Randy Tail Walks: Gun Charge Dismissed in Rapid City

RAPID CITY, SD – Randy Tail, 44, walked free from a federal courtroom in Rapid City on June 25, 2025, after a jury found him not guilty on a charge of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The verdict represents a significant setback for federal prosecutors in a case built on a routine traffic stop gone sideways.

The case stemmed from an April 2025 indictment following a traffic stop in Rapid City. According to court documents, officers pulled over the vehicle Tail was riding in. A search of the vehicle revealed a firearm nestled inside a backpack at Tail’s feet. Prosecutors argued that this placed Tail in illegal possession of the weapon, citing a prior felony conviction that disqualified him from owning firearms.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell’s office had presented evidence demonstrating Tail’s previous conviction – a crime punishable by more than one year in prison – which legally prohibits him from possessing firearms. Despite this, the jury clearly wasn’t convinced of Tail’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Details of the defense’s strategy have not been released, but the outcome indicates a successful challenge to the prosecution’s narrative.

Tail, who also goes by Randy Tayle and Randy Sierra, faced potentially significant prison time had he been convicted. The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison, but the jury’s decision brought an abrupt end to the legal proceedings. This acquittal highlights the challenges federal prosecutors face in firearms cases, especially when relying on evidence obtained during vehicle searches.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Rapid City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Despite their combined resources, the evidence presented wasn’t enough to secure a conviction. The U.S. Attorney’s Office handled the prosecution, but ultimately, the jury sided with the defense.

This case is a stark reminder that an indictment is not a conviction. While law enforcement may believe they have a solid case, the ultimate decision rests with the jury. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available. For now, Randy Tail is a free man, and the federal government is left to reassess its approach to similar cases.