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Press Release

Eagle Butte Man Charged with Possession of a Firearm

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Dakota

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

Nelson Red Bird, age 26, was indicted on January 21, 2016. He appeared before United States Magistrate Mark A. Moreno on January 28, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody 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 or about August 25, 2015, at Eagle Butte, Red Bird knowingly possessed a firearm and was a prohibited person, including having a prior felony.

The charges are merely an accusation and Red Bird is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.   

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

Updated January 29, 2016