Rapid City Man Convicted of Possession of Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that Clayton M. High Wolf, age 53, of Rapid City, South Dakota, was found guilty of Possession of Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person as a result of a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota. The jury returned the guilty verdict on January 7, 2016. 

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

The conviction stems from High Wolf being in possession of a Smith & Wesson .22 caliber pistol and Remington .22 caliber ammunition when he was stopped by police officers on July 17, 2014, at Rapid City.  He had previous felony convictions with prison time exceeding a year, which prohibits him from possessing a firearm.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman 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.