Arnold Dean Buck Elk Thunder, Jr., Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, South Dakota 2022

Howes, South Dakota, man sentenced for failing to register as a sex offender. Arnold Dean Buck Elk Thunder, Jr., 55, received a 16-month prison sentence and five years of supervised release for violating his registration as a sex offender.

A federal grand jury indicted Buck Elk Thunder on February 8, 2022. He entered a guilty plea on March 14, 2022. This marked the culmination of a lengthy investigation into Buck Elk Thunder's registration status.

Buck Elk Thunder was convicted of Sexual Contact with a Child under the age of 16 in May 2001. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment.

Between May 17, 2021, and January 11, 2022, Buck Elk Thunder failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration. This led to federal charges against him.

U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced the sentencing on July 5, 2022. Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange presided over the sentencing hearing.

Buck Elk Thunder was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service immediately following the sentencing. The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem handling the prosecution.

Buck Elk Thunder's failure to register as a sex offender has resulted in severe consequences. His 16-month prison sentence and five years of supervised release serve as a reminder of the importance of adhering to sex offender registration requirements.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/howes-man-sentenced-failure-register-sex-offender