Joseph Bowker, Illegal Firearm Possession, Dupree SD, 2022

RAPID CITY – Joseph Bowker, 31, of Dupree, South Dakota, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced Monday for illegally possessing a handgun. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken handed down a sentence of two years and five months, followed by three years of supervised release. Bowker was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The case highlights the ongoing federal crackdown on repeat offenders and those prohibited from owning firearms.

The charges stem from an August 2021 encounter with law enforcement in Rapid City. Bowker, already a convicted felon, was found to be in possession of a Taurus, model PT111, Millenium Pro G2, 9x19mm Luger caliber, semi-automatic pistol. Federal law clearly prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions from possessing firearms, a restriction Bowker knowingly disregarded.

A federal grand jury indicted Bowker in December 2021 on the charge of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. He ultimately pleaded guilty on June 21, 2022, foregoing a trial. The plea likely saved him from a potentially longer sentence, but Judge Viken wasn’t lenient, recognizing the seriousness of the offense and the risk Bowker posed to public safety.

Federal authorities are framing this case as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a broad initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence across the country. The program emphasizes collaboration between all levels of law enforcement and community organizations, focusing on strategic enforcement and measurable results. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN strategy in May 2021, prioritizing trust-building and prevention.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson led the prosecution, securing the conviction and subsequent sentencing. Bowker was immediately taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service following the sentencing hearing, beginning his term in federal prison.

This case serves as a stark reminder that possessing a firearm while prohibited by federal law carries significant consequences. The ATF and its partners will continue to aggressively pursue those who violate these laws, working to keep firearms out of the hands of individuals deemed dangerous to the community. The Grimy Times will continue to follow federal prosecutions in South Dakota and across the nation.

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