Rapid City Man Caught With Stolen Gun

A Rapid City man has been found guilty of possessing a stolen firearm, in a case that has left law enforcement officials breathing a sigh of relief.

Sheldon LaPointe, 37, of Rapid City, South Dakota, appeared before Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court, on July 24, 2013, and pled guilty to a charge of Possession of a Stolen Firearm.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years’ imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, a serious consequence for a crime that could have had disastrous consequences.

According to officials, in October 2012, LaPointe was given a stolen .45 caliber handgun by someone who had informed him it was stolen. The gun was then hidden inside a residence, where it was later retrieved by police.

The investigation into the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.

A presentence investigation has been ordered, and a sentencing date will be set. LaPointe was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for the defendant.

The case is a stark reminder of the importance of gun safety and the consequences of possessing stolen firearms. As the community continues to grapple with the fallout, one thing is clear: the possession of stolen guns will not be taken lightly in this city.