SIOUX FALLS – In a scathing defeat for Boru Guye Wako, Jr., 39, of Sioux Falls, a federal jury has delivered a guilty verdict on two firearm charges. The heavy-hitting U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced the news, marking another black mark in the criminal history of the defendant.
Wako, Jr. was found guilty of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Illegal Receipt of a Firearm by a Person Under Indictment after a two-day trial that concluded on July 1, 2025. The former felon now faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, along with fines totaling $500,000, and mandatory supervised release.
The charges stem from an audacious March 8, 2023, confrontation when Sioux Falls Police Department detectives tried to apprehend Wako after he evaded law enforcement during a high-speed chase involving stolen vehicles. During the pursuit, police recovered a Ruger LCP .380 handgun from one of the stolen cars, which was later linked to Wako through DNA evidence.
Wako’s prior felony convictions barred him from possessing firearms. At the time of his illegal firearm possession, he was also under indictment for two additional felonies, further solidifying the illegality of his actions.
This case has been a collaborative effort between Homeland Security Investigations and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen and U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell led the prosecution with unwavering resolve.
A presentence investigation is now underway, with sentencing scheduled for September 22, 2025. Wako remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until his fate is decided in court.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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