PIERRE, SD – Jerrod Fallis, 47, of Harrold, South Dakota, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. U.S. District Judge Eric C. Shulte handed down the six-month sentence on July 21, 2025, followed by three years of supervised release. Fallis will also pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The case stemmed from a routine traffic stop on December 8, 2023, where officers discovered more than just a traffic violation. A search of Fallis’ vehicle revealed a Rock River Arms AR15 rifle, a silencer, and methamphetamine paraphernalia. The discovery triggered a federal investigation, as Fallis was already legally barred from owning firearms due to prior state felony drug convictions – a fact that clearly didn’t deter him.
Fallis was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024 and ultimately pleaded guilty on April 17, 2025. The prosecution, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges, successfully argued that Fallis knowingly violated federal law by possessing the weapon and related items. The court also ordered the forfeiture of both the AR-15 and the silencer, removing these dangerous tools from the streets.
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell emphasized that this case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence across the country. PSN brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement, along with community organizations, to address the root causes of crime and improve public safety. The program prioritizes fostering trust within communities and strategically focusing enforcement efforts.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hyde County Sheriff’s Office. Their collaborative work led to Fallis’ conviction and sentencing, sending a clear message that those who illegally possess firearms will be held accountable. Fallis was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence.
This conviction serves as a stark reminder that repeat offenders, particularly those with a history of drug convictions, will face the full weight of the law when they attempt to arm themselves illegally. The Grimy Times will continue to track this case and report on efforts to combat gun violence and drug trafficking in South Dakota and beyond.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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