A federal jury has acquitted Randy Tail, a/k/a Randy Tayle, a/k/a Randy Sierra, age 44, of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The verdict was handed down on June 25, 2025, in Rapid City, South Dakota.
According to the United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell, Tail was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2025. The charge stemmed from a traffic stop in Rapid City, where law enforcement discovered a firearm inside Tail’s backpack.
Tail was a passenger in the vehicle when it was pulled over. The firearm was found between his feet in the car. As a previously convicted felon, Tail is prohibited from possessing firearms, having been convicted of a crime punishable beyond a year in prison.
The investigation was conducted by the Rapid City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, which was tried in federal court.
The acquittal of Randy Tail has raised questions about the effectiveness of federal firearm laws in preventing prohibited individuals from possessing guns. Despite being previously convicted of a felony, Tail was found not guilty of the firearm charge.
The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in enforcing firearm laws and preventing prohibited individuals from accessing guns. The Rapid City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have been working to combat firearm-related crimes in the area.
In a statement, United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell said that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute firearm cases vigorously. The office is committed to ensuring that those who are prohibited from possessing firearms are held accountable.
The acquittal of Randy Tail is a significant development in the case, and it will be closely watched by law enforcement and the community. The outcome of the trial has sparked debate about the need for stricter firearm laws and more effective enforcement strategies.
RELATED: Randy Tail Walks: Gun Charge Dismissed in Rapid City
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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