Raymond Contreras, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, South Dakota 2023

RAPID CITY, SD – Raymond Contreras, 28, of Rapid City, is facing serious federal charges after authorities say he was found with a shotgun despite being a convicted felon. The indictment, handed down in May and revealed Thursday, alleges Contreras knowingly possessed a Sporting Arms Manufacturing shotgun in March of this year, a clear violation of federal law.

According to court documents, Contreras appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on June 9th and entered a plea of not guilty. The case is being spearheaded by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins, and is the result of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Rapid City Police Department.

If convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Contreras could face a hefty sentence: up to 15 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Beyond incarceration, he could also be subjected to three years of supervised release and required to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered by the court.

The feds are framing this case as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a broad initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by bringing together law enforcement at all levels. The Department of Justice launched a renewed focus on PSN in 2021, emphasizing community trust, prevention programs, strategic enforcement, and measurable results.

Contreras is currently being held by the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. No trial date has been set at this time. As with all criminal cases, Contreras is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops.

This isn’t just about a single shotgun. It’s about keeping guns out of the hands of individuals legally barred from possessing them. The ATF and the Rapid City PD are sending a message: if you’re a convicted felon with a firearm, you *will* face federal prosecution. This case underscores the ongoing struggle to curb gun violence and enforce existing laws.

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