Juan Crawford, Illegal Firearm Possession, South Dakota 2023

RAPID CITY, SD – Juan Crawford, 33, of Rapid City, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken handed down a two-year sentence on July 31, followed by two years of supervised release. The conviction stems from a September 2022 traffic stop that exposed Crawford as a prohibited person in possession of a loaded handgun.

The bust unfolded when law enforcement officers pulled over the vehicle Crawford was driving. A search revealed a handgun that had been reported stolen in Isabel, South Dakota. Crawford’s prior felony conviction automatically disqualifies him from legally owning or possessing firearms, a fact he clearly ignored. The gun and its ammunition were ordered forfeited as part of the sentencing.

Crawford was initially indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2022 and subsequently pleaded guilty on April 14. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich spearheaded the prosecution, bringing the case to a swift resolution. The sentence includes a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, a small contribution toward supporting those impacted by violent crime.

The investigation wasn’t a solo effort. The South Dakota Highway Patrol worked alongside agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to build the case against Crawford. The combined resources of these agencies proved crucial in securing the conviction and removing another illegal weapon from the streets.

Following the sentencing, Crawford was immediately taken into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his two-year term. U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell’s office has been increasingly focused on prosecuting firearms offenses, signaling a commitment to tackling gun crime in South Dakota.

This case serves as a stark reminder that possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon carries severe consequences under federal law. The ATF and its partners continue to aggressively pursue individuals who flout these regulations, aiming to keep communities safe from gun violence. The full release was issued by the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of South Dakota.

Related Federal Cases