Michael Layne Spath, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, South Dakota 2017

Sioux Falls Man Sentenced on Weapon Charge

A 36-year-old Sioux Falls man, Michael Layne Spath, has been sentenced for possessing a firearm despite being a prohibited person. According to a recent investigation, Spath was found with several firearms and ammunition at his residence in December 2015.

On December 3, 2015, officers from the Minnehaha County Warrant Task Force visited Spath’s home in search of a parole absconder. During the search, they discovered a 12-gauge shotgun and shotgun shells. A state search warrant was then obtained to further search the house, which led to the discovery of a HiPoint .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol behind the refrigerator and .45 caliber ammunition on the basement steps.

Spath was eventually apprehended on December 10, 2015, and found with a loaded .40 caliber handgun in his vehicle. He was immediately arrested and taken into custody.

The case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuting the case. Spath was later turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

On March 21, 2017, U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced Spath to 51 months in custody, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and forfeit the three firearms in his possession.

Spath had initially been indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury on July 12, 2016. He later pled guilty on December 21, 2016.

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