A Hot Springs man brandished a firearm during a violent crime spree that terrorized employees across three Rapid City casinos, federal prosecutors confirmed. Ronald William Swallow, 51, was sentenced on January 20, 2017, to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Use and Brandishing of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence.
Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court, handed down the stiff sentence that includes 5 years of supervised release following Swallow’s prison term. The court also ordered him to pay $200 in special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $27,006.66 in restitution to the victimized businesses.
The crimes unfolded in early 2016 when Swallow stormed into East St. Pat’s Casino, Joker’s Casino, and Uncle Sam’s Casino—all in Rapid City—threatening employees at gunpoint and stealing cash. Surveillance footage and witness testimony painted a chilling picture of a man exploiting the chaos of crowded gaming floors to execute his robberies.
Swallow was formally charged on February 23, 2016. The federal indictment tied him directly to the string of armed robberies, with investigators uncovering ballistic evidence and movement patterns that placed him at each scene. His use of a firearm elevated the charges to federal level due to the violent nature of the offenses.
The case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Rapid City Police Department. Their collaboration led to Swallow’s swift identification and arrest, cutting short a dangerous run that left casino staff traumatized and on edge.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson prosecuted the case, calling it a clear-cut act of federal violence. Swallow was taken into custody immediately after sentencing by the U.S. Marshals Service, beginning his 10-year term without delay.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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