Cook, DeMarce Sentenced

In a brazen act of violence, two North Dakota men, Jason Cook, age 40, and Conrad DeMarce, age 38, have been sentenced to 7 years in federal prison for their role in a credit union robbery in South Dakota.

The sentencing, which took place on September 15, 2025, was the culmination of a federal investigation into the robbery, which occurred on April 8, 2025, at the Black Hills Federal Credit Union in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. Cook and DeMarce, both from New Town, North Dakota, pleaded guilty to the charges on June 12, 2025.

According to the indictment, Cook and DeMarce traveled to Eagle Butte, South Dakota, where they entered the credit union dressed in black with their faces covered. They were armed with BB gun pistols that appeared to be real firearms, which they used to threaten and intimidate the employees and a customer. The men demanded money and fled in a vehicle driven by Cook, forcing the employees and a customer into a bathroom and breaking the customer’s phone.

The high-speed pursuit that ensued reached speeds of over 115 miles per hour, with Cook and DeMarce engaging Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Officers in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The men were finally arrested after their vehicle ran out of gas, and law enforcement located cash stolen from the credit union, clothing worn during the robbery, and the BB gun pistols used during the robbery.

Cook was sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $99.91 in restitution, to be paid joint and several with DeMarce, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. DeMarce was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $99.91 in restitution, to be paid joint and several with Cook, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen. Cook and DeMarce were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. The sentences reflect the serious nature of the crime and the need to protect the public from violent offenders.

The credit union robbery was a shocking act of violence that put the lives of innocent people at risk. The sentences handed down to Cook and DeMarce serve as a reminder that those who engage in such behavior will be held accountable and face serious consequences. The community can rest a little easier knowing that these two individuals are off the streets and behind bars.