Sioux Falls Felon Ladeaux Gets 4+ Years for Gun Possession

SIOUX FALLS, SD – Jericho James Ladeaux, 32, of Sioux Falls, is trading the South Dakota streets for a federal prison cell after being sentenced to four years and three months behind bars for illegally possessing a firearm. U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier delivered the sentence on September 29, 2025, adding three years of supervised release to Ladeaux’s punishment and a $100 assessment for the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The firearm and ammunition used in the offense were also ordered forfeited.

The case against Ladeaux began unraveling on January 9, 2025, when law enforcement flagged a vehicle they suspected was stolen. A traffic stop led to the arrest of Ladeaux, and a search revealed he was packing a loaded pistol. Crucially, Ladeaux was already prohibited from owning firearms or ammunition due to previous felony convictions – a fact that turned a simple traffic stop into a federal offense. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2025, and ultimately pleaded guilty on July 17, 2025.

This wasn’t a case of a law-abiding citizen making a mistake. Ladeaux knowingly broke the law, putting himself and potentially others at risk. The fact that he was driving a potentially stolen vehicle adds another layer of criminality to the situation, hinting at a pattern of disregard for the law. Sources within the Sioux Falls PD indicate Ladeaux is a known quantity, with a history of run-ins with the law.

The investigation was a collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Sioux Falls Police Department, the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson skillfully prosecuted the case, securing the conviction and the significant sentence. The combined resources of these agencies were vital in bringing Ladeaux to justice.

Federal officials are framing this case as part of the broader “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide initiative aimed at dismantling criminal organizations and combating violent crime. The operation leverages the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN), funneling resources into local efforts to reduce gun violence. South Dakota’s participation in PSN seeks to strengthen ties between law enforcement and the communities they serve, creating a unified front against crime.

Following the sentencing, Ladeaux was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. His journey through the federal system begins now. This conviction sends a clear message: those who illegally possess firearms, especially with prior felony convictions, will face serious consequences. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available.

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