White Feather Flies Back to Cage: 15 Months for Escape

RAPID CITY, SD – Preston White Feather, 26, is trading the open road for a federal cell after being sentenced to fifteen months in prison for escaping custody. U.S. Circuit Judge Jonathan A. Kobes handed down the sentence on January 31, 2023, in district court, adding to a rap sheet already stained with burglary.

White Feather was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2022 and pleaded guilty on October 7, 2022. The escape wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. White Feather was already serving a 14-month sentence, with three years of supervised release tacked on, for Third Degree Burglary. But things got messier. His supervised release was revoked in June of 2021, landing him another 14 months behind bars, *plus* an additional 22 months – all to run concurrently. A double-dip into the system, and he still wasn’t content.

The Bureau of Prisons attempted a re-entry strategy, placing White Feather at the Community Education Center in Rapid City to finish his sentence. Apparently, “re-entry” meant “exit.” He simply walked away. For three months, he was a ghost, evading authorities before being tracked down and apprehended in Rosebud. The U.S. Marshals didn’t appreciate the extra work.

This wasn’t a simple jailbreak; it was a breach of trust and a slap in the face to the system. Judge Kobes didn’t just send White Feather back to prison, he hit him with a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund – a small contribution to those impacted by crime, but a reminder that actions have consequences.

The U.S. Marshals Service spearheaded the investigation, relentlessly pursuing White Feather after his escape. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich successfully prosecuted the case, ensuring White Feather faced justice for his actions. It’s a solid win for the Marshals, who are often overlooked despite their critical role in keeping the streets (and prisons) secure.

Following the sentencing, White Feather was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, likely headed for a more secure facility. Fifteen months isn’t a long time, but it’s a message: walk away, and you’ll pay the price. This case serves as a reminder that even attempts at rehabilitation can be derailed, and the consequences can be severe. The Grimy Times will continue to track this case and others like it, exposing the underbelly of federal crime in South Dakota and beyond.