k/a Jerraid Crazy Bull, age 34, was sentenced to approximately 9 months of imprisonment, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Crazy Bull was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 17, 2018.  He pled guilty on November 6, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on July 31, 2017, when Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement officers responded to a call of Crazy Bull threatening an individual.  When law enforcement arrived to the scene in Lower Brule, Crazy Bull fled from the officers.  Law enforcement then pursued Crazy Bull and located him hiding in a yard where he was placed under arrest.  Upon his arrest, Crazy Bull threatened to shoot the officers involved and further threatened one of the officers again while enroute to the correctional facility. 

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

Crazy Bull was released on conditions following his sentencing hearing.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on January 28, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Logan James Fast Horse, age 22, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, $335.42 in restitution, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Fast Horse was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 14, 2019.  He pled guilty on November 6, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on April 5, 2019, when Fast Horse did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and that such conduct involved the use of a dangerous weapon.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on January 29, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier.

Fredrick Green, a/k/a Frederick Green, age 47, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Fredrick Green was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on March 5, 2019.  He pled guilty on November 7, 2019.

From an unknown date, until on or about January 15, 2019, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Fredrick Green did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate, and agree together, with others known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute a mixture and substance containing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

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

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Ridgeview, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Shilo Phillip Hill, age 24, was indicted on July 16, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 31, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on April 18, 2019, Hill, having been knowingly convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and knowingly being an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly possessed a handgun near Eagle Butte, South Dakota.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft of Government Property, Supplemental Security Income Benefits Fraud, and two counts of False Statement.

Holli Lundahl, a/k/a Holli Telford, age 63, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for the Theft of Government Property charge.  The maximum penalty upon conviction for the other charges is 5 years in prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Lundahl knowingly converting to her own use money of the U.S. Social Security Administration, namely Title XVI Social Security Supplemental Income payments in excess of $1,000, between 2014 and 2019.  Lundahl also falsely reported her resources and assets, and concealed and failed to disclose her resources and assets in order to continue to receive and spend SSI benefit payments made by the Social Security Administration.  On March 28, 2019, Lundahl failed to disclose to a Social Security Administration Claims Specialist that she had joint access to a checking account that contained in excess of $25,000, and that she had an ownership interest in property located in Texas, which she knew would affect her right to ongoing SSI payments. In December 2018, Lundahl filed a Notice of Appeal with a document that contained a forged date stamp with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Office of the Inspector General – Social Security Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.

Lundahl was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has been set for April 7, 2020.

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Flasher, North Dakota, man has been charged by information for Unlawful Taking of Bald Eagle, Unlawful Taking of Migratory Birds, and Unlawful Use of Restricted Use Pesticide.

David Alan Meyer, age 58, was charged on January 16, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on January 30, 2020, and pled guilty to the Information.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 1 year in federal prison, a $100,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may be ordered.

In March and April 2016, a joint U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Environmental Protection Agency investigation revealed that David Meyer, owner of Meyer Buffalo Ranch on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation, had supervised the misapplication of 39,000 pounds of Rozol prairie dog bait, a restricted use pesticide, on over 5,400 acres of his property. 

Over a dozen workers were interviewed and confirmed they were supposed to put the poison in the holes, but due to the high demand on the amount of poison that needed to be dispensed and the large land tract, workers got sloppy and the poison was not dispensed as required by the label. Because of the misapplication, the EPA emergency response team was dispatched to oversee the cleanup of the ranch land by Meyer.  During the course of the investigation six bald eagles were recovered and confirmed to have died as a result of the poison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.    Meyer was released on bond pending sentencing, scheduled for April 2, 2020.

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

Moses Montileaux Jr. was charged on September 10, 2019.  Montileaux appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on January 27, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to Montileaux, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, being in possession of a 9x19mm Luger caliber semi-automatic pistol.  The charge is merely an accusation and Montileaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.

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

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

Cory Myers, age 45, was sentenced on January 30, 2020, to 7 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stems from Myers, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully possessing a stolen Taurus, model PT92 AF, 9mm semi-automatic pistol, and 18 other stolen firearms in January 2019 at Rapid City, which were found after Myers came into contact with Rapid City police officers.   

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

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

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

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

Aaron Brian James Neck, age 43, was indicted on October 16, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 31, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 8 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on August 21, 2019, Neck did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and that such conduct involved physical contact.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.   

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Kyle, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number.

Jesse Runnels, age 37, was charged on December 17, 2019.  Runnels appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on January 27, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Runnels, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, being in possession of a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic pistol, which had an obliterated serial number.  The charges are merely an accusation and Runnels is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.

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

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

John Schrum, age 47, was sentenced on January 27, 2020, 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.

Schrum was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2018.  The charge related to Schrum and another person obtaining and transporting at least 500 grams of methamphetamine from Colorado, for distribution in western South Dakota between 2017 and 2018.  During a traffic stop on July 6, 2018, Schrum possessed a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, which he is prohibited from possessing, and agreed to forfeit all interests in the firearm.  The co-conspirator’s case is still pending.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

This case was investigated by federal, state and local agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (“UNET”), which is a local drug task force comprised of various agencies, including the South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman.

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Francis Stanford Stricker, age 48, of Wagner, South Dakota, was found guilty of Simple Assault following a two-day jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on January 30, 2020.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 6 months in prison and/or a $5,000 fine, and $10 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

Stricker was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 12, 2019.  The charge stems from an incident that occurred on August 7, 2018, in Mission, South Dakota.  On that date, Stricker grabbed his girlfriend, knocked her down, and assaulted her with his hands while she attempted to fight him off and escape.    

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.  

A sentencing date has been set for April 20, 2020.  Stricker was released pending sentencing.