RAPID CITY, SD – Rayzohn Bertrand, 24, of Rapid City, is headed to federal prison after a callous disregard for the law landed him a 2.5-year sentence. U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler delivered the sentence on July 21, 2025, for Failure to Appear After Release – a move that demonstrates a blatant disrespect for the court and the justice system.
The case began with a previous federal conviction: Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm. As a condition of his sentence, Bertrand was placed on supervised release. But it didn’t take long for him to allegedly violate those conditions, triggering revocation proceedings. Released pending a hearing, Bertrand was explicitly instructed to appear at all scheduled court dates. He didn’t.
This wasn’t a simple oversight. Bertrand’s failure to appear for his revocation hearing constituted a separate federal offense. He pleaded guilty on May 12, 2025, admitting to the violation of his supervised release. The judge didn’t mince words, handing down a two-year and six-month sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment for the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
But the consequences didn’t stop there. Judge Theeler also imposed a consecutive six-month sentence stemming from the original supervised release violation, bringing Bertrand’s total prison time to a full three years. The message is clear: attempting to evade justice will be met with the full force of the law. The 3 years of supervised release will run concurrently with the 2.5 year sentence.
The U.S. Marshals Service and the Summerset Police Department conducted the investigation, working tirelessly to bring Bertrand to justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder skillfully prosecuted the case, ensuring accountability for Bertrand’s actions. The investigation highlights the crucial role federal agencies play in maintaining law and order, even in smaller cities like Rapid City.
Following the sentencing, Bertrand was immediately taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service. He’ll have plenty of time to reflect on his choices behind bars. This case serves as a stark warning to others: failure to comply with court orders will have serious, lasting repercussions. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and report on all federal crime occurring in South Dakota.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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