Christopher Fullen, Firearm Charges, Rapid City SD, 2022

RAPID CITY, SD – A 29-year-old Rapid City man is facing serious federal charges after authorities discovered he was in possession of a highly illegal weapon. Christopher Fullen was indicted in October by a federal grand jury on charges of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm and Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number.

According to court documents, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated after Fullen was found with the weapon during an encounter with law enforcement back in April. The firearm, identified as a Sturm, Ruger, & Company Incorporated, model 10/22, .22 Long Rifle caliber, semi-automatic rifle, had been illegally modified. The barrel length was less than 16 inches, and, crucially, the serial number had been deliberately removed – a clear attempt to conceal its origin and history.

Federal prosecutors allege Fullen knowingly possessed this dangerous and illegal firearm. The obliteration of the serial number is a particularly concerning element, as it hinders law enforcement’s ability to trace the weapon and potentially link it to other crimes. This isn’t just about a modified rifle; it’s about a conscious effort to evade the law and potentially shield criminal activity.

Fullen appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 8th and entered a not guilty plea. If convicted on both counts, he faces a hefty penalty: up to 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, three years of supervised release following incarceration, and a mandatory $100 contribution to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered by the court.

The case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a broad initiative aiming to reduce violent crime and gun violence across the country. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened version of PSN in May 2021, focusing on community trust, preventative programs, strategic enforcement, and measurable results. This prosecution clearly falls under that umbrella, highlighting the commitment to tackling illegal firearms.

Despite the charges, Fullen remains free pending trial, with a court date yet to be determined. The investigation involved a collaborative effort between the ATF, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is leading the prosecution. It’s important to remember that these are allegations, and Fullen is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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