A McLaughlin man has been charged with a serious crime after a deer hunt on tribal land went awry. Jess Porras, 52, of McLaughlin, appeared before U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on January 2, 2013, and pled guilty to Count I of an Indictment that charged him with being a Felon In Possession of a Firearm.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both, and a period of supervised release of 3 years. This is a serious charge that carries significant consequences for Porras.
The conviction stems from an incident on December 29, 2011, when the Defendant, while acting as a guide on a deer hunt on tribal land, grabbed a gun from a hunter and shot a deer. This reckless and irresponsible behavior led to the charges against Porras.
Porras was previously prosecuted in 1994 and is a convicted felon, which makes the Felon in Possession charge even more serious. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Morley.
A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for April 29, 2013. Porras was released on bond pending sentencing, which means he will be free until his sentencing hearing.
The Felon in Possession charge is a serious offense that can result in significant prison time and fines. Porras will have to face the consequences of his actions in court, and it will be up to the judge to determine his punishment.
The people of South Dakota have a right to feel safe, and charges like these help to ensure that felons who are a threat to public safety are held accountable. This case serves as a reminder that the rules are in place for a reason, and those who break them will face the consequences.
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Related Federal Cases
- Pierre Felon Schmidt Sentenced for Illegal Firearm Possession · South Dakota
- Wakpala Man Charged with Felon in Possession of Firearm · South Dakota
- Hot Springs Man Charged With Felon In Possession Of A Firearm · South Dakota
- Montana Man Pleads Guilty to Felon in Possession of Firearm · Montana
- Pine Ridge Man Charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm · South Dakota
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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