A 38-year-old Rapid City man has been handed a lengthy prison sentence for his role in a gun crime that has left the community shaken. Sheldon LaPointe, 38, was sentenced to 48 months in custody, 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stems from LaPointe being in possession of a stolen Colt .45 caliber handgun, which he claimed he was hiding to protect his niece. However, investigators revealed that LaPointe’s niece had actually stolen the gun on October 19, 2012, at Rapid City.
The case was investigated by the Rapid City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case, bringing LaPointe to justice and ensuring that he would face the consequences of his actions.
LaPointe’s actions have sent shockwaves through the community, with many questioning why he chose to hide the stolen firearm. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible gun ownership and the need for community members to report suspicious activity.
LaPointe was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, where he will begin serving his sentence. His supervised release will also provide an opportunity for him to reflect on his actions and make amends to the community.
The community can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that justice has been served. The case is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors in keeping our streets safe and ensuring that those who break the law are held accountable.
As we move forward, it’s essential to continue to prioritize community safety and work towards preventing gun crimes like this from happening in the future.
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Related Federal Cases
- Rapid City Man Charged with Unlawful Firearm Possession · South Dakota
- Rapid City Man Sentenced for Possessing Stolen Firearm as Prohibited Person · South Dakota
- Kevin Bordeaux Sentenced for Stolen Firearm Possession · South Dakota
- Tyler Krebs Sentenced for Illegally Carrying Firearm in Rapid City · South Dakota
- Canton Teen Sentenced for Mailing Firearm to Rapid City · Texas
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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