James Jenkins, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, South Dakota 2025

A Sioux Falls man has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for possessing a firearm despite being prohibited from doing so.

James Jenkins, 35, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, according to a press release from United States Attorney Ron Parsons.

The sentencing took place on October 27, 2025, after Jenkins pleaded guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person on July 21, 2025.

The case arose on March 18, 2025, when Jenkins was involved in an incident with the Mitchell Police Department, during which officers conducted a search of his backpack, discovering a 9mm pistol. At that time, Jenkins knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms because he was previously convicted of a felony offense in Arizona.

This case was investigated by ATF, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Mitchell Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.

Jenkins was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, bringing an end to the case.

The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.