Devin Dolphus, Unregistered Firearm, South Dakota 2019

Unregistered Firearm Catches Eagle Butte Man in Crosshairs

In a shocking turn of events, a local man has been indicted for possession of an unregistered firearm, leaving authorities scrambling to keep the community safe.

Devin Dolphus, a/k/a Devin Pretty Weasel, age 19, was indicted on March 12, 2019, for Possession of an Unregistered Firearm and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

According to the indictment, on January 16, 2019, Dolphus, being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and prohibited from possessing a firearm, was found in possession of a shotgun having a barrel length of less than 18 inches. This firearm was not registered in the National Firearms Registration database.

The charges are merely accusations, and Dolphus is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 19, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case. Dolphus was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate the commitment of our community to keeping our streets safe.

Defendant Respondent: Devin Dolphus

Criminal Charges: Possession of an Unregistered Firearm and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm

City and State: Eagle Butte, South Dakota

Exact Date: January 16, 2019

Sentence or Outcome: Currently in custody pending trial

Dollar Amounts: $250,000 fine, $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/eagle-butte-man-indicted-firearm-charges