Jason Johnston, Illegal Firearm Possession, South Dakota 2023

SUMMERSET, SD – Jason Johnston, 36, of Summerset, South Dakota, is facing serious federal charges after authorities discovered he was illegally holding a firearm and ammunition, despite a prior felony conviction. The indictment, handed down in April, alleges Johnston knowingly possessed a Mossberg rifle and related ammunition in January of this year, violating federal law.

Adding to the severity of the accusations, Johnston was also found to be in possession of a privately manufactured silencer – an unregistered firearm component. Federal prosecutors are moving forward with a case that could land Johnston behind bars for up to 15 years. He pleaded not guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on April 28th.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota, led by Alison J. Ramsdell, is prosecuting the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Blair taking the lead. If convicted, Johnston faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal custody, a hefty $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release following incarceration, and a mandatory $100 contribution to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered by the court.

This isn’t a simple case of a misplaced hunting rifle. Johnston’s previous felony conviction legally barred him from possessing any firearms or ammunition. The investigation, a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Summerset Police Department, and the Rapid City Police Department, highlights a focused effort to crack down on illegal gun possession within the state.

The case falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program designed to bring together law enforcement agencies at all levels with community organizations to combat violent crime and gun violence. The Department of Justice recently bolstered PSN with a renewed strategy emphasizing community trust, violence prevention, and strategic enforcement.

Johnston remains in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service while awaiting trial, which is currently scheduled to begin on June 27, 2023. As with all criminal cases, Johnston is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments.

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