Rivers Lands in Federal Prison for Sex Offender Registration Failure

PIERRE, SD – Jayme Lee Rivers, 44, of Dupree, South Dakota, is headed to federal prison after admitting he deliberately skirted the law regarding sex offender registration. Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange of the U.S. District Court handed down the sentence on April 15, 2024, sending Rivers away for eight months, followed by four months in a residential re-entry center, and five years of supervised release. A $100 assessment was also levied for the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Rivers, also known as Jayme Lee Two Crow, initially registered as a sex offender as required by federal law. The trouble began when he was ousted from a Rapid City homeless shelter in April of 2023. Instead of immediately updating his address with authorities – a non-negotiable requirement – Rivers went dark. He didn’t bother to inform anyone of his change of location until late August, when he’d already established residence in Dupree. A federal grand jury indicted him in December of 2023, and he ultimately pleaded guilty on February 29, 2024.

This wasn’t a simple oversight. This was a conscious decision to avoid scrutiny, a blatant disregard for the law designed to protect the public. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case, piecing together the timeline of Rivers’ movements and his deliberate failure to comply. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem drove the prosecution, ensuring accountability for this offense. The details paint a picture of a man attempting to slip through the cracks, hoping his non-compliance would go unnoticed.

Federal officials are quick to point out this case falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a broad-based initiative designed to combat violent crime. Launched in 2021, PSN focuses on fostering trust between law enforcement and communities, supporting local violence prevention programs, and targeting strategic enforcement efforts. While Rivers’ crime isn’t violent in nature, it underscores the importance of maintaining accurate offender registries as a critical component of public safety.

The sentencing sends a clear message: attempting to evade sex offender registration will not be tolerated. Rivers was immediately taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service following the sentencing hearing. He’ll serve his time in a federal facility, and upon release, will be subject to strict supervision. The authorities will be watching.

This case highlights the ongoing commitment of federal agencies to enforce sex offender registration laws and protect vulnerable populations. While the specifics of Rivers’ initial offense remain undisclosed, his subsequent failure to register demonstrates a pattern of behavior that demands consequences. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.