PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVES


Signing Ceremony to Take Place at Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Headquarters

Landmark Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) to be signed


On July 10, 2012, federal and tribal officials will join together at the Standing Rock Tribal Council Chambers in Fort Yates, N.D. to sign a historic agreement between the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (SRST) and the U.S. Department of Justice. The agreement authorizes the hiring of a Special Assistant United States Attorney to prosecute violence against women cases in federal and tribal courts.  The funding for this new position will be provided by the Justice Department’s Office on Violence against Women. The new prosecutor will handle violence against women cases that occur on the Standing Rock Reservation and will have authority to pursue those cases in federal court in both South Dakota and North Dakota, as well as in the Standing Rock Tribal Court. The MOU will be signed by the Honorable Charles W. Murphy, SRST Chairman; Brendan V. Johnson, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota; and Timothy Q. Purdon, U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota.  Both U.S. Attorneys have made the prosecution of cases involving violence against women a top priority. Also in attendance will be members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/SF-2012-07-06-Media%20Advisory%20Standing%20Rock.html


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DRUG ENFORCEMENT


Operation Prairie Pharm:  Twelve Individuals Indicted for Drug Trafficking in Bennett County (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the district of South Dakota, Brendan V. Johnson, announced on June 25, 2012 that 12 individuals have been charged in separate indictments by a federal grand jury for drug distribution offenses.  The charges are a result of Operation Prairie Pharm, a controlled substances investigation conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, whose member agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the Pierre Police Department, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe – Department of Public Safety (OST-DPS). 


Claudia Jeanine Apple was charged with one count of distributing methylphenidate within 1,000 feet of the Oglala Lakota College and one count of distributing hydrocodone with acetaminophen within 1,000 feet of the Bennett County High School. If convicted, of distributing methylphenidate, Apple faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a $2 million fine, or both.  If convicted, of distributing hydrocodone with acetaminophen, Apple faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, or both.


William Lawrence Apple was charged with one count of distributing morphine and one count of distributing oxycodone.  Both distributions are alleged to have occurred within 1,000 feet of the Martin Grade School.  If convicted, Apple faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a $2 million fine, or both.


Ashley Jerome Cottier was charged with one count of distributing Fentanyl within 1,000 feet of the Martin Grade School.  If convicted, Cottier faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a $2 million fine, or both.


Jimmy Joe Cottier was charged with one count of distributing marijuana. If convicted, Cottier faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.


Belinda Joyce Dubray was charged with one count of distributing hydrocodone with acetaminophen within 1,000 feet of the Bennett County High School.   If convicted, Dubray faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, or both.


Brian Leroy Dubray, Jr. was charged with one count of distributing marijuana.  If convicted, Dubray faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.


Monica Rae Dubray was charged with one count of distributing morphine within 1,000 feet of the Oglala Lakota College Head Start. If convicted, Dubray faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, or both.


Tillie Dawn Dubray was charged with one count of distributing morphine within 1,000 feet of the Oglala Lakota College Head Start.  If convicted, Dubray faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, or both.


David Alan Gotheridge was charged with one count of distributing hydrocodone with acetaminophen within 1,000 feet of the Martin Grade School.  If convicted, Gotheridge faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, or both.


Renee Lynn Mousseaux was charged with one count of distributing marijuana in January 2012.  If convicted, Mousseaux faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.


Michael James Poor Thunder was charged with two counts of distributing morphine within 1,000 feet of Oglala Lakota College.  If convicted, Poor Thunder faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison on each count, a $2 million fine, or both.


Alex Lee Salway was charged with two counts of distributing morphine within 1,000 feet of the Martin Grade School.  If convicted, Salway faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison on each count, a $2 million fine, or both.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/RC-2012-06-25-Prairie%20Pharm.html



Pine Ridge Man Pleaded Guilty to Distribution of a Controlled Substance (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Brendan V. Johnson, announced on June 25, 2012 that David Mousseau pleaded guilty to distribution of a controlled substance.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/RC-2012-06-25-Mousseau.html


PUBLIC CORRUPTION


San Carlos Woman Admits to Embezzling Tribal Funds (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)


U.S Attorney for the District of Arizona, John S. Leonardo, announced on July 5, 2012 that Holley Faye Youvella, former tribal employee, embezzled and stole more than $270,000 in tribal funds. She embezzled approximately $268,106 of the shopping center’s money. Youvella cashed approximately 237 fraudulent checks drawn from the shopping center’s checking account.  Youvella also admitted that she stole approximately $4,301 by directing multiple fraudulent electronic payments from the shopping center’s checking account to personal credit and utility accounts.  A conviction for embezzlement of tribal funds carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. Her sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 15, 2012.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/


