Sioux Falls Man, 20, Charged With Illegal Gun Possession

SIOUX FALLS, SD – Omot Musa Karlo, 20, of Sioux Falls is facing serious federal charges after being indicted by a grand jury for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The case, announced by Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes, highlights the ongoing crackdown on illegal gun possession by those already barred from owning weapons.

According to the indictment, on or about August 31, 2021, Karlo, a convicted felon – meaning he’d previously been found guilty of a crime carrying a sentence exceeding one year – knowingly possessed a Glock 19mm Luger caliber, semi-automatic pistol. The weapon itself had traveled across state and international lines before landing in Karlo’s hands. The details of the initial conviction remain sealed at this time.

Karlo appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on November 22, 2021, where he entered a plea of not guilty. Despite the plea, the evidence presented to the grand jury was deemed sufficient to move forward with a full prosecution. This isn’t a minor infraction; the stakes are high for the young man.

If convicted, Karlo faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. Beyond incarceration, he could also be slapped with a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release after serving his time, and a mandatory $100 contribution to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution could also be ordered, depending on any damages or losses linked to the alleged crime.

The investigation was a joint effort between Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is leading the prosecution, signaling the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating this case. Sources close to the investigation suggest the firearm may be linked to other ongoing criminal activity, though details remain scarce.

Following his court appearance, Karlo was remanded to state custody pending trial. As of this reporting, a trial date has not been set. It’s crucial to remember that this indictment represents an accusation, and Karlo is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops.

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