PARMELEE, SD – Jeremy Duane Young, 29, of Parmelee, South Dakota, is headed to federal prison after being convicted in two separate jury trials of possessing an illegal firearm, being a prohibited person, and violently assaulting a law enforcement officer. U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange handed down a seven-year sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, on February 1st. Young was also ordered to pay a $300 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The case began unfolding in May 2022, within the Soldier Creek community of the Rosebud Reservation. A traffic stop led to the discovery of a short-barrel 12-gauge shotgun in Young’s possession. Crucially, the weapon wasn’t registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record – a clear violation of federal law. During questioning, Young admitted he and an accomplice were on a drug run to Sioux Falls, intent on acquiring methamphetamine. His prior felony conviction already barred him from legally owning any firearms.
But the trouble didn’t end there. Just months later, in March 2023, Young found himself facing additional charges after an incident also in Soldier Creek. A Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Officer responded to a report of a vehicle blocking a roadway. The officer discovered Young passed out behind the wheel. When asked to exit the vehicle, Young refused, becoming increasingly agitated and combative. The situation quickly escalated into a physical struggle, culminating in Young punching the officer in the face before fleeing on foot.
The officer, despite the attack, managed to radio for backup. Young was apprehended roughly an hour later. The assault charge adds a significant layer of danger to his offenses, demonstrating a clear disregard for law enforcement and a willingness to use violence. The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services worked alongside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) throughout the investigation, showcasing a collaborative effort to bring Young to justice.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan N. Dilges and Brian Murphy successfully prosecuted the case, presenting evidence that led to the convictions on both the firearms and assault charges. Young was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence. This case highlights the ongoing federal commitment to tackling violent crime and illegal firearms within Native American communities.
U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell emphasized that this prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN) initiative. PSN aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence by fostering trust between law enforcement and communities, supporting preventative organizations, and prioritizing strategic enforcement. The program’s focus is on measurable results and making neighborhoods safer for all residents. The Department launched a strengthened PSN strategy in May 2021, reinforcing these core principles.
Related Federal Cases
- David Gibbons, Firearms Theft & Assault, Pine Ridge SD, 2023 · South Dakota
- Darren Kyle Stepp-Zafft, Possession of Unregistered Firearms, Sioux… · South Dakota
- Michael Shane Thompson, Felon in Possession of Firearms, SD 2016 · South Dakota
- Kirk Johnson, Assault with a Firearm, SD 2017 · South Dakota
- Ehab Abdulmutta Jaber, Possession of Firearms by a Prohibited Perso… · South Dakota
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