⏱ 2 min read
Rudolph Bissonette, a 34-year-old Rapid City man, was caught with a pistol and ammunition in his vehicle on October 15, 2025, while driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .266%. Bissonette, a felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to prior convictions punishable beyond a year in prison. The incident occurred when law enforcement observed a traffic violation, and upon investigation, found the firearm and ammunition in Bissonette’s possession.
Bissonette pleaded guilty on April 15, 2026, to Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person. He was sentenced to 12 months and a day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing gun violence and protecting communities from violent crime. The operation brings together law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), to streamline efforts and resources.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota. Bissonette’s sentencing serves as a reminder of the consequences of illegal firearm possession and the importance of enforcing federal laws to protect public safety.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Weapons
- Defendant: South Dakota
- Location: SD
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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