Devin Alexander Rosenblum, Possession of a Firearm as a Prohibited Person, South Dakota 2023

PIERRE, SD – Devin Alexander Rosenblum, 28, of Pierre, South Dakota, will spend the next two years behind bars after being sentenced Monday for possession of a firearm as a prohibited person. Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange of the U.S. District Court handed down the sentence, along with three years of supervised release and a $100 assessment for the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The case unfolded after Rosenblum became an absconder, prompting a warrant from the South Dakota Board of Pardons and Paroles. The Dakota Territory Fugitive Task Force tracked him down in Pierre on November 1, 2022. During the arrest, a search of a bag in Rosenblum’s possession revealed a black Sturm, Ruger & Company pistol. Rosenblum admitted the gun didn’t belong to him, claiming he’d taken it from his roommate without permission.

But the unauthorized borrowing wasn’t the core of the crime. Rosenblum is barred from owning any firearms due to previous felony convictions, making simple possession a federal offense. The Ruger pistol had traveled across state lines – and international borders – qualifying it for federal jurisdiction. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in January and pleaded guilty on March 16th.

Federal prosecutors also secured a forfeiture order, meaning Rosenblum has no claim to the Ruger pistol involved in the case. The firearm will likely be destroyed or repurposed by law enforcement. Rosenblum was immediately taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service following the sentencing hearing.

U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell framed the case as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a Department of Justice initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The program emphasizes collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, along with community-based prevention efforts.

The investigation was a joint effort, involving the U.S. Marshals Service, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Pierre Police Department, Hughes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case. The Grimy Times will continue to follow federal prosecutions in South Dakota and beyond, bringing you the raw truth behind the headlines.

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