RAPID CITY, SD – Takoda Walker Ghostbear, 24, of Rapid City, is facing serious federal charges after being indicted for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. The bust, a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Rapid City Police Department, highlights the ongoing struggle against gun violence in the region.
According to court documents, Ghostbear, a previously convicted felon, was found with a Glock pistol and ammunition in Rockerville, South Dakota, back in November of 2022. Federal law prohibits anyone with a felony conviction from possessing firearms or ammunition, a restriction Ghostbear allegedly ignored.
The indictment, handed down in February of 2023, carries a hefty potential sentence. If convicted, Ghostbear could face up to 15 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, three years of supervised release, and mandatory contributions to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution could also be ordered by the court.
Ghostbear entered a plea of not guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on March 17th, 2023. He is currently being held in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, awaiting a trial date that has not yet been set. As with all criminal cases, Ghostbear is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell framed the case as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a broad initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaborative efforts between law enforcement and community organizations. The program focuses on building trust, supporting preventative measures, and strategically targeting enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is leading the prosecution. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the proceedings as they unfold, shedding light on the realities of federal crime in South Dakota and beyond. The ATF’s St. Paul Field Division spearheaded the investigation.
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