Wessington Springs Man Pleads Guilty To Firearm Charge

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Jonathan Tyrrell, age 53, of Wessington Springs, South Dakota appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on February 12, 2013 and pled guilty to Count I of the Indictment that charged him with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

In addition to the $100 assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund, the maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both; 3 years of supervised release and an additional 2 years of supervised release upon revocation. Restitution may also be imposed.

The charge stems from an incident wherein Tyrrell, on or about the 15th day of December 2011, was stopped by the Jerauld County Sheriff. Methamphetamine, marihuana, and four firearms were found in his vehicle. Tyrrell tested positive for use of controlled substances.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich. Tyrrell was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing, which has been set for May 2, 2013.