Two South Dakota men are facing federal time behind bars after being caught moving unlicensed explosives across state lines. Nathaniel Johnson, 29, of Sioux Falls, and William Fralick, 30, of Harrisburg, were indicted on January 17, 2018, on charges of Transportation of Explosive Materials and Possession of Explosives by a Prohibited Person.
The indictment, handed down by a federal grand jury, alleges that on January 19, 2017, Johnson and Fralick knowingly transported explosive materials without proper federal licensing or authorization. Both men are legally barred from possessing such materials due to prior felony convictions—each having been found guilty of crimes punishable by more than one year in prison.
On February 2, 2018, the pair appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno and entered not guilty pleas. Despite their pleas, federal prosecutors are moving forward with the case, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a $500,000 fine. Additional penalties include up to 6 years of supervised release and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), which has zeroed in on illicit explosives trafficking in the region for years. Authorities are not disclosing the specific type or quantity of explosives involved but stress the seriousness of unauthorized handling and transport of such dangerous materials.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case. Johnson and Fralick were remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following their arraignment and remain behind bars as they await trial. No trial date has yet been scheduled.
The charges are merely accusations. Nathaniel Johnson and William Fralick are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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