Mission Man Charged with Possessing Firearm as Prohibited Person

Kerry Browning, age 35, a Mission, South Dakota man, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

The indictment, handed down on June 8, 2021, alleges that on April 11, 2021, in Todd County, Browning knowingly possessed a firearm despite being a prohibited person. This is due to his previous conviction of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year and his status as an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

Browning appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 9, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. He was then immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

The investigation into this case was conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an evidence-based program aimed at reducing violent crime. PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The defendant is expected to face the maximum penalty if convicted. The case is ongoing, and further details will be provided once available.