RAPID CITY, SD – Travis Maho, 34, of Rapid City is facing serious federal charges after a June bust revealed he was illegally packing both firearm ammunition and methamphetamine. The feds allege Maho, a convicted felon, violated federal law by possessing both, a dangerous combination that could land him in prison for decades.
According to a Department of Justice release, Maho was indicted in September of 2022. He entered a not-guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on October 7th. The indictment centers on charges of Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance – specifically, methamphetamine. The case unfolded after Maho came into contact with law enforcement in Rapid City.
If convicted, Maho could face up to 20 years behind bars, along with a staggering $1,000,000 fine. But the penalties don’t stop there. He’s also looking at a lifetime of supervised release and a mandatory $100 contribution to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution could also be ordered by the court, meaning Maho could be forced to pay back any victims impacted by his alleged crimes.
Federal officials are framing this case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a broad initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. Launched in 2021, PSN emphasizes building trust with communities, supporting local anti-violence organizations, and focusing enforcement efforts on the most pressing threats. This bust, they say, is a direct result of that strategy.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is leading the prosecution. Maho is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, awaiting a trial date that has yet to be set.
It’s crucial to remember that these are just allegations. Maho is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. But with the weight of federal charges and the potential for a lengthy prison sentence, this case is one to watch. Grimy Times will continue to follow the developments as they unfold.
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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