Cherry Creek Predator: Marrowbone Jailed for Failing to Register

CHERRY CREEK, SD – Dewey Marrowbone, 48, of Cherry Creek, South Dakota, is back behind bars after being sentenced to 15 months in federal custody for willfully failing to register as a sex offender. U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange handed down the sentence on February 13, 2017, adding five years of supervised release to the term and ordering Marrowbone to pay a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller, originated with an indictment returned by a federal grand jury on October 12, 2016. Marrowbone pleaded guilty to the charge on December 12, 2016, admitting he’d flouted the law despite a prior conviction for the very same offense. This isn’t a first-time slip-up for Marrowbone; his history includes a previous federal sex offense conviction mandating lifetime registration.

The current violation stems from a brazen disregard for the law following his release from custody in Florence, Colorado, on August 10, 2016. Marrowbone was required to report to the Community Alternatives of the Black Hills the very next day. He didn’t. For twelve days, he remained an absconder, evading authorities until he was apprehended on August 25, 2016. The period between August 13th and August 25th constitutes the timeframe for which he was convicted of failing to register.

This isn’t some bureaucratic oversight. Marrowbone knew what was expected of him. He deliberately chose to ignore his legal obligations, putting the public at risk. The U.S. Marshals Service, who spearheaded the investigation, worked tirelessly to locate and apprehend Marrowbone, ensuring he faced justice for his actions. Their diligence is commendable in a case where the defendant demonstrated a clear pattern of evasion.

Following the sentencing, Marrowbone was immediately handed over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, effectively ending his brief period of freedom. The 15-month sentence, while not lengthy enough for some, sends a message that failure to comply with sex offender registration laws will not be tolerated. It’s a small measure of accountability for a man who has repeatedly demonstrated a disregard for public safety.

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler’s office remains committed to prosecuting those who violate federal law, particularly when it comes to protecting vulnerable communities. This case serves as a stark reminder that sex offender registration isn’t merely a formality—it’s a critical component of ensuring public safety, and those who fail to comply will face the full force of the law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.