Rosebud Man Sentenced for Firearm Conviction

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, was sentenced on November 26, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Antonio Siers, age 22, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, forfeiture of two firearms, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Siers was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 15, 2018.  He pled guilty on September 5, 2018.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on July 12, 2017, where Siers, being an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly possessed two firearms. Law enforcement made contact with Siers and a co-defendant during the middle of a drug transaction, where the 2 firearms and 14 grams of methamphetamine were seized.

Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity.  Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers.  It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

Siers was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.