RAPID CITY, SD – Christian Lorenzo Witt, 30, of Rapid City, is facing serious federal charges after being indicted for illegally possessing a firearm. The bust, announced Thursday by U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell, adds another name to the growing list of prohibited persons caught flouting gun laws in the region.
Witt, a previously convicted felon, allegedly had a Glock GmbH pistol in his possession back in March of 2023. Federal law clearly bars anyone with a felony conviction from owning or possessing firearms, a rule Witt allegedly ignored. The indictment was handed down in May, and Witt entered a plea of not guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on June 9th.
If convicted, Witt is looking at a stiff penalty: up to 15 years behind bars, a potential fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release following his prison term, and a mandatory $100 contribution to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution could also be ordered, meaning Witt could be forced to cover any financial losses suffered by victims related to his actions.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is leading the prosecution. Authorities aren’t detailing how Witt came to be under suspicion, but the investigation clearly demonstrates continued scrutiny of individuals prohibited from possessing firearms.
This case is being touted as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a federal program aiming to reduce violent crime and gun violence by bringing together law enforcement and communities. The Department of Justice launched a revamped PSN strategy in May 2021, emphasizing community trust, prevention programs, strategic enforcement, and measurable results. Critics, however, often point to PSN as a continuation of failed “tough on crime” policies.
Witt is currently being held by the U.S. Marshals Service while he awaits trial. No trial date has been set, leaving Witt facing an uncertain future. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments as they unfold. This is yet another example of the relentless push by federal agencies to crack down on illegal firearms, even as debates rage about the effectiveness of such measures.
Related Federal Cases
- Ahmed Belhage, Illegal Firearm Possession, Rapid City SD, 2023 · South Dakota
- Zachary Kirschenmann, Illegal Firearm Possession, Rapid City SD, 2023 · South Dakota
- Juan Crawford, Illegal Firearm Possession, Rapid City SD, 2023 · South Dakota
- Duane Starkey, Illegal Firearm Possession, Rapid City SD, 2023 · South Dakota
- Raymond Contreras, Illegal Firearm Possession, Rapid City SD, 2023 · South Dakota
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