Rapid City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm
On August 18, 2022, Westerly Seid, age 28, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm, a crime that violates the rights of law-abiding citizens.
According to the investigation, Seid, a previously convicted felon, knowingly possessed a Taurus, model PT38S, .38 Super caliber, semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Seid came into contact with law enforcement in May 2021.
Seid was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2021 and pleaded guilty in May 2022. The conviction stems from Seid’s illegal possession of the firearm, a serious offense that undermines public safety.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Seid was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life behind bars.
Seid’s conviction is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. government launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Seid was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund as part of his sentence. He will also serve three years of supervised release after his prison term is completed.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Violent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent Crime