A Rapid City man has been charged with illegally possessing firearms, according to a recent federal indictment.
Vance Layne Woodford, 46, was charged on February 22, 2017, with Possession of an Unregistered Firearm and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Woodford appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on June 14, 2017, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Woodford illegally being in possession of a firearm suppressor and a .223 caliber rifle. The charges are merely an accusation and Woodford is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Woodford was released pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
The case highlights the importance of properly registering and handling firearms. It also underscores the need for law enforcement agencies to be vigilant in investigating and prosecuting crimes related to firearms.
As the case continues to unfold, the public will be kept informed of any developments. In the meantime, residents of Rapid City and surrounding areas are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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