RAPID CITY, SD – John Winn, 44, of Rapid City, is headed to federal prison for nine years after a federal judge slammed him with a lengthy sentence for being a prohibited person in possession of firearms. The conviction stems from a June 2021 encounter with law enforcement that revealed a cache of weapons, including a stolen handgun, and evidence of drug distribution. The sentencing took place on January 9, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
According to court documents, Winn, a previously convicted felon, was found with four firearms: a SIG Sauer P320, 9mm; a Colt Combat Commander .45 AUTO; a Ruger LCR .357 Magnum revolver; and a Taurus PT145 .45 AUTO. The SIG Sauer was later determined to be stolen. Adding insult to injury, the Taurus had its serial number deliberately obliterated, a clear attempt to conceal its origins. This isn’t just about guns; it’s about a criminal actively trying to hide his tracks.
The bust wasn’t just about illegal firearms. Law enforcement also seized numerous items indicative of methamphetamine distribution, suggesting Winn wasn’t simply collecting guns, but using them to support a larger criminal enterprise. The federal grand jury indicted Winn in November 2021 on charges of Possession of Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. He eventually pleaded guilty on August 31, 2022, likely facing the overwhelming weight of the evidence.
U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell, speaking through a press release, highlighted the case as a victory for Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a collaborative effort between federal, state, and local law enforcement aimed at curbing violent crime and gun violence. PSN focuses on building trust within communities, supporting preventative organizations, and prioritizing strategic enforcement. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened version of PSN in May 2021.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Rapid City Police Department (RPD). These agencies worked tirelessly to gather evidence and build a solid case against Winn. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson handled the prosecution, securing the nine-year sentence and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
In addition to the prison sentence, Winn will face three years of supervised release upon his eventual release. This case serves as a stark reminder that possessing firearms while prohibited, and dealing in stolen weapons, carries serious consequences in the federal justice system. The streets of Rapid City are a little safer with Winn behind bars, but the fight against gun violence and drug trafficking continues.
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- Juan Crawford, Illegal Firearm Possession, Rapid City SD, 2023 · South Dakota
- Ryan Reausaw, Illegal Firearm, Rapid City SD, 2023 · South Dakota
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