Rapid City Felon Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Firearm

RAPID CITY – In a case that highlights the ongoing battle against gun violence, a Rapid City man has been sentenced for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

Tristan Alvie Habben, 22, was sentenced to three years and two months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. This harsh sentence serves as a warning to other felons who dare to defy the law by possessing firearms.

The charge against Habben relates to his knowingly being in possession of a Taurus model PT740, .40 Smith & Wesson caliber, semi-automatic pistol and rounds of Winchester .40 Smith & Wesson caliber ammunition in Rapid City in August of 2023. This brazen act of defiance is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by convicted felons who seek to arm themselves.

Habben’s case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The initiative brings together law enforcement and community leaders to foster trust and legitimacy, support anti-violence initiatives, and set focused enforcement priorities.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department worked tirelessly to investigate this case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuting the matter in court. Habben’s guilty plea on January 31, 2024, marked a significant turning point in the case, paving the way for his sentencing.

As Habben begins his prison sentence, the community is left to wonder how many other felons are similarly armed and pose a threat to public safety. This case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of strict gun control laws and the need for continued vigilance in the fight against gun violence.

Habben was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, marking the end of an era for this convicted felon. His sentence sends a clear message: possessing firearms as a convicted felon will not be tolerated in our communities.

This case is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in their pursuit of justice and public safety. As the fight against gun violence continues, one thing is clear: those who seek to arm themselves as convicted felons will face the full force of the law.