Rapid City Man Convicted for Illegal Possession of a Firearm

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that Patrick Harding, 58, of Rapid City, South Dakota, was found guilty of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession of a Stolen Firearm at the conclusion of a three-day federal jury trial in Rapid City.  The verdict was returned on January 28, 2016.

The maximum penalty is 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

The conviction stems from Harding, a previously convicted felon, knowingly possessing a stolen Glock, model 23C, .40 caliber pistol in Rapid City.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be set.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.