Two Eagle Butte Men Charged with Firearm Violations

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that two Eagle Butte, South Dakota, men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Unlawful Possession of Firearms and Ammunition.

Colten Walker Dolphus, age 30, and Elliot Tiger, age 27, were indicted on June 14, 2017. Dolphus appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 15, 2017, and Tiger appeared on June 22, 2017. Both men pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction for each individual is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, forfeiture of the firearms and ammunition, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on December 9, 2016, Dolphus and Tiger unlawfully received and possessed firearms, which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, because Dolphus had previously been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and, both Dolphus and Tiger were users of, and addicted to, a controlled substance.

The charges are merely accusations and Dolphus and Tiger are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Narcotics Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan is prosecuting the case.

Dolphus and Tiger were released on bond pending trial. Trial is scheduled for August 22, 2017.