United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that Michael Shane Thompson, age 45, of Lake Andes, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier on December 15, 2016, and pled guilty to an Indictment that charged him with being a Felon in Possession of Firearms.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
On February 11, 2016, Yankton Sioux Tribe law enforcement officers responded to a call at Thompson’s residence. During a search of the residence, officers found firearms. Thompson knew of and had access to the firearms. Thompson was previously convicted of a felony and, as such, he was precluded from possessing firearms.
The investigation was conducted by Yankton Sioux Tribal Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for March 6, 2017. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.