Robert Dwayne Spaid Cuffed in Federal Firearm, Ammo Bust

Blunt, South Dakota, resident Robert Dwayne Spaid, age 60, is facing federal time after being indicted on two counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. The charges, handed down December 13, 2016, by a federal grand jury, stem from two separate incidents in October and November of that year, when Spaid allegedly handled weapons despite a prior felony conviction.

According to the indictment, on or about October 27, 2016, Spaid knowingly possessed a firearm—a violation of federal law for any individual previously convicted of a felony. Just under a month later, on November 23, 2016, he’s accused of possessing ammunition under the same legal prohibitions. Both acts were allegedly intentional and confirmed through investigative follow-up by local and federal law enforcement.

Spaid appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 21, 2016, where he formally entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. While he remains free on bond as the case moves forward, the stakes are high: each count carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine. Additional penalties include 3 years of supervised release, a $100 payment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and possible restitution.

The investigation that led to Spaid’s indictment was a joint operation between the Hughes County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service—agencies with a history of cracking down on illegal weapons in rural South Dakota. Their collaboration underscores the federal government’s continued push to prosecute felons who rearm, often with deadly consequences.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is leading the prosecution. Court records indicate no trial date has yet been scheduled. Spaid’s defense team has not issued a public statement, and court filings remain sealed pending further proceedings.

The charges against Robert Dwayne Spaid are merely accusations. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to monitor this case as new details emerge from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal dockets.