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Aberdeen Gunrunner Vostad Gets 10 Years
Aberdeen, SD – Brent Wayne Vostad, 37, is headed to federal prison for a decade after being sentenced for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentence, handed down November 29, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann, reflects the severity of Vostad’s actions and his disregard for the law. Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced the sentencing, a win for the Aberdeen Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
The bust originated from a routine traffic stop on February 27, 2021, which quickly spiraled into something far more serious. Officers with the Aberdeen Police Department discovered Vostad, already a convicted felon – meaning he was legally barred from owning a firearm – in possession of a loaded handgun. But the contraband didn’t stop there. A search of Vostad’s person and vehicle also revealed methamphetamine, small plastic baggies commonly used for drug distribution, and a scale, indicating intent to traffic.
Vostad was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury on April 13, 2021, and ultimately pleaded guilty on August 18, 2021. The evidence was damning: a repeat offender knowingly armed with a handgun and a stash of illegal drugs. Judge Kornmann didn’t mince words, imposing a 120-month (10 year) federal prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised release. Vostad will also be required to pay a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund – a small restitution for the damage he’s caused to the community.
This case isn’t an isolated incident, officials stress. It’s a key component of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice initiative aimed at reducing violent crime. PSN isn’t about simply locking people up; it’s a data-driven strategy that focuses on the most dangerous offenders while simultaneously investing in local prevention and reentry programs. The goal is to break the cycle of violence, and cases like Vostad’s demonstrate the program’s commitment to holding criminals accountable.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook skillfully prosecuted the case, building a solid argument that secured the lengthy sentence. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Aberdeen Police Department and the ATF, showcasing the importance of interagency cooperation in tackling complex criminal activity. Vostad was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence, effectively removing a dangerous individual from the streets of Aberdeen.
Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in South Dakota. The message is clear: those who choose to arm themselves illegally and peddle drugs will face the full force of the law.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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