Shane Taken Alive, Arson, South Dakota 2019

Arson conviction leads to 72 months in federal prison and $572,506.50 in restitution

A disturbing case of arson has surfaced in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, where Shane Taken Alive, age 28, was sentenced for his role in the crime. On April 12, 2017, Taken Alive got into an altercation with an individual and, in a fit of rage, walked to the school in Takini, South Dakota, where he broke a window to gain entry and set fire to one of the school buildings.

The school, a place of learning and growth, was left in shambles after the devastating act of arson. The incident has left the community in shock, and the question on everyone's mind is: how could someone commit such a heinous crime?

Taken Alive was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 18, 2017. He subsequently pled guilty on March 19, 2019. This guilty plea marked the beginning of the end for Taken Alive, as he was subsequently sentenced to 72 months in federal prison. He will also serve 4 years of supervised release after his prison term.

Additionally, Taken Alive was ordered to pay $572,506.50 in restitution to the victim of the arson. A special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100 was also imposed. The total financial burden on Taken Alive is substantial, and it serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of committing a crime of this nature.

The case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case, bringing the perpetrator to justice. Taken Alive was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, where he will serve out his sentence.

As a community, we must come together to prevent such crimes from happening in the future. It is imperative that we support our youth and provide them with the resources they need to make positive life choices. By doing so, we can create a safer and more just society for everyone.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/eagle-butte-man-sentenced-arson-0