U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Gilbert Blue Bird, age 42, of Porcupine, appeared before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on March 2, 2011, and pled guilty to an indictment that charged him with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.
The incident occurred when tribal police responded to a residence regarding a disturbance and found that Blue Bird, as a convicted felon, was illegally in possession of a rifle. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Oglala Sioux Department of Public Safety. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins.
A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for
May 23, 2011. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.
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