Timothy Joseph Cervantez, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, South Dakota 2024

SIOUX FALLS, SD – Timothy Joseph Cervantez, 23, of Sioux Falls is headed to federal prison after pleading guilty to a firearms charge stemming from a brazen shooting last summer. U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced Cervantez to two years and nine months behind bars, followed by three years of supervised release. The sentence was handed down on April 1, 2024.

The case unfolded on June 10, 2023, when Sioux Falls Police received reports of gunfire erupting from a moving vehicle. Witnesses claimed someone inside had discharged a firearm through the passenger window while driving through a residential neighborhood. When officers attempted to pull the vehicle over, a pursuit ensued, quickly escalating from a vehicle chase to a foot pursuit as Cervantez bolted from the car.

Officers eventually apprehended Cervantez, recovering a discarded firearm near the scene. The investigation quickly revealed that Cervantez was legally prohibited from possessing any firearms due to a prior felony conviction. He admitted to possessing the weapon despite his restricted status. The incident sparked immediate concern amongst residents, with many reporting fear for their safety.

Federal prosecutors, led by U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell, presented the case to a grand jury in August 2023, securing an indictment for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. Cervantez entered a guilty plea on January 11, 2024, acknowledging his unlawful possession of the weapon. In addition to the prison sentence and supervised release, Cervantez was ordered to pay a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Sioux Falls Police Department jointly investigated the case, highlighting a collaborative effort to combat gun violence in the city. This case is being touted as a success under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program aimed at reducing violent crime through focused enforcement and community partnerships.

Cervantez has been remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of illegal gun possession and the dangers posed by individuals prohibited from owning firearms. Federal officials say they remain committed to cracking down on gun-related crime and ensuring the safety of communities across South Dakota.

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