RAPID CITY, SD – Nathaniel Antonio Hernandez, 22, of Sioux Falls, is facing serious federal charges after being indicted by a grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The ATF, alongside the Rapid City Police Department, alleges Hernandez was found with a semi-automatic rifle in November of 2022, a clear violation of federal law given his extensive criminal history.
According to court documents, Hernandez already has multiple prior felony convictions on his record, automatically disqualifying him from legally owning or possessing any firearms. This isn’t a case of a first-time mistake; it’s a repeat offender brazenly flouting the law, putting the public at risk. He pleaded not guilty to the Indictment when he appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on January 25, 2023.
If convicted, Hernandez is looking at a stiff penalty: up to 15 years in federal prison, a potential fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release after serving his time, and a mandatory $100 payment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The court can also order restitution to any victims impacted by his alleged actions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Alison J. Ramsdell, is aggressively pursuing the case.
This case falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN strategy in May 2021, focusing on building trust, supporting community organizations, and prioritizing strategic enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is leading the prosecution, building a case based on the investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Hernandez is currently being held by the U.S. Marshals Service, awaiting his trial, which is scheduled for April 4, 2023. The government maintains that Hernandez knowingly possessed the weapon, a claim he disputes.
As with all criminal cases, Hernandez is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, his prior record and the nature of the charge paint a troubling picture, and the feds are determined to keep a dangerous individual off the streets. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available.
Related Federal Cases
- Ahmed Belhage, Illegal Firearm Possession, Rapid City SD, 2023 · South Dakota
- Zachary Kirschenmann, Illegal Firearm Possession, Rapid City SD, 2023 · South Dakota
- Juan Crawford, Illegal Firearm Possession, Rapid City SD, 2023 · South Dakota
- Ryan Reausaw, Illegal Firearm, Rapid City SD, 2023 · South Dakota
- Duane Starkey, Illegal Firearm Possession, Rapid City SD, 2023 · South Dakota
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
WeaponsWeaponsWeaponsWeapons