Ex-Con Back Behind Bars: Rifle Lands SD Man 2.5 Years

SISSETON, SD – Robert Wolfe Jr., a 45-year-old Sisseton resident with a history, is trading the South Dakota plains for a federal prison cell. Wolfe received a 30-month sentence on March 13, 2026, after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a firearm – a Remington bolt-action rifle found during a raid of his property. The case underscores the relentless federal crackdown on convicted felons attempting to arm themselves, a priority under the sweeping “Operation Take Back America” initiative.

Roberts County Sheriff’s deputies initiated the bust in April 2024, executing a search warrant at Wolfe’s Sisseton residence. The rifle itself isn’t the story; it’s *who* was holding it. Wolfe’s 2014 felony conviction for drug possession permanently stripped him of the right to own or possess any firearm under federal law. The ATF and FBI quickly joined the Roberts County Sheriff’s Office in building the case, highlighting the interagency cooperation common in these types of investigations. Wolfe’s past clearly came back to haunt him, turning a simple firearm possession into a serious federal offense.

The charge, being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. While Wolfe received a lighter sentence of 2.5 years, federal prosecutors successfully argued for a punishment that reflects both the seriousness of the crime and Wolfe’s prior criminal history. Sentencing guidelines consider factors like the severity of the initial felony, the type of firearm involved, and any evidence of intent to use the weapon unlawfully. In this case, the absence of evidence suggesting an immediate threat didn’t negate the illegality of the possession itself.

Beyond the prison time, Wolfe faces three years of supervised release upon his eventual return to society. This means he’ll be subject to strict conditions, including regular check-ins with a probation officer, potential drug testing, and restrictions on his movement. He’s also been ordered to forfeit the Remington rifle to federal authorities, ensuring it doesn’t end up back on the streets. A $100 payment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund adds a small measure of restitution for those impacted by crime, though it’s a pittance compared to the damage illegal firearms can inflict.

“Operation Take Back America,” the broader federal initiative this case falls under, is a multi-pronged effort targeting everything from drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations to the escalating gun violence plaguing the nation. While the program often focuses on large-scale operations involving significant quantities of drugs or weapons, cases like Wolfe’s demonstrate that even seemingly isolated incidents of illegal firearm possession are considered vital to disrupting the flow of weapons to those who shouldn’t have them. The feds are sending a message: possessing a firearm while a convicted felon isn’t a minor offense.

Wolfe was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following the sentencing, beginning what will likely be a difficult period of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce, who prosecuted the case, declined to comment beyond stating the sentence was “appropriate given the facts and circumstances.” The Roberts County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they’ll continue to work with federal partners to ensure the safety of the community. This case serves as a stark reminder that a criminal record doesn’t simply disappear; it carries lifelong consequences, particularly when it comes to the right to bear arms.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice