Rapid City Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on April 11, 2025.

Dakota Jolley, age 28, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Jolley was indicted on the possession charge in February 2024, and he pleaded guilty on January 8, 2025.

In November 2023, the defendant got into an argument with his spouse, who was holding the couple’s small child. During the argument, the defendant initially threatened to hit his spouse and small child with a belt. The defendant then obtained a loaded Springfield Armory, model 1911, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, threatened to kill his spouse, and held the loaded firearm to her head on several occasions while she worked to protect their child. Jolley is prohibited from possessing firearms due to several prior felony conviction.   

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

Jolley was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.