United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on December 10, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Sean Stinson, age 23, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, forfeiture of two firearms, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Stinson was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 9, 2016. He pled guilty on September 20, 2018.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on August 28, 2016, following a traffic stop, where after making contact with Stinson, the officer smelled a strong odor of burnt marijuana. Following a search of the vehicle, two plastic baggies containing marijuana were found. Stinson revealed there was a firearm in the vehicle. Stinson is an unlawful user of, and addicted to a controlled substance, making it illegal for him to possess firearms.
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 the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Stinson was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.