FALSE STATEMENTS


Fort Totten Man Sentenced for False Declarations before the Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota, Timothy Q. Purdon, announced on July 5, 2012 that Robert Herman, Jr., previously convicted of false declarations before the court, was sentenced to 12 months in prison with six of those months to be served under electronic home monitoring, followed by three years of supervised release. Herman, Jr. was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victim's Fund.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/news/2012/07-02-12-Herman%20Jr%20Sentenced.html


Belcourt Man Sentenced for False Statements (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota, Timothy Q. Purdon, announced on June 26, 2012 that Robin Peltier Jr., previously convicted of false statements in an investigation on sexual assault, was sentenced to one year and nine months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/news/2012/06-25-12-Robin%20PeltierSentenced.html


FIREARMS


Mescalero Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Brandishing a Firearm (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)


U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, Kenneth J. Gonzales, announced on June 27, 2012 that Clifford Little Feather Poncho was sentenced to seven years in prison for brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.  Poncho will be on supervised release for three years after he completes his prison sentence.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/index.html


Belcourt Man Sentenced for Possession of Stolen Firearms (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota, Timothy Q. Purdon, announced that on

June 26, 2012 that Terry J. Gourneau, Jr. was sentenced to two years in federal prison, three years of supervised release on his conviction for possession of stolen firearms. He was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund and $3,214.99 in restitution.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/news/2012/06-25-12-Gourneau%20Sentenced.html


Jamestown Man Sentenced for Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota, Timothy Q. Purdon, announced on June 26, 2012 that David C. Werkhoven was sentenced on charges of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and revocation of supervised release.  Werkhoven was sentenced to a total of 54 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised released, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victim's Fund.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/news/2012/06-26-12-Werkhoven%20Sentenced.html


Kyle Man Sentenced on Firearm Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Brendan V. Johnson, announced on June 25, 2012 that Angel Vasquez, having been convicted on charges of possession of an unregistered firearm, was sentenced to time served, five years supervised release, and was ordered to pay $100 to the Victim Assistance Fund.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/RC-2012-06-25-Vasquez.html


Fruitland, N.M., Man Receives 30-Month Prison Sentence for Unlawful Possession of Firearm (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)


U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, Kenneth J. Gonzales, announced on June 25, 2012 that Donovan Cortez was sentenced to prison for 30 months and two year supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/index.html


FAILURE TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER


Mission Man Pleaded Guilty to Failure to Register as a Sex Offender (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Brendan V. Johnson, announced on July 5, 2012 that Keith Sun Bear pleaded guilty to failure to register as a sex offender.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both.  His sentencing date was set for Aug. 29, 2012.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-07-05-Sun%20Bear.html


Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Brendan V. Johnson, announced on July 3, 2012 that Kermit Bear Stops, having been convicted on the charge of failure to register as a sex offender, was sentenced to 21 months in custody, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-07-03-Bear%20Stops.html


VIOLENT CRIME


Mission Man Pleaded Guilty to Sexual Abuse of a Minor (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Brendan V. Johnson, announced on July 6, 2012 that Robert Romero pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years custody, a $250,000 fine, or both.  His sentencing date was set for Sept. 26, 2012.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-07-06-Romero.html


Two Ft. Thompson Men Sentenced for Second Degree Murder and Voluntary Manslaughter (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Brendan V. Johnson, announced on July 5, 2012 that Alphonso Drapeau, III, who was previously convicted of second degree murder, was sentenced to 210 months custody, five years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment.  His younger brother, Gavin Drapeau, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter, and was sentenced to 57 months custody, three years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment.  Both men were ordered to pay $119,687.98 in joint restitution.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-07-05-Drapeau.html


Rosebud Man Sentenced on Assault Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Brendan V. Johnson, announced on July 2, 2012 that Joseph Cloudman, having been convicted of assault resulting in serious bodily injury, was sentenced to 30 months in custody, two years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-07-02-Cloudman.html


Fort Totten Man Pleaded Guilty to Domestic Assault by a Habitual Offender (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota, Timothy Q. Purdon, announced on June 29, 2012 that Roman Cavanaugh pleaded guilty to a charge of domestic assault by a habitual offender.  The charge of domestic assault by a habitual offender carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. His sentencing has been scheduled for Sept. 17, 2012.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/news/2012/06-29-12-Cavanaugh%20Jr%20Pleadeds.html


Fort Yates Man Sentenced for Assault Charges (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota, Timothy Q. Purdon, announced on June 28, 2012 that Jeremy Dwarf, who was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury, was sentenced to seven years and eight months in federal prison, to be followed by three years supervised release. Dwarf was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund and to pay $267,106.59 in restitution.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/news/2012/06-28-12-Jeremy%20Dwarf%20Sentenced.html


Mesa Man Indicted for Murder of Native American on Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)


The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona announced on June 27, 2012 that Tommy Eugene Medley, Jr. was charged with second degree murder.  A conviction for second degree murder carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/


