McLaughlin Man Charged with Possession of Firearms by a Prohibited Person

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of firearms by a prohibited person.

Jesse Boyd Brown Otter, age 37, was indicted on August 7, 2018.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William Gerdes on August 28, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalties upon conviction are as follows:  ten (10) years in prison; $250,000 fine; three (3) years supervised release, two (2) additional years if revoked; $100 special assessment for victim/witness fund; forfeiture of the firearms; restitution may be ordered.

According to the Indictment, on or about the 28th day of December, 2017, in the District of South Dakota, Jesse Boyd Brown Otter, having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, did knowingly possess a firearm and ammunition.  The indictment alleges that Brown Otter possessed  a Bond Arms, Model “Cowboy Texas Defender” 45 Long Colt caliber/410 gauge derringer-style handgun, bearing serial number 33176, and a Bond Arms, Model “Snake Slayer” 45 Long Colt caliber/410 gauge derringer-style handgun, bearing serial number 61571, and 4 rounds of Starline 45 Long Colt ammunition.

The charge is merely an accusation and Brown Otter is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.   

Brown Otter was released by the court.  A trial date of October 16, 2018, has been set.