Rapid City Man Sentenced for Possessing Stolen Firearm as Prohibited Person

A Rapid City man has been handed a prison sentence for his role in possessing a stolen firearm, a crime that put him at odds with federal authorities. Vance Hayes, 34, was sentenced to three years and five 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.

Hayes was convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, a charge that stems from his arrest in March of 2023. The arrest came after Hayes was pulled over in Rapid City for a traffic violation. During the stop, officers learned that Hayes was in possession of a stolen firearm. Hayes is a convicted felon and was on federal supervised release at the time, making him aware of his status and the fact that he was prohibited from possessing firearms.

The case against Hayes began with an indictment from a federal grand jury in May of 2023. Hayes pleaded guilty on March 11, 2024, and was subsequently sentenced on May 17, 2024. The sentencing took place in U.S. District Court, with U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier presiding over the case.

The investigation into Hayes’ activities was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case, bringing the prosecution to a successful close with Hayes’ guilty plea and subsequent sentencing.

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

Hayes was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following his sentencing. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of violating federal firearms laws, and the importance of community-led initiatives in reducing violent crime.

Hayes’ sentencing is a significant development in the ongoing effort to combat gun violence and reduce crime in Rapid City. As the city continues to grapple with the challenges of violent crime, cases like Hayes’ serve as a reminder of the importance of holding offenders accountable for their actions.