Pine Ridge Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting a Federal Officer (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Brendan V. Johnson, announced on June 27, 2012 that Bennett Leroy Sierra, Jr. pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting a federal officer.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is eight years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.  The sentencing date was set for Nov. 2, 2012.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/RC-2012-06-27-Sierra.html


Sage Ferguson Sentenced in U.S. District Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)


U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana, Michael W. Cotter, announced on June 26, 2012 that Sage Ferguson, who was previously convicted of assault resulting in serious bodily injury , was sentenced to a term of 33 months in prison, $100 special assessment, and three years supervised release.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/pressreleases/last20.html


Eugene Thomas White Quills, Jr. Sentenced in U.S. District Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)


U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana, Michael W. Cotter, announced on June 26, 2012 that Eugene Thomas White Quills, Jr., who was previously charged and convicted of aggravated sexual abuse, was sentenced to a term of 188 months in prison, $100 special assessment, and five years supervised release.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/pressreleases/last20.html


Dawson Ray Demontiney Sentenced in U.S. District Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)


U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana, Michael W. Cotter, announced on June 26, 2012 that Dawson Ray Demontiney, previously charged and convicted of involuntary manslaughter, was sentenced to a term 41 months in prison, $100 special assessment, and three years supervised release.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/pressreleases/last20.html


Church rock, N.M, Man Pleaded Guilty to Federal Child Sexual Abuse Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)


U. S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, Kenneth J. Gonzales, announced on June 26, 2012 that Johnson John pleaded guilty to an aggravated sexual abuse charge under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  Under the terms of a plea agreement, John faces five years in prison to be followed by at least five years of supervised release.  John also will be required to register as a sex offender.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/index.html


Minot Man Pleaded Guilty to Assaulting Federal Officer (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota, Timothy Q. Purdon, announced on June 26, 2012 that Vincent M. Anderson, pleaded guilty to assaulting and resisting a federal officer.  He faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and a $250,000 fine. His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 27, 2012.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/news/2012/06-26-12-Vincent%20Anderson%20Plea.html


Kewa Pueblo Men Pleaded Guilty to Being Accessories to Murder (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico) 


U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, Kenneth J. Gonzales, announced on June 26, 2012 that Derrick Chavez and Myron Garcia entered guilty pleas to being accessories after the fact to second degree murder, under plea agreements with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  Each man faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/index.html


Lower Brule Man Pleaded Guilty to Sexual Abuse Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Brendan V. Johnson, announced on June 25, 2012 that Sean Johnson pleaded guilty to Count I of an indictment that charged him with sexual abuse of a minor.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is any term of years up to 15 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both. The sentencing date was set for Sept. 10, 2012.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-06-25-Johnson.html


Eagle Butte Man Pleaded Guilty to Two Assaults on Two Victims (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Brendan V. Johnson, announced on June 25, 2012 that Jeremy Dupris pleaded guilty to two indictments that charged him with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.  The penalty upon conviction is 10 years in custody with a maximum term of custody of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, or both.  The sentencing date was set for Sept. 13, 2012.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-06-25-Dupris.html


Wakpala Man Pleaded Guilty to Sexual Assault (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Brendan V. Johnson, announced on June 25, 2012 that Lyle Baker pleaded guilty to a superseding indictment that charged him with sexual abuse.  The maximum penalty upon conviction of is up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.  The sentencing date was set for Sept. 17, 2012.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-06-25-Baker.html


Lower Brule Woman Pleaded Guilty to Assault Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Brendan V. Johnson, announced on June 25, 2012 that Adeline Skunk pleaded guilty to superseding information that charged her with assaulting a federal officer.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The sentencing date was set for Sept. 24, 2012.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-06-25-Skunk.html


Mission Man Pleaded Guilty to Second Degree Murder (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Brendan V. Johnson, announced on June 25, 2012 that Lawrence Anthony Whipple pleaded guilty to second degree murder.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.  The sentencing date was set for Sept. 10, 2012.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-06-25-Whipple.html


Kewa Pueblo Man Pleaded Guilty to Murder Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)


U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, Kenneth J. Gonzales, announced on June 25, 2012 that Adrian Chavez (a member of Kewa Pueblo) entered a guilty plea to information charging him with second degree murder, under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney's Office.  At sentencing, Adrian Chavez faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.  Under the terms of the plea agreement, the first degree murder charge will be dismissed after Adrian Chavez is sentenced.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/index.html


Rosebud Man Sentenced on Charge of Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding a Federal Officer (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)


U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Brendan V. Johnson, announced on June 25, 2012 that Joel Emery Marshall was sentenced to 14 months in custody, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund.


http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-06-25-Marshall.html


Arlyn Castro Found Guilty in U.S. Federal Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)


U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana, Michael W. Cotter, announced on June 20, 2012 that Arlyn Castro was found guilty of abusive sexual contact.  Sentencing is set for Sept. 20, 2012. Castro faces possible penalties of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and lifetime supervision.  

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/pressreleases/last20.html