Manderson Man Gets Off Easy for Felony Cover-Up

RAPID CITY – In a shocking turn of events, a Manderson man has been sentenced for misprison of a felony, after he hid crucial evidence of a murder from authorities.

U.S. Circuit Judge Jonathan A. Kobes handed down the sentence of time served, one year of supervised release, and ordered Ivan White Plume, 33, to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

White Plume, also known as Ivan White Butterfly, served a total of one year and 11 months in custody. The defendant was indicted for Accessory After the Fact to Second Degree Murder by a federal grand jury in May 2022.

According to court documents, White Plume was questioned by tribal law enforcement officers about the disappearance of a 17-year-old female in February 2022. Despite knowing that his relative, Tyson White Plume, had confessed to shooting and killing the victim, White Plume concealed his knowledge of the minor’s death and the shooter’s confession.

The Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandated that this case be prosecuted in federal court, as the crime occurred in Indian Country. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case, which has left many in the community questioning the severity of the sentence. “The leniency shown to White Plume is a slap in the face to the victim and their family,” said one community member. “It’s a stark reminder of the justice system’s failures.”

White Plume pleaded guilty on February 14, 2024, and his sentencing took place on May 14, 2024. The case is a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of hiding the truth, and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.

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